In This Issue

Spotlight on– Dean’s Satellite/Secuity

Message from the President
Note from the Executive Director
Business Education Connection
Fort McCoy– November events
Barb Brings to Mind




Volume: XII
Issue: November 2012
THE SPARTA AMBASSADOR
November Business Spotlight
Dean's Satellite Service in Sparta, WI is your local trusted authorized retailer for DISH Network,
DIRECTV & Excede Internet. We offer the best value and the best deals in programming and services for
satellite television. DISH NETWORK, DIRECTV & EXCEDE at Dean's Satellite Service, is conveniently
located at 2350 Commercial Drive, Sparta, WI
Dean's Satellite was founded in 1995 by Dean and Sonya Pennel. Dean and Sonya grew their business
from just the two of them working out of their home to now being in their own building with 20 + employees. In 2011 Dean's Satellite was voted the #1 National LSP Dealer in the Country out of 2500+
other DIRECTV dealers. Dean's Satellite continues to expand the products they offer while always maintaing the quality and low customer cost that Dean's Satellite has always provided.
Dean's Home Security is the sister company of Dean's Satellite and was started May 21, 2011. We pride
ourselves on being your local authorized ADT dealer bringing our family values into protecting what you
value most; whether it’s at your business and/or home. With 24 hour security monitoring from trained
professionals responce time in critical situations is taken care of. You no longer have to call 9-1-1 to let
them know there is a fire ....happening, the fire trucks are already on their way. Remote access through
ADT Pulse is a new technology allowing you to monitor your home from whereever you are.
We also install surveillance systems for home and business giving you the peace of mind knowing at anytime you can check on your home or business from wherever.
Next SBA5 will be Wednesday, December 12 at Leon Community Center
SBA5 is a wonderful way to increase your exposure and/or promote your business, a new product or service. It is an opportunity
to mingle with Sparta area business owners in a relaxed social setting and offers an excellent “fringe benefit” to offer to member
employees. SBA5 is held monthly on a Wednesday in member establishments. Member hosts provide snacks, beverages and door
prizes. Attendance ranges from 65 - 275, depending on facility and time of year. The 2013 Calendar is full– see the schedule inside
for details. please contact the office (269-4123) for more information on how to participate.
November 2012
The
Ambassador
2012 Chamber board of directors
MEET THE BOARD
MEET THE BOARD
Officers:
Directors:
President: Carol Ostrem
State Bank
608-269-2111
Mark Pierce
President Elect: DeAnn Perzel
Shades Body Studio
608-269-8282
Treasurer: Louis Zanon
Clifton Gunderson
608-269-2424
United Country Markim Reality 608-269-0057
Kate Stueber
Century Foods
608-366-2290 x. 2520
Peter Hilden
Torkelson-Page-Smith Funeral Home
608-269-4444
Darren Schauf
F.A.S.T. Corp
Vice Presidents:
608-269-7514
Todd Page
All American Lumber
608-269-5028
Scott Davis
State Farm Insurance
608-269-5441
Dean Arcoraci
GD Aviation /Guns & Cash-4-You
608-963-3589
Dan Arndt
WCOW
Jeff Nilssen
William Hoffman
Katie Blashaski
The Greenery
608-269-3307
Arndt, Buswell & Thorn
608-269-1200
Nilssen Electric
608-269-3300
Rose Leis
608-269-2315
608-269-0057
Ex-Officio:
City of Sparta, DNR, Fort McCoy, Sparta
School District, UW-Extension, WTC
Speed’s Bike Shop
Want to know how to increase your web
presence– Use these webinars to learn all the
basics of chamber master
Post hot deals, events, jobs and change your web
page through www.bikesparta.com
Staff:
http://events.chambermaster.com/Events/details/
recorded-webinars-07-30-2012-1978
Barb Bendel- Sandvigen
Executive Director:
Tim Hyma
Tourism & Event Coordinator:
Summer Weekend Tourism Staff:
Shelby Mantzke & Kassie Perkins
The
Ambassador
November 2012
President’s Message
We have lots to be thankful for at the Chamber Office. I would like to thank Barb, Tim, Shelby and
Kassie for their dedication and hard work they put into the office to make it run 7 day a week to accommodate the Bike Trail, visitors and our members. We also are thankful for our ambassadors for all
the volunteering hours they put in throughout the year. Thanks to Bikin’ Ben aka Randy Sullivan for
attending all the parades and riding the bike. We are also thankful for the Chamber Board members.
It’s hard to believe that the Bike trail has closed another successful year with 4533 registered bikers on
weekends only.
This coming weekend our neighboring village will be hosting Rails to Trails marathon on Sunday November 4th. They are still looking for volunteers. The last count I heard was aprox 700 people to participate in the full marathon, ½ marathon and 5 K run/walk.
November 06th is Election exercise your right to vote.
SBA5 will be held at Dean’s Satellite on November 14th. It’s always fun to stop over and see what’s
new in the security and TV business.
Ladies Night out is on November 15th at Jake’s Northwoods. If you have not received your tickets yet
they are available at the Chamber Office and State Bank. Only 150 tickets are being sold this year.
We have some new activities planned that you will not want to miss.
The Legislative Breakfast will be held at Happy Trails Dinner on Monday November 26th. It will be interesting to see how the elections come out and get their views on what they think will happen.
Have a safe hunting season and
Happy Thanksgiving
Carol A Ostrem
Chamber President
The
Ambassador
November 2012
Barb brings to mind
Thanks giving Vacation….I was in trouble, the police were looking for me! This was one time I was accused and had nothing to
do with the misfortune. As a teenager I always seem to set out for new adventures. It was the Friday after Thanksgiving and they
were having a city wide school dance at the Mary E Sawyer Auditorium. My friends and I were 13 and we were tickled pink that
our folks allowed us to go to the dance. My girlfriends Annie, Charlie and my cousin Susie visiting from S. Dakota were going to
the dance. Some of the boys that were playing in the bands were our classmates and were truly excited as this was our first big
dance that wasn’t at school. So to us it was a huge deal! It was all planned out. My dad would drop us off and Charlie’s dad would
pick us up. Although, we really wished we could have walked there on our own. But we thought it best not to push our luck…
we didn’t want our big plans changed. We really had a fun evening and it went by too fast as I remember. Charlie’s dad picked us
up and we went to her house to make homemade pizza and we talked on and on about how the night went, chattering on like all
teenage girls do! After we finished our pizza everyone was escorted home by Charlie’s mom & dad. Mom was waiting up for me
and Susie and we had to tell her about all the events that went on that evening including showing her a new dance step we
learned. After that she chased us off to bed, as it was way past midnight.
It was barely daylight and someone was banging on our front door and ringing the doorbell. Mom jumped out of bed and said
she’d get the door and down the steps she flew, dad right behind her saying it’s got to be trouble the way they were pounding!
Susie and I jumped out of bed, ran down to the balcony and were listening. It was the cops! They said they were looking for a girl
that lived in a big white house on Market St. and went to Lincoln Jr. High. There had been a serious accident. 4 under-age fellows
were drinking beer up on Granddad bluff and coming down from the bluff they crashed through a guard rail. A boy was dead,
one was paralyzed and the other two were seriously injured. Susie and I just sat and looked at one another. The one fellow who
they could get to talk said they bought a case of beer from a girl that went to Lincoln and lived in a big white house on Market
St. The police officer asked if he could ask me a few questions. So I was asked to come to the living room where the interrogation began. I was scared to death! What did I have to do with this? Must be someone that I know? I had to get dressed and go
down to the police station for questioning. Shaking in my shoes. Mom and I were put in the back of the police car and dad followed in the car. I was questioned for quite a while it seemed like. As it turned out I knew who the boys were and they were a
bunch of ruff-necks and I never had contact with them except passing them in the halls at school! Thank goodness my mom and
dad were home on Thursday and Friday and I was at the dance and I was dropped off and picked up. I know I had the liver
scared out of me and was a nervous wreck for a couple of days. My dad kept saying don’t worry it’s over with. To this day I do
not know why or how I got put on the top of that list. At that time I was scared to death with the feeling of being accused of
something that serious and in the back of my head I the constant worry of what could happen. I remember I had a few sleepless
nights over the ordeal. And it really upset my folks. But they could never did find out and to this day I still don’t know how I got
put on the top of the list! I guess when I look back, we girls were lucky to have a strict upbringing. Our parents checking and
controlling everywhere we went. You don’t appreciate the fact until you are older and look back on things.
November is going to be a busy month for us. We will be doing Ladies Night Out on Nov.15 th. We will also be busy getting the
Chamber decked out- inside and out this year for the Christmas Holiday Season. We will probably be putting out a call for volunteers as Tim and I can’t do this all by ourselves. Also, getting things lined up for the Holiday Parade scheduled for Friday
Dec.7th. A New route has been planned (Actually we have a plan A & B) and the Parade will go on. The Holiday Christmas Train
will arrive on Sun. Dec 9th at the Depot. And of course there is Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays…as I love to cook and
eat!
Happy Thanksgiving to All…………..Barb
The
Ambassador
November 2012
FROM FORT MCCOY
FY 2012 training totals at Fort McCoy surpass 122,000
The number of personnel training at Fort McCoy during fiscal year (FY)
2012 surpassed the 122,000 mark according to statistics from the
post's Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.
Fort McCoy has trained more than 100,000 troops annually since FY 1985.
A total of 65,501 personnel conducted extended combat (two or more weeks) training, while 56,670
personnel conducted battle-drill (weekend) training for an FY 2012 training total of 122,171 personnel.
FY 2013 projections look promising, as most of the units and exercises that occurred at Fort McCoy in FY
2012 are scheduled to return to McCoy for training.
Business Appreciation Night
Thank you everyone that attended the Fort McCoy Business Appreciation Night Sept. 5. It is always great to
visit and enjoy the excellent food that McCoy’s Community Club prepares. Mark your calendars to attend
the 2013 event Aug. 28.
A Right Arm Night scheduled for Nov. 15 at McCoy’s
Do you have someone in your organization that is your “right arm”? If so, celebrate them at Fort McCoy’s
Right Arm Night Thursday, Nov. 15 from 4:30-8 p.m. at McCoy’s Community Club, building 1571.
Right Arm Night is an opportunity for bosses to treat their “right arms” — those who assist them — to a
relaxing night out in a fun atmosphere.
This casual event is open to the public. The event will feature discounted food and beverage specials, door
prizes, music, contests, games and camaraderie.
The
Ambassador
November 2012
Business Education CONNECTION
SCORE has a free workshop lined up for November 10, starting at 9:00am in La Crosse. The
workshop "How to Really Start your Own Business" is a presentation dealing with the success of
starting a new business along with the Counselors' advice. Register on line- http://
mississippirivervalley.score.org/localworkshops
Viterbo University offers a Leadership at Noon Series. The are free and open to the public, and
no registration is required. Join Rod Leis, International Resource Manager for ExxonMobil, on
November 20th in the Reinhart Center Board Room at the La Crosse campus. http://
www.viterbo.edu/ethics.aspx?id=66693
Educate yourself, your employees, and get ready for 2013 opportunities.
_________________________________________________________________________
SBA5 2012:
November 14: Dean’s Satellite Service & Dean’s Home Security
December 12: Leon Community Businesses @ Leon Community Center
**December 19: Chamber Holiday Open House @ Chamber Depot
SBA5 2013 at 5:30pm
January: Hospitality Establishments Expo(Best Western) (call to reserve a spot)
February: Education School System
March: Deke Slayton Memorial Museum and the Monroe County Local History Room
April: Outlaying Business Areas Expo(Jake’s Northwoods) (call to reserve a spot)
May: ABR Employment
June: Down town merchants Expo (Water Street) (call to reserve a spot)
July: Chamber Social Gathering (at the Monroe County Fair)
August: Business Appreciation at Fort McCoy
September: Fort McCoy Appreciation
October: Non Profit Organizations Expo (American Legion) (call to reserve a spot)
November: Sparta Dental
December: Chamber Holiday Open House @ Chamber Depot
The
Ambassador
November 2012
Calendar of Events
2012 Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events
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
November 3: Monroe County Historical Fall Fest Craft Show @ Sparta High School
November 6: Elections Day– Get out the vote
November 14: SBA5: Dean’s Satellite & Dean’s Home Security
November 15: Ladies' Night Out
November 26: Legislative-Cracker Barrel Breakfast 7pm @ Happy Trails Diner
December 12: SBA5– Leon Community Business
December 7: Sparta’s Holiday Parade
December 9: Sparta Area Community Choir Concert 3pm@ Congregational United Church of Christ
December 9: Canadian Pacific Holiday Trail 7pm @ Chamber
December 19: Sparta Chamber Open House
January 16: SBA5– Hospitality Establishments @ Best Western
January 26: Annual Banquet @ The American Legion
January 28: Legislative-Cracker Barrel Breakfast 7pm @ Happy Trails Diner
February 2: Sparta Area Education Foundation Casino Night @ Sparta American Legion
February 20: SBA5- Sparta School System
February 23: Cabin Fever @ Club 16 (Sparta Chamber Fundraiser)
March 2: Monroe County Historical Spring Craft Show @ Sparta High School
Check http://bikesparta.org/events.html often for updates
You can also add your own events to www.bikesparta.com
using https://secure.chambermaster.com/login/ and your login and password.
Call us at 269-4123 if you need any help with this!!
The
November 2012
Ambassador
Member Updates
Thank you to our new & renewing members for your continued support:
Main St Ink & Toner
Amy Sue Vruwink
Curves
Don’t forget– Daylight Savings
starts on Sunday, November 4th
Cranfest 2012 In Warrens– A lot of fun and a third place prize.
Ribbon Cutting for Sojourner’s Journey
Ben Bikin’ in the Tomah Parade
Two awards from the Octoberfest Parade
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS THAT HELPED MAKE THE PARADE SEASON SO SUCCESSFUL!
The
Ambassador
November 2012
From the Executive Director
Helping the Business Community
Build, Grow, AND prosper
Well, the bike trail season is over, and now its time to get ready for the winter outdoor fun. Make sure
you check out Fort McCoy’s Whitetail Ridge for downhill skiing and tubing, plus over five miles of cross
country trails. The golf course and Memorial park also offer snowshoeing and skiing opportunities. Monroe
County has over 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails to get up and go on. Then, another favorite
Wisconsin pastime is ice fishing. Whatever you do– get out and enjoy the outdoors this winter.
We have a several events lined up for the remainder of the year, so check out the event calendar often, as
members keep putting their events on the page. Check the calendar of events for other fun opportunities
hosted by other chamber members. http://bikesparta.org/events.html
Watch for the 2013 membership forms coming out this month– We realigned how your investment dollars are figured. No more complicated math– just a straight fee based on full time employee head counts.
For some, you may see a slight raise in fees, for others a significant decrease. Take a look at the sponsorship levels, and get the most out of your membership. There is also a section that gives you the opportunity to get more involved in an area that might interest you or your employees.
Sparta Area Chamber’s Strategic Plan: Committed to providing the leadership that ensures objectives become realities through; Membership Growth and Retention, Information & Communication to Foster
Member Relations, Fundraising, and Tourism
Help me define what benefits of membership that make it irresistible and indispensable to you and our
community.
Very Respectfully,
Tim Hyma
“As a small businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth.
John Greenleaf Whittier
The
Ambassador
November 2012
Committee Meetings
Welcoming Businesses,
Unifying the Community,
Creating Possibilities
AMBASSADORS– Dean Acoraci & Dan Arndt
Purpose: to foster positive community-wide and Chamber relations
Meets first Tuesday of each month at the Chamber office or member businesses at 9am
TOURISM– Rose Leis
Purpose: to foster tourism development through cooperation and promotion of the Sparta Area tourism
businesses & attractions
Meets first Monday of each month at 11am at The Chamber Depot
EDUCATION– Carol Ostrem & DeAnn Perzel
Purposes: to foster economic and community growth through cooperation and promotion of prosperous
business practices via seminars, webinars, forums and panel discussions. To foster educational opportunities
for business, youth and government in support of creating and maintaining a positive business environment
Committee meets as needed at the Chamber Depot
MEMBERSHIP & GROWTH– Todd Page
Purpose: to foster Chamber membership growth and retention. Meets the 3rd Monday of each month at
Noon at various member businesses and potential businesses
CONCERTS IN THE PARK– Carol Ostrem
Purpose: Maintain and continue the successful summer community series Committee meets as needed 4-6
times a year
GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY AFFAIRS– DeAnn Perzel, Dean Arcoraci
Purpose: to foster open communication and dialogue with local, state and federal governments and the military. Meets 3rd Tuesday each month at 1600hrs at Club Oasis
If interested in sitting on any committees, please call Tim Hyma at 269-4123 and we will find a seat for you.