Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
NEWS BREAK
November 2020
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City COVID-19 Business Relief Loan Program
The City of Portage in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce 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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Welcome New Chamber Members
Arby's Portage #8827
2921 New Pinery Rd., Unit 1 Portage, WI 53901
Jennifer Ostrowski at 608-745-0810
Fast-food restaurant famous for its roast beef sandwiches.
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Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital & Clinics to celebrate Divine Savior joining the Aspirus System.
“The rich history of providing excellent care here to the community of Portage is going to continue on,” said Jesse Tischer, President of Regional Markets for Aspirus. “That’s what we’re very excited about with this partnership. We look forward to bringing some additional services and resources to rural health care…and growing those services here in this community.”
A new sign was unveiled near the New Pinery Road entrance with more new building signage added.
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A ribbon cutting was held at OCD Graphix & Apparel, 105 N. Main St., Poynette, to welcome them as a new member of the Chamber and celebrate their new location.
OCD Graphix & Apparel specializes in custom designs, printing or embroidering of hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, team uniforms, or other promotional products for businesses or personal use. They take pride in their work and strive to ensure each job exceeds expectations. The retail store offers some grab and go items, such as blank apparel, face masks, neck gaiters, hats, and sweaters. (608) 575-5884
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Part-time financial secretary/bookkeeper wanted
The Portage Presbyterian Church is looking for a Part-time Financial Secretary/Bookkeeper. Qualifications include a friendly demeanor, attention to detail, previous bookkeeping experience (preferred) and knowledge of Quickbooks.
The job entails up to eight hours per week with the schedule tailored to person's availability. Wages are up to $15 an hour based upon experience. Anyone who is interested should email Pastor Dave Hankins at pastordave@portagepresbyterian.com.
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River Haven Homeless Shelter Online Auction
River Haven will be hosting an online auction fundraiser. The auction will be open for bids from November 5-8, 2020.
Some of the items up for auction include: Gift Certificates from Crawford Oil, Pointon Heating and Air Conditioning, Walmart as well as gift baskets from Grande Cheese and The Mercantile.
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Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative news
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Snap some pictures of your pets with the beautiful colors of fall and submit them on our website for a chance to have your photo featured in our pet-themed calendar and other marketing materials: https://www.acecwi.com/submit-your-photos
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The next deadline for our STEM Grant is November 1. Encourage the educators in our community to apply for this grant! https://www.acecwi.com/stem-grant/
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We are accepting applications for our Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) Loan. This loan is only available for members of Adams-Columbia Electric Co-op who are doing an energy efficient project to a home or business. Learn more on our website: https://www.acecwi.com/resp-loan/.
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Economic development loans are available for new or expanding businesses, ACEC member or not. Click here to get more details: https://www.acecwi.com/loans/economic-development/
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Are you interested in having a Toys for Tots donation box at your business? Please contact Haley Melby at hmelby@acecwi.com or by calling 800-831-8629.
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Gumz Farms hiring
Gumz Farms is currently hiring for Grader and Stacker Positions (graders sort onions and potatoes and stackers stack produce on pallets and wrap pallets).
Employees must be 18 years or older, must be able to lift 50 pounds repetitively, must be able to stand for extended periods of time and must be willing to work extended hours. Wage starts at $13 per hour. Apply here.
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$5 Yoga Classes at Bee Alive Yoga
Gather Here Not For Deer on November 21
7:30am - Vinyasa Flow
9am - Yoga For All
10:30am - Chair Yoga
12pm - Slow Flow
1:30pm - Belly Fusion
Must register online or in person before the event date to reserve a spot. Due to limited spots, refunds will not be given if class is missed or unable to attend. Thank you.
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St. Mary Knight in Shining Armor unGala
November 14
The biggest event for our parish and school community. The Gala is an event that would not be possible without the generosity of so many businesses and individuals. Starting November 7th you will be able to participate in the silent auction. You will be able to view and bid on selected auction items. Join us for the big Live Auction on Saturday, November 14th.
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Caring Tree
The COVID-19 pandemic has has affected the logistics of the annual Caring Tree a bit this year. Those seeking assistance or who have questions about the Caring Tree are encouraged to call Columbia County Health & Human Services at 608-742-9227.
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Agency House news
The Powder Magazine historic site in Charleston, South Carolina, featured the Historic Indian Agency House in its 2nd Cup Conversations program on September 17. This series of “relaxed discussions of Great American Treasures & more” takes place live via Zoom for free. For more information on upcoming featured speakers, go to www.powdermagazine.org.
Additionally, the Historic Indian Agency House has recently become a part of a national collection of 60+ historical properties known as Great American Treasures. These treasures offer an inside look at the big picture of America’s past. To find our museum’s page and many other fascinating historic sites which trace America’s early history, visit www.greatamericantreasures.org.
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Free Yoga at the Portage Public Library
Sign-up for a free yoga session at the Portage Public Library! Join Madleen Alsabbah from Bee Alive Yoga Studio at the Portage Public Library on Tuesday, November 3 from 6pm-7pm for a yoga session! Space is limited.
Must register in advance. Beginners welcome. Bring a yoga mat if you have one. To register, email programs@portagelibrary.us or call the library at 608-742-4959.
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Ruthie McQuinn Art
Ruthie McQuinn Art exhibit opens virtually Friday, November 6. The on-site exhibit runs through November 27 inside the Drury Gallery at Portage Center for the Arts, 301 E. Cook St.
Opening receptions have been temporarily suspended, and both gallery hours and capacity limits are reduced until further notice. For more information, visit www.portagecenterforthearts.com or call 742-5655.
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J & J Fireball Lanes Safe Ride Fundraiser
Columbia County Tavern League Safe Ride Fundraiser will be held at J & J Fireball Lanes on Saturday, November 7. The event is comprised of three games of 9-pin tap with three different shifts--10am, 12:30pm and 3PM. There is a $25 entry fee per person. For more information or to register, please call
608-742-6638.
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Meet author Joy Ribar at Portage Library
Meet Joy Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series, at the Portage Public Library on Thursday, November 12 from 6pm-7pm. Ribar is launching her latest book, Deep Flakes Christmas: A Nisse Visit.
Please register in advance for this free event. Masks and social distancing are required. To register, email programs@portagelibrary.us or call 608-742-4959. The library is located at 253 W. Edgewater St.
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Local Thanksgiving Meals
Harvest Dinner - Drive Thru at Portage Presbyterian Church
Saturday, November 14 - Serving from 4pm until gone.
Turkey and all the trimmings, including apple or pumpkin. $15 per person. The church is lcoated at 120 West Pleasant Street and you can enter the drive thru off Conant Street. . For more information, call 608-742-6006.
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VFW Drive-Thru
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner with all the fixings at this 'drive-thru' at the Portage VFW Post 1707 on Sunday, November 15 from 11am to 2pm. One hundred meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $10 a plate. The Portage VFW is located at 215 W. Collins St. (behind Walgreens). For more information, call the VFW at 608-742-5350.
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Details are still being planned. Check portagewi.com for updates as date gets closer.
Turkey dinner with all the trimmings at St. Mary School, 309 W. Cook St. on Thursday, November 26.
Call the St. Mary Portage Parish Office at 608-742-6998 x223.
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Veteran Resources presentation
Join us as Rebekka Cary, Columbia County Veterans Service Officer, leads us in a free presentation about benefits and resources available to local veterans. This presentation will be held at the Portage Public Library library on Thursday, November 19 from 6pm to 7pm. Please register in advance for this event. To register, call 608-742-4959 or email programs@portagelibrary.us. The Portage Public Library is located at 253 W. Edgewater St.
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Workshops at Edgewater Home & Garden
Create a Mixed Evergreen Porch Pot
Create your own evergreen porch pot during this workshop on Friday, November 27 from 10am to Noon. Bring in your own pot or use one of theirs. They will help you, step by step. Fee based on materials used.
Wreath Decorating Workshop at Edgewater
Decorate a fresh evergreen wreath during this workshop on Saturday, November 28 from 10am to Noon. They will help you, step by step, making a beautiful wreath that you can be proud of! Fee based on materials used.
For more information, contact Edgewater Home and Garden, 2957 Highway CX, at 608-742-6558 or visit
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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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