In This Issue
• Strictly Business After 5 Outlying Business
Showcase
• Safety First Seminar
• From the Excutive Director
• Calendar of Events
• From Fort McCoy
• Spotlight on Ambassador: Luther Larson
Volume XIV
March 2014
The Sparta Ambassador
Safety First
Seminar on
How to Deal
With Retail
Theft.
Strictly Business After 5
OUTLYING BUSINESS SHOWCASE
5:30 March 19 2014 | The Greens
1210 E montgomery St Sparta, WI
Register today by Calling 608-269-4123
Join us for SBA5 being held at “The Greens” on March 19,2014.
This Strictly Business After 5 will showcase outlying businesses.
This will be a great opportunity to meet new potential partners
in business and network to find out some of the great things
happening in the Sparta Area. If you would like a booth please
contact us at the Chamber at 608-269-4123
The Sparta Area
Chamber of Commerce
in conjunction with
the Sparta Police
Department will be holding a seminar on
Shoplifting and Robbery “What to do if” at
the Colonial Bowling and Banquet Center at
11:00am on March 19th. The event is free to
public however we do ask that you RSVP to
the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce by
calling 608-269-4123 or by emailing
[email protected]
Monroe County Economic Development Coordinator Steve Peterson starts panel discussions for the 2014 Monroe
County Economic Development Conference held at Fort McCoy.
Monroe County Economic
Development Conference
Patrick Reinsma Regional Tourism Specialist from the Wisconsin
Department of Tourism talked about ways that the state can help
with Tourism efforts as well as some of the trends happening right
now in marketplace.
Panelists Derek Burnstad, Cecil Wright, Shane Calmes and our very
own President Elect Ryan Tichenor get prepared for their panel
Governor Scott Walker gives a presentation on how the
State of Wisconsin is open for Business, and things the
State is doing to help promote a better business climate.
Monroe County Economic Development Coordinator
takes a few moments to sit with the cameras and remind
the public why Monroe County is a great place to do
business.
Monroe County Economic Development Tradeshow featuring businesses and tourism industry leaders. This was a great
opportunity to show off our new display boards to promote Sparta!
Spotlight on Ambassador
Luther Larson
This month we focus on this years YAP (Your Appreciated) Award
recipient Ambassador Luther Larson. Luther has been active in the
community as a Minister, as a member of the Kiwanis, Sparta Volunteer Fire Department, Meals in Motion for the Morrow Home. As
well as Community Choir, Alleluia Choir at Trinity Lutheran Church, and two Barbershop choirs. His wife and him voted
Spectator of the Year for the Sparta Basketball games. He is a past member of the Lutheran Social Services Board of Directors, past member of the Sugar Creek Bible Camp Board of Directors, instrumental in starting and conducting of the
Christmas processional, and services of past years, instrumental in starting the ecumenical Annual Pulpit Exchange among
the churches in Sparta. He and his wife also sponsored two Laotian families. Luther began the practice of using lay readers
at the services at Trinity. Whew that really is a mouthful! By speaking with him it seems like he has no plans of slowing
down anytime soon.
Luther was born on a farm near Brockton Montana.
The son of Norwegian immigrants, Luther grew
up there and then went to the big city to Augsburg
College where he met his lovely wife Jan, who he was
married to for 57 years until her passing last year. I
asked Luther how they met “We were in choral club
together and I stood behind her and after staring
at that beautiful curly hair and I knew it was love,”
Luther says with a slight grin. He is very proud of his
three children who are all teachers with their Masters
Degrees. “People in education give back so much,
the learning and enlightening, making them (the
children) aware of the needs locally and worldwide.”
He became an Ambassador because he wanted to promote Sparta as well as the bike trail and wanted to become a member
of a friendly organization. “People like to be in an organization that does something good and gets some results.” He found
his home. “I really enjoy going and visiting places in Sparta and learn what they do, some of the places I have never heard
of before. Pica Grove for instance is a great example. They do all this designing and art production. I was very impressed
with their work, and to have that in Sparta is remarkable, they really have hit a home run” When I asked him his perspective on being an ambassador was Luther responded, “I really see our job as trying to help business find their location, to
help them see Sparta as home, as a place to do business.”
Luther’s favorite local activity is biking. Luther says, “When the weather is nice I like to go ride the streets on the Southside
of town, the trail is also so beautiful, and a lot of times you will see deer on the trail and so many other types of wildlife. We
have a great bike sales place in town with Speed’s. I remember I bought a bike there about 20 years ago and I still use that
bike. They have been very supportive of my hobby.” When friends come to town the first places that Luther takes them to is
the Amish Community, Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum, and Monroe County History Room. “We want to
make sure they see the astronaut artifacts, and the bicycles because we are America’s Bicycling Capitol, The History Room
has a lot of neat stuff that people may overlook when they come to town, it’s so great to see so many school children walking
the halls.”
When asked about his favorite event Luther’s face lights up talking about the band concerts in the summer. “I love to lie on
the grass and just listen to the music, and watching the night hawks. It’s a very peaceful event”
Luther also enjoys hanging out with the afternoon McDonalds crowd everyday. He says, “It’s a fun time, the comradery,
with great friends that I enjoy.” He gives great advice on meeting new people and building friendships “You really have to
go a bit more than half way, start talking to them, introduce yourself, give them the opportunity to tell you who they are,
everyone wants to tell you their story.” When asked about the friendships he has made in the community he answers “It’s
about maintaining friends you have made over the years, if you don’t see, or communicate with these people they can fall
away. Being part of the Ambassadors helps keep those connections, and having those friendships brings joy to your life.”
We can say without a shadow of a doubt that Ambassador Luther Larson has brought a lot of joy to many many lives in the
Sparta Community.
From the Executive Director
February was a busy at the chamber. We continued to work
various projects that will help grow our membership, and bring
in tourism dollars for the region. We signed up several new
members, and continue to grow with 294 active and courtesy
members at the time of writing.
As I stated in last month’s newsletter, I attended the Motorcycle Life Expo in Blaine, MN. I was invited to speak on
both days about the riding opportunities of our area, and ran a booth for Driftless Destinations (see picture below).
We received some great exposure, with over 1,500 brochures in the hands of future visitors. The folks that put the
show together is also promoting us at another venue later this month (with 500 brochures)
Our annual fundraiser, Cabin Fever, was a success. The money raised will be used to develop programs that support
our community. One of these projects is to help the city renovate the Ben Bikin’ Park this spring.
Concert in the park series just keeps getting better. We added an Army band the Sunday before Memorial Day.
Posters will be out early April. We still have a few spots on the banner for supporters. Please call if interested in
supporting the Concerts.
Update on upcoming trade shows- We just finished up the Monroe County “Exploring Economic Opportunities”
and the La Crosse Golf show. Ike and I are heading to Lake Geneva on March 2nd for the Governor’s Conference on
Tourism, the I’ll be heading to Madison for the Canoecopia show 6-9 March to entice paddle sports enthusiasts to
our area. Barb and Ike will be running a booth at the Sparta Sports Expo on March 8th.
Our board of directors approved bringing Sparta Bucks back. Sparta Bucks are used just like a check but are better
than a check because they are already paid for and are guaranteed. Merchants can accept them with complete
confidence and can deposit them in their bank account just like their regular checks with no worry about insufficient
funds to cover them. If the customers purchase is not equal to the amount of the Sparta Buck, change can be issued
because the merchant is guaranteed payback for the total amount on the check. Sparta Bucks are worry free and
good for our local Sparta Area economy!
The downtown association is planning a couple events. The first is
Saturday, April 19th for the Golden Egg Hunt starting at 10:30 at
the museum. The other event is on April 22nd, Earth Day, to do a
spring cleaning of the downtown area.
Our Strictly Business After 5 (SBA5) is March 19th. We are
showcasing several businesses from the outlying areas, and have
invited business owners that are not members to stop out at the
Green’s to find out what the Chamber is all about. Try to attend, as
this is a great way to network with your follow businesses. Details of
this and all events are on the calendar at www.bikesparta.com
Sincerely,
Tim Hyma
Executive Director
Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
Calendar of Events
Want to become a Sparta Ambassador? Ambassadors meet
on the first Tuesday of every month. For more information
or to get involved and support our community please call the
chamber at 608-269-4123 or Pete Perkins at 608-269-4759
Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday @ NOON at Jake’s Northwoods, except if there is a 5th Tuesday;
they meet at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
Rotary meets every Tuesday evening at Jake’s Northwoods @ 7pm
Play Shoppe meets every Friday from 10am - 11:30 am @ the Parenting Place
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Saturday March 1 - Monroe County Historical Society Spring Craft Show - Sparta High School - 9am-4pm
Saturday March 1 - Ice Bowl - Justin Trails Resort 10am-4pm
Sunday March 2 - Sparta Eagles Lumberjack Breakfast - 8am-12pm
Tuesday March 4 - Sparta Ambassadors Meeting - Sparta Depot 9-10:30 am
Tuesday March 4 - Free Home Buyers Seminar at 1st Community Credit Union - 6:30-8:00pm
Friday March 7 - Chamber Executive Committee Meeting - Sparta Depot 12-1:30 pm
Saturday March 8 - Sparta Sports Expo - Sparta High School
Saturday March 8 - Norskedalen Benefit Rummage Bake & Lefse Sale at Coon Valley Village Hall 8am-3pm
Sunday March 9 - Omelet Breakfast - Sparta American Legion 8-11am
Sunday March 9 - Chili Feed - Leon Community Center - 11am-10pm
Monday March 10 - Tourism Committee Meeting - Sparta Depot 12-1:30pm
Tuesday March 11 - Downtown Association Meeting - Park Bank 8-9:30am
Wednesday March 12 - Chamber Full Board Meeting - Barney Center 12-1:30pm
Thursday March 13 - History Live Public Lecture Series on Outhouses at Monroe County Local History Room 7pm-8pm
Saturday March 15 - Brew Ha Ha - Justin Trails Resort 6:30-11pm
Saturday March 15 - Trivia Night Gold Recreation Building at Tomah Fairgrounds 5-6:30pm $20 per person
Sunday March 16 - Sparta Eagles Lumberjack Breakfast - Sparta Eagles Club 8am-12pm
Monday March 17- Membership Committee Meeting - Sparta Depot 12-1:30pm
Wednesday March 19 - Safety first seminar on shoplifting and robbery - Colonial Bowling & Banquet Center 11am
Wednesday March 19 - SBA5 Outlying Business Showcase - The Greens - 5:30-7:30pm
Tuesday March 25 - Friends of Sparta Meet & Greet for all candidates on the ballot - Sparta American Legion 6:00-8:00pm
Sunday March 30 AS/AP Cat Shelter Country Dance Fundraiser - Club 16 2pm-6pm
April 1st Ambassadors Meeting - Sparta Chamber
April 4th - Sparta Chamber Executive Board Meeting 12pm Sparta Chamber of Commerce
Saturday April 5 - Freedom Honor Flight Casino Night - Sparta American Legion
Sunday April 6 - Sparta Eagles Lumberjack Breakfast - 8am -12pm
Wednesday April 9 - Servant Leadership Education Listening and Awareness Jakes Northwoods 11;30-1pm
Thursday April 10th History Live Public Lecture Series on Fort McCoy - Monroe County Local History Room 7pm
Friday April 11 WCW SHRM Human Resources Conference - Cranberry Country Lodge - 8am-4:30pm
Saturday April 12 Pancake Breakfast / Easter Bunny Visit - Morrow Home Community Center 7-10:30am
Sunday April 13 Omelet Breakfast - Sparta American Legion 8am-11am
Monday April 14 - Tourism Committee Meeting - Sparta Chamber of Commerce 12pm
Tuesday April 15 - Downtown Association Meeting - Park Bank
Saturday April 19 Golden Egg Hunt - Downtown Sparta - 10:30am-Noon
Sunday April 20 Sparta Eagles Lumberjack Breakfast 8am-12pm
Tuesday April 22 - Downtown Spring Clean Up - TBD
Saturday April 26-27 - Quilt Bus Tour - Quilt Corner
Saturday April 26 - 2nd Annual Lung Bustin’ Justin - 7:30am-4:00pm
From Fort McCoy
McCoy’s estimated economic impact exceeds $900 million
Fort McCoy’s total economic impact for fiscal year (FY) 2013
was an estimated $902.4 million, down from the $1.02 billion
reported for FY 2012.
Fort McCoy supported training for 125,136 personnel in
FY 2013, which ran from Oct. 1, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2013. The training population included reserve- and activecomponent personnel from throughout the military.
Workforce payroll, operating costs and other expenditures totaled $282 million for FY 2013 compared to $317.5
million for FY 2012. The decrease reflects the impact of congressionally mandated sequestration, the furlough
of civilian personnel and other personnel restrictions, as well as reductions in sustainment, restoration and
modernization funding.
Fort McCoy’s funding peaked in FY2010, with subsequent decreases in overall funding and execution as a result of
the decline of Overseas Contingency Operations and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus) funding.
A total of 2,443 personnel worked at Fort McCoy in FY 2013 — 1,383 civilians, 424 military and 636 contract
employees. Approximately 72 percent of the workforce lives within Monroe County.
The total FY 2013 workforce payroll for civilian and military personnel was $124.6 million.
FY 2013 operating costs were $144.6 million, which included utilities, physical plant maintenance, repair and
improvements, new construction projects, purchases of supplies and services as well as salaries for civilian contract
personnel working at Fort McCoy.
Other expenditures accounted for $12.8 million, which covered $270,176 to local governments (including land
permit agreements, school district impact aid, etc.) and $12.5 million in discretionary spending in local communities
by Soldiers at Fort McCoy for training.
A gross multiplier index (GMI) of 3.2 was used to determine the overall effect of the expenditures in the local
economy. The GMI measures the number of times a dollar turns over within a region.
Thank you to our new and returning Members
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Choice Security
American Family Insurance Doug Dengel
Super 8
Guns & Cash 4 You
Osborne Tripp & Schmitz
Evans Printing
Sojourners Journey
Lamars Bus
Park Bank
Leon Country Floors
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American Legion
Gunderson Luthern Health Care Systems
Ages Past Bed & Breakfast
Wes Revels
Foxxy Shopper
Rockland Flooring
Fairway Media
Board of Directors
the Board of Directors
Mark Pierce
United Country Markim Realty
608-269-0057
Wade Nolte
Century Foods
608-366-1900
Scott Davis
State Farm Insurance
608-269-5441
President Elect Ryan Tichener
Handishop Industries
608-372-3289
Dan Arndt
Arndt, Buswell & Thorn
608-269-1200
Vice President & Treasurer - Darren Schauf
FastCorp
608-269-7514
Jeff Nilssen
Nilssen Electric
608-269-3300
Vice Presidents
Bonita Sanders
Bonita’s Bridal Boutique
608-633-1937
Denise Halverson
Edward Jones
608-269-9136
Walt Weiland
Union National Bank
608-269-6737
Jeanne Button
Gerrard-Hoeschler Realtor
608-269-0542
the Executive Board
President - DeAnn Perzel
Shades Body Studio
Todd Page
All American Lumber
608-269-8282
608-269-5028
William Hoffman
Sparta Tomah Broadcasting
Rose Leis
Speed’s Bike Shop
608-269-3307
608-269-2315
Shobi Zietlow
Resource Staffing Solutions
Staff
Tim Hyma - Executive Director
[email protected]
608-487-4421
Ex Officio:
Barb Bendel-Sandvigen - Tourism & Event Coordinator
[email protected]
Ike Rebout - Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
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City of Sparta
Department of Natural Resources
Fort McCoy
Sparta School District
UW-Extension Monroe County
Western Technical College
Summer/ Weekend Staff
Victoria Horstman
Kassie Perkins
Get Involved Today!
Geting involved with a Chamber committee is a great way to help the
community, contribute to the direction of the Chamber of Commerce and
advance other opportunities to promote your business even further. For
more information on how to get involved please contact Tim at 608-2694123 or by email at [email protected]
Presorted
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The Sparta Ambassador
111 Milwaukee Street
Sparta, WI 54656
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Welcoming Business
Mission:
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