May 2024

Portage Wine Walk - GROOVY!!!

The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce held a Groovy Wine Walk last Friday with the theme Peace, Love & Wine!

Lots of guests on the walk brought out their bell-bottoms, flared jeans, button-down shirts and beaded necklaces. We had a blast grooving and sampling wines.

A big shoutout to all our attendees who brought their funky vibes! Special thanks to our volunteers and businesses for making this event so much fun.

And A BIG 'Thank You' to our volunteer Bartenders!! We couldn't do it without you!

Check out more groovy photos here!

Stay tuned for more awesome events coming your way in Portage this summer!

Sign up for the Portage Chamber Golf Outing

Register your team for the Portage Chamber Golf Outing! A great way to network while having a good time on the golf course. The Portage Chamber Golf Outing is happening Wednesday, June 12. Click Here for more information.

May Chamber Business Luncheon

Come learn about Medicare, Medicaid, and how your business can help your employees better understand these as they look toward retirement.

The ADRC of Columbia County will present on these topics and give us a high level overview and how you can support your employees. They will also talk with us about other programs available to you and activities they have planned for the upcoming summer months. Register Here.

Location: Portage Pizza Ranch

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

Cost: Pay for your lunch at the restaurant 

Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024

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

"Friends & Floats"

Launch Portage is hosting its next event, Friends & Floats, at A&W Portage on Wednesday, May 29 from 4:30pm to 6pm. Come on out to meet new friends and network while enjoying 2 for $5 small A&W Root Beer Floats!

2 new works of art join 2024 Canoes on Parade

Two brand new canoes will join the Canoes on Parade roster in 2024. All 15 canoes will be on display mid-May, with the two new locations at Collipp-Worden Park and Market Square.

Sponsored by local Chamber member businesses and painted with various themes by local artists, the fiberglass canoes will be on display so locals and visitors alike can stand in front of the upright canoes -- creating a close resemblance to portaging a canoe -- and pose for pictures, then share them on social media. Maps are available online and at the Portage Chamber office at 104 W. Cook Street.

Thank You!

Mary Rose Strickland, Co-Owner of New Life Physical Therapy Services & Sports Medicine, has served as the Portage Chamber Board Chairperson the past two years.

In recognition of her service on the Board, Mary Rose (pictured left) was presented a plaque from Marianne Hanson, President & CEO of the Portage Chamber.

Thank You, Mary Rose!!!

Portage Business Reality Fair

The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is co-organizing a Reality Fair to be held on Friday, May 10 at the Portage High School from 8am to Noon. The fair is designed to give students a little taste of adulthood by navigating "life" within a budget.

Representatives from a variety of sectors - banking, childcare, education, real estate, insurance, etc. - will staff tables set up around the gymnasium. Students visit each of the tables, making real decisions. What kind of car to buy? How much home could they afford? How much does insurance cost? Is there any money left for entertainment or to adopt a pet? Along the way, some students are dealt a fate card, putting a dent in their budget - just like unexpected expenses in real life.

The fair serves as an interactive learning experience helping students understand their finances, how much basic household needs actually cost, and the downfalls of splurging on wants vs. needs, preparing them for success in the real world following graduation.

Best Fest

Best Fest, a staple of parish life at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, will be held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, May 17-18.

The event will feature live music, food, and plenty of family fun throughout the weekend! Click Here for more info.

Sweet Sanctuary Services

Bracket and Bin is now Sweet Sanctuary Services. Owner Kasey Fragoso specializes in transforming cluttered spaces into serene sanctuaries through decluttering, space optimization, and personalized organization systems. For more information, call 608-218-4581 or visit her Facebook page here.

Second Daily Amtrak service begins May 21

Tickets are now available for a second daily Amtrak service between the Twin Cities and Chicago, via Milwaukee: new state-sponsored Borealis trains originate from St. Paul at midday and from Chicago in the late morning. The new train service begins May 21. Amtrak Borealis trains will offer Coach and Business Class in addition to a café car featuring regional items. Customers will enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse in daylight in both directions across Wisconsin.

Watch for details on the Chamber website for a celebration on May 21 at 4pm to welcome the train to the Portage community.

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.

Canal Days: Vintage Style

Come explore and experience our downtown area like never before....A thrilling scavenger hunt winding through our historic streets, an outdoor market brimming with treasures from local vendors, toe-tapping live music, free canoe rides, kid's bicycle parade, show 'n shine show, street dance, captivating family entertainment, and a pet parade that'll have tails wagging with excitement! It's all happening Saturday, June 1.

Ribbon Cuttings

A ribbon cutting was held at The TAT LAB, 311 E. Wisconsin Street, Suite 201, inside Cochrane Court, to welcome this new business to the community and as a member of the Portage Chamber.

This premier tattoo studio offers quality artwork at affordable prices. Their licensed artists are both knowledgeable and experienced. They also offer tattoo restoration and/or cover-ups. Stop in for a free consultation or schedule your appointment by calling 608-566-6147.

A ribbon cutting was held at Capital City Equipment, LLC, 1110 Thompson Street, to welcome this business to the community and as a new member of the Portage Chamber.

In addition to their continued sales and service for all your small engine needs, they've expanded their offerings to include equipment rentals. From construction tools to tents, tables, chairs, linens, landscaping equipment, trailers, scaffolding, dewatering pumps, generators, and more – they've got you covered!

For the full range of rentals available, visit their website at www.capitalcityequiprental.com. Reach out to them directly at 608-742-3927 with any questions.

A ribbon cutting was held at Niemann ACE Hardware, 2800 New Pinery Road, Suite 9, to welcome this business to the community and as a new member of the Portage Chamber.

They provide knowledgeable and helpful service as well as sell the best brands to help Portage

residents find solutions and succeed with their everyday home maintenance needs. They offer an extensive array of high-quality products in categories such as paint and lawn and garden. For more information, call 608-566-6147 or click here.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

Thursday, May 9 at Portage Ford CDJR, 3013 County Highway CX, 5pm

Thursday, May 16 at JJ's Bar & Grill, 316 DeWitt Street, 4pm

Wednesday, May 22 at R. Condon Gallery & Custom Framery, 9am

Thursday, May 30 at River Haven's new admin office, 303 E. Wisconsin Street, 4pm

Groundbreakings

Portage city officials joined state representatives along with Wisconsin Battery Company President & CEO Jeff Greene in a groundbreaking ceremony on April 23. The future site of the Wisconsin Battery Company is near Kutzke Road in the Portage Industrial Park. The company has a goal of hiring 200 employees and starting the project later this year with operations beginning in 2025.

Portage city officials gathered on April 11 to hoist a shovel as the groundbreaking kicked off the forthcoming 52,000-square-foot Public Works and Portage Park & Recreation building off Cemetery Road.

Adams-Columbia Electric

Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative is pleased to work in partnership with FOCUS ON ENERGY® to offer free energy saving packs to their members. Choose from packs containing energy-efficient LED bulbs, shower heads, and more! Order your free energy-saving pack now at focusonenergymarketplace.com/free or call 800-762-7077. Be sure to have your utility account number handy. Limit of one pack per eligible household per year.

ACEC's Annual Meeting: Saturday, May 11 at Adams-Friendship High School

ACEC’s STEM Grant deadline is May 1.

Stay safe, call 811 before you dig! Watch this safety video.

Contribute toward PCA Phase III renovations

Investing in our cultural organizations and institutions is essential for fostering creativity, education, and community engagement. The Portage Center for the Arts has long been a cornerstone of our community, providing invaluable opportunities for individuals of all ages to explore and participate in various forms of artistic expression.

The proposed Phase III renovations present a unique opportunity to meet the increasing demand for arts programming and services while also enhancing the overall experience for visitors and guests. Donate to the project today! For more information, call 608-742-5655 or visit portagecenterforthearts.com. 

Portage Farmers Market; Elks Cookouts

The Portage Farmers Market returns for another season and is hosted from May through October on every Thursday from Noon to 5pm at Commerce Plaza in downtown Portage. The market features homegrown produce items, homemade items, and handcrafted items. For questions, contact the Market Manager, Linda Wade at 608-697-3082.

The Portage Elks Veranda Cookouts will be held on Thursdays, 11am-5pm, at their location at 201 Conant Street, across from the Farmers Market. Their cookouts feature burgers, brats, and BBQ pulled pork.

Bohemios Cinco de Mayo

Behemios Mexican Grill & Cantina, 125 Wauona Trail, is offering food and drink specials along with a DJ to help celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 5.

They also offer lunch discounts to firemen, police officers, and veterans. For more information, call 608-566-1037 or visit them

online.

Gale Singers Spring Concert

Join the Gale Singers Community Choir for their annual Spring Concert at Portage Center for the Arts on Sunday, May 5 at 4pm! General admission seating, $10 at the door.

Art Connects

Let your creativity run wild as you decorate your puzzle piece for the July-August exhibit in the Drury Gallery! All ages welcome! Come to the reception on Friday, August 2 from 4pm to 6pm. Download a puzzle piece here, or pick up a cardstock version at the PCA office. Deadline is Wednesday, May 15.

Kindschi chosen County Library Board Advocate of the Year

Each year, the library directors from the 10 Columbia County libraries select a person or organization as nominees for its Advocate of the Year. The Columbia County Library Board then reviews the nominations and selects from those presented.

Karl Kindschi, Portage Library Board of Trustees President, was chosen as this year’s Columbia County Library Board Advocate of the Year.

“I’ve learned a lot about the library a little at a time,” said Kindschi, in his remarks upon receiving the designation, “and tried to do my best in the leadership as much as I could, and I’ve come to love the library.”

Click Here to read more...

Customer Appreciation Sale at Portage Furniture Store

Step into the world of comfort and style with Portage Furniture Store’s Customer Appreciation Sale! They are rolling out the red carpet to show their gratitude to YOU, their amazing customers!

Each May, Portage Furniture Store runs a Customer Appreciation Sale as a small gesture to say 'Thank you' to years of wonderfully supportive customers. Their dedicated staff is here to make your shopping experience seamless and enjoyable. Need design advice or assistance in finding the perfect piece? They've got you covered!

“We have custom-made furniture for every room in your home, and everything is on sale,” exclaimed co-owner Aaron Ayers. “We know customers have lots of options these days, so we're honored they put their trust in our staff and our business. We don't take that for granted, and it's up to us to make sure we're taking great care of them.”

Click Here to read more...

Legal advice available through Small Business Assistance

Small businesses and nonprofits in need of brief advice can request an appointment through the Small Business Assistance program offered by the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin.

For small business legal matters, the Marquette Small Business Clinic serves individuals statewide online on Thursdays beginning at noon on a first come first serve basis. Join the online waitlist here. You can find more information on the clinic and additional availability here. There is also a printable brochure available at Small Business Assistance brochure.

Please feel free to contact Kara Olson, Section Coordinator, State Bar of Wisconsin, with any questions at kolson@wisbar.org or 608-250-6124.

Art Gallery Re-opening Celebration!

Immerse yourself in the world of art at the newly relocated gallery and custom framing shop on Saturday, May 11 from 10am to 3pm. Step into a realm of creativity and inspiration at R. Condon Gallery & Custom Framery, 136 W. Cook Street.

Indulge in Gourmet PB&J Sandwiches and support the arts through a fundraiser for the Portage High School Art Department with 10% of all sales from the day dedicated to supporting budding young artists. Come enjoy a 25% discount on everything in-store throughout the entire month of May - including custom framing! For more information, call Roberta at 608-617-1733.

Opening Weekend Plant Sale

Planting season is here! Shop a wide variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and other items while supporting Fort Winnebago Surgeons quarters during their Opening Weekend Plant Sale on Saturday, May 18 from 10am to 4pm. Learn about the new medicinal garden, too. Click Here for more info.

Fun Things to do in May!

1-30 Customer Appreciation Sale at Portage Furniture Store

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Texas Hold'em Poker at the Portage VFW, 7:30pm

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Portage Farmers Market, Commerce Plaza, Noon-5pm

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Portage Elks Veranda Cookout, 11am-5pm

2 Scoops of Thanks at Portage Culver's Restaurant

3 Opening Reception for High School Art Exhibit, Portage Center for the Arts,4pm-6pm (Exhibit on display through May 31)

3 Black Crown Comedy Show at Studio 301, 6pm-9pm

3 Live Music at Studio 301, 9pm-11pm

4 City of Portage Spring Clean-Up, 616 Washington Street, 8am-2pm

4 Madison College - Reedsburg 5K event, 9:30am

5 Gale Singers Community Concert at Portage Center for the Arts

5 Save the Grandstand 5K/RunWalk, 8am

5 Flea Market at the Grandstands, 9am-3pm

5 May Mayhem 2024 at Studio 301, 5pm-11pm

6, 13, 20, 27 Euchre Club at the Portage Library, 1pm-2:30pm

7 Chamber Business Luncheon at Pizza Ranch, 11:30am

7, 14, 21, 28 Community Camaraderie at Portage VFW, 1pm to 4pm

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

9 Ribbon Cutting and Open House at Portage Ford CDJR, 5pm-8pm

9 Stand Up & Sing for Kids to benefit CASA, 5:30pm

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

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

10 The Empty Vees (Classic rock) at Studio 301, 7pm-11pm

11 Re-opening celebration at R. Condon Gallery & Custom Framery, 10am-3pm

11 Cornhole Tournament at Portage VFW, sign in at 11am, Noon start

11 May Mayhem II at Studio 301, 4pm-11pm

15 Portage CrossFit Cooperative FREE workout day for all First Responders.

15 Historic Indian Agency House Opening Day, 10am-4pm

15 The Perfect Storm Workshop with Blau Chiropractic at St. John's, 5pm

16 Ribbon Cutting at JJ's Bar & Grill, 4pm

16 Live Music at Neil's Wine House, 5:30pm

16 Ladies Night at Portage Lumber, 6:30pm

17 GERD Presentation at Aspirus, 5:30pm

17-18 St. Mary's Best Fest 2024 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds

17-18 Create A Play In A Day at Portage Center for the Arts

17 Ninelives Comedy Show at Studio 301, 7pm-11pm

18 Opening Weekend Plant Sale at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters, 10am-4pm

18 The Shruggers and Broken Boards at Studio 301, 7pm-11pm

22 Ribbon Cutting at R. Condon Gallery & Custom Framery, 9am

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

24 The Tootie Show with KeyBoy at Studio 301, 6pm-11pm

29 Floats & Friends, a Launch Portage event, A&W Portage, 4:30pm-6pm

30 Ribbon Cutting at new administration office for River Haven, 4pm

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

31 2-Stage Show at Studio 301, 6pm-11pm

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.

May Support Group Meetings

6, 13, 20, 27 NA Recovery Meeting at The Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Portage Al-Anon Group at The Harbor Recovery Center, Noon

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

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 AA Big Book Study at Harbor Recovery Center, 7pm

6 ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group at Portage Library, 1pm-2:30pm

7, 14, 21, 28 Women's AA Group at Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm-7pm

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

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

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

28 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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