“One person can make a difference..."

Dec 20th, 2023

“One person can make a difference

& everyone should try."

-John F. Kennedy

This week we had a special visit from the WEDC Deputy Secretary and COO, Sam Rikkers! Deputy Secretary Rikkers was on a mission to #shopsmall this holiday season and Chris and I were so excited that he added Elkhorn, WI to his shopping adventure around Wisconsin!

With only enough time for three stops in the 53121 area, we knew we wanted to make a great first impression. With introductions and 'hellos' taking place at the Uncle Hunk's Junk Building, Deputy Secretary Rikkers was immediately impressed with the facility and the uniqueness it lends to the downtown area.

After meeting our City Administrator, Alderman and Public Operations Manager we were off to shop! First stop was J. Robert's Menswear downtown Elkhorn. Deputy Secretary Rikkers noted he was in need of a new suit and was happy to find an establishment that could handle all his needs. I think all the men enjoyed the stroll through J. Roberts!

With outdoor-adventure being a hot topic in Walworth County we made sure to swing by A+ Power Sports on the edge of town! Talk about a kid in a candy store, it's difficult not enjoy a shopping trip to a business full of snowmobiles and ATVs! Oh what fun it is to live in Wisconsin! Upon leaving A+ Power Sports, Deputy Secretary Rikkers smiled and said, "That was fun! That’s never happened at a 'shop small’!

With one final stop in Elkhorn, we knew the Deputy Secretary must be thirsty, and what better place to visit than Duesterbeck's Brewing Company! As we drove out of town Chris was able to offer valuable sight-seer commentary and point out other must sees in the area. Deputy Secretary Rikkers was especially fascinated when we drove past the 4,000 apple trees, noting their unique shape on the 40 acres of Apple Barn orchard. With one more country block to go, he commented on the bright red barns and was eager to check out the farm-to-brewery experience.

The Grainery, a converted building on the Duesterbeck Farm, houses a unique gift shop and merch store. A great place to grab one final item on the Deputy Secretary's shopping list!

Whether your visiting new zip codes or shopping right here in the Elkhorn area, remember to #shopsmall this holiday season...and all the seasons to come!

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Kate Abbe

The Elkhorn Chamber

REMINDER:

The Elkhorn Chamber and it's staff continue to provide weekly

e-blasts for all of our newsletter subscribers and chamber partners. If you have business updates or events to share please send to Kate Abbe at kate@elkhornchamber.com. Let us help you continue to grow and engage with the Elkhorn community and surrounding areas!

ADD EVENT TO CHAMBER CALENDAR!

2023 -'24 Elkhorn Community Guide!

Help us share what Elkhorn has to offer!

Please let the Elkhorn Chamber know if you are in need of extra copies of this year's community guide to keep at your place of business. We are happy to deliver or you can stop by and pick-up at our office!

Request Guides

WHAT'S NEXT?

BECOME A PARTNER?

PARTNER EVENTS

Join Jenny Wehmeier, Certified Instructor/Proctor, to certify or recertify your staff in ServSafe Food Manager.

Sign-up online at tinyurl.com/serv-safe-elkhorn.

Students will be required to read chapters 1-7 before the January 6 class. Books can be picked up at Elkhorn Area High School.

Registration Options:

OPTION ONE: 6-hour course, testing proctor, paper or online exam, and book purchase $200
OPTION TWO: 6 hour course, testing proctor $100
OPTION THREE: Testing proctor and online or print exam 10 a.m. January 13 $90
OPTION FOUR: Testing proctor only 10 a.m. January 13 $50

RSVP

PROMOTIONS

*SHOP L’BRI THIS HOLIDAY SEASON *

Here are 15 gifts for everyone on your list, including stocking stuffers and teacher gifts. Visit lbri.com/kristylauzon or call 262-745-2366 for local delivery! There are so many great gift options to consider!

LEARN & GROW

In partnership with Gateway Technical College, WCEDA offers training for supervisors and managers in three modules that will teach participants practical tools they can use to become more valuable team members.

MODULE III

Different Employees, Different Needs

It’s Not Your Parents’ Workforce: How to make the most and make peace with a multi-generational workforce
The Power of Difference: How diverse people create stronger organizations
Call Me Irresistible: Building and measuring employee engagement
Finding, Keeping: A seminar in interviewing for desirable and retainable employees
Rethinking Conflict: Moving forward together
Change Leadership: Closing the gaps among needs, wants, and realities

AM Session - 8-10am

Gateway Technical College, Elkhorn Campus

Six weeks

Wednesdays

Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31

Feb. 7, 14

PM Session - 3-5pm (Virtual)

Zoom

Six weeks

Wednesdays

Jan. 17, 24, 31

Feb. 7, 14, 21