Past work experiences prove to be valuable business lessons.(Benefit Manager of the Year)(Linda M. Kuklinski manager at Stokely USA Inc.)

Byline: JERRY GEISEL

WAUKESHA, Wis.-One of the most valuable business lessons Linda M. Kuklinski says she ever learned happened a decade ago when she was the treasurer at Stokely USA Inc., a canned and frozen food processor in Oconomowoc, Wis.

In 1997, food giant Chiquita Brands International Inc. reached an agreement with Stokely to acquire the company. Ms. Kuklinski recalls the stress that Stokely employees felt between the time the buyout was announced and the deal was completed.

"It was a difficult time for employees. Lots of executives left,'' said Ms. Kuklinski, now employee benefits and risk manager at Generac Power Systems Inc.

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