Chamber Encourages Businesses to Follow WEDC Guidelines
Recently the Wisconsin Supreme Court threw out Governor Evers Safer-at-Home order. That certainly is good news for our businesses but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. As businesses reopen, FACC strongly urges you to follow guidelines created by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for reopening for safety and to create a climate where your customers feel safe to return. WEDC has posted guidelines by industry sector that are easy to understand, best practices, you can go to https://wedc.org/reopen- guidelines/ for the detail information.
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce wants to assist you in planning a successful reopening. Also, as part of the SW Chamber Alliance, area chambers are also in the process of presenting a weekly “Virtual Series” on different COVID-19 subjects geared toward our members. The first session was held May 21 “Planning for a Post-Pandemic Workplace; the webinar was presented by TRICOR Insurance. It is also available on SW Chamber Alliance Facebook for your viewing convenience.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at promo@fennimore.com or phone at 608-822-6462. FACC is here to assist you Restart, Grow and Prosper!
By following the WEDC guidelines our area businesses are making every effort for customers to build customer confidence that they are making things safer for their staff and visitors to our area.
COVID-19 Resources
The Fennimore.com COVID-19 page offers a comprehensive link to COVID-19 updates and resource information. Grant County Economic Development Corp has a link at the bottom of our site. This the site we recommend has the latest information posted including dining options throughout the region. The homepage also offers links to the City, Mayor and Chamber Facebook posts. Check regularly as new information is added often.
We all want you to succeed and know by working together we will weather this storm. We are happy to serve as resource and information source during these times. Linda Parrish can be contacted by phone 608-822-6462 or promo@fennimore.com
Chamber Video Available
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce asked chamber member businesses to send them a photo of their business during the Covid-19.
Thanks to Grace Faulkner who put the video together and with the assistance of WebWise Design and Marketing we are pleased to share the link showing how we are all in this together and will remain stronger together!
Memorial Day Weekend — A Little Different in 2020
Things will be a little different this year as Memorial Day weekend and summer activities begin.
The Fennimore American Legion plans to recognize those who have paid the ultimate cost of freedom by serving our country. American flags will be posted by veterans’ graves at area cemeteries. Instead of a Memorial Day parade on Lincoln Avenue followed by a community service, this year’s program will be posted through social media on the Fennimore Then and Now Facebook page. Fennimore American Legion Post # 184, Curt Cole, will live stream a short Memorial Day service starting at 11 a.m. Also part of the live stream will be streaming of the CD’s of Fennimore service members from World War I; World War II and Korea all of which have been recognized at previous Memorial Day Services. This years’ presentation was made possible due to the efforts of Peter Finnegan and Tom Newberry with assistance from Commander Curt Cole. This was a hard decision to make however Legion leaders felt that health and safety had to have a top priority.
Museums Delay Opening
For nearly 3 decades Memorial weekend also signaled the opening of Fennimore’s two museums. This year board members have made the decision to delay the opening of both the Fennimore Historical Railroad Society and Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum temporarily.
Both museums rely heavily on the volunteers to keep the museums open. Once again, the health and safety of Fennimore volunteers come into play. State Historical Society museums anticipate opening on July 1. With this in mind Fennimore Museums board members have decided to take a wait and see approach before they set an opening date.
Flags on Display in City
Special recognition and thanks go out to the Fennimore Utility crew for installing American Flags on light poles through Lincoln Avenue. It sure makes a person Proud to be an American to see “Old Glory” waving proclaiming us part of the nation. The same flag that so many Americans served proudly fighting and protecting the USA. We also need to thank the many donations that came in to sponsor these flags; currently we have approximately half of the flags sponsored. A list of sponsors will be compiled and shared in coming weeks.
Thanks to Beautification Committee
Another new volunteer group that has been formed over the past year is the Fennimore Beautification committee who have been adding additional warm and welcoming decorations along Lincoln Avenue. Committee members will abide by social distancing regulations and with each committee member planting four planters. Business owners and volunteers have adopted planters to provide needed maintenance. We thank everyone in advance for assisting in the flower project.
We all should be “Fennimore Proud” of how beautiful Lincoln Avenue is as it welcomes thousands of vehicles thru Fennimore every day!
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to 2020 Fennimore High School graduates! FHS graduates have a presence on Fennimore’s main street as colorful yard signs were made with each student’s name listed. A gentle breeze makes the sign appear that the students are waving at you as you pass through Lincoln Avenue.
Event notices:
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce has postponed their mid -May citywide garage sales. Official citywide sale dates will be announced for a different date this summer.
Fun Fest would usually be held the first weekend of June. However, no festival was planned for 2020 due to the lack of a committee chair. Anyone interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Jeff Hagen.
American Legion baseball has been totally cancelled across the state for 2020.
The Fennimore Fire Department has decided to cancel their June Steak Feed for 2020. Stay tuned on summer recreation, Fennimore swimming pool and area vacation Bible schools. No decisions are final at this point.
Currently it’s best to call ahead and check on activities; especially before traveling a long distance.
Fennimore and the Great Outdoors
As Fennimore businesses and residents wait out the virus quarantine, board members of the Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce feel the Fennimore area should look at this as our glass being more than half full. Each day we are one day closer to putting this behind us so that we can once again get on with our businesses and lives.
One of Fennimore’s greatest assets is our great outdoors. Wide open spaces popular for hunting, fishing, walking; the list goes on. Our area easily allows social distancing and hopefully very soon area dining and the non-essential businesses can open once again to serve their customers both inside and curbside to meet customers needs.
FACC thanks the community for adhering to health and safety guidelines and special thanks for your patience and understanding as we navigate these waters together.
Shop Small – Shop Local
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to shop small and shop local. Our community businesses are the backbone of our community. They’ve been there for all of us with our fundraisers and donations toward so many causes. FACC suggests you consider gift certificates from Fennimore area businesses for birthdays and gift giving opportunities.
