The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau is pleased to announce the addition of three new Board of Directors members serving 3-year terms that began in January: Kevin Frane, United Gear & Assembly, Inc., Todd Gilbert, Valley Cartage, and Nick Vivan, Eckberg, Lammers, Briggs, Wolff & Vierling, P.L.L.P.
Kevin Frane, President, United Gear & Assembly
In February 2010 Kevin joined United Gear as the Vice President of Operations. In January 2011 Kevin was promoted to the position of President. United Gear, employer of approximately 250 people, manufactures gears, shafts and other components used in many agricultural and off road applications.
Kevin has worked in manufacturing for the past 17 years. Prior to United Gear he worked for Greenheck Fan Corporation. While at Greenheck Kevin held the positions of Engineer, Shipping Supervisor, and Operations Manager. As an Operations Manager Kevin led and managed a greenfield start project near Charlotte North Carolina where he spent the five years prior to moving back to Wisconsin with his wife and teenage daughter.
While in North Carolina Kevin served on the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was the acting Board Chair. In this role he worked closely with Economic Business Development as well as the other county and state divisions. He also served on other boards that were closely tied to education, arts, and businesses.
Todd M. Gilbert, President & CEO of Valley Cartage
As a third generation Gilbert in the family business that was started by Todd’s Grandfather Norman in 1935 he calls himself extremely lucky to be able to work side by side with his father Jerry since 1993. As the business has grown, the duties have changed for Todd who was taught the industry from the ground up. Today his role consists of leading, developing, visioning and working directly with a leadership team that supports the entire organization.
Todd has played a key role with the rapid expansion of the business which has gone from 4 employees in 1993 to over 230 in 2012. Growth has come through hard work and dedication in addition to servicing the customer as rule number 1. By adding key vendors and partners early on in Todd’s career these long term relationships have been one of the significant advantages for the steady growth. Investing back into the family business with the belief of leaving the organization better for the next generation is a driving force in all of the company’s strategic plans.
Growing up Todd also watched his Grandpa and Father blazed their way with community service and Todd is trying to keep these family values alive by also being a Board Member of the First Tee Program located in St Croix County, coaching football for the Hudson Boosters and Middle School programs, former member of the Hudson Hockey Association and on the business side is a board member of the Minnesota Trucking Association.
Todd is married to Heidi and they have three boys, Brandon 12, Blake 10 and Brady 7.
Nick Vivian, Partner, Eckberg, Lammers, Briggs, Wolff & Vierling, PLLP
Nick joined Eckberg Lammers in 2006 where he chairs both the Financial Institutions and Business Transactions practice groups. He has the privilege of leading an exceptionally talented team of experienced banking, finance and corporate attorneys, paralegals and assistants representing community and regional financial institutions in drafting complex loan documents, addressing troubled assets, collections, foreclosures and loan work outs. Additionally, Nick provides sophisticated counsel to start-up and emerging businesses in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He also serves as the City Attorney to the Minnesota communities of Grant and Scandia.
In addition to serving on the Hudson Chamber Board of Directors, Nick also serves as a Director for St. Croix Therapy, is a member of the Hudson Daybreak Rotary and is the Chair of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Finance Committee. In the past, Nick has also served on the Board for the New Richmond Youth Hockey Association and has coached youth hockey.
Nick and his wife Karen are residents of North Hudson and have three young boys –Grant, Koltan and Landon.
“The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau is fortunate to have such accomplished individuals joining its Board of Directors," said Chamber President Kim Heinemann. "The experience and knowledge of each of these new Board Members will provide new perspectives and leadership for our organization.
The following Board members will continue to serve in 2013: Jim Wookey, WESTconsin Credit Union as Board Chair; LouAnne Berg, J & L Steel & Electrical Services/Ascent Companiesas Board Past Chair; Traci Leffner,Sylvan Learning Center as Board Chair Elect, Pat Cooksey, Hudson Hospital & Clinicsas Board Treasurer; Kevin Blinsmon, Hiawatha National Bank; Brian Hinz, Elliot Architects, LLC; Sandee Madigan, Elan Clothing & Gifts/Dilly-Dally Gift Shoppe; and Carla Timmerman, Hudson House Grand Hotel.
The Chamber would also like to thank outgoing members of the Board of Directors for their years of service and leadership: Rob Knefelkamp, San Pedro Café who served as Past Chair of the Board; Chris Anderson, Heywood, Cari & Anderson, S.C.; and Meme Fehr, Sandeen Insurance.
Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, (715) 386-8411 or visit www.hudsonwi.org.