DWACC May 2023 Updates
A Word from the Director

I hope everyone enjoyed their Mother's Day Weekend! I was blessed to have my whole family together to celebrate!

As summertime approaches, we are preparing for our two major events happening in the next few months and could use your assistance to help continue to make them successful! There are Volunteer, Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities still available for the Chamber Golf Classic and 4th of July Celebration!

The Calendar of Events is filling quickly! Please read through the newsletter to see what's happening & check the Calendar of Events often for updates!

Thank you for your continued support!

Heike Compe
Executive Director, DWACC

Brian Trejo, owner, opened the restaurant on Main Street in DeForest back in 2019, serving authentic Mexican cuisine. El Alegre also does catering and has a food truck they can bring to your business or event!
Call (608) 842-2677 or


Welcome Chelsea Metzger with Frios Gourmet Pops!
Frios Gourmet Pops are happiness on a stick. We have over 18 gourmet flavors that appeal to ANY age. We are a mobile food truck business that serves Dane County.

Welcome Gary Pelletier owner of the DeForest Laundry!
We are the only Laundromat in DeForest & Windsor. We offer super sized washers and dryers. We accept cash, credit, debit, Google & Apple Pay. New ownership as of June 2021. Veteran Owned.

Welcome Bryce Kingsley with Summit Credit Union at American Parkway!
Bryce is a Mortgage Loan Officer at Summit Credit Union with his office on American Parkway which is the nearest branch for his DeForest/Windsor clients. He joined the Chamber to show support in our area where he does a lot of his business and helps a lot of families in the area.

We’re here to do more than design your physical space — we’re here to help you achieve your business goals by creating a memorable experience. We know the ins and outs of the architectural landscape, enabling us to find cost-reducing efficiencies while maintaining a passion for new approaches.

May Chamber Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, May 16th 11:45-1:00pm
DeForest Area Community & Senior Center
Commander Richard Snortum, will share some upcoming events & activities of the American Legion Olson-Grinde-O'Donnell Post 348, and how our local businesses can get involved!

Heidi Parker from Alliant Energy is coming to discuss Solar Energy!
Alliant Energy will be breaking ground later this year on a 2.25 MW community solar project on Rock County property in NW Janesville.  Learn more about the opportunity to receive the benefits of solar without having to install and maintain it yourself.


Sam Leary is an expert in many things digital: content strategy, marketing, and AI prompt engineering. By the end of his short presentation, you’ll be ready to leverage the tools that everyone is talking about for success in the digital world
June Chamber Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, June 6th 12pm-1pm
via Zoom
Thank you to Dane Buy Local for sharing their Lunch & Learn with us!
How Wisconsin Businesses and Nonprofits Can Increase Efficiency with AI
According to a recent MIT study, ChatGPT can boost productivity by a whopping 40%, and quality by 20%. If that sounds good, join us on June 6th at 12pm, for a Dane Buy Local event presented by Sam Leary of Marketini Media, "How Wisconsin Businesses and Nonprofits Can Increase Efficiency with AI," a program that will introduce attendees to the benefits, applications, and best practices of AI for your business or organization!
 
There are a lot of misconceptions about AI. It isn’t a silver bullet. It isn’t a magic spell that will solve all your problems. But it is a tool that’s changing how small teams get work done, and if you know how to use these new tools, like ChatGPT for instance, decision-makers and their workforces can save time, energy, and money. That's the purpose of this program: to help Wisconsin professionals do more in less time and get up to speed on cutting-edge technology.

Topics discussed will include the following:
● A Quick Introduction
● Potential Security Risks
● Why Chatbots are Popular
● How Chatbots Work
● Small Business Examples for Efficiency
● Nonprofit Examples for Efficiency
● Different AI Programs


Join the DeForest Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce for our Annual Golf Classic at Lake Windsor Country Club!
Join us for our Annual Chamber Golf Classic on Thursday, June 8th! We are excited to host the Chamber Golf Classic at Lake Windsor Country Club!

Enjoy a boxed lunch and fun games at the holes with chances to win premium prizes! Check out the raffle prizes and drop your tickets in the baskets, time following golf will be given to enter raffles. 

Join us on the patio following golf for awards and prizes, food and beverages and networking! 




4th of July Celebration 2023!
The DeForest Windsor Area Chamber 4th of July Community Celebration is a tradition to come together as community to honor those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom and independence! Many people attend our event to enjoy a variety of entertainment for kids of all ages!
It is a wonderful opportunity for your business to show its community support and receive brand recognition for sponsoring activities for families to do for free!





4th of July Celebration Informational Guide
We are working on the 4th of July Informational Guide! It shares the Schedule of Events, Park Layout, Sponsors & Vendor Information and so much more! View 2022 HERE

If you are interested in placing a Ad in the 2023 4th of July Celebration Guide, please contact Eric Medina: emedina@hngnews.com


WMC Business Friend of the Environment
Nominations due May 22, 2023
The Business Friend of the Environment award highlights what Wisconsin companies are doing in the areas of sustainability, innovative technology and environmental stewardship. The goal of this awards program is to demonstrate to state policymakers, businesses and the public that sound environmental practices are good for Wisconsin and its business environment.
The awards are available to private industry companies headquartered or with significant operations in Wisconsin. The awards are given annually to companies that demonstrate environmental leadership. Companies are encouraged to self-nominate. While government entities are not eligible for the awards, they are encouraged to nominate businesses.

The awards focus on the following three areas:
  • Sustainability
  • Use of Innovative Technology
  • Environmental Stewardship
Three winners are selected in each of these three categories. In each category, an award is given to a small, medium and large business.
These awards are publicized statewide and locally.

MORE INFORMATION HERE
Member News & Events
May 11, 8:00am - May 17, 9:00pm

Dane Buy Local Spring Online Auction helps local businesses like you!
Because these items are coming from our generous DBL businesses, please spread the word to the community
(your staff/coworkers, social media, etc) so they can get to know more local businesses and bid on some great items as well!
This auction helps promote the local business community. This also helps Dane Buy Local to be able to
help promote more small businesses throughout the year.

Please fill out the Kindness Bank Survey: HERE
Join us on Wednesday June 7th from 4-7pm
to Celebrate the Grand Reopening & Ribbon Cutting
at Cambria Hotel Madison East
The DeForest Windsor Lions Club Awesome Shrimp Sale!
Just in time for Graduation Parties!

Order your shrimp for pick up on June 2nd at Christ Lutheran Church!

Fantastic artists, music, dance, food & of course, stilt walkers - what more could you ask for! Join us June 3rd for the Dragon Art Fair at DeForest Fireman’s Park.

With 100 amazing local & regional artists working in all medias, family entertainment and great local food, the Dragon Art Fair is sure to have something for everyone. Located in Fireman’s Park, the fair offers a walkable park setting, easy access and adjacent parking, all of which provide an enjoyable experience for both artists and guests. Our silent auction, with 50+ items donated by our generous artists and community businesses, provides an opportunity have fun and support the Dragon Arts Group Scholarship fund.

For more information about this event, go to www.dragonartsgroup.org, check the Dragon Arts Group Facebook page or e-mail jwills@dragonartsgroup.org.
The Hooper Corporation is holding a Blood Drive on
Monday, June 12th from 11am to 4pm
at Hooper Corporation, 6450 Pederson Crossing Boulevard, DeForest
* Donors will receive post donation snacks & beverage.
* A $10 gift card by email plus a chance to win a home theater package.
* All presenting donors will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a Summer Fun Grill Package!
* Including a Wireless Bluetooth Portable Travel Speaker, 60qt Wheeled Insulated Portable Cooler and Standup Propane Gas Grill!
 
Donors can call or book an appointment online: HERE
or call 1-800-RED-CROSS and using sponsor code: Hooper
Visit our Community Websites for more
Information & Upcoming Events
Looking to Hire?
Post your Positions on the
Chamber Website!
Click to see who is hiring!
Click and Check out the
Member 2 Member Deals!
Have one to offer? Contact Heike
Check out the Hot Deals!
Do you have one to share?
Keeping the Connection Sponsor
Thank you to TDS Telecom for sponsoring small businesses in our communities to continue membership in the DeForest Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce!
We are so grateful for your Keeping the Connection sponsorship in 2021,2022 and 2023!
If you know of a small business that would like to join the Chamber but cannot afford to at this time, please contact Heike
Signature Sponsors