November 2022
Small Business Season is Here!
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Small Business Season! Throughout the holiday shopping season, the Chamber is encouraging consumers to earmark part of their holiday spending in support of local small business.
 
“Small business is the backbone of our economy," said Marianne Hanson, President and CEO of the Portage Chamber. "64% of our new jobs in the US come from small business. When people spend their dollars locally, more money stays local. On average, for every $100 sent locally, $68 of that stays here.”

Small Business Season runs now through December 31.
 
“By implementing Small Business Season, we hope to encourage people to patronize all sorts of small businesses this holiday, Hanson added. "In addition to our wonderful retail options, there are dining establishments, personal service providers, even local artisans that need our support. Small Business Season is a way to help our residents develop a better appreciation for how their spending affects our area and quality of life.”
 
Small Business Season is a free global marketing campaign created to help share the message and educate on the importance of supporting not just a local business, but our neighbors and friends. Small businesses support our community by creating jobs as well as donating to our non-profits, our youth organizations, and our local events. The Chamber is challenging everyone in the area to support small business this holiday season.
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Portage Chamber of Commerce Cookie Walk
Sign your business or organization up now to participate in the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Citywide Cookie Walk happening Saturday, December 3 from 9am to Noon. This year we are asking participating businesses/organizations to provide 200 homemade or store bought cookies.

How it works: Those guests participating in the cookie walk will pick up a cookie box from the Portage Chamber. Boxes will be on sale for $5 per box beginning Monday, November 28. Guests will follow a map and come inside your business to collect their cookie.
Last Call to Advertise in the 2023 Portage Visitors & Community Guide
The Portage Chamber is pleased to offer an opportunity to promote your business in the 2023 Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Community Guide. Reach visitors and residents of the Portage area in this enhanced publication. The deadline to advertise is November 11.

The features of the guide:
• 20,000 printed copies of Guide
• online digital version of Guide where one click links readers to your website
• distribution in rest area along Interstate 39/90/94
• comprehensive community information and highlights
• membership directory listing
• over 10,000 direct mailed to out of state residents for travel trips

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.
Portage State Bank
Portage Community School District
Durward's Glen
Agrace Hospice Care
B&B Hitching Post
Madison College -Portage
Historic Indian Agency House
Wisconsin River Title
Nature's Way Landscaping and Snow Removal LLC
Pride of America Camping Resort
Sheila Link Agency American Family Insurance
The Mercantile
Portage Center for The Arts
Community Bank of Portage
Cardinal FG
Haareway Laser and Skin Rejuvenation Center
General Engineering Company
Hart & Olson Family Dentistry
Culver’s
Miller, Brussell, Ebben & Glaeske LLC
Fenske & Associates LLC
Blau Family Chiropractic
Portage Pizza Ranch
Kratz Funeral Home
Ho-Chunk Gaming WI Dells
Pointon Heating and Air Conditioning
Terrytown Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
La Tolteca Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital & Clinics
Portage Lumber Do-It Best
Best Western Resort Hotel & Conference Center 
Portage Area Caring Tree
The Holidays will soon be here. The Portage Area Caring Tree is available and willing to help those in need with Christmas gifts for their children, who must be under 17 to qualify. All applications must be filled out in detail and sent to the address listed on the application prior to the deadline of November 28. Click here to get an application. If you have any questions regarding The Portage Area Caring Tree, you may call Vickie at 608-617-6112.
Bee Alive Yoga specials
Through November 5, First Responders and Prison/Jail Employees (Must Present Employee ID) can enjoy free yoga at Bee Alive Yoga. A free week of yoga for Veterans (Must Present ID) is offered November 6 through November 12 (Must Present ID). Bee Alive Yoga is located at 230 West Wisconsin Street in Portage. (608) 745-9333
GriefShare at St. John's Lutheran Ministries
Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. Through GriefShare, you will find encouragement, comfort, and help in grieving the death of a loved one. At each session, there will be a DVD followed by a small group discussion.

Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them. You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.
 
When: Tuesdays starting at 4:30pm through December 13
Where: St. John's Lutheran Church, 850 Armstrong St. Portage, WI 53901
Cost: A $20 free-will donation to cover the cost of participant materials is appreciated.
 
For more information and registration, please visit stjohnsportage.com/griefshare, email churchoffice@stjohnportage.com, or call 608-742-9000.
VFW
The VFW Post 1707 is open on Wednesdays for Texas Hold'em Poker. Poker starts at 7:30pm with a $20 buy in. All buy in money paid out to winners. Come on in and join in.

Quarter Auction
VFW Auxiliary Post 1707 will be hosting a Quarter Auction on November 12th to raise funds for a scholarship and to help in our community. Entry Tickets are $5 per person and include a paddle for bidding! Tickets can be purchased from vendors and Auxiliary Members prior to the event or at the door. Lots of raffle prizes to be won.

Badger Breweriana Bottle & Advertising Collectables Show
The Portage VFW Post #1707 will host this show on Saturday, November 5th from 10am-2pm. Free admission. Buy Sell Trade

The VFW is located behind Walgreens at 215 W. Collins Street. For more information, call 608-742-5350.

Bingo at Saddle Ridge
The Portage VFW Post #1707 will host bingo on Thursdays beginning at 6pm at the Saddle Ridge Clubhouse through April. There is a progressive jackpot at the end of the season. Bingo card sales begin at 5:30pm. The Saddle Ridge Clubhouse is located at 100A Saddle Ridge. For more information, call 608-742-2181.
Grief Support/AA Recovery Groups
The Harbor Recovery Center hosts a Grief Support Group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide or overdose. The group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 5:30pm. The next meetings will be Wednesday, November 2 and 16. Please call Amy Cole at (608) 697-0374 to register in advance for Grief Support.
 
The Harbor Recovery Center also hosts an AA Recovery Group meeting every Thursday at 7pm. For more information, call 608-697-7163. The Harbor Recovery Center is located at 205 West Pleasant Street.
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Free Healthy Cooking Classes
Join in as delicious, quick healthy recipes are shared at the Portage Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 2100 E. State Highway 33 on Thursday, November 3 at 6pm. Listen to health advice from Blau Family Chiropractic! American Yummies and Decoding Diabetes is the night's theme. There is no charge so bring a friend. Call 608-617-8924 if you have questions or to register.
Diabetes Support Group at Aspirus Divine Savior
Join this group of medical professionals to partner with you to better manage your diabetes. This support group does not replace your regular provider visits, but rather complements the care that your provider gives and provides participants with ongoing support and education to manage their disease.

The Diabetes Support Group meets on Thursday, November 3 and the first Thursday of every month, from 1:30pm to 2:30pm in Classroom A/B - Lower Level of Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital & Clinic at 2817 New Pinery Road.

Topics include: Nutrition and Lifestyle; Blood Sugar Monitoring; Stress Management and Healthy Coping; Medication Management; Exercising with Diabetes; Risk Reduction. For more information, call 608-745-5123.

Blood Drive at Aspirus Divine Savior
Donate blood today! Being held on Tuesday, Nov 22 11am to 3 pm at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, Suite 100. Make an appointment with the following link:
Or Contact Kari Due at kari.due@aspirus.org
Journey Through Grief with Agrace
Connect with others in a safe and supportive group setting. Agrace is offering a six-week guided grief support group for people who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Find comfort in knowing others will listen—and can relate to your experience. Discover healthy coping skills to care for yourself and build resilience as you grieve.

The group will meet on Fridays; November 4, 11, 18 and December 2, 9 & 16 from 10am to Noon.
Open to everyone, not just families of Agrace Hospice Care patients; Pre-registration required.
Fee: $75 if your loved one was not served by Agrace in the last year; can be waived

Agrace is located at 1670 South Boulevard in Baraboo. Register today, call 608-327-7110.
Sauk Columbia SHRM Meeting
Sauk Columbia SHRM (SC SHRM) is an organization made up of HR professionals from these two area counties. This group is focused on staying educated, informed of ever changing regulations and in touch with other peers in the field. Meeting on the second Wednesday of every month, from September through May, this group gathers to hear from an array of speakers to further enhance the professional development of its members. 
 
Location: Monk’s at the Wilderness 33 Hillman Rd, Lake Delton, WI 53940
Time: 11:30am-1pm, Second Wednesday of the month September through May
How to Attend: RSVP link can be found here about one week prior to event https://saukcountyhr.shrm.org/events
November 9th meeting topic is Mental Health First Aid
Artist Opening Reception at PCA
Tim Togstad Artist Opening Reception at Portage Center for the Arts will be held on
Friday, November 4 from 4pm to 6pm at the Drury Gallery inside Portage Center for the Arts. The exhibit will be on display through November 25.

Lunch Break Series
Grab your lunch, bring a friend, and come to PCA's Zona Gale Theatre at Noon on select Thursdays throughout the year! $5 at the door. On November 17, it's Wisconsin Author Talk. Joy Ann Ribar grew up in a small Wisconsin community, and couldn’t imagine a better place to set a mystery series than a touristy Wisconsin lake town filled with local characters and flavors!  Learn more about Joy, her Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series, and life as an author!

Portage Center for the Arts is located at 301 E. Cook Street. For more information, call 608-742-5655.
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St. Mary Trivia Night
St. Mary Trivia Night is happening in-person at St . Mary’s gymnasium on Friday, November 4. Doors open at 6pm, with trivia beginning at 7pm. Teams of 8 people work to answer 100 questions across various topics and genres. Friendly competition encouraged. No carry-ins. 21 years and older.

There are prizes for the best individual and team/group Halloween costumes! Cash prizes for the top 3 trivia winning teams and a 50/50 raffle drawing. Click Here for more details!

Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Enjoy a free community Thanksgiving Dinner from St. Mary's Parish on Thursday, November 24 from 11am to 1pm. Come any time during those two hours and enjoy a delicious turkey dinner with all of the trimmings.
 
Call the St. Mary Parish Office at 608-742-6998 to make a reservation or to arrange delivery to a residence in the Portage area. Donation of pies are greatly appreciated and can be brought to the Parish Office anytime Wednesday, November 23 or Thursday morning to the school gym.

St. Mary's School Gym is located at 309 West Cook Street. Contact St. Mary Parish at 608-742-6998 for more information.
Community Campfire at Historic Indian Agency House
You are invited to a community campfire with stories of remembrance on the 190th anniversary of an important Hoocąk gathering at the Agency House. It is a time to contemplate the events that happened here and reflect on the resilience of Hoocąk families who continue on today as a sovereign nation in Wisconsin. 

The campfire will be held on Saturday, November 5 at the Historic Indian Agency House, 1490 Agency House Road, Portage. For more information, call 608-742-6362.
Portage Methodist Holiday Bazaar
Enjoy soup to go, baked goods, fruitcake, crafts, candy, attic treasures and more on Saturday, November 5 from 10am to 2pm at the Portage United Methodist Church. Lunch is served 10am to 1pm with homemade soups, sandwiches and pies.
 
Portage United Methodist Church is located at 1804 New Pinery Road. Call 608-742-2107.
11th Annual Draw-Down Hoe Down
Get your tickets now for the Portage Rotary Club Draw-Down Hoedown on Saturday, November 5 from 5pm to 9pm at the NorthShore Restaurant at Portage Country Club, W7245 Country Club Road.

Proceeds go toward scholarships and other local projects. Cocktails and silent auction at 5pm;
Dinner served at 6:15pm. Ball drop and end of silent auction is at 7pm. First ball and every tenth ball drawn wins $100. Last ball in box wins $2000! Individual tickets are $100, includes dinner and ball for one. Table sponsorship is $500 and includes dinner and balls for 6.
Computer Basics Class at the Library
An Adult Technology Class will be held at the Portage Public Library on Wednesday, November 9 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. The Portage Public Library is located at 253 West Edgewater Street.
ADRC Bingo
Come and join the Portage Senior Dining Lunch Bunch for Bingo on November 10 & 21 from 10:15am to 11:15am at the ADRC dining area, Health & Human Services Building, 111 E. Mullett Street. Call one day in advance for a delicious meal at 608-742-9233 between 9am and Noon. 

Fortune Cookies Memory Loss Play
Exciting news! Columbia County Aging and Disability Resource Center is hosting a LIVE Remember Project event featuring “Fortune Cookies” on Wednesday, November 16 at 5pm. This event is being held at Northwoods Inc. of Wisconsin in Portage. This event is free, but registration is required. Dinner will be provided.      
RVSP using the link below or call 608-742-9726: https://columbia-fortune2022.eventbrite.com
 
The Remember Project is a one act play performed by professional actors who bring to life real issues connected to the care, diagnosis, and experience of dementia and how relationships can be tested in unexpected ways, Sit back and enjoy a beautifully written play by Bonnie Dudovitz, and join the community conversation about brain health, aging, and the impact of memory loss. 
It's a Wonderful Life Radio Play
Portage Area Community Theatre has selected "It's a Wonderful Life" to be performed as a live radio show on November 11-13 and 18-20 at Portage Center for the Arts. This heartwarming performance is based on the well-loved movie starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.

Show times: Friday, November 11 & 18 and Saturday, November 12 & 19 at 7pm. at 7pm; Sundays, November 13 & 20 at 2pm. Produced by Portage Area Community Theatre and directed by Bob Viking with additional live holiday music. Tickets: $15 for adults and $5 for students. General Seating. For more Information, call Portage Center for the Arts at 608-742-5655.
Veteran's Meal at Elks Lodge
Veterans and surviving spouses of veterans are welcome to come enjoy a free meal at the Elks Lodge #675 on Friday, November 11 beginning at 5pm. The Portage Elks Lodge is located at 201 W. Conant Street. Call 608-742-6040 for more information.
Veteran's Day Program at Portage Community Schools
All veterans and community members are invited to attend the Veterans Day Programs at Portage Community Schools. 9am at Lewiston Elementary and 11am at Portage High School
Drive-Thru Harvest Dinner at Presbyterian Church
Turkey and all the trimmings, including apple or pumpkin pie, will be served at the Portage Presbyterian Church by drive-thru on Saturday, November 12 from 4:30pm until its gone. $15 per person.

Portage Presbyterian Church is located at 120 W. Pleasant Street. For more information, call 608-742-6006.
Portage High School Holiday Bazaar
November 12th from 9am-2pm there will be unique vendors and crafts, gift basket raffle and concessions available. Proceeds go to the Portage High School Transition and ID Special Education Programs
Family friendly, free admission and parking. Get a head start on your Holiday shopping!
Watercolor Painting Class at the Mercantile
Participants will learn to paint various types of trees during this watercolor class geared for all levels, including beginners. All supplies are provided. Fee is $40. ($30 if you have your own supplies.)

The class will be held on Saturday, November 12 from 1pm to 3pm at the Mercantile, 117 West Cook Street. For more information, call 608-745-5768.
Upcoming Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Join us for a ribbon cutting on Friday, November 18 to celebrate the Grand Opening of Royal Beauty Lounge, located at 322 DeWitt Street in downtown Portage. The ribbon cutting will be held at 3:30pm with grand opening to follow from 4pm to 8pm.

Among the services they offer: lash extensions, lash lifts and tints, body contouring and post op care after surgery. They are looking to hire massage therapists, eyelash technicians, makeup artists, nail technicians and more. For more information, call 608-745-2336.
Portage Rod & Gun Club 2022 Gun Raffle
The Portage Rod & Gun Club hill be holding its Gun Raffle drawing on December 19. Ticket price is $20 each or 3 for $50. Only 600 tickets will be sold.

Portage Rod & Gun Club 2022 Winter Yardage Trap League
The 2022 Winter Yardage Trap League is a 12-week league beginning on December 1 at the Portage Rod & Gun Club. League sign up is November 16 & 17 from 6pm to 7pm. This is an Individual Shoot (no teams or team fee) and a 12-week Progressive Yardage Increase League. For more information, click here.

For gun raffle tickets or details on the trap league contact Clayton Simonson at 608-742-2334. The Portage Rod and Gun Club is located at W10450 Highway 16.
Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk
Join the Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk on Thursday, November 24 at 8am where the race starts and finishes at Portage High School. There is no fee, but participants are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for the Food Pantry.

This event is sponsored by the Portage High School Cross Country Teams. For more information, call Kristin Considine at 608-963-0137.
Workshops at Edgewater Home & Garden
Get in the holiday spirit and sign up to participate in upcoming workshops at Edgewater Home & Garden:

Evergreen porch pot - Create a beautiful mixed evergreen pot for your front steps or porch! Fee based on materials used. Friday, November 25, 10am to Noon.
 
Decorate a fresh evergreen wreath - Make a beautiful wreath that you can be proud of! Fee based on materials used. Saturday, November 26, 10am to Noon.

Create your own evergreen swag - Fee based on materials used. Sunday, November 27, Noon to 2pm.

Edgewater Home and Garden is located at 2957 Highway CX. For more information, call 608-742-6558.
Portage Craft Mall Holiday Craft Fair
Come to the Portage Craft Mall and experience the Holiday Craft Fair during the evening of the Portage Holiday Parade on Friday, November 25 from 4pm to 8pm. Many vendors will be showcasing lots of gifts for you this holiday season.
 
Portage Craft Mall is located at 128 West Cook Street. For more information, call 608-404-0163.
Holiday Parade
The Downtown Portage Business Improvement District is excited to be hosting the Holiday Parade on Friday, November 25 at 6pm. All area schools, churches, businesses and private parties are encouraged to participate and help celebrate the holidays with us. All are welcome to help make this a grand community event.

Click Here for a parade registration form. Registrations are due by November 18.
 
The parade route will take place entirely on Cook Street (Hwy 33). It will begin at the corner of MacFarlane Road and Cook Street in front of St. Mary Church. It will proceed east down Cook Street and continue to Market Square parking lot where it will end.
 
Tree lighting is immediately after the parade at Commerce Plaza.

Presbyterian Church Chili Dump
Purchase a bowl of chili at Commerce Plaza during the Portage Holiday Parade on Friday, November 25. Starts at 5pm chili is available while it lasts. Sponsored by the Portage Presbyterian Church. For more information, contact Nancy Schaper at 608-742-7242.
Meet Santa's Real Live Reindeer
Come to Commerce Plaza in downtown to see who pulls Santa's sleigh! Get your pictures with Santa and his reindeer on Saturday, November 26 from 11am to 2pm. There is a $20 fee per photo with the reindeer. ***Please note, you need to be in line by 1:30pm in order to get a photo taken.***
Portage Sharing Supper
Come and "share supper" together with the community on Monday, November 28 from 5pm to 6:30pm at Wayne Bartels Middle School, 2505 New Pinery Road, and the last Monday of each month.

In addition to the free meal, there is a "Kid's Corner" for young people to do a craft and hear a story as well as informational tables for adults. There will also be a free blood pressure station available.

The purpose of these suppers is to build and nourish community relationships by providing a dining experience that is free of all economic and social barriers.
Welcome New Chamber Members

Sparkling Badger Cleaning LLC
Ross Gierszewski (715) 348-5679
Fully insured cleaning services which include commercial, residential and specializing in windows. Both indoor and outdoor cleaning.

Chaos Tackle
Vince DeMarte (608) 279-1526
We offer a full lineup of high end, superior quality musky lures, rods and baits.
Home of the Medussa line of swim baits, Chaos Tackle has earned an industry leading reputation for helping anglers put monster musky in the boat.


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 $300/year. Call the Portage Chamber for more information at 608-742-6242.
Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at 51 Auto Sales to celebrate a new line of portable builds they carry.

We are the area’s new Old Hickory
portable build dealer. Our sheds have a lifetime warranty, engineer certified, and 90 days same as cash on rent to own.
For more information, call 51 Auto Sales, N6826 State Highway 51, at 608-742-2994.
Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at The Harbor Recovery Center to celebrate this new Chamber member.

We provide free support for individuals and their families who are struggling with alcohol, substance use and/or mental health by giving dignity, hope and value to all as we foster a culture of recovery in Columbia County and the surrounding areas. 

For more information, call The Harbor House, 205 W. Pleasant Street, at 608-697-7163.
Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at Doll Eyes to welcome this new business member to Portage.

Specializing in beauty services that include eyelash extensions, permanent cosmetic makeup 
including 3D microblading eyebrows, facials, waxing & cryoskin body contouring, helping
to slim, tone and lift the skin.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today! 

For more information, please call Doll Eyes, 228 W. Wisconsin St., at 630-915-2110.
Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at Dino's Restaurant to celebrate the reopening of this popular Portage restaurant and lounge.

Dino, Nick and their friendly staff are ready to serve our community once again!

Dino's Restaurant is located at 2900 New Pinery Road. For more information, call 608-742-2111.
Gabriell Hamele office now in DeForest
Gabriell Hamele, Century 21 Affiliated a new member of the Chamber of Commerce has her office at 517 W. North Street, Suite 121 in DeForest. Contact Gabriell at 608-573-2022 for questions about the home buying/selling process. Welcome!
KlarCare new Office in Wautoma
Dr. Amy Doherty of KlarCare Direct Family Medicine will have a location to practice out of in Wautoma where she can accept new patients beginning in November. The office in Wautoma is located at W7841 State Road 21/73. If you would like more info, feel free to email DrAmyDoherty@klarcareDPC.com or check out klarcareDPC.com.
 
And stay tuned for some upcoming healthy eating events!
November Chamber Meetings and Events
18 Ribbon Cutting at Royal Beauty Lounge at 3:30pm
Spread the word about Portage!
Use #portagewi or #portagechamberwi in your social media posts.
Check out the Chamber's YouTube Channel HERE
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.
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.
Join a Service Club - Meetings subject to change
Rotary - Meets Wednesdays 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; 2nd Tuesday only in July, August and December
Women's Civic League - Meets 2nd Wednesdays of the month at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Portage Area Chamber of Commerce | 608-742-6242 | pacc@portagewi.com | www.portagewi.com