Good morning Karin,

We've got a lot to share, and navigating it at a glance can help you maintain your productivity. So here's what we've got for you this week:

Chamber Spotlight - we're looking to connect with you for a one-on-one conversation to talk about what you've got going on this year. We want to share your story, share your successes, highlight your special offers. If this sounds like something that you're interested in, reach out at to us today.

Quick Bites - Snapshot of key dates to remember, things we're working on, deadlines you don't want to miss.

Business and Community News - Short summaries with links to full articles covering relevant headlines for the Whitewater business community.

Resources & Opportunities - Grants, business tools, job postings, or city initiatives.

The Extras - Make sure you scroll all the way through or click "Load entire email" to get to the portion of our newsletter where we have invitations to events, member to member connections, or additional ways to engage with the Chamber and those around us.

Community Calendar

Help us promote everything local. Add your events directly to the calendar, or send us a quick email and we'll take care of that for you. We're looking for events of all kind in the community! We are also happy to cross submit those to additional community and regional calendars on your behalf - just let us know a little about your target audience!

Save these Dates!

Get these upcoming Chamber events and activities on your calendar:

• Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on April 11, 2025.
• 11th Annual Whitewater Collects on Sunday March 23, 1pm to 4 pm
• County-Wide off the Clock Networking March 6, 2025 (more info below)
• Deadline for inclusion in our next Whitewater Wednesday newsletter - 03/10/25

Annual Nominations

The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2025 award presentations at our Annual Dinner and to our Board of Directors. Scroll down in this newsletter for additional details.

Partner Announcements & News

Got any news you want to share? Chamber partners can submit news, announcements, and press releases to be included in the news feed

on our website. Visit the Member Information Center (MIC) to

submit your news!

If you'd like something added to the newsletter, please email dwwchamber@gmail.com, we will happily add information, events, or news articles.

FCCU to award $10,000 in scholarships this school year

FORT ATKINSON, WI — Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) has announced that they will be awarding $10,000 in scholarship money for the 2024-2025 school year.

FCCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater. Reflecting the mission statement of FCCU, "To help our members be in a better financial position than when we met them," FCCU is offering this scholarship to help shoulder the cost of tuition so members can achieve their educational dreams. FCCU will award $2,000 to five current high school seniors heading off to a 4-

year university or a 2-year technical or trade school in the fall.

Find more information and eligibility criteria here.

FCCU distributes $400,000 to members through Member Loyalty Cash patronage dividend

FORT ATKINSON, WI — On December 31, 2024, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) demonstrated its mission of “putting every member in a better financial position than when we met them” by distributing a $400,000 patronage dividend to over 8,200 qualifying member-owners, ranging from $36 to $73 deposits each.

As a credit union, FCCU operates based on the needs and wants of its members, or member-owners, in the form of a democratically elected, volunteer board of directors. This cooperative business structure allows FCCU to put a primary focus on products and services that benefit individual members. In contrast, other financial institutions are primarily profit-driven, which may not always benefit individual customers because they do not have a say in what is done with those profits— only its shareholders do. 

Find more information on this tremendous success and ongoing program here.

The 11th Annual Whitewater Collects will be held on Sunday, March 23 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center in Whitewater. This event is free and open to the public.

At this popular event, put on by the Whitewater Historical Society, area residents display items they enjoy collecting. The collections vary from antique to contemporary.

In addition to viewing the collections on display, visitors can receive free verbal professional evaluations of up to two antique or vintage items they bring in. The evaluations are performed by noted auctioneer,Carol Miller, owner of Bailey’s Honor Auction and Estate Services, LLC.

Collections being displayed this year include Magic Lanterns, antique purses, Fiesta ware, Doc Martens, Civil War items, vintage children’s tins, antique area advertising, barbed wire, vintage globes, bonbon plates, trains, and items from the historic Heart Prairie Norwegian Methodist Church. Space for collections is still available.

If you would like to display a collection or learn more about this event, please contact Jan Goder at jgoder1976@gmail.com or (262) 949-0644. Come join us for a fun and interesting event Image by Markus Kammermann Pixabay

Thursday | March 6 | 5-7 PM

Join us as we help the 531 Fund kick off their Second Annual Balloon Adventure on Thursday, March 6. After a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 5pm, enjoy FREE entry into the immersive Balloon Adventure “Voyage into the Deep Sea” and then gather for appetizers, cash bar, and networking in Pier 290 until 7pm.

Since 2016, 531 Fund (formerly Santa Cause) has proudly donated over $900,000 to numerous charities in support of their mission to uplift and improve lives in Walworth County, particularly focused on organizations in the 531-zip code areas. All proceeds from this year’s Balloon Adventure benefit Timber-lee in East Troy, WI.

Space is limited for this unique event. Please RSVP by clicking HERE, or on the button below by February 27. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mulberry Campus hosts a Beer Tasting

You’re invited to a hop’n good time! Join us on Wednesday, March 12 from 5 to 7pm. Enjoy savory snacks while sampling 10 different kinds of beer – and if you can name them all, you’ll win a $50 gift card! Experience a fun evening and see how seniors enjoy life at Mulberry Campus.

Beer •  Snacks •  Tours •  Fun

1255 W Main Street, Whitewater

RSVP by 3/1 to Shantel at 262-473-7010 or email sboss@capricommunities.com

UW-Whitewater Department of Music Unveils Exciting Lineup of March Concerts College of Arts and Communication, Department of Music

(WHITEWATER, WIS.)— The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces its March events beginning with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 2 followed by the Faculty Chamber Trio later that evening at 7:30 p.m. The University/Community Band then takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, and Sonict Ensemble brings a unique, innovative performance to the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4. The next installment of the Music Mosaics series takes place at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 as the Whitewater Brass Quintet takes the spotlight. The Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz present an afternoon of vocal performances beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, and the month’s performances conclude with the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.

Read more here.

(WHITEWATER, WIS.)— The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces its productions of “The Maid Turned Mistress” by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi and “Dido and Aeneas” by Henry Purcell. This exclusive double feature will run in Barnett Theatre on select days from Feb. 21 - March 1. Tickets are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in person at Ticket Services, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. The Barnett Theatre and UW-Whitewater Ticket Services are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. 

Delight in the witty and charming tale of love and deception, followed by an emotional journey through ancient Carthage’s timeless romance. Witness two masterpieces in one night with musical direction by Robert Gehrenbeck, choreography by Barbara Grubel and staging by Bruce Cohen. The talented UW-Whitewater students and area community members showcase the incredible range of human emotion through exquisite music and unforgettable performances. 

Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Know a Walworth County graduating senior who is already making a difference in the lives of children?

This scholarship may be for you!

With a mission focused on equitable access to child abuse prevention, education, and resource support, the Tree House Child and Family Center is proud to invest in the children of the Walworth County community. First awarded in 2023, the Tree House Memorial Scholarship is given to a Walworth County high school student who has demonstrated a positive impact on the children of our community and who plans to continue serving children through their post-high school studies.

In 2025, two scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $3,000 each!

The 2025 Tree House Memorial Scholarships are made possible in part by a generous donation from Kathy & Stan Johnson.



Learn about eligibility and apply here.

Whitewater Students Demonstrate Literacy Skills in Battle of the Books Competition



WHITEWATER, WI — Students across the Whitewater Unified School District showcased their literary knowledge in the district-level Battle of the Books competition last week.

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association, the program challenges students to read and master 20 books from a preselected list. Book lists were published last June, allowing students and staff to begin their reading journey.

Under the leadership of District Library Media Specialist Kathy Retzke, library lessons in November 2024 introduced students to the competition format. Teams of up to four students were formed, and each was responsible for dividing and conquering the reading list. Over the next 10 weeks, weekly meetings led by library staff provided opportunities for

collaboration, comprehension exercises, and practice questions

Continue reading here.

WUSD Students Recognized in 2025 Southern Lakes Anthology

WHITEWATER, WI — Eleven Whitewater Unified School District students have been selected for publication in this year’s edition of “Southern Lakes Anthology.”

The annual competition showcases original art and writing from 3rd-8th grade students across more than 30 school districts in southeastern Wisconsin. The theme for this year’s anthology was “The Power Of,” with students encouraged to explore the concept through creating poetry, prose, expository writing, illustrated writing, art, and cartoons.

WUSD Advanced Learning Specialist, Caroline Nelson, described introducing the competition saying, “I love seeing students' enthusiasm as I reveal the annual SLA theme in classes each fall. They immediately begin brainstorming ideas and making connections to their lives. This year, students were able to apply the theme "The Power Of" to concepts such as self-worth, friendship, historical achievements of women, and chemistry. I look forward to celebrating our published authors and artists at the reception taking place this Spring.”

Continue reading here.

Whitewater High School Career Fair

April 2nd 10:00 – 11:15

Whitewater High School Gym

10th – 12th Grade Students

This Career Fair is designed to bridge the gap between students and the professional world, offering valuable exposure to various industries and career opportunities. This event provides businesses with a platform to engage with the next generation of talent, share insights about their field, and inspire students as they explore future career paths.

Showcase your mission, values, and workplace culture. Connect with students seeking employment and apprenticeship opportunities. Network with industry leaders and educators to build strong community partnerships.

Register to participate here.

The 2025 Jefferson County Fair (July 9-13) promises an exciting entertainment lineup under the theme “There's No Place Like Fair.” The fair will feature youth and community exhibits, live music, family-friendly attractions, motorsports, and more.

Key Highlights:

• Music Lineup: Tribute bands for Bon Jovi (Bad Medicine), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Gimme Skynyrd), and Toby Keith (American Ride) in the Coors Light Entertainment Tent, plus Taylor & the Anti Hero’s (Taylor Swift tribute) in the Grandstand.
• Kidz Zone: Featuring dock-diving dogs (Pier Pups), pig & duck races, farm-themed mini-golf, and a comedy circus.
• Animal Events: Big Hat Rodeo, draft horse competitions, horse pull, animal auction, and youth celebrations.
• Motorsports: Truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby (details coming soon).
• Additional Attractions: Midway Carnival, Brew City Wrestling, The Spirit of Oz characters, Farmer’s Olympics, and a community stage featuring local talent.

More updates will be shared in the coming months. Visit www.jcfairpark.com or follow them on Facebook for details!

Whether you're a painter, photographer, sculptor, or mixed media creator, now is the time to showcase your talent. Five exciting local calls for art are currently open, offering chances to exhibit your work, gain recognition, and contribute to the vibrant arts scene in our community.

Don't miss out—click the link below to explore submission details, deadlines, and how you

can be part of these amazing artistic opportunities! 

Whitewater Arts Alliance Newsletter

SBA Success Series: Webinars for Your Digital Marketing, AI & Funding 

Digital Marketing Success: Paid, Owned and Earned Media

How is a small business able to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing? Presenters Kathy Fredrickson and Megan Koshollek of the Digital Marketing Clinic of the Universities of Wisconsin will talk about advertising, leveraging your platforms and attracting content creators

March 12, 12 pm

Register

Unlock Success: AI and SEO Tools for Small Business Marketing

Discover game-changing solutions that elevate your brand, engage customers, and boost growth. Wisconsin SBDC Student Consultants will provide insights and real-world examples using AI tools for video and photo editing. SEO, copywriting and social media efficiencies will also be covered. Don't miss out on the future of marketing!

March 18, 12:30 pm

Register

Small Business Success: SBA Funding Options and Resources

Build a successful small business with SBA funding options and resources. SBA-backed lending is available for almost any business purpose through many banks, credit unions and community lenders. In this webinar, learn about your options, business counseling resources, and get your questions answered.

March 25, 10 am

Register

New Business, New Confidence: Navigating Imposter Syndrome with Strength

Wednesday, February 26 | 12:00 to 1:00 PM

Location: Online

Cost: Free

Presenter: Kaileen McMickle, www.innerascentcounseling.com

CLICK TO REGISTER

Embarking on a new business venture is both exciting and challenging, and many women entrepreneurs face the common struggle of imposter syndrome. This session is designed to support you through these early stages, offering strategies to manage self-doubt and build a foundation of self-assurance as you grow your business. In "New Business, New Confidence: Navigating Imposter Syndrome with Strength," you will gain a deep understanding of imposter syndrome-its root causes, how it functions, and why it can be so hard to shake. This session will reveal why imposter syndrome can keep you feeling uncertain, even when evidence suggests otherwise, and equip you with practical tools to manage and overcome its effects.

Note: All our webinars and events are open to women and men.

UPCOMING WEBINARS & EVENTS

Future-Proof Your Small Business

Tuesday, March 4 | 12 - 1 PM

Location: Online

Cost: Free

REGISTER HERE

Start A Small Business in 8 Steps (IN-PERSON)

Wednesday, March 12 | 6 - 7 PM

Location: 418 Wisconsin Street, Eau Claire WI

Cost: Free

REGISTER HERE

The Future of Small Business Marketing: Trends to Watch in 2025

Wednesday, March 26 | 12-1 PM

Location: Online

Cost: Free

REGISTER HERE

Start A Small Business in 8 Steps

Tuesday, April 15 | 6 - 7 PM

Location: Online

Cost: Free

REGISTER HERE

Data Snapshot: Prosperity in Wisconsin

UW Extension Community Economic Development Program

Wisconsin is at the center of one of the largest concentrations of prosperity in the United States, routinely faring better than the national average on all four dimensions of prosperity: poverty, unemployment, housing, and education. Eighteen Wisconsin counties have consistently scored better than the national average, and none of our state’s counties fall into the lowest typology category, "lacking measurable prosperity." Doctoral student Danielle Schmidt, and Professors Tessa Conroy and Steve Deller, write about the topic in our latest WIndicator,

Click Here for more: Understanding Wisconsin Prosperity in a National Context.

Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce

(262) 473-4005

info@whitewaterchamber.com