The Fennimore Chamber of Commerce has taken great strides in recent years to become a hub for information and services for the business community, residents and visitors to “The City on the Move!” The Fennimore Chamber supports many events and services through the year. The Chamber’s office is conveniently located in the Fennimore Memorial Building at 850 Lincoln Avenue.
Promotions
The Chamber sponsors many promotion activities throughout the year including the Annual Citywide Garage Sale the weekend prior to Memorial Day each spring; community-wide Chicken BBQ in July; outstanding Citizens of the Year and Business of the Year recognition; Back to School Showcase in August, and Christmas Creations Craft Show (held the Saturday following Thanksgiving). The Chamber promotes buying locally through ongoing projects such as Fennimore Bucks and Small Business Saturday promotions.
Promotion Coordinator
The Fennimore Chamber funds a portion of the Promotion Coordinator’s budget, which allows the Chamber to have an office on Main Street. Normal office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. This office provides visitors with tourist information and a multitude of business information. Each year the Chamber prints a calendar of events and also updates the Intro to Fennimore brochure/map. The office also assembles relocation packets for individuals considering moving to town and has the “Welcome Aboard” standing committee, which serves as a welcome service to the community.
A portion of the Chamber’s funding of the Promotions Coordinator’s budget goes toward the time used to compose the Chamber’s newsletter – Chamber Connections published the first Thursday of each month in the Fennimore Times. The Promotions Coordinator also produces the “Focusing on Fennimore” column that is published in the Fennimore Times the remaining 40 issues of the year. The Promotions Coordinator also creates and distributes numerous press releases and public service announcements that are sent to 40 plus newspapers, radio and television stations on a regular basis.
Small Business Assistance
The Promotions Coordinator’s office works closely with entrepreneurs who are considering starting a business as well as established business owners. The Small Business Development Center counselor meets with clients on regularly scheduled dates. This “no fee” service is made possible through the support of UW-Extension, UW-Platteville, Southwest Tech and Chamber offices. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact the SBDC Counselor, Gary Smith 608-348-1038.
Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program (SWCAP) Business Development program offers one-on-one business coaching. Unlike classes, books or templates from the internet, SWCAP works with business owners (or potential business owners) to work together on issues specific to you and your situation – specifically designed for your business. Contact David Vobora, 608-935-2326 to set up an appointment.
For more details on resources, available properties or to set up a confidential appointment contact the Promotions Coordinator 608-822-3599.
