40th Portage Chamber Golf Outing
Enter your foursome now in the 40th Portage Chamber Golf Outing! This annual event is happening on Wednesday, June 8 at the Portage Country Club with pre-game activities at 9am and a shotgun start at 11am. The outing is the largest fundraiser for the Chamber, helping us fulfill our leadership role in providing a healthy economy and high quality of life.
This is a terrific networking event where you can join other Chamber members, clients and friends for a great day on the course. Pre-registration is necessary for the outing. Tickets are on sale now and you can contact our office at 608-742-6242 for all the details.
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Canoes on Parade
Sponsored by local Chamber member businesses and painted with various themes by local artists, nine fiberglass canoes will pop up around Portage later in May as part of the Canoes on Parade installation.
Locals and visitors alike can stand in front of the upright canoes -- creating a close resemblance to portaging a canoe -- and pose for pictures, then share them on social media.
Click Here to view the map locations of the colorful canoes.
The canoe project is being sponsored by the City of Portage Tourism Commission and coordinated by the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce. Watch our website, www.portagewi.com, for details on the
canoe launch.
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Business Luncheon -Tuesday, May 3
Location moved to Pizza Ranch due to weather
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.
Luncheon Information:
Jude Pultz, Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Executive Director will be be our guest speaker. He will share with us details on the site restoration project that is continuing this summer as well as the programs they are offering for guests.
Location: Pizza Ranch, 2905 New Pinery Road
Time: Lunch at 11:30AM, Presentation at Noon
Cost: $10 for lunch, collected onsite
Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Click Here to Register! Please RSVP to this event.
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Wine Walk Recap
The Portage Chamber held the Spring 2022 Wine Walk last Friday evening. Eighteen businesses participated, the most for this Chamber event, with each business location offering a sample red and white wine.
This was a great opportunity to showcase our Chamber member businesses to the community. Thank you to all the people who purchased tickets to enjoy the wine walk and ventured out for a fun night out in Portage.
We also want to thank the member businesses, bartenders, our registration volunteers and the Portage police volunteers for all the help. Happy Wine Walk!
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Welcome New Portage Chamber of Commerce Members
Portage Craft Mall
128 W. Cook Street; Portage, WI 53901
June Lauter at 608-404-0163
Handmade items for retail - local vendors
Bexxys Hair Salon
105 W. Cook Street; Portage, WI 53901
Bekah Klessig at 608-369-3032
Hair salon with nails and waxing services
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Portage Farmers Market
The Portage Farmers Market is back! The market happens every Thursday from Noon to 5pm, May through October, at Commerce Plaza in downtown Portage (corner of Hwy 16 & 33).
The market features homegrown produce items, homemade items, and handcrafted items. For questions, contact the Market Manager, Paul Howe at 608-745-8334. For a vendor application, click here.
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Lunch at the Elks Lodge
With the start of the Farmer Market comes the Portage Elks Veranda Cookout on Thursdays from 11am-5pm featuring burgers, brats, and BBQ pulled pork. The Elks Lodge is located at 201 W. Conant Street. For more information, call Paul at 608-617-5224. The cookouts run through September.
Craft and Vendor Fair at Portage Elks Lodge
The Portage Elks Lodge is hosting a craft and vendor fair on Saturday, May 7 from 9am to 1pm at their location at 201 E. Conant Street.
For more information, contact Megan at 608-393-1985.
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Anytime Fitness Portage to get rebranded look
The local Portage gym is about to get a completely new look, being one of the first out of thousands across the world.
Anytime Fitness, the world's largest fitness brand and fastest-growing fitness club franchise, recently launched its new "Real AF" marketing platform as part of a bold operational strategy to deliver a holistic approach to fitness, health and wellness through authentic interactions between Anytime Fitness coaches and members, in person or via the Anytime Fitness mobile app.
The "Real AF" platform extends across the entire Anytime Fitness omnichannel experience, and includes:
• A revamp of the club's interiors, delivering an in-club experience that puts coaching front and center within the context of personal training, nutrition coaching, and recovery services.
• A more interactive digital experience that tailors each member's access to coaching and support.
• A modernized Anytime Fitness logo, including an "AF" monogram.
Out of nearly 5,000 Anytime Fitness locations that extend across nearly 40 countries, Anytime Fitness Portage is one of the very first to receive the updated look. Construction is expected to begin summer 2022. Changes will include a new layout, adding new equipment, adding more free weight and training space, additional stalls in the restrooms, and a completely updated and modern look.
Members of the community are invited to check out the current space prior to the remodel. Any questions can be directed to Club Manager, Jodi Monroe, by calling the club at 608-745-0250. Or, stop by and get in a workout! Staffed hours are Monday through Thursday 11am to 7pm and Fridays 8am to 2pm. Visit the website at anytimefitness.com and follow Anytime Fitness Portage on Facebook for updates.
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Miss Lulu Bett performance by PACT
'Miss Lulu Bett' the Pulitzer Prize winning comedy by Zona Gale will be presented at Portage Center for the Arts by the Portage Area Community Theatre (PACT). Performances are on Thursday and Friday May 5, 6, 12 & 13 at 7pm; Saturday, May 14 at 7pm and Sunday, May 8 & 15 at 2pm. An adult ticket is $15 and a student ticket is $5. Tickets available at the door.
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Men's Homeless Shelter update
The building that currently houses the men's River Haven Homeless Shelter (RHHS) in Portage is going to be listed for sale soon. RHHS is looking for a property in Portage that includes three or four bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, an area for laundry facilities, a small kitchen, a living room/gathering area, storage areas and a small office.
The option also exists of finding a larger building to combine both shelters together that would also provide additional office space and storage. If you know of such a place suitable for long-term needs, please contact the shelter and leave a message for Amy Luebke, Executive Director, at 608-742-7687.
It is because of your generosity that River Haven Shelter continues to assist residents in need.
Culver's share night
On Wednesday, May 11 from 4pm to 8pm, stop at Culver's for dinner and help raise funds for the purchase of a men's shelter in Portage (Drive-thru & Restaurant)
Pizza Ranch fundraising night
Pizza Ranch is hosting a fundraiser night to help with the purchase of a men's shelter (see above) on Wednesday, May 18 from 4pm to 8pm. Youth and families of CrossPoint Assembly of God and community members will be serving you. Thank you for your support.
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News from Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative
All Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative (ACEC) members are welcome to join in on Wednesday, May 18 at Pardeeville High School for the 35th Annual Meeting. Registration begins at 5pm and the meeting will begin at 5:30pm. Learn more about the Annual Meeting: https://www.acecwi.com/annual-meeting/
Do you know a teacher that teaches a curriculum in the areas of science, technology, engineering, or math? Encourage them to apply for ACEC’s STEM Grant! The next deadline is Sunday, May 1. The application takes about 5 minutes to complete and teacher are eligible for a grant up to $1,000 per calendar year. Learn more about the STEM Grant and apply: https://www.acecwi.com/stem-grant/
Want to schedule a FREE hotline safety demonstration for your class, club, or organization? ACEC travels to you and offer safety presentations classroom style or just our hotline demonstration trailer. Give us a call at 800-831-8629 or email acec@acecwi.com<mailto:acec@acecwi.com to schedule your FREE hotline safety program.
Spring weather has everyone thinking about yard work and outdoor projects. Remember to call 8-1-1 at least three business days before you plan to dig, it may save your life. Check out the What Lies Beneath video https://safeelectricity.org/what-lies-beneath-video/ showing examples of how easy it can be to hit unground facilities like electrical power lines, water and gas lines, and more.
Hey high school sophomores, juniors and seniors! Sign to attend Youth Leadership Congress (YLC) July 12-14 at UW-Stout. YLC is a by-teens, for-teens cooperative leadership camp that is planned and developed by the youth board elected at the previous year’s event. Attending YLC will give students real-world skills to use in everyday life, is an unforgettable experience, a great resume builder, and looks fantastic on college applications. YLC is free to attend and ACEC provides round-trip transportation from the co-op to YLC. Ready to learn more about YLC<https://www.acecwi.com/ylc/>? Visit our website to learn about what to expect, future opportunities from YLC, and to apply!
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Portage Craft Mall coming June 1
The Portage Craft Mall is coming to 128 West Cook Street in downtown on June 1. The store will offer a wide selection of products, gifts and crafts created by local vendors. Personalization and custom orders will also be available to make your items one of a kind.
Quality local vendors are encouraged to contact June Lauter at 608-404-0163 for information regarding spaces.
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WI Business World launches 2 statewide contest for students
Competitions Include Creating a New Product for Kwik Trip & Writing an Essay about How Business is a Force for Good
MADISON – Wisconsin Business World announced on Monday the launch of two distinct statewide contests for students. Both contests are open to students in grades 6-12 and the top three entrants in each contest will be awarded cash prizes.
All submissions must be submitted by June 15, 2022 at 11:59pm. Winners of these competitions will be announced during the summer.
Kwik Trip Innovation Contest - A leader in vertical integration, manufacturing and customer care, the Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip Corporation has graciously partnered with Wisconsin Business World to present an inaugural project-based competition with a focus on innovation and production.
The Wisconsin Business World and Kwik Trip Innovation Contest will task students with creating a new product for Kwik Trip convenience stores and preparing a marketing pitch for their product. The top three entrants in the competition will receive $500 cash prizes.
Business is a Force for Good Contest - Staying true to the Business World message that “Business is a Force for Good,” Wisconsin Business World’s essay contest will help students understand how employers throughout Wisconsin grow the economy and give back to their communities.
Students will be asked to write an essay of no longer than 1,000 words that highlights how businesses are being a force for good in their communities. The top three essays that best highlight how local businesses are having a positive impact will receive $500 cash prizes.
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Walmart reaches food donation milestone
Walmart and Sam's club have reached a major food donation milestone at seven billiion pounds, the equivalent of 5 billion meals*, donated to Feeding America® food banks since 2006. In addition to donating food, we aim to help end hunger through awareness initiatives in communities as part of their Fight Hunger, Spark Change campaign, which began nine years ago.
Together with the help of their associates, customers and suppliers, they have secured over 1.5 billion additional meals** for those in need, served by Feeding America’s food banks. Knowing that one in eight Americans continue to face food insecurity, they'll continue working to fight hunger and, as always, you are invited to join them. You can read more here and you can use this tool to see if there is a Feeding America® food bank in your community.
*According to the USDA, one meal equates to 1.2 pounds of food.
**Currently, $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks.
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Advertise in this Chamber newsletter
Having an event you want others to know about? Submit a one-time flyer insert in this newsletter for $25. Or place a year-long newsletter ad, which links to your website, for $250/year. Call the Portage Chamber for more information at 608-742-6242.
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Darts, poker at VFW
The Portage VFW is open on Wednesdays for Dart Leagues and Texas Hold'em Poker. Poker starts at 7:30pm with a $20 buy in. All buy in money paid out to winners.
Annual Budweiser Bags Open
The annual Budweiser Bags Open will be held at Portage VFW Post #1707 on Saturday, May 21 from 11am to 2pm. All proceeds from this event go to support VFW Post #1707.
Entry fee is $20 per 2 player team; 100 percent payback-double elimination. Two divisions: experienced and novice, plus a Long Toss Competition and raffle baskets will be drawn after final tournament match. This is a rain or shine event. Must be present to win 50/50 raffle. Registration at 11am, bags fly at noon. Contact 608-697-6614 or 608-617-0162 for more information.
Brat Fry & Bake Sale
The Portage VFW Post #1707 is hosting a Brat Fry & Bake Sale on Friday, May 6 from 11am to 5:30pm. Proceeds benefit Bartels Middle School 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C.
Memorial Day Program
Come to the Memorial Day program at Blue Star Park, corner of West Slifer Street and New Pinery Road, at 11am. Public is invited to attend. Please note: No parade this year. Contact Dave DuVall at 608-742-5350 for additional information.
Portage VFW Post #1707 is located at 215 W. Collins Street (behind Walgreens).
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Remember Me Red Run
Have a day to remember all while raising money for the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin on Saturday, May 7. Stay for the party with live music, wine and more! Learn more and register at: RememberMeRedRun.com. Your registration includes race shirt, metallic red water bottle, and glass of wine or beer.
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Ribbon Cuttings in May
Suzy's Steak & Seafood House
Join us for a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 4 at 3pm as we welcome Jennifer Mair as the new owner of Suzy's Steak and Seafood House. Jennifer is the daughter of Sue and Dana Stover, the previous owners who decided to retire in December 2021.
Jennifer continues the Supper Club tradition in Portage. Located at 2711 County Hwy CX, on the north side of Portage, Suzy’s serves top-quality steaks, seafood and more as well as the classic Wisconsin cocktails you have grown to love. Open for dining Wednesday through Saturday at 4pm. For more information, call 608-742-8400.
Nature's Way Landscaping and Snow Removal
Join us for the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 11 at 9am as we welcome Nature's Way Landscaping and Snow Removal as a new member of the Portage Chamber of Commerce. They can help you with all your lawn mowing, spring plantings, mulching, landscaping, building retaining walls and more. For the winter they can help you get all your snow removed and fall clean-up done. Reach out to Angela at 608-408-0585. We will be holding the ribbon cutting at the Chamber office 104 West Cook Street.
Portage Cafe LLC
Join us for a ribbon cutting at Portage Café LLC, 111 West Cook Street, on Friday, May 20 at 9am. This mother/daughter team of Tammy and Tara are the new owners and they are ready to serve up a delicious breakfast and lunch to you. For more information, please call 608-566-1543.
This cozy diner located in the heart of downtown Portage will take you back in time with its neon sign and coffee counter.
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Portage High School Art Exhibit
Come see the work of Portage High School students. Their Opening Reception is Friday, May 6 from 4pm to 6pm at Portage Center for the Arts. The exhibit is on display through May 27. Gallery Hours are Wednesday-Friday from 1pm to 6pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.
Lunch Break at PCA
This month's topic is Steel and Medieval European Armor with Ron Poniatowski. Join us for a brief history of Ron's influences and processes of armoring, as well as a show and tell of the armor on Thursday, May 26 at Noon. $5 per person at the door.
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Chair Yoga at the Portage Library
The Portage Public Library is hosts Chair Yoga every Tuesday from 8am to 9am. You must register in advance as space is limited. Wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mat, towel, block and strap are recommended but not required. Call 608-742-4959 to register.
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Introduction to Meditation
This is a free introductory class for adults interested in the benefits of meditation. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 9:30am. Must register in advance for each class as space is limited. Wear comfortable clothing.
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Computer Basics class
The Library has an Adult Technology Class on Wednesday, May 11 from 1pm to 2pm. This beginner class will cover the basics of using technology including computers, smartphones and more. Registration is required. Call 608-742-4959.
Call the Portage Public Library, 253 West Edgewater Street, at 608-742-4959 to register or for more information.
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Portage Spring Clean Up
The City of Portage will again be collecting residential refuse consisting of large/bulky items from 8am to 2pm at the Municipal Garage on Saturday, May 7. Fees apply.
Call 608-742-2176 for more information or click here.
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Memorial Day Ceremony
The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 30 at 10:30am. The parade will start at the intersection of West Slifer Street and Airport Road and head east to Blue Star Park, where a ceremony is held following the parade. Contact Dave DuVall at 608-742-5350 for additional information.
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Text PORTAGE to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Portage events
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May Chamber Meetings and Events
3 Business Luncheon - location moved to Portage Pizza Ranch at 11:30am
4 Ambassador Meeting at Community Bank at 8am
4 Ribbon Cutting at Suzy's Steak & Seafood House at 3pm
11 Ribbon Cutting at Chamber office for Nature's Way Landscaping at 9am
20 Ribbon Cutting at Portage Cafe LLC at 9am
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Health Revival Series
Blau Family Chiropractic is hosting the Health Revival Series on Thursday, May 26 from 5pm to 6pm. Area wellness professionals will join with Dr. Blau & Dr. Lance to educate on ways that you can take charge of your health! Bring a friend to join us in hearing from Dr. Lance & Dr. Blau! They will be talking about the importance of posture and how movement is the medicine of life!
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A Landscape of Families
Ho-Chunk singers and dancers and various speakers will be part of the grand opening of “A Landscape of Families” outdoor exhibit. Come be part of this free event on Saturday, May 14 from 1pm to 4pm at the Historic Indian Agency House. For more information, click here.
The Historic Indian Agency House is located at 1490 Agency House Road. For more information, call 608-742-6362.
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Opening Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters
Come to the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters as they open for the 2022 Season on Sunday, May 15.
Book Club
The Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters will be hosting their monthly book club discussion. This month they will be reviewing the book The Heirloom Murders by Kathleen Ernst on Sunday, May 15 from 3pm to 5pm.
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Arts and Crafts Festival
Save the Grandstand Inc. will hold it's annual Arts and Crafts festival with crafts, vendors and food, in an effort to restore the Grandstand back to its original beauty. The Grandstand was built in 1935 and is one of only two art deco Grandstands left in Wisconsin.
The craft fair is a free event to attend and is scheduled for Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. For more information, please visit their facebook page or call Save the Grandstand Inc. at 920-392-9730. Click here for the vendor application.
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Spread the word about Portage!
Use #portagewi or #portagechamberwi in your social media posts.
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Check out the Chamber's YouTube Channel HERE
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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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Submit your Events!
Are you planning an event this year? Get it posted on our web community calendar at www.portagewi.com. One of the most popular viewed of the Chamber website pages, the calendar allows you to submit your own events.
Simply click this link and submit your events. If you have questions, please call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242.
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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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Join a Service Club - Meetings subject to change
Rotary - Meets Mondays at Noon at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Lions Club - Meets the 2nd 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.
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