Georgia O'Keeffe Named as One of "20 Legends Who Shook the World" (LIFE Magazine)

Image source: http://www-tc.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/files/2008/08/610_okeeffe_intro.jpg  

Georgia O'Keeffe Named as One of "20 Legends Who Shook the World"

Link to Photo and Article: http://www.life.com/gallery/66401/image/ugc1329071/20-legends-who-shook-the-world#index/7

Blogger's Note: Georgia O’Keeffe was born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin in 1887.

Kobussen Bus Company Offers New "Home Run" Regional Service (Kobussen Bus Company)

Kobussen Bus Company Offers New "Home Run" Regional Service (Press Release)

Students seeking a way to get home for the weekend, or looking for an inexpensive way to visit family or friends have a new alternative from Kobussen Bus Company.  Kobussen is offering "Home Run" trips to and from UW-Madison, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay and Appleton every Thursday, Friday and Sunday for the 2011-2012 school year.   Whether its to visit family and friends, or to attend special weekend events the Kobussen "Home Run" is a greener, affordable, and safe way to travel.

Persons interested in more information about the "Home Run" service can call 800-447-0116, or visit Kobussen Bus Company on web at http://www.kobussen.com/pages/homeRun.html or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kobussenbus.

Blogger's Note: This is a great idea, and it is a huge transportation asset for students and parents here in Wisconsin.

Racer X Report: Sun Prairie Cross Redux (Bike Federation of Wisconsin)

Sun Prairie Cup, Sheehan Park, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin - Oct. 23rd

Used with permission; Photo (c) 2011 by Clint Thayer / Focal Flame Photography. All rights reserved.

Below is a bit delayed coverage of last week’s race in Sun Prairie by Mike Heenan, who races for and works at Crank Daddy’s Bicycle Works.  The great photos (both above and in the linked Bike Federation of Wisconsin blog post) are generously provided by award-winning photographer Clint Thayer of Focal Flame Photography.

Link to Mike Heenan's blog post about the Sun Prairie Cup Cyclocross Race on Oct. 23rd: http://www.bfw.org/2011/10/28/racer-x-report-sun-prairie-cross-redux/ 

Link to Clint Thayer's photo gallery of the Sun Prairie Cup:

http://www.focalflamestore.com/CycloCross/2011-Sun-Prairie-Cup

Link to Focal Flame's photo galleries of the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross Planet Bike Cup in Sun Prairie:

Saturday's Races: http://www.focalflamestore.com/CycloCross/2011-USGP-PBC-Saturday

Sunday's Races: http://www.focalflamestore.com/CycloCross/2011-USGP-PBC-Sunday

Click here for more information on Focal Flame Photography.

Blogger's Note: Thanks to Mike Heenan for a great write up on the race, and thanks to Robin and Clint at Focal Flame for allowing use of the photos.   They do a great job covering these events in Sun Prairie and all over Madison.  Hopefully, we have more of these events coming to Sun Prairie in the future!

151 Main Street Project Update Week of October 31st, 2011 (City of Sun Prairie Engineering Department)

Here is the schedule for the week of Oct. 31st on the 151-Main Street Interchange project: 

• Traffic switch to occur on Monday, traffic to travel on outside lanes along Main Street (Originally scheduled for Oct. 26th)
• Concrete placed in TWLTL (two way left turn lane).
• Median work will continue. 
• Landscaping and restoration will continue.
• Next Thursday Nov. 3rd at 9:00 a.m. will be the last business meeting held for this project.

Truck Traffic Advisory: 

It is currently very difficult for large trucks to make a left turn onto Main Street from the SB 151 ramp. These trucks may want to either 1) turn right and go around the Round-a-bout to go east bound on Main Street, or 2) they could go up to the 151-CTH C - Reiner Rd interchange and turn around to head NB on 151and exit on to Main Street. This right turn is much easier for large trucks.

Note that there are no turns onto Main Street from O'Keeffe Ave.

Persons travelling this route are advised that construction is likely to be occurring on Saturdays for the next several weeks.  People are also strongly encouraged to continue to slow down and watch for construction workers and equipment at all times in the construction zone.  In addition, vehicles traveling westbound on W. Main Street. and wanting to access businesses along O'Keeffe Avenue must turn at the Clarmar Drive intersection.  Access to O'Keeffe Avenue for westbound vehicles does not exist west of Clarmar Drive.
 

Key Contact Information

City of Sun Prairie Project Office: (608) 215-1167

WisDOT Project Office: (608) 834-1207

Contractor Office (R.G. Huston): (608) 255-9223

Project Office Address: 1632 W. Main St. (Access from Hart Rd.)

E-mail: mainstreet@cityofsunprairie.com

Halloween Business Spooktacular - Friday October 28th - 1:00 - 5:00 PM (Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce)

Halloween Business Spooktacular - Friday October 28th - 1:00 - 5:00 PM

The 2011 Halloween Business Spooktacular will be held Friday, October 28th. This year will feature exciting changes! Kobussen Buses is providing a shuttle to maximize visits. A donation to the Sunshine Place will grant access to the shuttles. Bring the donation to one of the stops below to receive access.

 
Route 1: Two buses rotating every 15 minutes, approximately 35 minutes round trip -

Market Square (Main Street and Market Street)
Sun Prairie Public Library
Walmart Parking Lot
Northeast YMCA
Westside Community Center
Copp's (Westside) Parking Lot
Conrad's Sentry Parking Lot
Market Square

Route 2: Two buses running every 10 minutes, approximately 25 minutes round trip -

Columbus Street and Main Street
Dorn True Value Parking Lot
Liberty Square
Bank of Sun Prairie on Bristol Street
Columbus Street and Main Street

For a list of participating businesses, and more information, click here to visit the Chamber Website: http://www.sunprairiechamber.com/Halloween-Spooktacular.84.0.html#c67

Punch Card is available by clicking here.

State Educators Meet at Sun Prairie High School to Discuss Classroom Technology (Sun Prairie Star)

State Educators Meet at Sun Prairie High School to Discuss Classroom Technology

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=8733&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&S=1

Click here for more information on the 2011 Flipped Conference.

Click here for more information on the Wisconsin Technology Initiative.

VIDEO: http://www.sunprairiestaronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=82&SubSectionID=311

Photo of the Day: West Prairie Dental Breaks Ground (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Photo (From left to right): Steve Klessig from Keller Builders, Mayor John Murray, Dr. Mark Olsen, Dr. Tanner McKenna, and Bob Poch from Keller Builders.

Blogger's Note: This will be a great addition to the health care related service and cluster locating near STH 19 and Grand Ave. (CTH C).

City Hosts 3rd Annual Real Estate & Development Tour (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Photo (from left to right): Mary Gage from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Fred Campbell from the Cascade Group, Karen Trieloff from ReMax Preferred and Commercial Brokers Group Madison and area developer Don Tierney visit at the conclusion of the 3rd Annual City of Sun Prairie Real Estate and Development Tour.

Special thanks to:

Buck and Honey's for their sponsorship and hospitality, and for Tom Anderson taking time out of his day to tell our group more about Buck & Honey's success here in Sun Prairie.  Not to mention the food was excellent!

The Bank of Sun Prairie and Deb Krebs for their sponsorship of the hospitality at the end of the tour.

 

Kobussen Bus Company and our driver, Teddy for outstanding service and professionalism--as ususal.

Our attendees...including David Baehr (Prudential Realty), Karen Trielofff  (ReMax Preferred), Matt Paske (CB Richard Ellis), Mary Gage (Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.), Rick Wicklund (Sun Prairie Utilities), Peter Cherchian, (Datastore/Coakley Brothers),  Doug Buck (Foley & Lardner), Dennis Steinkraus (Forward Development Group), Leo Schneider, Fred Campbell (Cascade Group), Tom Cox (Charter Communications), Neil Mathweg (Century 21 Affiliated), Annette Gelbach and Aimee Baumann (Key Commercial Real Estate), Chris Laurent (Front Range Development), Pete Slezak (Cassidy Turley), and Kathy Kamp (Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development).

Photo of the Day: Dedication of the New Sheehan Park Softball Building Donated and Built by Trachte Building Systems (Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Blogger's Note: The above photo is the design and build team from Trachte Building Systems in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin that donated, assembled and helped cut the ribbon this morning for a needed improvement at Sheehan Park.  Trachte was originally approached by the City to provide some assistance with the door design for a structure to replace the old storage shed used for softball at Sheehan Park.  Trachte's engineers worked with the City Park, Recreation and Forestry Department and our Building Inspection department to design and build a new multi-purpose building with secure storage, concessions area, and new restrooms--all of which meet current ADA accessibility requirements. Trachte now has a working model of a new application for their steel buildings for a whole new list of possible customers for park facilities, school facilities and others.

Special thanks to Trachte Building Systems, and all the sub-contractors who worked on this project!  This was a great partnership with a local company that allowed them to contribute to their community while doing some R&D on a new product line and hopefully grow their business.

UPDATE: Click here for additional coverage from the Sun Prairie Star: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=8810

Last Sun Prairie Farmers' Market of the Season Sat. Oct. 29th (TheDailyPage.com)

Madison eats agenda: Science of wine, Doc du Jour, trick-or-treat

The Sun Prairie Farmers' Market, in its 25th year of operation, concludes for the 2011 growing season in the Sun Prairie municipal building parking lot. 300 Main St., 7 a.m.-noon. Call 837-5213 for more info.

Link to Full Article: http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=35018 

Blogger's Note: Always nice to get a little recognition from the Isthmus.

Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Hosts Community Expo on November 3rd (Sun Prairie Star)

Chamber of Commerce Hosts Community Expo on November 3rd

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8719

Blogger's Note: A great way to get to know businesses here in Sun Prairie...

151 Main Street Interchange Project Update - Week of Oct. 24th (City of Sun Prairie Engineering Department)

Here is the schedule for the week of Oct. 24th on the 151-Main Street Interchange project:

• Place sidewalks and concrete gaps on Monday and Tuesday.
• Switch Main Street traffic to the outside lanes on Wednesday, beginning of the final phase.
• Pour the TWLTL and medians on Thursday and Friday.
• Possible striping on Thursday and Friday.

Truck Traffic Advisory: 

It is currently very difficult for large trucks to make a left turn onto Main Street from the SB 151 ramp. These trucks may want to either 1) turn right and go around the Round-a-bout to go east bound on Main Street, or 2) they could go up to the 151-CTH C - Reiner Rd interchange and turn around to head NB on 151and exit on to Main Street. This right turn is much easier for large trucks.

Note that there are no turns onto Main Street from O'Keeffe Ave.

Persons travelling this route are advised that construction is likely to be occurring on Saturdays for the next several weeks.  People are also strongly encouraged to continue to slow down and watch for construction workers and equipment at all times in the construction zone.  In addition, vehicles traveling westbound on W. Main Street. and wanting to access businesses along O'Keeffe Avenue must turn at the Clarmar Drive intersection.  Access to O'Keeffe Avenue for westbound vehicles does not exist west of Clarmar Drive.    

The next business meeting is scheduled for Nov. 3rd at 9:00 a.m.

Key Contact Information

City of Sun Prairie Project Office: (608) 215-1167

WisDOT Project Office: (608) 834-1207

Contractor Office (R.G. Huston): (608) 255-9223

Project Office Address: 1632 W. Main St. (Access from Hart Rd.)

E-mail: mainstreet@cityofsunprairie.com

Market Street Diner Partners With Home Health United for Local Meals on Wheels (Sun Prairie Star)

Market Street Diner Partners With Home Health United for Local Meals on Wheels

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8681&TM=79712.91

Blogger's Note: This will be good for Market Street Diner, Home Health United, and program participants.  Looking forward to seeing this partnership be successful!

The Sun Prairie Business Improvement District Invites You Downtown Sun Prairie for the Fall Festival Sat. Oct. 22nd (Sun Prairie Business Improvement District)

Saturday Oct. 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is the annual Fall Festival and it's going to be a fun-filled day in Downtown Sun Prairie. This is a family event with something for everyone to participate in. Look at all the fun Downtown has planned for you:

• Pumpkin Crafts and Games at the Cross House (ends at 2:00 pm)
• Make a Dog Toy at CH Pet Gifts
• Make a Halloween Card or Bookmark and get a treat at the Historical Library and Museum
• Try Your Luck at the Fish Pond game at Forever Your's Jewelry
• Guess The Number of buttons in a bowl and win a prize at J.J. Stitches
• It's Bloody Mary Time at Eddie's Alehouse. $3.75 for a Bloody Mary and free chips and salsa.
• Chili Cookoff. Sample chili and help name a champ at Cannery Wine and Spirits.
• Create a Halloween Necklace or color a spooky stand-up monster at Beans n' Cream
• Win a Prize at the Pumpkin Toss Game at Snap! Fitness
• Sample Carl's Cakes all day inside the Market Street Diner
• Free Cookie and Food Specials at Glass Nickel Pizza
• $1 Bud Light Tabs, $1 Blackberry Shots at Skis Saloon
• Guess the Amount of Candy Corn in a jar and win a gift certificate. Bloody Mary Buffet for the adults and Hot Chocolate for the kids at Cannery Grill.
• Purchase any Pizza and have your kids top your pizza at Day One Pizza
• Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin and win a prize at Prairie Flowers and Gifts
• It's a Zoo! Stop in for your balloon animal at Fusion Dance Academy
• Free Horse Drawn Wagon Rides around Downtown
• Special Fall treats made by the Dane County Ponies & Paws 4-H Club at the Cannery Square Plaza
• Delicious pulled pork, Irish stew and other freshly cooked goodies from the Market Street Diner at the Cannery Square Plaza
• Decorate a delicious cupcake for a sweet treat and support the Bristol Blazers 4-H Club at the Cannery Square Plaza
• Order Special Avon Holiday Gift Baskets at the Cannery Square Plaza
• 5th Annual Downtown Sun Prairie Pie Baking Contest at the Market Street Diner
• Frontier Communications will have a computer set up to send e-mails to loved ones overseas
• Be sure to take a look at all the scarecrows along Main Street as you walk the street!

Blogger's Note: Imagine my disappointment when I learned the Pie Baking Contest was a tasting event, and not a pie eating contest. 

Buck and Honey's Restaurant to Celebrate One-Year Anniversary (Buck & Honey's)

Blogger's Note: Congratulations to Buck & Honey's for being open for a whole year already! Sounds like a great reason to celebrate.  (Like we needed another reason to go to Buck & Honey's.)

Dane County Releases Report on Path to Regional Local Foods Hub (WisBusiness.com)

Dane County Releases Report on Path to Regional Local Foods Hub

Link to Full Press Release: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=249885 

Blogger's Note: This project could benefit the entire Madison region, and could be a great way to add value to the agricultural and food economy.  Maybe a good reuse of the Wisconsin Cheeseman building?

At Chamber Luncheon: MATC Offers Plenty of Job Training Options (Sun Prairie Star)

At Chamber Luncheon: MATC Offers Plenty of Job Training Options

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=8705

Blogger's Note: This past week, the Chamber also facilitated a meeting for local employers who have expressed some concerns over finding willing and skilled workers for technical and other positions.  Participating companies were able to learn more about the resources at the Sun Prairie High School, ranging from career counseling to apprenticeship placement.  There was some great discussion, and hopefully will be the first of several more conversations on how to ensure that students know about the employment opportunities right here in our community.

City of Sun Prairie Represented on Government 2.0 Panel at October Social Media Breakfast (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Panelists Kathy Marks (left), Scott Resnick (2nd from left), Jennifer Smith (Center), Neil Stechschulte (2nd from right) and Andrew Nussbaum (right) chat before their panel discussion this morning on using social media in government (Photo by Bob Wydra)

Social Media Breakfast Madison welcomed a 5 panelist program on "Government 2.0 : Social Media Best Practices for Local, County and State Agency Stakeholders" today at the Goodman Community Center. Today's panel came from a variety of public sector backgrounds including economic development, tourism, broadband initiatives, multi-county programs and city-government communications spoke about best social media practices and successes in their programs. Panelists included Neil Stechschulte (City of Sun Prairie Economic Development Director), Andrew Nussbaum (President, Columbia County Tourism Bureau), Scott Resnick (City of Madison District 8 City Council Member), Kathy Marks (Managing Principal TMA + Peritus), and Jennifer Smith (Communications and Web Manager, Office of Broadband Sustainability - UW Extension).

Click here for more information on Social Media Breakfast Madison.

Blogger's Note:  Thanks to Social Media Breakfast Madison for inviting me to speak as part of their panel today. 

Trucking Industry Bucks Unemployment Blues (Channel3000.com)

Trucking Industry Bucks Unemployment Blues

Link to Full Article: http://www.channel3000.com/money/29522904/detail.html

Blogger's Note: East bound and down...loaded up and trucking.

Continental Mapping Gets U.S. Air Force Contract (Sun Prairie Star)

Continental Mapping Gets U.S. Air Force Contract

Link to Full Contract: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=8672

Blogger's Note: Another great business story for Wisconsin's growing economic relationship with the armed forces.

3rd Annual Sun Prairie Real Estate & Development Tour Scheduled for Oct. 26th (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

The 3rd Annual Sun Prairie Real Estate & Development Tour is scheduled for Wednesday Oct. 26^th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.   

Area Realtors and developers are strongly encouraged to bring along any prospects or clients they think might be interested in opportunities in Sun Prairie. 

A coach bus will leave from City Hall at 2:00 p.m. and begin a two-hour driving tour of available commercial and industrial buildings and sites throughout Sun Prairie, with a couple of stops at some key properties for brief presentations by their owner or developer.  At 4:00 p.m. we will adjourn to Buck & Honeys for some closing remarks from the City about upcoming projects and some hospitality.  The bus will return the group back to City Hall by 5:30 p.m.

There is no charge for the event for anyone who RSVP’s before Oct. 21^st. Seating is limited, and we are anticipating a full bus, so RSVP right away to Neil Stechschulte at (608) 825-0894 or nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com.

151 Main Street Project Update - Week of Oct. 17th (City of Sun Prairie Engineering Department)

151 Main Street Project Update - Week of Oct. 17th

City Project:

·         Construct sidewalks, curb & gutter and concrete pavement.

·         Pave driveways and O'Keeffe Ave.

·         Place topsoil and restoration in various locations.

DOT Project:

·         Construct sidewalks, curb & gutter and concrete pavement.

·         Pave asphalt shoulders on ramps.

·         Pavement markings on ramps.

·         Place topsoil and restoration behind curb & gutter.

All traffic control on Main Street will remain the same on both projects, traffic switch is scheduled for week of October 24th.

Truck Traffic Advisory: 

It is currently very difficult for large trucks to make a left turn onto Main Street from the SB 151 ramp. These trucks may want to either 1) turn right and go around the Round-a-bout to go east bound on Main Street, or 2) they could go up to the 151-CTH C - Reiner Rd interchange and turn around to head NB on 151and exit on to Main Street. This right turn is much easier for large trucks.

Note that there are no turns onto Main Street from O'Keeffe Ave.

Persons travelling this route are advised that construction is likely to be occurring on Saturdays for the next several weeks.  People are also strongly encouraged to continue to slow down and watch for construction workers and equipment at all times in the construction zone.  In addition, vehicles traveling westbound on W. Main Street. and wanting to access businesses along O'Keeffe Avenue must turn at the Clarmar Drive intersection.  Access to O'Keeffe Avenue for westbound vehicles does not exist west of Clarmar Drive.    

The next business meeting is scheduled for October 20th at 9:00 a.m.

Key Contact Information

City of Sun Prairie Project Office: (608) 215-1167

WisDOT Project Office: (608) 834-1207

Contractor Office (R.G. Huston): (608) 255-9223

Project Office Address: 1632 W. Main St. (Access from Hart Rd.)

E-mail: mainstreet@cityofsunprairie.com

West Prairie Dental to Break Ground on New Office on Friday, October 21st (Sun Prairie Star)

Dr. Tyler McKenna DDS and Dr. Mark Olsen of West Prairie Dental

West Prairie Dental to Break Ground on New Office on Friday, October 21st

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=8660

Blogger's Note: Breaking ground yet this fall shows these guys are serious! This will be a great addition to Sun Prairie's Westside Neighborhood.

Sun Prairie's Retail Market Continues Expansion

Costco Files Prairie Lakes Application (Sun Prairie Star) 

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=52&articleID=8657

Commission OK's Concept for New Sun Prairie Wal-Mart (Sun Prairie Star)

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=52&articleID=8649

Blogger's Note: 2012 is going to be a busy year for retail construction in Sun Prairie.  Add Woodman's to the mix, and we're looking at more than 500,000 s.f. coming on line next year.

Solutia Buying Southwall Technologies for $113 Million (Plastics News)

Solutia Buying Southwall Technologies for $113 Million 

Link to Full Article: http://www.plasticsnews.com/headlines2.html?id=23337&channel=332

Click here for more information on Solutia.

Click here for more information on Southwall Technologies.

Click here for more information on Crown Operations International.

Blogger's Note: Southwall Technologies acquired Crown Operations International in the Sun Prairie Business Park in September of 2010.

Executive Q&A: Brothers Patrick and Erin Ryan Run Growing Network of First Responders (Madison.com)

Executive Q&A: Brothers Patrick and Erin Ryan Run Growing Network of First Responders

Link to Full Story: http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_4a181944-f135-11e0-889e-001cc4c002e0.html

Click here for more information on Ryan Brothers Ambulance Service.

Blogger's Note: Ryan Brothers Ambulance Service being in Sun Prairie is just one of the early economic impacts of having the St. Mary's Emergency Center here. 

Chamber Accepting Nominations for Community Business Leader Award Until October 18th (Sun Prairie Star)

Chamber Accepting Nominations for Community Business Leader Award Until October 18th

Link to Full Story: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=8612 

Blogger's Note: Always a great story with this community award.  Looking forward to learning the winner on November 17th.

151 Main Street Project Update Week of October 10th, 2011 (City of Sun Prairie Engineering Department)

The following activities are scheduled for the week of Oct. 10th:  

    

City Project:

• Construction of remaining sidewalks and place curb & gutter.
• Switch traffic on O'Keeffe Ave to east side to complete west side construction.
• Place topsoil and restoration in various locations.
• ATC will be placing new steel utility pole on O'Keeffe Ave near Stark Motors.

DOT Project:

• Construction of remaining sidewalks and place curb & gutter.
• Switch traffic on the 151 northbound off ramp and the 151 Southbound on ramp to complete other half of ramps.
• Place topsoil and restoration behind curb & gutter.

All traffic control on Main Street will remain the same on both projects.

Truck Traffic Advisory: 

It is currently very difficult for large trucks to make a left turn onto Main Street from the SB 151 ramp. These trucks may want to either 1) turn right and go around the Round-a-bout to go east bound on Main Street, or 2) they could go up to the 151-CTH C - Reiner Rd interchange and turn around to head NB on 151and exit on to Main Street. This right turn is much easier for large trucks.

Note that there are no turns onto Main Street from O'Keeffe Ave.

Persons travelling this route are advised that construction is likely to be occurring on Saturdays for the next several weeks.  People are also strongly encouraged to continue to slow down and watch for construction workers and equipment at all times in the construction zone.   

In addition, vehicles traveling westbound on W. Main Street. and wanting to access businesses along O'Keeffe Avenue must turn at the Clarmar Drive intersection.  Access to O'Keeffe Avenue for westbound vehicles does not exist west of Clarmar Drive.    

The next business meeting is scheduled for October 20th at 9:00 a.m.

Key Contact Information

City of Sun Prairie Project Office: (608) 215-1167

WisDOT Project Office: (608) 834-1207

Contractor Office (R.G. Huston): (608) 255-9223

Project Office Address: 1632 W. Main St. (Access from Hart Rd.)

E-mail: mainstreet@cityofsunprairie.com

Project 365 Stats for 75% Year Complete (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

The following statistics are taken from the Google Analytics report for traffic on Project 365 from Jan. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30th, 2011:

Visits and Views:

10,803 Visits (from 89 countries, and 1,517 cities)
17,581 Pageviews
  6,866 Absolute Unique Visitors

Top 10 Cities by Visits:

Madison (31.4%)
Sun Prairie (23.3%)
Chicago (2.7%)
Milwaukee (2.0%)
New York (1.6%)
St. Louis (1.0%)
Rochester (>1%)
Cottage Grove (>1%)
Eden Prairie (>1%)
Minneapolis (>1%)

Top 10 States by Visits:

Wisconsin (71.0%)
Illinois (5.2%)
New York (3.3%)
Minnesota (2.5%)
Missouri (2.1%)
California (2.1%)
Texas (1.4%)
Michigan (1.1%)
Ohio (>1%)
Pennsylvania (>1%)


Breakout of Traffic by Sources:

Search Engines: 45.9%
Referring Sites: 27.2%
Direct Traffic: 20.8%
Other: 6.1%

Top Content Hits:

Main Page
Wisconsin Cheeseman Auction
Nov. 2009 Archive
Project 365 Begins Now
Jan. 2011 Archive
Sun Prairie Blues Fest Announces Lineup
Marcus Theatres Update
Woodman's Project Goes to Planning Commission
Thermo Fisher Scientific Acquires TREK Diagnostic
Baba's Supper Club Announces Comedy Club

Average Time on the Site:

1 minute, 23 seconds

Blogger's Note: Thanks to everybody for the continued support and visits to Sun Prairie's Project 365!

WPPI Energy Facility Scores Perfect EPA Efficiency Rating, Earns ENERGY STAR Certification (WPPI Energy Press Release)

WPPI Energy Facility Scores Perfect EPA Efficiency Rating, Earns ENERGY STAR Certification

The WPPI Energy office and operations facility received a perfect efficiency rating, with a 100 percent score on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) energy performance scale, making it one of the most energy-efficient buildings nationwide.

Link to Full Press Release: http://wppienergy.org/newsarchive?ID=229 

Chamber Lunch Discusses Local Workforce Issues Oct. 13th (Sun Prairie Star)

Chamber Lunch Discusses Local Workforce Issues Oct. 13th

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8600&TM=77027.57

Blogger's Note: This is a key issue for employers for our whole region and even our whole State...not just Sun Prairie.  If we want to be a place for high-tech manufacturing, making sure we have a capable, knowledgeable, and experienced workforce--one that's not afraid to get their hands dirty.  This is key to both our short term and long term economic health and success.

Thermal Spray Technologies President William Lenling Named to ASM International Board of Trustees (PRWeb.com)

Thermal Spray Technologies President William Lenling Named to ASM International Board of Trustees (Excerpts) 

ASM International, The Materials Information Society, has announced its officer nominees to serve one-year terms.

Trustee William J. Lenling, of Sun Prairie, Wisc. Lenling is a materials engineer and President of Thermal Spray Technologies, Inc., which engineers and manufactures industrial coatings using thermal spray processes. He co-founded the company in 1992 and has grown it into a firm with $20 million in sales and 70 employees. He has been an active ASM member and the Thermal Spray Society. Lenling has served on the TSS Board of Directors and several committees. He now chairs the ASM Certification Committee and is on the Education Professional Subcommittee.

ASM, a nonprofit professional association, boasts more than 36,000 members worldwide from many scientific and engineering disciplines. Its members work in industry, government, academia and other settings to understand the properties of, and discover new uses for, materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers and nanoparticles. The field’s experts and their innovations undergird advances in everything from spacecraft, smart phones and medical technology to corrosion-resistant screws and long-lasting tires.

ASM International serves materials professionals, nontechnical personnel, and managers worldwide by providing high-quality materials information, education and training, networking opportunities, and professional-development resources in cost-effective and user-friendly formats. ASM is where materials users, producers, and manufacturers converge to do business. 

Click here to read the full press release on PRWeb.com.

Click here to read ASM International's profile on William Lenling.

Blogger's Note: Congratulations Bill!

Stechschulte to Participate in Government 2.0 Panel at Oct. 19th Social Media Breakfast (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Stechschulte to Participate in Government 2.0 Panel at Oct. 19th Social Media Breakfast 

City of Sun Prairie Economic Development Director Neil Stechschulte will be participating in a panel on use of social media in the public sector on the October 19th.  The event will be held at the Goodman Community Center at 149 Waubesa Street in Madison at 7:30 a.m.    Other panelists include Kathy Marks from TMA Peritus, Jennifer Smith from the Wisconsin Broadband Initiative, Andrew Nussbaum from the Tourism Bureau of Columbia and Juneau Counties, and Councilman Scott Resnick from the City of Madison. Panelists will discuss how they are using social media in the governmental spaces they work in, as well as the challenges they face attempting to use social media.

For registration information, watch the Social Media Breakfast Madison Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SocialMediaBreakfastMadison, or contact Wendy Soucie at wsoucie@wendysoucie.com or 608-225-1985 with any questions.

Successful Internet Marketing for Your Small Business (Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation)

Successful Internet Marketing for Your Small Business

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Sun Prairie Public Library (Community Room)

Registration is Required.

Registration Fee: None (Free)

Just having a website isn’t enough.  Learn the keys to building a successful web marketing strategy. This lunchtime seminar will show you the four steps needed to create and update your site to be more effective. We’ll discuss the primary ways that businesses generate qualified website visits focusing on search engine marketing. Also, we will review ways to improve your website to convert more of your web visits into leads and sales. It will discuss domain names, pre-design work, design elements, and Internet marketing secrets to better ranking on search engines.Whether you already have an online strategy, or if you are just getting started, you will leave with actionable information to grow your business.

To register, call WWBIC at (608) 257-5450 or register online at https://wwbic.com/successful-internet-marketing-small-business-madison

Chamber Luncheon Outlines Legislative Agenda for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (Sun Prairie Star)

Luncheon Outlines Legislative Agenda 

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8550&TM=79368.26

Blogger's Note: Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce has always worked closely with the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, and we appreciate them coming to town each and every year to give local businesses a glimpse of what may be on the horizon that they should keep their eye on.

151 Main Street Project Update Week of October 3rd, 2011 (City of Sun Prairie Engineering Department)

The following activities are scheduled for the week of Oct. 3rd:

Concrete work on both DOT and City projects which include hanging curb & gutter, paving concrete gaps, and median work.

Asphalt paving on ramps and O'Keeffe Ave. is planned for later in the week, which may result in switching traffic onto the east side of O'Keeffe Ave. This would allow for work on the west side of O'Keeffe such as storm sewer, water main, curb and gutter, etc.

Main Street traffic should remain the same all week.  

Note that there are no turns onto Main Street from O'Keeffe Ave. 

Truck Traffic Advisory:

It is currently very difficult for large trucks to make a left turn onto Main Street from the SB 151 ramp. These trucks may want to either 1) turn right and go around the Round-a-bout to go east bound on Main Street, or 2) they could go up to the 151-CTH C - Reiner Rd interchange and turn around to head NB on 151and exit on to Main Street. This right turn is much easier for large trucks.

Persons travelling this route are advised that construction is likely to be occurring on Saturdays for the next several weeks. People are also strongly encouraged to continue to slow down and watch for construction workers and equipment at all times in the construction zone. In addition, vehicles traveling westbound on W. Main Street. and wanting to access businesses along O'Keeffe Avenue must turn at the Clarmar Drive intersection. Access to O'Keeffe Avenue for westbound vehicles does not exist west of Clarmar Drive.

The next business meeting is scheduled for October 6th at 9:00 a.m.  

Key Contact Information

City of Sun Prairie Project Office: (608) 215-1167
WisDOT Project Office: (608) 834-1207
Contractor Office (R.G. Huston): (608) 255-9223
Project Office Address: 1632 W. Main St. (Access from Hart Rd.)
E-mail: mainstreet@cityofsunprairie.com