April 2024

Get Your Wine Walk tickets!!

The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a Groovy Wine Walk on Friday, April 26 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Peace, Love & Wine! Bring out your Disco Flair! Get out your bell-bottoms, flared jeans, button-down shirts and beaded necklaces. Bring your friends along to enjoy what is sure to be a fun evening in Portage!

Tickets are $40 in advance.

Get your tickets here: Portage Wine Walk (ticketsignup.io) or in-person at these participating locations by cash or check: Chamber of Commerce Office, The Mercantile, Main Street Consignment, Big Dog Saloon, Prairie Flower Beads, Portage Craft Mall, Neil's Wine House and online. 

April Business Luncheon

Gina Damman of ITN Payment Services will be our speaker. Come learn as she talks with us about how your business can reduce or eliminate your credit card processing fees completely. Every business that accepts credit cards as payment has the added expense of Merchant Service Fees. These processing fees can quickly add up and negatively affect your bottom line. Gina will offer her expertise on the credit card industry and share some resources and tips with you to help your business understand these fees and offer solutions. 

Location: Dino's Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Road

Time: Lunch at 11:30AM, Presentation at Noon

Cost: Pay for your lunch at the restaurant 

Date: Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Bring business cards, brochures, or anything you wish to share with other members!

2024 Portage Park & Recreation Spring/Summer Guide

The Portage Park and Recreation 2024 Spring/Summer Guide is now available. It's full of information about: sports recreation programs and leagues; park and shelter rentals; canoe and kayak rentals; National Night Out and Movie in the Park events; vehicle storage; tree, bench and brick memorials; discount tickets to popular Wisconsin Dells attractions and the Milwaukee Zoo; and much more!

For more information, call the Park and Recreation Department at 608-742-2178 or click here to view the guide: 2024 City Newsletter (recdesk.com).

Welcome New Chamber Members

Aspire Generation Liberty, LLC

Pardeeville, WI 53954

Jenny Totzke at 608-490-0381

Offering a variety of services for the senior generation, along with

their family caregivers, including supportive senior care management,

respite care, non- medical services, and daily tasks.

ITN Payment Services

Rio, WI 53960

Gina Damman at 608-220-4520

Merchant services including credit card processing.

WD Telecom, LLC

Briggsville, WI 53920

Rebecca Bethe at 608-340-1665

Underground construction company that can place private or

commercial utilities such as water, electric, fiber, or telephone.

Sun Sport Aviation

Portage Municipal Airport, 1011 Silver Lake Drive

Paul Phelps, Portage Airport Manager, at 608-692-9337

Helping others to achieve their piloting certification and rating goals.

Trash-N-Dash, LLC

Briggsville, WI 53920

Nicholas Viney at 608-448-9291

Offering junk removal hauling services for residential and commercial needs.

Services include junk removal, property clean-outs and pickup & delivery.

The TAT LAB

311 E. Wisconsin Street, Suite 201 Portage, WI 53901

Frankie at 608-566-6147

Tattoo and piercing shop.

Ribbon Cuttings

A ribbon cutting was held at Runnings, 2935 New Pinery Road, to welcome this new business to Portage and as a member of the Portage Chamber.

You will find all sorts of home items, farm and outdoor products, plus a large selection of quality brands. For more information, call 608-686-7888. Learn more and visit store specials at www.runnings.com.

A ribbon cutting was held at the Portage Chamber office to welcome Trash-N-Dash LLC to our business community. Owner Nick Viney's goal is to "Take the stress off your property and out of your life!"

Trash-N-Dash LLC is your professional full-service junk hauling company that serves all residential and commercial needs in the greater and surrounding Columbia and Marquette County areas. Services include: Junk Removal, Property & Estate Cleanouts, Pickup & Delivery, and Driveway Safe Trailer Dumpster Rentals.

For more information, call 608-448-9291 or click here.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

• Wed., April 3 at 9am: The TAT LAB, 311 East Wisconsin Street
• Fri., April 12 at 1pm: Capital City Equipment, LLC, 1110 Thompson Street
• Fri., April 19 at Noon: Niemann ACE Hardware, 2800 New Pinery Road
• Thursday, May 2 at 4pm: B & B Hitching Post, 2503 Wisconsin Street

Upcoming Groundbreakings

• Thursday, April 11 at 3pm: New City of Portage Public Works & Park and Recreation Building along Cemetery Road
• Tuesday, April 23 at 10am: Wisconsin Battery Company's new manufacturing site at 1808 Kutzke Road.

Pride of America Camping Resort celebrates 50 Years!

Paul Hagen worked most of his life in the dairy industry, either selling dairy equipment or as a sales manager for a regional ice cream manufacturer. His family has many fond memories of vacations camping across the United States - first in an army tent, then a pop-up, eventually graduating to a full-fledged travel trailer.

In 1974, Paul and six partners purchased the 100-site Lake George Campground. Over the years, Paul purchased the campground from his former partners to become the sole owner of what is now Pride of America Camping Resort, celebrating 50 years of "Friends, Family, & Fun" this year.

Today, you can find Paul planting and watering trees, cutting grass, driving the train ride, or taking his famous coffee break with the staff. Paul's three children, Mike, Karen, and Pete, currently operate the 444-site campground, with some of the grandchildren as employees.

Click Here to read the full article.

R. Condon Gallery & Custom Framery is moving

The scaffolding surrounding the building at 136 W. Cook Street might appear to be a massive work of art in and of itself. The new owner of the building is Roberta Condon, who happens to know art very well. She is working on refurbishing the interior and exterior of the building as she prepares to move her business, R. Condon Gallery & Custom Framery, into the former spot of the Portage House of Clocks. She took a little break from transforming the building to share her thoughts on the move:

Since I was a little girl, I had two dreams, one was to be a Mom (that dream came true with the birth of my twin boys), and the other was to live in a small town and have my own gallery. I’ve taken many steps to get to the goal.

I started in the Mercantile almost 15 years ago. When I interviewed for a spot there I was asked what my long term goals were, and I told them I’d like to own my own gallery. I was there for a few years, then rented a place above Bennett Law so I could work at a studio of my own. Then, ten years ago, I rented the small space in the old Ram Hotel. I slowly built my reputation and expanded my product line and services to include custom framing.

Click Here to read the full article.

Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative news

Operation Round-Up Grant

With contributions from member of Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, the Operation Round-Up program makes an incredible impact for local individuals and organizations in need. Operation Round-Up funds are used for local projects and charities within our service area. Examples of recently awarded grants includes equipment for fire departments, technology upgrades, quilting supplies, playground equipment, AED's, and more. The next application deadline is April 15. Visit www.acecwi.com to learn more about this grant opportunity and to apply.

ACEC’s Annual Meeting

Members of Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative are invited to their annual meeting on Saturday, May 11 at Adams-Friendship High School. The event will begin with a pancake breakfast from 7:30am-9:30am, with co-op booths and voting available. The annual meeting will begin at 9:30am in the Fine Arts Center. To learn more about their event, voting, and director candidates, visit www.acecwi.com.

Community Outreach Marketing Coordinator wanted

Do you live a healthy lifestyle, love meeting new people, and enjoy running events?

If so, you might be exactly who we are looking for at Blau Family Chiropractic.

Our Chiropractic Clinic is looking for a fun, organized, and outgoing team member with a broad range of skills to help us connect more with our community. The right person will support our team by scheduling and running outreach events like massage days and health talks. For a job description and to apply, click here.

Sign up for Portage Rod & Gun Club Team Trap League

Join the Portage Rod & Gun Club 2024 Team Trap League! This 20-week league begins May 1, 2024. Sign-up will be April 22-26. This will be a team event. It will require 18 competition scores. Cost will be $50 per team.

Will be able to shoot: Wednesday, 9am - Noon; Wednesday and Thursday, 6pm to 10pm; and Saturdays, 9am to 3pm. Contact Clayton at 608-742-2334.

Join Launch Portage and "ROCK YOUR EARTH DAY"

Taking place Beautifully Blemished in downtown Portage on April 22nd from 5-6:30 pm!

Rocks will be provided for you to paint from Natures Way Landscaping and Snow Removal, LLC. All attendees will receive a seed packet in support of Earth Day, courtesy of Edgewater Home & Garden, and a serving of ice cream from Festival Foods (while supplies last). Beautifully Blemished will be offering all attendees a $5 off coupon to use on your purchase in-store that day.

Bring your friends, family, and kiddos for this FREE event!

Please Note: A goodwill donation will be available to help Launch Portage "Raise for Raised Beds". All donations will go towards building raised garden beds for Portage community organizations.

Kinship Mentoring seeking Director

Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County is a non-profit organization in Wisconsin that provides one-on-one youth mentoring in schools and community settings. Their mission is to transform communities through the power of mentoring.

They are currently seeking a part-time Director who desires to make a difference in the lives of area youth through the co-ordination of activities within our mentorship program. You would be involved in directing and helping the organization grow through community interaction and fundraising events. The position will report to the Board of Directors. For more information and to apply, click here.

The Madhatters at Portage Center for the Arts

UW-Madison's favorite men's a cappella group since 1997 returns to the Zona Gale Stage, crooning songs of decades past to the Top 40 present!

Get your tickets now for The Madhatters, appearing at 7:30pm on Saturday, April 6 at Portage Center for the Arts, 301 E. Cook Street.

For more info on this event, click here.

Nachos Mexican Grill is now

Bohemios Mexican Grill and Cantina

Bohemios Mexican Grill and Cantina has opened at the former location of Nachos Mexican Grill at 125 Wauona Trail. The new ownership has made changes to the menu, drink specials, and expanded hours. They are inviting you to give them a try by dining in and also through carry out and delivery.

Call 608-566-1037 for more information.

Enter now for Chili Madness event

Join the St. John’s Youth Group for Food & the Final 4 Games on Saturday, April 6 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at St. John’s School Gymnasium (Armstrong Street entrance)! Free will suggested donation of $5 per person. Enter the Chili Cook-Off and showcase your favorite chili at the Chili Madness Event. Email youth@stjohnsportage.com, text 608-697-2649, or Sign-Up Genius link: https://shorturl.at/nxyEI, with your name, chili name, chili recipe, and category: spiciest, unique, or best all-around. Free will suggested entry fee donation of $5 per chili.

Portage Lions Club Auction

The Portage Lions Club will hold their annual live auction on Saturday, April 13 from Noon to 4pm. Listen to FM 100.1 WDDC and make your bids by phone, 608-745-0859, or see the merchandise and make live bids at the Portage VFW, 215 W. Collins Street. Some items on display at the Chamber office up until the week of the auction. Stop by and check them out in the window.

View the list of this year's auction items here! Proceeds support Lions projects.

United Way Spaghetti Dinner

The Portage Area United Way will hold a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at Northwoods Inc., N6510 Highway 51 South, on Saturday, April 13 from 5pm to 7pm. Tickets are $15 each for this event which will feature music from Elizabeth Youra.

Portage Area United Way - Like Us On Facebook!

Monte Carlo Casino Night to benefit Boys & Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Club of Portage is celebrating one year of serving Portage youth with a Monte Carlo Casino Night at The Ball Room, 112 E. Cook Street, on Friday, April 19 beginning at 6pm.

Please sponsor or purchase tickets now for this exciting event. Business sponsorships are available. Individual tickets are $75. Come to this fun-filled evening and help support great futures in Portage! Click here: http://www.bgcwcw.org/events

Stand Up & Sing for Kids

Canopy Center is excited to host their annual fundraising event, Stand Up & Sing for Kids, at the Goodman Center in Madison on Thursday, May 9 at 5:30pm, featuring live music by Sean Michael Dargan, a cash bar, hors d' oeuvres, and both live and silent auctions.

Columbia County CASA is a program under Canopy Center. All funds raised will go toward supporting Canopy Center's child abuse treatment and prevention programs, which provide crucial assistance to foster children, child-welfare system involved families, and survivors of child sexual abuse in Dane and Columbia County. As a non-profit organization, Canopy Center relies heavily on donations to continue providing these vital services. Register for the event here.

Fun Things to do in April!

8, 15, 22, 29 Euchre Club at the Portage Library, 1pm-2:30pm

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Cornhole Tournaments at Portage VFW, 5:30pm

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Community Camaraderie at Portage VFW, 1pm to 4pm

2 Chamber Business Luncheon at Dino's Restaurant,11:30am

3, 10, 17, 24 Texas Hold'em Poker at the Portage VFW, 7:30pm

3 Ribbon Cutting at The TAT LAB, 311 E. Wisconsin St., 9am

4-7 Portage High School presents "The Little Mermaid," at Portage High School

4, 11, 18, 25 Bingo with the Portage VFW Post at Saddle Ridge, 6pm

4, 18 Chat GPT and AI workshops hosted by the Portage Chamber continue at American Legion State Headquarters, 8:30am-10:30am

4 Cyrus John at Studio 301, 7pm

5 Paper Collage Opening Reception at Portage Center for the Arts, 4pm-6pm

(Exhibit runs through April 26)

5 Black Crown Comedy Night at Studio 301, 7pm

6 Chili Madness event at St. John's School Gymnasium, 6:30pm-8:30pm

6 The Astonishing Hypnotist Comedy Hypnosis Show at Studio 301, 6pm

6 The Madhatters at Portage Center for the Arts, 7:30pm

11 Cookie Sale at Aspirus Divine Savior lobby, 10am-2pm

11 Richardson acoustic performs at Studio 301, 7pm

11-14, 18-21 PACT presents "Agatha Crispie" at Portage Center for the Arts

11 Groundbreaking for Public Works/Park & Rec building, Cemetery Road, 3pm

11, 18, 25 Healthy Cooking Classes at Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 5pm

12 Chat & Create at Portage Public Library, 9:30am

12 Ribbon Cutting and Open House at Capital City Equipment, 1110 Thompson Street, beginning at 1pm until 4pm.

12 Fish Fry at Portage Elks Lodge, 4:30pm-7:30pm

12-13 Two Stage Show at Studio 301, 6pm

13 Portage Lions Club Radio Auction at the Portage VFW, Noon to 4pm

13 United Way Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at Northwoods, 5pm-7pm

18 Backhand Blue & Pete Henry at Studio 301, 7pm

19 Ribbon Cutting at Niemann Ace Hardware, Noon

19 Boys & Girls Club 'Monte Carlo Casino Night' at The Ball Room, 6pm-10pm

19 Ninelives Comedy at Studio 301, 6pm

20 Craft & Vendor Fair at the Elks Lodge, 9am

20 Earth Week Celebration! with Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin River Area ReStore, Dr. Suess movie, "The Lorax" shown at 10am at Portage Theatres  

20 Women's Self-Defense Class at Portage CrossFit Cooperative, 10am

20 Indie Film Series at Portage Center for the Arts, 2pm

20 Live Music at Studio 301, 5pm

22 Launch Portage "Rock Your Earth Day" at Beautifully Blemished, 5pm-6:30pm

23 Groundbreaking at Wisconsin Battery Company's new manufacturing facility on Kutzke Road at 10am

25 Brown Bag Series at Portage Center for the Arts, Noon

25 Genesee performs at Studio 301, 8pm

26 MANION WOD (Workout of the Day): at Portage CrossFit Cooperative

26 Arbor Day Fundraiser at Elks Lodge, 5pm

26 Community Bingo at Riverwood Senior Living, Wisconsin Dells, 1pm

26 Portage Wine Walk, 5:30pm to 8:30pm

26 Battle of the Bars Hip Hop Show, 6pm

27 Safe Sitter Class with Madison College, 9am

28 Student Recital at Portage Center for the Arts, 1pm to 3pm

Submit an article for this newsletter

The Chamber's monthly newsletter deadlines the 20th of the month. Members are always welcome to let others know: About new products and services; introduce new associates or promotions; provide updates about their industry or business; give helpful tips; promote a sale or event. For more information, call the Portage Chamber at 608-742-6242.

Portage Service Clubs - Meetings

Rotary - Wednesdays, Noon at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.

Lions - 2^nd Wednesday, 5:30pm at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd. (summer month meetings change locations)

Kiwanis - Wednesdays, Noon at Pizza Ranch, 2905 New Pinery Rd.

Optimists - Tuesdays, 7am at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.

Elks - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 7pm; 2nd Tuesday only in July, August and December

Women's Civic League - 2nd Wednesday, Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.

Job postings on portagewi.com

Check out these job postings on our Chamber site from our member businesses. You are welcome to post job openings your business may have at any time. Call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242 for more information.

April Support Group Meetings

8, 15, 22, 29 NA Recovery Meeting at The Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm

3, 10, 17, 24 Portage Al-Anon Group at The Harbor Recovery Center, Noon

4 Diabetes Support Group - Aspirus Divine Savior-Classroom A/B, 1:30pm-2:30pm

4, 11, 18, 25 AA Big Book Study at Harbor Recovery Center, 7pm

11 ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group in Columbus, 1pm-2:30pm

18 ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group in Lodi, 1pm-2:30pm

19 Rise Up For Recovery! at The Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm to 8pm

26 Riverwood Senior Living Caregiver Support Group, 10am-11:30am

Submit your Events!

Are you planning an event this year? Get it posted on our web community calendar at www.portagewi.com. One of the most popularly viewed of the Chamber website pages, the calendar allows you to submit your own events.

Simply click this link and submit your events. If you have questions, please call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242.

Portage Area Chamber of Commerce | 608-742-6242 | pacc@portagewi.com | www.portagewi.com

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