2014 Annual Report/2015 Plan of Action

2015 Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Officers
Kathy Hansen
Body Essentials
President
Char Larsen
Premier Investment Services
Treasurer
Melissa Olsen
KerberRose, SC
President-Elect
Directors
Jon Aumann
Edward Jones Investments
Linda Beversdorf
Beversdorf CPA, LLC
Kay Kristof
CRI
Gary Cumberland
Shawano School District
Bobbi Jo Ladwig
BMO Harris Bank
Mary White
Nueske’s Applewood
Smoked Meats
Past President
Dorothy Erdmann
Shawano Medical Center
Roger Pescinski
BMO Harris Bank
Keith Marquardt
Shawano County Parks
Shawano Country Tourism
Council President
Jim Feeney
Wisconsin Film & Bag
John Van Ooyen
Frontier Communications
Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce Staff
Nancy Smith
Executive Director
John Gallagher
Receptionist
Patti Peterson
Tourism Manager
Carol Pleshek
Visitor Center Receptionist
Michelle Maroszek
Office/Finance Manager
Beth Schuster
Visitor Center Receptionist
Wendy Crawford
Program Coordinator
Leadership Shawano County
A Message from
A Message from
Mary White,
Kathy Hansen,
2014 President
2015 President
2014 proved full of opportunities for those
who chose to pursue. We hope you seized
a few of these that challenged you to grow
and realize new potentials you were not
aware you possessed at the beginning of
the year. Growth begins at the end of your
comfort zone. Once this is realized, your
options are limitless. We all have relationships waiting to be developed, whether it’s
realized by sharing gained knowledge and
experience with someone who can benefit
from it or being humble enough to ask for
guidance in areas we may lack or dream to
better ourselves in. Remember…a network
is more powerful than any one individual.
No matter how smart you are, no matter
how talented, you can’t match the POWER
of a network.
As we look forward, 2015 has the possibility of being our best year ever! The
economy is moving forward and so are we.
And as we move forward, let's really take
advantage of what our Chamber has to
offer. Vision 2017 is a strong program
dedicated to expanding and retaining business in our community. Save Local Now is
a free service offered to all chamber
businesses. Taking advantage of this could
have a direct impact on your bottom line.
Shawano Country continues to emphasize
the positives our community offers as well
as areas which need continued focus in
order to continue our excellence. Shawano
Country is blessed with folks who are
deeply committed to keeping our economy
thriving. I’ve sure experienced the enthusiasm of so many who believe in Shawano
Country and how their successes are proof
during my term as the Chamber President.
As wonderful as it would be to attract
impactful new businesses to our area, we
realized the importance of retaining the
ones we do have. We have assisted in
improving these businesses that would not
have had the success they experienced this
past year without the Chamber and Vision
2017’s support. With successful businesses, we not only retain and continue to
build job opportunities, but we strive to be
attractive to others who may have the
choice to reside here.
Thank you to the Chamber staff and so
many others who give so much of their
time and dedication to provide countless
opportunities to all of you to be a part of a
growing, dynamic community. The events,
education and support are planned and
offered to all members…all you have to do
is attend and reap the benefits. The results
will AMAZE you!
By being proactive and using your
Chamber to its fullest possibilities, you will
see exactly what your Chamber can do for
you. Joining committees and getting
involved will reap immeasurable rewards.
We are so fortunate to have such a strong,
thriving Chamber of Commerce. We are so
fortunate to have a knowledgeable staff at
the ready for whatever assistance we may
need. As we look forward to 2015 let's be
grateful for all we have and know that
there is more for us to accomplish, more
rewards for us to reap, and always more
we can give back.
Portraits by Curt Knoke and Jim Leuenberger.
AMBASSADOR CLUB
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
Mission: To serve as volunteer public relations representatives and
good-will ambassadors for the Shawano Country Chamber of
Commerce, communicate the Chamber's mission and goals, and
promote involvement in Chamber membership and activities.
Mission: Develop and implement strategies to promote and enhance
business in Shawano Country.
Chairperson: Kathy Hansen, Body Essentials
2014 Chairperson: Bobbi Jo Ladwig, BMO Harris Bank
2015 Chairperson: Scott Parson, Thrivent Financial
2014 Accomplishments
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Recognized Donna Hobscheid as 2013 Ambassador of the Year
Attended Ribbon Cuttings/Grand Openings for Salon 2140II,
Wholistic Yoga Center, Boarders Inn & Suites, Bubba’s BBQ
Co., El Tequila Mexican Restaurant, Jill’s Pet Shoppe LLC,
Shawano Farmer’s Market, Dynamic Designs, Shoe Sensation,
Full House Realty, Independent Advisors, Verkuilen Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Sacred Heart Church, Menominee Job
Center, Cellcom, and Glas Coffeehouse
Welcomed 28 new members
Assisted with 11 Business Connections at Shawano High
School Ag & Technology Education Departments, Shawano
Four Seasons Resort, Mountain Bay Outfitters, Anew Tea
Emporium & Antiques, Rivers Edge Camping/Tubing, Kersten
Accounting & Tax, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg, Verkuilen
Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Salon 2140 II, The Rustic
Shed, and Menominee Casino Resort
Assisted with Golf Outing, Fall Parade and Annual Banquet
2014 Accomplishments
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2015 Plan of Action
2015 Plan of action
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Promoted Save Local Now Smartphone app allowing Chamber
members to advertise deals and events. Since launching Save
Local Now deals, events and listings posted by Chamber members
have been viewed over 220,000 times
Coordinated 5th Annual Fall Business Luncheon featuring Keynote
Speaker Stephanie Klett, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department
of Tourism
Conducted 4 Speed Networking sessions
Continued Lunch & Learn Series. Topics included “Interviewing
and Hiring Best Practices,” “How to Promote Your Non-ProfitGetting the Word out about Who You Are and What You Do,”
“Grow Your Business Through Facebook,” “Maximize Your
Chamber Benefits”
Awarded 2013 Manufacturer of the Year to Twigs Beverage
Awarded 2013 Retailer of the Year to Dreier Pharmacy & Gift Shoppe
Awarded 2013 Service Business of the Year to Shawano
Ambulance Service
Awarded 2013 Small Business of the Year to Verkuilen
Chiropractic & Wellness Center
Awarded 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year to Andrea Wallace
Awarded 2013 Distinguished Citizen of the Year to Matty Mathison
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Recognize 2014 Ambassador of the Year
Welcome at least 30 new members
Continue “mentor” program and personally invite members
to events
Assist with 11 Business Connections
Assist with Annual Golf Outing, Annual Banquet and
Fall Parade
Attend ground breakings/ribbon cuttings/grand openings
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Coordinate annual Fall Business Luncheon featuring keynote
speaker Roger Seip, “Train Your Brain For Success”
Continue hosting quarterly Speed Networking programs creating
valuable connections for members
Continue quarterly Lunch & Learn educational programs. Topics
to include: “Assertive & Confident Communication,” “Grant
Writing for Non-Profits,” “Cyber Wellness-Protecting Your Data,”
and “Wellness Solutions for the Workplace”
Continue to promote Save Local Now
Present 2014 Business of the Year Awards
“I am very pleased with how easy Save Local Now is to use and the return that we have gotten while using.
I highly recommend all Chamber members take advantage of this awesome free marketing tool!”
- Robin Holzhaeuser, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Mission: To foster partnerships between business and education
and create opportunities to better educate and prepare students
for the workforce.
Mission: Identify and provide valuable benefits and services to
our members.
2014 Accomplishments
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Partnered with Clintonville Chamber of Commerce to
coordinate the Wolf River School to Work 8th Grade Career Fair
attended by 900 area students
2015 Plan of Action
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Partner with Clintonville Chamber of Commerce and Wolf
River School to Work to coordinate 8th
Grade Career Fair
2014 Accomplishments
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Educate students on the businesses and jobs available locally
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Welcomed 28 new members
Partnered with Gold Sponsors Menominee Casino Resort and
North Star Mohican Casino Resort
Sold $134,000 in Chamber Bucks gift checks which can only be
redeemed at Chamber member businesses
Regularly promoted members on Chamber’s Facebook page
Provided over $43,000 in savings to members through cell
phone service savings program
Coordinated successful “Let’s Make a Deal” themed Annual
Golf Outing under the guidance of chairperson Mark Verkuilen,
attended by 180 members
Annual Banquet Committee coordinated “Mission Possible”
themed annual banquet which was attended by 320 members
and guests
Published and distribute official 2014-2015 Shawano County Map
Activated Bad Check Hotline to alert members of bad check/
counterfeit activity
Distributed hundreds of Relocation Packets to potential
new residents
2015 Plan of Action
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Mission: To provide information on legislation which could impact
members. Provide opportunities for communication and interaction
between Chamber members and government officials.
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2014/2015 Chairperson: Melissa Olsen, KerberRose, SC
2014 Accomplishments
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Wrote column for Chamber newsletter and provided
members with updates
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Recruit at least 30
new members from
throughout
Shawano Country
Conduct short
email surveys to
determine how to
best serve our
members
Continue to save
members money
with cell phone
and other discount
programs
Coordinate annual
golf outing and
banquet
2015 Plan of Action
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Monitor and communicate upcoming legislation potentially
impacting businesses
Coordinate additional meetings with local government officials
and legislators
SHAWANO CHAMBER
FOUNDATION INC
The Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation operated by
the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce for educational and
economic development purposes. The Shawano Country Chamber
office facility and Visitor Center, Leadership Shawano County (LSC),
and Shawano Country Vision 2017 operate under the Foundation.
2014 President: Mary White,
Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats
2015 President: Kathy Hansen, Body Essentials
SHAWANO COUNTRY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OFFICE AND VISITOR CENTER
Mission: To operate a facility that presents a progressive first
impression of our area, represents the heritage and culture of
Shawano Country and allows the Chamber of Commerce to better
serve businesses, visitors, and residents.
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Provided rental office space for Shawano County Economic
Progress, Inc,; Wolf River School to Work; and Shawano County
Literacy Council
Assisted 15,000 walk-in visitors, residents, and members
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERSHIP-SHAWANO
COUNTRY VISION 2017
2014 Accomplishments
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Awarded $ 46,960 in façade/
interior grants and new job
creation cash incentives to Papa
Murphy’s Pizza, Verkuilen
Chiropractic & Wellness Center,
Fisher & Ruckle, Cobbler’s Closet,
Jill’s Pet Shoppe, Thrivent Financial, Mountain Bay Bar & Grill,
Full House Realty, Beans & Books,
and CRI
Continued supporting SAYPRO—
young professionals networking
organization
2015 Plan of Action
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Continue implementation of Shawano Country Vision 2017 with
Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. in order to help businesses
create jobs and economic growth for our area and to ensure organizational financial sustainability, synergy and efficiency
Continue to award grants for façade and interior improvements
LEADERSHIP SHAWANO COUNTY
Mission: To identify a diverse group of emerging leaders and foster
their leadership skills through education, experience, exposure and
service to the community. Facilitate involvement in our community to
sustain qualified citizens, employees and leaders to keep our community strong and vibrant.
2014 Accomplishments
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Graduated 18 members from LSC Class Fourteen
Completed two community service projects: facilitated and
tallied Community Needs Assessment for the Boys and Girls
Club. Obtained funding and sponsored three presentations
of “Rise Together” to address the increased use of heroin in
our communities
Recruited 18 participants for the 2014/2015 class
Received funding from the Bleser Family Foundation,
Crawford Family Foundation and the Dale Druckrey estate
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Obtained sponsorships for several monthly sessions
Organized sold-out Let Me Be Frank Tribute dinner show
fundraiser
2015 Plan of Action
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Graduate 18 class members
Incorporate reading “The Leadership Challenge” into curriculum
Develop and complete two community service projects
Maintain funding from grant sources and sponsorships for
individual sessions
Increase recruitment efforts throughout Shawano County
Encourage graduates to serve in leadership roles in community-based organizations and to run for public offices
Create ongoing public relations efforts to increase
knowledge of the program
Organize Let Me Be Frank Tribute dinner show
Ongoing education efforts for Program Coordinator
SAYPRO-SHAWANO AREA
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Mission: To create relationships by connecting young professionals
while contributing to our community.
2014 Accomplishments
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Registered 60 members
Monthly Steering Committee Meetings and various
committee meetings
Hosted five socials and four Business Breakfasts
Hosted dinner event with motivational speaker
Raised $2,200 from 25 donors to purchase 1,600 cans of
food for the Canstruction project. 2,120 pounds of food
were donated to SAFPARC
Promoted and organized Kids from Wisconsin Show
Received funding from Crawford Family Foundation
2015 Plan of Action
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Continue to grow membership of SAYPRO
Create inside support position
Plan and facilitate three Business Breakfasts
Plan and facilitate 3 Lunch N’ Learns and host 3 socials
Host dinner event with motivational speaker
Fundraise for Canstruction project, build structure at The Taste
of Shawano, donate canned food to SAFPARC
Organize panel discussion with area nonprofit boards
Promote and organize Kids from Wisconsin Show
SHAWANO COUNTRY TOURISM COUNCIL
A Division of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce
Mission: Promote tourism in Shawano and Menominee Counties (Shawano Country) through marketing,
promotion, and public relations.
2014/2015 President: Keith Marquardt, Shawano County Parks
2014 Accomplishments
 Coordinated the 4th annual Miles of
Art which featured Shawano Country's
unique visual and performing arts including an artist studio and gallery tour, map
of the barn quilts, quilts of Gresham and
Walls of Wittenberg, live musical
performances, art shows, and more
 Promoted Facebook page and
website for Miles of Art event,
www.smartwisconsin.com
 Linked our website to the underwater
“Sturgeon Cam” that was installed below
the Shawano Dam, site of the annual
spring Sturgeon spawning
 Regularly promoted area businesses,
attractions, and recreation on our website
www.shawanocountry.com. The site
received an average of 600 unique
visits daily
 Continued to partner in Shawano
Country Barn Quilt Program. Installed
32 painted quilt squares on barns bringing
the total to 282
 Created Barn Quilt Map and calendar
 Regularly promoted Shawano Country
tourism businesses and attractions on
www.travelwisconsin.com, the official
website of the Wisconsin Department of
Tourism
 Partnered with Friends of the
Mountain Bay Trail to help fund the
maintenance of the official website,
www.mountain-baytrail.org
 Published and distributed monthly
calendars of Shawano Country events and
activities
 Exhibited and promoted Shawano
Country at Milwaukee Sports Show; Central
Wisconsin Sport Show, Wausau and NE
Wisconsin Sports Fishin’ Show, Appleton
 Distributed the Summer Recreation Map
 Published and distributed monthly
calendars of Shawano Country events and
activities
 Operated the Visitor Center including
24-hour vestibule to assist Shawano Country
guests
 Produced and
distributed 65,000 copies of
2014 Shawano Country Visitor Guide throughout the
state and to visitor inquiries
 Placed ads in the following publications: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel,
Green Bay Press Gazette,
Appleton Post Crescent,
Wausau Daily Herald, Shawano County Snowmobile
Trail map, WI Biking magazine, Wisconsin Arts & Crafts
and WI Alliance of Bass Tournament Anglers
Program
 Featured Shawano Country Tourism on
billboard on Highway 29
 Partnered with North Central Wisconsin
International Trade, Business & Economic
Development Council (ITBEC). Updated website and promoted region as tourism destination. Promoted Shawano Country at WBAY
RV & Camping Show in Green Bay, Madison
Fishing Expo, Milwaukee Sports Show and
Fox Valley RV & Boat Show in Oshkosh
 Partnered with Department of Tourism
to promote Shawano Country at Wisconsin
State Fair
 Distributed tote bags to several groups/
organizations who hosted a conference or
event in our area. Also assisted with their
itineraries
 Received publicity in several
publications and broadcast media including
Wisconsin Public television, Wisconsin Public
radio, Our Wisconsin magazine, WFRV
Channel 5-Green Bay and Fox 11-Green Bay
2015
Plan of
Action
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Act as a consultant for the 5th annual Miles
of Art that features Shawano Country's unique
visual and performing arts including an artist
studio tour, map of the barn quilts, quilt of
Gresham and Walls of Wittenberg, live musical
performances, art shows, and more
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Continue to promote the many businesses
and activities available to tourists in Shawano
Country according to our mission
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Promote our Visitor Center as a destination
and vacation planning resource
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Further develop brand image recognition of
Shawano Country as "Wisconsin's Playground™"
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Regularly update www.shawanocountry.com
website with upcoming events, attractions and
special promotions
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Continue to grow the Barn Quilt Program
by installing more than 20 colorful painted quilt
squares on barns throughout Shawano Country
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Continue partnership with ITBEC and
promote Shawano Country at WBAY RV &
Camping Show in Green Bay, Milwaukee Sports
Show and Canoecopia in Madison
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Continue to cultivate partnerships with
other regional tourism associations
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Exhibit at Milwaukee Sports Show and
Central Wisconsin Sport Show, Wausau
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Operate Visitor Center to assist Shawano
Country guests
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Produce and distribute 65,000 copies of
2015 Shawano Country Visitor Guide
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Distribute room tax reports to City of Shawano, Village of Cecil, and Belle Plaine, Washington, Wescott and Wittenberg Townships
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Distribute conference tote bags to local groups/
organizations who host a conference in our area
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Complete Tourism Assessment in partnership with the Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism
SHAWANOCOUNTRY.COM
STATISTICS
Visitor Guides Downloaded
from Website: 12,400
Total Unique Visits to Website: 219,544
1263 S. Main Street • PO Box 38
Shawano, WI 54166-0038
715/524-2139 • 800/235-8528
www.shawanocountry.com • chamber@shawano.com