Taste of Portage Market Fair

Terrific weather brought large crowds to both days of this year's Taste of Portage Market Fair. Steady streams of people sampled the delicious food prepared by the eleven vendors located at Market Square.

Best Practice rocked the Friday night crowd, while the WhiskeyBelles' crisp harmonies awakened downtown streets on Saturday.

Elizabeth Gray of St. John's Child Development Center was busy painting designs on the faces of the excited young children gathered at the kid's activity tent. The tent also included a caricature artist and balloon sculptor this year. A stilt walker took the fun to new heights, too.

Visitors shopped over 30 craft vendors who lined DeWitt Street with all kinds of interesting homemade items while the car show got all kinds of lookers. Bob Bougie of Escanaba, Michigan, owner of a beautiful 1958 Chevy Impala, was presented the Celebrity Judge Award by Marie Steffen of the Wisconsin American Legion State Headquarters. Bob and his wife stayed four nights in Portage with the car show as the highlight of their weekend.

For visitors and residents alike, it was a wonderful weekend in Portage. Thank you to all of you for attending, to our sponsors, food vendors, and volunteers for helping us make this wonderful weekend possible.

Taste of Portage Major Sponsors:

City of Portage Tourism

Business Improvement District

Festival Foods

Arbor Green

Community Bank of Portage

September Chamber Business Luncheon

Space is limited! Please RSVP for the Business Luncheons!

The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is offering another way to network with your fellow Chamber members and make those important connections that can help you in your business or career. Bring your business cards, brochures, or anything you wish to share with other members.

Our Speaker: Jude Pultz, Executive Director of the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters. As the oldest building in Wisconsin still standing on its original foundation, Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters represents a unique and integral part of the history of Portage and of the state as a whole. We will have a short presentation on the site's significance, its role in generating tourism for Portage, plans for future development, and how you can help.

Luncheon Information

Location: The NorthShore, W7245 Country Club Road (3 miles east of Portage)

Time: Lunch at 11:30AM, Presentation at Noon

Cost: Pay for your lunch at the restaurant

Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2019 

Business Profile - Stock+Field

Stock and Field is a premier farm, home, and outdoor retailer with a commitment to providing every rural lifestyle enthusiast with a one-stop destination to gather all the mission-critical products they need to pursue their work and hobbies.

We have operated under the Big R Stores name since 1964 when Bill and Pat Crabtree opened the first store in Watseka, Illinois. Since then, our company has grown to 25 locations across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan. We changed our name to Stock+Field in July in order to send a clear message about our offerings and reintroduce ourselves to the communities we have served for decades. Our newest store opened in Portage, Wisconsin on August 2, 2019 and the next one is opening in Lansing, Michigan in September. The Stock+Field Lansing store will mark our Company’s first expansion into Michigan. 

“This is an exciting time for our employees, vendors, and customers. It is a milestone for the company as we continue to grow,” said Matt Whebbe, Chairman and CEO of Stock+Field. “This new brand aids our expansion into new markets, where we intend to continue building new community partnerships while offering quality products at competitive prices.”

We share our customers’ appreciation for a way of life that has been handed down for generations. That’s why we strive to work as hard as they do, to provide the products and service that they need. Together, we are one community, rooted in the heartland.

We want people to know our employees are dependable, knowledgeable, considerate and hardworking individuals, driven to serve the community by selling premier product at competitive prices and providing excellent customer service.

We strive to support each community in which we have a presence. In Portage, we joined the Chamber of Commerce and partnered with everyone from the Mayor, City Planner, Police and other officials to bring this new retail outlet to the community. We hired many local residents as employees of our new store. We have supported other local businesses and involved the American Legion, the Portage FFA, Portage Service Club Association and other local vendors in our Grand Opening events. In addition, we made a donation to the Portage Police K-9 Unit.

Welcome New Chamber Members

Carquest

2666 New Pinery Road; Portage, WI 53901

Amy Golackson at 608-745-9336

Independently owned and operated, our customer service is driven by our

passion for delivering the right products to the right place at the right time.

Easton Motors

102 Henry Dr.; Portage, WI 53901

Amy Golackson at 608-253-0511

We're a local used car dealer and bad credit finance center that specializes

in helping drivers with bad credit, and no credit, get a car and the cash to finance it.

Business Basics with BizSmart

People don't start a business because they love business - they start it because they have an idea, a passion for something! Here is the perfect solution for you to learn the business basics!

The Biz Smart evening series will teach you the basics from area experts by November. Classes are held Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-8:30pm, October 3-November 21.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Touched Twice Portage

Touched Twice is an event that provides free medical care, chiropractic care, dental care, spa services, financial counseling, meals and other resources to help empower community residents.

This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, September 21 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds from 10am to 2pm.

Volunteers and donations are needed. For more information, contact [email protected] .

Hardt new owner of Portage Verlo

Milwaukee-based Verlo Mattress has awarded the Portage franchise location to Bob Hardt following the retirement of Verlo store owners John and Jeri Henry after 20 years in the mattress business. Hardt, who has worked with the Henrys for 16 years, is the new owner of the Verlo franchise at 2830 New Piney Road.

“Bob was the logical choice to become our newest franchise owner,” said Verlo CEO Chris Nolte.

“Nobody knows more about Verlo mattresses – Bob has been leading the Portage store for many

years and will build on what the Henrys started. We’re excited to have him as our newest

franchise owner.”

“For the past several years, I have been thinking about what changes I would make if I was the

owner and not just an employee,” said Hardt. “I’m now making those investments to create a

more modern, inviting experience for customers – from the store’s exterior to the interior layout,

products on display, signage and decorations. Your mattress should be comfortable, and so should

your experience while choosing one.”

Hardt, 43, is a musician in his spare time. He plays both guitar and drums and studied music

theory and composition at Viterbo University. The 43-year-old is mainly recognized as a member of

former music projects in the Portage area. He’s been writing and recording in a home studio, and

hopes to release some of his own music someday. But his focus for now is on his Verlo franchise.

“I’m excited at being my own boss, building this business and serving my community,” said Hardt,

who noted the opportunity to become a Verlo franchise owner that presented itself with Henry’s

retirement. “Since its founding 60 years ago, Verlo has offered the best sleep money can buy, and

I will continue to support that tradition and provide the best customer service available, as did

the Henrys. I’ve learned from the best.”

2020 Portage Visitors & Community Guide

The Portage Chamber is pleased to offer an opportunity to promote your business in the 2020 Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Community Guide. Reach visitors and residents of the Portage area in this enhanced publication, featuring:

• 20,000 printed copies of Guide

• online digital version of Guide where one click links readers to your website

• comprehensive community information and highlights

• complete membership listing

Free design services are offered for the preparation of your display ad. We look forward to promoting your business! The ad reservation deadline is October 4. Don't wait! For more information or to reserve ad space, please contact Jacklyn Ewerdt at 920.291.5005 or [email protected] .

American Legion Celebrates 100 Years

American Legion State Headquarters in Portage will be celebrating 100 years with activities at Veteran’s Memorial Field on September 4-8, 2019.

Highlights of the event include the American Vietnam Traveling Tribute Wall and Chris Kroeze, 2018 Runner-up on The Voice.

Click here for schedule of events.

The Legion will be celebrating during the week by bringing veterans and their families, veteran service organizations, firefighters, police officers, EMT’s and Wisconsin residents together to celebrate our freedom, honor those who have and continue to service and teach others about the importance of patriotism and freedom. This is a state-wide community event showcasing our shared respect for our veterans and public safety officers whose efforts have allowed us to enjoy our freedom.

Portage Rotary donates toward Celebration of Freedom event

On Monday, August 19 Portage Rotary Club proudly donated $500 to the Wisconsin American Legion Family's Celebration of Freedom. Shown above are Portage Rotary President Tracy Waldinger, Portage Rotary Treasurer Anastasia Kinney, Angie Chappell of the American Legion, and Dave Eulberg of Portage Rotary.

For more information on donating, volunteering, purchasing tickets for: Chris Kroeze, The Memories or Conscious Pilot concerts; or just visiting the American Vietnam Traveling Tribute Wall visit:  wilegion.org  and then click on the Celebration of Freedom logo.

Wine & Dinner Pairing tickets on sale

The Portage Service Club Association is holding a Wine & Dinner Pairing as a fundraiser for the Pauquette Park Pavilion at the NorthShore Restaurant on Saturday, September 21 at 5pm.

The dinner includes a 4-course meal and wine samplings. Tickets are just $75 each and can be purchased at the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce, 104 W. Cook St., or online at www.portagewi.com.

Facade loan program available

The Portage facade loan program is available to help Chamber member Portage businesses upgrade exteriors. The loan was recently used to freshen up the front of the Flower Company and the VFW has plans to use the loan program to add a new rear door and handicap ramp, easing accessibility for events held there.

For more information about the loan program guidelines, click here . For the application, click here .

Northwoods making a difference

Northwoods Inc. was the topic of the August Chamber Business Luncheon. Guest speaker Jolene Wheeler, CEO and President of Northwoods, explained how the business provides jobs to those with diverse abilities. Wheeler relayed many examples of how Northwoods has made a positive impact in people's lives.

Northwoods can use many advocates in the face of eroding governmental funding support. Recently, State Representative Jon Plumer had the opportunity to visit the Northwoods facility on the south side of Portage. Take a look at his experience. For more information, contact Northwoods at 608-742-7114.

Portage Police K-9 Golf Outing

The 4th Annual Portage Police K-9 Golf Outing is happening on Sunday, September 8 at the Portage Country Club. Join in for a fun day of golf to support the K-9 Unit. Meet some of the officers and K-9 Ares. You could win some great prizes like a 2019 Ram 1500 (hole-in-one courtesy of Portage Ford CDJR), 2 rifles, a St. Croix Rod, Yeti Cooler, Brewers tickets, several gift certificates, and other great prizes.

There will be lunch and a K-9 demo as well after the outing. Even if you don’t golf, come and hang out and support a great cause! For more information, contact Sgt. Ben Neumann at 608-742-2174.

The Lion King Bus Tour

Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s The Lion King, making its triumphant return to Milwaukee at the Marcus Center!

Sign up for the Bus Tour Lunch & Show, with a 10am departure from Portage Center for the Arts (PCA). The cost is $130. Friends of PCA Pre-Sale begins Sunday, September 1, with sale to the public beginning Sunday, Sept 15. The sign-up deadline is Saturday, October 26. Full payment with reservation is required. Tour includes transportation, buffet lunch and one performance ticket. Limited seating on a first-come basis. Cash, credit cards or checks payable to PCA accepted. No refunds after October 15. For more info, contact the PCA at 608-742-5655.

Jack's Tap End of Summer Party

Come to Jack's Tap for their Anniversary/End of Summer Party on Saturday, September 7. Enjoy live entertainment by Pat McCurdy from 1:30pm to 4pm and Fun Pianos (deuling pianos) from 7pm to 10pm.

At 4pm, a Cajun Fish Boil features shrimp, crawfish, potatoes, carrots, corn on the cob and all the fixings served in a pail for you to enjoy. At 6pm, Jack's will be raffling off coolers of meat during the 'Cooler' Meat Raffle, where a ticket is just a dollar. At 7pm, the 50/50 raffle will be drawn. Part of the event proceeds will be donated to the Portage American Legion. For more information, call 608-566-1666.

Pregnancy Resource Center Golf Scramble

Golf to support the Pregnancy Resource Center during their scramble at Saddle Ridge Golf Course on Saturday, September 7. Golfers, golf sponsors and raffle donations are needed. Contact Briana Enger at 608-617-4579 for more information.

Electric vehicles: trends, planning considerations & funding opportunities

Is your workplace considering a charging station or electric vehicle fleet? Perhaps you are looking for some resources to help with making electric vehicle purchasing decisions. Join us at this electric vehicle ride and drive event to discover the latest trends and technologies including battery systems and workplace charging stations.

Attend this event on Wednesday, September 11 at the Radisson Hotel La Crosse, in La Crosse from 8:30am to 2:30pm. The cost to attend is $39. Register Here.

Industry experts will discuss the tools and resources to help you with your purchasing decisions and provide an update of the infrastructure initiatives in the Midwest that support electric vehicles. After lunch, get behind the wheel and experience first-hand the advantages of electric vehicles.

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald program

Professor Steve Ackerman from the UW-Madison College of Letters and Science will be presenting on the "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: the Ship, the Storm and the Song" at Museum at the Portage on Wednesday, September 11 at 5:30pm.

For more information, contact the Museum at the Portage, 804 MacFarlane Road, at 608-742-6682.

Tonic Sol-fa at PCA

Tonic Sol-fa is a ground-breaking a cappella ensemble from Minnesota, and a leading force in the world of vocal music with Emmy Award winning arrangements and compositions! Hear them live at Portage Center for the Arts on Saturday, September 28 at 7pm.

For more information, call Portage Center for the Arts, 301 E. Cook St., at 608-742-5655.

Jerry Apps' writing workshop

Friends of the Portage Library is co-sponsoring Jerry Apps' Telling Your Story writing workshop on Wednesday, September 18 from 9am to 4pm at the Wyocena Community Center.

The cost is $95 per person and includes a copy of his book Telling Your Story and a catered lunch. Seating is limited so please register early here. For more information, call the Portage Public Library at 608-742-4959.

Check out the Chamber's YouTube Channel HERE



Garlic Fest

Enjoy this festival to celebrate garlic on September 14 from 10am to 3pm at the Historic Indian Agency House! Come out and smell the scent of yummy garlic! The event this year will feature more garlic and garlic products, an expanded farmers market, lunch and foods on the grounds, crafters market, music, and children’s activities. Watch and sample freshly made apple cider. For more information, call 608-742-6362.

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. 

Text PACC to 51660

to receive information about upcoming Chamber events

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!

Ribbon Cuttings

A ribbon cutting was held to welcome Stock and Field to Portage.

Stock and Field officially opened its newest location at 2935 New Pinery Road on August 2, 2019. The premier farm, home, and outdoor retailer has a commitment to providing every rural lifestyle enthusiast with a one-stop

destination to gather all the mission-critical products they need to pursue their work and hobbies. This is the first store to open under their new company name (formerly Big R).

For more information, call 608-472-4965.

Text PORTAGE to 51660

to receive information about upcoming Portage events

September Chamber Meetings & Events

3 Business Luncheon at The NorthShore at 11:30am

4 Ambassador meeting at Community Bank at 8am

19 Ribbon cutting to welcome Carquest at Noon

Join a Service Club

Rotary - Meets Mondays at Noon at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.

Lions Club - Meets the 2 ^nd and 4 ^th Wednesdays 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)