Main Street Messenger - Absolutely Waterford
Transcription
Main Street Messenger - Absolutely Waterford
Main Street Messenger May 2014 Volume 2, Issue 5 104 E. Main St. Waterford, WI 53185 www.absolutelywaterford.org [email protected] (262) 534-9000 “Like” us on Facebook Inside this issue: Let’s talk business 2 New Market Vendor Volunteer spotlight 3-4 President’s column 5 Happenings 7 River Rhythms 7 5 Pickin’ strings ’n things Creative Arts Resource & Network, 220 E. Main St., celebrated two years in the community April 26 with music from Jeff Peterson (left) and Terry Murphy. Guests enjoyed refreshments, fine art on display and silent auction bidding. 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 Jensen steps aboard as new executive director After a 25-year career with the University of Wisconsin-, and three years as a freelance writer, Cynthia Jensen started looking for ways to put her years of training and experience to even better use. That’s when she found Absolutely Waterford (AW). tion for Waterford. “ Waterford “Waterford is a is a gem of gem of a town with a town…” two incredible drawing cards: the Fox River and the warmth of Jensen its residents,” Jensen said. “I said, can’t believe my good fortune to be able to work right on the “The fun part will Jensen said, “When I first had river in one of just two buildbe helping AW continue to the opportunity to talk with ings that survived the town’s develop meaningful, collaboBoard members--all volunteers 1898 fire. I consider it a privirative relationships with Herit--I was struck by how passion- lege.” age District business and propate everyone is about the Having worked and written erty owners.” work they are doing for Abso- extensively for a variety of lutely Waterford. I knew I Jensen is in the office Monday non-profits, Jensen thoroughly wanted to work with people and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 understands the structure of who have that kind of enthusip.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 such organizations. Her first asm.” goals for AW include strength- p.m.. Contact her at 534-9000 or email direcA Racine native, Jensen now ening the organization’s [email protected] lives in Kenosha. But that structure and expanding the doesn’t dampen her apprecia- volunteer base. After that, Volume 2, Issue 5 Page 2 Get focused to GROW your business Chamber to host learning sessions ‘Awareness and how it Register for Growth Wheel seminar before May 12 moves’ by Frank Korb Join area entrepreneurs and small business leaders on Thursday, June 12 for a morning filled with inspiring speakers and expert advice. Attending this event is a first step in identifying which areas of business should be priority. Keynote speaker, Gary Krause, founder and CEO of EKG Concepts LLC, will share how he launched his business using the resources that were available to him locally. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with GrowthWheel® advisors and consult with experts in customer relations, operations, organization and business concepts in a speed consulting format. The workshop will highlight customer relations, operations, organizations and business concepts. The session will conclude with lunch and a panel discussion. The event takes place at SC Johnson iMET Center, 2320 Renaissance Blvd. Sturtevant, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and includes breakfast and lunch. Cost is $15 for registration before Monday, May 12. Registration then goes up to $20 and closes Friday, June 6. To register, contact Kristin Niemiec, Gateway Technical College, by calling (262) 8987404 or emailing [email protected]. The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce will host two learning sessions beneficial to local entrepreneurs. On Tuesday, May 13, Business Coach with AdviCoach Gerry Gerth will present Five Steps To Freedom In Business from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Waterford Public Library, 101 N. River St. Every organization goes through growing pains. This session identifies five stages of organizational growth and suggests some strategies to ensure survival to maturity and profitability. The second session will be The Top 7 Strategies for Marketing Your Business on LinkedIn by Victoria Hargis, owner of OMS3, LLC. This event will be held on Thursday, May 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Baymont Inn & Suites, 750 Fox Lane. LinkedIn is a More CHAMBER, page 6 Make your business visible and to see sales climb By Glenn Muske, Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist The visibility of your business may seem insignificant, but it is a key factor to the success of many enterprises. Being visible comes in many ways. Today we hear a great deal about your online visibility. Plus, you have visibility, in a sense, when people know your name and that you exist. that juts out and can be seen from both directions. to spot your sign while driving on a busy city street. And think about the color contrast between When walking up to a store, how your lettering and your backmany times have you had to step ground. back to see if this was the business you wanted because the You must consider sign height as name wasn’t visible? The reality well. You want it low enough to is that you need visibility from be seen but not so low that it gets blocked. You also may want both directions. to consider sign lighting. As you think about developing your external look, you need to keep your brand in mind in terms Yet the visibility we are talking of color, logos and typeface. about here is the ability to be Also, you need to consider the seen by customers as they walk exterior of your building. Anything you do to increase your or drive by your business. visible presence must blend in When thinking about visual preswith the existing exterior or ence, business owners need to whatever plans you have to enconsider several aspects. The first hance the outside. item is signage. Do you have a sign? And is it visible to foot Your sign must have appropriate and vehicle traffic? For example, size lettering that is large enough someone passing by has less time to be read from a distance. Also, to see a sign that is against the the lettering font must be easy to front of your building than one read. Think about people having However, your sign is just one part of your external visible presence. You may have the opportunity to have props outside that can draw attention to your business. These can range from flowers or a bench to items that your store sells. Signboards also can be effective. to enhance your presence. The window displays should draw people into the store to see more by showcasing your products or creating a mood or even something whimsical. However, be careful about the depth of window displays. You don’t want people looking through the entire store. It is distracting. Use backdrops to avoid overloading the visual senses. It helps customers focus on your message. These same ideas work also if you are operating a booth at a trade show or fair. Visual pull is a strong motivator. Use it to get attention and to pull people into your business. Make it an effective part of your marketing. When thinking about your outside, remember it is marketing. It needs to be neat, clean, attrac- Glenn Muske wrote this column for Small Biz Survival, as part of the tive and something that you North Dakota State University Exchange on a regular basis. tension Service – Center for Com- If you have windows, use them munity Vitality. Follow @gmuske Main Street Messenger Page 3 River Market kicks off May 24 with SWEET addition Absolutely Waterford’s premiere year hosting the River Market just got a little sweeter, with the addition of V&K Honey to its diverse slate of local vendors. products like raw strained wax for crafters, soap, and cosmetic makers, beeswax candles of several varieties, and lip balm made from our own beeswax,” Radosevich said. Beekeeper Paul Radosevich said he is excited to be at the market, where he will “promote the better taste and benefits of pure, raw, local honey to my community.” He started beekeeping as a means of pollination to get more production from his family’s vegetable garden. After spending the summer working with a seasoned commercial sideline beekeeper, last year, V&K Honey will join a number Radosevich decided to pursue it of area producers who will of- as a source of income, starting ‘Bee helper’ Viktor of V&K Honey proudly displays a frame of fer a variety of goods, fresh up V&K Honey named for his honey ready to be uncapped and extracted. from their gardens, greenhous- two adopted children Victor es, fields and barns each Satur- and Katerina, who he calls the day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., “bee helpers.” logical laws that govern seam- current farming practices are starting May 24 and continuing lessly the way the hive exists, also a factor. Systemic and through Oct. 11 at the scenic Keeping bees is “very interest- reproduces, and functions as a other pesticides show up in necVillage Hall Park on River ing and challenging,” the bee- single unit is awe inspiring.” tar and pollen, and fungicides Road. keeper notes. disrupt the process of converting Keeping bees alive to produce pollen to food that is used to At the market, in addition to “The complexity of what most a crop of honey is becoming raise the larvae that grow up to fresh flowers, produce, meat people think of as 'just' a bug is more of an accomplishment as become bees. Success in raising and other natural goods, with staggering,” he explained. “The the years go by due to environ- bees is not a small accomplishV&K Honey patrons will be division of labor in a hive, the mental stressors such as diseas- ment.” offered liquid and cut comb way all the bees work together es, parasites and viruses, achoney, honey sticks, and honey as one community to perform all cording to Radosevich. Despite the number of challengcandies at the market. the duties of the hive, the seres, beekeeping to Radosevich “There will also be beeswax vice they do for the “Keeping the bees alive is and his two sidekicks “is SO blooming trees, shrubs, probably the greatest chalworth it.” fruit trees, vegetables lenge for beekeepers, and and flowers by pollinat- the reasons are many,” he said. “Nothing tastes as sweet and good as pure, raw and local ing them, and the bio“Bees have always had probcomb,” he said. “We are a lems with various diseases and small, local producer and have Young beekeeper Katerina viruses, but the spread of the our roots firmly in the foundation of beekeeping. Our focus also learns the art of honey varroa mite (a parasite that is on healthy bees- the result of attaches itself to bees and making from the family which is a good honey feeds off of them) business, under the crop. We process our honey has accelerated, spreadthe absolute minimum possible watchful eye of dad Paul to bring you all the healthful ing these ailments at a very Radosevich. rapid rate. Man and More MARKET, next page S p Main Street Messenger Page 4 Funds in place for façade facelifts Absolutely Waterford is working jointly with the Village of Waterford to enhance the physical appearance of the community. Through the village’s Curb Appeal Grant Program, commercial property owners and businesses are eligible for up to $5,000 in matching funds to improve building facades. Businesses within the Downtown Heritage District must adhere to the Heritage District Design Guidelines, which can also be accessed at absolutelywaterford.org. The document contains pictures and references to the allowable materials, fixtures and sizes of building elements used to enhance the façade of any commercial building located in the Heritage Overlay District. The Curb Appeal Grant application is available at Village Hall, 123 N. River St., or at absolutelywaterford.org. Appli- Free architectural renderings are offered cations are reviewed and forwarded to to business and property owners within the Heritage District. Services provided Heritage District Committee. by a Wisconsin Main Grants can be used to fund painting, Street staff architect cleaning, awnings, materials, labor, eninclude color rendertrances, window repairs, masonry work, ings, on-site and telearchitectural assistance, lighting, signage phone consultations, and roofs with decorative elements. In sign design, paint order to complete the application, grant and color scheme seekers must schedule a meeting with the suggestions, awning village building inspector to discuss the designs, and other proposed project and any site plans de- preservationveloped. related information. MARKET, from 3 and delicious benefits lost in corporate produced, highly-heated and ultrafiltered honey found in grocery stores.” V&K offers wooden hive equipment for sale to other beekeepers. This season, Radosevich and his kids will be experi“The difference is very apparent in the menting with queen bee rearing, he said, taste,” he added. to increase the number of hives managed and to sell to hobbyists. In addition to producing honey and other The beekeeper said he looks forward to products, V&K Honey does honey bee showing the community what he is so pasremoval, relocating clusters of honey sionate about, and stresses the imbees to a hive where they will be kept portance of supporting local producers. alive and not a nuisance. “Keeping our food dollars local keeps jobs local,” he said. “Buying from someone you know pays for dance lessons and baseball gear, not corporate bonuses. Local producers are more accountable for the quality of their product because they sell to friends, neighbors and people they associate with through church, school and community activities.” For more information about V&K Honey, call (262) 993.2483, or email @ [email protected]. For more information about the River Market, including vendor guidelines and application, visit www.WaterfordRiverMarket.org. Correction In last month’s newsletter, the River Market article stated local farmer Tom Kojis, Kojis Produce, donates 5-9 pounds of food annually to local food pantries. Kojis actually donates 5,000-9,000 pounds from his harvest annually. We regret the typo. Shop fresh and local Other local producers to join the 2014 River Market season include: Black Earth Meats, Joe Parajecki, 1345 Mills St., Black Earth, www.blackearthmeats.com. Offering an assortment of antibiotic and hormone-free beef, pork, lamb and chicken Adoption Acres, Rose Skora, 29615 Bushnell Road, Burlington, [email protected] Offering chicken and eggs, lamb and pork cuts, ducks, geese and turkeys, inseason vegetables, candles, lotions, bath salts, lip balm and other body care products. Horticulture Handiwork, Jeanne and Bruce Christensen, 2941 N. River Road, [email protected], www.horthandiwork.com. Offering perennials grown right in Rochester, container gardens, and garden décor. Kojis Produce, Tom Kojis, 509 E. Main St, [email protected], www.kojisproduce.com. Offering herbs, tomatoes, sweet corn, squashes, peppers, melons, canned vegetables, real maple syrup, and potted plants Country Greenhouse, Marjan and Lynn Rozina, 24921 Hill Valley Rd, East Troy, [email protected]. Offering quality-grown flowers, vegetables and herbs. Nature’s Niche, Natures Niche Farm, Laura Pulda, 33347 Washington Ave., Burlington WI , [email protected] Goat milk soap, goat milk lotion, goat milk balms, butters, bath salts, free range eggs, pasture pork, grass fed beef, pasture chickens, organically raised vegetables & honey Main Street Messenger Page 5 ABSOLUTELY YOURS By Mary Beth Mikrut , President Make friends while making a difference We welcome Peggy Block who will step into Jackie’s position at the Foundation. We look forward to getting to know Peggy lease welcome our and continuing a wonderful new Executive Director, relationship with Runzheimer. Cynthia Jensen. We are deSo what’s happening with lighted to have her aboard and Absolutely Waterford? leading Absolutely Waterford. We are seeking enthusiasShe’s enthusiastic, hard-working, tic, fun-loving people to and a people person. What volunteer for our various more could we ask for? committees and events. P With Cynthia at the helm, AW will have office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If she is not in the office on these days, she is probably pounding the pavement and getting to know all of the businesses in our Heritage District. Our offices are located at The Peoples Bank, 104 East Main. The bank has generously given AW office space pro bono. We are very grateful for this fabulous historic space in the heart of our district. We would like to bid farewell to Jackie Strelow who was our contact for the Runzheimer Foundation. After more than 25 years at Runzheimer, Jackie was offered an exciting position in nearby Waukesha. Jackie has been a big fan of AW from the beginning and we would not have been able to be self-sustaining without the continued generous support of the Runzheimer Foundation. Getting involved with AW provides our volunteers the knowledge that we are all working to keep Downtown Waterford a thriving destination. Being a volunteer also gives you an opportunity to make new friends. As we get older, sometimes it’s hard to make new friends. But, when you serve on committees, you are working with people with the same interests as you and it not only helps the non-profit organization, but it builds new friendships among committee members. So come on over and check us out! We have committees that focus on promotional events, fundraising events, economic development, and business -to-business educational events. We are also sponsoring the upcoming River Market that begins on Saturday, May 24th. What better way to enjoy a Saturday than be outside, at our Village Park, and schmoozing with the vendors and customers?! Call us at (262) 534-9000 or email direc- [email protected] if you want to learn more about getting involved in our organization. It’s great to live, work, play, and volunteer in Waterford! VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT A pril Lindau, owner of April Lindau Design & Photography in downtown Waterford, is embarking on her second year serving the organization. She has shared her gift as a graphic artist, by creating and designing AW materials including its “Enhance your storefront,” and 2013 River's Edge Art Walk brochures. Additionally, she is an active member of the Design Committee. We caught up with her to learn about her experience being a part of the Main Street mission. What got you started with Absolutely Waterford? “I wanted to help my local community as a Waterford resident and business owner.” What motivates you to give back? “I love being a part of the positive present and future changes coming for Waterford.” Why should others get involved? “Volunteering for AW makes me feel like I am part of this community and working toward making it a better place for not only me but my family.” When you aren’t volunteering, how do you spend your time? “I enjoy spending time with my family, working on my home, working on creative projects, and enjoying the outdoors.” Volume 2, Issue 5 Page 6 RCEDC celebrates anniversary June 4 Keynote speaker is global futurist, award-winning author Hometown happenings Men’s breakfast planned May 3 Registration is now open for the 2014 Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) Anniversary Celebration, Wednesday, June 4 at Burlington Veteran's Terrace, 589 Milwaukee Ave, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The event will include 2013 Business Development results, community award recipients and special guest speaker, Jack Uldrich, global futurist and award-winning author. He will speak on "How to Future Proof Yourself Today against Tomorrow's Transformational Trends." Cost is $25 and includes reception. Register by contacting Karen Frost, RCEDC, by calling (262) 898- Join the men of Fox River Christian Church at Bruno’s Restaurant, 730 Cornerstone Crossing, on Saturday, May 3 at 8 a.m., for a delicious breakfast and fellowship. The meal is free, but donations are appreciated. Gaelic harpist to perform May 8 Jack Uldrich 7444 or email kfrost@racinecountyedc. org. Race with a purpose during iCare’s Color Run May 3 iCare, an organization dedicated to providing and promoting programs to save and improve lives, will host it 5K Run/Walk Color Run, Saturday, May 3. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Whitford Park, 625 N. River Road. Register by May 1 to receive a T-shirt by visiting http://icare-local.org. Suggested donation is $10 for students and $15 for adults. Join the fun after the run. From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. events will soccer and baseball clinics, face painttake place including volleyball, food, ing and bouncy houses. Waterford Public Library, 101 N. River St., will host Gaelic harpist Jeff Pockat Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m. Pockat is a self-taught Celtic harp musician and composer. The music is performed on the Ancient Wire Strung Celtic Harp. He will perform traditional and original pieces that soothe the mind, soul, body, and spirit. Make a difference on the Second Saturday Volunteers with Fox River Christian Church, 238 E. Main St., meet the second Saturday of each month to give back. On Saturday, May 10, starting at 10:30 a.m., the community is invited to join various teams assigned to service projects that benefit the community. For more information, contact Pastor Clif at (262) 332-7047. More HAPPENINGS, next page from Chamber, page 2 must-use tool for any business that is serious about showcasing its company, recruiting staff, networking and advertising services or products. This session will focus on the top seven marketing strategies that can be implemented right away to get your profile and business noticed. Please bring a laptop or device, plus your LinkedIn username and password. Both events are free to Waterford Area Chamber members. For non-members, each event costs $10. Beverages and dessert will be provided. To register, contact the Chamber office at (262) 534-5911. Main Street Messenger Page 7 It’s right around the corner… and along the river River Rhythms returns for its eighth season of entertaining audiences at the riverside on Thursday, June 5 with opener Kashmir. Learn to make delicious summer appetizers and desserts May 20 Join Staci Joers at Waterford Public Library on Tuesday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m. for some of the best summer appetizers and desserts. Class fee is $20 and registration is required by May 13. Kashmir, a Led Zeppelin tribute band makes its second appearance on the River Rhythms stage following a great show in 2013. Ultimate Scavenger Hunt May 18 Look for Absolutely Waterford’s beer and wine tent for some cool refreshments that Jamie Barrons and the Lunch Money Bullies will take the will complement the live music Village Hall Park stage again June 19 for the 2014 River at Village Hall Park on River Rhythms season scheduled to kick off Thursday, June 5. Road. Look for Absolutely Waterford’s tent where beverages will Beverage sales at the sumbe sold. Photo courtesy of Christine Lupella mer events are part of AW’s and Hoi Polloi Aug. 28 to fundraising efforts that help Chicagoland favorite Dan to keep the non-profit organ- Trudell and his group of jazz close out the season. The cats July 3, Reggae band quality shows are brought to ization at work revitalizing King Solomon July 17, Milthe community free of charge the historic downtown. So waukee blues band Alex thanks to generous donors. stop by our tent and show Wilson Band on July 31; your support! For more information about crowd-pleaser Jackie Brown the bands and sponsors, visit The summer lineup also inon Aug. 14 and back-to-back waterfordriverrhythms.org. cludes hometowners Lunch shows by Group Therapy Money Bullies on June 19, INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MAIN STREET MISSION? 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 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 third Tuesday of the month, 5 p.m. 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 third Tuesday of each month, noon. Loca- tions vary. Organization Committee, works on volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition, membership, and fund raising. The committee meets on the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Waterford Library. * Times and locations may vary. Please email director@absolutelywaterford. org to verify. Join singles 18 and older Saturday, May 18, for Fox River Christian Church’s Ultimate Scavenger Hunt and Live Concert. Participants will meet at noon in the municipal parking lot behind the church’s Waterford campus, 238 E. Main St. All are welcome! St. Thomas to host Blood Drive St. Thomas Aquinas School, 302 S. Second St., will host a Blood Drive Thursday, May 22, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at the Uhen Center. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged by visiting www.bcw.edu/StThomas. For more information, contact Adrienne Kessler at (262) 895-2773 or Mary Pindel at (262) 895-3703. Mini Relay for Life set May 23 St. Thomas Aquinas School will host its fourth annual Mini Relay for Life Friday, May 23, from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Waterford Union High School, 100 Field Drive. The Mini Relay is a youth-focused version of a community Relay that incorporates cancer education. Organizers are still seeking cancer survivors to join the walk. To join, contact Pam Kramer at (262) 5342265 ext. 222. OUR PROUD SPONSORS OUR INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY SPONSORS Vikki Zuehlke Sponsorship opportunities As a Wisconsin Main Street program, Absolutely Waterford follows a fourstep approach toward restoring the village’s architectural charm, building local commerce and promoting culture and the arts. AW is an 501c (3) nonprofit organization, now in its third year of operation. Donor levels range from Individual or Family for $100, to Founder for $5,000. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for AW events such as the River’s Edge Art Walk, the Farmers Market, Waterford Winter Wonderland Parade. For more information, visit absolutelywaterford.org. Nelson Dr.&Michael Linda Weine Casey OUR INDIVIDUAL AND Bob & Colleen Weber Jonathon Gil & Rosemary & Melissa Amborn Martin FAMILY SPONSORS Rutherford Brandon Nelson &&Tammie Linda Weine Begotka Vikki Zuehlke Howard Bryant Jonathon Peoples & Melissa BankMartin Colleen Weber Doug & Netti Kremski Brandon Riverside &Bryant Tammie Chiropractic Begotka Howard Tom & Rosemary Friends Peoples ofWeine Vikki Bank Zuehlke Christensen Nelson & Linda Riverside Roth Heating Chiropractic Scott & Julie Limberg Brandon & Tammie Begotka Chas & Mary Beth Mikrut Tom & Don Dr. & Joann Michael Houston Casey Diane & Glenn Amborn Lemanczyk Gil & Rosemary Friends of Vikki Zuehlke Rosemary Christensen Roth Heating Pave Tech