2010 Discovery Guide
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Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce:
PO Box 174,
Oconto WI 54153
Phone: 920-834-6254
Toll Free: 888-626-6862 Email:
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Visitor Center:
110 Brazeau Avenue
Business HWY 41
Oconto WI 54153
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Oconto, WI
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Temp:
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64°F
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Wind Chill:
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64°F
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Humidity:
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88%
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The Chamber hosted its 3rd Annual Pingpong Ball drop on Friday, August 6th at 6:00 P.M. by providing a helicopter piloted by Lee Huebscher. The helicopter was loaded with over 1700 pingpong balls with special promotions, free items and discounts from current 2010 Chamber businesses. There were 2 age groups: ages 3-7 and 8-12. The Chamber would like to thank Wagner Shell for providing plastic bags for the children to retrieve the balls. The Chamber would also like to thank the merchants who participated: Bond Community Center, Nsight Teleservices, Citizen's Bank, NEW Credit Union, Tina's Roost, Happy Garden, Thompson's County Market, Wayne's Family Restaurant and Stiles Junction, Brothers 3, Matravers Hardware, Bay Impressions, Image Apparel, Flowers, Cain Accounting, LeBreck & Sons, Z Cheese, Oconto County Reporter, Shiloh Lounge, Oconto Mobil Mart, Wagner Shell, WOCO, Oconto Historical Society, Gallagher Funeral Home, and Stephenson National Bank & Trust. Thanks to Larry of WOCO for providing music in Freedom Park on Friday evening. Thank you also to all shoppers who shopped Oconto during Sidewalk Sale Days at the many businessess who provided sale items outside or inside. Remember to shop locally and see what you can save.
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On Monday, August 9th, the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual golf outing at the Oconto Golf Club. It was a 4-person scramble that was won by the team composed of Travis & Susie Cain and Mike and Ken Thompson. The event winners included: Ken Thompson – longest drive for men on hole #5, Kathy McDougal, longest drive for women on hole #5, Closest to the pin for men on Hole #4 – Ken Thompson and closest to the pin for women on hole #4 – Kathy Hayes. Nsight Teleservices provided a chance for each golfer to win a Blue Ray DVD Player which was won by Mike Lochner. Sub sandwiches were provided by Brothers 3 as well as off the menu dining after the outing. The Chamber wishes to thank the following hole sponsors as well as anyone who contributed prizes for the outing: Brothers 3, Unlimited Services, Nsight Teleservices, NEW Credit Union, Century Link, Cain Accounting, Bay Care Clinic, Oconto Community Hospital, Bond Community Center, LeBreck & Sons, Image Apparel, Wisconsin Public Service, Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Bay Title & Abstract, Mead & Hunt, Patsy Bake of Avon, Harris Bank, Citizen’s Bank, and Thompson’s County Market.
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The Oconto Chamber of Commerce hosted a "Chamber After 5" event on Thursday, May 13 from 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Stephenson National Bank. This event was sponsored by Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Wagner Shell and Wisconsin Public Service. It was an evening filled with valuable "savings" information. Dan Peterson of SNBT shared his thoughts on how to "Create Efficiencies and Save Time." He outlined 4 quadrants of daily activities and indicated which should be the most important to make a typical day run more efficiently. Kim McDonald of Wagner Shell outlined the different products and services that are available at the Shell station. In addition to a full stocked convenience store and gas fill up, this is also a spot to pay bills such as Charter Communications and WPS bills. One can also purchase fishing licenses and register deer. Shell is also offering a Mastercard that gives 5 cents off per gallon of gas or diesel. Mark Hannon of WPS spoke on "Renewable Energy" tips by showing members the different aspects of the WPS website. Free lightbulbs were available to all who attended. Food and refreshments were provided by Wagner Shell. Door prizes were provided by all three of the sponsors.
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The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce held its 3rd Annual Business Expo on March 25, 2010, at the Bond Community Center from 12:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Over 70 vendors were present with the main floor of the gym filled as well as half the balcony. Businesses highlighted were local banks, health care facilities, apparel, telephone services, food services, surface cleaning, office supplies and equipment, insurance services, colleges, churches, web design, pharmaceutical services, car dealers, newspapers, local radio stations, cement services, landscaping, marketing, etc. The first 100 attendees received a door prize. The Oconto Area Humane Society was the recipient of the Chamber’s fundraising efforts during the Expo. A $1 admission fee was received from attendees and raffle tickets were sold for a basket full of vendor giveaways. Scott Retzlaff won the basket. A check and many donated items that were brought into the Expo in lieu of the admission fee was presented to the Humane Society. The Oconto Area Chamber wishes to thank the vendors who attended and the public who helped to make this event a success. In addition, thanks also goes to the following businesses who contributed door prizes and raffle items to the basket for the Humane Society: Mortell Studio, NEW Credit Union, Avon & Patsy Bake, Wisconsin Public Service, Image Apparel, Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Electrical Services, Unlimited Services, Porterfield Country Music, N.E.W. Solid Surface Cleaning, Oconto County Reporter, Nsight Teleservices (Formerly Bayland Telephone), Bond Community Center, OcontoPharmacy, Curves, Digital Office Solutions, Vemma, Bay Impressions, Bread on the Bay, Stiles Junction, Wayne’s Family Restaurant, American Advantage Insurance, Brothers 3, Oconto Hospital and Medical Center, Harris Bank, Copperfest Committee, Z Cheese, CenturyLink, Koehne Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Citizens Bank, Marine Insurance, Pentecostal Lighthouse Church, WOCO, Randy Grygiel. Trigger Point Myotherapy & Ron Filz Plumbing. Attendees were also asked to go to each vendor booth to secure a signature and turn in the form. Of the eligible forms, 3 names were randomly drawn and gift certificates, funded by the Oconto Chamber, and redeemable at any 2010 Oconto Chamber business were given out to the following: Carol Windross - $50; Al Donlevy - $25 and Mary Lipp - $25. The Chamber also wishes to thank Connie Parkovich and the staff at the Bond Community Center for hosting the event, Larry & Walt Kasynski and WOCO for broadcasting the event and Debbie & Vince Crivello along with the Chamber who hosted a social from 6:00-8:00 P.M. immediately following the Expo.
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On Thursday, March 19th, a Mayoral Debate was hosted by the Chamber at Crivello's at 6:30 P.M. The three candidates that are running for the position of Mayor are : Tom Fulton, Joe Paluch and Don Nerenhausen as a write-in-candidate. There were 10 questions asked and each candidate was allowed 2 minutes for a response. The question topics ranged from what to do about the Bond Pickle Property, what constitutes a good leader, how to urge businesses to come to our city, how to increase transparency in our city government, how to balance the budget, how to work with the school district to increase enrollment and prevent dropouts, how to promote tourism and how to manage the size of the police and fire departments. At the end of the debate, each candidate summarized why he would make a good mayor. The audience ranged from young to old, which included business people, educators, police & fire department employees, medical personnel and many others. The Chamber would like to thank Debbie & Vince of Crivello's for allowing us to use their banquet facilities for this event & Walt & Larry Kasynski for broadcasting the event on WOCO. The Chamber urges all eligible citizens to get out and vote on April 6th and choose the candidate that he or she thinks would be the best fit for the next term of Mayor.
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On Thursday, February 18th, the Chamber began its yearly series of Business Education 101 which was hosted by Unlimited Services. This company has been in operation for over 27 years. Not only is there a facility in Oconto, but also in Rockford, Illinois; Lynchburg, Virginia; and Guaymas, Mexico. They are a value-added business of custom wire harness, cable and control panel assemblies for off-road equipment, heavy-duty truck, communications and specialty electronics and industrial industries. They currently employ about 280 people. They are presently involved in making a wire harness for a military vehicle, the MATV, which is being made by Oshkosh Truck. Chamber members were given tours of the facility and found the business to be a great asset to the City of Oconto. Bill Kessencih is a Chamber Board Member and President of the company.
Shane Taylor of Webman Designs of Gillett was the guest speaker and explained alll the different aspects of the Chamber website. A new addition for Chamber members is the Member Marketplace where a member can buy or sell items not regularly sold in a business. Contact Nancy @ 834-6969 or Kathy @ 834-5606 to arrange for a listing and get the log in and password. Webman Designs will also create a web page for members. Contact Nancy @ 834-6969 for info and rates.
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The Chamber has refurbished the informational board at the Oconto Municipal Harbor. It was accomplished through the efforts of Jeff Larmay at Vital Signs who designed all the logos and placed a colored vinyl strip on a PVC board and Ron Hayes, Ron Pecha and Bob Schwartz who sought advertisers. It includes many of our area restaurants, service stations, churches, retail shops, medical facilities, telephone services, etc. There are 36 individual spots with 30 businesses advertising at this time. There is also a 2 by 4 foot map of the City of Oconto in the middle with color coded numbers identifying the various businesses. There are a few additional spots that can be purchased. Call Jeff @ Vital Signs for additional info and pricing for the artwork at 920-834-5050. The Chamber has established the pricing for the squares. Many businesses have committed to a 3 year lease for $50 per year. A purchase of one year isn $75. It is a very attractive sign and should be an asset to visitors, the residents of the area, boaters, snowmobilers, or anyone else who frequents the Harbor and wants a quick overview of the area and the City businesses and the surrounding area.
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The Annual Joint Christmas Party with the Oconto and Oconto Falls Chambers was held on January 16, 2010 at the Oconto Golf Club. A Las Vegas theme was selected for decorations and entertainment. A "Jackpot Buffet" consisting of all you can eat prime rib and broasted chicken was catered by Ron Pecha and staff of Brothers 3. Each guest was entered into a drawing for a Trip for 2 to Las Vegas. Pam Lemorande was the lucky winner. Guests were also encouraged to bring in canned goods or cash for Bread by the Bay, Oconto's own food pantry. Each donee qualified for a gift basket donated by Chris & Bob Schwartz. This was won by Ray and Chique Tabar. Entertainment after the buffet was provided by the band Renegade. The sponsors of the band were CenturyLink, Wisconsin Public Service and Ryczek Communications. Each guest received a goodie bag of promotional items from various Oconto Chamber businesses.
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On Thursday, April 23, The Oconto Chamber held another in its series of After 5 Socials. The sponsor was Image Apparel at 1038 Main St. Oconto. Ron & Kathy Hayes are the owners and have been in business in Oconto since 1994. Members of the Chamber who attended to the Social were given an embroidery demonstration on their 6 head machine and their single head machine. The business offers retail merchandise, custom embroidery and silk screening, custom letterman jackets and promotional items. Image Apparel provides various marketing and promotional items including apparel and accessories for Cruisers Yachts, Mirrocraft Boats, Rampage Sportfishing Yachts, Patz Sales, Badger Energy, and Caravelle Boats. Stop in and see how you can be assisted by personal friendly staff such as Chris Rowell or Diane Dansereau. There is a large inventory of items, a diversified product line and don’t forget to pet Brinkley, the canine greeter. Image Apparel’s motto is "Satisfaction – One Customer at a time". They ship internationally so you can also send items to friends and family at a minimal fee. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9- 5 P.M. and some Saturdays 9- Noon. Check out their website at www.imageapp.com where you find an entire catalog of merchandise or call at 920-834-5606 or e-mail at imageapp@bayland.net.
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On Saturday, April 26, the Oconto Chamber battled the cold winds of April to sponsor its first Bike/Kite Flying Contest. Several children and their parents braved the winds to appear with their decorated bikes. Thanks go out to Matravers Hardware for its donation toward the purchase of the free bicycle given away by the Chamber. Also thanks go out to Bellin Health which donated Packer Bicycle Helmets to each child. The Kite Flying Contest was cancelled due to the cold and extreme high winds.
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The Oconto Chamber of Commerce held its 1st Annual Pet Contest on October 4, 2008 in conjunction with the Harvest Festival. There were 20 registered pets that ranged from an Italian Greyhound, several Dalmatians, a Chihuahua, an English Setter, an American Bulldog, various cats, a miniature dachshund, a Giant Schnauzer, a Pomeranian and a Basset Hound. There were winners in 4 different categories: “Best Pet Trick” went to Dutch a Giant Schnauzer owned by Megan and Patrick Richardson; “Cutest Pet” was Shyla, a Pomeranian dressed in a pumpkin costume owned by Anna Lautenbach; “Pet-Owner Look Alike” was Lady, a Basset Hound and her owner Kaitlyn Campshure; and finally “Best Costume” went to Rupert, a Miniature Daschund dressed in a hotdog bun complete with mustard owned by Renee Hendricks. Honorable mention goes to Hank, dressed as a Packer Player, owned by Cody Meyer. Each winner received a certificate, a medal for the pet and a Donald Driver Bobblehead doll.
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The Oconto Chamber of Commerce held an After 5 Event in conjunction with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Flowers on Main St. on Thursday, November 20th.
Al and Tammy Salzsieder are the owners and have relocated in the newly remodeled Davis Insurance Agency building. Even though we are experiencing economically stressed times, Al & Tammy wanted to show that they believe in the present and future of downtown Oconto. They also decided to make this move to freshen up their business and add more space for the products they offer. They are ready to take orders for all your holiday needs.
On hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony was Mayor Don Nerenhausen and Treasurer of the Chamber; President of the Chamber, Sara Croney, Lisa & Rob Sherman, owners of the building, Secretary of the Chamber, Nancy Rhode, Vice-President of the Chamber, Connie Parkovich, and many of the Executive Board members. In addition about 40 other Chamber members represented their businesses at this event. If you wish to join the Chamber, contact Nancy Rhode @ 834-6969. If you wish to highlight your business in an After 5 event, the Chamber is now taking reservations for 2009.
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The Oconto Chamber co-sponsored Santa’s Visit on Friday, November 28th at City Hall.
Santa arrived on a fire truck after the lighting of Winter Wonderland. Following Santa down Main St. were members
of Lynn Hearley’s Girl Scout Troop, Snowmen from Crivello’s, vehicles from businesses such as Wisconsin Public
Service, Koehne GMC, and Image Apparel. A new character appeared this year in the person of Mrs. Claus to help
Santa Claus. Young and old alike gathered to await his arrival in the Council Chambers. Members of the Women’s
Club were on hand to sell digital pictures. Cookies and hot chocolate was provided by Brothers 3. Each child received a sucker or candy cane compliments of Oconto Pharmacy. Children were busy making ornaments for the tree in City Hall.
While awaiting Santa each child could fill out a letter to Santa. Each child is guaranteed a response from Santa
sometime before Christmas. This letter writing activity was sponsored by the Chamber. The most popular gift
requests this year seem to be X Boxes, Hannah Montana items, High School Musical items, the ever popular Barbies,
Transformers, and Nintendos. The Oconto Chamber wishes all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Shop Oconto for all your Holiday needs.
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The Oconto Chamber of Commerce held an “After 5” gathering at Vital Signs and Custom Graphics which is located at 5489 County Road S, Oconto and owned by Jeff and Jane Larmay. The business seems to be one of the best kept secrets in the Oconto area. Jeff demonstrated to those in attendance his services such as various types of signs, banners, fleet graphics, carved signs, lighted signs, vehicle graphics and striping, dimensional letters and electric signs. If you wish to do something special for a birthday, anniversary, class reunion, etc. download your favorite pictures onto a disc and then Jeff can design a banner for you. If you want to advertise your business, all sorts of signage can be made. If you want to add a boat name or striping and graphics to your vehicles, this is the place to go. Those in attendance were amazed at all the ideas that Jeff presented. This is just one of the many activities that the Oconto Chamber is involved in. If you are a business in Oconto, please consider joining this growing organization. The Business Expo on March 26th would be a great place to start. Contact Nancy Rhode at 920-834-6969 for further Chamber details and how to become a member.
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On February 7, 2009, the Oconto Chamber held its first Sweetheart Dance at the Oconto Golf Club.
Music was provided by Rapid Transit. Ron Pecha of Brothers 3 catered hors d'oeuvres and snacks
The Chamber would like to thank the following businesses and organizations that donated door prizes for this festive event:
NEW Credit Union, Sarah Floyd, Scentsy Candles, Citizens Bank, Oconto Historical Society, Century Tel, Image Apparel, Oconto County Reporter, Melissa Cardinal of Mane Street Hair, Cindy Olson of Mane Street Hair, Electrical Services, Davidson Printing, Flowers, Al & Tammy Salzsieder who donated one dozen roses for one of the chance drawings, Bay Impressions, Wisonsin Public Service, Bellin Health, and Bond Community Center.
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