Chamber News
August 2022
Chamber Welcomes New Executive Director
Chris Shafer has joined the Forest County Chamber of Commerce and the Forest County Economic Development Partnership as our new Executive Director.

Chris began work this past Monday, August 1st, and has hit the ground running!

The Chamber, the Forest County Economic Development Partnership, and the Forest County Tourism Commission came together in a bold move to pool resources and redefine the role of the Executive Director. The result is a new position that melds the needs of the three entities while maintaining a keen focus on business, tourism and service to Chamber Members.

“Chris brings a strong business background as well as a love of Forest County to our organization. He is focused on building relationships with our Members, our Tourism partners and our government entities,” said Mark Ferris, President of the Chamber and Interim Director of the Forest County Economic Development Partnership. “During our interview process, it became apparent that Chris was the person to implement our new vision and lead us through this exciting time.”

"I have a deep passion for business, both small and large. Supporting our valued businesses will lead to the growth we need to sustain Forest County," Chris said.

Chris was born and raised in Rosendale in Fond du Lac County. He graduated from Laconia High School and obtained his insurance license. He founded an insurance business while attending and graduating from Fox Valley Technical College. While managing his business, he also ran a large cash crop farming and trucking operation for many years. He co-owns Minuteman Press in Fond du Lac with his wife Michelle.

“Michelle and I have three children. Our daughter Morgan and son-in-law Bryce gave me the best title of my life last December - GRANDPA! I love my little buddy Oliver and can’t wait to have many adventures with him. Our son Ben is a truck driver, and our youngest, Drew, is a sophomore in high school at Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac,” Chris shared.

“I am honored to have been selected for the position of Executive Director. My passion for Forest County is 35+ years deep. I have been coming to Laona, and now to my home in Cavour, for years and love not just the peacefulness of the area, but the people. My family has been blessed to meet and have friendships that are truly special.”

“My interests are many. First and foremost, I like to work. In my spare time, I hunt, fish, reload ammo and enjoy riding UTV/ATVs. I recently learned how to do leather work and now love hand-crafting holsters and other items. We are a busy family and love being a part of our community.”

Chris is in the process of hiring an Associate Director. We will continue to update you on the positive changes happening at the Chamber!
Chamber Receives $30,000 Marketing Grant
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism recently awarded $356,534 in Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grants. JEM grants provide partnership funding to help nonprofit Wisconsin organizations promote tourism, including 501(c)(6) organizations such as Convention and Visitor Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce.

The Forest County Chamber of Commerce was awarded $30,000 for a Year 2 JEM grant to promote Crandon Rocks. Crandon Rocks Labor Day Weekend is a four-day event that will be held September 1st through September 4th. Festivities will be held at the Crandon International Off-Road Raceway, as well as at various businesses throughout Forest County.

“The latest round of JEM grants shows off some of Wisconsin’s one-of-a-kind events and destinations,” said Governor Tony Evers. “Wisconsin outpaced the national average for travel spending recovery compared to 2019 for 24 months in a row, and it’s projects like these that will continue to spur tourism’s recovery and uplift local communities.”
Jeff Anderson, third from right, presents the Forest County Chamber, the Forest County Economic Development Partnership and the Forest County Tourism Commission a check for $30,000 for the Crandon Rocks Year 2 JEM grant. From left: Brian Schultz, Tina Kulaf, Chris Shafer, Jeff Anderson, Curt Haga and Mark Ferris.
Crandon Rocks kicks off with a charity ATV/UTV tour on September 1st that will take participants on an all-day adventure through Forest County. The tour will conclude in Downtown Crandon, and the Night Owl will be hosting live music.

On September 2nd, the Labor Day Parade will be held in Downtown Crandon. In the evening, the Crandon Raceway is hosting a live concert. Tickets will be on sale for everyone interested in attending.

On September 3rd, the World Championship Sportsman Racing Champ Off-Road Series and Ultra4 Night races will be held at the Crandon Raceway. Shuttles will be available for track attendees to visit Forest County businesses. On Sunday, September 4th, the event finale is the Red Bull Crandon World Cup Race.

“This is an example of collaboration among Forest County businesses to benefit not only their individual entity but for our area. Working together, we have more resources and are able to offer our visitors more experiences, ensuring they want to return to Forest County. I look forward to enjoying the events, and to working with our businesses to identify future opportunities that benefit them and our area,” said Chris Shafer, Executive Director of the Forest County Chamber and Forest County Economic Development Partnership. “The Forest County Chamber and Forest County Economic Development Partnership have been the recipient of several JEM grants including Fall in Love With the Byway and Crandon Rocks, and we will continue to identify opportunities that benefit our businesses.”

With five rounds of grants throughout the year, the JEM grants are part of an ongoing program to ignite projects and grow economic impact.

“These JEM grant recipients offer countless ways for travelers to discover the unexpected and make lifelong memories with loved ones,” said Secretary-designee Anne Sayers. “Here’s to a summer of embracing what makes Wisconsin special – our celebratory events and spirited campaigns hosted by warm and welcoming communities.”

Last year, the Crandon Raceway welcomed 55,502 visitors to the Labor Day events, which was a record excluding 2019 when Kid Rock headlined. The goal for this year is to increase overnight visitors by 15% over last year.
Fall Raffle Tickets Available
Art in the Square
Update from the Chamber Board of Directors
It's an exciting time at the Chamber! We're pleased to welcome Chris Shafer, and we look forward to welcoming our new Associate Director soon.

Our annual Kentuck Day festival and Kentuck Klassic Car Show events were a success, welcoming thousands of visitors to Downtown Crandon and the Forest County area.

Our sincere thanks to the volunteers who gave of their time and energy to make the events a success, including:
  • Denise Bostron
  • Mark Ferris
  • Tina Kulaf
  • Leslie Meyer
  • Amy Paikowski
  • Brian Schultz

Work continues on the Art in the Square event that will be held on Saturday, September 24th.

We are committed to ensuring the Chamber continues to serve you and our county. Our mission remains being dedicated to serving as a primary advocate, voice, resource and partner in the success and economic development of our county and citizens.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

The Forest County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Leslie Meyer

Amy Paikowski

Brian Schultz

Kim Swisher

Melissa Widucki
(715) 478-3450