July 2013.indd - Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce

Presorted
Standard
U.S. Postage
Paid
Sparta, WI
Permit NO. 160
The Sparta Ambassador
111 Milwaukee Street
Sparta, WI 54656
Address Service Requested
GET INVOLVED
Your participation is critical to achieving a positive business
climate for the Sparta Community. Help your community in
economic growth and enhance the quality of life by calling the
Sparta Area Chamber at 608-269-4123 or by email at
[email protected]
In This Issue
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Business After 5: Night at the Fair
Presidents Message
Executive Directors Message
New Business: Driftless Destinations
From Fort McCoy
Barb Brings to Mind
Calendar of Events
Volume XIII
July 2013
The Sparta Ambassador
Business After 5 at Monroe County Fair
“Night at the County Fair”
Wednesday July 24 @ 5:00pm
This event attracts over 300 attendees and is a great opportunity to meet fellow Chamber members from both Sparta and
Tomah. Take some time to check out the fair and meet people from the community. Starting at 5, Ground Round will be
providing Hot Dogs, Brats and more! Culvers of Tomah will be providing Custard! Come see how the Sparta and Tomah
Chambers are working together!
Door Prizes and music from Acapella Group Blend, Free Access to the grandstand entertainment: Hug a Pig.
Thank you to all our Sponsors
ANNswers LLC
All American Do It Center
Brenegen Chrysler Ford - Tomah
Cardinal IG
Combined Insurance
Concept Printing
Culver’s Frozen Custard - Tomah
Dean’s Satellite
Dean’s Home Security
Exopack, LLC
Ground Round Grill & Bar
Magnum Broadcasting
Mathews Inc
Monroe County Ag Society
Northern Engraving
Oakdale Credit Union
Oakdale Electric Co-Op
RA Schroeder Construction
RIA Federal Credit Union
Rick’s Certified Auto
Speeds Bike Shop
S & S Distributing
State Bank of Sparta
Super 8 of Sparta
Tomah CashStore
Tomah Memorial Hospital
Torkelson Funeral Homes
U.S. Silica
Next SBA5 will be at the Wednesday August 28th
Fort McCoy Appreciation
Join us at Fort McCoy for Business Appreciation Night. This will be an exciting opportunity to find out how your
business can work with Fort McCoy and meet some of the support staff on base!
2013 Board of Directors
www.bikesparta.com
1-800-354-BIKE or 608-269-4123
111 Milwaukee St. Sparta WI 54656
S BICYCLING CA
ICA
PIT
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AL
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the Board of Directors
Mark Pierce
United Country Markim Realty
Sparta Chamber of Commerce
608-269-0057
Annual Golf Outing
the Executive Board
Past President - Carol Olstrem
State Bank
608-269-2111
President - DeAnn Perzel
Shades Body Studio
608-269-8282
President Elect (Open)
Treasurer - Lois Zanon
Clifton, Larson, Allen
608-269-2424
Vice Presidents
Todd Page
All American Lumber
608-269-5028
William Hoffman
Sparta Tomah Broadcasting
608-269-3307
Katie Blashaski
The Greenery
608-269-0057
Darren Schauf
F.A.S.T. Corp
608-269-7514
Rose Leis
Speed’s Bike Shop
608-269-2315
Did you know?
In June we had over 25,000 interactions with
people on facebook. In one post we had
over 5,000 interactions. Want to get your
informaton out to the community in a big way?
Call us and find out how!
Kate Stueber
Century Foods
Wednesday August 7th
608-366-2290 x2520
Get in early-download a registration Form at:
www.bikesparta.com/golf
Scott Davis
State Farm Insurance
608-269-5441
Dan Arndt
Arndt, Buswell & Thorn
608-269-1200
Jeff Nilssen
Nilssen Electric
608-269-3300
Bonita Sanders
Bonita’s Briday Boutique
608-633-1937
Denise Halverson
Edward Jones
608-269-9136
Four Person Scramble
$300 Package Includes:
18 Holes of Golf - Your Foursome
2- Carts (Required to play)
Steak Dinners (5pm)
Contests and raffles on the course!
This is your chance to network with
other area businesses, while enjoying
a great day of fun and prizes
For More Information Contact the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
608-269-4123 www.bikesparta.com [email protected]
Ex Officio:
• City of Sparta
• Department of Natural Resources
• Fort McCoy
• Sparta School District
• UW-Extension Monroe County
• Western Technical College
The Driftless Destinations of Western Wisconsin is a motorcycling haven for those that are looking for winding roads, grand views, friendly atmospheres and incredible country hospitality. Staff
Tim Hyma - Executive Director
[email protected]
Barb Bendel-Sandvigan - Tourism & Event Coordinator
[email protected]
Ike Rebout - Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Summer/ Weekend Staff
Victoria Horseman
of Western Wisconsin
Our website allows you download routes directly to your GPS system. See some of the worlds most beautiful landscapes for hundreds of miles. If you need a break from the road, grab a bit to eat at one of our many family eateries, breweries, cheese houses. You can shop for art, antiques, handmade furniture, artisan cheeses, or locally grown foods. We have a little bit of everything for riders and we welcome you to our treasured Driftless Destinations! Kassie Perkins
DRIFTLESSDESTINATIONS.COM
Presidents Message
Butterfest has come and gone and we settle into the “dog
days” of summer. Concerts in the Park are in full swing!
Enjoy free music in Evans Bosshard Park every Wednesday.
July’s line up includes Gary & the Ridgeland Dutchmen,
Honey & Rust, Comedy Night (NEW!) and Leather and Lace.
Mark your calendars for our next “fun” draising event which is our Annual Golf Outing August 7th - form a team of
four and register by calling the chamber office.
Concerts in the Park
Remember there are plenty of activities going on in Sparta and around the area. Please check our calendar often as we
continue to add activities to it daily. If you have questions about an activity or want to get invoved please contact the
Chamber Office. We welcome all to enjoy and participate in the many activities we plan throughout the year.
Performances start at 7pm @ Evans Bosshard Park
PLEASE NOTE: Rain dates will be held at the Sparta American Legion
May 29th
Sparta High School Jazz Group
Concession: Sparta Band Parents
June 5th
The Executives
Concessions: Butterfest
June 12th
Tony & The Invaders
Concessions: Sparta Womens Group
June 19th
Brian & The Mississippi Dutchmen
Concessions: United Methodist
June 26th
Summer is finally here and it time to get outdoors and enjoy what the area has to offer. How about a “stay-cation” this
year? We have plenty of activities to enjoy and explore all that makes our area a destination for outdoor fun. Biking,
kayaks, canoe trips, camping and more are some of the things the Sparta area has to offer. Please visit our website and
plan a “stay-cation” this year.
If your business would like to promote a summer or fall event please contact the Chamber Office.
Just Plain Country
Concessions: Evangelical Faith Free Church
July 4th
Lead Canaries
Concessions: Lions Club
July 10th
Gary & The Ridgeland Dutchmen
Concessions: Sparta Girl Scouts
July 17th
Honey & Rust
Concessions: Eagles Auxiliary
July 24th
Sparta Comedy Night
Concessions: Chamber Ambassadors
July 31st
Leather & Lace
Concessions: Past Festmasters
August 7th
Dana Tock & Company
Concessions: Coulee Cap
August 14th
Orange Blossom Special
Concessions: Families First
August 20th
Extreme Tour
Concessions: Montesorri School
August 21st
Jenny & The Right Combination
Concessions: HandiShop
August 28th
Pat Watters Band
Concessions: Kiwanis Club
LANHAM
SCHANHOFER
FUNERAL HOME
Remember to shop local. Whether it is gardening supplies, a home improvement project or a unique gift item for a
summer wedding, Sparta is what you are looking for. Please shop local and support your fellow members.
Respectfully,
DeAnn Perzel – President
Thank you to our
New and Renewing
Members:
Festmasters
Past
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Coldwell Banker
Citizens First Bank
Sure Plumbing
Charter Business
Redrock Trails
Club Oasis
Wayside Tavern
Ricks Body & Auto Sales
Yarn Stash
Denny’s Market
Water Street Cafe
Owls Nest Daycare
SugarMaple Inn
Ellistone Canoe & Kayack Rental
Liddle Bee Books
WWIS Radio
Members from the Downtown Business Association ride the 7 person bike
through the Butterfest Parade!
Executive Directors Message
Exec
The Sparta Chamber is still a beehive of activity around here.
Memorial Day Parade was a huge success, with over 500 people
attending the events. Butterfest was a little soggy, and the
numbers were down a little. But still the beat goes on, and the
parade was a lot of fun.
Our SBA5 at Park Bank was well attended with showcasing our members of the downtown area. The themed events seem to be
popular, so we will be doing them again next year. The next SBA5 with be on July 24th, at the Monroe County Fairground.
We will be partnering with the Tomah Chamber to create a “Night at the Fair”. When this was done in the past, over 300 people
attended, so I hope you can take advantage of this opportunity to meet your fellow business partners and get to know our neighbors
a bit better.
The concerts in the park are well underway, so squeeze a Wednesday evening or two into your schedule to relax with us and enjoy
some great music. Speaking of music, the Army Band cancelled for the fourth of July, so we are bringing back the Lead Canaries.
They played last year, and had great reviews from the crowd. It is a mixture of 80’s and 90’s music that should be a crowd pleaser for
all.
Also, on the 4th of July, the Chamber partnered with the Lions Club to create an ‘Old fashion 4th of July”. U.S. Silica helped sponsor
the event, and it will be a great time for family fun. Check the www.bikesparta.com event calendar for details, or give us a call at
269-4123.
We recently completed our first Chamber 101 classes, and have scheduled another day of sessions on July 26th. Call for a
reservation (269-4123) for 8am, noon, or 3pm class. Typically meetings last only one hour, and give a great opportunity to learn
about all the benefits of being a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Committee Meetings
Would you like to join these Committees
Our committees are a great way to get active in the
community, and help with the goals of the chamber.
There is also valuable networking that can help your
business grow and prosper. If you would like to join any of these committees please contact Executive Director Tim
Hyma at 269-4123 and we will find a seat for you!!
AMBASSADORS– Dan Arndt
Purpose: to foster positive community-wide and Chamber relations Meets first Tuesday of each month at the Chamber
office or member businesses at 9am
TOURISM– Rose Leis
Purpose: to foster tourism development through cooperation and promotion of the Sparta Area tourism businesses &
attractions Meets first Monday of each month at noon at The Chamber Depot
EDUCATION– Carol Ostrem & DeAnn Perzel
Purposes: to foster economic and community growth through cooperation and promotion of prosperous business
practices via seminars, webinars, forums and panel discussions. To foster educational opportunities for business, youth
and government in support of creating and maintaining a positive business environment Committee meets as needed
at the Chamber Depot
The Driftless Destinations marketing project is also underway. I’ve been sending brochures around the state, and the visitor
centers love ‘em. Billboards go up this month, and contacting various dealerships for promotions in the future. Check out www.
driftlessdestinations.com and let me know what you think.
MEMBERSHIP & GROWTH– Todd Page
Purpose: to foster Chamber membership growth and retention. Meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Noon at
various member businesses and potential businesses
As we move into this month again a lot of activity, so check www.bikesparta.com events calendar often for the latest
updates. Barb provided a rundown of some of the events in this newsletter, so make sure you read her “Mind”.
CONCERTS IN THE PARK– Carol Ostrem
Purpose: Maintain and continue the successful summer community series Committee meets as needed 4-6 times a year
As we close the month of July, we will have the Legislative Breakfast on July 29th at Why-Rock Diner, and then I’ll head to the
state fair on August 1st to promote Sparta in the Milwaukee area. Also, August 2-4 is the citywide rummage sale in Sparta, so get
you address down to the Chamber so we can add it to the list. Of course, the golf outing is right around the corner from there on
August 7th, so make sure you register your team soon. Also, if you want to be a sponsor for the golf outing, call me and we can
work something out.
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK– Mark Pierce
Purpose: Create a community driven committee to keep the tradition of the lights in the park going, as well as, other
community events for a better quality of life for the community.
As I go around to the various businesses, most have very positive feedback on all that we do for them. Some mentioned business
was a bit slow, mostly retail, while manufacturing continues to be positive. Give me a call and let me know how things are going, or
set up a time so I can stop by for a visit. As always, I’m here for you- give me a call and set up a time to meet.
I wish I had more room to tell you everything that we are doing for our members and Sparta, but we only get one page a month.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
Very Respectfully,
Tim Hyma
Executive Director
[email protected]
With all that is happening, you know there are committee meetings
behind the scenes putting it all together. I would like to publically thank
all those that have helped to get all of this great programming going,
especially the Ambassadors, sponsors, staff and Chamber partners.
You all have provided great resources to a thankful community.
Fans enjoy the Conert
in the Park Series at the
American Legion with
the Executives.
Calendar of Events
Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday @ NOON at Jake’s Northwoods, except if there is a 5th Tuesday; they meet at the
United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
Rotary meets every Tuesday evening at Jake’s Northwoods @ 7pm
Concerts in the Park Every Wednesday Night, Summer Months @ Evans Bosshard Park, Hwy 16 East
July 4: Old Fashioned Fourth of July Independence Day Fireworks @ Sparta’s Memorial Park
July 6: Fun with Freddie 5k Run/Walk
July 10: Concert in the Park - Gary & Ridgeland Dutchmen
July 11: U.S. Army Soldier Show
July 13: Carson & Barnes Circus (tickets avaliable at the Chamber)
July 13: Family Fun Day
July 16: Teen Game Night
DID YOU KNOW?
July 17: Concert in the Park - Honey & Rust
July 23: Storytell Tracy Chipman
The Sparta Area Chamber of
July 24: Concert in the park - Comedy Night
Commerce hosts a Community
July 24: Business Education @ Jakes Northwood’s
Calendar. You can add events to our
July 24: SBA5 at County Fair Grounds
calendar by logging in through your
July 24-28: Monroe County Fair
ChamberMaster account. Don’t have
July 27: Sparta Crazy Daze- Shopping Extravaganza
one? Don’t worry we can set one up
July 29: Legislative-Cracker Barrel Breakfast 7am @ Happy Trails Diner for you, or if you only have a few events
July 30: Hunger Games Party
you can email them to
July 31: Concert in the Park - Leather & Lace
[email protected] to have them
August 1-4: Wilton Wood Turtle Days
added.
August 2-4: City Wide Rummage Sale
August 3-4: Club Oasis Summer Bash
Don’t miss out on this free promotion!
August 6: Ambassador Meeting
August 7: Annual Golf Outing
Go to www.bikesparta.com and click
August 7: Concert in the Park - Dana Tock & Company
on events to view everything that is
August 14: Concert in the park - Orange Blossom Special
happening in the area!
August 14: Styx, 38 Special and Grand Funk Railroad
August 17: Haunted Trails
August 21: Concert in the Park - Jenny & the Right Combination
August 23-25: Leon Gatorfest @ Leon Community Center
August 28: SBA5- Fort McCoy Business Appreciation
September 8: Sparta vs. Fort McCoy Softball
September 12: Twilight on Water
September 18: SBA5- Soldier Appreciation @ Country Inn
September 18-19: Annual Sparta Ambassadors’ Honorary Citizens
You can also add your own events to www.bikesparta.com using
https://secure.chambermaster.com/login/ and your login and password.
New Business: Driftless Destinations
A program that we have been working on for the last few
months has been the Driftless Destinations. It is a package
put together to inform motorcycle enthusiasts of the Western
Wisconsin Region. Orginally thought to attract motorcyclists
that were going through the area on their way to Sturgis to
stop in the area. This was program was put together in conjunction with Sparta, Tomah, La Crosse, Onalaska, Black
River Falls, Hillsboro, and Treampealeau. We also partnered with the State of Wisconsin Department of Tourism in
the form of a JEM Grant. JEM Grants are a way for the State of Wisconsin to partner up with local organization to
help support tourism efforts in an region. Our Grant was for $34,000!
A new brochure has been put together and has now been printed and you will start to see that circulated in the area.
It gives five motorcycle routes that hit the entire region, also included are 65 attractions for people to visit. Sparta
has one of the pages in the booklet focusing on Ben Bikin, Wisconsin’s Moon Rock (Deke Slayton Museum) our
beautiful Sparta-Carnegie Free Public Library, Sparta Butterfest and more!
One of the benefits of being a member of the Chamber is the potential other promotions we can do. This was a
perfect example of us being able to take membership to another level. Members of the local chambers were put
in the categories they fit in on the new Driftless Destinations website automatically. Restaraunts, Hotels, and
attractions were added, and we will continue to put things in that are related. You can check out the website, which
is still in progress, at http://www.driftlessdestinations.com
If you have an event that is a motorcycle attraction make sure to add it to Driftless Destinations by going to
http://www.driftlessdestination.com and go to the bottom of the page and click “Submit event” it’s that easy!
From Fort McCoy
Furloughs go into effect at Fort McCoy
Due to furloughs being implemented throughout the
Department of Defense (DoD), all Fort McCoy visitors should
contact the office/agency with which they want to do business
before visiting the installation.
The leadership of U.S. Army Garrison Fort McCoy has worked with the Fort McCoy community and tenant/mission
partners to minimize the disruption furlough days will cause for its employees and the Fort McCoy customers.
Despite these efforts, furlough will impact staffing levels and operating hours.
DoD civilian employees will be furloughed for up to 11 days between July 8 and the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year.
Absent further changes in DOD guidance, furloughs will begin Monday, July 8 at a rate of one furlough day per week
for most personnel.
Most garrison offices and facilities will remain open five days a week with reduced staffing. Some offices, however, may
have to adjust service hours or close one day each week. Tenant/mission partner organizations on the installation will
implement furlough days according to directives of their higher headquarters.
A comprehensive phone directory is available at: http://www.mccoy.army.mil/ReadingRoom/Newspaper/AreaGuide/
Telephone_Directory.html.
An alphabetical listing is available here: http://www.mccoy.army.mil/ReadingRoom/Newspaper/AreaGuide/Telephone_Directory_Topical.html.
The 2013 U.S. Army Soldier Show performs at Fort McCoy
Mark your calendars to attend the 2013 U.S. Army Soldier Show July 11 at 6 p.m. at the Rumpel Fitness Center. “Ready
and Resilient” is the theme for the 75-minute song and dance production. Doors open an hour before the show, and
seating is on a first-come basis. The show is free and open to the public. Please be prepared to show a photo ID at the
main gate.
Army Concert Tour to stop at Fort McCoy Aug. 14
The Army Concert Tour will stop at Fort McCoy’s Constitution Park for a concert Wednesday, Aug. 14, beginning at
7 p.m. A classic rock line-up for the event has been set, with Styx, 38 Special and Grand Funk Railroad providing the
entertainment. Grand Funk Railroad is the opening act. For details call the Concert Hotline at 877-864-4969 or visit
the Fort McCoy Morale, Welfare and Recreation website at www.mccoymwr.com.
Barb Brings to Mind
A Fishy 4th of July
The month for many events. Our main ones are the Old
Fashioned 4th of July, Crazee Daze, the Monroe County Fair
and the Circus. Our Old Fashioned 4th will be filled with
old fashion activities for the kids. We will have gunny sack races, egg relays, a fishing pond, a saw dust pile, Kristy’s
Petting zoo, a jump house, face painting, plus a few more and activities at our swimming pool. All this is free so all
the kids can par-take in this event. This will run from 2-6 pm. At 6:00 the Just Fringe Belly Dancers will perform on
the ball diamond followed by the Lead Canaries who will play up until it’s time for the big fireworks display. Staring at
5:00 the Sparta Lions will be selling their famous Lions Pork Chop Sandwiches. Here is a chance for everyone to enjoy
a fun free day.
We are also in need of some volunteers to help with the kids games so if you have a couple of hours of time to donate
we would really appreciate it. Just call the Chamber at 269-4123 and we will get you on the list. The hours are 2-4 or
4-6.
This year we are again, partnering up with the Tomah Chamber for the Monroe County Fair for SBA5 on Wednesday
July 24th. This has always been a well attended fun event so we are hoping for a good turn out from Sparta. So mark
your calendar for this date and spend an evening at the fair.
We will also be celebrating downtown Sparta on July 27th with the annual CRAZEE DAZE CELEBRATION. Time to
open the pocket book and get some unique bargains and treasures. We will have some vendors on the street and we
are still working on some ideas for this. But mark the date.
The Holiday Lights Group is bringing a circus to town and this should be a great time to get the kids out to see an old
fashioned circus on July 13th. Call the Chamber 269-4123 or Markim Realty 269-0057 for tickets.
At a weak moment my mom conceded to have a fish fry at our cottage on the 4th of July for my dad’s pumpkin ball
team. The catch was that they had to catch the fish and clean them. What a surprise that day when we arrive down to
the cottage there was two old fashioned washtubs filled with sunfish, bluegill and perch. I think my mother could have
fainted when she saw all those fish. I was informed that I would have to be on kitchen duty and help. Dad washed the
fish, I had to shake them in her special flour mixture and mom did the frying. I don’t know how long it took us to fry
all those fish but to me it seemed like all afternoon. But I do remember we ran out of lard and dad had to go to town
and see if the lady who owned our neighborhood grocery store was home so he could get more lard. As luck had it
she was there. I was hoping we were done….but no such luck. Dad came back with lard and we started all over with
the fish frying. All the other ladies brought salads, beans and desserts. I can remember how good everything tasted
and no one went away hungry. There was swimming off our dock, water-skiing, bat-mitten, croquet, volleyball and
other activities and of course we always had the ballgames. The grand end to the evening was my dad’s fireworks that
he shot off the dock over the river. This was a great 4th for any kid or adult and it has been long embedded in my
memory. That’s what holidays should be about, enjoying time with family and friends.
Make a lasting memory and bring the kids to Memorial Park for an OLD FASHIONED 4th of July Celebration
Barb