September 2024

Beer Walk - Tickets on Sale!!!

The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Beer Walk on Friday, September 27 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Tickets are now on sale.

Get Your Game On at the Cheers to Champions Beer Walk! Sip your way through Portage while sporting your favorite team’s gear. Don’t miss out on a sampling a variety of beers and a whole lot of team spirit. Grab your tickets now! Click Here for more tickets and details.

Eggs & Education: A Chat About the School Referendum

Portage School District Administrator Josh Sween will be talking about the school referendum that’s coming up on the ballot this November. Josh will break down what the referendum means for our community, answer your questions, and just have an open conversation about it all. Get the info you need before voting day. Register Now

Date: Wednesday, September 18

Time: 8am Breakfast, 8:30am Casual Chat

Location: Dino's Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Road

Pay for your breakfast at the restaurant.

Launch Portage event: Walk N' Talk

Join Launch Portage for a stress free networking during Walk N' Talk - The Levee! on Tuesday, September 10. Meet after 5 pm at Riverside Park, 300 East Wisconsin Street and at 5:30pm those gathered will start walking the Levee.

Everyone is welcome! Including your well-behaved and leashed dogs! Walk n' Talk is a stress free way to connect with professionals both emerging and experienced in our community! Launch Portage is focused on supporting our community, its member businesses, and most importantly - people.

Taste of Portage Market Fair 2024

What a terrific weekend for the Taste of Portage Market Fair! We want to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone who made this year’s Taste of Portage an unforgettable experience!

From the car show that brought out the best rides in town , to the kids' activities that kept the little ones laughing and playing all day long , the incredible runners who hit the pavement for the Half Marathon and 5K , and the amazing live music that had us all dancing in the streets —it was a weekend to remember!

And of course, a HUGE thank you to our amazing food vendors who brought their flavors to life , our incredible volunteers who kept everything running smoothly, and YOU—our fantastic community—for coming out, enjoying the sunshine, and making memories with us!

We also need to recognize our dedicated city personnel—the Portage police, parks and recreation, streets, and public works teams—for keeping everything safe, clean, and fun for all.

A special shoutout to our sponsors who made this event possible. Your support means the world to us, and we encourage everyone to show these awesome businesses some love!

From the tasty treats to the sweet beats, we couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Thank you for your support, your smiles, and your love for our town. Portage, you truly know how to have a good time! Until next year, keep savoring the flavors, keep spreading the love and Explore Portage!

Check out some of the photos from the event at our online gallery.

Thank You Taste of Portage Sponsors!!!

Welcome New Member

Grace Bible Church

2939 Highway CX Portage, WI 53901

Rory Wilson, Associate Pastor, at 608-742-5090

Providing ministry, worship gathering, and

Sunday school to the Portage area community.

Portage Furniture Store Celebrates 35 Years

Portage Furniture Store has been bringing comfort and style to our town for 35 years! Their dedicated staff continues to make your furniture shopping experience seamless and enjoyable.

“There's so many people in our community--and the surrounding communities--who deserve our thanks,” co-owner Aaron Ayers said.

Need design advice or assistance in finding the perfect piece? They've got you covered! Transform your home into a haven of relaxation and elegance. From cozy couches to ultra-comfortable mattresses, this family-owned business has something for every taste and budget. Elevate your living space: Stop in and shop their showroom at 126 E. Cook Street in downtown Portage.

9/11 Remembrance at ReStore

Join a day of service and remembrance in honoring those who rose up in response to the tragedy of 9/11. The ceremony will begin at 9am featuring local dignitaries followed by a veteran led service activity at ReStore - Habitat for Humanity Wisconsin River Area, 1450 E. Wisconsin Street.

They will be making care packages for numerous local first responder units that will be delivered in the following weeks with more help from local veterans. Come for the ceremony and volunteer activity, or if you would like to donate to local first responders contact Habitat for Humanity at 608-448-2888. Click here for a list of donation items.

Aspirus Names Regional President to Succeed Retiring Leader

PORTAGE & WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI - Aspirus Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Squire as President-Wisconsin South & Southwest Divisions.

Squire will provide strategic and day-to-day operations oversight of Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage and Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids. He will join Aspirus on September 3 and will succeed Brian Kief, who is retiring in December.

Squire joins Aspirus from Gaylord, Michigan, where he served with Munson Healthcare as President/CEO of Otsego Memorial Hospital since 2021. Prior to that, he was Vice President-Professional & Ancillary Services with Munson Healthcare and Otsego Memorial Hospital. In addition, Squire has served in a wide variety of healthcare leadership roles. Learn more at aspirus.org

Mandi Genord, Miss Wisconsin 2024

Mandi Genord is a 2020 Portage High School graduate and won the title of Miss Wisconsin 2024. She will be competing for Miss America 2025.

Mandi served as Miss Wisconsin’s Teen in 2018. She is the third former Miss Wisconsin’s Teen to be awarded the title of Miss Wisconsin.

Are you hosting an event? Show your support! Mandi can be booked for events through misswisconsin.org

QTI's annual HR Trends Survey

QTI’s goal with the survey is to provide valuable insights that help participants overcome HR challenges with actionable solutions. Additionally, QTI hosts a webinar in October to share key insights and emerging trends. The HR Trends Webinar will be held on October 29, 2024 from 8:30am to 9:30am.

For your reference, here is a link to our resource guide from last year’s survey results.

You are invited to participate in QTI's 2025 HR Trends Survey. Tackling topics such as DEI, compensation, benefits, employee well-being, and workforce planning, the HR Trends Survey provides invaluable insight into the future of HR. Ready to get started? In just 15-20 minutes, you can provide vital information that will help your organization pivot strategies and stay ahead of coming HR trends!

All individual responses will be kept confidential. Survey participants will have insider access to aggregate results that will be shared following the survey's completion.

Click on the survey link to get started here. All responses must be submitted by September 13, 2024.

Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon cutting was held to welcome Heller Creative and Sweet Sanctuary Services to the Portage business community! Heller Creative specializes in graphic design, marketing, and digital content, bringing innovative solutions to our local businesses.  https://www.hellercreative.biz/

Sweet Sanctuary Services (formerly known as Bracket and Bin Organizing) offers top-notch organizing, Feng Shui, and event planning services to help you stay organized and stress-free. https://www.sweetsanctuary.biz/

Welcome Alonna and Kasey, owners of these businesses!!

The Art of Collaboration

The Art of Collaboration: Building Community Through Creativity

A group of 25 community members worked with a nature themed prompt to create multiple large art panels for a collaborative and creative exercise in process art during the month of August! Join us for several reception style events through November at the Drury Gallery inside Portage Center for the Arts:

September 6, 4pm-6pm - Create Date: How Process Art Evolves

October 4, 4pm-6pm - Art as Therapy Exercise and Q & A

November 1, 4pm-6pm - Poetry and Essay Reading

Portage Center for the Arts' Autumn Gala - Sept. 21

Put on those 1970's outfits and dance the night away at Portage Center for the Arts' 2024 Autumn Arts Gala on Saturday, September 21 at Knights of Columbus Hall. Themed "Saturday Night Fever," the evening will consist of cocktails, dinner, raffles, silent auction, 1970's trivia, photo ops, a costume contest and so much more! Doors open at 5pm. Click here for details.

Scouts BSA Weekend - Sept. 6-8

Scouts from across the region will gather at the Historic Indian Agency House to learn, earn the entire Historic Trails Award over the weekend, and make memories while walking in the footsteps of Native Americans, explorers, traders, soldiers, and many others who made significant marks in Portage history!

Explore over two miles of scenic hiking trails. Take a tour of the museum. Help restore the historic prairie landscape of the Fox-Wisconsin portage. Camp one night or two. 

FWSQ Old Military Road 5K/Run Walk - Sept. 7

The in-person 5K run/walk will be held from 9am to 11am on Saturday, September 7, on the Wisconsin River Levee Trail in Portage, starting and ending at Riverside Park, 300 E. Wisconsin Street. Check-in starts at 8:30am. A virtual 5K option also is available now through September 21. Click here for registration and more information.

Fall History Festival - Sept. 21

Celebrate the harvest season on Saturday, September 21 and learn about the past as special guests bring history alive at the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters. An old-fashioned sing-along will round out the day. Event runs from 10am to 4pm.

Click here for more information.

Ghost Hunt - Sept. 21

Tour the Surgeons Quarters after dark for the chance to meet local ghosts on Saturday, September 21. Led by Paranormal Encounters of Wisconsin. 

ADRC Fall Prevention program - Begins Sept. 11

Step up your fall prevention game starting September 11 with this 7-week program tailored for those 60+ who've fallen, fear falling, or want to avoid it. With expert insights and exercises, take control of your safety. Don't miss out - call and register by September 2 to secure your place. Click here for more info.

Annual Patriots Car Show - Sept. 7

The American Legion State Headquarters is holding a Car Show on their grounds at 2930 American Legion Drive on Saturday, September 7. Registration begins at 7am with the show hours 8am to 4pm. Click here for more details.

GriefShare

If you're grieving the loss of a loved one or know someone who is, GriefShare may help. GriefShare is hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Ministries of Portage on Mondays starting September 9 through December 9 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at St. John’s Lutheran Ministries, 850 Armstrong Street. Click Here for more information.

HIAH Speaker Series - Sept. 10

The Historic Indian Agency House welcomes the third speaker in its series, Dr. Stephen Kantrowitz, on Tuesday, September 10 at 6:30pm.

Kantrowitz, Plaenert-Bascom Professor of History and Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor at UW-Madison presents “Citizens of a Stolen Land: A Ho-Chunk History of the 19th Century United States.” Click Here for more information.

Women, Words, and Wine

Join us for an unforgettable evening of connections and inspiration at our Women, Words, and Wine event on Thursday, October 10 at Vennebu Hill at 6pm.

This unique event is a collaboration between the Portage, Reedsburg, and Sauk Prairie Chambers of Commerce, bringing together inspiring women from our communities for a night of networking, engaging discussions, and, of course, delicious food and wine!

Special Guest Speakers:

• Dale Wilsher, CEO of Your Authentic Personality

• Vicky Ryan, VP Branch Sales & Service, Summit Credit Union our Presenting Sponsor

• Dr. Mia Myklebust, co-owner Vennebu Hill

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or simply looking to connect with like-minded women, this event is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your network, share experiences, and enjoy a glass (or two) of wine!

For tickets, click here.

Thank you to Summit Credit Union our Presenting Sponsor, Ho-Chunk Gaming WI Dells, Portage State Bank, Lotus Advisors, General Engineering and Sheila Link Agency for your support of this event.

Chat & Create - Sept. 13

Meet us at the Portage Public Library to Chat & Create every second Friday morning. Coffee and snacks provided. You bring along good conversation and a project to enjoy. The next Chat & Create date is Friday, September 13 at 9:30am.

The Portage Public Library hosts a variety of programming each month. Check the community calendar below or click here for the library website.

National Assisted Living Week Finale - Sept. 13

Our House Senior Living invites you to join them for National Assisted Living Week Finale on Friday, September 13 from Noon to 2pm. Sloppy Joes, potato salad and chips, water, and soda will be served. Families are welcome. Click here for details.

Elks Lodge Fish Fry - Sept. 13

The Portage Elks are hosting a Fish Fry at their Lodge on Friday, September 13 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. Take out available. Click here for more information.

Create Date - Sept. 14

Bring pens, journals, sketchboards, computers, and join Portage Center for the Arts for a journey of creativity and expression! Tap into your creative self through writing or drawing the second Saturday of every month from Noon-2pm.

Ribbon Cutting at B & B Hitching Post - Sept. 12

Join us as we celebrate with new ownership of B&B Hitching Post. Come be part of the ribbon cutting and help us welcome Brenda and all of her team to Portage on Thursday, September 12 at 4pm. Make plans to stay for dinner and enjoy!

Prime Rib is back beginning that weekend. They will now be open Saturday nights serving your favorite cuts of prime rib. B&B Hitching Post is located at 2503 W. Wisconsin Street.

Women's Reproductive Healthcare Event - Sept. 14

A Women's Reproductive Healthcare Event featuring special guests Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski and State Senator Kelda Roys, among others, will be held at UW-Platteville-Baraboo Sauk County on Saturday, September 14 from 11am to 1pm.

Click here for more information.

Medicare Basics & Beyond - Sept. 18

Join this beginners' class for free and unbiased support navigating your Medicare choices on Wednesday, September 18 at 4:30pm at the Aging & Disability Resource Center, Rooms 2 & 3, 111 E. Mullet Street. Register for a class now at 888-742-9233.

Maximize Medicare - Sept. 19

If you are new to Medicare or are soon to be, this one-hour program is for you. Kathy Cummings, ADRC Elder Benefit Specialist, will help you understand how to have Medicare work best for you. Register in advance for this adult program held at the Portage Library on Thursday, September 19 from 5pm to 6pm, by calling 608-742-4959.

Fall Drive Day at Blau Chiropractic - Sept. 19

Blau Chiropractic is hosting a Fall Drive Day on Thursday, September 19 to help raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club here in town. Games and music for kids! Free new patient consultation with a donation of money or needed items to Boys and Girls Club! Click Here for more info.

Electronic Recycling Event - Sept. 21

The Portage Elks Lodge #675 will hold a free electronics recycling event on Saturday, September 21 from 9am until Noon in the county parking lot across from the Lodge on the corner of West Conant Street and Clark Street.

This is open to everyone, with no residency requirements. It is only for electronics and associated cords. It is highly recommended only to bring hard drives that have been previously disabled. This is being offered as a community service and to keep these items out of landfills.

Celebration of Freedom Golf Outing - Sept. 21

Celebration of Freedom is back in a new format; an annual community Golf Outing to raise awareness and funding for many Wisconsin American Legion Programs. This year's outing will be on Saturday, September 21 at 10am at the Fairfield Hills Golf Club in Baraboo. There will be teams of 4 with contests, lunch, 50/50, auctions, awards, and more. This will be a fun outing meant for all abilities. Click here for info.

2024 MBE CPAs Leadership Summit - Sept. 24

You are invited to the 2024 MBE Leadership Summit, featuring the acclaimed speaker Sean Bott on Tuesday, September 24 at the historic Al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo. MBE CPAs is passionate about fostering a culture of strong leadership, and that commitment extends to supporting our community's success. For this reason, complimentary admission is extended for all.

Sean Bott, known for his captivating blend of humor and mind-reading, will provide fresh insights on leadership and equip you with innovative strategies. Space is limited, so registration is required. Register here: https://mbe.cpa/leadership-summit/

Weekly Cornhole Tournments back at VFW

Tuesday night Cornhole Tournaments are back at the Portage VFW starting September 24. Check-in is 5:30pm; Bags fly at 6pm. $10 per player.

3rd Annual Skilled Trades Showcase - Sept. 25

The Job Center is partnering with the Madison College Portage Campus for their 3rd Annual Skilled Trades Showcase and Career Fair on Wednesday, September 25 from 10am to 4pm at the Portage Enterprise Center.

This is an opportunity for employers to engage with high school students and members of the general community in the Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green Lake, Marquette, Sauk, and surrounding counties who are interested in pursuing careers in the Skilled Trades. Over the previous 2 years more than 200 high school students have attended the event. Reach out to Tara Fogo, State of Wisconsin Employment and Training Specialist, DWD/Job Service, at 608-354-0134.

Wawa'aija Walk - Sept. 28

Join the Historic Indian Agency House in this walk of the 1.25-mile route of the Fox-Wisconsin portage (Wawa’ąįja) on Saturday, September 28 (Rain date October 5) from 10am to Noon. Ho-chunk Nation Chief Clayton Winneshiek will make remarks at the walk's destination. Golf carts are available for those who cannot walk the 2-mile round trip route. This is a free event. Click here for more information.

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.

Fun Things to Do in September!!

5, 12, 19, 26 Lunch at the Elks Lodge, 11am-5pm

5, 12, 19, 26 Portage Farmers Market at Commerce Plaza, Noon-5pm

5, 12, 19, 26 Zumba Gold at Portage Library, 9:15am-10am

6 & 20 Second Harvest Food Bank Drop-in hours at Portage Library, Noon-3pm

6 The Art of Collaboration at Portage Center for the Arts, 4pm

6-8 Scouts BSA Weekend at Historic Indian Agency House

7 Old Military Road 5K Run with Surgeons Quarters at Riverside Park, 9am

7 American Legion State Headquarters Car Show, 8am-4pm

9, 16, 23, 30 Euchre Club at Portage Library, 1pm-2:30pm

9, 16, 23, 30 Bingo at J&J Fireball Lanes hosted by Save the Grandstand, Inc. at 6pm

10 Launch Portage event: Chat and Walk on the Levee, 5:30pm, Riverside Park

10 Speaker Series at Historic Indian Agency House, 6:30pm

11 Bingo at Portage Library, 1pm-2pm

11, 18, 25 Texas Hold'em at Portage VFW, 7:30pm

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

12 Ribbon Cutting at B & B Hitching Post, 4pm

12 Aaron Lee Kaplan at Studio 301, 7pm

13 Chat & Create at Portage Public Library, 9:30am-11:30am

13, 20, 27 WCCU Credit Union Food Truck and Stand Frenzy, 11am-3pm

13 Fish Fry at the Elks Lodge, 4:30pm-7:30pm

13 Prizmatic Dance Night featuring Acideon at Studio 301, 8pm

13 Movie in the Park at Collipp-Worden Park, 7:20pm

14 Fall Fest at Edgewater Home & Garden

14 Create Date at Portage Center for the Arts, Noon-2pm

14 Rock Against Violence Fundraiser at Studio 301, 3pm

17 Technology Assistance Appointments at Portage Library, 1pm-2pm

17, 24 Free Healthy Cooking Classes at Seventh-day Adventist Church, 5pm

18 Eggs & Education: A Chat about the School Referendum, Dino's Restaurant, 8am breakfast, casual chat at 8:30am

19 Fall Drive Day at Blau Chiropractic

19, 26 VFW Post 1707 hosts Bingo at Saddle Ridge, 6pm

19 Cyrus John and Pete Henry at Studio 301, 7pm

20 Beyond Blessed Pantry Roaring 20's Gala at Ho-Chunk Gaming WI Dells

21 Electronic Recycling Event, parking lot across from Elks Lodge, 9am-Noon

21 Ghost Hunt at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters

21 Fall History Festival at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters

21 Rock Night at Studio 301, 6pm

21 Celebration of Freedom Golf Outing, 10am-7pm

21 Saturday Night Fever - Portage Center for the Arts Gala at Knights of Columbus Hall, 5pm-8pm

24 MBE CPAs Leadership Summit 2024, Al. Ringling Theatre, Baraboo, Registration 8:30am-9am, Speaker at 9am

24 Weekly Cornhole Tournament at VFW, Check-in at 5:30, Bags fly at 6pm

25 Coffee Club with Klay Vehring, financial planner, at Portage Library, 9am-10am

25 Skilled Trades Showcase at Portage Enterprise Center, 10am-4pm

27 Beer Walk, Downtown Portage, 5:30pm-8:30pm

27 Studio 301 Variety Show, 5pm

28 Wawa’ąįja Walk, 10am

28 Live Music at Studio 301, 7pm

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.

September Support Group, Healthcare Meetings

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 NA Recovery Meeting at The Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm

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

3 Advance Care Planning at Portage Public Library. Call for appt.: 608-847-4707

3 Free Family Meal at Harbor Recovery Center, 5pm

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Women's AA Group at Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm-7pm

4, 11, 18, 25 Portage Al-Anon Group at The Harbor Recovery Center, Noon

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

5, 12, 17, 25 AA Big Book Study at Harbor Recovery Center, 7pm

9, 16, 23, 30 GriefShare, St. John Lutheran Ministries, 4:30pm-6:30pm

11, 18, 25 Stepping On: Fall Prevention Class, Reach Out Lodi, 10am-Noon

12 ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group in Columbus, 10am-11:30am

13 National Assisted Living Week at Our House Senior Living, Noon-2pm

14 Women's Healthcare Reproductive Healthcare Event at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, 11am-1pm

18 Medicare Basics & Beyond, Columbia County ADRC, 4:30pm

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

19 Maximize Medicare at Portage Public Library, 5pm-6pm

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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