Author: Samantha Routheau

      On March 24, 2018 47 vendors and organizations displayed their products and services at the 11^th 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.

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 2^nd 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 1^st 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

OCONTO CHAMBER HARVEST FEST 2017

 

     Harvest Fest was held on September 30^th. Vendor numbers increased significantly from last year as the venue was changed to Main St. and many businesses on Main St. were open. The weather was fantastic and many, many positive comments were heard about the new venue. The Oconto Area Humane Society sponsored a “Cutest Pet” Contest.

      You may have noticed that the flower pots on Main St. were planted with a fall theme. A thank you goes out to Nancy Rhode who purchased the pumpkins and mums. Planting was done by Nancy and Kathy Hayes on the first day of autumn, the hottest day of the year. Please recognize the business sponsors of the planters: Newcap, Cain Accounting, OCEDC, Huntington Bank, Image Apparel, Citgo, Oconto Pharmacy and State Farm Insurance.

     More activities for children will hopefully be added next year. In addition to the Cutest Pet Contest,  Bay Impressions set up a tent for a coloring activity for young and old artists. Brenda Race supplied pumpkins for children to paint,  Westenberg Financial had a bean bag toss game as well as the Lions Club and Farnsworth Library was conducting a bike decorating  activity.

      Food was provided by Wise Guys, Aurora Carrazco, 1^st American Lutheran, Jim Truckey’s kettle corn, Newcap, and Crivello’s. Entertainment was provided by Don Marovich and Jean Carlin and Cain throughout the day.

 

      The City of Oconto along with the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored its first annual Waterfest on July 1^st at the Harbor. Hats off to Sara Perrizo, Oconto City Administrator and all of the City staff who coordinated the event along with Ron Hayes, Chamber President.  Bad Habitz played from 2:30-6:30 and Nashville Pipeline played from 6:30-10:30 pm. A lighted boat parade took place at 9:30 p.m. The best decorated watercraft received $25 in Chamber Bucks. They are Steve Witt of Oconto Falls, Gregg Catch of Green Bay and Patti Ernst of Oconto. Fireworks were shot off on the causeway at 10:00 p.m. This event was free to the public due to the generosity of the business sponsors which were the City of Oconto , the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce, Bellin Health, Huntington Bank, Roberts Hometown Hardware, Thompson’s County Market, Stephenson National Bank & Trust, and Wagner Shell. A huge thank you also goes out to Kobussen Bus Company which provided shuttle service, Kenny Sallee who provided the water taxi, the Oconto Elks Club which provided food and beverage for purchase and all the other vendors who displayed their products. This event is being planned again for next year.

At the Kick-Off Breakfast on Friday, June 9, Miss Copperfest 2017 was chosen. She is the 35TH queen to receive this honor. She is MARISSA DIAZ

      The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the contest by presenting scholarship amounts. Miss Copperfest 2017 received a $1000 scholarship, the 1^st Runner-up, ALLISON BUCHEGER received a $500 scholarship and the 2^nd Runner-up, BRIANNA CAIN received a $250 scholarship. Image Apparel supplied additional prizes to all 3 of the candidates.

       The Chamber would like to thank all the 2017 Chamber Business sponsors which include: Bayshore Chiropractic, sponsor of Marissa; Davis Agency, sponsor of Allison and Cain Accounting, sponsor of Brianna.

        The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank : Miss Wisconsin, Courtney Pelot, for her appearance; Lauren Resch, Patty Trepanier and Sara Perrizo, judges for the contest; Oconto Legion Golf Club for hosting the meal for the judging; Vital Signs for the car signs, The Reporter and WOCO for publicity for the contest, Image Apparel for providing the sashes, crown and prizes, and Oconto Floral for the flowers for the crowning.

Kathy Hayes, chairman of the Miss Copperfest Committee.

 

MISS COPPERFEST SINCE THE BEGINNING 1983-2016

1983 – CINDY GROLL DUFEK

1984 – LORI ZAHN

1985- LAURA BRABANT (JOHNSON)

1986 – THERESA CAMPBELL (GAGE)

1987 – LORI SULLIVAN (ZAVADA)

1988- AMY YOUNG (CISAR)

1989 – APRIL STROM

1990 – LISA STEIER

1991 – SHEILA CAMPBELL (VANDERLOOP)

1992 – WAUNELL TREPANIER

1993 – MANDY FREASE

1994 – SARA SULLIVAN (PERRIZO)

1995 – SHANNON HANES

1996 – FRANCESCA WESOLOSKI

1997 – JENNIFER SCHMIT

1998 – NICHOL HARTMAN

1999- MELISSA BARRIBEAU

2000- MANDY EICHMAN

2001 – JENNIFER WERNER

2002-MICHELLE MATRAVERS

2003 – KRISTIN HEROUX

2004 – LAUREN BAKE

2005 – AMANDA CALDIE

2006 – BOBBIE JO PANSIER

2007 – AMANDA SAMSA

2008 – LEXI OLSON

2009 – JESSICA THOMPSON

2010 – LAUREN CALDIE

2011 – CHERRAN DEA RASMOVICZ

2012 – SERENA DICKINSON

2013 – KELLY LOBERGER

2014 – CAMILLE SOWLE

2015 – LAKEN JAMES

2016 – CARLEE BEHNKE

2017- MARISSA DIAZ

                                      RESTAURANT WEEK 2017

      The Chamber sponsored “Restaurant Week 2017 April 23-29 for the 4^th consecutive year. A little over 1100 votes were cast at the various food establishments. Customers were given slips were to fill out indicating their favorite restaurant and menu item. The Chamber is pleased to announce that Wayne’s Family Restaurant is the 2017 winner. They were voted as serving the best pie in town, stuffed hash browns and Swedish pancakes. Check out their extensive menu items. The restaurant is located at 805 Brazeau Ave.

     Angry Eddies located at 1131 Main St. was voted as having the best big pretzel in town as well as specialized pizzas and Gyros.

      Brothers 3 is located at 106 Superior Ave. and still seems to be a favorite spot for pizza especially the Deluxe, bacon Cheeseburger and Hawaiian pizzas. A drawing was held there and Chris Roberts won a 13” pizza.

     Crivello’s located at 818 Main St. is the spot to go for the Vinnie burger, stuffed hash browns and a Jack Daniels burger. Crivello’s was the Restaurant Week winner in 2014

      The Oconto Legion Golf Club located at 532 Jefferson St. is the place to go for wings, chicken dinner, and steaks.

      Wagner Shell located at 517 Smith Ave. was voted as having some of the best broasted chicken and pizza slices. Why not check out “Wacky Wednesday” for a free package of toilet paper or paper toweling with special purchases.

      Wise Guy’s Riverside Bar seems to be the place to go for prime rib, all sorts of burgers and homemade grasshoppers served at the end of many of their entrees.  They were the Restaurant Winners in 2015.

Most of our home town food establishments make deliveries and do have carry outs. Benjamin’s Family restaurant was the winner in 2016. Shop and dine locally and “beef” up our local economy.

The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce Recognition Banquet 2017 took place on May 6^th at Crivello’s.

The selection for the “Ed Zahn Volunteer of the Year” Award was Janine Hornblad. Janine has been very active in the community as President of the Woman’s Club. In this role, she has helped coordinate “Deck the Fence” and Christmas gifts to Rainbow House. She is definitely a community volunteer and leader as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, an organizer of the Holy Trinity auction, a helper at the Blood Mobile and manna meals, a City election worker and she also serves on the Technology Committee for the City of Oconto. Gary Zahn, in memory of his father Ed Zahn, presented the award to Janine. Janine’s husband Jim and three sons and many members of their families were in attendance.

The selection for the “Business of the Year” was Stephenson National Bank & Trust, the Oconto branch.

Since opening its branch in 2002, the staff volunteers in many community events. Bob Schwartz, Loan Officer, is very active in the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Oconto Chamber “Grow Oconto” Committee and the Elks Club where he was named “Member of the Year for 2017.  SNBT is dedicated to volunteerism and community leadership. Members of the staff also belong and participate in many civic organizations in the City of Oconto. SNBT distributes over $100,000 to non-profits yearly. Beth Larson, Branch manager accepted the award. Beth also is active in the community and Oconto Chamber where she functions as Vice-President and a member of the “Grow Oconto” Committee. Dan Peterson, President and CEO of SNBT commented on the outstanding job that the Oconto Branch does.  Other members from the Oconto Branch who attended include Cathy Heimke CSR Supervisor; Denise Holtger, CSR; and Tina Hazen, CSR. Other employees of SNBT who were unable to attend include Patti Ernst and Sally Nischke.

This recognition takes place every other year. Past recipients of the volunteer award include: Gary Zahn, Jeremy Wusterbarth and Karl Ballestad. Past recipients of the business award include: Thompson’s County Market, Matravers Hardware, and Oconto Wagner Shell.

ROSE AWARD NOMINATION

By City of Oconto & Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce 

The City of Oconto and The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize outstanding achievement for a business or home resident who has greatly improved its property or façade. Nominations are being accepted on a quarterly basis for this award. If you would like to nominate someone, please fill out a form and submit it to either Sara Perrizo, City Administrator, 1210 Main St. Oconto, WI 54153 or Patsy Bake, Oconto Chamber Secretary, PO B ox 174, Oconto, WI 54153. Please include the name of the business and reason for nomination. Forms can be picked up at the Oconto City Hall or Image Apparel or downloaded from the Home Page at www.ocontoareachamber.com Before and after pictures are highly encouraged.     

           THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER IS JUNE 30, 2017.

      The Business recipient for the first quarter of 2017 is BeYoutiful Boutique at 1102 Main St. Oconto. The owner is Lisa Carey Hirst and she has done an outstanding job in not only opening up a classy boutique for women but  she has also renovated the inside of the building to make it stylish and inviting to customers. The boutique  became a reality on October 26, 2016. The hours of operation are 10-5 Wednesday-Friday and 9-12 on Saturdays. The boutique is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays. The merchandise includes: ladies tops, dresses, scarves, purses,  Paparazzi jewelry, and silverware jewelry all reasonably priced with merchandise always changing. She was nominated for this award by several people.

     The recipient of the Home Owners award is Norm & Annette Courchaine at 214 Pecor St. Oconto. They have done an outstanding job in renovating the outside of their home with new siding and they also added a decorative fence on the corner of Brazeau and Pecor St. During the holidays the fence is nicely lit up and adds a lot to the corner of the lot. Sue Anderson nominated the Courchaines.

          

Courchaines

Beyoutiful Boutique

OCONTO CHAMBER CHAT

The monthly meeting for the Oconto Area chamber of Commerce was held at Brothers 3 on April 18, 2017.

Mark your calendar for “Water Fest” July 1, 2017 at the Oconto Harbor. Festivities will begin at 2:00-6:00 pm with the band Bad Habitz. At 6:30-10:00 p.m. Nashville Pipeline will perform. Fireworks will be shot off at the Harbor at 10:00 p.m. Other activities are also planned with a tentative lighted boat parade. Awards will be given out for the best decorated boat. Anyone may enter the boat parade. Vendors are encouraged to set up at the Harbor. There will be no cost for a booth. This is a joint venture between the Oconto Chamber and the City of Oconto Tourism Committee. Contact City Administrator Sara Perrizo if you wish to have a booth.  The overflow parking area will still be available for fishermen as there will be shuttles available at various spots for the general public.

Kites ‘N Kids is also scheduled for July 1^st at the J. Douglas Bake Memorial Airport from 11 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Donations of $50 or more are now being accepted at Oconto County Economic Development. There will be a kite show by the Wisconsin Kiters Club.

Order forms for the 12^th Annual “ Lights for the Vets” to honor our veterans by decorating the fence on Business 41 are now available at the Bond Community Center and various businesses. This activity is sponsored by the Oconto Hospital Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 74.  The cost is $5 for a light and  an additional $5 for an American Flag.  Lights and Flags will be displayed beginning on Sunday, May 28^th. Profits benefit Bellin Health Oconto Hospital and DAV of Oconto County.

The ATV Club is working hard to get signage put up around the City of Oconto for the routes. Due to the fact that signs are quite costly, they are asking for help to purchase more signs. If you are interested, you can join the club as an individual for $10 or a corporate membership is $30. Oconto County Economic Development is collecting donations for the signage. Mail checks to OCEDC PO Box 43 Oconto, WI 54153. Your contribution is tax deductible. The ATV Club will be providing “Welcome Signs” for businesses to welcome ATVs to their businesses.

April 23-29 is “Restaurant Week” Stop in at Angry Eddies, Brothers 3, Crivello’s, Irish Greens, Oconto Legion Golf Club, Wagner Shell or Wise Guys Riverside to vote for your favorite food establishment of the year. A plaque from the Chamber will be given to the winner to be displayed proudly.

Miss Copperfest 2017 application forms are now available at Oconto High School or Image Apparel.

The Chamber awards scholarships in the amounts of $1000, $750 and $500 to the 3 winners. This scholarship is a great opportunity for a business or organization to sponsor a candidate. The Chamber is also asking all former queens to participate in the Copperfest parade on Saturday, June 10^th at 10:00 a.m. Contact Kathy @ Image Apparel if you can attend. This is the 35^th year of Miss Copperfest.

The Chamber is hosting its 4^th Recognition Banquet at Crivello’s on May 6^th. The Volunteer of the Year is Janine Hornblad and the Business of the Year is Stephenson National Bank & Trust. Tickets for this event are $15 and can be purchased at Image Apparel.

Congratulations to the Oconto Utility Dept. as it was chosen as “Waste Water Treatment Plant of the Year” by the State of Wisconsin.

Don’t forget to register your golf cart at $25 per year if you plan to drive on City Streets. ATV riders also need to register at City Hall.

The Oconto Lions Club is collecting old and used reading glasses to be turned in at Lambeau Field on April 27^th. The glassed can be dropped off at SNBT or Gallagher Funeral Home.

Oconto Bellin Hospital is pleased to announce that it will offer robotic surgery sometime in May.

The Machickanee Players will have a golf outing on May 6^th at the Oconto Legion Golf Club. The next performance at various dates in May will be “The Odd Couple Female Version.” Tickets can be purchased on line.

DJ’s Oconto Lanes will sponsor a meat raffle this Saturday, April 22 from 1-4 pm to benefit the Oconto Area Humane Society.

Abrams Days Community Picnic will be July 29, 2017. There will be a parade, food and beverages, car show, vendors, raffles and various kids’ activities.

The Rose Award for the first quarter of 2017 went to Norm & Annette Courchaine for the outstanding job of renovating their home and Beyoutiful Boutique and owner Lisa Carey Hirst for renovating her business on Main St.

The Elks Club will sponsor a pancake Breakfast on May 21^st to benefit the Skate Park.

Mark your calendar for the annual Chamber Joint Golf Outing at the Oconto Legion Golf Club. More details will follow as to the cost and time.

The Oconto High School Oral Interpersonal Communications class is asking for help in raising money and donations to provide My Little Pantries in Oconto. These are wooden pantries with a “take what you need, leave what you can” concept for individuals in need to have access to food, water and toiletries. Contact Lauren Bastian at 7bastlau@gmail.com

The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 3^rd Annual “Run for the Trails” on June 24, 2017. Sponsorship is available as well as an opportunity for runners on a tour of Oconto Falls. There will also be the annual Memorial Day Celebration from May 26-May 29  in Oconto Falls. Email: memorialweekendcelebrationof@gmail.com or  merciers@bayland.net to enter a float in the parade or sponsorship.

The Oconto Hospital Citizen’s Foundation with support from the Oconto Lions, Elks and Kiwanis is sponsoring a Beer, Wine and Cheese Tasting event on April 22^nd from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Advance Tickets are $30 each and $35 at the door.

The City of Oconto, community members and local agencies are involved in a Community Revitalization Program. The goal is to restore the housing stock in the City of Oconto. Some of the work that can be done on existing housing is accessibility, plumbing, electrical, basement, roof, heating and more.

If you feel you meet the criteria, call 715-524-8522. On April 20^th from  2:00-6:00 p.m. there will be a forum at Oconto City Hall to give out further information.

The Oconto Chamber meets the 3^rd Tuesday of every month at local food establishments. The next meeting will be at Wayne’s Family Restaurant on May 15, 2017.

It is never too late to join the Chamber. Dues for an average business are $100, a home based business with no store front and no employees is $50, non-profits and churches are $35 and an individual membership is $25.

The Oconto Chamber is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Recognition Awards. The selection for the “Ed Zahn Volunteer of the Year” Award is Janine Hornblad. Janine has been very active in the community as President of the Woman’s Club. In this role, she has helped coordinate “Deck the Fence” and Christmas gifts to Rainbow House. She is definitely a community volunteer as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, an organizer of the Holy Trinity auction, a helper at the Blood Mobile and manna meals, a City election worker and she also serves on the Technology Committee for the City of Oconto.The selection for the Business of the Year is Stephenson National Bank & Trust, the Oconto branch.Since opening its branch in 2001, its staff volunteers in many community events and serves on the Board of Directors for the Oconto Chamber where they help to organize many events. SNBT is dedicated to volunteerism and community leadership. Members of the staff also belong and participate in many civic organizations in the City of Oconto. SNBT distributes over $100,000 to non-profits yearly.The Recognition Banquet will take place on May 6^th at Crivello’s. Chamber members and the public are encouraged to attend the banquet to honor these recipients. The cost for the  banquet meal is $15 each and tickets can be purchased at Image Apparel. The deadline to sign up is May 1^st. This recognition takes place every other year. Past recipients of the volunteer award include: Gary Zahn, Jeremy Wusterbarth and Karl Ballestad. Past recipients of the business award include: Thompson’s County Market, Matravers Hardware, and Wagner Shell.