Business Luncheon -Tuesday, April 5 - Sign up now
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is offering another way to network 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.
Luncheon Information:
Debbie Bird, Portage Public Library Director will be our guest speaker. She will share updates with us on new technology at the Library, new programs offered and how your business can benefit from using the Library.
Location: Portage Public Library, 253 W. Edgewater Street
Time: Lunch at 11:30AM, Presentation at Noon
Cost: $10 for lunch, collected at the door
Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2021
Click Here to Register! Please RSVP to this event.
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Wine Walk Spring April 29, 2022
Tickets are now available for the Portage Chamber 2022 Spring Wine Walk happening on Friday, April 29 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Tickets will be sold by cash or check at the Chamber of Commerce Office, Main Street Consignment, Big Dog Saloon, Prairie Flower Beads, Bee Alive Yoga, Neil's Wine House and online. (Additional fees apply to online tickets.)
Come spend time with your friends enjoying great wine inside 16 various businesses. Tickets to the Wine Walk are $40 each in advance. Participants must be 21 or over and a photo ID is required to participate. Tickets are limited so purchase your ticket early.
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Portage Chamber Breakfast Meeting
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting was held yesterday at the Best Western and featured
Kristin Runge, Ph. D., Communication Research Specialist, Community Development Institute Division of Extension UW-Madison, and part of the Portage Housing Task Force. Runge discussed the results of the housing survey taken last year.
This Task Force conducted a community housing survey with presentations by professional housing specialists/experts over the past 8 months. The study identifies possible housing policies, programs and resources that supports a safe, diverse, affordable and equitable housing system and contributes to a healthy tax base for Portage.
Click Here to view the results of the housing study, shared at yesterday's Chamber annual meeting and also available on our Chamber homepage.
Thank You to the sponsors of our 2022 Breakfast Meeting:
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Welcome New Portage Chamber of Commerce Members
Boys & Girls Club
PO BOX 871 Portage, WI 53901
Darren Hornby at 608-235-5753
A champion of kids throughout our area and within the National Boys &
Girls Clubs of America movement, providing a world-class Club Experience that
assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors.
Royal Lashes LLC
311 E. Wisconsin Street Portage, WI 53901
Megan Kelly at 906-281-1877
Offering lash extensions, lash lifts and tints, body contouring and post op care after surgery.
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City Mayoral Race 2022
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce held a Mayoral Debate at City Hall on Monday, March 28. The debate featured the two candidates, incumbent Mayor Rick Dodd and challenger Mitch Craig, discussing a broad scope of topics and issues pertaining to the city.
You can view the debate by clicking here. The election is Tuesday, April 5.
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Agrace offers Virtual Grief Support in April
In April, Agrace is offering one-on-one grief support and a professionally led, virtual grief support group:
• One-on-one grief support is available by phone or video chat. This support is open to anyone, even if the person who died did not have hospice care. Available by appointment only.
• Bridges is for adults grieving the death of any loved one. In April, virtual meetings are April 13 and 27, from 9:30am to 11am. Pre-registration is required.
There is no fee for people whose family member was in hospice care in the past 12 months; fees for others can be lowered or waived, if needed. Call 608-327-7118 with questions, to register or make an appointment.
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K-9 Ares Memorial Service this afternoon on April 1st
The Portage Police Department will be honoring K-9 Ares with a memorial service at Wayne Bartels Middle School located at 2505 New Pinery Rd beginning at 5pm.
There is a small law enforcement K-9 processional that will be escorting K-9 Ares' remains to the Bartels Middle School and is scheduled to arrive at approximately 4pm. For those that wish to observe the processional, it will travel into Portage from I-39 on W. Cook St into the downtown, then north on Dewitt to New Pinery to the Middle School, again scheduled to arrive at the middle school at 4pm.
The community is invited and encouraged to come pay their respects. Community members who wish to attend are asked to park in the Wayne Bartels Middle School, Gerstenkorn Administration and Woodridge or John Muir Elementary parking lots.
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Portage High School production of
"YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN!"
At the PHS Auditorium, tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. Shows are scheduled for 7pm April 1 & 2 and a matinee at 2pm April 3.
Photo Credit: Portage Community Schools
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Lilac Shop Pop-Up Market
Lilac Shop Pop-Up Market is back with lots of vendors for you to shop at on Saturday, April 2 from 9am to 1pm. For more information please check out the Facebook event, Lilac Shop Market.
Lilac Shop Studio is located at 242 W. Edgewater Street.
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Festival Foods Bunny Hop
It’s nearly time for Festival Foods Bunny Hop, the annual springtime event happening Saturday, April 9, from 10am to 2pm at Festival Foods in Portage and its store locations around the state. Hop on in to receive exclusive treats and trinkets as well as get a photo with their bunny! Share your photos, so don’t forget to tag @festfoods if you post them.
To provide a safe and fun experience for their little guests, ages 8 and under, there will be pre-packaged treats throughout the store to make sure kids get something special without having to spend a ton of time in one spot. There will be plenty of trinkets for those kiddos with food allergies, too.
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Advertise in this Chamber newsletter
Submit a flyer insert, similar to the one for Agrace above, for $25. A year-long newsletter ad, which links to your website, is $250. Call the Portage Chamber for more information at 608-742-6242.
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Strength Training Class
Tap into the benefits of strength training and reduce the risk for chronic diseases during this 10-Week Strength Training Class on Mondays & Thursdays from 9:30am to 10:30am, starting April 18 (no class 5/30).
Classes are held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 850 Armstrong Street. The cost is $20 (total cost for the whole 10 weeks!). Contact Polly Koepp for more information at 608-745-8887.
Registration for the class will be held starting at 9am on April 18 and just prior to each following class. All ages and abilities are welcome. The program will be modified to match your ability. If you have an exercise mat, bring it along, but it is not required.
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Portage Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt
The Portage Lions Club will hide thousands of foil wrapped chocolate eggs (outdoors) on the grounds of Woodridge and John Muir Schools on Saturday. April 16 from 10am to 10:30am. The hunt will start promptly at 10am. Children will be split into the following age groups: 1-3 year olds; 4-6 year olds; 7-8 year olds; 9-11 year olds.
Please arrive early enough to park and be able to walk to the appropriate starting areas. Bring along a sack or basket to collect the sweet treats. In case of poor weather, the Lions will pass out the eggs at curbside.
Anyone who is interested in joining the club and providing this and other services is welcome. The Lions welcome more men and women who care about helping in their community. Please call Nancy Schaper at 742-7242 if you are interested or have questions about the Easter Egg Hunt.
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Come Egg Our House event
Our House Senior Living invites you and your family to come color their windows with eggs April 1 through April 15. They will provide the coloring supplies. Kids get a goodie bag. Locations at 2786 Village Road and 215 Northridge Drive.
For more information call 608-745-0331.
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News from Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative
The Jon Steinhaus Lineworker Scholarship will be available through April 15. Encourage people you know looking to pursue a career in electrical line work to apply for this scholarship. Successful applicants must be enrolled in an Electrical Power Distribution (EPD) program at a certified EPD school in the United States. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 15. Visit their website to learn more about this scholarship and to apply: https://www.acecwi.com/co-op-programs/scholarships/.
Do you know an individual or organization that needs funding for a specific project or item? The Operation Round-Up grant may be for you! The next deadline to apply is Friday, April 15. Visit their website to learn more about this program to and to apply: https://www.acecwi.com/operation-round-up/.
Lineman Appreciation Day is Monday, April 18. Submit a story or thank you note to help us recognize line crews for all of the hard work keeping the lights on. There is a coloring sheet to download from their website too! Submit a message for their line crews: https://www.acecwi.com/thank-a-lineman/.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 18 to attend ACEC’s 35th Annual Meeting. All ACEC members are invited to the business meeting at Pardeeville High School at 5pm to learn more about the co-op and to get engaged with the board of directors. To learn more about this event, check out: https://www.acecwi.com/annual-meeting/.
For more information, call 800-831-8629.
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Portage VFW Blood Drive
A Blood Drive will be held at the Portage VFW, 215 W. Collins Street, on Monday, April 4 from 12:30pm to 5:30pm.
For an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code: PortageVFW Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome! Bring a photo ID or your blood donor card, or two other forms of ID. You can save up to 15 minutes when you donate blood by using RapidPass! Visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass for more information.
Live Music at the Portage VFW
Come enjoy live music at the Portage VFW. The band 'Riled Up' will be playing from 7pm-10pm on Saturday, April 9. The band will be playing your favorite classic Rock 'n Roll and a little Country music mixed in with it.
Afternoon Social at the Portage VFW
Portage VFW Post 1707 is open for the community to come play cards, board games or just chat on Tuesdays at 1pm. Coffee will be available. Stop by to meet some new people and spend an afternoon.
Darts and Poker at VFW on Wednesdays
The Portage VFW is open on Wednesdays for Dart Leagues and 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 us!
The Portage VFW Post 1707 is located at 215 West Collins Street. For more information, please call 608-742-5350.
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Portage mentioned among 5 cool ski towns
in US where you can buy a house for $250k
The following article by Brienne Walsh for appeared in MarketWatch:
Are you an avid skier who wants to spend more time shredding? While a house in Vail could cost you millions, there are some cool ski towns that cost less. So with mortgage rates still near (though not at) historic lows (see the lowest rates you can qualify for here), here are five ski towns where you can buy a house for less than $250,000.
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Gypsy Swing Ensemble
Caravan (Gypsy Swing) is returning to the Zona Gale Stage on Saturday, April 2 at 7:30pm! Tickets on sale now! If you have tickets from Clocks in Motion, previously scheduled for that date, you can turn them in for this newly scheduled show! Adults $20, Kids $10.
Gartner's Indie Films at Portage Center for the Arts
Director, writer, and executive producer Melonie Gartner wrote her very first script for a Hitchcockian thriller in 2007, entitled Two Rivers. Following Two Rivers, Melonie immediately got busy with its prequel Where the Great Spirits Live, also heavily influenced by Hitchcock. The third installment, Breathing Underwater, wrapped in 2021.
All three short films will be shown at the Zona Gale Theatre on Saturday, April 16 beginning at 2pm at Portage Center for the Arts, 301 E. Cook Street. A $5 suggested donation or 3 non-perishables All three shorts, 60' run-time, followed by discussion with film maker.
Student Recital Series at PCA
Recital performances of individual teachers throughout the region. Stay tuned for details.
Sunday, April 24.
Hidden Treasures Tour
Revealing many of Wisconsin’s “hidden” historical treasures, this special event encourages you to explore Wisconsin’s rich historical past with this 60 minute-plus behind-the-scenes tour, including exclusive access to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s archival preservation facility at 204 South Thornton Avenue in Madison! Sponsored by Portage Center for the Arts and the Museum at the Portage. This event is happening on Thursday, April 28 at 2pm (with small groups leaving every 15minutes). Tickets are $30 per person, travel not included (location/parking map).
Lunch Break
The theme of this lunch break: Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine with Anne Horjus. Artist Anne Horjus created a series of oil paintings to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this Renaissance master!
Come celebrate on Thursday, April 28 from Noon to 1pm. $5 per person at the door.
Portage Center for the Arts is located at 301 E. Cook Street. For more information and tickets, call 608-742-5655 or visit portagecenterforthearts.com.
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Text PORTAGE to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Portage events
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St. Mary Trivia Night
Participate in a Trivia Night at St. Mary on Friday, April 22 from 7pm to 11pm at St. Mary Gymnasium (door entrance on W. Conant Street) Register Here.
• Team tables up to 8 players = $100 per table - Full payment (cash/check) must be made at the door prior 6:45pm (Trivia begins promptly at 7pm) Please arrive by 6:30pm.
• Reserve your team's table AND preorder pizzas ($15 each) by clicking the green Register tab
• Payments of cash or check at the door for table and pizzas
• Doors open at 6pm & trivia begins at 7pm – arrive early to enjoy beverages and get your pizza orders started.
• 50/50 raffle and top 3 Trivia winners cash prizes
• Beer, sodas, and water are available for purchase - no carry-in alcohol allowed
• 21+ years and older are welcome to participate (sorry, no spectators will be allowed)
• All proceeds benefit the new school playground - construction to begin this summer and be completed by the Fall 2022 school year!
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April Chamber Meetings and Events
5 Business Luncheon at Portage Library at 11:30am
6 Ambassador Meeting at Community Bank at 8am
29 Spring Wine Walk 5:30am to 8:30am
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Health Revival Series
Blau Family Chiropractic is hosting the Health Revival Series on Thursday, April 28 from 5pm to 6pm. Area wellness professionals will join with Dr. Blau & Dr. Lance to educate on ways that you can take charge of your health! Bring a friend to join us in hearing from Dr. Lance & Dr. Angela Rham! They will be talking about the importance of testing and not guessing as well as how to read your blood work!
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Series Buy, Build or Sell: Deciding Next Steps for Your Business
It takes a lot of sweat equity to build up a successful business, and most business owners will eventually want to retire. For many, retirement may translate into selling your business – and it is crucial to prepare for a big exit, right from the start.
While there is no crystal ball that can tell you whether it’s time to buy a business, build your business or sell/close your business, there are ways to monitor the financial performance of your company that can help guide your decisions. This class will help you understand how to analyze your business’ financial performance as well as some qualitative factors to consider when making decisions regarding your investment in your business.
Location: Grainger Hall
Date: April 6, 2022 8:30am-11:30am
Fees: $149
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R. Condon Gallery expanding hours
R. Condon Gallery and Custom Framery is expanding operating hours to Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30am to 1:30pm and Thursday nights from 5pm to 8pm.
The gallery is located at 223 W. Cook Street in Portage. For more information, call 608-617-1733.
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Giggles for Kids
Many story and activity books have arrived at Giggles for Kids inside the Mercantile, 117 W. Cook Street! Plenty of children's toys and books on hand to choose from.
For more information, call 608-745-5768.
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Craft and Vendor Fair at Portage Elks Lodge
The Portage Elks Lodge is hosting a craft and vendor fair on Saturday, May 7 from 9am to 1pm at their location at 201 E. Conant Street.
For more information, contact Megan at 608-393-1985.
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Ribbon Cutting
A ribbon cutting was held at Beautifully Blemished, 104 W. Cook Street, Suite B, to welcome this new business to Portage.
“Rediscover Your Furniture.” We stock the full line of Dixie Belle Paint Company’s Chalk and Silk paint lines, stains, waxes, transfers, stencils, brushes and more.
Stop in for a free paint color consult. Refinished and upcycled furniture and furnishings also available. Custom refinishing services for your furniture, too!
For more information, call 608-697-0297.
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Ribbon Cutting
A ribbon cutting was held at Tiny Homestead, located inside The Mercantile at 117 W. Cook Street (plus 27 Hometown Pharmacy locations and other retailers around Wisconsin. All locations are listed on their Facebook Page.)
“From Our Homestead to Your Home.” Their candles and wax melts are made with 100% soy.
Fragrance oils are free of the 5 major hazard groups including carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, organ toxins and acute toxins.
Tiny Homestead also has an onsite farm-stand at N9164 Muskrat Road, open Memorial Day to Labor Day, offering farm fresh eggs, seasonal produce, homemade canned goods, sourdough bread, honey and more. All of their items are made in "tiny" batches, sustained directly from the homestead so quantities are seasonal and limited. When the farm-stand is open, what is available is posted to Facebook.
Check out their new Spring scents, too: Sweet Magnolia; Orange Peel & Lemon; Lavender & Sage; and Fresh Cut Grass. For more information, call 608-235-2675.
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Chair Yoga at the Portage Public Library
Chair Yoga is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 9am. Must register in advance; space is limited. Wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mat, towel, block and strap recommended but not required. Call 608-742-4959
How to Keep Bees
Join this honey of a program on Beekeeping at the Portage Public Library. Learn the basics in this fun, informational and free event held on Saturday, April 23 from 10am to 11:30. Enjoy honey samples, too. Register in advance by calling 608-742-4959 ext. 205.
Introduction to Meditation
This is a free introduction class for adults interested in the benefits of meditation. Classes are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 9:30am at the Portage Public Library. Register in advance; space is limited. Call 608-742-4959 to register.
Computer Basics
This beginner class will cover the basics of using technology, including computers, smartphones and more. Classes are held every second Wednesday of the month from Noon to 1pm at the Portage Public Library. Registration required by calling 608-742-4959.
The Portage Public Library is located at 253 W. Edgewater Street. You may also register for the above classes by emailing programs@portagelibrary.us.
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United Way Spaghetti Dinner
Portage Area United Way Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at Northwoods Inc. will feature musical entertainment by Elizabeth Youra. The event is happening Saturday, April 23 from 5pm to 7pm.
This all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner is $15 per person. Call 608-742-6816 for tickets or come on April 23 at 5pm. Northwoods Inc. is located at N6510 Highway 51.
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Spread the word about Portage!
Use #portagewi or #portagechamberwi in your social media posts.
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Check out the Chamber's YouTube Channel HERE
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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.
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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.
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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.
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