Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
NEWS BREAK
October 2020
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Holding an event in 2021?
Let us know about your event in 2021. Planning may be really uncertain now, but if you know your organization is having an event next year, let us know before October 15 for possible inclusion in the 2021 Portage Community & Visitor Guide.
We will get your event posted to the Chamber web calendar at portagewi.com, a very popular spot for those looking for things to do around our area. There is a good possibility your event may also appear in the Chamber weekly news and monthly newsletters. Emails your event details to pacc@portagewi.com
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2021 Portage Visitor & Community Guide
The Portage Chamber is pleased to offer an opportunity to promote your business in the 2021 Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Community Guide. Reach visitors and residents of the Portage area in this enhanced publication, featuring:
• 10,000 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 approaching. Don't wait! For more information or to reserve ad space, please contact Jacklyn Ewerdt at 920-291-5005 or jacklynewerdt@gmail.com.
Thank you to these advertisers that have already signed on to be included in the 2021 Portage Community & Visitors Guide. Deadline to sign up is Friday, October 9.
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Cardinal FG
Wisconsin River Title Consultants
B & B Hitching Post
Blau Family Chiropractic
Madison College
Historic Indian Agency House
Portage Center for the Arts
Pointon Heating and Air Conditioning
Sheila Link Agency-American Family Insurance
Pride of America Camping Resort
Haareway Laser & Skin Rejuvenation Center
Portage State Bank
Best Western Resort Hotel & Conference Center
The Mercantile
Trans Works Transmissions LLC
Agrace HospiceCare
General Engineering Company
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Culver’s
Kratz Funeral Home
La Tolteca Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Wilz Hometown Pharmacy
Community Bank of Portage
Terrytown Plumbing Heating and Cooling
Fenske & Associates, LLC
Bee Alive Yoga
Aspirus Divine Savior Healthcare
Don-Rick Insurance
Portage Community School District
Portage Lumber Do-It Best
Ho-Chunk Gaming WI Dells
Miller, Brussell, Ebben & Glaeske, LLC
Hart & Olson Family Dentistry
Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters
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Virtual Event - Aspirus Divine Savior Branding Celebration
Join through Facebook Live on October 1 at Noon to celebrate Divine Savior joining the Aspirus System. The virtual link is here to view the celebration.
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Welcome New Chamber Members
Save the Grandstand Inc.
Bunny Balk at 920-392-9730
A non-profit organization raising funds to refurbish and restore
the grandstand at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.
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Ribbon Cutting - October 13th
Join us for a Ribbon Cutting at OCD Graphix & Apparel, 105 N. Main St., Poynette, at 9am. We welcome them as a new member of the Chamber and also invite you to see their new location. We do ask that you wear a mask if attending ribbon cutting. they specialize in custom designs, printing and embroidery for apparel/promotional items. they can be reached at 608-575-5884.
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City COVID-19 Business Relief Loan Program
The City of Portage has established a loan fund program to provide financial assistance to privately owned businesses in the City that have been adversely affected and/or required to shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The source of funding for this program is the Building Facade Loan Fund Program, which was made possible through the City of Portage and Portage Area Chamber of Commerce grant award in the
America's Best Communities Program, sponsored by Frontier Communications.
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In Uncertain Times, Build Certainty in Your Skills
Level up your leadership to be ready for anything!
Now is exactly the right time to focus on your own professional development. Organizations are relying on the work of emotionally intelligent leaders who know how to coach their team rather than command them - and on the new ideas that new leaders can bring.
Grow Your Leaders courses are designed to help you build these skills and become the leader your team needs you to be during such a challenging time.
• Skills-based classes provide the opportunity to learn and practice topics like conflict management, emotional intelligence, transitioning to supervision, leading in crisis, coaching through performance management, and delegation.
• Interactive formats allow you to connect with other participants and the instructor.
• Instantly applicable content - some of our courses have been broken apart into shorter segments so that you can apply the content right away.
• Live, virtual classes increase flexibility and reduce travel time.
Interested in three or more registrations? Ask for a discount! Click here for upcoming classes.
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Drive Thru Brat Sale at Portage VFW
Come get a delicious brat (or two) at the Portage VFW, 215 W. Collins St., from 11am to 4pm on Friday, October 9th.
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Autumn History Hike
If you missed our August guided history hike or if you would like to experience it again, please join us on a morning Autumn History Hike at the Historic Indian Agency House on Saturday, October 3 at 8am.
We will hike the Stories of the Land trail and highlight many of the fascinating stories connected to the soil beneath our feet. Children may participate if accompanied by a responsible adult. Meet outside the visitor center by 7:45am. Insect repellent and bottled water are recommended. Masks are required for the history hike. This event is free for all! (A donation is appreciated.)
The Agency House season continues through October 15, so be sure to come out and enjoy some time at this historic site. We look forward to having you join us for our fall events and tours! Admission for families with school-aged children continues to be free through the end of the season thanks to the generosity of a special donor. Admission for veterans and active military is always free, as well.
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Vendor Craft Fair to benefit CASA
A Multi-vendor Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, October 10 from 9am to 3pm to benefit Columbia County CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Proceeds from vendor fees, a bake sale, and food tent (with food donated by Festival Foods) will be donated to Columbia County CASA. In addition, there will be a multi-prize basket raffle happening at the event that will include items donated by participating vendors and area businesses which will also benefit CASA.
The event will be held at Countryside Portable Buildings located at W11438 State Hwy 33 between Portage and Baraboo. The event will be mostly outside, but the vendors are going to set up in the portable buildings, so it is a rain or shine event.
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Salvation Army Coat Drive Collection & Distribution
The Salvation Army Coat Drive Collection is happening on Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 17. Drop off new or gently used clean jackets, coats, snow pants, hats, mittens and boots to Portage Police Department, Portage Cleaners, Portage Children's Library or local Portage churches.
Also accepted are gently used and clean winter coats, infant to adult and snow boots of all sizes. There is a special need for kid's sizes. Please make sure items have workable buttons, zippers and snaps.
Coat distribution will be held, with social distancing and masks required, at the Portage Fairgrounds Building #8 (Superior Street entrance) on Friday, October 23 from 2pm to 6pm and Saturday, October 24 from 9am to 2pm. For more information, contact Nancy Schaper at 608-742-7242.
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Pumpkin Blowout at Festival Foods
Pumpkin Blowout is coming up from 8am-5pm on Saturday, October 3. It will look different this year (no activities for the kids), but there will still be a great selection of pumpkins at low prices.
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City of Portage Fall Clean-Up
The City of Portage will again be collecting residential refuse consisting of large/bulky items on Saturday, October 3 from 8am to 2pm at the Municipal Garage located at 616 Washington Street.
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Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative news
Hey ACEC members! Join in the electronic recycling event in Pardeeville on Friday, October 16 from 10am to 2pm at the ACEC office, W6290 State Rd 33. Since the previous electronic recycling event was such a hit, it's back again this year! Remember, this event is exclusively for members of Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative. Follow COVID-19 guidelines and practice social distancing as well. Please do not get out of your car; employees will retrieve items from your vehicle and put them in the dumpster. Members may bring up to 5 items per membership including 1 TV or monitor. Visit our website for a list of what types of accepted electronics.
Upcoming deadlines:
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Operation Round-Up applications are due by October 15.
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STEM Grant applications are due by November 1. Share this with the educators in your community so we can help their classroom!
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Help us find former members of ours that have moved off of our lines and may have forgot to keep us updated with a current address. They have unclaimed patronage capital (a.k.a. money!) Please take a moment to look through this list. If you see someone you know on the list, please ask them to contact Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative directly.
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Monica Jagel virtual exhibit at PCA
Please note that opening receptions have been temporarily suspended, and both gallery hours and capacity limits are reduced until further notice. Free admission always. Onsite exhibit runs through October 30.
Monica has a BFA degree and is a certified botanical illustrator. She works in her home studio and finds inspiration all around her farm in the beautiful Driftless region of Wisconsin. Her goal is to use her artwork to support the well-being of the natural world and all beings who live upon the earth.
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$60 for 6 Weeks of Chair Yoga
Bee Alive Yoga is offering a 6-week chair yoga program, perfect for those with limited ability. The $60 for 6 Weeks offer is valid October 5 through November 19. Sessions are held Monday & Wednesdays at 4:30pm and Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10am.
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Kids Pumpkin Painting Workshop
Let's paint pumpkins! Kids are welcome during this pumpkin painting workshop at Edgewater Home & Garden on Saturday, October 3 from 10am to 1pm. Cost per child is $5 and includes small pumpkin, disposable paint brush and paint plate.
Please call (608) 742-6558 to make a reservation. Space is limited. We will be practicing social distancing, so please call with any questions.
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Free Yoga at the Portage Public Library
Join Madleen Alsabbah from Bee Alive Yoga Studio at the Portage Public Library on Wednesday, October 7 from 6pm to 7pm for a free yoga session! Space is limited. Must register in advance. The weather is getting cooler, so we are changing the location from Pauquette Park to the library, 253 W. Edgewater St., and the time from morning to evening.
Beginners are welcome. Bring a yoga mat if you have one. To register, email programs@portagelibrary.us or call the library at 608-742-4959. The program is generously funded by the Friends of the Portage Library.
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Become a substitute teacher
The Portage Community School District is in high need of both substitute teachers and paraprofessionals.
Make a difference in a student’s life! Become a substitute teacher. You'll enjoy free online training, a flexible schedule, your choice of schools and subjects, competitive weekly pay, bonus opportunities, 401(k), and more. No prior teaching experience is required.
The minimum requirements in Wisconsin remain an Associate’s degree or higher with the Three Year Substitute license (https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/licensing/types/three-year-substitute) for substitute teachers, and a high school diploma/GED with the Special Education Aide license (https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/licensing/types/special-ed-aide). At this time, Teachers on Call will offer reimbursement for the cost of the Special Education Aide license once substitute paraprofessionals work 40 hours. Share your knowledge in the classroom by working as a substitute in the Portage Community School District!
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Super Savings at Portage Lumber
Come to Portage Lumber for the semi-annual Milwaukee Door Buster Sale for one day only, Saturday, October 3. Check out these highlights:
- FREE battery with select Milwaukee Bare Tools (9am-1pm ONLY). Limited quantities.
- $100 OFF select M18 Milwaukee Power Tool Kits
- All stock Milwaukee Power Tools & Outdoor Equipment ON SALE - one day only!
- Up to 40% OFF select stock Milwaukee accessories (9am-1pm)
- Milwaukee rep on sight to answer your questions & demo new tools
- BIGGEST SAVINGS of the Season.
- Enter to WIN a grand prize!
*limited quantities on hand. limited quantities per customer. see store for full details.
For more information, call Portage Lumber at 608-742-7186.
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Agrace Offers Three Virtual Support Groups
Agrace will offer three virtual grief support group series hosted by its grief support specialists in October. The groups will meet online, using Zoom, and are open to the public. There is no fee for people whose family member was in hospice care in the past 12 months; fees for others can be lowered or waived for others, if needed. Call 608-327-7118 with questions or to register.
- Journey Through Grief is a six-week grief support group series for adults. It meets Wednesdays, September 30 to November 4, from 6pm to 7:30pm. Pre-registration required.
- Spouse/Partner Loss Support Group is a six-week series for adults who are grieving the death of a spouse or partner. It meets Mondays, October 12 to November 16, from 9:30am to 11am. Pre-registration is required.
- Young Adult Group is a four-week series for adults 18 to 30 years old who are grieving a death. It meets Wednesdays, October 7 to October 28, from 7pm to 8pm. Pre-registration is required.
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First Weber Realtors 2nd Annual Trivia Night
Come join us for our 2nd annual Trivia Night fundraiser benefiting Sleep In Heavenly Peace on Saturday, October 17 from 6pm to 11pm at the Portage VFW, 215 W. Collins Street. There will be free food, prizes, raffles, a wine pull and other fun contests throughout the night. We gave away over $2,000 worth of prizes last year! Do not miss this fun evening benefiting a great cause!
Cost is $20 per person with teams of up to 6 people. Prizes awarded to the winning team of each round!
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Not A Book Sale Fundraiser
Your absence is requested at this year's Fall non-event fundraiser! Normally the Friends of the Library is able to meet its fundraising goal by holding two book sales and hosting a night or two at Culver's. But with COVID-19, they have decided to hold a Not a Book Sale Fundraiser, hoping people will appreciate efforts to keep them safe while continuing to fund the quality programming the library offers.
Instead of purchasing books at the fall book sale, show your support of the Portage Public Library by staying home and staying safe. In return, consider making a donation in the amount that you would have spent at the book sale to the Portage Library by November 15.
Donations can be made sent to Friends of the Portage Library, 253 W. Edgewater Street, Portage, WI 53901.
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Portage FFA Alumni - Chicken BBQ Fundraiser
The Portage FFA Alumni will be hosting their annual Chicken Barbecue at Portage High School on Sunday, October 18 from 11am to 2pm near the Autoshop. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s barbecue will be a drive-up event. Meals will cost $12 for a half-chicken plus sides and $10 for a quarter-chicken plus sides.
Meals will be delivered directly to your car. All proceeds from the barbecue are used by Alumni members to provide scholarships to area FFA members in pursuit of 2- and 4-year degrees.
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Fox Cities Paranormal Team at the Library
Halloween is right around the corner…interested in the paranormal? Fox Cities Paranormal Team will be coming to the Portage Public Library on Wednesday, October 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Learn about how paranormal research is conducted.
Must register in advance. Space is limited for this free event. To register, email programs@portagelibrary.us or call 608-742-4959.
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Spread the word about Portage!
Use #portagewi in your social media posts.
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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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Text PORTAGE to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Portage events
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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.
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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