April, 2020
Forest County Chamber Connection
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In The News:
Are you interested in becoming more involved within your Community and the Chamber? Here is a list of Chamber Committee Vacancies:
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Ambassador
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Responsible for welcoming your business to the area, recognizing business expansions or improvements, and (most importantly) recruiting new members whenever possible.
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First Impressions
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Generates ideas and plans for improvements, as well as implements these plans.
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Retail Holiday Promotions/Open House
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Held to kick off and promote the holiday shopping season in Forest County***Develop County-wide shop local campaign***
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Brush Run & World Championship Off-Road Races
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Volunteer stations for food & beverage ticket sales
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Visitor Guide
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Offer input, develop and produce a high quality official County Visitor guide, which comes out on a yearly basis
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Shank Open Melinda Otto Memorial
Golf Outing
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Kentuck Festival & Kentuck Classic Car Show
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The purpose of this event is to draw retail business to the area.
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Art in the Square
The purpose of this event is to draw retail business to the area
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Upcoming Meetings, Events & Holidays, A Word From The Executive Director,
Community Events,
Help Support our businesses by joining the Chambers Virtual Community Support events, Updates from Chamber members, Advertisement Specials, Norhtwoods United Way news, Scam Alert, Elections, Chamber Membership, Member-to-Member Services, Chamber Member Business of the Month, Forest Counties Industrial Park Business Expansions, Leadership Forest County, Forest County Tourism Promotion Application, Shop Local
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Upcoming Meetings, Events & Holidays:
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April
1
- 2020 Census Day
3
- Chalk Your Walk - Forest County Chamber of Commerce
6-10
- Virtual Spirit Week - Forest County Chamber of Commerce
7
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SPRING 2020 ELECTION and PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY
11 -
Easter Bunny Tour - Forest County Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Crandon Lions Club (more information coming soon via our FB page)
21
- Social Media/Email Virtual Workshop - Forest County Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Kim Swisher Communications, LLC
May
9
-8th Annual Bear 100 Bike Race; Laona
9
- Wabeno Area Players Presents "Huisman Honors Recital"
23
- Forest County Humane Society Critter Jam
*For a complete listing of event(s) and event flyers, please visit the Chamber Event Calendar website at
Event Calendar
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If we only knew how time consuming all these wonderful facebook resource groups that have been created are to keep our community up to date and educated! Thank you to the wonderful Admins and Community Contributors of these groups!
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A Word From The Executive Director
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April - has come in like a lion!
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COVID-19 Pandemic
The Forest County Chamber office worked and continues to work collaboratively with local and state representatives for updates in regards to how the business community is being impacted. I attended numerous webinars who's service was directed with the combined state chamber, manufacturer's association and the safety council to obtain consistent and accurate information that we can share with our business community during these extraordinary times. The Chamber will continue to take advantage of all future opportunities like this as they continue. These webinars host speakers such as Gov. Evers, Dept. of Health Services, Dept. of Workforce Development, WI Economic Development Corporation, Travel WI, SBA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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Forest County Broadband Grant Award Announcement
A huge win for Forest County as the Forest County broadband grant application has been awarded according to the PSC website.
The economic impact of broadband in our community will provide our individuals and businesses to grow. Improvements will bring impacts of improvement in such areas as; bringing local businesses to global markets, educational opportunities, customer e-commerce savings, increase area job growth, connect public to healthcare, Individual start and business growth, attract visitors to local businesses, less communicating and more virtual work capabilities, businesses to run more efficiently, and better increase economic options and outcome for area youth.
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Help Support Your
Local Community & Small Businesses
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Who wants to support Forest County's small businesses?
Who wants to give back?
We all know the businesses are struggling and feel the heavy burden of worry during this time.
Let's show and remind them that we are here, we are thinking of them.
The Forest County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Creative Screen Printing/Northern Tees and Gifts to make available these shirts that will be available in a
variety of colors and can be found and ordered through
Creative Screen Printing/Northern Tees and Gifts website within the next few days. After purchasing online or by phone, curbside pick up or mail delivery will be available.
100% of all proceeds go straight back into small businesses here in Forest County.
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Help Support our businesses by joining the Chambers Virtual Community Support events!
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Updates from Chamber Members
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Dvorak's Docks - Open for business by phone or email.
Hotel Crandon - Closed for the duration to remodel the kitchen.
Teddy G Autobody - Will be closed for a week however has been staying busy. Concerned of the effects of less cars on the road how that will affect the shop.
Chad Swanson Insurance Agency - Open for business by phone or email.
Flowers from the Heart/UB's Northwoods Emporium - Open for business however staff has been laid off. Bruce is running a one man show working to get projects completed while keeping the store open during this slow time.
Associated Bank - Lobby is closed, drive-thru is open during regular business hours. Information on COVID-19 relief program for consumers and small business owners can be found
here.
Laona State Bank - W
e encourage you to use our online, mobile banking, drive thru services and ATM's as our lobby's are closed in all locations this includes the Schaefer's branch.
Jameson's Whiskey Darlin' - We are currently in the process of an indoor/outdoor remodel to include a drive thru!
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ADVERTISING SPECIALS
Heartland Communications
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Northwoods United Way News
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SCAM ATTEMPT
Wabeno Lions Club
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Hello fellow Lions, I hope you are all healthy and keeping busy while sheltering at home. I'm writing to let you know about an attempt to scam some money from the Wabeno Lions Club. Our treasurer, Deb, received an email from someone pretending to be me, and asking to have money transferred to a bank account in another state, to sponsor a program. Fortunately, she questioned it and nothing was transferred. We don't how they got our information. Maybe off the Lions website, or hacking a computer. In any event, please exercise extreme caution and report anything that looks unusual. I have notified our District Governor and asked her to warn the other Lions Clubs in our district and in the state in case they are targeting Lions.
Lion Rich
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2020 Census Day -
APRIL 1
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COMPLETE YOUR 2020 CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE
MORE 2020 CENSUS COVERAGE
- On February 17, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway held a news conference with other community leaders on the importance of the 2020 Census.
- On October 28, Governor Evers signed Executive Order #55 creating a Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census.
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SPRING 2020 ELECTION and PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY
APRIL 7, 2020
Tomorrow’s the last day to request an absentee ballot!!
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March 27, 2020
Today, the Governor asked the legislative leadership to work together on behalf of those performing their constitutional duty to administer the elections and those who are trying to exercise their constitutional right to vote—with the safety of our people as the top priority.
While we cannot mitigate every challenge with the upcoming April election, the Governor believes we can work together to put some measures in place to protect the safety of the people of Wisconsin.
With that in mind, the Governor is asking the legislature to immediately pass legislation to do the following:
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Allow voters the opportunity to vote from home by sending an absentee ballot to every registered voter
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Allow absentee ballots postmarked the day of the election to be counted
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Extend the time period to give clerks extra time to count the influx of absentee ballots
The Governor knows we have to act quickly, ensure everyone can safely exercise their right to vote, and keep our people safe.
Words cannot express our appreciation for all your work. We know you all are out their creating solutions to challenges.
Thank you again. As this situation impacts every person in the state of Wisconsin, we thank you for your service.
Jamie Kuhn
Director of Outreach
Office of Governor Tony Evers
Office Phone: 608-266-7606
pronouns: she/her/hers
***PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MUNICIPALITY AND REQUEST TO VOTE ABSENTEE***
Fore more information regarding the School District of Crandon referendum please view the districts facebook site post here:
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FOREST COUNTY CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
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FCCC Membership
5 Star Marketing, A&M Property Management, Advanced Disposal, Antigo Area Shopper, Appraisal Shoppe, Argonne Lumber & Supply Inc., Associated Bank-Crandon, Best Wash of Crandon, Best Western Crandon Inn & Suites, Big Easel, Cellcom, Century 21 Northwoods Team, Chad Swanson Agency LLC, Charlie's Lake Metonga Resort, LLC, Childers Appraisals, Conway True Value Hardware, Covantage Credit Union, Crandon International Off-road Raceway , Crandon Pharmacy, Crandon Water Shows, Dean Distributing, Double K, Inc Hometown Trolley, Duck's Bar, Dvorak's Docks, FC ATV Association, FCEDP, Final Touch Construction, Flannery Trucking Company, Forest Abstract Company, Forest County Advertising, Forest County UW Extension, Forest Granite Works, Forest TV & Appliance, Four Seasons Motel, Glen Park Condos Association, Gowey Abstract Title Co, Group Therapy, H&R Block, Health In Motion, Heartland Communications, Hiles Pine Lake Campground, Heartland Communications LLC, Hotel Crandon, Integrity Realtors, Iron County Community Broadcasting, Jameson's Whiskey Darlin', Kim Swisher Communications LLC., Lakeview Loft, Land & Lake Lawn Care, Laona State Bank-Crandon, Liquor Lode & Wine House LLC., Little Pine Motel, Lotters of Crandon, Main Street Ed's, Main Street Inn, Maplewood Villa, Marco, Mecilkalski Stovewood Museum, Millian Forestry Care, Mole Lake Casino Lodge Conference Center, MSA Professional Services Inc., Naunkca LLC., Newcap Inc., Nicolet Area Technical College, Nicolet Country Club, Northern Lake Service Inc., Northern Lake Service, Northern Power Sports, Northern Tees & Gifts, Northwoods Association of Realtors, Northwoods Inn, Northwoods Insurance Agency, Northwoods Mobile Welding & Custom Metal Works LLC., Northwoods United Way, NRG Media LLC Northwoods, On Deck Platter, Pack Em Inn, Palubicki's Eats & Treats, Parson's Auto & Truck Sales, Piacenza's on Wabikon, Potawatomi Carter Casino Hotel, Potawatomi Traveling Times, Riepenhoffs Butternut Lake Cabins, Rustic Allure, Rusty's Wabeno Bowl, School District of Crandon, School District of Wabeno Area, Dean Schramka, Smith Sport & Hobby, Sommer Olk Schroeder & Payant LLP., Taproot Insights, Teddy G Autobody, The Center for Human Restoration, The Crystal Bell Inn & Spa B&B LLC., The Forest Republican, Town of Laona, Town of Lincoln, Town of Wabeno, Trailside Hideway LLC., UB's Northwoods Emporium, Village Inn Laundromat, Wabeno, Area Players, Clem & Sandra Walentowski, Walentowski Builders Inc., Waste Management, Wayne Line CPA SC., Weber-Hill Funeral Home, WI Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Wally & Mary Wied, Wisconsin Public Service Corp., Wolf River Pharmacy, WXPR Public Radio, Yaeger Oil Co. Inc/Laona Machine Supply
Your membership has value, and, as a member you are valued!
For information on becoming a member, please contact the Chamber office at (715) 478-3450.
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THANK You for Your Membership
- Heartland Communications Group LLC
- Northwoods Inn; Home of the Bucktails Lounge Inc.
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THANKS for Renewing Your Membership This Month
- NRG Media
- Johnnies Resort
- Forest TV & Appliance
- Best Wash of Crandon
- Northwoods Insurance Agency
- Yaeger Oil Company Inc./Laona Machine Supply
- Piacenza's On Wabikon
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CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Walentowski Builders LLC
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My dad, Ed was a contractor and would take me to work with him when I was young. My job was to pick up cut off scrap lumber and nails and put them in a pile. I worked for my Dad through grade school and high school. After graduation, I was drafted and served a tour in Vietnam. Returning home I married my wife Gloria and started a family.
I worked for the city of Crandon as a police Officer in the 1970's doing small construction jobs in my spare time.
Aftr 4 years I went back to construction, building homes, garages, additions, steel and shingle roofing, and pole buildings. I am a former dealer for Walters buildings.
We are a lead certified company and member of the B.B.B.
For all your building needs, call:
Darren
715-478-3459
715-889-0433
Rodger
715-478-3853
715-889-0430
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MEMBER TO MEMBER SERVICES
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Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) has reached out to the Forest County Chamber Office in regards to their Annual PBS Wisconsin Auction. As a Chamber of Commerce, our local businesses have a unique ability to showcase our Community through a package donation highlighting your local business and activities. Last year, their first online-exclusive Auction generated more than
18,000 bids
over the course of 14 days. Items on the site were viewed more than
77,000 times
, and the average bidder placed 28 bids.
We are reaching out to our member businesses for those who would like to participate in this years event by donating. Last year the Laona Chamber of Commerce and their membership businesses participated and the Forest County Chamber will partner with them to make a donation on behalf of Forest County, the area we serve. Last year member businesses who donated auction items received advertising space on the WPT auction page, which gained national exposure for tourism and vacation activities.
Please contact the Chamber at (715) 478-3450
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FOREST COUNTY'S INDUSTRIAL PARK BUSINESS EXPANSIONS!
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Hometown Manufacturing Expansion!
The main purpose of this addition is to update and move the paint department from across the street into the main facility so all production is under one roof!
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Infinity Wood Floors Expected Expansion Soon to Come!
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APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Leadership Forest County
Leadership Forest County is a nine-month program that will cultivate and prepare emerging leaders in Forest County. Leadership Forest County creates an awareness of services and organizations within the County, and reinforces an individual’s call to civic responsibility and citizen involvement.
Overview
Leadership Forest County meets monthly for day-long sessions, from 8:30am to 4:30pm, beginning with a kick-off and introduction and ending with a graduation ceremony. Each monthly session will focus on a specific area within the County including business, industry, medical education, government, and community service. Program activities will include touring Forest County businesses, meeting with community leadership, and completing a community project.
The program fee is $345 per participant from a Chamber Member business. Non-Chamber Members fees are $375 per participant, and will cover all expenses including the retreat, lunches for each monthly session, and program materials.
Leadership Forest County is open to all Forest County residents and/or employees of Forest County businesses. Two 50% scholarships are available, and will be awarded based upon need and candidate qualifications.
The 2020-2021 Leadership Forest County program is limited to 20 participants. To graduate, a minimum of 90% attendance is required. Absenteeism will result in being dropped from the program. Program tuition is non-refundable.
UPDATE: The 2020 Program Overview consist of the following outline:
Day 1: Kick-Off
Day 2: Law Enforcement & Government Day
Day 3: Tribal Communities & Project Day
Day 4: Education Day
Day 5: Mid-Year Retreat Day
Day 6: Medical Day
Day 7: Business, Art & Culture Day
Day 8: Media & Community Service Day
Day 9: Community Project & Graduation Day
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FOREST COUNTY TOURISM PROMOTION APPLICATION
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The Forest County Tourism Commission (FCTC) has established a program to encourage and promote the expansion of tourism in Forest County, which is funded by room tax revenue. FCTC will consider funding requests which clearly show benefits to Forest County in the following categories: economic development, tourism, destination development, and special community events or projects which enhance the quality of life. All room tax funding recipients must comply with all Federal, State and Local regulations regarding nondiscrimination and operate within the affirmative action policy. Advertising funds to be spent on ‘attracting and creating overnight stays’, i.e. ‘heads in beds’. Overnight stays generally infers that advertising be done outside of Forest County reaching visitors traveling in excess of 60-75 miles, and the immediate area.
TOURISM PROMOTION APPLICATIONS;
Applicants must be complete or will not be considered for funding. Objectives and benefits to the community must be defined in measurable and specific terms. FCTC has adopted a yearly one-time application submission process period, open for submission January 1, and closes June 1. All applications must be forwarded by the June 1
st
deadline either electronically to
Director@visitforestcounty.com
or to the Forest County Tourism Commission, 116 S. Lake Avenue, Crandon, WI. 54520. The Commission reserves the right to modify or deny requests.
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Shop
Chamber
As the holidays are fast approaching, I would like to introduce you to ShopChamber. ShopChamber is designed to encourage member-to-member business, referrals and support for Forest County Businesses. When we “shop” our local community, and specifically Chamber members, we directly promote and stimulate a strong and vibrant local economy.
ShopChamber goes beyond retail merchants and benefits all member businesses and organizations. Whether you’re planning an event, buying or remodeling a home, renting and furnishing an office, going out to dinner, or shopping, our members offer excellent products and services for all your professional and personal needs.
Check out the Chambers
Chamber Bucks
for a complete member list. Chamber Bucks are available for purchase in increments of $5 (Example: $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, on up).
Take advantage of the ShopChamber Program and grow your Forest County business this year! Chamber Bucks can be purchased at the Forest County Chamber of Commerce located at 116 South Lake Avenue in Crandon. You can place an order ahead of time by calling
There is no fee to purchase Chamber Bucks. The Forest County Chamber of Commerce incurs all costs involved, as they consider this a valuable service to provide to members.
If you are a business and would like to be added to the list of Chamber member businesses, please contact our office today.
The Chamber thanks you in advance for investing in Forest County!
Chamber Bucks may be redeemed at any of the participating Chamber Businesses. If you are a business and would like to be added to the list of Chamber member businesses whom accept Chamber Bucks, please contact our office today.
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Argonne Lumber & Supply
Best Western Crandon Inn & Suites
Charlie’s Lake Metonga Resort
Conway True Value
Crandon Pharmacy
Crystal Bell Inn & Spa
Duck’s Bar
Dvoraks Docks
Flannery Trucking
Forest TV & Appliance
Forest Granite Works
Four Seasons Motel
Group Therapy
Health in Motion
Jameson's Whiskey Darlin'
Johnnies Resort
Land & Lake Lawn Care
Laona Machine Supply/LMS
Laundromat, Village Inn (by appt.)
Liquor Lode & Wine House
Little Pine Motel
Lotter’s of Crandon
Main Street Ed’s
Main Street Inn
Mole Lake Casino Lodge Conf. Ctr.
Naunkca LLC
Nicolet Country Club
Northern Power Sports
Northern Tees & Gifts
On Deck Platter
Pack Em Inn
Palubicki’s Eats ’N Treats
Parson’s of Crandon
Potawatomi Carter Casino Hotel
Rustic Allure
Rusty’s Wabeno Bowl
Schaefer’s IGA
Smith Sport & Hobby
The Center for Human Restoration
The Forest Republican
Trailside Hideaway
UB's Northwoods Emporium
Water’s Edge Lodge
Wolf River Pharmacy
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