AW_Newsletter_ Mar2013
Transcription
AW_Newsletter_ Mar2013
Main Street Messenger March 2013 201A E. Main St. Waterford, WI 53185 www.absolutelywaterford.org director@absolutelywaterford.org “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 creatresource@wi.rr.com. 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 bwold@ix.netcome.com. 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 Jthomas76@wi.rr.com. 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- wood@racinecountyedc.org. 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. mciezki@inhomefloor.com 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 tor@absolutelywaterford.org. 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 janet.cannon@dot.wi.gov. 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 director@absolutelywaterford.or 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 mec@absolutelywaterford.org, or call (262) 716-3715. OUR PROUD SPONSORS