Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Advantage e-News
Where oh where has the summer gone? Before we know it, the school buses will be picking the kids up & lives turn back into the hustle & bustle of everyone going in different directions. But before that occurs, we still have a few moments left in the August Dog Days of summer. July brought a lot of activi-ty to the Merrill Festival grounds. There was the 1st Annual Tractor Pull that brought to Merrill the Na-tional Tractor Pullers Asso-ciation as well as a number of area Antique Tractor Pullers. The National Tractor Pullers show put around 1800 butts in the seats of the new grandstand. That’s not too bad for a first-time event! But the big test would be the Lincoln County Fair who brought in grandstand events every evening of the fair with three musical events, a moto cross event & the Demo Derby was back in town. It was a “hot” fair this year in more than one way! And now with the completion of the fair clean-up construction is beginning on the new Expo Cen-ter & Enhancement Center for our area seniors. This will be a great addition to the festival grounds with Pine Crest right across the street and being more accessible. It will also offer the community an additional option
for large events & activities on the weekends. But there is plenty of activi-ties left before summer offi-cial comes to an end. Merrill Protective Services are hosting Community Night Out at Normal Park on Aug. 2. And there will be music at the park on Aug. 3 –4 with the Merrill City Band & Gazebo Nights. On Aug. 5-6 Relay for Life will
be at the Festival Grounds & Aug. 5-7 the Merrill Firefight-er Charities Softball Tournament will be at Ott’s Park.
On Aug. 10 the Merrill City Band is kicking off a new event at Cenotaph Park called “Back to the Future” A new west side story. Concessions will begin at 4pm with the Lion’s Club, Haven & Band Boosters. Butch’s Good Times will begin playing at 4:30pm followed by the City Band at 6pm. On Aug. 11 will be the annual Crazy Daze celebration with sidewalk sales & vendors downtown. Dorinda’s dancers will perform & there will be food eating contests! The Lion’s Club will host their Chicken Dinner at lunchtime from Kitchenette Park fol-lowed by their Duck Race. There will be activities all over town including the annual Soft-ball Flipper game at Streeter Square & Gazebo Night at
From The Director’s Doorway
August 2016
Business after Hours
2
Chamber Foundation 2
Ribbon Cuttings 3
Business of the Month 4
Member-to-Member 4
Chamber Chat 5
Taking Notes 5
Inside this issue:
Highlights
Membership Counts
So What’s New?
Member Programs
Ambassador News
Extra Nuts & Bolts
Calendar/Events
Advocacy Visibility
Networking Credibility
Normal Park. And the annual Good News Electronic Recycling event will take place at the Sell Building on the Festival Grounds on Aug. 12-13. And the annual Fill the Gazebo food drive will be at Normal Park on Aug. 13. Gazebo Nights will finish their season at Normal Park on Aug. 18 & 25. September will be busy too, with the Labor Day Parade & Car Show, the City-wide Rum-mage Sale, 4th Annual Pork in the Park Ribfest, Chili Blast Cook-off, and Colorama Bike Ride. Business after Hours will also return from its summer hiatus on Sept. 22 at System Tech-nologies. Watch your email & mail boxes for nomination forms for Busi-nesses of the Year this month along with sponsorship forms for our Annual Celebration. It’s our 105th Anniversary this year! We are so happy that we can continue to support & serve you for all of these years. It has been a pleasure & we sincerely thank you for the trust that you have put into us for all of these years. From my doorway to yours, Debbe Chief Executive Officer
105 Years 1911– 2016
Date: Sept. 22
Place: Systems Technologies
Time: 5:00pm
WE TAKE THE SUMMER OFF FROM BUSI-NESS AFTER HOURS SO THAT WE CAN ALL ENJOY THE SUMMER WITH OUR
FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.
BaH WILL RETURN ON SEPT. 22
Date: Sept. 28 Place: Riverside Athletic Club Time: 7:45 am Join us and learn about Riverside’s pro-grams & facility!
Business After Hours
PAGE 2 T H E A D V A N T A G E
Our Merrill Vision 20/20 Program was on May 20 and was a success! We took 200
8th grade students out to local businesses in 15 of their 16 selected Career Clusters. This is part of our Workforce Development Program for our programming under the state Future Project program. We will be calling upon local businesses again next year to con-
tinue matching students with career interests locally. Now is the time to educate students about what it takes to work in your business! We will be working with all segments of our employer population linking Merrill employers with Merrill students. If you are interested in more infor-
mation contact Debbe at 715-536-9474.
We changed our Legislative Group this past Fall. We will go to an every other month format with sched-uled legislators & other government departments take part. Watch for details!
We are sending out a Daily News from WMC that will highlight the daily news of interest. Just click on the links that interest you. A simple way to get today’s news highlights!
We have started a new social media marketing program, ‘Chamber Moments’ that will include photos & thoughts on Face Book, mini videos & articles. Watch for these ‘moments’! Chamber’s around the world
are taking part & posting the same info simultaneously. We started a weekly e-blast called ‘What’s Up Wednesday’ that will provide updates on
upcoming events/activities & things you need to know. Members may include their text only messages for $15 up to 25 words—no pictures allowed. Call Cheryl for details at 715-536-9474.
Business After Hours
Additional
Programs
Bricks make great gifts for any occasion! There are 4 sizes of bricks to choose from & each brick can be engraved with names, dates or special messages. The bricks make wonderful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, holiday gifts or simply to honor someone in a permanent way.
River District Development
Foundation
The new trailhead will be developed east of the
Center Ave. bridge on Park Street. www.riverbendtrail.com
You can also ‘friend’ us on Face Book now. The Chamber Foundation is the fiscal administrator
of the River District Development Foundation & the Friends of the River District.
Merrill Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc.
News
Other Foundation Programs
Friends of Normal
Park
Other programs that the Chamber Foundation administers include:
Discover Downtown Merrill
Emergency Relief Fund
Courthouse Christmas Tree Lighting
Foundation Community Fund
For the Love of Merrill
125th Anniversary Fire Dept. Prints
Merrill Events
Community Enhancements (Hanging Flower Baskets)
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to any of the foundation programs. Send your tax-deductible donations to:
Merrill Chamber Foundation 705 N. Center Avenue
Merrill, WI 54452
So...What’s New?
Morning Mixer
Chamber on Tour We believe that your business is a STAR. Showcase your business by joining the Chamber Tour Pro-gram. Contact us to get your busi-ness on the tour schedule today! Sign-up now for 2015 tours….
Morning Mixer Sign-up now to host/sponsor a quarterly program in 2016. Business before Hours is a great way to showcase your business & have social interaction with your fellow business members—especially if you are unable to attend Business after Hours! Government News This program will email blast government infor-mation to members such as City of Merrill agendas & other state & fed-eral government information, pro-grams & newsletters.
Additional Programs
Friends of the Merrill City Band is kicking off a capital fundraiser to help with needed supplies and improvements to Normal Park for their con-certs & other events. The Merrill City Band has been actively entertaining Merrill residents since 1911 and now they need your help. Plans include bathrooms, concession stand, warming house, sprinkler system & new sod!
To make a tax-deductible donation: Friends of the Merrill City Band Merrill Chamber of Commerce Foundation 705 N. Center Avenue Merrill, WI 54452 Donations can be made in any amount.
Friends of the Merrill
City Band
Ribbon Cuttings
No new ribbon cuttings.
Reminder that our Annual Celebration is just around the corner:
Date: October 13
Place: Les & Jim’s Banquet Hall
Watch your email & mail for nomina-tions for Businesses of the Year! They
will be arriving this month.
PAGE 3 T H E A D V A N T A G E
Red Carpet Pak
Did you know that only mem-
bers can advertise & make
special offers in our Red Car-
pet Pak’s that given to new
Merrill residents to welcome them & intro-
duce them the Merrill area?
Webvertising
Advertise on our website! Cost for this great
new webvertising is only $25 per month!
Great way to grab attention to your business
Our website & links receive 7000+ hits per
month so it’s an economical way to advertise!
Diplomat Team
Here is a sneak peek at our new Diplo-mat Team, an arm of our Ambassador Group.
The Diplomats will be a select group of indi-viduals who will be available to area business-es with new hires who will meet with them, take them on tours, lunch, etc. The Diplomat’s role will be to answer questions about Merrill and the area and take the new hire on a tour if necessary to showcase the Merrill area.
Diplomats will be selected through an applica-tion process and selected by a Diplomat Re-view Team. The Diplomat’s will be matched to new hires based on several criteria that will aid in comfort levels/interests.
Applications for Diplomats will be available this month. And employers we will be meeting with you beginning in July.
Ambassador News & Ribbon Cuttings
Welcome New Members
Welcome Main Street Daycare & Badger Hotel. We are so happy to have you in our membership!
Want to meet new businesses? Then become an Ambassador! Contact us for all the details. It’s a great way to grow your business & cele-brate what makes Merrill so great—our local business members!
24-Hour Information Center
Did you know that only Chamber members &
other Chamber/visitor centers can advertise
in the Information Center? Place your bro-
chures, flyers and/or business cards for FREE.
The Information Center is a very busy place
& is restocked daily.
Newsletter Inserts
Did you know that only members can adver-
tise in the Chamber e-news/newsletter?
Cost is only $25 & your message will reach
over 500 people. It’s also on our website
that receives over 6000 hits per month.
Member to Member
Did you know that you can offer other mem-
bers discounts on purchases and services as a
way of advertising & marketing your business?
If you are willing to offer a discount to other Chamber members, please
contact us so that we can get
the word out to other mem-
bers!
Office Assistance
Did you know that only members can make
copies free of charge at the Chamber? Or
use our fax machine? Or bulk mail stamp for
large bulk mailings? Contact us for details.
Our membership depends on volunteers!
Here are some ways that you can help:
Golf Outing ■ Crazy Daze ■ Pork in the Park
Promotions Committee ■ Ambassador Club Women of Distinction ■ Music Fest
Contact Debbe for more information. Email
At the Chamber, it’s all about You!
We are bringing the Best to the Best!
Do you know someone opening a new business that would like to have a ribbon cutting? Have you recently remodeled your business or façade & would like a ribbon cutting? Contact us & let us know!
Member Programs
Building Business One Ribbon at a Time
New Website Our new website has launched and it is
very user friendly. You find that it is easier
to maneuver in and that some new features
have been added.
One of the best features is the long awaited
member web pages. Each member can
have their own web page that you manage
yourself. This is a great tool for businesses
that do not have their own website or for
the business who wants to post coupons or
daily specials. If you have your own web-
site, your hotlink will still work to move
visitors to your site, but a single page may-
be just what you are looking for either or
not you have your own website.
You will also notice that there are now
separate tabs for tourism and the chamber
foundation. These will be great tools espe-
cially if you are wanting to make a donation
to one of the many project funds that the
foundation operates.
For more information send questions to
Cheryl at [email protected] or
to Debbe at direc-
[email protected] or call us at 715-
536-9474.
Ambassadors Club: Beautification & Facade Recognitions & Ribbon Cuttings
VOLUNTEER
Chamber Education:
2016 Workshops
PAGE 4
1-3 bedrooms & are located in Antigo, Eagle River, Edgar, Kronenwetter, Mara-thon City, Medford, Merrill, Mosinee, Plover, Rib Mountain, Rice Lake, Schofield, Stevens Point, Waupaca, Wausau, Weston & Wisconsin Rapids.
In Merrill they own & operate three mul-ti-family complexes: Country Meadows, Jackson Estates & their newest Northside Estates.
S.C. Swiderski, LLC is another great member doing business in Merrill and providing for the housing needs of our community.
Member-to-Member Club Join Today & Save
The Chamber’s Member to Member Club,
is a product discount program for Chamber
members only. If your business is willing to
offer a discount to other Chamber members
contact us now! Gain marketing exposure &
potential new business customers. Be a part
of the Club!
As a Chamber member you will receive a dis-
count at the following businesses:
Put Your Business Name Here!
*Ye Old Sweet Shoppe—10%
*Super Lube—15%
*Creative Card Acceptance—1/2 priced USB
reader or $25 off USB signature
pad
The Business of the Month for Au-gust is S.C. Swiderski, LLC. The company headquarters is located at 401 Ranger Street in Mosinee. Their telephone number is 715-694-9522.
S.C. Swiderski was founded in 1992 and is a privately held company, solely owned by Shane & Sheila Swiderski. The business is a diversified, long term real estate invest-ment company. Their portfolio includes multi-family housing, office, retail, forest land & waterfront properties located throughout Central & Northern Wisconsin.
The Swiderski’s control their own residen-tial & commercial development, construc-tion, maintenance & property manage-ment to insure the highest quality service & best value available. They exclusively manage their own properties & houses their own Maintenance Department for quick response to repair concerns.
S.C. Swiderski has developed over 1000 multi-family & commercial units. Their multi-family communities vary in size from
*VIP On-line Member Discounts— to join
email them at [email protected]
for complete details on discounts.
*Northwood's Evergreen & Wire Co. —20%
*Ziesemer Photography - 15% on business
portraits
*Off the Grid Technologies—they build your
website & receive 1/yr Free web-
hosting
*Lincoln & Timeline Windows—factory di-
rect—10%
Just mention the
Member-to-Member
Club & start saving
today!
Business of the Month S.C. Swiderski, LLC
What’s Up Wednesday?
Watch for your mini weekly news-letter of upcoming events every Wednesday via email and on our Face Book page at Merrill Chamber.
T H E A D V A N T A G E
S h o p
m e r r I l l
Reminders
Coming in 2016
Dept. of Revenue
Theft: How to Protect your
Business
DOA: Working for Small
Business
Networking 101 If there are other educational programs that you would like the Chamber to bring to you,
please contact us with your ideas.
Send us your suggestions via email at [email protected]
In the subject line type: Education Topic
Welcome New Members
Welcome Main Street Daycare & the Badger
Hotel!
Congratulations
NorthCentral College has been featured in the
publication Top Online Colleges in America.
Congratulations!
Welcome
Ascension (Ministry Health) has welcomed
their new president for the North Region.
Welcome Debra
Standridge!
Scotland & Ireland Trip
The date is set for our next networking
adventure. The dates are April 1-12, 2017.
Brochures & all the info is now
available. Stop by & pick up a
brochure today for one of the
most relaxing trip, friendly
adventures!
Crazy Daze
Hard to believe but Crazy Daze is just
around the corner, so mark your calendar
for August 11. There
will be sidewalk sales,
vendors, Dorinda’s
Dancers, food eating
contests & so much
more! This year’s theme
is the Crazy & Wild
Roaring 20’s! It’s as Crazy as Bee’s
Knees!
“Positive Possibilities”
Thanks to our members, sponsors & nu-merous partnerships, the Chamber sup-ports dozens of community programs & is actively involved in many initiatives that you may not be aware of.
Look for this symbol to learn more about our history & our future & the community pro-grams we are involved in.
Requests for Merrill information
only during the month of July:
Phone calls: 273
Emails: 116
Walk-ins: 185
Info mailed out: 196
Website Visits: 3690 Viewed: N/A
Restock Center: 456
Extra Nuts & Bolts
PAGE 5 T H E A D V A N T A G E
Chamber Chat….did you know?
New Website
2016 is the USO’s 75th Anniversary. There
are 1000 active duty & 1500 reserve in Wis-
consin. The USO supplies programs & support
to families in & traveling through WI. It’s a
non-profit that has 6 sites in WI & served
133,000 participants last
year. If your business is
interested in supporting this
valuable institution visit
their website at
www.usowisconsin.org
Chamber
New Diplomat Program
Are you hiring soon or recently hired some-
one new to the area? Would a personalized
tour help in assisting your new employee settle
in Merrill? Would becoming acquainted with
the community help? Then let us match your
new employee with one of our diplomats who
can help familiarize your employee with the
area & tell/show them around town with de-
tail! Contact Debbe to set up your match
today.
Annual Chili Blast
We are looking for chili blast
contestants! If you think your
chili is the best, then you will
want to register for this Sep-
tember 24 event.
Pork in the Park Ribfest
Planning is already underway for our 4th
Annual Pork in the Park Ribfest. If you are
interested in becoming a rib competitor or
a sponsor for one
the largest single day
events in Merrill,
contact us for details.
Save the date: Sep-
tember 17.
Tickets on Sale
We have Barleyfest Tickets on
sale! Get them early & save!
Happy Anniversary
Congratulation to Gary & Mary
Schwartz on the 40th Anniver-
sary of Pine Ridge Mobil Mart!
Labor Day Car Show
Mark your calendar now for the Lion’s La-
bor Day Car Show at the Merrill Festival
Grounds immediately following the parade
on Sept. 5
Promote your upcoming events
Contact Cheryl at
Taking Notes…..
705 North Center Avenue
Merrill, Wisconsin 54452
MERRILL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE ADVANTAG E
year! Downtown sidewalk sales & vendors plus Dorinda’s Dancers & fun contests. It all starts at
10am. Plus the Lion’s will have their Chicken Din-ner’s & annual Duck Races & there will be so much
more!
Aug. 12-13—Electronics Recycling
Come recycle your old electronics at Merrill Festi-val Grounds at the Sell Building. Cost is $0.40 per
pound!
Aug. 13—Fill the Gazebo
Bring your non-perishable food items to the Nor-mal Park Gazebo from 9am to 12 noon and help
feed Merrill families.
For a complete listing of area events & activities
check out the Chamber of Commerce website
www.merrillchamber.org or the digital sign at the
Chamber office for event info.
Listen to us every Wednesday on WJJQ 92.5FM &
the 2nd & 4th Friday on WJMT 730 AM.
August 2—Community Night Out
Join our protective services at Normal Park begin-ning at 5pm for demonstrations. There will free
food & information.
August 3—Merrill City Band The Merrill City Band will play a concert at Normal Park Gazebo beginning at 7pm. The band will play
every Wednesday thru July.
August 4—Gazebo Night
Concert at Normal Park at 6:00pm with the music of The Commotion. Bring your chairs, blankets & refreshments. In case of rain location will be Les &
Jim’s. Gazebo Nights are held every Thursday thru
August.
Aug.10—Merrill City Band Join the band at Cenotaph Park for the 1st Annual
“Back to the Future” A New West Side Story con-
cert. Butch’s Good Times band will play at 4:30pm followed by the City Band at 6pm. Concessions
will begin at 4pm with the Lion’s Club serving up burgers, hot dogs, chips, soda & water; Haven—popcorn & lemonade; and Band Boosters—
Strawberry Shortcake & Ice Cream.
Aug. 5-7—Merrill Firefighter Softball
Annual charity softball tournament at Ott’s Park. Contact the Fire Dept. to register your teams at
715-536-2233.
Aug. 11—Annual Crazy Daze
It’s the Crazy & Wild Roaring 20’s in Merrill this
Mark Your Calendar
Phone: 715-536-9474
Fax: 715-539-2043
Website: www.merrillchamber.org
Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce
Mission Statement
The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce
is committed to its members by helping
their businesses to grow, succeed and thrive
Vision Statement
The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to
promoting the Merrill area as a community to live, work and
play for today Mailing Label
Executive Board Board Members
Tonia Speener—Chairman Dan Frick
Randy Wixson—Chair Elect Barb Haffemann
Dr. Shelly Mondeik—Vice Chair Nancy Kwiesielewicz
Noel Bushor – Financial Officer Val Mindak
Marty Heyne– Past Chairman Kent Reinhardt
Brian Richards
Kurt Rust
Jeff Schneider
Tim Schreiber
Kurt Wendt
Mayor Bill Bialecki
Ex-Officio
Dave Johnson—Ex-Officio
Staff
Debbe Kinsey – Chief Executive Officer
Cheryl Skoug – Programs Manager
Trista Wolff – Office Assistant
Kelsey Amelse—Student Summer Intern
Comments, Questions
& Concerns
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
MERRILL WI
PERMIT NO. 11
CHAMBER MEETINGS
Return Service Requested
Legislative – 8/8
Foundation— 10/14
Ambassador Club – 8/16
Board of Directors— 8/17
Retail Promotions—TBA
RibFest - 8/5
The Merrill Area Chamber of Com-
merce wants you to read about area
businesses and other information that
we feel is important to our members. If
there are any topics you think we should
cover, please let us know. Call the office
(715-536-9474), fax us (715-539-2043) or
stop in at our office (705 N. Center Ave).
Our individual emails are:
Debbe Kinsey—Chief Executive Officer
Cheryl Skoug—Program Manager
Trista Wolff—Office Assistant
Summer Intern—Kelsey Amelse
Website -
www.merrillchamber.org
merrillchamber1
105 Years 1911– 2016
>
> >
> 100% of the proceeds go to support the work we do locally here in the greater Merrill area, North
Central Wisconsin and in the West Indies.
> Keeps toxic materials out of our landfills and drinking water > Circuit boards, monitors and televisions are disassembled and disposed of properly
GoodNewsProject e‐cyclingpresents:
ELECTRONICRECYCLINGEVENT
FRIDAY,AUGUST12 •NOON‐6PMSATURDAY,AUGUST13 •9AM‐NOON
MERRILLFESTIVALGROUNDS,SELLBUILDING
ProceedsbenefitingKiwanisClub ofgreaterMerrilland theGoodNews ProjectofWausau
Here's a list of what
we accept:
Computers, laptops and monitors
Mice and keyboards
Printers and scanners
Fax machines and copiers
ANY size or type of television
Microwaves
Phones and cell phones
Just about any electronic device with a cord
We make it easy and safe.
Drive up/drop off conveniently located at: Sell Building Merrill Festival Grounds, Merrill, WI
Data security is guaranteed
Sorry, we don't accept:
Liquids, paints, chemicals
Large appliances
Batteries or fluorescent bulbs
Newspaper, cardboard, or cans
40¢ /lb. charge for recycling your old electronics
For additional questions, please call Good News Project at: 715-843-5985 or email: [email protected]
Customers bringing in more than 20 items should call for an appointment.
Electronicrecyclingdoesalotof
good.
www.kiwanis.org
1106 Fifth St. Wausau, WI 54403‐3584 715‐843‐5985 www.goodnewswi.com
Take the H&R Block Income Tax Course to learn how to prepare taxes like a pro. Class times and locations are flexible to fit your current job, school and family schedules. Bilingual courses are available. Not only will you learn a new skill, you could earn extra income as a tax professional.*
For class times and locations visit hrblock.com/class or call 800-HRBLOCK.
ENROLL NOW! SAVE $50!
SAVE $50**ENROLLNOW!
Use Coupon Code35F8E4 when you enroll online or by telephone.
EARN MORE BY LEARNING
FROM THE PROS.
50
EARN MORE BY LEARNING
FROM THE PROS.
Bilingual classes are taught in English and the instructor or assistant will be able to answer questions in Spanish as needed. Textbooks will be provided in both English and Spanish and course tests and online content will beoffered in English only. * Enrollment in, or completion of, the H&R Block Income Tax Course is neither an offer nor a guarantee of employment. Additional qualifications may be required. Enrollment restrictions apply. Staterestrictions may apply. Additional training may be required in MD and other states. H&R Block is an equal opportunity employer. This course is not intended for, nor open to any persons who are either currently employedby or seeking employment with any professional tax preparation company or organization other than H&R Block. ** Discount is off of tuition or course fees in states where applicable. Fees for course materials may apply.Discount must be used on initial purchase only. Not valid on subsequent payments. Valid at participating locations only. Void where prohibited. Expires January 31, 2017. OBTP#B13696 ©2016 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
2411 E MAIN ST Ste 102, MERRILL, WI 54452233 S 8TH ST , MEDFORD, WI 54451425 STATE RD 64, ANTIGO, WI 54409356 S 18TH AVE, STE D, WAUSAU, WI 54401
715-536-2188715-748-3686715-627-7319715-842-5308
233 S 8TH ST STE AMEDFORD, WI 54451
715-748-3686
356 S 18TH AVESTE D
WAUSAU, WI 54401715-842-5308
2411 E MAIN STMERRILL, WI 54452
715-536-2188
425 STATE RD 64ANTIGO, WI 54409
715-627-7319
