Greetings!
April 1. - This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four. Mark Twain
Happy April! I’m not so sure I agree with Mr. Twain but there are days that I think he just might have been on to something!
We have a very busy Spring so be sure to read your newsletter and watch the weekly reviews for all the pertinent information. Believe me, there is a lot you will want to know about.
And, remember that as a Chamber member you can submit articles for both publications about accolades your business receives or upcoming events you would like to share. You can also add events to the community calendar. We will be doing our best to beef the calendar to make it the “go to” page for residents and visitors to Verona!
We really want to encourage everyone to sign up early for events so our hosts can have accurate counts as they prepare for us! Check out the details on the following events and then click on the register button!
The kids at the high school are getting ready to create a wonderful breakfast for us on April 6th at 7:30 am. This event is a tasty and terrific way for you to learn more about the programs at the school and how your business can partner with the youth in the community. They are our future leaders!
We hope you will attend the Networking Lunch on Wednesday, April 12th. Holiday Inn is graciously hosting us and you will get to experience the food from the newly opened It’s Time Grill & Pub. The Fitchburg/Verona Rotary will also be on hand to update you on their upcoming event!
AND, an event you really won’t want to miss, if you work with Millennials in any capacity, is our upcoming Business Before Nine program! On Tuesday, April 18th (7:30 am), Chamber member – Greg Oelerich from ActionCOACH will be presenting on this very interesting topic.
It’s also a bit further away, but please add to your calendar now, the Chamber’s Mega Mixer on May 18th at Wisconsin Brewing. We are hosting members from surrounding area Chambers and we want to outnumber them! And, show them our great community and Chamber!
Oh, and just to see if you are reading this… The Chamber will be moving to Hawaii next fall for the Winter.
– April Fool’s!
Le
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The walls are getting painted and the new flooring goes down next week! We are going to have some furniture to unload, so stay informed by following our Renovation project on
Facebook! There will be some great deals available!
In the meantime, if you need to see us, we're on the third floor of the Wisconsin Bank & Trust building on the corner of Highway PD and Verona Road. Just let a teller know you're here to see us and they'll let you up.
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Request for Plant Donations
Phase two of our remodeling project is beautifying our outdoor space (on a budget!) If you or anyone you know needs to cut back your gardens, The Chamber would be thrilled to accept plant donations for our landscape! Please send donation offers and any questions you might have to Le Jordan at ljordan@veronawi.com
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Streetscape Project Meetings
Beginning April 20 at 9 am
Tuvalu Coffeehouse & Gallery
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The City of Verona has scheduled bi-weekly meetings that will occur during construction of S. Main Street. The meetings will start April 20, 2017 and occur every other Thursday at 9am in the back room of Tuvalu Coffee House at the corner of S. Main Street and Church Avenue.
This meeting is for the business owners so we can answer any questions regarding the project and provide an update on the schedule.
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Public Works - Brush pickup begins on the
2nd and
4th Monday of each month. Please place brush in the curb line and parallel with the curb just prior to the scheduled pickup. Thanks.
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Business Education Breakfast
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April 6 - Please join us for the Business Education Breakfast Thursday,
April 6th at 7:30 am at the Verona Area High School in the K-Cafe (K-Wing). Presented by the Business Education Partnership Committee and the staff at Verona Area High School. In addition to a free meal, the morning will feature brief presentations from VAHS Staff and students on programming taking place at the school. We will be done within an hour, with an optional tour of VAHS facilities at the end of the presentations.
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April 12 - Our next Networking Lunch is Wednesday, A
pril 12 at 11:30 am - 1 pm at the Holiday Inn Express and catered by the NEW It's Time Grill & Pub! The Rotary Club will be giving a brief 15 minute presentation on their upcoming 10k Raffle fundraiser (more details on that later in this newsletter). As always, there is an early registration discount that ends 5 days prior to the event, so get your registration in today!
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Millenials in the Workplace
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Yes, they're on their way. The Millennials are entering the work force in huge numbers, and in many cases they are going to replace retiring Gen Xers. Would you like to understand the changes you'll see before they get here?
Join Greg Oelerich from ActionCOACH of Madison at the
Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Tuesday, April 18th at 7:30 am and learn the top 5 things you need to know about this generation as they enter the workforce.
· What are the differences between Gen X and Millennials?
· What really makes Millennials tick?
· Why do we need to adapt to their work styles?
· How can I motivate this generation?
We'll share the 5th learning that will completely change the way you see the opportunity that is ahead of you and your business at the seminar.
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Storm Guard Restoration
Ribbon Cutting
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April 20 - Storm Guard Restoration is inviting the Chamber to join them for a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening April 20th from 4 pm - 5 pm at their
South Wisconsin location on 137 Enterprise Dr., Verona, WI 53593. There will be some light refreshments and a chance to win a $25 giveaway!
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Think you've met everyone there is to meet? Meet someone NEW at the Chamber MEGA Mixer!
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May 18 - The Verona Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting Chamber Members from all over Dane County from New Glarus to Sun Prairie and everywhere in between, to join us for a FREE Networking Event at the Wisconsin Brewing Company!
The Chamber Mega Mixer on Thursday, May 18th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at the Wisconsin Brewing Company! This will be a great kick off to the spring/summer season!
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Fisher King Winery Grand Opening
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May 26 - Fisher King Winery is planning a grand opening ceremony for
Friday, May 26th from 5 - 6:30 pm. There will be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony shortly after 5 pm followed by refreshments. Then sit and stay awhile to hear live music from 6:30 - 8 pm!
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Save the Date! Save the Date!
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What’s the best part of a Verona Chamber event! The members in attendance! So, we want to make sure you don’t miss any of our fun events that are already booked!
Information on all the events will be sent via email and there will be details in our weekly reviews (make sure you open and read them… lots of good information!) and our monthly newsletter!
But, put the dates on your calendar now!
- Business Education Breakfast - April 6 - 7:30 am
- Networking Lunch - April 12 - 11:30 am
- Business Before Nine - April 18 - 7:30 am
- Ribbon Cutting at Storm Guard - April 20 - 4 pm
- Networking Lunch - May 10 - 11:30 am
- Chamber Mega Mixer – May 18 - 5 pm
- Grand Opening at Fisher King - May 26 -
- Hometown Days – June 1-4
- American Family Champions Golf – June 19-25
- Golf Outing – July 21
- Summer Fun event – TBD
- ChamberFest Fall Bonfire – Sept 21
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VERONA HOMETOWN DAYS 2017
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Verona Hometown Days is WELL under way! We have lots of great events planned and we look forward to working with you to make this year the best year ever!
We will be updating you every week with news about Hometown Days, but if you ever have any questions or are looking for ways to participate, give us a call at 845-5777! We can always use volunteers in our Spin the Wheel tent, but there are other areas of participation as well. Get involved and show your community pride!
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Are you a "maker"? Do you have a hidden talent for pottery or painting? Are you a struggling jeweler? Do you have a passion for woodworking or soddering? Are you a pinterest addict who upcycles everything and are running out of room in your house?
Do you know somebody who is? The Chamber is looking for some talented locals to set up a booth in the Hometown Days Marketplace. Space is limited so click the registration button below and get your forms in soon!
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We would LOVE to see all our Chamber Members in the parade! If you haven't marched before, consider it this year! It's a great opportunity to get your business's name out to the community and drum up some business! Verona residents are a community oriented bunch. Show your community pride! If you've never marched before and aren't sure where to start, call Molly at 845-5777 or e-mail info@veronawi.com with your questions.
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Member Events and Updates
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Don't Forget to Vote Next Tuesday!
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Check out our fact sheet sharing final details on the three questions you will see on the April 4 ballot. Don’t forget you can vote early as polling locations are open
NOW THROUGH MARCH 31 for In-Person/Absentee Voting. (
Don’t forget your photo ID!)
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Verona Trail Community Celebration
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May 6 - The Ice Age Trail Alliance is holding a Ribbon Cutting event on May 6th at the Badger Prairie Park - Shelter #1 to induct Verona as an Ice Age Trail Community! The day begins with a Tyke Hike from Shelter #1 to the library.
Then from 10 am - 10:30 am, there will be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with local officials, followed by a short hike from Prairie Moraine back to Badger Prairie Park (transportation will be available).
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Music at Hop Haus Brewing Co.!
231 S Main St, Verona, WI 53593
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Thursday, April 6
Mike's MUD Music 7-9 pm
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Music at Tuvalu Coffeehouse & Gallery!
300 S Main St #101, Verona, WI 53593
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Friday, 3/31
7 pm: Brett Schwartz & Liv Rather | FREE
Saturday, 4/1
7 pm: Krause Family Band | FREE
Friday, 4/7
7 pm: Madison Songwriter Showcase featuring Hannah Busse, John Crossman, & Thistle Petterson
$5 donation
Saturday, 4/8
7 pm: Noah Gabriel & Meggie Shays | FREE
Saturday, 4/22
7 pm: Keith Hampton & Michael Mood | FREE
Friday, 4/28
7 pm: Rachel & Alan | FREE
Saturday, 4/29
7 pm: Open Stage with Nick Venturella | FREE
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Upcoming Events at JnJ Craftworks!
Sip n Shop Ladies Night Out
Thursday, May 11 at 5 pm - 8 pm
Join us for an evening sip n shop event! It's a free fun loaded night for all you Ladies!
Shop from local, meet our artist / designers and grab a chance to win a great selection of raffle items while enjoying light hors d'oeuvres and wine.
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Upcoming Events at the Verona Public Library
500 Silent St, Verona, WI 53593
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Growing Tomatoes in Dane County
Thursday, April 6, 7–8 pm
Plan ahead now for the sweet taste of home-grown tomatoes this summer. Get information at the Verona Public Library on Thursday, April 6, from 7 to 8 pm on how to select and grow the best tomatoes for your garden. Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable raised in our area, yet they’re challenging to grow. A certified Master Gardener Volunteer from Dane County UW-Extension will share information about successfully growing tomatoes in Dane County. You’ll learn how to choose the right varieties, prevent and deal with diseases, start tomatoes from seeds, and harvest and store tomatoes.
Heartline Theatricals presents:
The Bard on Broadway: Songs and Trivia from Shakespeare’s Surprising Musical Hits
Tuesday, April 18, 6:30-7:30 pm
Can you name 19 musicals that were based on plays by Shakespeare?
The Bard on Broadway, presented by Heartline Theatricals at the Verona Public Library on Tuesday, April 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, features a selection of songs from these shows, some disguised so well you’d never know they were based on familiar classics. In between numbers, a quiz show segment invites the audience to test “How Much Do You Know about Shakespeare?” Shakespeare scholar Sarah Monette provides background information about The Bard’s lasting influence, while a pianist and a cast of professional singers and actors lend him a contemporary voice and showcase his work the way it was meant to be: performed live!
Attendees will have a chance to win a copy of the American Players Theater
A Book of Lore, and two tickets to an Up-the-Hill performance. This performance is made possible with support from the Beyond the Page program, Dane County Libraries, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Madison Community Foundation.
Author Event:
Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
The Education of Will: A Mutual Memoir of a Woman and a Dog
Thursday, April 20, 7-8:30 pm
Join popular local author Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. at the Verona Public Library on Thursday, April 20, from 7 to 8:30 pm. McConnell will discuss her latest book,
The Education of Will: A Mutual Memoir of a Woman and a Dog. This newly-released book is a powerful memoir that describes McConnell’s personal journey with her border collie Willie, and how they turned a life of fear into one of confidence and compassion.
An Associate Professor of Zoology at UW-Madison and world-renowned expert on dog and cat behavior and dog training, Dr. McConnell is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. McConnell’s book,
The Education of Will: A Mutual Memoir of a Woman and a Dog, will be available for sale and signing.
Phosphorus in the Sugar River
Monday, April 24, 6:30-8 pm
Learn more about our local watersheds with Marten Cieslik, construction manager for the city of Verona Public Works department and president of the board of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association (USRWA), at the Verona Public Library on Monday, April 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cieslik will discuss phosphorus levels and management in the upper Sugar River. He will also discuss the stormwater management rebate opportunity for city of Verona residents.
Money Smart Week Event:
Getting to Know Medicare
Tuesday, April 25, 6:30 – 8 pm
Whether you’re new to Medicare or an experienced user, navigating the Medicare system can be challenging. Join Jesse Grutz, of the Retirement Classroom, at the Verona Public Library on Tuesday, April 25, from 6:30 to 8 pm to learn the ins and outs of Medicare. Medicare is always changing, so bring your questions and get the answers you need in this educational seminar.
Money Smart Week Event:
Understanding Annuities
Thursday, April 27, 6:30 – 8 pm
Annuities are one of the most common yet least understood financial products. Join Jesse Grutz, of the Retirement Classroom, at the Verona Public Library on Thursday, April 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to learn about annuities in today’s current financial environment. Grutz will take a critical and objective look at annuities, examine the pros and cons, the different types of annuities, and how annuities can be used.
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The Verona Area Chamber of Commerce is a proud sponsor of the Verona Public Library's "Word on the Street" fundraiser.
As sponsors, we have received 8 entries which we're passing on to you!
Please contact Le Jordan at ljordan@veronawi.com if you are interested in participating in this fun event. First come, first serve!
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Verona Area Chamber of Commerce | (608) 845-5777 | info@veronawi.com | www.VeronaWI.com
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