1. I am excited to announce that at the recent 2014 New North Summit, held on Tuesday, December 2,
U.S. Venture was recognized with the prestigious New North Workplace Excellence Award.
Accepting this award from Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, New North, and Lisa Raab-Smith of Right
Management is a tremendous honor. This Workplace Excellence Award will continue to inspire us to
focus on our company’s greatest asset, our Associates.
Our Human Resources Team worked very hard to develop a number of key progressive initiatives that
invests in our Associates, including leadership development, technology skills advancement, career
promotional opportunities, along with a line-up of robust benefit and wellness programs. This will
ensure that as we grow as an organization, we continue to place emphasis on sustaining a positive and
engaging culture that allows us to attract and retain top talent critical to our business.
Lisa Raab-Smith of Right Management, one of the presenters of the award said, “The goal of this award
is to broadcast the great things being done within the New North that contribute to the growth,
reputation and economic strength of our dynamic region. Today we are recognizing a third generation,
family-owned business that is well known for its philanthropy as well as its business success.”
Raab-Smith goes on to say, “With growth comes change, but one element that remains consistent is the
company’s culture. U.S. Venture’s four core values of Caring Relationships, Entrepreneurial Spirit,
Strategic Foresight and High Performance are what differentiates them and serves as the foundation for
all their key initiatives.”
The Workplace Excellence Award is presented to organizations located within the 18-county New North
region. It recognizes companies with best-in-class people practices, leading to successful results that
create a competitive business advantage.
I’m very proud of the work we do at U.S. Venture and feel honored that we’ve been included in this
group of distinguished companies within the New North.
John Schmidt
Attachment: Award Photo (page 2)

2. Photo:
Accepting the award for U.S. Venture are members of the Human Resources Team and CEO of U.S.
Venture, John Schmidt.
From L to R: Myriah Farrell, Lori Hoersch, Kelly Dakins, Carly Schoenenberger, John Schmidt, Lori Karls,
and Melanie Simon.