Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
NEWS BREAK
February 2020
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Welcome back Portage Alumni in February!
The Alumni Basketball Tournament will be held February 15-16.
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Portage Chamber Annual Breakfast & Awards
The Portage Chamber held its Annual Breakfast Awards on January 31 at Dino's Restaurant to recognize businesses and individuals for outstanding work and contributions. Portage Chamber Executive Director Marianne Hanson talked about the vibrancy of Portage, giving examples of many businesses--represented by a lot of the breakfast attendees in the audience--remodeling and expanding their facilities. Thank you to all who attended and were part of the breakfast and to our event sponsors for supporting the awards. Congratulations to all!
Gold Level:
Arbor Green, Inc.
Community Bank of Portage
Wisconsin River Title Consultants
Sliver Level:
Portage State Bank
Bronze Level:
Don-Rick Insurance
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Portage Printing
Miller, Brussell, Ebben and Glaeske LLC
Remedy Intelligent Staffing
Rhyme
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2020 Annual Chamber Breakfast Award Winners
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Business Excellence Award
(20 or more employees)
Adams-Columbia
Electric Cooperative
Haley Melby
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Susan Weyh Business
Excellence Award
(less than 20 employees)
Seubert Family Dentistry
Dr. Jan & Cindy Seubert
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Rising Business Star Award
Solas & Kin Photography
Katie Seiler &
Brieana Ford-Pulver
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Community Service Award
VFW Post 1707
Christopher Schutz, Dave DuVall
& Ron Hull
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Advertise on new Portage maps!
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce will be printing new City of Portage maps. The new maps will be larger, enabling more Chamber member businesses to advertise on the backside. A full 4"x9" panel is $400 and a half panel 4"x4.5" is $200.
The Chamber plans to print a quantity of 10,000 maps, a supply which typically lasts about three years. Maps are available at no cost to the public at many locations including local hotels, gas stations, campgrounds, realtors, and people relocating to and requesting information of Portage.
Spaces are limited! If you are interested in advertising on the map, please call the Chamber at 608-742-6242. There is still time to join these Chamber member businesses advertising on the map:
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Welcome New Chamber Members
OCD Graphix & Apparel
Becky Struck at 608-575-5884
We offer custom embroidery, printing, graphics, decals, signage promotional products.
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Portage Rotary donates to Pauquette project
Portage Rotary presented a check for $10,000 to the Portage Service Club Association for the Pauquette Park Pavilion project, fulfilling an earlier commitment.
Rotary had been instrumental in the 2013 organization of the Service Club Association and helped to fund the Splash Pad at Goodyear Park, as well as the new fountain in the Pauquette Bridal Pond.
In May, 2019, the PSCA collaborated with the City of Portage to apply for three separate Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources matching grants.The total project probable estimated cost is $380,000 including a new multi-use trail/path through Pauquette Park. The PSCA fully expects to reach the 50% fundraising goal of $190,000. DNR will match those funds with an additional $190,000. Construction is planned for 2020.
The entire Pauquette project additionally includes adding handicapped restrooms to the existing shelter, opposite the new multi-use pavilion. The Portage Service Club Association collaborated with the City of Portage and the Bidwell Foundation to fund that venture. The remodeling is nearly complete and new, accessible facilities will be ready for use for the 2020 season.
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Shown with Rotary President Tracy Waldinger (left) are various service club representatives to the PSCA Board (left to right): Rich Jacobson, Portage Rotary; Nancy Schaper, Lions Club; Mary Winkler, Kiwanis; Nancy Beasley, Women's Civic League; Rotarian and PSCA President George Beasley; Ray Norland, American Legion and Gary O'Hearn, Optimists. (Carol Heisz contributed photo)
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Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at the Chamber office to welcome Chaos Management, Inc. as a new Chamber member.
Chaos Management, Inc. provides QuickBooks, accounting and bookkeeping services to small and mid-sized businesses. They offer QuickBooks set up and training as well as day-to-day or month-to-month bookkeeping/accounting.
They also provide forensic accounting and are masters at unraveling financial "messes". It is always easier for business owners to make good decisions when they know their business's financial condition. So whether you need help "jump-starting" your QuickBooks or advanced in-depth "chaos management" for your company finances, Chaos Management is here to help. For more information, call Karen at 864-325-2677.
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A ribbon cutting was held at Seubert Family Dentistry, 260 W. Cook St., to celebrate Dr. Mitch becoming a full partner and the expansion/remodel of their dental facility.
"We are grateful and blessed to work with a fantastic team and such a supportive community," said Cindy Seubert. "Portage is growing and so are we!"
For more information, call Seubert Family Dentistry at 608-742-2331.
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A ribbon cutting was held at Madison College - Portage Campus to celebrate
the completion of their $1.2 million construction project bringing a brand new Student Achievement Center, an upgraded telepresence room with WebEx technology and more. Call Madison College at 608-745-3100 for more information.
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New electronic poll books
The City of Portage will be introducing new electronic poll books to the community on Wednesday, February 5 from 5pm to 7pm in the Council Chambers. The electronic poll books, called Badger Books, work the same as the paper polls books. They will be used Election Day to check in voters, enter voter registrations and record absentee voters.
The Open House will provide Election Workers experience in checking in voters and also provide an opportunity for the public to try them out and ask questions. The new poll books will be used for the first time at the February 18 Spring Primary Election.
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Get on the Neil's Wine House bus!
Support local artists when you reserve your seat on the bus to see Madison Malone and Shawndell Marks on Saturday, February 29.
The bus will begin loading at 6pm at Neil's Wine House, 235 W. Pleasant St., with the show starting at 7am at Al Ringling Theatre in Baraboo. The coach bus and show ticket are just $30. Don't forget to purchase your bottle of wine to enjoy during the ride!
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Divine Savior Healthcare joins Aspirus
WAUSAU, Wis. – Divine Savior Healthcare (DSH) has formally joined the Aspirus health system.
Leaders from Sisters of the Divine Savior and Aspirus signed documents that make the Portage system part of Aspirus, a not-for-profit health care system based in Wausau, Wisconsin.
“As sponsors of Divine Savior Healthcare, the Sisters of the Divine Savior have experienced over 100 years of blessings and joy,” said Sisters of the Divine Savior Provincial Leader Sister Beverly Heitke. “We know that Divine Savior Healthcare will continue to grow and provide compassionate, competent care with Aspirus because the core values of Divine Savior Healthcare and Aspirus are amazingly connected.”
The Aspirus system is equally enthusiastic about the future.
“We are excited to officially welcome Divine Savior into the Aspirus family and begin our work to strengthen and expand services throughout the region together,” said Matthew Heywood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aspirus. “Aspirus is new to the Portage area and we look forward to working together with the wonderful team at Divine Savior to continue building upon on all that has already been accomplished.”
While there eventually will be some visible changes – such as new building signs – visitors to Divine Savior will still receive the great care they have come to expect. And patients will see the same familiar caregivers and staff.
“This affiliation process has been a positive experience and now that it’s complete, we are happy to become part of an organization that has a long-standing commitment to providing care in rural areas,” said Michael Decker, DSH President and CEO. “Being part of an excellent, larger system affords us greater opportunity for continued success and the ability to bring new resources to the communities we serve.”
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Would you like to see more at the
Columbia County Fair?
By Eric Sluga
There is a lot of work that goes into putting together a fair with all of the rides and attractions and organizing the events while keeping it safe and fun for the entire community. There are a lot of costs that go towards putting together such an important event for any area that is hosting a fair. Most of the communities in our area have help from the hosting city, or from various clubs that help sponsor areas or the beer gardens.
Most of the people in our community do not realize that we do not get such luxuries when trying to organize or come up with ways to pay for the fair. The Fair Board has a very strict budget when looking for carnivals to hire, which attractions to host, and even down to the beverages that are offered and sold at the beer tent. The money from the beer tent goes to pay for the DJ or the bands that get hired. Any money from the rodeo or demolition derbies goes right back into paying for those that were hired to help put this on and towards getting the next year booked. There is little to no exterior assistance, so it is left to a board of individuals to make sure that we get the best that we can with what we have to work with.
If you are someone that would like to see a better carnival, see better entertainment in the tent or to continue to make our main attractions as great and cost effective for the community as you can, then please contact the fair board and your contributions will be more than graciously accepted!
If you would like to donate or get involved, you can feel free to contact Eric Sluga at 608-617-1354 or
slugae@firstweber.com
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Positions available at American Legion State Headquarters
The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, the state’s largest Veterans organization is seeking a Legionnaire for the office of Department Adjutant and lead the professional staff at our Portage headquarters, the Service Office in Milwaukee and Camp American Legion in Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin. The Department Adjutant is the Chief Operating/Financial Officer and is responsible for the overall efficient, effective, and financially sound management of all aspects of the organization.
Click here
for more information.
They are also seeking a full-time Program Coordinator to be part of a team positively focused on telling The American Legion story of who they are, what they do and why it matters. The Program Coordinator will assist in building and maintaining a positive image of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin by promoting the organization's objectives, ideas and mission.
Click here
for more information.
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Spread the word about Portage!
Use #portagewi in your social media posts.
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Donate to Lions Radio Auction
The Portage Lions Club will hold its 44th Annual Radio Auction on Saturday, April 4 at St. Mary's School Cafeteria from Noon to 4pm. Profits from the event support local activities including pre-school vision screening, eye exams, and glasses for the needy and transporting eye tissue to and from the Eye Bank in Madison. Other projects include scholarships, annual Easter Egg hunt, donations to the Portage and St. Mary's Safety Patrol trip, the High School.
Consider donating to this worthwhile project. Make checks payable to Portage Lions Club and mail to Portage Lions Club, PO Box 531, Portage, WI 53901. Donations of merchandise and services can be made by calling Nancy Schaper at 608-742-7242.
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Highway 51 intersection design
From Shawn Murphy, City of Portage City Administrator:
The proposed “Pocket Park” to be located at the reconfigured intersection of Wisconsin/DeWitt/Edgewater as part of the Hwy 51 reconstruction project that will occur in 2021 was recently discussed. In 2018, the Mayor appointed an ad hoc Committee to develop streetscape amenity designs for the US 51 project. The City engaged RA Smith Associates to assist the Committee with the development of the amenities and provide an estimated cost.
The attached report
was the result of their efforts and the Committee’s recommended concept designs. On page 4 of the Report, the Committee recommended some concept improvements to the 2 outlots at the reconfigured intersection of DeWitt & Wisconsin & Edgewater Streets. These small “pocket parks” will act as entrances to the downtown.
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Don-Rick Insurance celebrating 50 years
Don-Rick Insurance will be celebrating its 50th year in business this year! This achievement nicely coordinates with the announcement to further expand the agency to the Sauk Prairie community with the addition of two partners.
Garrett Schwarz and Mitch Schwarz, originally from the Sauk Prairie area, are joining the agency as partners and trusted advisors focusing on business & personal insurance effective January 1, 2020. Both fourth-generation licensed insurance agents, Garrett and Mitch have extensive histories and backgrounds in the insurance industry. Garrett and Mitch's parents are Lisa and the late Brian Schwarz. Their uncle is Tom Schwarz.
Prior to joining Don-Rick Insurance, Mitch served as a top independent insurance agent across Wisconsin. Garrett served in a significant leadership role at CNA Insurance, one of the country's largest commercial insurance carriers.
Our newest office will be located at 2000 Prairie St, Suite 20. Please visit our website at
www.don-rick.com to learn more about Mitch and Garrett, and to locate their contact information.
We greatly appreciate being your trusted advisor for your insurance purchasing decisions and welcome any questions you may have regarding this announcement. Don-Rick Insurance always strives to offer our clients excellent products and service at fair prices, and we thank you for your business.
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Get your free energy saving packs
Focus on Energy is offering FREE energy saving packs to most residents in Wisconsin. Log in to Focus on Energy
here
and order their free energy efficiency pack. Each household is allowed one pack every three years. It takes 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
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Adams-Columbia Electric scholarship/board seats available
ACEC’s Educational Scholarship is now available! Last year 75 students were awarded scholarships for $1,000. Must be an ACEC member or child of an ACEC member family. For more information and the application, visit
https://www.acecwi.com/co-op-programs/scholarships/
. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 14.
Are you interested in running for a one of ACEC’s board seats? It’s easy to have your name on the ballot. Eligible ACEC members need to collect 25 signatures from any member in any district. Details about director qualifications and our nomination by petition process can be found on our website:
https://www.acecwi.com/nomination-by-petition/
Attention photographers! Did you know you can submit your beautiful photography on ACEC’s website all year round? Submit photos for all of Wisconsin’s seasons on their website:
https://www.acecwi.com/submit-your-photos/
Your photo may be selected to be featured in their calendar!
ACEC will be hosting a free member event on Sunday, April 19 at Fawn Creek Winery in Wisconsin Dells. Members can register on their website from March 2- 27 for a free paining event with Craft Time Studios. Space is limited, so 50 members will be randomly selected to win two tickets. There will be a selection of designs to choose from for a 12”x12” wooden sign. Fawn Creek also offers complimentary wine tastings.
The RESP Loan is perfect for spring improvement projects! ACEC members can apply for a low-interest loan to implement cost-effective, energy efficiency measures on your home or business. Visit
https://www.acecwi.com/resp-loan/
to learn more.
APPROACHING DEADLINES
Educational Scholarship – Applications are due Friday, February 14
Advisory Resolutions – Submit your ideas for the co-op by Friday, February 21
Nomination by Petition – Turn in your nomination papers to run for a board seat by Friday, February 21
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HIAH 2020 Audio Series
Welcome to the launch of the Historic Indian Agency House's 2020 audio history series, Vintage Viewpoints! Immerse yourself in the conversations of the early 1800s. Each monthly audio posting to their website offers an opportunity for you to think deeply about perspectives of the past, particularly in relation to the debate over Native American rights and removal.
Join in the Facebook discussion, commenting on what stood out to you in the narration. Questions for consideration are provided with each post to encourage discussion. January’s audio clip, titled High Hopes, Shadows of Doubt, contains excerpts from Secretary of War Henry Knox’s letter to George Washington in 1789.
Check it out
and contribute your thoughts on Facebook. Welcome to the conversation!
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Hey employers! DWD seeking summer employment opportunities for students
The Summer months are creeping up fast. Typically every year many students on Summer break want to work June through end of August. If any of the Portage employers have thoughts on Summer employment, please contact Dione (Dee) Schumann. She is seeking part time positions--usually "carved" out positions-positions that wouldn't necessarily be open on a normal basis.
The students are typically looking for 3 months of work, 90 days. The wages, workman's comp, and insurance benefits are paid by the state for the full 90 days. In easier terms, the employer gets free labor for 90 days similar to a volunteer on their side of the business.
Some examples would be: a golf course offering a position cleaning golf carts, helping pick up and maintain the trash on-site, assisting with stocking supplies, washing golf balls, placing equipment and supplies back to their proper place, helping pick up after a storm….or, a manufacturer offering a position that includes assistance with maintaining the shop area, stocking work supplies, clean up, cleaning restrooms,…a car repair shop/dealership offering a position that would assist with car detailing, stocking supplies, possibly assisting with light repairs...there are many options here.
Department of Workforce Development, Business Service Consultant
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation,1801 Aberg Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Cell: 608-228-7086
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Business Problem Solving & Decision Making
In the fast-paced world of business, you need to make decisions quickly and often. Taking the right course of action in the face of any challenge requires the development of a core set of skills.
The Business Problem Solving and Decision Making program will be offered on Tuesday, February 25
introducing models for problem solving and decision-making (PSDM) that enable participants to identify their best course of action. You'll receive a copy of the PSDM Toolkit – a comprehensive workbook that offers tips in how to use more than a dozen tools that will enable more effective problem solving and decision making.
You will learn:
• The four approaches to consider when solving a problem or making a decision
• The core principles that should guide their business decision-making and problem solving
• Two models for solving problems and making decisions
• How to identify the hidden psychological traps that can undermine their problem solving and decision making
• How to use a variety of simple yet powerful tools to define a problem, explore root causes, evaluate possible solutions, and involve others in the problem solving and decision-making process.
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Business Day in Madison
Business Day in Madison will be held on Wednesday, February 26 at the Monona Terrace in Madison from 7:30am to 3pm.
Register here.
The 2020 speaker lineup includes Guy Benson, Wilson Jones, Scott Moore and Admiral James A. Winfield, Jr.
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Check out the Chamber's YouTube Channel
HERE
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Job postings on portagewi.com
Check out these
job postings on our Chamber site from our member businesses. You are welcome to post job openings your business may have at any time. Call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242 for more information.
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Want to submit an article for this newsletter?
The Chamber's monthly newsletter deadlines the 20th of the month. Members are always welcome to let others know: about new products and services; introduce new associates or promotions; provide updates about their industry or business; give helpful tips; promote a sale or event. For more information, call the Portage Chamber at 608-742-6242.
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Text PACC to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Chamber events
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Facade loan program available
The Portage facade loan program is available to help Chamber member Portage businesses upgrade exteriors.
For more information about the loan program guidelines,
click here
. For the application,
click here
.
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Looking for a Hot Deal? See our list?
Check out our Hot Deals webpage for deals our Chamber members are
offering. Have a Hot Deal of your own you want others to know about? Post
your deals on our webpage and join the Hot Deal brigade! There is no charge
for posting a Hot Deal, so post away!
If you have questions, call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242 to get started.
Click here
to see the specials that are currently running!
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Text PORTAGE to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Portage events
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Join a Service Club
Rotary - Meets Mondays at Noon at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Lions Club - Meets the 2
nd Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd., summer month meetings change locations
Kiwanis - Meets on Wednesdays at Noon at Pizza Ranch, 2905 New Pinery Rd.
Optimists - Meets on Tuesdays at 7am at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Elks - Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 7pm; 4th Tuesday only during July and August
Women's Civic League - Meets 2nd Wednesdays of the month at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Wauona Trail Women's Club - Meets 3rd Monday of the month at 11:30am at Dino's Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd. (Sept-May)
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February Chamber Meetings & Events
4
Chamber Business Lunch Meeting at 11:30am - reservations required
5
Ambassador Meeting at Community Bank at 8am
20
Ribbon Cutting at Lilac Shop Studio at 4pm
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