shopping season is coming!

NOVEMBER 2014
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VOICE
A VISIT MILWAUKEE PUBLICATION
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SHOPPING SEASON
IS COMING!
CEO UPDATES
SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY
SEASON »
SALES
ADVISORY COUNCIL RETURNS
THIS MONTH »
FINANCIALLY SPEAKING
EMPLOYEE MILESTONES AT
VISIT MILWAUKEE »
MARKETING MILWAUKEE
SHOWING OFF MILWAUKEE IN
SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS »
MKE IN THE MEDIA
TRAVEL WRITERS TOUR
MILWAUKEE»
AT YOUR SERVICES
NOVEMBER EVENTS IN TOWN »
PARTNERSHIP
NEW BUSINESS CARDS,
NEW IMPRESSIONS »
PARTNER TOOLS
DID YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR
MEETING SPACE?»
NEW PARTNERS »
CEO UPDATES
SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
With Black Friday shopping right around the corner, it’s time to find the best shopping destinations
for the holiday season.
PAUL UPCHURCH
President & CEO
(414) 287-4233
pupchurch@milwaukee.org
Find a great selection of ideas – from boutiques to arts and antiques, Wauwatosa shops and
Milwaukee souvenirs on our dedicated website page.
Check out the shops downtown, but be sure to head out to Wauwatosa’s historic European-style
village for one-of-a-kind shops combined with an incredible selection of pubs and restaurants.
Along with free parking in this walkable neighborhood, the entire experience is relaxed and fun.
One-stop shopping at national retailers is easy at Mayfair, Wisconsin’s most successful shopping
center. And opened this year just up the street, The Mayfair Collection brings retailers like
Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth OFF 5th to Milwaukee for the first time.
VISIT Milwaukee is teaming up the Radisson® Hotel and Bartolotta Restaurants, to provide one
lucky winner the ultimate Tosa holiday shopping experience. For more info on the prize package
featuring a hotel stay and $500 in gift cards (enter through Nov. 21), please visit http://www.
visitmilwaukee.org/shopping/wauwatosa
Let’s support our retail members by recommending them to our customers and patronizing them
ourselves in the run up to the holiday season!
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SALES
ADVISORY COUNCIL
RETURNS THIS MONTH
JEFF BARYENBRUCH
Executive Director of Sales
414-287-4259
jbaryenbruch@milwaukee.org
This month, we will be hosting the annual meeting of the VISIT Milwaukee Advisory Council.
This council of meeting professionals assists our sales and marketing teams in our efforts
to better position Milwaukee as a meetings and conventions destination. The advice of
the Council has been extremely helpful to VISIT Milwaukee in the past, including candid
feedback while we were in the process of updating our bid book/proposal package.
The Council will be meeting at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino on November 19-21. 14 planners
will be attending, representing the corporate, association and SMERF markets. Throughout
the day on Thursday, members of the council will participate in roundtable discussions
regarding what they look for when planning a meeting: the best ways to communicate with
them, what motivates them, hot topics in their industries and how Milwaukee compares to
its peers. Megan Gaus, our Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, will provide an
overview of our 2014 campaign and offer a sneak peek of the planned 2015 campaign. We
also will present the planners the services our Public Relations and Dave Larson, Director of
Convention Services will solicit what services are useful to both planners and attendees.
That afternoon will bring the latest installment of Marketing to the Meeting Planner, a panel
discussion that offers the rare opportunity for our partners in the hotel and hospitality
industry to have their questions answered by a seasoned panel of meeting professionals.
Friday will include more roundtable sessions and will end with a capstone lunch. The insight
we gain from these professionals will help shape our strategy going forward and help us
continue to win conventions for Milwaukee.
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FINANCIALLY SPEAKING
EMPLOYEE MILESTONES AT
VISIT MILWAUKEE
DANA JONES
Director of Finance and
Administration
414-287-4237
djones@milwaukee.org
VISIT Milwaukee recognizes and celebrates the milestones of its dedicated employees. When you
visit our offices, we have a framed print hanging front and center in our lobby with those exact
words. This year the milestones were many! Trudy Kristopeit, Sales Assistant, and Keitha Say, HR
and Administration Coordinator, both reached the ten year mark this past summer. Our Convention
Services Manager Lynne Sobczak celebrates fifteen years of service, with time spent in sales and
services departments. Partner Services Coordinator Maria Strand joined our team twenty years
ago, and is the third employee in company history to reach this milestone. And, as mentioned in the
May issue of the VOICE, Guest Services Receptionist Sharon Alaniz celebrated twenty-five years
with VISIT Milwaukee. Thank you all for your dedication to the tourism industry.
Alongside these milestones, we also must say goodbyes. Our Director of Public Relations, Wendy
Strong, has moved on to join local social media firm, Sosh. We wish her all the best in her new role!
What I’m Thankful For this Season….
In addition to our amazing staff, I am thankful for our business partners who bring their expertise to
the table. VISIT Milwaukee began working with partner Marsh & McLennan on our group insurance
and property and casualty insurance lines a few years ago. The knowledge and service that we’ve
received from our representatives have been nothing short of outstanding. If your business is
struggling with navigating health care reform laws, or is interested in conducting a review of your
P&C lines, please consider Marsh & McLennan.
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MARKETING MILWAUKEE
SHOWING OFF MILWAUKEE IN
SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS
MEGAN GAUS
Senior Director of Marketing
& Communications
(414) 287-4252
mgaus@milwaukee.org
We all know the best way to fall in love with Milwaukee is to experience it! And thanks to social
media, we’re able to share quick videos featuring unique Milwaukee experiences with all of our digital
followers. Matt Mixon, a local film director who also worked on several DearMKE films, has been
working with us to create this series of videos (all under one minute in length!) to help show off what
makes Milwaukee a fun destination. From how to make a Sobelman’s Bloody Mary to a timelapse
kayaking trip down the Milwaukee River, these quick, shareable videos are a great way for tourists
(and locals!) to get a glimpse at everything the city has to offer.
Click here to watch them all!
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MKE IN THE MEDIA
TRAVEL WRITERS
TOUR MILWAUKEE
The past couple of weeks have kept the Public Relations department quite busy. Though the weather has
progressively gotten colder, travel writers continue to visit the great city of Milwaukee, and we are happy to
host them.
KATY DEARDORFF
Communications Manager
(414) 287-4255
Kdeardorff@milwaukee.org
Most recently VISIT Milwaukee hosted a prominent, Emmy-award winning TV producer and freelance
travel writer, Lisa Lubin. After years with Chicago’s ABC station, she decided to leave TV and travel the
world. She now takes those experiences and reports on them for outlets such as the Huffington Post, The
Chicago Tribune and Good Morning America.
While travel writers are in town, the PR department works to put together itineraries that best fit the
interests of the individual. In this case, Lisa is a huge foodie and loves interesting neighborhoods—thus we
gave her a taste of Milwaukee’s neighborhoods and the city’s delicious culinary scene.
In addition to Lisa, the PR department worked with an American travel writer who has spent the past 40
years working in England. Mary Moore Mason first met the PR team at International Pow Wow, a travel
show, several years ago. She is the editorial director at Essentially America and was president of the UK
Travel Writers Guild.
Though 70 years old, Mary was arguably more spry and adventurous than all of the VISIT Milwaukee team
combined. For three days, Mary explored all of the amazing attractions that Milwaukee has to offer.
We expect great articles to come from both press trips and want to give a big thanks to our partners who
continue to step up to the plate and show our guests how amazing Milwaukee really is.
Besides the continued stream of incoming travel writers, the Public Relations team has been busy
proactively pitching to local, regional and national media. If you think that you have an amazing Milwaukee
story to tell, have general public relations questions or would like some social media support, please contact
Katy Deardorff, VISIT Milwaukee’s communications manager at kdeardorff@milwaukee.org.
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AT YOUR SERVICES
NOVEMBER EVENTS IN TOWN
American Literary Translators Conference
Nov 12-15
325 attendees
DAVE LARSON
Director of Convention Services
(414) 287-4224
dlarson@milwaukee.org
Wisconsin Dental Association Annual Conference
Nov 13-15
600 attendees
Future Wisconsin 2014
Dec 2-3
1200 attendees
National Age Group Long Track Speedskating Championships
Dec 19-21
2750 attendees
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PARTNERSHIP
NEW BUSINESS CARDS,
NEW IMPRESSIONS
MEG MCKENNA
Director of Development
(414) 287-4234
mmckenna@milwaukee.org
If you’ve met with a VISIT Milwaukee staff member recently, you might have noticed some
big changes in our business cards. The VISIT Milwaukee Marketing department rolled out the
new cards in early October, and the response so far has been great. Each square card features
a photo of Milwaukee on the back, with six photos in all. You might recognize such iconic
structures as the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Public Market and Miller Park as well
as experience-inspired photos like kayaking on the Milwaukee River and a brewery tour. As
the official steward of Milwaukee’s brand, VISIT Milwaukee is always working to give a strong,
positive impression of the city and all of our partners here – and these cards definitely make an
impression!
Make sure to get a card the next time you meet with us!
CEO UPDATES | SALES | FINANCIALLY SPEAKING | MARKETING MILWAUKEE | MKE IN THE MEDIA | AT YOUR SERVICES | PARTNERSHIP | PARTNER TOOLS | NEW PARTNERS
PARTNER TOOLS
DID YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR
MEETING SPACE?
MARIA STRAND
Partner Services Coordinator
(414) 287-4239
mstrand@milwaukee.org
Our convention services department receives several calls a week inquiring about partners’
meeting space for upcoming off-site meetings. In addition, the information we have on file for
your business is pushed out to your listing on our website. We want to be sure that we have the
most up-to-date information for all of our partners. If you do have meeting space, please take
a minute now to add/update your information via the Partner-Only portal.
To update your information, go to partners.milwaukee.org (no WWW.). After you’ve logged in,
click on the Partner Record tab. Scroll about halfway down the screen where you come to a
series of tabs near the left side, click on the Amenities tab then Meeting Facilities.
The Standard Amenities section is overall information about your space as a whole. In the right
lower corner you will see a blue “Add New Room” button, click on this to add information about
your smaller meeting rooms.
As always, if you are not able to log in or see any of the tabs or locations talked about above,
please feel free to either give me a call or send me an email and I will update your
access permissions.
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NEW PARTNERS
WELCOME,
NEW PARTNERS!
AJ Bombers
1247 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
FRAN JACKSON
Partner Relations Manager
fjackson@milwaukee.org
P-Nuts, Burgers & Beer! That sums up this fun restaurant and bar, home of the
Milwaukee Burger, winner of the Travel Channel's "Food Wars.".
414-221-9999 // www.ajbombers.com
Joe Sorge – info@ajbombers.com
Attention Era Media
1305 N. 19th Street, Suite 2000
Milwaukee, WI 53205
Video production, brand films, event highlights, commercials, web videos, plus the
power of social media to help distribute our creations.
435-554-0134 // www.attentionera.com
Aaron Biebert - video@attentionera.com
Brew City Promotions
240 N. Milwaukee Street, Suite 201
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Cheers! Founded in 1986, Brew City has defined local clothing. Located in Milwaukee's
Historic Third Ward, Grand Avenue Mall and Southridge Mall all our products are
locally designed and printed. Using the softest fabrics and latest styles, we help make
Milwaukee famous!
414-336-7160// www.brewcityonline.com
Carla Moriarity - info@brewcityonline.com
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NEW PARTNERS
Foamation
3775 S. Packard Avenue
St. Francis, WI 53235
Home of the Original Cheesehead(TM) merchandise including world famous
Cheesehead® Hat. Factory Outlet Store. Custom manufacturing. Online at www.
cheesehead.com
414-481-3337 // www.cheesehead.com
Eric Weymueller - info@cheesehead.com
Hampton Inn & Suites Milwaukee/Franklin
6901 S. 76th Street
Franklin, WI 53132
100 well-appointed guestrooms. Located just 13 miles from downtown and 7 miles
from General Mitchell International Airport. On-the-House hot breakfast, indoor pool,
spacious fitness center and meeting space with state-of-the-art audio/visual.
414-427-4800 //www.facebook.com/hamptoninnfranklin
Nicole Taylor - Nicole@everesthospitality.net
Holey Moley Coffee & Doughnuts
316 N. Milwaukee Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Holey Moley Coffee + Doughnuts are scratch made from whole, quality ingredients
and offer a range of styles including cake, yeast raised, filled, fritters and holes, PLUS
daily gluten-friendly and vegan options.
414-308-1616 // www.holeymoleydoughnuts.com
Joe Sorge - dunk@holeymoleydoughnuts.com
Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Lake Geneva Resort
7037 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Beautiful Wisconsin resort features spacious villas, top dining and golf, indoor/outdoor
pools and tennis, spa, snow skiing and indoor waterpark.
262-248-8811// www.hiclubvacations.com/lakegenevarst?cm_mmc=OLRM01355
Laurie Bayles - rental@holidayinnclub.com
NEW PARTNERS
Midwest Bike Share, Inc. dba Bublr Bike
600 E. Mason Street, Suite 101
Milwaukee, WI 53202
We are Milwaukee's very own bike-share system. It's a simple, convenient and
healthy way to see all that Milwaukee has to offer. Stations are located in and around
downtown. A 24-Hour Pass can be purchased with a credit card at any Bublr Station.
414-931-1121 // www.bublrbikes.com
Kevin Hardman - info@bublrbikes.com
Milwaukee Comedy
1900 W. Clybourn Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Live comedy shows featuring a mix of stand up, improv and sketch comedy! Every
show is different and original.
414-344-0044 // www.milwaukeecomedy.com
Matt Kemple - info@milwaukeecomedy.com
Miss Katie’s Diner
1900 W. Clybourn Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Nostalgic 50's diner serving homespun favorites: omelets, hash browns, meatloaf,
chicken and burgers. Old-fashioned malts, shakes and a full bar. A game room and
multiple TVs. The Fonz hung out here!
414-344-0044// www.miss-katies.com
Peter Piccuirro - misskatiesdiner@yahoo.com
NEW PARTNERS
Neroli Salon & Spa
327 E. St. Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, Wi 53209
Milwaukee's premier salon and spa providing a full service Aveda experience in hair,
skin, nail and massage services seven days a week, including evenings.
414-227-2888 // www.nerolispa.com
Lynn Marie Reich - info@nerolispa.com
Onesto
221 N. Broadway
Milwaukee, WI 53233
A modern twist on Italian fare with an emphasis on fresh, handmade, flavorful cuisine.
We also feature an approachable wine list and a craft cocktail menu.
414-308-1600 // www.onestomke.com
Joe Sorge - info@onestomke.com
Onyx Social Club & Restaurant
3120 W. Villard Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209
Hottest club, modern, casually chic, incredible lighting, plush VIP. Sip cocktails, dance,
listen to live music from the area's hottest bands and DJ's. Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
Sunday night.
414-464-6699 // www.milwaukeeonyx.com
Obiora Obi - info@milwaukeeonyx.com
NEW PARTNERS
Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative – Capitol Drive
100 E. Capitol Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-961-2597
Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative – Kinnickinnic Avenue
2826 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207
414-755-3202
Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative - Mequon
7590 W. Mequon Road
Mequon, WI 53092
262-242-0426
Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative – State Street
7000 W. State Street
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
414-778-2012
We're a friendly, full service grocery featuring the best in local, organic and natural
foods, an in-store cafe and wholesome foods to go!
www.outpost.coop
Pam Mehnert - info@outpost.coop
Real Chili
419 E. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Opened in 1931 and still serving the Best Chilin in town for lunch, dinner and latenight at two locations on Wells Street. Most popular “The Marquette..” Featured on
Food Network's "Best Thing I Ever Ate."
414-271-4042 // www.realchili-milwaukee.com
Steve Kastelic
NEW PARTNERS
Riverfront Pizzeria Bar & Grill*
509 E. Erie Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Opened in 2006, Riverfront Pizzeria Bar & Grill, located on the Riverwalk in
Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward offers a variety of Italian and American dishes-pizza,
pasta, salads, sandwiches, Friday fish fry and daily specials inside or outdoor on our
deck, enjoying views of the Milwaukee River and the city beyond. Delivery.
414-277-1800 // www.rfpmke.com
Brenda Regenfelder - Brenda@riverfrontpizzeria.com
Smoke Shack
332 N. Milwaukee Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Certified humanely raised meats dry rubbed, slow smoked and sauced by you, enjoyed
in our cozy, rustic restaurant or our outdoor patio.
414-431-1119 // www.smoke-shack.com
Joe Sorge - info@smoke-shack.com
Swig
217 N. Broadway
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Swig offers a cozy environment to spend your evening dining next to the fireplace, on
our outdoor patio or enjoying a martini at the bar.
414-431-7944 // www.swigmilwaukee.com
Joe Sorge - info@swigmilwaukee.com
NEW PARTNERS
Water Buffalo
249 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Award winning views of the city; outdoor riverfront seating and a dynamic, highly
designed space. A varied casual menu priced for everyday dining.
414-431-1133 // www.waterbuffalomilwaukee.com
Joe Sorge - info@waterbuffalomilwaukee.com
Welke’s House of Roses
5528 W. North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Since 1901, a local Milwaukee florist, family owned for over five generations. We deliver
smiles with beautiful roses, creative floral, green plants, balloon bouquets, orchids and
so much more.
414-442-8640 // www.welkes.com
Nikki Lemler - contactus@welkes.com
Wisconsin Harley-Davidson
1280 Blue Ribbon Drive
Oconomowoc, WI 53006
Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, just 30 minutes from Milwaukee. New and used
motorcycles, motorclothes, parts and accessories. Year round events for the whole
family! It’s not just a dealership, it’s a destination.
262-569-8500 //www.wishd.com
Dianne Crowley - dianne.crowley@wishd.com
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
5027 W. North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Working to create a fully inclusive state by promoting economic growth and
opportunities among LGBT owned and allied businesses, corporations and
professionals.
414-678-9275 // www.wislgbtchamber.com
Jason Rae - info@wislgbtchamber.com
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H O ME
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