Chamber News for September 2011 (Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce)

September Member Luncheon - September 22nd

Featured topic: Legislative Update

Presented by Jason Culotta, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce

Includes:

• Tort Reform: review of 2011 Wisconsin Act 2 and subsequent proposals
• Regulatory Reform: discuss new process for administrative rules under Act 21/other changes
• Tax Reform: changes from state budget and additional measures needed to improve our business climate
• Reforming the Dept. of Revenue: WMC’s proposal on auditing process

Place: Prairie Lanes, 430 Clarmar Drive
Date: Thursday, September 22nd, 2011
RSVP: Tuesday, September 20th
Time: 12:00 noon
Menu: Buffet of: pizza, salad/dressing, breadsticks/sauces & beverages
Cost: $8.50 per person

September Member Mixer - September 27th

The September Mixer will be hosted by Hallman Lindsay Quality Paints.
• Date: Tuesday, Sept 27th
• Location: 1717 N. Bristol Street
• Time: 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Appetizers and beverages are served. This is a great opportunity to meet other chamber members.

Reservations are appreciated so adequate refreshments are available.

RSVP to the Chamber office at 837-4547 by Friday, September 23rd.

Community Expo - November 3rd

Join us for our third annual Community Expo! November 3rd, 3-7 pm at Wisconsin Distributors. The event will feature booth space for Chamber Members and opportunities to network with other Chamber Members and promote your product or service to the general public.

Leadership Sun Prairie Announces 2011-2012 Class 15

Angie Bohling, Bank of Sun Prairie
Angie Franke, Buck & Honey’s
Renee Gabel, Beans ‘n Cream
Kevin Henry, Eustice, Laffey, Sebranek & Auby, S.C.
Jean Hull, Access Community Health Centers
Aimee Joutras, Celerity Staffing Solutions
Jason Lefeber, City of Sun Prairie Police
Clark Luessman, Sun Prairie Area School
District—Patrick Marsh Middle School
Sarah Menihan, UW Credit Union
Rose Schulze, Sun Prairie Utilities
Ashley Simon, Anytime Fitness
Shawnn Teske, Frontier Communications
Steven Vera, Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Community Business Leader Award Nominations Sought

The Chamber is accepting nominations through October 15th.

Nominees must:
• be employed by a business (not a government employee)
• be active in the community (not solely a financial contributor)
• person or business must be a Chamber member

A $200 donation will be made to the winner’s chosen non-profit organization in their name. A plaque bearing the winner’s name will be displayed at the Chamber of Commerce.

The award will be presented at the annual Business Appreciation Luncheon in November. Nomination forms are available at the Chamber Office and website.

Blogger's Note: For more information on these programs and other resources at the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, call 608-837-4547, email spchamber@frontier.com, or visit the website at http://www.sunprairiechamber.com.

WalMart/City of Sun Prairie Jointly Announce Plans for New Store (NBC15.com, Sun Prairie Star)

UPDATED FROM THE STAR: Walmart Announces New Sun Prairie Store
(With renderings and site plan)

http://www.sunprairiestaronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8307

WalMart/City of Sun Prairie Jointly Announce Plans for New Store

Link to Full Article on NBC15.com: http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/WalmartCity_of_Sun_Prairie_Jointly_Announce_Plans_For_New_Walmart_128709328.html

September 7 Meeting to Discuss WalMart Site Plan

Link to Full Article from the Sun Prairie Star: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8267

Blogger's Note: This is a great redevelopment infill project for W. Main Street, and it eliminates an existing dark store. Other benefits from this project are likely to include re-aligning McCoy Rd. with Sunfield Dr, coordinated stormwater management, and the construction of a new building with updated architecture. Not to mention that Main Street construction will be completed too. This has been a long time coming, and it looks like it could be a great project.

Company Spotlight: SHOES.com (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Did you know that all orders made at SHOES.com are processed and shipped from the Famous Footwear Distribution Center in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin?

In addition to serving as the primary distribution center for SHOES.com, this distribution center supplies Famous Footwear stores throughout the upper midwest, and also handles all returns for all of Famous Footwear.

Blogger's Note: Pretty amazing that we have this online retail giant quietly operating out in the Sun Prairie Business Park. Nice to see the investment in this location since the Famous Footwear offices in Madison closed. Sure seems like they are planning on being here for a long time to come.

Sun Prairie Alderman Mike Kostelnik in Thursday Night Football Commercial for Packers-Saints Opener (YouTube.com)

Watch for the guy in this commercial working the grill who yells "Back to Football!" That's our own Sun Prairie Alderman Mike Kostelnik!



Link to Full Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTgjTASDgbM&feature=player_embedded

Blogger's Note: What's the tie to economic development? Packer football is one of the more consistent economic drivers we have in Wisconsin, and its always nice to see our elected officials supporting the green and gold. Of course it means even more for Alderman Kostelnik, since Packer football is a family affair. Mike's dad was Packer Hall of Famer Ron Kostelnik. Read more about Ron Kostelnik's Packer career by clicking here.

If You Were to Make a Monopoly Board For Sun Prairie, What Would You Put On It? (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

I was actually saving this for a strategic planning exercise with the City Council, but I don't think we're going to have time to work on it this fall. So I'll throw it out to you folks. Imagine the folks at Hasbro decided to do a Sun Prairie based version of their game "Monopoly." You have been hired by the company as a consultant to help create the board by researching and answering the following questions...

1) What developments, buildings, subdivisions, neighborhoods, or stores should go with which colors and why? What balance of commercial, residential, industrial, mixed use, etc. would you recommend for the board?

2) What would you put on the board in place of the railroads? (We'll just skip the utilities, since Sun Prairie Utilities already runs the Water Works and Electric Company for us.)

3) Instead of "Community Chest" and "Chance" cards, what would you call the cards in this game?

4) Instead of "Jail" and "Free Parking," what would put on these squares?

5) Instead of "Luxury Tax" and "Income Tax" what would you place on these spaces?

6) What game pieces would you use that would be good representatives of Sun Prairie?

7) Would you change the pricing of the game to better represent a Sun Prairie version of the game? If so, how?

8) Is there anything specific about Sun Prairie's development community that you couldn't fit on the game board, or just weren't sure what to do with?

9) If you did a board for Sun Prairie in 2003, 2011, and 2020...would they look differently? If yes, explain how?

10) If you were to add a new wrinkle to the game to make it more reflective of Sun Prairie, what would you add or change to the traditional Monopoly rules?

Some things to keep in mind....

1) Remember there is an inherent value associated with each color block that increases as you go around the board, so choose and place your properties accordingly.

2) Remember that your replacement for Chance and Community Chest should present opportunities and rewards, as well as risks and penalties.

3) Remember that certain properties will have an existing value in Sun Prairie's existing real estate market, and a potential future value depending on the types of development that may occur there, and when it might occur--much like building houses and hotels on the less expensive properties potentially bringing a faster pay off, but not as much as other properties that are more expensive. Make sure to explain if you place something on the board for its current value or its projected value.

Send me your ideas, and I'll post the best ones back on this blog.

Blogger's Note: All names, characters, images, trademarks and logos associated with the board game "Monopoly" are protected by trademark rights, copyrights and other rights owned by Hasbro or its subsidiaries or by Hasbro's licensors, licensees, suppliers and accounts. The use of such names, characters, images, trademarks and logos associated with the board game "Monopoly" here in this blog are solely meant for the purposes of facilitating a public discussion of economic development in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and is not meant to be used for any commercial purpose.

QBE Dropping General Casualty Name (Business Journal Serving Greater Milwaukee)

QBE Dropping General Casualty Name

Link to Full Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2011/08/18/qbe-dropping-general-casualty-name.html

Blogger's Note: While this signifies the end of an era for our local economy, we look forward to continued investment by QBE into their Sun Prairie facilities.

151 Main Street Project Update Week of August 29, 2011 (City of Sun Prairie Engineering Department)

The following activities are scheduled for the week of August 29th:

Traffic has been moved to the North side of Main Street. This traffic pattern should remain the same until mid-September.

Removal of old pavement on the south side of Main Street began on Thursday Aug. 25th, and will continue the first part of next week.

Water main installation will begin on the eastern portion of the project on Monday.

Storm sewer installation will begin on the closed southern lanes of Main Street by midweek.

Persons traveling 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.

The next business meeting is scheduled for September 8th 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

Sun Prairie's Dr. Gary Conger Named by Peers as One of the Madison Area's Top Dentists (Madison Magazine)

Sun Prairie's Dr. Gary Conger Named by Peers as One of the Madison Area's Top Dentists

Link to Full Article: http://www.madisonmagazine.com/Madison-Magazine/September-2011/Top-Dentists-2011/

Click here for more information on Dr. Conger and First Choice Dental in Sun Prairie.

Blogger's Note: Congratulations to Dr. Conger for being recognized by his fellow dental professionals, and by Madison Magazine. And yes Doc...I promise to get that next appointment scheduled soon.

U.S. 151 Main Street Project - SPECIAL UPDATE 8/24/11

Please note that driving lanes for Main Street traffic will be switched from the south side to the new pavement on the north side of Main Street by 7:00 AM tomorrow Thursday morning, August 25th.

As before, there will be one lane in each direction for thru traffic on Main Street.

Turning restrictions in the project area will remain the same as have been in place for the first part of the project:

• No left turn onto O’Keeffe Ave. (south) from Westbound traffic on Main Street
• No left turn onto Main Street (west) from O’Keeffe Ave.

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 REACH Interns Celebrate End of 2011 Season (Sun Prairie Star)

Project REACH Interns Celebrate End of 2011 Season

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=129&ArticleID=8159

Blogger's Note: Reaching for Educational Achievement and Career Heights, or REACH, is one of two programs in the Urban League of Greater Madison’s 21st Century Careers Program. It is a great hands-on job experience for participating students. Thanks to the Urban League of Greater Madison and Dane County Human Services for their time, effort and funding for this project in Sun Prairie.

Free Backpack Screening, Advice Offered at Pro Health (Sun Prairie Star)

Free Backpack Screening, Advice Offered at Pro Health

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8199&TM=74626.93

Click here for more information on Pro Health Chiropractic in Sun Prairie.

Blogger's Note: In case you don't think this is something to be taken seriously, try weighing the backpack that one of these kids hauls around these days.

Photo of the Day: Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Wraps Up for Another Year

City Council President Zach Weber (Left) and Mayor John Murray (Right) prepare to unload a retort of hot sweet corn fresh out of the steamer at the annual Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival at Angell Park on Sunday afternoon. Special thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for making the 2011 Corn Fest a huge success. See you again next year! (Photo by Neil Stechschulte)

Industrial Property in Sun Prairie is One of the Madison Area's Best Values (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

A quick look at 2010 land prices per square foot for the Greater Madison East/Dane County East market and Sun Prairie shows up near the top of the list in terms of competitive pricing in MG&E's 2010 Business Park Directory:

Stoughton Business Park - Stoughton ($0.59+ per s.f.)
Deerfield Business Park - Deerfield ($1.00 per s.f.)
Sun Prairie Business Park - Sun Prairie ($1.75-$3.00 per s.f.)*
Arboretum Office Park - Waunakee ($2.00-$4.00 per s.f.)
Waunakee Business Park - Waunakee ($2.50-$2.75 per s.f.)
Cottage Grove Commerce Park - Cottage Grove ($2.75-$6.00 per s.f.)
Broadway Industrial Area - Madison ($3.00-$6.00 per s.f.)
Cottage Grove Business Park - Cottage Grove ($3.00-$3.50 per s.f.)
North Towne Corporate Park - DeForest ($3.00-$4.00 per s.f.)
Center for Industry & Commerce - Madison ($3.00-$8.25 per s.f.)
Metro Tech/Metro Place - Madison ($3.50-$10.50 per s.f.)
BioAg Gateway - Madison ($4.00 per s.f.)
East Metro Business Park - T. Burke ($4.00 per s.f.)
Interstate Commerce Park - Madison ($4.00 per s.f.)
World Dairy Center - Madison ($5.00 per s.f.)
American Center - Madison ($5.95-$9.00 per s.f.)
Innovation Springs at Conservancy Place - DeForest ($6.50 per s.f.)

* - Pricing for City owned parcels has been lowered to $1.17 per s.f. for City-owned lots effective August 2011.

Sun Prairie's pricing becomes even more impressive when you consider the following:

• Sun Prairie's Business Park has fully improved lots with water, sewer, streets electricity and fiber optic telecommunications all readily available.
• TIF assistance and other financial assistance available for qualified projects.
• Swift, predictable development review process that is consistently completed in no more than seven weeks for most submittals.
  
• Immediate access to a six lane federal highway (U.S. 151), with fast, easy access to Interstates 39, 90, and 94 in minutes.
• Electrical rates that are 10-20% cheaper than investor owned utilities in the area, with excellent reliability.
  
• 15 minutes from the Dane County Regional Airport.
• Immediate access to the Wisconsin Southern Railroad.
  
• Access to a reliable, diverse workforce with skills ranging from agriculture, manufacturing, materials handling, research & analysis, transportation, and technology.
  
• Sun Prairie's Business Park is governed by a set of restrictive covenants that protect private investment.
• Permitted land uses include office, R&D, light manufacturing, warehousing, and flex space.
• Easy, fast access to Madison and all its amenities.
  

For more information on available City-owned property in the Sun Prairie Business Park, contact Neil Stechschulte at (608) 825-0894 or nstechschulte[at]cityofsunprairie.com.

For information on available privately owned lots in the Sun Prairie Business Park, contact John Pinger of Northland Real Estate at (608) 223-9330 or jpinger[at]nlandrealestate.com.

Source: 2010 Dane County Commercial Parks and Business Incubators prepared by Madison Gas & Electric. The 2011 Directory will be out in coming weeks.

151 Main Street Project Update - Week of Aug. 22nd (City of Sun Prairie Engineering Department)

The following activities are scheduled for the week of August 22nd:

Work performed next week will consist of finishing miscellaneous items on the North side of Main St and the ramps on the North side. Topsoil placement, seed, fertilize and mulching of the terrace and yards on the north side.

Traffic control will be switching on Thursday August 25th, when all traffic will be shifted to the North side of Main Street. Traffic will be traveling on the new concrete pavement. The traffic will remain one lane in both directions. Turning movement restrictions will remain the same. No left turn from O'Keeffe Ave onto Main Street; no left turns out of Hamilton Place apartments; no left turn onto O'Keeffe Ave from WB traffic.

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.

The next business meeting is scheduled for August 25th 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

Our View: The Little City That Could - Sun Prairie Defies the Odds (Sun Prairie Star)

Our View: The Little City That Could - Sun Prairie Defies the Odds

Link to Full Article (Editorial): http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=8181

Blogger's Note: Thanks to Editor Chris Mertes for the nice write up. For the record...luck has nothing to do with it, and a heck of a lot of time and effort from a lot of people goes in to making good projects happen. I'm not sure we're defying the odds so much as our local economy is simply catching up to the under-served market demands of our community.

Council to Focus on Economic Development at Aug. 30th Strategic Planning Session (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Council to Focus on Economic Development at Aug. 30th Strategic Planning Session

The Sun Prairie City Council is using fifth Tuesday's in a month during 2011 to strategically discuss a series of topics. The next session is on August 30th, and the current plan is for the Council to have a discussion on Economic Development in the City. While a formal agenda has not been set, potential topics in no particular order could include but are not limited to:

• Defining economic priorities and related progress indicators
• Evaluating the City's competitive position in attracting new employers
  
• Revisiting target economic sectors
• Reviewing the City's adopted Strategic Business Development Plan
• Prioritizing community areas for new development and redevelopment
• Identifying potential financial resources to invest in targeted public and private projects
• Enhancing business retention efforts
• Discussing branding and marketing strategies
• Evaluating new initiatives to encourage more business start-ups
• City relationship with local business and partners
• Allocating budget and staff resources for 2012
  

Additional details regarding the time and location of the meeting will be posted when finalized.

Have another topic or idea that should be part of the discussion? Send it to nstechschulte[at]cityofsunprairie.com.

Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival To Be As Sweet As Ever (Channel3000.com)

Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival To Be As Sweet As Ever

Link to Full Article: http://sunprairie.channel3000.com/news/events/sun-prairie-sweet-corn-festival-be-sweet-ever/56216

Click here for more information on the Corn Festival from the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

Blogger's Note: Eat. Sweet. Corn. This Thursday Aug. 18th thru Sunday Aug. 21st.

Jordan Spear Awarded 2011 National Association of Theatre Owners Scholarship (Sun Prairie Star)

Jordan Spear Awarded 2011 NATO Scholarship

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestaronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=129&ArticleID=8107&TM=35446.16

Blogger's Note: Yet another Sun Prairie-Marcus Theatres connection. The universe is obviously calling for the construction of a new theater complex in Sun Prairie...

Overview of Current Development Projects (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Despite the roller coaster ride our State and national economy have been on, here in Sun Prairie we have a considerable amount of new economic activity going on. The following projects are underway or are being planned in Sun Prairie:

- New Perspective Senior Housing: 150 Units on S. Bristol St. recommended for approval by Plan Commission; scheduled to break ground in Fall 2011 and be open in 2012.

- McDonald's (East): Currently under construction; scheduled to open in Fall 2011.

- 402 E. Main St. Redevelopment: 25 residential units and 2 commercial spaces being considered. Scheduled for initial submittal in Aug. 2011, with groundbreaking later in Fall 2011 and opening in Spring 2012 (assuming Council approval).

- Main Street Shopping Center: Under new ownership; undertaking roof repairs, mudjacking of sidewalks, and proposing a upgrade to the building facade yet in 2011.

- Westside Neighborhood Area: Construction of Woodman's 224,000 s.f. store is underway. This site will also have seven developable outlots immediately north of the store. They will be open in Fall of 2012. In addition, there are at least two potential major projects being considered that will hopefully be announced yet in 2011.

- Iron Gate Apartments: The first of two 60-unit apartment buildings is under construction near Copp's West. This project is anticipated to be completed and open by Fall 2011.

- Sun Prairie Business Park: 2-3 prospects are evaluating potential acquisition of lots for possible construction of new facilities in 2012.

Blogger's Note: 2011 and 2012 could end up being good years for us if all these projects stay on track. Sun Prairie is apparently still a good investment.

151-Main Street Project Update - Week of August 15th (City of Sun Prairie Engineering Department)

The following activities are scheduled for the week of August 15th:

Storm sewer installation and paving under and near the overpass will continue this week, including turn lanes underneath the bridge.

Sidewalk installation also continues, and handicapped ramps should be poured by early next week. The bike path on the north side of Main Street should be open this week.

Landscaping and restoration of areas near completed sections of the project will be ongoing.

Traffic control may shift slightly to accommodate pavement markings and completed pedestrian & bicycle areas. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to watch for changes in the coming weeks as the project shifts.

Persons traveling 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.

The next business meeting is scheduled for August 25th at 9:00 a.m.

SPECIAL NOTE: While Main St. will continue to remain open, Corn Fest traffic on August 18-21st is encouraged to utilize alternative routes to get to Angell Park. Alternatives include:

- 151 Exit to Hwy. C, to O'Keeffe Ave, to Main Street to Downtown

- 151 Exit to STH 19 (Windsor St.) to Bristol St., to Downtown

- 151 Exit to CTH N (Bristol St.) to Downtown

- I-94 Exit to CTH N north

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

ReefWerks Helps Locals Explore Their Passion for Fish (Sun Prairie Star)

Jonathan Hirsch, owner of ReefWerks, shows off a photo of a 125-gallon
coral and fish tank he designed for a customer. (Photo by Tim Neuenschwander).

ReefWerks Helps Locals Explore Their Passion for Fish

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=8125

Click here for more information on ReefWerks.

Blogger's Note: A great addition to Downtown, and another startup. Welcome to Sun Prairie.

SSM Health Care of Wisconsin Receives Wisconsin Forward Award (Sun Prairie Star)

SSM Health Care of Wisconsin Receives Wisconsin Forward Award

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=8119&TM=76245.9

Blogger's Note: This is the first time that all of SSM Healthcare applied and won as a system, not just one local hospital system. Congratulations!

Advance Now Seeks to Unify Area Economic Development (Sun Prairie Star)

Advance Now Seeks to Unify Area Economic Development

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=8120

Blogger's Note: This should be a great asset to all communities in the Madison region...at least for those who actively participate.

Mounds Pet Food Warehouse Helps Raise Funds for Henry Vilas Zoo (Channel3000.com)

Mounds Of Money Raised For Henry Vilas Zoo

Link to Full Article: http://sunprairie.channel3000.com/news/community-spirit/mounds-money-raised-henry-vilas-zoo/56165

Blogger's Note: A great resource for all of Dane County helped out by a Sun Prairie based company!

New Perspective Senior Living Plan Goes to Plan Commission August 9th (Sun Prairie Star)

New Perspective Senior Living Plan Goes to Commission August 9

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8035&TM=79426.3

Blogger's Note: This project on South Bristol Street has been in the works for years (we're on our fourth development concept for this site). We'll see what Plan Commission and Council decide on the project plans starting tomorrow evening.

Google Places Wants Sun Prairie Businesses On the Map (IBMadison.com)

Madison Still One of Google's Favorite Places (The following excerpts are from the full article in In Business Magazine on May 31, 2011)

At the end of March, Google announced that Madison would be the fourth city – following Las Vegas, Portland, Ore., and Austin, Texas – to benefit from a campaign aimed at helping businesses improve their Web presence through Google Places, an elaborate online directory that not only features basic information on businesses – such as location and hours of operation – but also ratings, reviews, pictures, videos, and coupons.

"I think we definitely realized [Madison is] one of the cities that's very entrepreneurial and cares a lot about local businesses," said Deanna Yick, who works in global communications and public affairs for Google. "We do realize that Madison business owners are very open to technology and adopting new technology, so it was definitely high up on the list as one of the first cities that we wanted to reach out to."

Of course, if you're a savvy Web user, Google Places is something that you probably have at least a passing familiarity with. If you go to Google and type in the name of your favorite retail store or restaurant, high up on the list of search returns will be a link to that establishment's "place page." Click on that, and you'll find a wealth of information – written and visual – about that business. Trouble is, it may not be as accurate, up to date, or comprehensive as either the establishment's owners or Google would like, and it may not feature all the bells and whistles that Google has made available to business owners in order to help them promote their businesses online.

So Google is making a robust effort – in Madison at least – to get everyone up to speed.

But while Google obviously has an interest in having business owners claim (i.e., register) their place pages and make any necessary changes (out of 50 million place pages that Google has created from information around the Web, only 6 million have been claimed and customized by business owners), the company seems particularly excited about its rating and review system, which was initially launched as Hotpot and employs elements familiar to people who use social networking sites – such as the ability to add friends – to enhance its functionality.

"The great thing about Google Places and what really makes it different is not only is it a place to rate and review businesses, but you can share those ratings and reviews with your friends," said Yick. "So you can add your friend and invite them to see your ratings and reviews, so when you do a search for 'Italian restaurant Madison,' the places that are recommended to you will actually be impacted by what you reviewed other places as and what your friends rated and reviewed."

While the starter kits that the company sent out were the first salvo in its campaign, Google is really emphasizing the "boots-on-the-ground" nature of its effort.

Google already has an office in Madison, which opened three years ago. And now it has consultants working locally with business owners to help them build out their pages. The company selected members of the Madison business community to lead this effort – which Google has offered for free in order to encourage full participation – hoping that business owners' peers would be instrumental in getting as many people on board as possible.

Alison Dodge, a co-owner and co-founder of Madison's Happy Bambino, is one of those consultants. She said her familiarity with Madison has helped her considerably in advising local businesses.

"We can really talk on a very specific level about things that they might try to do," said Dodge. "I kind of have a background with a lot of different businesses here.

"I'm from Madison, and some of the businesses I've been working with – I've been eating in there since I was a little girl. I understand the businesses; I understand what they do in a lot of cases, and what the market is like."

Dodge said she's enjoyed helping fellow entrepreneurs craft their Web presence and promote their businesses.

"I went into a business yesterday, and [the owner] said she had it on her to-do list to get more technological for a long time – it's not her strong suit, she doesn't have a website of her own," said Dodge. "She said that a lot of people find her on Google. We went in and really customized her place page. We uploaded some photos she had sitting there; we customized her information to see how it's helping her business. So it was very satisfying for me to be able to help her out like that."

Dodge isn't the only one who's excited about the promotional possibilities this campaign presents. The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the effort, saying it will help "businesses in our community to get discovered and to stand out." The chamber has also hosted several events for businesses interested in learning more about enhancing their pages.

Link to Full Article: http://ibmadison.com/marketing?id=961

Blogger's Note: Alison is available and actively looking to get Sun Prairie businesses to get their Google Place presence up and running. Watch for a local workshop here in Sun Prairie later in August to learn more, or contact Alison directly at alisondodge@google.com for a free appointment at your business to help to set up your page.

151 Main Street Project Update - Week of August 8th (City of Sun Prairie Engineering Department)

The following activities are scheduled for the week of August 8th:

Pedestrian traffic will be moved from the existing sidewalk to the new driving lanes on North side of Main Street.

Grading for the new pedestrian path on north side of Main Street will begin this week.

Pedestrian path on south side of the project to be installed in the next two weeks.

Pedestrian traffic will be moved to new permanent path on North side of Main Street.

Remove temporary pedestrian path and pavement and install storm sewer.

The two closed on ramps (from Main St. to 151 North and the off ramp to from 151 South to Main St.) should be open Monday morning.

Traffic control and vehicular traffic patterns will remain the same with the exception of the opening of the two ramps and pedestrian traffic will be re-routed as described above.

Persons traveling this route are advised that construction is likely to be occurring on Saturdays for the next several weeks.

People are also strongly encouraged to slow down and watch for construction workers and equipment at all times in the construction zone.

The next business meeting is scheduled for August 11th at 9:00 a.m.

Sun Prairie Area Businesses Look to "Stuff the Bus"

What: "Stuff the Bus" is a school supply drive for Sun Prairie students, 9 am-7 pm on 8/5 and 9 am-3 pm, 8/6, Copps, Sun Prairie. 837-4511

When: 08/05/11 @ 9:00am
Call: 608-837-4511
Web: www.facebook.com/StuffTheBus

More Information:

1,800 Sun Prairie kids qualify for supplies from Stuff the Bus

Community members are invited to help "Stuff the Bus" with school supplies for the Sun Prairie's 1,800 students in grades K-12 whose families struggle to afford school supplies. Collection will take place August 5 and August 6 at Copps West in Sun Prairie.

Area mascots will be on sight to cheer on donors as they place supplies in the school bus.

Supplies will then be distributed by volunteers to students in mid-August to ensure they are ready to begin the school year with the supplies they need. Each qualifying student will receive a new backpack filled with supplies, including notebooks, folders, markers, and more. Stuff the Bus will benefit elementary, middle school, and high school students in need from all Sun Prairie schools.

Stuff the Bus collection will take place in the Copps parking lot at 2358 Ironwood Drive, Sun Prairie on Friday, August 5th from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 6th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Supplies needed include: pencils, rulers, notebooks, glue sticks, black dry erase markers, scissors, folders, erasers, and markers. Cash donations are also welcome.

You can help! The need for school supplies has increased significantly since last year. All donations are welcome.

Stuff the Bus is a program coordinated and developed by local volunteers with a specific mission to provide Sun Prairie students with the tools for success.

Details, volunteer opportunities, and a list of additional collection locations are available at http://www.facebook.com/StuffTheBus.

Generous groups to thank: American Family Insurance, Bank of Sun Prairie, Prairie Athletic Club, Kobussen Buses, the Sun Prairie Area School District, First Moments Photography, Walgreens, DANE Exclusive Deals, Dean Clinic, First Choice Dental, QBE, Forever Yours Jewelry, Sun Prairie Rotary, State Bar of WI, Sun Prairie BID, Joining Forces for Families, and several area churches.

Humphrey Named Public Relations Specialist at PerBlue (Sun Prairie Star)

Humphrey Named Public Relations Specialist at PerBlue

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8083

Blogger's Note: Congratulations, Ellie!

Fire Sprinklers Save Local Businesses (SPVFD/WI Fire Inspectors Association)

In case you ever think the City is unnecessarily tough about sprinklers, read about these two recent incidents that occurred in local businesses during the last week of July 2011:

Incident #1: 911 caller/1st arriving law enforcement reports heavy water flow coming from store front. First engine arrives and determines that a sprinkler head was activated in the soffit outside of a storefront. Firefighters had to force entry into one active store front and an adjacent store front to check for fire extension. None was found. The soffit was pulled in two places to check for lateral spread in soffit-no visible signs of smoke or heat damage. Investigation reveals that a planter outside of one store front had caught fire and set off the sprinkler. Likely cause: discarded smoking materials. There was no loss of business (all businesses were able to open as normal), no damage (from either smoke, fire or water) on interior of structure. Damage limited to under $3000. The sprinkler system was repaired immediately and put back into service (extra heads are required to be kept on site). Without a sprinkler system in place, this fire would have spread into the lightweight wood construction of the overhanging soffit, and been allowed to spread without control. At a minimum, severe fire, smoke and water damage (from firefighting activities) would have been done to the structure and multiple business would not have been able to open as normal. At worst, the entire building could have been lost.

Incident #2: Fire Department dispatched to a multi-family building for fire alarm sounding. On arrival, firefighters found the sprinkler bell sounding and water coming from the indoor garbage dumpster area. Light smoke in area. Firefighters investigating report that a sprinkler head was flowing above dumpsters. Dumpsters were removed, one containing burning material. All 16 units in the structure were evacuated, but were allowed to return to their apartments in approx. 1 hour. Investigation reveals that a fire was in the dumpster that was subsequently controlled and extinguished by a single sprinkler head. The dumpster was 2/3 full, but most of the garbage in the dumpster was un-burned because the fire was extinguished so quickly. There was NO damage to the structure, no smoke damage to adjacent apartments, and there was NO damage to the structure as a result of firefighting or investigative activities. (The actual cause of the fire was "undetermined") . Approximate cost of repairs: Under $500. If there had not been a sprinkler system in place, the fire would have burned the rest of the garbage in the dumpster, likely spread to exterior (siding), apartment above the garbage area, and the parking garage. At a minimum, heavy smoke damage would have displaced apartment dwellers and caused thousands of dollars in damages. Worst case scenario: the residents of the entire structure would have been displaced and heavy damage would have occurred.

Blogger's Note: If you have questions about code requirements or would like more information about sprinklers for your business, contact Sun Prairie Fire Inspector Mark Mlekush at 608-575-2374 or by e-mail at mmlekush@cityofsunprairie.com.

Blogger's Note #2: Other resources you might want to check out:

Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department
Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Blogger's Note #3: Talk to your commercial business insurance carrier for additional information on how sprinklers can affect your rates and lessen the risk to your business.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Acquires TREK Diagnostic Systems (Press Release)

Range of Manual and Automated Equipment and Consumables Support Productivity Advances in Microbiology Labs

WALTHAM, Mass., Jul 18, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO), the world leader in serving science, today announced that it has acquired TREK Diagnostic Systems, a global provider of microbiology solutions, including blood culture, microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) products, from Magellan Biosciences. Based near Cleveland, Ohio, the company had full year revenue in 2010 of $34 million and has 150 employees.

"The range of products manufactured by TREK ideally complements our existing portfolio of microbiological testing technologies," said Marc N. Casper, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "Advances in automation and the development of more rapid and reliable tests enable us to provide our customers with improvements in productivity and efficiency that are critical when responding to increasingly complex microbiological threats to human health."

TREK Diagnostic Systems currently serves pharmaceutical and clinical laboratory markets and will be integrated into Thermo Fisher's Analytical Technologies Segment.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of nearly $11 billion, we have approximately 37,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, which offer a unique combination of continuous technology development and the most convenient purchasing options. Our products and services help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, and solve analytical challenges ranging from complex research to routine testing to field applications. Visit http://www.thermofisher.com.

SOURCE: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Media Contact Information:
Ron O'Brien, 781-622-1242
ron.obrien@thermofisher.com
Website: http://www.thermofisher.com/

or

Investor Contact Information:
Ken Apicerno, 781-622-1294
ken.apicerno@thermofisher.com

Climate Control Critical at Sun Comfort (Sun Prairie Star)

Bernie Bos, owner of Sun Comfort, poses beside examples of the polypropylene windows that his company uses as part of their sun room packages. (Photo by Tim Neuenschwander).

Climate Control Critical at Sun Comfort

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8028&TM=78687.73

Blogger's Note: Another great small business that calls Sun Prairie home.