AW_Newsletter_ Mar2013

Main Street Messenger
March 2013
201A E. Main St.
Waterford, WI 53185
www.absolutelywaterford.org
[email protected]
“Like” us on Facebook
Inside this issue:
The art scene
2
Score return sales
Business startup
3
Chamber sendoff
4
Happenings
4
Calendar winners
5
3
Absolutely Waterford welcomes new board
At its annual meeting held
Feb. 19, Absolutely Waterford (AW) elected a new
Board of Directors to carry
forward its mission to revitalize Main Street and beyond.
Absolutely Waterford, a
Wisconsin Main Street nonprofit organization, works to
enhance the village’s downtown Heritage District by
promoting its history, commerce and culture.
Wisconsin Main Street Program Director Jim Engle (back far left) welcomed AW’s new Board of Directors, including President Mike Ciezki
(front, from left), Vice President Mary Beth Mikrut, Past President Morena Marquez, and Treasurer Gil Amborn. Directors include Howard Bryant (back), past treasurer Brian Lauer, John Putra and Don Houston.
AW Past President Morena
Marquez, owner of Martini
MO’z, finished out her term
Feb. 28.
Absolutely Waterford’s Main
Street mission is carried
through volunteerism and our
Four Point Approach:

Design. Enhance and
beautify the physical appearance of the downtown

Economic restructuring.
Revitalize by strengthening
existing businesses and
recruiting new ones

Organization. Focused on
volunteer recruitment,
training and fundraising
efforts

Promotion. Create promotions and special events
to bring people downtown
Volume 1, Issue 3
Ciezki, whose term as president continues through the
end of February 2014, is
optimistic about the group’s
Taking over the reins starting future.
today, March 1, is the organ“I see great things ahead,”
ization’s former Vice Presihe said during the annual
dent Mike Ciezki, owner of In
dinner held at Marty’s Fiesta
Home Floor and Window
Hall downtown.
Fashions.
“We have an awesome team
that got this thing (Absolutely
Waterford) up and running,
and I am excited for great
things ahead… We have the
best thing in the world that
no one else has. We have
Waterford and we can make
it even better than it already
is. Rather than sit back and
watch, we’re going to make
See BOARD, page 6
Public meeting set March 27 for Hwy 83/20
An informal public information meeting has
been set by the Wisconsin Department of
Transportation (WisDOT) Southeast Region
in Waukesha for Wednesday, March 27 for
the state Highways 83/20 reconstruction
project eyed for 2018.
The open house will run from 4-6 p.m. in the
Community Room of the Waterford Public
Library, 101 N. River St.
The proposed project includes the recon-
struction of East Main Street from First Street
to Milwaukee Street. Right-of-way acquisition is anticipated, although the extents are
not known at this time.
The meeting marks the kick off of the project
development process.
Officials will explain the
purpose and need for the
project, and will gain
input from the public. Exhibits will be on display
See MEETING, page 7
Volume 1, Issue 3
Page 2
CARaN adds some welcome color downtown
Just weeks away from celebrating one year of opening its
doors to the Waterford community, and the Creative Arts Resource Network of Western
Racine County (CARaN) has
already become a downtown
staple.
Classes
CARaN offers a number of workshops for adults of all skill levels,
including ceramics, drawing, painting (oils, acrylics, watercolor), printmaking, photography and digital
editing, among others.
With a variety of local artists’
works debuting in the gallery
every five to six weeks, and
seasonal workshops offered to
adults with all skill levels, CARaN, located at 220 E. Main
St., helps to give Waterford’s
Heritage District an artistic
identity.
“As a community arts organization, we look to become the
hub of the arts in this area by
being able to offer creative
opportunities to all adults in
the community, as well as a
resource for local artists to connect with one another and the
public,” said CARaN Executive
Director Mary Kay Windler.
She said arts enhance the community, and the space also
serves as a vehicle that draws
people from outside the community to downtown Waterford.
Workshops run Tuesday through
Saturday for seven weeks, and
range in cost from $45 to $58 with
materials included.
The new schedule of classes begins
April 1. Though it is still being finalized, Windler says a number of
mediums will be offered, including
drawing and advanced drawing,
multi-media techniques in painting,
ceramics and open studio.
Carol Zimmerman of Waukesha glazes a clay piece during an evening ceramics class offered at CARaN’s art studio.
whole community. Workshops
would be for all - somewhere
people with disabilities could
take workshops alongside their
neighbors. So we began the
process in 2012.”
After securing a 501.3c nonprofit status and finding the
perfect space that Windler
said met all of their needs – a
central, downtown location with
Now retired from Waukesha
enough square footage that’s
schools where she taught art for easily accessible - the women
more than 30 years, Windler
got to work raising funds for
said she recognized the need
startup costs.
for a place like CARaN not
long ago, when Donna McKusk- In April 2012, downtown Waer, a colleague who she volun- terford was officially graced
teered with at Special Olymwith a public art gallery and
pics pitched the idea.
studio.
“It was really her idea,” she
said, crediting McKusker.
“Working with creative athletes, we felt there was a big
need to provide adults with
disabilities some other resources
in this area. We knew that we
needed to make a space where
people with disabilities could
come in and be a part of the
In its short existence, the nonprofit organization has met
Windler’s expectations and
continues to reach new levels.
“We’re addressing the needs
that (CARaN) was always intended for and we’ve seen
continual growth, she said.”
According to Windler, every
session of workshops sees
more involvement and more
varieties of classes have
been introduced.
“Our participation rates have
doubled since last April. New
people join in and we see
old friends come back,” she
added.
In celebration of the organization’s successful first year,
CARaN is hosting a birthday
bash, Friday and Saturday
April 26-27, complete with
cake, ice cream, refreshments, silent auction items
and raffle prizes.
Donations are appreciated
for basket raffles and silent
auction items. To donate,
contact Windler at (262)
332-6069.
To join the team of volunteers, contact Jennifer Brown,
at the same phone number or
email [email protected].
For a complete schedule of classes,
visit creativeartsresource.org or stop
by the gallery to pick up a brochure.
Artists on display
Dozens of area artists’ works have
been on display, with exhibits routinely changing. The CARaN gallery
is open Tuesdays through Thursdays,
from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays,
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Featured artists get wall space
through word of mouth and are
switched up about every six weeks.
“We have new artists coming in all
the time, and are booked through
November,” Windler said.
On March 10, Waterford wood
sculptor Tom Hanson will have his
works on display. Jeweler Jeanne
Baas, Waterford, will also be featured, exhibiting her copper and
brace-etched jewelry.
Being able to provide gallery space
to local artists has had its benefits.
“Not only do they want to share
their work, but they also share their
skills with others. There is so much
talent in the area that people were
unaware of because there was nowhere to showcase,” Windler said.
Main Street Messenger
Page 3
Five more ways to get customers
Barbara Wold, international speaker,
author and business
strategist, offers local
merchants the following tips to achieve the
most customer-friendly
stores:
something that you can buy or market. It
can only happen when you over-deliver
on the value you promise.
3. Treat referrals like gold. Referrals
aren’t just a name and number or email
address on a piece of paper. They are
the next generation of buyers for your
company or business -- treat them speWe all want more customers. It doesn’t cial. And you know what that means.
matter who you are — the butcher,
That means that you build a relationship
baker or candlestick maker. Getting
with them before pitching your merchanmore consumers is an all-consuming part dise. Part of that respect and relationof everything you do. Without customers ship has to do with follow-up. Rememyou find yourself out of work gasping
ber, these are prime opportunities, not
for air.
just “leads.”
You wake up way too busy and wondering how all the tweeting and Facebook posting is getting you anything
more than arthritis in your fingers.
1. Qualify new customers. Take the
time to learn what you’re really, really
good at. And then start taking on new
customers that need that value. Not
only will you be happy, your clients will
be ecstatic at the outrageous results
you’ll be getting for them.
2. Deliver way more value than customers expect. There is something simply magical about having your expectations blown away. It’s the chocolate mint
on your hotel room pillow. It’s getting
your Amazon.com package a day earlier than you expected. Right? It’s hard to
describe the delight at getting more
than you paid for. Most of us are so
focused on profit and loss and “what is
fair” that we neglect the opportunity to
create raving fans. And these raving
fans are the evangelists who will get
other people excited about what you
do. And that excitement and loyalty isn’t
4. Be something that matters. Have a
higher calling than simply making more
money and taking bigger vacations.
Get obsessed with changing the world
around you. Stop going through the motions of calling your products “better”
and challenge your team to “be” better.
Getting rich is a state of mind. You start
by planning to enrich the lives of others.
5. Promote Partnerships. Today’s
smart businesses understand that the
sharing of ideas and resources among
like-minded businesses can lead to newfound success. The opportunities for
these kinds of partnerships are endless.
No matter what kind of business you're
in, you share customers with other businesses. Find yourself a business buddy
or two and you'll pass those customers
around and keep them in your local
shopping district.
You can have more. You can grow your
business farther and faster than you
ever imagined. But it requires you to
“be” a better business-person. Are you
up for that challenge?
Wold is an expert from Colorado who specializes in downtown revitalization and merchant
retention. She can be reached at (720) 542-3055 or by email at [email protected].
Follow her on Twitter @barbarawold or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Thinking of setting up shop
in downtown Waterford?
We are here to help! Downtown Waterford
is home to a variety of property types –
from storefronts and office space, to residential buildings.
AW maintains a database of space available for lease, as well as buildings for sale.
The database includes square footage, rental rates/listing prices, available parking and
other useful data.
The Racine County Economic Development
Corp., (262) 898-7422, and Waterford
Area Chamber of Commerce, (262) 5345911, are also available to help potential
business owners seeking property.
Financing & Incentives - A number of loan
programs and other economic incentives are
available for prospective businesses in downtown Waterford.
- Business Lending Partners (BLP) administers
low-interest loans to finance real-estate purchases, renovations and new construction;
and sometimes working capital. Financed in
partnership with a primary lender. Contact
BLP at (262) 898-7420.
- WI Women’s Business Initiative Corp.
(WWBIC) administers low-interest loans to
purchase machinery, equipment, inventory
and start-up costs. Contact WWBIC at (262)
925-2840.
Façade and Grant Program - The Village of
Waterford has established a grant fund for
business and property owners seeking to
improve their street front facades. The program offers up to $5,000 in matching funds
to qualifying improvements. Contact the Village at (262) 534-3980 for more information.
Training assistance - Minority Business
Grants of up to $2,500 are available to
qualifying businesses to offset the costs of
employee skills training, technology imple-
See BUSINESS START UP, page 4
Main Street Messenger
Page 4
Chamber director bids adieu
Search is on for successor
After nearly three years of taking the lead in
promoting local businesses and events, Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive
Director Jennifer Thomas is stepping down.
Thomas succeeded Reagan Dexter in April
2010, when she hit the ground running by getJennifer Thomas
ting office space more organized and introducing events she said “brought value to the members and the community.”
During Thomas’ tenure, the highly-successful Waterford Balloon Festival
was established as well as educational and networking events which offer
more opportunities for local businesses to
showcase their services.
“Pour yourself into the
community! It is a
Citing the need for a job that includes
marvelous place to
health insurance benefits, Thomas’ last
work, visit, and live.”
day will be March 2 – the day of the
Waterford Home and Commerce Show,
one of the Chamber’s largest annual events. Thomas is confident the
Chamber will continue to flourish under its next director.
“The Chamber will continue to grow and stay active within the Waterford
community, focusing on the membership, what resources and tools can be
provided to them, and drawing new business and residents to this wonderful village. The Chamber is very active and will certainly stay successful into the future,” she said.
“The small-town charm and collaborative efforts by so many small business owners in the area,” she continued, “makes Waterford a unique
place to do business.”
“We have a ton of activities and events for such a small town. You never
have to leave Waterford to find something to do.”
The Board of Directors is still accepting applications for the vacancy. For
a complete job description and information on how to apply, visit
www.waterford-wi.org/. Thomas’ advice to her successor: “Pour yourself
into the community! It is a marvelous place to work, visit, and live. If you
are passionate about your job, the community will stand behind you!”
She added that she hopes to remain connected. She can be reached at
[email protected].
Hometown
happenings
Parish continues Fish Fry tradition during the
Lenten season
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish's Famous Fish Fry returns
this month. On Fridays March 1, 8, 15 and 22, the
parish will be offering fish fries for $10 for adults,
and $9 for kids, from 4-9 p.m.
Dinners include baked or beer-battered fried cod,
choice of potato, homemade coleslaw and rye
bread. Extra pieces of fish, beer and desserts are
also available for purchase.
Dine in at the parish’s lower-level School Hall, 302 S.
Second St., or drive up for carry-outs.
Waterford’s Home and Commerce Show
returns March 2
The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce is
hosting its 19th annual Home and Commerce Show
Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nearly 3,000 people are expected to attend one of
the Chamber’s largest and longest-running events,
where hundreds of local businesses and
organizations will have booth spaces.
The show will be held at Waterford Union High
School, 100 Field Drive. As with previous years, a full
schedule of entertainment will be offered, including
kids’ activities and crafts.
More HAPPENINGS, Page 7
BUSINESS START UP, from 3
mentation projects or consulting services. Call UWParkside Small Business Development Center at (262)
595-3363 for more information.
nesses – Associated Bank,
(262) 534-3151; Community
State Bank, (262) 5142200; BMO Harris, (262)
534-7292; People’s Bank,
(262) 514-3240, and The
Equitable Bank, (262) 5345161.
The Workforce Development
Center offers assistance to
recruiting and training appli- Other services - As part of
cants. Call (262) 638-6637 its technical assistance to
for more information.
AW, a Wisconsin Main
Street community, the WisFinancing by local lenders - consin Economic Development
Several local lenders have
Corporation provides local
offered to join AW’s mission businesses with consultation
to recruit new businesses.
for design, business developOfficials from the following
ment and façade renderings.
lenders have expressed
For more information, email
interest in providing financTina Chitwood at tchiting for qualified small busi- [email protected].
Main Street Messenger
Page 5
MIKE’S MUSINGS
By Mike Ciezki, Absolutely Waterford President
Spread the word about Absolutely Waterford!
As I take over the reins as president of Absolutely Waterford,
I know that I have some big
shoes to fill and some high expectations to live up to; I just
hope I’m up for the challenge!
Through the hard work and
dedication of a great cast of
characters, the stage has been
well set over the last couple of
years.
I would like to thank Mo for the
great job she did as the President of Absolutely Waterford.
She was tasked with leading a
group that was still trying to
figure out just what it was that
we were supposed to be doing
and in what direction we were
to be going and she did a
great job. Brian Lauer also
deserves recognition for not
only being our treasurer, but
also for laying all the groundwork for our bookkeeping and
accounting systems. It’s never
easy starting from scratch, but
with our great volunteers, we
proved that it’s definitely possible.
next few years and I see the
benefits we will be able to
bring to the Waterford community increasing greatly as we
move forward. I’m looking
forward to keeping our team
moving in the right direction
and focusing our efforts and
our vision on achieving our misThis newsletter couldn’t possibly sion of revitalizing our commube long enough to individually nity. To do this, I’m going to
thank all those who
need a lot of help.
brought us to this point.
Just know that as you
We already have a strong
read this, we wouldn’t be team in place, but more hands
where we are today and will make even easier work and
Feb. 18 – Dave Morrow,
we wouldn’t be headed
will increase the amount we can
Waterford, $15
in the direction we are
do. I’m asking everyone readFeb. 20 – Lyle Riffel, Wind
without your help and
ing this to spread the word
Lake, $15
support. Together we
about Absolutely Waterford to
have formed a great
your family, friends and
Feb. 22 – Rita Reynolds,
organization,
developed
coworkers. Let them know
Waterford, $15
strong committees for our about the great things we have
Feb. 25 – Al Wichgers,
four point approach, de- in store for Waterford and let
Waterford, $50
veloped strong and sound them know they can be a part
Feb. 26 – Ani LaFave,
work plans to accomplish of it all. Invite someone to be a
our goals and have
part of a committee, to help
Waterford, $15
brought
attention
and
plan or work an event or just to
Feb. 28 – Pat McMullan, Illinois,
benefit to the Waterford share their vision for Water$100
community. Together we ford.
have already achieved
It’s not too late to get into the
Thanks for believing in and
so much more than we
raffle and try your chance at
ever could have done as being dedicated to our commuwinning! Calendars are $15.
nity.
Drawings are held at noon each
individuals.
scheduled day at Hometown
Computers, 216 N. Milwaukee St.
That’s the past, and we’re
Calendars are available online, at
Mike Ciezki owns In Home
definitely not done yet! I
Absolutely Waterford, 201A E.
Floor & Window Fashions,
see great things in AbsoMain St.; Hometown Computers,
241 N. Wisconsin St. He
and River City Lanes, 730
lutely Waterford’s future!
can be reached by email at
Cornerstone Crossing, among
I see our organization
other local businesses.
[email protected]
growing stronger over the
AW Calendar Cash-outs
Congratulations to our calendar
raffle winners for the month of
February. A total of $500 was
given throughout the month to
the following individuals:
Feb. 1– Nicholas Kemper,
Burlington, $15
Feb. 4 – Kari Mullikin,
Waterford, $50
Feb. 6 – Tom Leonard,
Mukwonago, $15
Feb. 7 – Kari Mullikin,
Waterford, $15
Feb. 8 - Dawn McKay,
Waterford, $15
Feb. 11 – Michael Smith,
Waterford, $100
Feb. 12 – Kristine Kopling,
Burlington, $15
Feb. 14 – Matt Reynolds,
Waterford, $15
Feb. 15 – Dan Curley, $50
Main Street Messenger
Page 6
BOARD, from 1
it happen.”
Ciezki will be joined by newly elected
vice president, Mary Beth Mikrut, executive director of the Racine Community
Foundation, a major AW sponsor; treasurer Gil Amborn, a local citizen and
active volunteer; and secretary Jennifer
Thomas, Waterford Area Chamber of
Commerce director.
Other board members include Howard
Bryant (citizen and volunteer), Scott
Scheu (Hometown Computers), Don Houston (downtown property owner), John
Putra (Riverside Chiropractic) and exofficios Vikki Zuehlke, Waterford Village
Clerk and Michelle Bores-Stockton, AW
Executive Director.
During the meeting Bores-Stockton formally
honored Marquez and exiting treasurer
Brian Lauer, of Lauer Financial, for their
leadership from inception on.
Shining Star awards were given to Thomas
for her work as the Organization Committee chair; Amborn, for his leadership heading up the Economic Restructuring Committee; Laura Halbach of REMAX Realty, for
her work with the Design Committee; Zuehlke, the Promotions Committee Chair, and
Bryant, a Design Committee co-chair.
The Waterford Union High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Mike Nelson, entertained guests at
Absolutely Waterford’s annual dinner meeting.
Volunteers credited for making AW’s
events such as the Waterford Winter
Wonderland Parade and River’s Edge
Art Walk so successful were Bryant, Liz
Theirbah, Mary K. Windler and Rose
Mary Christensen.
“These individuals are to be commended for their hard work in getting Absolutely Waterford off the ground,”
Bores-Stockton said. “Our core group
of volunteers and business leaders, as
well as our generous sponsors are so
vital in bringing to life our vision of transforming the village while
celebrating our heritage.”
Jim Engle, director of the
Wisconsin Main Street
Program, who was present
at the annual meeting,
said he agrees with
Ciezki’s statement about
“great things” being
ahead for Absolutely Waterford.
Dennis Rogalski and Café 213 owners Tanya and Kurt Schachner
socialize during cocktail hour at Marty’s Fiesta Hall.
Past President Morena Marquez presents Howard
Bryant two Shining Star Awards for his work heading up the Design Committee and as co-chair of the
Waterford Winter Wonderland Parade.
year of a Main Street Program doing a lot
of training and really getting started with
fundraising efforts and that kind of thing.
But typically it’s the second, third, and
fourth years when we start to see more
sophisticated projects and there was so
much enthusiasm in the room tonight and
committed volunteers, that I expect that to
just keep coming along for years to come.”
“That’s kind of what I expect out of Waterford too It’s not too late to get involved. For more
information, visit absolutelywaterford.org
in the coming years,” he
or email Bores-Stockton at direcsaid. “We spend the first
[email protected].
Main Street Messenger
Page 7
What’s ahead for Absolutely Waterford?
Michelle Bores-Stockton,
executive director
“We have worked
very hard over the
past two years
establishing
our root
system. We are
now ready to
bloom and grow
into the rewarding
organization we
dreamed of.”
Gil Amborn, treasurer
Mike Ciezki, president
“I think we’ve got
a lot of good
events planned for
2013 and we’ve
got some good
economic steps
that we’re taking
for the downtown
area. We’re going
to see great things
happening”
“Great
things!”
Mary Beth Mikrut,
vice president
“There’s a
solid
foundation that
has been built
and all we can
do is get better.
It will be very
exciting to built
on that.”
Jim Engle, Wisconsin
Main Street director
“... more
sophisticated
projects. There
(is) so much
enthusiasm ...
and committed
volunteers, I
expect that to just
keep coming
along.”
MEETING, from 1
FFA hosts Springtime in the Country March 9
showing the existing roadway
conditions including crash and safety information. Conceptual roadway cross-sections will be available for review and comment. The
public is encouraged to attend the
meeting, provide input and ask
questions concerning this project.
“Public input received at this meeting will help us shape the project
and correct the issues associated
with the roadway regarding safety, traffic congestion, pedestrian
and bicycle accommodations, and
drainage to name a few,” stated
Senior Project Manager John Elkin,
of RA Smith National, consultant for
WisDOT. “We will be working
with the Village of Waterford and
the local businesses to include aes-
thetic and decorative improvements
to the downtown area, which will
be very exciting aspect of this project.”
The Waterford FFA will host its Springtime in the Country,
Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Waterford Union
High School, 100 Field Drive. This crafter fair will attract
dozens of vendors and lunch will be available. Admission is $1
and door prizes will be given. Proceeds help fund FFA student
trips and awards.
Following the meeting, Elkin expects to develop preliminary roadway designs which will consider
input received at this meeting.
Class of 2013 to serve up spaghetti March 10
Elkin, other WisDot officials and
Tina Chitwood, interim Waterford
Village Administrator, will be on
hand to answer citizens’ questions
and hear concerns.
For more information, contact Janet
Cannon, WisDOT Project Manager
at (262) 548-6980 or [email protected].
St. Thomas School’s annual eighth-grade Spaghetti Dinner is
set Sunday, March 10, from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m.
Tickets are $8 in advance and $9 at the door for adults; $5 in
advance for children 5-12, or $6 at the door, and free of
charge for children 5 and younger. For tickets, call the school
office at (262) 534-2265.
Wild Game Dinner returns March 16
The St. Thomas Aquinas Athletic Association hosts its 41st
Wild Game Dinner Saturday, March 16, starting at 6 p.m.
Dinner includes a wide variety of game - pheasant, elk,
venison roasts, sausage and stews, beef rounds, pork roasts
and more.
Tickets are $35 and include dinner, cocktail hour and
entertainment. A silent auction and four-wheeler raffle will
also be available. Tickets are now on sale and can be
purchased at the school office or by calling Dan Essman at
(262) 534-2581.
INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR ORGANIZATION?
We welcome you to join in
on our committee meetings
to see firsthand how Absolutely Waterford works to
achieve its mission in turning
downtown into a destination.
Economic Restructuring
Committee, works on the
nuts and bolts of economic
development downtown;
Meets the third Wednesday
of each month, 8 a.m. at
Lauer Financial.
Design Committee, is
charged with knowing
about and improving the
"look" of the downtown
Historic Heritage District;
Meets the second Tuesday
of the month, 5 p.m. at the
AW office.
Promotions Committee,
seeks to blend the Main
Street program into a coherent marketing, advertising, and public relations
program aimed at promoting the village’s core; Meets
the third Tuesday of each
month, noon. Locations vary.
Organization Committee,
works on communication,
membership, volunteer recruitment, training and
recognition; Meets the second Wednesday of each
month, 8 a.m. at AW office.
* Times and locations may
vary. Please email [email protected]
g to verify.
“ Our core group of volunteers and business leaders,
as well as our generous
sponsors are so vital in
bringing to life our vision…”
- Michelle Bores-Stockton,
executive director
The Main Street Messenger is a monthly E-newsletter
published by Absolutely Waterford. Tell us about how your
business or organization is enhancing the community, or to
include your upcoming events in the next Messenger,
email Maureen Vander Sanden at
[email protected], or call (262) 716-3715.
OUR PROUD SPONSORS