October 5th, 2022

"We do what we do because it is important to our culture,

and that makes it the right thing for us to do."

-James Songster

Last week Chris and I visited Eau Claire, WI! The hospitality and showmanship of their city was truly inspiring. From the 10 pound box of local goodies to the accommodations to the itinerary that was arranged, it was 2.5 days well spent with peers. Our keynote speaker, a career magician from Disney, worked himself into leadership status and spent much of his career training the 70,000 men and women who create the beloved guest experience at Disney. James Songster spoke of culture. He spoke of values. He spoke of history and stories and language. And then he challenged each of us to talk about our culture. To talk about our values. To talk about our history, stories and language. And for many, the room fell silent. 

The average Wisconsin chamber has 1-3 employees, with just a handful of organizations pushing well over 10-15 staff members. With smaller staffing, the day-to-day operations can overshadow conversations regarding culture and purpose. What James Songster did was remind us that we are only as strong and successful as our aligned purpose and mission. Values, traditions, standards of excellence and storytelling are all cultural elements that we can proactively define, or the opposite, allow others to define it for us. 

"Culture guides discretionary behavior and it picks up where the employee handbook leaves off. Culture tells us how to respond to an unprecedented service request. It tells us whether to risk telling our bosses about new ideas, and whether to surface or hide problems. Employees make hundreds of decisions on their own everyday, and culture is our guide. Culture tells us what to do when the CEO isn't in the room, which is of course most of the time."

-Frances Frei & Anne Morriss, Co-authors of Uncommon Service: How to Win by Putting Customers at the Core of Your Business.

This is probably the best way I've heard culture explained. This makes sense to me. And what Mr. Songster offered each of us was the opportunity to be intentional about what this looks like. The invitation is meant for all of us. However, when looking to establish direction (or change direction) it can appear overwhelming, keeping us stationary. But stationary will never equal success. 

The first night in Eau Claire we were invited to tour the Pablo Center. This beautiful and impressive facility was at one time just a concept. A concept that took hard work and determination to erect. While exploring this 1,200 seat theatre and gallery we were invited to shared a meal and listen to Eau Claire leaders share their tale of transformation. They flashed a quote that stuck with me.

"The community stagnates without the impulse of the individual, the impulse dies without the interest of the community." - William James 1800's

Be it your home, your business, or our community, they all require one thing: intentionality. Intentional vision casting. Intentional innovation. Intentional support. As each of us work to create forward momentum for positive change and growth, we must be intentional about how we accomplish it. Ask yourself, do you operate with proactive tendencies or rely on reactive measures? Because at the end of the day, one of two things will happen. Either you will get to define what it all looks like, or you will allow others to define it for you. 

"We do what we do because it is important to our culture, 

and that makes it the right thing for us to do."

-J. Songster

The Elkhorn Chamber

submitted by Kate Abbe

WELCOME, ALPINE VALLEY!

Nestled in the picturesque Kettle Moraine area of southern Wisconsin, along the banks of the Sugar Creek, Alpine Valley Resort offers a unique setting for your family gathering, company outing, business meeting, conference, workshop or class reunion. Our multiple indoor/outdoor wedding venues are a natural choice for your wedding. With 124 hotel rooms, including 7 suites, we can provide on-site lodging for those family members and friends that have to travel from out of town. Guests will enjoy our indoor/outdoor pools, whirlpool, double tennis courts, game room and satellite TV.

Welcome Eleven11!

A Whole Health Studio dialing into the full spectrum of well-being!  A community driven initiative, Eleven 11 offers a wide variety of holistic healing with many "name your price offerings" - sound experiences, yoga, meditation & movement arts, men's & women's groups, 1:1 coaching, a full line of treatment sessions including therapeutic & deep tissue massage, reflexology, reiki and more! Inspired by the beat of all hearts, wisdom from around the world and most importantly you! Eleven11 is for every body.

We are better together!

Mind Body Spirit Sound

In Harmony,

Brandee Walton | John Stuart

YOU are invited to attend our open house on

Thursday, October 20, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

It is our goal to showcase to the community the impact that modern-day precision machining and advanced manufacturing has on the lives of every American. This event also gives you the chance to see

first-hand the outstanding opportunities available through careers in

high-tech manufacturing.

The L’BRI Holiday Collection has Arrived! 

Check it out at my website: lbri.com/kristylauzon or click this link to the digital flyer:

 https://issuu.com/lbri/docs/l_bri_2022_holiday_flyer_flip_book

Schedule your holiday shopping party with me TODAY! 262-745-2366

There is something for everything and at every price point! Gift certificates too! Give the gift of aloe and great skin this holiday season! 

For sale by owner!

Building is being sold as is and listed at $139,900.

Building in the city of Delavan located at 337 S. 8th Street. This building, built in 1969 has dual zoning. Main floor is zoned commercial and has been the home of several restaurants and most recently renovated for office space. Lower level is 844 sq.ft. Upper level is a 3 bedroom residential unit that has been completely gutted and ready for you to customize to your needs. 

Please call 262-745-3998 for questions or to schedule a walk-through!

W4671 Pebble Drive 

Elkhorn, WI 53121

 REDUCED PRICE!!!

$599,900