Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
NEWS BREAK
August 2020
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Pauquette Park pavilion update
Carole & Jim LaVigne, owners of Edgewater Home & Garden, are pictured presenting a check to the Portage Service Club Association members for the new park pavilion and trail project at Pauquette Park. A portion of the sales was donated from their Community Appreciation Day held on July 18th.
The Portage Service Club Association is excited to announce that the construction bids have been received and the Portage Common Council is expected to award the winning bids to the contractors mid-August. The project will move forward this year with construction happening soon after that date. The park pavilion and trail project will add to the already newly ADA accessible restrooms that the Portage Service Club Association donated toward in 2019.
Donations for the pavilion and trail project can be mailed to The Portage Service Club Association, P.O. Box 1, Portage, WI 53901.
Pictured from left:
Front row: Gary O’Hearn, Jim and Carole LaVigne, Nancy Beasley and Nancy Schaper
Back row: Mike Hurd, Ray Norland, Gary Larkin, Rosie Endres and Rich Jacobson
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Chamber golf outing
The Chamber held its annual golf outing on July 8 at the Portage Country Club.
We thank those who golfed, our sponsors and our volunteers for helping to support the Chamber.
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THANK YOU GOLF SPONSORS!!
Hole Sponsors
New Life Physical Therapy
Community Bank of Portage
Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home
Wisconsin River Title Consultants, Inc.
H.G. Meigs/Meigs Trucking Inc.
Cardinal FG
Pride of America Camping Resort
Rhyme
Miller, Brussell, Ebben & Glaeske, LLC
Roth Professional Solutions
Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative
Ho-Chunk Gaming WI Dells
Don-Rick Insurance
General Engineering
Trecek Automotive
Cascade Mountain
Zimmerman Plumbing
Culver’s Restaurant
Two Rivers Signs & Designs of Portage
Trophy Sponsor
United Country Hamele Auction & Realty
Hand Sanitizing Station
Divine Savior Healthcare
Ball Sponsor
Edward Jones — Klay & Josh Vehring Financial Advisors
Cart Sponsor
Our House Senior Living
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Wisconsin Street Construction Update
The current Highway 51 construction project will be wrapping up in a couple weeks. Next year, the Highway 51 stretch from Ontario Street to Pleasant Street will be under construction from March to November.
Click Here to find out more about the project from the WisDOT.
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City Covid-19 Business Relief Loan Program
The City of Portage has established a loan fund program to provide financial assistance to privately owned businesses in the City that have been adversely affected and/or required to shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The source of funding for this program is the Building Facade Loan Fund Program, which was made possible through the City of Portage and Portage Area Chamber of Commerce grant award in the
America's Best Communities Program, sponsored by Frontier Communications.
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Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at Spark & Sparkle LLC to welcome this new business to Portage.
They offer jewelry, paintings, hand made soy candles, wax melt and gifts.
You are invited to the Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, August 8 from 10am to 5pm!
For more information, call Spark & Sparkle, located at 141 E. Cook St., at 608-566-1590.
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Next Phase for DNR Cleanup of Portage Canal to Start by Fall 2020
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will start construction later this summer or early fall on Segment 2 of the Portage Canal. Dredging of the nearly three-quarter mile long portion of the Portage Canal was delayed earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic which prevented the necessary on-site work needed to maintain the project’s original timeline for completion.
The project is a continuation of remediation work on the approximately 2.5-mile canal, which connects the Wisconsin River to the Fox River in the city of Portage. Previous work completed during the summer of 2016 included dredging of Segment 1 of the canal, coinciding with the construction of the Columbia County Administration and the Health and Human Services Buildings.
Work planned for this year includes preparation for next year’s dredging, such as a preconditions survey, installation of erosion controls and the installation of a security fence around a sediment processing pad on DNR-owned property located near the Canadian Pacific Railroad bridge. Crews will also raze the existing DNR buildings at that site, install temporary facilities, clear utilities and prepare temporary roads.
DNR’s cleanup and associated work is part of a larger plan to transform the Portage Canal area into a usable, local resource that places the Ice Age National Scenic Trail along the canal. Completion of the remediation will support the city, its partners and Department of Transportation efforts to construct the multi-use path, to be completed in 2022.
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2020 Taste of Portage canceled
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce announced the cancellation of the 2020 Taste of Portage scheduled for August 28-29 in downtown Portage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is just not the right time to encourage large volumes of people to converge in one area,” said President and CEO Marianne Hanson of the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce. “We care about our guests and volunteers and respect the order the City of Portage has in place as well as the recommendations of the CDC.”
Many organizations, businesses and volunteers work countless hours to bring this event to our community and there is a disappointment in canceling, Hanson added.
The Taste of Portage, which would mark 29 years this summer, has traditionally featured local food vendors, live music, a car and craft show and kid’s activities. The event draws thousands to downtown Portage over a two-day period and is an end of summer highlight for the community.
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Portage K9 Unit Golf Outing
The Portage Police Department K-9 Unit will host the 5th Annual K9 Golf Outing on Saturday, September 12 at the Portage Country Club. Proceeds will go to support the K9 Unit to pay for vet bills, equipment and training.
You are invited to golf in the event! Participants will enjoy food, hole prizes and various raffle events and prizes. The outing begins at 9am with a shotgun start in a 4-person scramble format.
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Office space available at First Weber building
The remodel inside the First Weber building at 333 W. Wisconsin Street is complete, perfect for someone looking to lease half of the building for office space. For more information, call First Weber at 608-742-4897.
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Yoga in the Park
Sign up for Yoga in the Park with Bee Alive Yoga! Sessions are scheduled for Wednesday mornings, August 12, 19 and 26 from 9am to 10am at Pauquette Park.
Ages 14 and up are welcome. You must bring your own water bottle and mat. Blocks are recommended. Register at portage.recdesk.com/Community/Programs by August 9. The cost is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents.
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Portage Lions Radio Auction
The Portage Lions Club Radio auction is all set to begin on Saturday, August 22 at St. Mary's Gymnasium from Noon to 4pm. This is a fundraiser for the Portage Lions Club to help support pre-school vision screening, eye exams, glasses for the needy and transportation of eye tissue to and from the Eye Bank in Madison. Other projects include scholarships, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, donations to the Safety Patrol Trip, the High School Athletic Fund, Santa's Workshop and many others.
Click Here for this year's list of amazing auction items! For more information, call Nancy at 608-742-7242.
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Fun Day Shoot
Come out and shoot some trap or skeet during the 2nd Annual Fun Day Shoot at the Portage Rod and Gun Club from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, August 8. Rifle and pistol ranges will be open as well as the archery range. Food will be served all day and there will be door and raffle prizes.
The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. The Rod and Gun Club is located on Highway 16 just outside of Portage. The rain date will be August 15 from 10am to 4pm. For more information, call Steve Strand at 920-344-3142.
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QTI HR Trends Survey
The year 2020 has proven that the only constant is change. As employers manage changes in the world of work, data-driven insights into the latest HR trends and strategies become all the more important.
For over a decade, QTI’s annual Human Resources Trends Survey has provided hundreds of employers with these critical insights. With such topics as compensation, benefits, careers, well-being, and diversity and inclusion, QTI’s survey results guide HR/organization leaders in the development of effective, actionable 2021 HR Strategies.
We invite you to participate in QTI’s 2021 HR Trends Survey, which will close on Friday, August 7. Click the link below to access the survey. Participants will receive an exclusive copy of QTI’s final report, which will show how organizations are optimizing HR strategies to succeed in the new world of work.
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2020 Patriotism and Purpose Art Contest
The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin announces the 2020 Patriotism and Purpose Art Contest to honor our Veterans and the sacrifices they have made for our country. The winning artwork will best reflect the impact our Veterans have on our communities and our nation, particularly in inspiring patriotism and love for our country among Wisconsin’s youth.
Art submissions must be produced by the child without assistance. The entry must be original and not a copy of another work. The deadline for submitting entries is September 1.
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Skate Park Phase 2 construction to begin
The Portage Family Skate Park will be closed beginning August 10 for approximately 8 to 10 weeks for phase 2 construction work.
Goodyear Park and the Splash Pad will remain open during construction.
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Yoga at Pauquette Park
Join Madleen Alsabbah from Bee Alive Yoga Studio at Pauquette Park on Wednesday, August 5 from 9am-10am for a free yoga session!
This session is for adults 18 and up, and beginners are welcome. Bring a yoga mat if you have one. Bottled water will be provided. Questions? Email programs@portagelibrary.us or call the library at 608-742-4959. This is generously funded by the Friends of the Portage Library.
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Stargaze with Jim Marshall
Stargaze with Jim Marshall at Observatory Hill State Natural Area in Montello on Wednesday, August 12 from 8:30pm to 10pm. The telescope and treats will be provided, but please bring your own camp chair and bug spray. Admission is free.
To register or for more information, email Pam Roets, Adult Program Coordinator - Portage Public Library at programs@portagelibrary.us or call 608-742-4959. Program generously provided by the Friends of the Portage Library.
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Living History Day at Agency House
The Historic Indian Agency House is hosting Living History Days: Civil War on August 8 and 9. The Historical Timekeepers will reenact the second year of the Civil War (1862).
Come and discover the role the portage played in the upheavals of 1862. Get a wristband at the visitor center by either showing your membership card or by paying regular admission. Your admission entitles you to a tour of the museum/house, plus spend as much time outside with the reenactors throughout the day as you desire! The reenactors are passionate about what they do, and they have so much to share with you. They will be encamped outside and cordoned off in a way that is socially distanced but still allows for easy interaction with visitors. The reenactment takes place from 10am to 4pm each day. Masks are required at this event. Bring your own, or purchase one in our gift shop. This event is FREE for members but open to all!
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Agency House Morning Walks
The Historic Indian Agency House will host a morning nature walk led by Tony Abate of Groundswell Conservancy on the Agency House grounds on August 29. The 233 acres surrounding the Agency House are a beautiful place to explore. The guided nature walks are sure to be fun times of discovery.
Children may participate if accompanied by a responsible adult. Meet outside the visitor center at 10am. Insect repellant and bottled water are recommended. Feel free to take photos to capture the wide array of scenery (and any wildlife that decides to peek at us) as we hike through several different ecosystems and areas of historic significance. Masks are required for the History Hike. The event is free for all.
For more information about these and other events, contact the Historic Indian Agency House at 608-742-6362.
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Upcoming Brat Sales at Festival Foods
Stop by the Brat Hut at Festival Foods and grab lunch while helping a great cause! The hours are from 10am to 2pm on the following Saturdays:
- August 8 - Portage Lions Club
- September 5 - Portage Presbyterian Church
- September 19 - Portage Lions Club
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Masks available through Wilz Hometown Pharmacy
Wilz Hometown Pharmacy has masks available, particularly for large companies. Wilz works with
Medical Associates Health Network which has KN95 and surgical masks available in lots of 1000.
All that is needed is an e-mail contact and name and Wilz can have the masks drop shipped to the given address. For more information, contact Wilz Hometown Pharmacy at 608-742-3545.
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Spread the word about Portage!
Use #portagewi in your social media posts.
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Check out the Chamber's YouTube Channel HERE
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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.
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Want to 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.
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Text PACC to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Chamber events
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Text PORTAGE to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Portage events
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Join a Service Club - Meetings subject to change
Rotary - Meets Mondays at Noon at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Lions Club - Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd., summer month meetings change locations
Kiwanis - Meets on Wednesdays at Noon at Pizza Ranch, 2905 New Pinery Rd.
Optimists - Meets on Tuesdays at 7am at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Elks - Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 7pm; 4th Tuesday only during July and August
Women's Civic League - Meets 2nd Wednesdays of the month at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Wauona Trail Women's Club - Meets 3rd Monday of the month at 11:30am at Dino's Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd. (Sept-May)
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