Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
NEWS BREAK
May 2020
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Hope Springs Eternal
The above message displayed on the front window of Blau Family Chiropractic rings loud and clear. As we head into May, we are encouraged by sunny spring weather and an announcement by Governor Evers of a turning the dial in expanding operations for nonessential businesses. We are looking forward to getting everyone Back to Business. In the meantime, we will continue to keep you updated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have many updates from our members that we want to share with you today in this newsletter.
Please reach out to our office for any questions you may have.
Marianne and Brad
Portage Chamber of Commerce
608-742-6242
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Portage Chamber and City of Portage look to COVID-19 Relief Loan Fund
The Portage Chamber and the City of Portage are in discussions on changing the current facade loan program into a COVID-19 Relief Loan. Details are still being worked out, so we ask you to stay tuned in the next month as we work out the guidelines. Please contact the Chamber at 742-6242 for the details.
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Gov. Evers Announces Expanded Opportunities for Certain Nonessential Businesses
Gov. Tony Evers on Monday announced another turn of the dial in expanding allowed operations for nonessential businesses, providing even more opportunities for businesses to get back to work in a safe and responsible way.
Emergency Order #34, signed by Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm, allows nonessential businesses to do curbside drop-off of goods and animals. This will allow businesses like dog groomers, small engine repair shops, upholstery businesses, and others to safely open. The order also allows outdoor recreational rentals, such as boats, golf carts, kayaks, ATVs, and other similar recreational vehicles. Additionally, automatic or self-service car washes would be able to operate. All of these businesses must operate free of contact with customers by providing payment options online or over the phone, enact proper disinfecting practices, and operations must be able to be performed by one staff member.
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Divine Savior Healthcare Covid-19 Response Fund
Divine Savior Healthcare has been overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support from the community. How you can help Divine Savior and their staff? Stay home, provide well wishes for the healthcare workers you know, donate blood and donate your new, packaged PPE are the best ways you can help.
A Divine Savior COVID-19 Response Fund has been established for those of you who would like to support their staff and efforts financially. Your donated funds will be used for items such as food and comfort items for staff and emergency equipment and supplies required for response here in our community.
Thank you for your support. We are in this together.
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Reward your employees with Papa Murphy's
If you are a business owner you know you have some great people working for you. And right now you are probably looking for ways to demonstrate appreciation for those incredible people. Papa Murphy's have several programs that will help you do that.
The first is to become a Business of the Week. Papa Murphy's will offer a discount to your employees for a week. The second is to purchase pizza certificates, at a significant discount, that you can distribute to your team members. Purchase 1-20 of their one topping signature large pizza, a $10 value, get it for $6 each.
Order more than 20 and they are available for $5 each.
They can also set up an account for your business and create an event tailor made to fit you and your team. Please reach out to me with any questions you might have about any of these opportunities by calling John Davenport, Area Supervisor, Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake at 608-509-6815 or email
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Gov. Evers directs DNR to reopen several State Parks and Forests
Gov. Tony Evers directed the Department of Natural Resources to re-open several state parks, forests, and recreational areas originally closed due to unprecedented crowds and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health.
The DNR will reopen 34 state parks and forests on May 1 under special conditions to help minimize overcrowding, allow for social distancing requirements, and to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for staff and visitors.
“Outdoor recreation is important for both physical and mental health, and I know how important it is to Wisconsinites to get outside and enjoy Wisconsin’s natural resources and spring weather,” said Gov. Evers. “With a few adjustments, like closing one day a week for maintenance and reduced hours of operation, folks should be able to get outside and enjoy our parks safely and respectfully.”
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Hand Sanitizer Available at Spark & Sparkle in Downtown
One of our newest retail shops in downtown is making hand sanitizer. Reach out to Tim to place your order. Bottles are 1 ounce spray bottles. Order 25 or more and each are $3.50 plus tax. Call Tim at 608-434-1212 or email
sparkandsparklellc@gmail.com
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Portage Public Library Opens For Curbside Pick-Up
Starting Monday, April 27 the Library began offering curbside pick-up services. No returns will be accepted and fines will not be assessed. All items are not due until June 1. For all details along with the Community Guidelines please visit
www.portagelibrary.us/CurbsidePickup
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Tips for our Members - Bounce Back Bag Stuffers
Courtesy
WhizBang! Retail Training
Good news! This pandemic lockdown won’t last forever. Do not lose the opportunity now to invite your customers to come back to your business after the restrictions are lifted. Include a bounce-back offer inside every package you send out the door, ship, or deliver.
Bounce back ideas:
• $5 gift certificate (or other appropriate denomination) redeemable when the store opens again. The only fine print should be: One per purchase, please!
• $1 “Buck” for every $20 purchased (or other appropriate amount) to collect and redeem when the store re-opens.
• Come back for a free gift when the store has opened again.
• Free appointment with a personal shopper when restrictions are lifted.
• Free consultation for a wardrobe/room makeover when you can meet with them again .
• If you bought this kind of item during the pandemic, get a discount on this different kind of item when the store opens again.
• Free mini-service when the store opens again.
You don’t need to know when you’ll be open again… you can just say “when the store re-opens” on your bounce-backs. The idea is to invite them, to give them a really fun or valuable reason to come back post-pandemic and shop with you.
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Visit HIAH virtually; Kid's Camp online
Were you hoping to visit the Historic Indian Agency House this May? You still can through live virtual tours!
Opening day has been postponed until June 6. For this year only, from May 15 through June 5, the Agency House will be open in a new way, offering online tours for your enjoyment from the convenience of your home. A docent will guide you through the brand-new visitor center exhibit and the Agency House itself, even including some areas that aren't part of the normal tour!
Because the hour-long tour is live rather than recorded, reservations must be made a minimum of 2 business days in advance of the requested tour time. For more information or to request a tour time,
click here
.
Also, the
Archaeology Kids' Camp will now be offered free online to any students, teachers, and families who are interested! The Historic Indian Agency House and Alliant Energy are committed to providing this opportunity for the community (local, national, and even worldwide) as a way to assist and support teachers and families as schools are closed during the pandemic. Please enjoy this educational opportunity! Visit the
Agency House
website.
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A word from Portage Center for the Arts
Due to Covid-19, several PCA, PACT, and community events have been postponed for the health and safety of customers, performers, volunteers, and staff. Please check the website, calendar, and facebook page for rescheduling updates and ticketing procedures. The PCA appreciates your patience, understanding and continued support! Stay healthy!
PHASE II CONSTRUCTION
Though the doors may temporarily be closed, the PCA is still faced with raising an additional $65K during these uncertain times to meet the Phase II fundraising goal. The PCA is ever grateful for your gifts!
Donate here
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CALL FOR POETRY & FLORALS
Art is now available for viewing by poets and floral artists! Images are being shared via facebook; links to google-drive and dropbox can be emailed on request. Art That Blooms will be held June 5-July 25.
VIRTUAL WRAP EXHIBIT
Our May Drury Gallery art exhibit has gone virtual! Please show your support of these artists by
sharing this link!
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Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Plans for Wisconsin Territory Day
Amidst this pandemic, we have been hard at work planning for this event. Please mark your calendars to join us as we also celebrate our opening for the 2020 season.
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Managing Stress in Uncertain Times
Focusing on What You Can Control to Decrease Stress
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has curated an extensive resource guide for COVID-19. This resource guide includes many broader resources (grief support, social services, health care) as well as a variety of tips for managing stress:
• Understand that your feelings will change daily and may manifest themselves in many ways.
• Understand your personal stress continuum to help you notice your own stress behaviors.
• Be mindful about how you consume news
• Keep focus limited to trusted sources, such as the information on the dedicated CDC website.
• Limit the length of time you focus on news, and consider what medium is best for you.
• Avoiding scrolling social media, where panic and misinformation can spread quickly.
• Practice mindfulness and stay in the moment when possible.
• Carve out time for activities you enjoy.
• Follow daily routines as much as possible.
• Keep active through exercise and movement.
• Keep connected. Maintaining social networks can help maintain a sense of normalcy.
• Seek professional help when needed.
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Small business ideas for Mother's Day and celebrations
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center says that planning, resilience, flexibility, and creativity will help keep small businesses afloat during this time. Graduations, Mother's Day, birthdays, baby showers, and many other causes for celebration provide ample opportunities for savvy business owners.
Many small businesses are offering curbside pickup or even going the extra mile and delivering right to customers' doorsteps. Small businesses are also providing curated care packages tailored to specific celebrations for customers who share love of local goods.
Even if your business is not able to be open during this time, there could be an opportunity to strengthen your brand and connect with your customers through community support by helping others.
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Best Fest 2020 postponed
St. Mary's Best Fest 2020 is being postponed until the weekend of September 11-13, 2020.
More details will follow as plans take shape.
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Portage Farmer's Market To Begin June 4
The Farmer's Market will begin this season on Thursday, June 4 at Commerce Plaza in downtown. If you are interested in being a vendor, you can obtain an
application online here.
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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 Postponed at this time
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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May Chamber Meetings & Events
All meetings & events temporarily postponed.
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Please check our website for to see if an
event has been canceled or postponed.
- Divine Savior Healthcare Run/Walk on June 6 has been canceled.
- Portage Farmer's Market will now start the season on June 4, 2020.
- St. Mary's Best Fest is postponed to September 11-13, 2020.
- VFW events during the month of May have been canceled. A small Memorial Day ceremony will be held with less than 10 people attending.
- Historic Indian Agency House and Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters will be postponing the opening of their tourist season to June 6, 2020.
- Portage Canal Days will be canceled this year.
- Concerts at the Portage, the Wednesday night concerts at the VFW has been canceled for this season.
- Shredding Event with Waddell & Reed on May 2 has been postponed.
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We are keeping you informed of member changes in operations and services; notices of loans and grants for your business as well as other information to help get you through these difficult times.
Please continue to support local businesses now as much as you can. Remember, Community Kindness goes a long way. #PortageWI
- Give support to our healthcare professionals with a call; send an email or a hand-written note; offer a thank you message of support.
- Order food from your local restaurant for take-out or drive thru. Remember to leave a tip, just as if you were dining in.
- Buy gift cards to your favorite local restaurants and retailers now for use or keep them for a neighbor in need for use later.
- Shop online or by phone with our local retailers, many will ship items from their websites, and others will gladly take orders over the phone.
- Purchase a gift card or hair care products from your local hair salon.
- Make monetary donations to your favorite charity, the local food pantry or volunteer to help package food.
- Like, share, and comment on social media posts to help increase business exposure and show that you support them.
- Thank those front-line workers for being open, providing services and caring for you.
- Check in with your family, friends and neighbors to help them during this time.
Please take the appropriate precautions with healthy habits like washing your hands, avoiding direct contact and staying home if you’re sick. Please reach out to our office for any questions you may have.
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