Twenty-three New London Chamber of Commerce members met at Familiar Grounds Coffee Shop at 8 a.m. Oct. 19 for coffee and to exchange business information.
Dave Morack, fifth ward alderman, and New London High School DECA student, Zeniff Flores attended the meeting as well.
Chamber Director Laurie Shaw started the meeting by announcing that the spirited and vivacious Janet Planet will perform at the NL Chamber Banquet Nov. 10 at Crystal Falls.
A productive recording artist, performer, teacher and clinician – her concert schedule takes her to performance halls, universities, jazz festivals and clubs both locally and internationally. Planet will be speaking (and singing) about the business side of music as well as sharing her story of how she has developed and maintained her “home grown, world known” status.
Each business at the meeting then shared information about their business, including examples of cross marketing with a focus at keeping purchases local. For instance, Beth Hutchinson, owner of Familiar Grounds, recently painted the interior walls of her coffee and gift shop. She purchased all her paint and materials at New London Building Supply.
District Manager Kyle West from Super Lube on Shawano Street, explained that Super Lube purchased the London Lube from the Hoffman family this year. Super Lube has seven stores throughout Wisconsin, with a staff that is continually training to keep up with new car technology.
NLHS DECA President Zeniff Flores revealed the “Bulldog Pride” yard sign fundraising project in process right now. See the related story in this paper.
Lori Schmidt from Butch’s Piggly Wiggly announced that stores throughout the state have been celebrating Piggly Wiggly stores being in business for 100 years. Each year, the local Piggly Wiggly donates Santa bags at Santa Land, but others can join in as well. Call the Chamber office at 982-5822 before Dec. 1 to donate. You need 350 items for the amount of children that come to Santa Land at the Grand Theatre.
Fifth ward Alderman Dave Morack, chair of the NL Economic Development Committee, works with high school students in the School of Enterprise Marketing (SEM ) program each year. He reported that the City is working on the downtown riverfront property proposals and the industrial park is being expanded, adding more roads and utilities. A new billboard sign on the Highway 45 bypass – behind Crystal Falls Banquet Facility – will be going up soon. If you have any questions about happenings in the fifth ward, call Morack at 982-7774.
Matt Young has been selling cellular phones for the past ten years. He and a partner will be opening a new cellular and computer store called PC & Cell Solutions on North Water Street in the near future.
Other businesses represented at the meeting include Valley VNA Senior Services , Bank Mutual, The Print Shop, Office Outfitters, Tri County Chiropractic, WDUX Radio, Stewart Title, Custom Carpets by Gordy , The Meat Block, Radtke-Rhone Insurance Agency , County Post East, Advantage Signs, and Coldwell Banker – Real Estate.
Chamber members are encouraged to attend these beneficial Business Briefing / Networking meetings held from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month at Familiar Grounds. Bring your business cards and be prepared to share some information on your unique business.