Track 1 - Leadership:

Track 2 - Service:

Track 3 - Production:

Track 4 - Beginnings:

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

H

I

P

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

H

I

P

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

H

I

P

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

H

I

P

L  E  A  D  E  R  S  H  I  P

"Applying the Path of Integrity"

The audience will have an interactive opportunity to apply the material learned from Dan's keynote presentation to oneself. You will apply, not just theorize the qualities of successful leadership. Here you will look at yourself, deep down, to find the qualities to live out your boldest dreams and desires. We must carefully choose our inner growth if we want to achieve our real potential.

Dan Oestreich is a skilled leadership consultant with extensive experience facilitating personal and organizational change. He is widely known as co-author of Driving Fear Out of the Workplace and The Courageous Messenger.

"Reach for the Next Level of Quality with Profound Knowledge"

Participants will learn how Hallmark Building Supplies, Inc. has woven Quality into everything they do. They will be shown the practical application of Profound Knowledge and the 14 points in the operation of the business. This session will include discussion of some of the major decisions that were made concerning quality and business.

Joe Balthazor founded Hallmark Building Supplies, Inc. in November 1974, and has served as its only President and CEO. He has been a National Convention Speaker for the following organizations:

• Remodelers Council of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB),
• The national Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)
• The Architectural Woodworkers Association (AWI)
• The National Association of the Remodelers Industry (NARI)
• ASQ Chapter meeting - Kenosha

He attended Marquette University where he studied business. He enjoys reading, playing softball and golf, following college basketball, professional football, and baseball. He views his role at Hallmark as a coach and facilitator of learning, in which he provides direction, focus, establishes priorities, and fosters an environment consistent with Hallmark's core values.

"Your Mission, if You Choose to Accept …"

The biggest lie in American society today is that people do not have a divine purpose. In truth, each individual has been given specific gifts and talents unique to their person. In this session, James asks the audience if they are willing to discover their gifts and live their lives to their best and highest capacity.

James T. Harris is a former educator, avid futurist and seasoned traveler. He studied history and sociology at the University of Nottingham, England, and has traveled extensively throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, Western and Eastern Europe, West Africa, India, Jamaica, and Turkey.

"Taking Quality Leadership to the Next Level: Understanding the Five P's to Power: Preparation, Positioning, Packaging, Placement and Performance"

The path to the executive suite is fraught with opportunities and challenges and requires more than a focus on just doing a "great quality job". Utilizing case studies and examples, the presenter will share secrets from her executive coaching and executive search files to prepare participants for real and sustainable executive leadership success.

Ava Youngblood is President/CEO of Youngblood Executive Search, Inc., a retained executive search firm. Youngblood Executive Search, Inc. is committed to presenting a highly qualified and inclusive slate of diverse talent for leadership positions.

Prior to Youngblood Executive Search, Ms. Youngblood was Senior Vice President with the executive search firm of Deborah Snow Walsh, Inc. (DSW, Inc.). She was responsible for business development and maintaining client relationships. Ms. Youngblood successfully expanded the firm's client relationships into the energy, pharmaceutical, technology, telecommunications and insurance industries.

Ms. Youngblood is immediate past president of the Northwestern University Alumni Association, past president of the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP), Board Director of the Northwestern University School of Engineering Advisory Council; Herzing College; Women Work!; Destiny Outreach; Chicago Communities in Schools; past Director of INROADS/Chicago, and Past Chairman of the Conference Board's Competitive Analysis Council. She is also a member of the University of Chicago Women's Business Group, National INROADS Alumni Association Advisory Council, Jack & Jill of America, Zonta International and former Scout Leader for Holy Angels Cub Pack 3484. In addition to being a frequent speaker, Ms. Youngblood has been featured in numerous magazines including Business Week, Forbes, Working Woman and Information Technology.

Ava is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and the University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business where she earned her MBA. Ms. Youngblood resides in Chicago with her family and has two sons, Lee Russell Jr., age 19, and Garrett Randolph, age 15.

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

S   E  R  V  I  C  E

"Exceptional Workplace Culture & Performance: Taking it to the Next Level"

St. Clare Hospital is a leader in rural health care in south central Wisconsin. It is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and winner of the 2000 Wisconsin Forward Award - Governor's Award of Excellence. A team of St. Clare Hospital & Health Services employees will share some of the innovative approaches deployed in their organization to support, encourage, and empower employees to achieve high performance. Recruitment, retention and career progression will also be discussed.

The team of St. Clare Hospital and Health Services employees:

• Laura Jelle, PhD.,
  Director of Quality and Performance Improvement
• Gabrielle Jensen,
  Director of Patient Admissions and Security Services
• Becky Bunker,
  Director of Nutrition Services
• Barb Blaire, RN,
  Director of Case Management
• Tony Lewis,
  Plant Operations Maintenance Technician
• Janet Sechel, RN,
  Director of Med/Surg Nursing
• Jason Stelzer,
  Human Resources Specialist

"The Next Level of Public Value"

It has been said that an elephant is a mouse built to government specifications. This humorous critique recognizes that a public entity exists in an environment providing a disincentive for cost effectiveness and efficiency. In overly simplified terms the private sector measures public value by subtracting cost from income. In the public sector cost is subtracted from service to obtain some measure of public value.

Because of the abstract nature of "service", coupled with the tendency of public sector CEO's to make "across the board" rather than "cost effective" cuts, public entities have learned to hide fat in order to ride out tough times. However, as more "emotionally intelligent" CEOs replace "clueless" CEOs in the public and private sector the next level of cutting-edge public value will be advanced.

Nicholas L. Chiarkas was appointed the Director of Wisconsin's State Public Defender Agency in 1988. Under his leadership, the agency has received three consecutive awards for excellence from Wisconsin Forward. He also serves on various statewide commissions. He is the founder of Justice Without Borders, is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Wisconsin Law School, and was a visiting lecturer in law at Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Germany.

Nick has a Doctorate and Master's degrees in Philosophy from Columbia University; a law degree from Temple University; a Post Graduate Certificate in Computer Systems Analysis from New York University. And, was a Pickett Fellow at Harvard University.

"The Next Level of Customer Loyalty"

Has the concept of CRM been over-hyped, over-promised and over-sold?

Both Lands' End's employees and its customers are exceptionally loyal and, not surprisingly, Lands' End consistently wins awards for being a "Great Place to Work" and for exhibiting stellar customer service.

Jim Endres is the Director of Technology Operations at Lands' End. His responsibilities include contact center operations management, product assessment, technology selection, process improvement, analysis, and project management.

He has over 20 years of contact center/telecommunications industry experience and was previously employed by SBC.

Lands' End is a 40-year-old direct merchant based in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Lands' End was recently acquired by Sears Roebuck Co., Hoffman Estates IL, in June 2002.

"One Word to Radically Change Your Customer's Experience"

One word, that's all it takes to radically change your customer's experience OR lose them forever. One word has the power to refocus your managers and employees, helping them make decisions that transform a satisfied customer into a raving fan.

One word will either make or break these all-important relationships. Steve Walrath will teach you this one word and the three rules to make it a reality. Don't miss this workshop or risk losing new business because of just one word!

Steve Walrath is a 25-year radio broadcast professional. He took ownership of a 1000 watt AM radio station and within 5 years transformed it into an international corporation of over 6 divisions including printing, publishing, broadcasting, retail and wholesale travel, custom clothing and commercial real estate.

With his success, Steve has taught the principles of Customer Focus, Cultivating Winners from Within, Creating Employee Commitment, Effective Management Skills, and many more topics to such clients as General Motors, Roman Meal Bread Company, Professional Compounding Centers of America, Wisconsin Physician Services, Trek Bicycles Worldwide, Kansas Medical Society, and hundreds more across the United States, Canada and Australia.

Steve is the author of "A Divorced Parent's Guide to Seeing Your Kids: what judges, attorneys and your ex have not told you" and "Uncommon Sense for Unreasonable Times: How to Live a Life that Matters." Steve has been active with Crime Stoppers for over13 years serving as President of his local board followed by 8 years of service for Crime Stoppers International as Public Relations & Promotions Chair and the last 4 years as Vice President. Steve has also served as President of his local YMCA, Jaycees and numerous other not-for-profit organizations.

His keynotes, workshops and seminars have been rated "A+, relevant to the needs of today. "The best speaker this conference has ever had and bring him back for more."

For more information see: stevewalrath.com.

P

R

O

D

U

C

T

I

O

N

P

R

O

D

U

C

T

I

O

N

P

R

O

D

U

C

T

I

O

N

P  R  O   D  U  C  T  I  O  N

"The Next Level of Success"

This presentation tells the story of Datex-Ohmeda, a local medical equipment company that found itself under tremendous competitive pressures, who began a journey in partnership with its employees, which ultimately led to their recognition as the 2002 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year.

Along the way, examples of significant improvements in quality of products and processes will be provided. The discussion includes their vision of the ongoing journey towards continued success in the face of an impending acquisition.

"Ten Little Known Un-Implemented Disciplines to Skyrocket Corporate Profitability"

1. The workshop will start by asking each of the breakout session participants to name several disciplines that can be used to improve corporate profitability.

2. Next, there will be a brainstorming session to pinpoint the lesser-known but important disciplines to improve corporate profitability.

3. The session will conclude with the "10 gold nuggets" that can truly skyrocket corporate profitability.

Keki R. Bhote is known worldwide as one of the fathers of the Six Sigma model. As Motorola's senior corporate consultant, he helped launch its Six Sigma process. Now as President of Keki R. Bhote Associates, he has consulted with more than 400 companies worldwide.

He is the author of fifteen books, including World Class Quality, and in 1995 was named one of America's "quality gurus" by Quality Digest. Mr. Bhote remains consultant emeritus at Motorola.

"Creating a Competitive Advantage Culture"

Rayovac Corporation recently opened a new 560,000 square foot packaging and distribution center in Dixon, Illinois. This facility is the key service provider for the majority of Rayovac's North America market. It's at the center of Rayovac's strategy to continue winning business through exceptional customer service and innovative products offered to customers at competitive prices.

Critical to every step in the design of the new Dixon facility, was creation of an environment that would allow Rayovac to attract, align, and retain a group of self-motivated, high functioning team members who will provide the foundation for a sustainable competitive advantage. Paula and Steve will discuss some of the elements used to produce this competitive advantage culture.

Paula Bauer has 26 years experience in the logistics area. Her current position is Vice President Global Supply Chain at Rayovac Corporation in Madison, Wisconsin. Rayovac is a global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of portable batteries and lighting products.

Steven M. Fraundorfer was the Program Manager for the implementation of the new Dixon packaging and distribution center and upon start up became the Operations Leader of the organization. Steven has been with Rayovac for 10 years working in various positions including purchasing, project management, product development, and plant operations.

"Beyond Lean Manufacturing"

The concepts that are incorporated within the philosophy called Lean Manufacturing are more than just a set of tasks. Like some of the other concepts that have come before Lean, many of them were thought of as one-time events. Lean Manufacturing is much more than just the one-time event consisting of the implementation of a process or technique.

Lean is not a one-time event and then you are done. The concepts in Lean are ideals that must become a way of life for your operation. This session will focus on what it means to really embrace the theory of Lean Manufacturing by looking at what is beyond the blocking and tackling tactics in the philosophy of Lean.

R.T. "Chris" Christensen is the Director of Operations Management Programs in Executive Education, School of Business at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Chris is the program manager and instructor in manufacturing management seminars including the concepts of Lean Manufacturing.

He comes to the university with a 25 year history in manufacturing at both line and staff levels, he is on the board of directors of two companies and continues to consult in the concepts of current manufacturing technology. Chris has published over 50 articles, is the co-author of two books on manufacturing topics and is on the editorial review board of MRO TODAY magazine.

B

E

G

I

N

N

I

N

G

S

B

E

G

I

N

N

I

N

G

S

B

E

G

I

N

N

I

N

G

S

B  E  G   I  N  N  I  N  G  S

"Customer Input Guiding Your Improvement [Six Sigma] Initiative"

Gathering and understanding the Voice of the Customer is an important element of a successful improvement initiative, including Six Sigma, and should be a guiding principle for any improvement project. Unfortunately, customer benefits sometimes get lost as an organization looks for ways to improve its internal productivity and efficiency.

Steve Hoisington is the Vice President of Quality and Customer Satisfaction at Johnson Controls, Inc. in Milwaukee, WI. Steve has responsibility for defining and deploying worldwide quality and customer satisfaction management systems, including initiatives for Six Sigma, ISO 9000, and Baldrige Assessments.

Steve is co-author of a book entitled Customer Centered Six Sigma: Linking Customers, Process Improvement, and Financial Results, has spoken at numerous international conferences on the subjects of Six Sigma, Quality Management, and Customer Satisfaction, and is co-instructor of the current and popular CRE Six Sigma seminar.

Steve will also discuss the relationship between customer satisfaction, revenue, employee satisfaction, productivity, and stock price; alignment of process and measurements based upon an external (customer) view; and how [Six Sigma] results can be enhanced by incorporating customer input. This is not another presentation of an organization's Six Sigma program and the audience does not have to understand or be involved with Six Sigma to benefit from the information presented.

"Executing Strategy and Delivering Results through the Balanced Scorecard"

A recent Fortune cover story on why executives fail concluded that the most common reason was their inability to execute strategy. While strategy itself is important, the ability to execute it is the only thing that counts. Balanced scorecard is a proven approach that helps produce value creation and drive strategic change.

John Elliott is currently leading the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard at CUNA Mutual Group. As an internal consultant for CUNA Mutual Group, John works with executive leadership by facilitating the use of planning and improvement methods. He holds a Masters degree in Public and Administration from the La Follette Institute of Public Affairs at UW-Madison.

Walter A. Jankowski is a Reinvention Consultant - CUNA Mutual Group. He has seven years experience as a consultant/trainer for business and industry at Blackhawk Technical College.

During this interactive session you will learn about the Balanced Scorecard and also get a start on developing key performance measures for your organization's strategy.

"The Next Level of Process Control"

In this session you will learn about Process Quality Improvement (PQI), an innovative 9-step strategy for bringing a process into control and reducing variability.

Tom Quick is the Director of Quality and Program Management for Rayovac Corp. in Madison, WI. He has responsibility for product quality worldwide. Tom has been a quality professional his entire career.

"Brand Imaging and Your Customer"

This session is designed to give tips on how to keep in touch with the needs of your customers from the Harley-Davidson perspective. We will uncover the process of getting to know your customers and converting that knowledge into brand loyalty.

Arnie Beaman has worked in the motorcycle industry for 41 years. He has been with Harley for a total of 20 years. Currently, he is the Regional Operations Manager for Harley Owners Group (HOG) with Harley-Davidson Motor Co. He has worked in the HOG department for the last 7 years. Before this position, he worked in the Technical Service department for 13 years. Arnie started the Motorcycle Mechanics School in Arizona; the first of its kind. He also raced professional Motocross for 11 years.