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Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Achievements for Sept. 2, 2007

By Tribune Staff

PENNY AMMERMAN NAMED BUSINESS MANAGER, WLAX/WEUX-TV

Penny Ammerman has been named Business Manager for WLAX/WEUX-TV. The appointment was made by Mark Ryan, CFO Grant Group, Inc. Mr. Ryan said that he is "always pleased to announce the promotion of a valued employee." Ms. Ammerman was previously the Assistant to Bill Wiesjahn who recently retired. Mr. Ryan added, "The Company is very fortunate to have such a fine employee. Over the past few years she has taken the initiative in difficult circumstances and demonstrated her leadership skills to all."

Ms. Ammerman is a LaCrosse native and is a graduate of Winona State University with a BS degree in Accounting. Before graduation, she worked at Chileda Institute in LaCrosse working with physically and mentally handicapped children. Ms. Ammerman joined WLAX/WEUX-TV in 2004.

Ms. Ammerman lives in LaCrosse with her 8-month-old daughter, Ella Rose and her partner, Susie. In her leisure time Penny enjoys spending time with her family. She is an avid movie buff and enjoys gardening.

Steve Roth Named Sales Manager WLAX-WEUX

WLAX/WEUX Fox 25 Fox 48 is pleased to announce the promotion of Steve Roth to the position of Sales Manager for both the La Crosse and Eau Claire offices.

Roth received a Marketing Degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He started his advertising career selling cable advertising in Los Angeles. For the past 17 years, he has been in the broadcast television advertising business in the La Crosse-Eau Claire market.

The Fox Network continues to be the number one network with adult viewers 18-49. The Fox 25/48 News at Nine is the fastest growing nine pm newscast in the market. With upcoming highlights that include the 2007 Emmy Awards, Major League Baseball Playoffs, the World Series, 11 regular season Packer games, seven Vikings games, both Packer-Viking games, the Packers on Thanksgiving Day, The NFC Playoffs, Super Bowl XLII, BCS Bowl games, the NCAA Football Championship Game, the Daytona 500 and much more, the Fox 25 Fox 48 viewership levels will continue to grow.

For information on how to advertise your business on Fox 25 Fox 48, give Steve Roth a call at (608) 781-0025 or (715) 831-2548.

First National Bank Holmen Branch Manager-Jeff Schmidt Graduates

First National Bank of Bangor is pleased to announce that Jeff Schmidt, Holmen Branch manager, has graduated from the University of WI-Madison Graduate School of Banking.

The school integrates knowledge through computer simulations, case studies and other hands-on activities. This results-oriented programspans more than two years, comprising three two-week resident sessions in Madison linked by intersession assignments that help integrate the program and bring the education experience back to the participants institution.

Jeff will be with the bank 13 years in September. He started working for First National in Bangor as a Junior at Bangor high school participating in the first Youth Apprentice program in finance at WWTC. He received his associate degree from WWTC in 1998 and received his Bachelor's degree from Viterbo in 2001. Jeff also served the bank as branch manager of the St. Joseph Ridge office.

Wipfli LLP Announces Staff Promotions at its La Crosse Office

The La Crosse office of Wipfli LLP (a CPA and consulting firm with locations throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota) is proud to announce the following staff promotions:

* Christopher Blaylock - Manager

* Karl Schwartz - Senior Accountant.

Wipfli Announces Forum Series for Local Human Resources Professionals

On September 13, 2007, Wipfli LLP, a CPA and consulting firm with offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, will be hosting the first of nine monthly Human Resources (HR) Business Forum meetings in La Crosse. A unique educational and problem-solving opportunity for business owners and managers with HR responsibility, as well as HR professionals, the HR Business Forum provides sound, practical information on HR topics as well as a professional format to discuss and find solutions to member's HR concerns. The meetings are lead by experienced HR consultants who have "been there" and understand the HR situations encountered on a daily basis.

September's meeting is "Understanding the Role of Human Resources." Future meetings addressing various HR topics will be held on the 2nd Thursday of each month through May 2008 in La Crosse. This first meeting is free.

For more information contact, Christie Peters, Consultant at 608.784.7300. To register visit www.wipfli.com/hrbusinessforums or send an email to hrbusforums@wipfli.com. About Wipfli

With more than 700 associates and 16 offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Wipfli ranks among the largest accounting and business consulting firms in the nation. Wipfli can advise in all areas of business, from finance and operations to human resources, information technology, and customer relationships. Wipfli's clients include manufacturers, health care organizations, financial institutions, nonprofit entities, dealerships, contractors and developers, small businesses, and individuals. For more information, visit www.wipfli.com.

Gundersen Lutheran Occupational Health adds physician with experience

Winona, Minn. native, Jeffrey Lee, MD, MPH, joins Gundersen Lutheran Occupational Health Services in Onalaska and La Crosse. He will work with both employees and employers to get people functional again. Dr. Lee also has a special interest in treating obesity and conducts research in physical activity.

Dr. Lee served in the Army for 24 years in a variety of positions throughout the world that tested his leadership and experience. He retired in 2003. Dr. Lee earned his bachelor's degree from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., and his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md. He received his Master of Public Health from the University of South Carolina. Most recently, he completed a preventative medicine residency at the University of South Carolina.

For more information about Gundersen Lutheran go to gundluth.org.

Gundersen Lutheran physician honored as teacher of the year

Two Gundersen Lutheran medical staff are being honored for their contributions to resident education at Gundersen Lutheran.

Raju Ailiani, MD, Gundersen Lutheran Cardiology, received the Anthony S. Pagliara Teacher of the Year Award, after being chosen out of an impressive field of 27 other physicians. All graduating and continuing residents voted for the nominee they believed most deserved this prestigious award for outstanding teaching. The Anthony Pagliara Award is the highest award given for teaching at Gundersen Lutheran.

Also honored at the event was Daniel Schraith, MD, Gundersen Lutheran Pathology. Dr. Schraith received the Thomas G. Stenger, DDS, Memorial Award. The oral and maxillofacial surgery residents honored Dr. Schraith for "exemplary teaching and contributions to the education of oral and maxillofacial surgery residents." Dr. Schraith was noted for his significant, tangible commitment to oral and maxillofacial resident education at Gundersen Lutheran and for his commitment to teaching across the entire organization.

For more information about Gundersen Lutheran go to gundluth.org.

Gundersen Lutheran Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, Podiatry and Orthotics have new administrative director

Paul Reuteman is a familiar face in Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Podiatry where he's been a Gundersen Lutheran Sports Medicine physical therapist since 1995. But now instead of taking care of patients, he'll be overseeing his old department as the administrative director of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, Podiatry and Orthotics at Gundersen Lutheran.

Reuteman has been a full-time clinical associate professor for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physical Therapy program for the past four years. He's also served as the academic coordinator for the Sports Medicine Physical Therapy residency program at Gundersen Lutheran. "I've enjoyed collaborating with physicians, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals in seeing patients through from the beginning to the end. While I'll miss working with patients, I'm very pleased to be entering into this new phase of my career," he says.

Reuteman is also an advocate for helping families with children who have autism. He has been involved in the Governor's Council for Autism for two years and also does fundraising to help families finance some of the therapies that are needed for children with autism.

For more information about Gundersen Lutheran go to gundluth.org.

Local Jeweler To Visit South Africa

Jon Rose has been invited by DeBeers Consolidated Diamond Mine to tour its Cullinan diamond mine near Pretoria, South Africa.

DeBeers is the largest diamond mining company in the world, producing about one half of the world's gem-quality diamonds from its mines in Southern Africa. DeBeers currently prospects for diamonds on four continents. The world leader in diamond mining and recovery technology, its mining operations include huge open pits, underground mines and beach and undersea mining.

In addition, through agreements with other diamond-producing countries, DeBeers sorts, values and sells approximately 50% of the world annual production or rough diamonds. Diamonds are sorted into over 5,000 categories according to shape, quality, color and size.

DeBeers sells its rough diamonds to some 90 clients throughout the world, all of whom have been carefully selected for their expertise and craftsmanship. Several weeks ago Rose Jewelers signed one of these factories to cut a Private Collection of South African diamonds to their specifications. A family that has nearly a century of experience in the art of diamond cutting runs the factory. Of Dutch descent they immigrated to South Africa at the outbreak of WW2 and today operate the most advanced diamond cutting facility in the country.

When it comes to diamonds no other country in the world has the same natural advantages. Of the nine biggest cut diamonds (larger than 200

carats) seven originated in South Africa. The country has

an ancient geological history with intense periods of volcanic activity that were evidently ideal for the production of diamond bearing volcanic pipes.

"We are excited by the access Rose Jewelers will have to key people in the diamond industry, and what this new alliance will mean for our customers in

La Crosse," adds Rose. For more information about this upcoming trip which departs on September 6, 2007, call Jon and Rose Jewelers. 608-784-3557.

LOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL EARNS NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Tina Pesik, Trust Officer - Retirement Plan Services.

North Central Trust Company was recently awarded the Certified Retirement Services Professional (CRSP) designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB), a nonprofit organization sponsored by the American Bankers Association, in Washington, DC.

The CRSP designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of retirement services. To qualify for the CRSP certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the retirement services profession, pass an exam and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CRSP exam covers many areas including retirement plan type and design, laws and regulations, and investments.

Pesik has been with North Central Trust for 11 years. She has held the roles of Manager of Participant Recordkeeping and Assistant to the Controller. Pesik's current roles and responsibilities include Trust Officer for Retirement Plans.

North Central Trust Company is an independent 94-year old leading provider of investment management, personal trust, retirement plan and philanthropic services. Clients are served nationwide from its headquarters in La Crosse, Wisconsin and a full-service office in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition, many services are available throughout the state of Wisconsin with the Company's Trust Service Bank Network.

Marketing Professional joins Gerrard-Hoeschler

Roshelle M. Easterday has joined Gerrard-Hoeschler REALTORS® as their new Sales and Marketing Assistant.

Roshelle brings 20 years experience in the areas of Sales and Marketing. Her experience includes developing and executing market opportunities, strategic planning, goal setting, direct marketing and advertising. Her strengths include communication, problem solving, team building, organizational and leadership skills.

When it comes to advertising, Roshelle enjoys thinking "outside the box." Her work has been recognized and awarded plaques for the "Most Remembered Ad" and "#1 Most Recognizable Ad" from two independent readership studies done in a national publication.

Nancy Gerrard, co-owner of Gerrard-Hoeschler states, "We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hire Roshelle. Her background and experience will prove to be a real asset for our agents. Her organizational skills and get-it-done attitude are just what we need in our fast paced company. Roshelle's excellent communication skills and delightful personality will make her a joy to work with."

Originally from the La Crosse area, Roshelle recently built a home in Trempealeau County with her husband, Paul, who is currently serving in Iraq. She has two grown children, two grandchildren and two dogs.

Buying, selling, building, or relocating, whatever your real estate needs, Gerrard-Hoeschler REALTORS® will open the best doors in Southwestern Wisconsin and Southeastern Minnesota for you. Contact an agent in La Crosse (608) 782-2300 or Onalaska (608) 781-7355.

Local Entrepreneur attends Shaklee Corporation's global conference in music city

Conference unveils landmark study, 80-Nutrient Vitalizer Supplement and new S.M.A.R.T. nutrient delivery technology.

Jeanne Rady of La Crosse, WI recently joined thousands of entrepreneurs from the U.S. and around the world at the Shaklee Global Conference in Nashville, Tenn., August 8-12. Shaklee, the number one natural nutrition company in the U.S., holds its Global Conference annually to recognize and congratulate members of the Shaklee family for their successes and achievements.

This year, distributors were greeted by the Mayor of Nashville, Bill Purcell, who welcomed Shaklee members to the city music calls home. Christopher Gardner, a self-made millionaire, philanthropist and motivational speaker whose amazing life is depicted in the Academy Award-nominated film, The Pursuit of Happyness spoke about the challenges he has overcome to reach his dreams. Conference attendees were also treated to a private concert by two-time Grammy award winning artist, LeAnn Rimes.

Additionally, based on key learning's from its 50th Anniversary Landmark Study and twelve clinical studies, Shaklee unveiled Shaklee Vitalizer�, a ground-breaking combination of 80 bio-optimized nutrients clinically proven to create a foundation for a longer, healthier life.

"The results of our 50th Anniversary Landmark Study support what we've always known - that not all brands of dietary supplements provide equivalent health benefits." said Dr. Jamie McManus, Chairman of Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education, Shaklee Corporation. "This study of dietary supplement users showed that people who took Shaklee supplements had markedly better health than both other multivitamin and non-supplement users. Shaklee supplement users retained normal levels of blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine and C-reactive protein."

Shaklee Vitalizer redefines vitality, providing the best spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anti-aging phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics - in one daily supplement pack. To deliver these nutrients most effectively throughout the body, Shaklee Vitalizer utilizes S.M.A.R.T.� - a new and proprietary 12-patent/two-patent pending-nutrient delivery system that combines immediate, sustained and delayed pH activated release systems.

"Shaklee is committed to creating the best natural nutrition products available based on extensive research," said Rady. "I know that my clients and I can trust that Shaklee products are not only safe, but provide the best supplemental nutrition on the market."

Rady started her health and wellness outreach 32 years ago, and has found that helping others learn about the benefits of a wellness program has led to a successful home-based business. For more information, contact Jeanne at 608-788-5735 or visit www.shaklee.net/rady_lady.