Welcome To a New Decade As WE Continue Progress here in Fennimore. . . “The City on the Move!”
Chamber Successful Year!
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce is winding up another successful year. The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador committees held ribbon cuttings for the following businesses in 2019: The Lemon Door/Melodie Betts, Automotive Development LLC/Aaron & Lisa Edge; Family Dollar; Rural Mutual Insurance/Susan Brugger; Keller Williams Real Estate/Tim & Tyler Klaas; Metal Manipulators/Jon Zapletal;
MQ Signs & More/Angie Monroe & family; Hickory Grove Golf Course/Heather and Greg Norsby.
There were several other sign changes that took place in 2019. Serenity Spa/Darlene Carl has changed her business focus now offering a variety of massage, yoga and wellness services. Energizer took ownership of the Rayovac in early 2019; the Fennimore plant currently produces and labels Rayovac and Energizer batteries with both the Rayovac and Energizer signs proudly displayed outside the plant.
MidWest One bank is the new name of the former American Bank, a highly respected company headquartered in Iowa City, IA. Divine Nursing and Rehabilitation is the new name of former Good Samaritan Nursing Home. Note that Sunset Fields is still owned and operated by the Good Samaritan Society. Kev’s Pet World LLC/Kevin Faucet moved his pet store into a much larger location at 555 Lincoln Avenue. Kevin offers a wide assortment of pets, supplies and food and now offers expanded hours. Mid-year 2019 the Fenway House Hotel welcomed Renee Thomas and Sherry Kieler as new managers. The former Ederer Dairy Supply building was purchased by Brad Bottomley for his Weather Seal business/warehouse.
Southwest Tech Receives High Rankings
Southwest Tech was ranked the $1 two-year college in Wisconsin and #13 two-year college in the nation. Late fall Southwest Tech also received recognition from the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program as one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. Based on strong and improving in student outcomes-including in learning, completion rates, employment rates and earnings, and equity-15 percent of community colleges nationwide have been invited to apply for the Aspen Prize.
Results were announced mid 2019 in regard to an economic input analysis (for fiscal year (2017-2018) conducted by Emsi reports Southwest Tech’s total annual impact is $159.3 million in added income or 2,996 jobs supported.
The City of Fennimore Municipal Utilities saw the completion of upgrades at their sewer plant (watch for an open house the Spring of 2020) and an 18 acre solar plant owned by Blue Earth came online mid-summer. Fennimore Utilities has a 25 year agreement with Blue Earth assures Fennimore Utilities competitive electric rates for now and more than two decades. The City of Fennimore Utilities has far exceeded their renewable energy goals and boasts more than 38% of electric comes from wind and solar energy. Fennimore currently has the third lowest electric rates in Wisconsin.
Let’s all work together to continue the great progress in Fennimore for now and the future.
Chamber Begins 2020 Membership Campaign
The Chamber board of directors would like to extend an invitation to join the Chamber in 2020. Chamber membership is not only an investment in your business it also plays a role in the future of our community for today and future generations.
FACC board of directors voted to keep your dues investment the same as last year. Membership dues are a good value with base membership starting at $115 for businesses with 1 to 3 full time equivalent (FTE); $200 for 4-12 FTE, $275 for 13-26 FTE, 27-99 for $325 and businesses with 100 plus employees just $400. Other categories include: Organizations and Places of Worship $75; home based businesses $45 along with individual/farmer/retiree category membership just $45.
Some of the benefits offered through membership in the Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce include:
- Chamber office and staff available to assist you with business needs and development of partnerships with other businesses and resources.
- Ability to accept Fennimore Bucks, accepted exclusively at Chamber member businesses.
- Opportunity to take advantage of increased exposure and marketing of your business through Chamber sponsored advertising plans.
- Listing in the Fennimore chamber online Business Directory and City of Fennimore website.
- Business listing in the monthly chamber newsletter, opportunity to display your business card in the Chamber’s business card rack found just outside the office door.
- Opportunity for you and chamber member businesses to be featured as a “Business Spotlight” in the Chamber’s “E Blast” and monthly newsletter printed in the Fennimore Times.
- Involvement in the community through numerous networking opportunities and Chamber sponsored events.
These are just a few of the benefits of being a member of the Fennimore Chamber of Commerce. It is up to each individual business to be as involved as much as they choose to be. It’s up to YOU to decide your involvement. We do hear from those who get involved in one or more standing committees and chamber activities it offers great way to network with other successful businesses.
To learn more about Chamber membership please contact the Promotions Coordinator’s office 822-3599 or Chamber President Steve Lendosky 608-822-6111.
2020 Chamber Officers and Board Members
President – Steve Lendosky-Brechler Lendosky Group LLC;
V.P. President Elect – Holly Straka/Brechler Lendosky LLC;
Secretary – Lori Barry/Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
Treasurer – Sheila Ruchti/Community First Bank.
Ashley Walker- Utility Clerk – Past President/ liaison)
Board members include: John Kolenberg/Jim’s Building Center; Peggy Miles/PJ’s Daycare; Heather Fifrick/Southwest Tech; Daniel Glass/ MidWest One Bank; Dennis Cooley/ Southwest Tech and Candice Wilson/Casey’s General Store. Any chamber member who is interested in playing a leadership role in the Chamber as encouraged to contact any chamber officer, board member or the Promotions Coordinator.
2020 FIEDC Officers & Board
Another organization I work closely with is the Fennimore Industrial and Economic Development Corp (FIEDC). It is the mission of FIEDC to serve as the marketing arm for lots in the City’s business park and work hand in hand with the City of Fennimore and Chamber of Commerce to assist and retain businesses along with recruitment of business and industry for the Fennimore area.
FIEDC members include: President – John Wells/WebWise Design & Marketing; Vice President – Mandy Henkel/Southwest Tech; Secretary/Treasurer – Linda Parrish. Board members: Pam Kreul/American Bank; John Murray/DPW City of Fennimore; Jeff Birchman/Rayovac; Ryan Rands/Midwest Builders; Jane Wonderling/Fennimore Schools; Brent Sheckler/Suppz; Aaron Peterson/Bard Materials, Adam Day/Council representative. Others who attend meetings but have non-voting rights: Steve Lendosky/Chamber liaison; Mayor Boebel; Dr. Jason Wood/Southwest Tech; Ron Brisbois/Grant County Economic Development Corp.
I’ve also been contacted by several new businesses that the chamber will hold ribbon cuttings in early 2020. We (FIEDC, Chamber, City, residents alike) all continue to have a challenge ahead of us to recruit additional new businesses to fill storefronts.
Southwest Tech Hosts 8th Annual Outdoor Skills Day January 25.
Plans for the 8th Annual Outdoor Skills Day sponsored by Grant County Outdoor Sport Alliance, Southwest Tech, Outdoor Heritage Education Center and Get Busy Living are now complete. The Outdoor Skills event will be held on the Southwest Tech campus (1800 Bronson Blvd)Saturday January 25, 2020.
This free family friendly event offers fun and learning for all ages. Skill stations include: Geocaching, archery, BB guns, laser shot, casting/flyrods, fly tying, dogs, trapping/furs, calling/decoys, Snapshot Wisconsin, snowshoes (weather permitting), star splitters ice fishing and dogs. There will also be an Outdoor Skills Challenge and Outdoor Quiz offering prizes.
Seminar schedules include:
Beginning Tout Fishing at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Geo-caching 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Dog proof trapping at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Afternoon seminars include Turkey/Hunting and High School Trap Shooting each taking place at 12:30 and 1:45 p.m.
The day offers door prizes and a food stand is available onsite sponsored by SWTC Blue Line Club. For additional information, call 608-822-5547 or for those in need of an accommodation to visit campus call 608-822-2632 or disabilityservices@swtc.edu
Taste of Fennimore Tickets Available
The Chamber’s 7th annual Taste of Fennimore will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020. The event will once again be held at the Cottonwood Supper Club & Sports Bar from 1 to 5 p.m.
Advance tickets ($15) are now available at the chamber office, The Cottonwood, Wood Law Office, all Fennimore banks and Taste committee members. Committee members include: Committee chairpersons Ryan Rands and Ben Wood, Daniel Glass, Randy Place, Rex Smith, with assistance from Linda Parrish. They also welcome volunteers to help the day of the event, contact Ryan or Ben.
A great assortment of regional vendors have signed on to provide sampling of their products and beverages. The committee is still accepting sponsors and vendors for the event; if you are interested please contact a committee member as soon as possible so you can be included in promotional materials.
Back by popular demand is the FREE shuttle service which will be loading at Fennimore businesses and then drop off participants at the Cottonwood’s South entrance to help with the flow of traffic.
Is 2020 the Year to Start or Expand Your Business?
Is starting a business of your own one of your top priorities for 2020? If so, there are resources available to help put your ideas and plans together along with financial projections. Please give me a call 608-822-3599 to set up a confidential appointment to get you started and connected to these free available resources.
Snow Reports Available Online
While we’ve been having some awesome weather recently winter could be just around the corner. Winter in Wisconsin is more than Jack Frost nipping at your nose and catching snowflakes on your tongue – In Wisconsin we snowboard, tube, skate, ski, snowmobile and snowshoe our way to fun!
Once winter does arrive the Wisconsin Department of Tourism will share the best hot spots for your favorite cold-weather sports every Thursday during the season. Use the Snow Conditions Report to search a specific activity, like snowmobiling and downhill and cross country skiing. Travelers can also upload winter photos and plan a weekend getaway in Wisconsin right from the report. They also list nearby events taking place. So when the snow arrives be sure to check it out https://www.travelwisconsin.com/snowreport/snowmobile
Fennimore Lions Club Birthday and Anniversary Calendars
The Fennimore Lions Club is currently taking orders for the Birthday and Anniversary Calendar which runs from March 2020 through February 2021. Contact Larry Novinska or any Lion Member if you would like to order a calendar.