chamber logo

Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
NEWS BREAK
October 2021
2022 Portage Visitors & Community Guide
The ad reservation deadline is rapidly approaching!!! Last chance to be included in the 2022 Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Community Guide. Reach visitors and residents of the Portage area in this enhanced publication.

Contact Jacklyn Ewerdt at 920-291-5005 or jacklynewerdt@gmail.com to be involved. 

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
plastic-place-ware.jpg
October Chamber Business Luncheon
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is offering another way to develop more customers and build relationships with your fellow Chamber members and make those important connections that can help you in your business or career. Bring your business cards, brochures, or anything you wish to share with other members at our Business Luncheons.
 
Luncheon Information
Sara McChesney of Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County will be our speaker.
Kinship, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization which believes in and promotes the concept of youth mentoring. In 2020, Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County became an affiliate of Kinship, Inc. which is comprised of 30 other affiliates in the Midwest.
 
Sara will share with us various aspects of the program including how you can become a mentor to children in our area. Kinship matches children ages 5-14 with positive adult influences based upon experiences, locations, gender, age and other interests. Kinship provides all the support and structure needed to make sure the experiences are safe and positive.

There is limited seating; please RSVP to the Chamber at 608-742-6242. Online Registration is here.
​​
Location: Portage Pizza Ranch
Time: Lunch at 11:30AM, Presentation at Noon
Cost: order your lunch at the restaurant
Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2021
First Weber presents Trivia Night
On Saturday, October 16, First Weber Realtors of Portage is hosting our 3rd Annual Trivia Night to benefit the Portage chapter of Sleep In Heavenly Peace. Your support is crucial to our efforts to make this event a success. Last year, the event raised $3,000, despite having to hold the fundraiser virtually due to the global pandemic!

This trivia event will be held at the Portage VFW, 215 W. Collins Street. Doors open at 5:30pm. $20 per person, teams up to six. RSVP to John Heitke at heitkej@firstweber.com.

This community and communities across the country are dealing with the grim reality that not every child has a bed of their own to sleep in. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has compounded this problem. Every child deserves not only the physical, but mental benefits of a good night's sleep.
 
Sleep in Heavenly Peace was founded in 2012 and has chapters across the country. Their mission is simple: No kid sleeps on the floor in our town! They assemble and deliver beds to children in need across the country. But they cannot do this alone.

If you are able, please donate to help ensure that every kid in and around Portage can sleep in their own bed. How you can help: A monetary donation; prize donation and gift basket donations toward this event.
Welcome New Portage Chamber of Commerce Members

WCCU - Westby Coop Credit Union
138 Northridge Drive, Portage WI 53901
Stephanie Loring at 608-356-5500 ext. 1814
WCCU, serving the financial needs of its members since 1939, currently
has 10 branches with the 11th set to open in Portage in Spring 2022.
Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at Plumer Karate America Portage to welcome Elizabeth Schmidt as new owner and chief instructor of the business.

They help kids and adults to build character, confidence, self esteem, and much more through their karate and cardio kickboxing programs.

Call 608-469-5631 for more about their programs. Plumer Karate America Portage is located at
2211 W. Wisconsin Street.
A ribbon cutting was held at MBE CPAs to welcome them to Portage as they recently acquired the Davis & Page office at 208 West Town Street.

They provide accounting & financial services such as tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, estate and business consulting.

For more information, call 608-742-5591.
Microsoft Office Fundamentals Course
Do you have employees that need to learn or brush up on Microsoft products? Madison College is offering a Microsoft Office Fundamental class.

This course will introduce you to the features and functionality of Microsoft’s latest software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Learn through step-by-step instruction and hands-on activities as you move through exercises that will help you create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations that are sure to impress.
halloween-ghost.jpg
October Events at Edgewater Home & Garden
Come to Fall Fest, with something for all ages to enjoy, at Edgewater Home & Garden on Saturday, October 9. There will be a Pumpkin Pie and Salsa Contest from 11am to 1pm (registration required), with face painting, petting zoo and games for kids.
 
There will be adult and kid classes, too. For adults, the Fall door swag class will take place at 11am (cost for this class is $25, registration required) and a Fall arrangement class is at 1pm (cost for that class is $30, registration required). For the kids, a pine cone workshop and pumpkin painting.
 
Drive-thru trick or treating at Edgewater Home & Garden
Come to Edgewater Home & Garden, 2957 County Highway CX, on Saturday, October 30 from Noon to 2pm for drive-thru trick or treating. Costumes are encouraged!

For more information, visit www.edgewaterhomeandgarden.com/events or call 608-742-6558.
Entrepreneurial Training Program Returns
The Entrepreneurial Training Program is an intensive business-planning training program designed to help participants who want to start a new business, grow an existing business, or make a substantial business pivot that requires viewing the business with a new perspective.
 
The focus of the program is to help you complete a comprehensive “rough draft” of your business plan in the form of a written workbook. Each session of class will help you learn business terminology and work toward putting your ideas on paper so that, by the end of class, you have made significant progress toward launching your business or writing a more comprehensive business plan.
 
This program is designed for aspiring business owners who are serious about committing the time and research needed to move their business forward. Want to consider your options? Review the Biz Smart Sprint vs. Entrepreneurial Training Program comparison page for additional details.

This six-session class starts Thursday, October 21 with both a live virtual portion and in-person portion at Grainger Hall, UW-Madison. Click Here for more information and to register.
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.
Salvation Army Coat Drive Collection
Drop off new or gently used clean jackets, coats, snow pants, hats, mittens and boots to Portage Police Department, Portage Library or local Portage churches between now and October 17.
 
Gently used and clean winter coats, infant to adult are also accepted along with snow boots of all sizes. There is a special need for kid's sizes. Please make sure items have workable buttons, zippers and snaps. 

The distribution of all the coats, jackets, boots, hats, scarves, mittens, etc. will be held on Friday, October 22 from 2pm to 6pm and Saturday, October 23 from 9am to 1pm at Veteran's Memorial Field, Building #8, 300 Superior Street. Please bring children along to try on the items.
 
For more information, please call Nancy Schaper at 608-742-7242.
Community 5K & Fun Day
Join Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative on Saturday, October 9 at Adams-Friendship High School for their Community 5K & Fun Day event. The morning will begin with a 5K followed by food and fun from 11am to 1pm.

Bring cash to purchase food from a variety of food trucks and listen to live music from country cover band Genesee Depot, watch the hotline demonstration and bring the kids to get airbrush and henna tattoos!

For more information, contact Haley Melby, Marketing Coordinator, Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative
800-831-8629.
Ragin' for River Haven Homeless Shelter
Participate in the Ragin' for River Haven fundraiser at Bee Alive Yoga with Amy Phillips Kruchten on Friday, October 8 from 7pm to 8pm. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members (monetary donations accepted as well).

Visit beealiveyoga.com/events or call Bee Alive Yoga, 230 W. Wisconsin Street, at 608-745-9333.
Kwik Trip wins Economic Driver Award
Achievements in Economic Development Recognized at 2021 CEDA Awards
 
2021 Community and Economic Development Award (CEDA) winners, who were unveiled at the annual CEDA Awards ceremony in September, include Kwik Trip for the Economic Driver Award. Kwik Trip (along with Hendricks Commercial Properties) won for their commitment to long-term investment in their Wisconsin operations and have had a significant economic impact in their community and across the state.
 
Less than a year after its 1965 debut, Kwik Trip was described as a “merchandising phenomenon” by the Eau Claire Advertiser. Today, that single store has grown to more than 750 stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. The company serves 10 million customers each week, generates approximately $7 billion in sales, and employs over 30,000 coworkers. Kwik Trip’s retail operations are supported by vertical integration with its corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations in La Crosse. Kwik Trip’s capital investment of more than $378 million into its headquarters, along with the creation of 662 new jobs, continues to enhance the economic landscape in La Crosse and across the state.
guitar_hand.jpg
Live Music at VFW on Wednesdays
Ricky Brunner hosts Live Music every Wednesday evening at VFW Post #1707. The VFW is now open Wednesdays through Fridays in the evening, 4:30pm to 8:30pm. 

For more information, call the VFW, 215 W. Collins Street, at 608-742-5350.
Lilac Shop Ocktoberfest Market
Come to the Lilac Shop Market on Thursday, October 14 from 5pm to 8pm. Check out some new vendors and some of your favorites appearing prior. For more information please check out the Facebook event, Lilac Shop Market. The event happens at the Lilac Shop Studio, 242 West Edgewater Street.
First Responders Day at FWSQ
Celebrate the end of the 2021 season and join Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters in thanking local First Responders for their service to the Portage community on Saturday, October 9 from 11am to 2pm. Chili and other food and drinks will be served.

Book Club at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters
Members of the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Book Club will gather to discuss The Inner Circle by Brad Metzler on Wednesday, October 20 at 6pm.
 
For details and updates on these and other events, visit FortWinnebagoSurgeonsQuarters.org or Facebook.com/FortWinnebagoSurgeonsQuarters or call 608-742-2949. Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters is located at 1824 State Highway 33.
Kinship Mentoring Fundraiser 
Support Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County by attending their fundraiser on Saturday, October 23 at Rendezvous at Saddle Ridge. The organization is working to help the children of our community.
 
Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County is a private, nonprofit organization which believes in and promotes the concept of youth mentoring. Our Mission is to transform communities through the power of mentoring. Our mentees are children ages 5-14 years of age and must reside in Columbia County or attend school in Columbia County. Our mentors can be individuals, couples, or families. To learn more about the program visit www.kinshipcc.org or contact us at 608-697-3260 or info@kinshipcc.org.
St. Mary's Trivia Night
St Mary's School 'Halloween Costume' Trivia Night is Friday, October 29.
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. All proceeds to benefit our new school playground (projected for fall 2022) More details and registration can be found here.
Chair Yoga at the Portage Library
Join Ellen Swan on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 9am at the Portage Public Library. Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done while sitting or using a chair as support. This will be an ongoing program. Wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mat, towel, block, and strap recommended but not required.
 
Must register in advance for one or both days; space is limited. Masks are optional. For more information or to register, call the library at 608-742-4959 or email programs@portagelibrary.us. The Portage Public Library is located at 253 W. Edgewater Street.
City of Portage Fall Clean Up
The City of Portage will be collecting residential refuse consisting of large/bulky items on Saturday, October 9 from at 8am to 2pm at the Municipal Garage at 616 Washington Street. Fees apply. Call 608-742-2176 or Click Here for more information.
Brown Bag Lunch Series at the PCA
Learn more about the Ringling House Bed & Breakfast, a unique Colonial Revival home in Baraboo that sits on the National Register of Historic Places, built in 1901 by Charles Ringling, one of the founders of the Ringling Brothers Circus!

This Brown Bag Lunch Series event will be held on Thursday, October 28 at Noon at Portage Center for the Arts. There is a $5 admission at the door.

For more information about these and other events, click here or call Portage Center for the Arts, 301 E. Cook Street at 608-742-5655.
Portage Fire & Police Department Open House
Plenty of kids activities for all to enjoy at the 32nd Annual Portage Fire and Police Department Open House on Saturday, October 9 from 9am to 1pm.
 
Events include equipment displays, door prizes, demonstrations & BB Gun Shoot and an appearance by Smokey the Bear.
It all happens at 119 W. Pleasant Street. For more information, call 608-742-2174.

608 Nutrition October Specials
608 Nutrition will be featuring Cherry Cheesecake and Pink Drink in honor of October for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

They will also be donating $1 from the purchase of a Puppy Chow Shake or a Mongo Push Tea to the Portage Family Skate Park during October.

Everyone is welcome to stop in on Saturdays for the Free FIT Camp starting at 9am. Located at 2800 New Pinery Road.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest at
Our House Senior Living
We are holding a contest for the best decorated pumpkin, just in time for Halloween!!! The best part of it all is our Residents will be the judges and they are super excited to see all the decorated pumpkins.

The rules and guidelines are here and we are asking for you to take a selfie when you are dropping off your pumpkins and use the hashtag #OurHouseSeniorLivingPumpkincontest when you post.

If you have any questions please feel free to call 608-745-033
October Chamber Meetings and Events
6 Ambassador Meeting at Community Bank at 8am
6 Ribbon Cutting at Beautifully Blemished, 242 W. Edgewater St. at 9am
Citywide Trick or Treating
Citywide Trick or Treating will be held on Sunday, October 31 from 4pm to 7pm.
calendar-banner.jpg
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.
Spread the word about Portage!
Use #portagewi in your social media posts.
Check out the Chamber's YouTube Channel HERE
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.
Text PORTAGE to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Portage events
Join a Service Club - Meetings subject to change
Rotary - Meets Mondays 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; 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.
Portage Area Chamber of Commerce | 608-742-6242 | pacc@portagewi.com | www.portagewi.com