Chamber 11th Annual Expo

      On March 24, 2018 47 vendors and organizations displayed their products and services at the 11th Annual Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce Expo. The Chamber wishes to thank all the businesses and organizations that participated as well as the attendees. Special thanks goes to WOCO for broadcasting the event. Food for purchase was provided by Wise Guys and Wagner Shell. Several businesses asked to present oral information to attendees. Main Street Health informed participants about group benefits for insurance and Medicare options while enjoying Frank’s famous chili; Prevea Health had interesting info on Ideal Weigh, Therapy, Home Health, Orthopedic and Cancer Centers; Norwex demonstrated its cleaning products and Senior Medicare Patrol presented tips on Medicare. The Chamber wishes to thank the Oconto Unified School District for the use of its table and chairs and the Bond Community Center for the use of it facilties and their usual hospitality.

Chamber Chat March 2018

The  Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce held its March meeting at Crivello’s.

A letter was read from the Life Smarts Team at Oconto High School who recently won the 2018 State LifeSmarts Championship in Madison. They will now compete at the National LifeSmarts Competition in San Diego in April. They are asking for donations of Wisconsin-based company gifts to include in a gift exchange with their “sister” team. If your company has a small item to donate, contact Kathy Hayes (920-835-5348) or drop off at the OHS District Office. The Chamber wishes to congratulate the members of the team: Alex Maynard, James Alwin, Morgan Durand, Lucas Ruechel, and Carley Murphy.

Scot Neu, business teacher at OHS is running a business simulation in his Intro to Business course and is seeking help in conducting interviews. The available times would be the start of the week of April 2nd during the times of 8:00, 8:45, 9:50 and 10:30 a.m. (when the classes run) This would consist of a brief 10 minute interview with student and then your impressions of these students.

President Hayes, Mayor Heier, Dr. John Honish and Kathy Hayes attended the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Fox Cities Convention Center March 11-13. All stated it was very worthwhile and many tips were heard on how to advertise a business on a low budget and how to create an unforgettable experience for visitors who come to our community. Kathy will explore the possibility of a touch screen for the Chamber information center. Employees at businesses and organizations need to keep informed as to what is going on in our area. This would also be a benefit to tourists who ask what is going on in our area.  August 31 is “Wisconsin Supper Club Day.” The Chamber will promote this event.

Check out the website: nationalcalendarday.com

Members are also encouraged to make suggestions as how to make the Oconto Chamber better. Email: imageappkathy@bayland.net.

Don Nerenhausen, Chairman reported that a huge increase in the pedestrian bridge cost is now due to increase in materials and a State fee to inspect the bridge. An engineering firm will now be hired to explore other options. President Hayes and Mayor Heier discussed the funding for the bridge with State Assembly Representatives Jeff Mursau and John Nygren at WIGCOT.

Miss Copperfest 2018 applications are now ready for distribution. The deadline is May 19, 2018. The forms can be found on the Chamber website. Any girl 16-21 may apply. Each applicant must be sponsored by a Chamber business or organization. If you can’t find a sponsor, one will be provided for you. Each applicant must write an essay and the topic is found on the application form. The Chamber is awarding $1000 to the queen, $500 to the 1st runner up and $250 to the second runner up.

Currently there are 114 paid members. If you would like to join as a business, organization or individual, the forms can be found on the Chamber Website. www.ocontoareachamber.com

All Chamber members are requested to check their listing on the Chamber website and indicate whether or not there should be changes or additions. Email: imagappkathy@bayland.net