Craig Culver Recalls Culver's Origins at Sun Prairie Chamber Annual Meeting (Sun Prairie Star)

Craig Culver recalled his idea to launch Culver’s Frozen Custard and Butterburgers and the obstacles he overcame in remarks he provided to the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on January 23rd.

Source: http://www.hngnews.com/sun_prairie_star/news/business/article_3292530a-6bc0-11e2-b536-0019bb30f31a.html

Blogger's Note: Thanks to the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce for bringing a Wisconsin Business icon to speak at their annual meeting, and thanks to Craig Culver for taking the time to come speak to us in Sun Prairie.

Weekend Getaway - Sun Prairie Offers More Than O'Keeffe Cachet (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Weekend Getaway - Sun Prairie Offers More Than O'Keeffe Cachet

Link to Full Article: http://www.jsonline.com/features/travel/sun-prairie-offers-more-than-okeeffe-cachet-1e323d2-134087038.html

Blogger's Note: Thanks to Brian Clark for spending an afternoon with us, and for a great write up in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Business Appreciation Luncheon Set for November 17 at The Oaks Golf Course (Sun Prairie Star)

Business Appreciation Luncheon Set for November 17 at The Oaks Golf Course

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=8825

Blogger's Note: To think...this was the meeting we announced Project 365 last year!

Photo of the Day: Sun Prairie Economic Development Director Neil Stechschulte and Dane County Executive Joe Parisi at the 2011 Community Expo

Photo by Chris Mertes: Sun Prairie Economic Development Director Neil Stechschulte (left) introduced Dane County Executive Joe Parisi (right) to many of the exhibitors at this year's Community Expo hosted by the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.  They were also treated to a company tour of Wisconsin Distributors by Human Resources Director Shane McPeak.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sun Prairie Woman Saves Thousands With Coupons (Channel3000.com)

Local Woman Saves Thousands With Coupons

Link to Full Article: http://www.channel3000.com/news/29167583/detail.html  

Blogger's Note: While this is an amazing story in itself, it also offers an interesting glimpse at the Sun Prairie retail market. Shoppers and buyers from Sun Prairie have a high expectation of value for their dollar.

Interested in a good deal? Check out the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Key Tag Discount program: http://www.sunprairiechamber.com/Keytag-Program.87.0.html  

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.

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)

Sun Prairie Sale Days This Weekend (Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce)

Sun Prairie Sale Days July 22nd and 23rd with a Flea Market July 23rd at the Prairie Square Shopping Center (near Wal-Mart) from 9am-3pm. One of our SHOP LOCAL programs, local businesses offer specials and discounts this weekend. Click here for a list of participating businesses and more info. Also this weekend is Taste of Sun Prairie, click here for more info. Sun Prairie Sale Days is an annual event and Chamber Members can participate at no cost.

Chamber Announces Leadership XV Class Participants (Sun Prairie Star)

Chamber Announces Leadership XV Class Participants

The Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce recently announced participants in its Leadership XV class:

Amy Bohling - Bank of Sun Prairie
Becky Burbach - US Postal Service
Angie Franke - Buck & Honey’s
Renee Gabel - Beans ‘n Cream
Kevin Henry - Eustice, Laffey, Sebranek & Auby
Jean Hull - Access Community Health Centers
Aimee Joutras - Celerity Staffing Solutions
Jason Lefeber - City of Sun Prairie Police Department
Clark Luessman - Patrick Marsh Middle School
Sarah Menihan - UW Credit Union
Rose Schulze - Sun Prairie Utilities
Ashley Simon - Anytime Fitness
Mary Ellen Strom - M&I Bank
Shawnn Teske - Frontier Communications
Pastor Steven Vera - Bethlehem Lutheran Church

For more information, e-mail the chamber at spchamber@frontier.com.

Blogger's Note: Appropriate post for the 4th of July...

City of Sun Prairie and Sun Prairie Chamber Co-Host 2nd Annual Business Park Networking Breakfast (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development

Mayor John Murray prepares to introduce Wisconsin Department of Regulation & Licensing Secretary Dave Ross to attendees to the 2nd Annual Business Park Networking Breakfast (Photo by Neil Stechschulte)

City of Sun Prairie and Sun Prairie Chamber Co-Host 2nd Annual Business Park Networking Breakfast

37 people from 19 different companies attended the 2nd Annual Business Park Networking Breakfast held Tuesday morning at Wisconsin Distributors. Participating companies included: Coakley Brothers/Datastore, MSI Mechanical Systems, Faith Technologies, Appliance Products, Regius Rubber, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative, Badger Graphics, Harms Insurance, Pro-Active Engineering, Palmer Johnson, Frontier Communications, Wisconsin Distributors, Prairie Land Towing, Matrix Product Development, Inform, Four Lakes Label, TREK Diagnostics, WPPI Energy, and Sun Prairie Utilities.

Mayor John Murray invited Secretary Dave Ross from the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing to speak, and introduced him to crowd. Secretary Ross discussed his department's efforts to 1) speed up the administrative investigation process and 2) eliminate unnecessary investigations into non-legitimate complaints about license holders. He also discussed Governor Walker's budget, including impacts to local governments.

Attendees were asked to introduce themselves, their company, their primary product or service, and were asked to name one challenge that they were currently facing. The several responses having to do with the slow economy as a whole were no surprise. The number of comments and concerns voiced from several small manufacturers and warehousing businesses about their difficulties finding employees, however, indicates that this concern is an issue needing some attention. Specifically, the concern centered around the ability to find skilled employees for hands-on technical positions.

"The City of Sun Prairie and the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce are going to respond to this issue immediately, and have already begun to discuss how we can work together to address this apparent growing concern" said Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Director. "The Chamber had already scheduled workforce development as a topic for one of their upcoming monthly lunch meetings later this summer, and it was very obvious that employers in attendance today would like us to address this issue as soon as possible."

Stechschulte stated several initiatives would likely be developed in the next week or so, and a schedule for implementation would be announced shortly thereafter. The City will be reaching out to local and State partners right away, including but not limited to DWD, WORC, the Sun Prairie Area School District, Madison College, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and other local training resources.

Stechschulte went on to say, "In order to attract new light manufacturing uses to our City in the future, we need to rise up to the challenge and assist the quality manufacturing companies we already have in the business park and throughout our community. This is something we need to do right now."

The 29th Annual Taste of the Arts Fair - Sat. June 11th 9am-4pm (Various)

The 29th Annual Taste of the Arts Fair
Saturday, June 11th; 9 am-4pm
Sheehan Park, 1351 Linnerud Drive, Sun Prairie, WI

Featuring:

Wine & Cheese Tasting - For the price of $5, individuals will be able to sample three wines each from Botham Vineyard and Winery, Three Lakes Winery and Sutter Home Winery. Smith said because there was such great attendance at the wine and cheese tasting last year, some specialty beers from Wisconsin Distributors will be available for sampling this year as well.

Over 100 vendors with a variety of crafts, fine art, garden art, jewelry, specialty foods and more!

Entertainment Schedule - 11:00 am: Sun Prairie Community Band, 12:30 pm: Sun Prairie Area Chorus

Children's Activities - 9 am to 4 pm: Children's Inflatables in the playground area.

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

You can also follow Taste of the Arts on Facebook here.

Link to Article in the Star: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=129&ArticleID=7568

Congratulations to the Graduates of the Sun Prairie Leadership Class XIV (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Congratulations to the graduates of the 14th Sun Prairie Leadership Class:

Elry Armaza, UW Credit Union
Andrew Hirvela, Sun Prairie Utilities
Denise Kerr, Stark Company Realtors
Patrick Malinowski, Summit Credit Union
Eric Ristau, Eustice, Laffey, Sebranek & Auby
Jonathan Rouse, Sun Prairie Area School District
Jamie Stueber, Bank of Sun Prairie
Brian Teasdale, Sun Prairie Police Department
Julie Wiedmeyer, Sunshine Supper

These current and future leaders of their community spent the third Wednesday of the month from August 2010 to May 2011 learning more about their community, and how they can impact change in Sun Prairie. Their topics of study included:

Leading Change September 15, 2010 (at Wisconsin Distributors)
Develop leadership and team-building skills, identify leadership styles and qualities. Breakfast sponsored by Beans 'n Cream Coffeehouse. Lunch sponsored by Cardinal's Nest.

Volunteerism October 20, 2010 (at Colonial Club)
Discussion of volunteerism focusing on local nonprofit organizations, how to get involved, where help is needed, benefits of volunteering to you and your community. Breakfast sponsored by What's Brew'n. Lunch sponsored by Colonial Club.

Communications & Media November 17, 2010 (at Sun Prairie Utilities, Sun Prairie Public Library and Sun Prairie Cable Access)
Work with the media, learn about technology, effective personal communication, cable access TV, advertising and public relations tips. Breakfast sponsored by Sun Prairie Utilities. Lunch sponsored by Cannery Grill.

Community Health & Wellness January 19, 2011 (at St. Mary's Emergency Center and Prairie Athletic Club)
Personal and community health and wellness issues, alternative medicine. Breakfast sponsored by Sun Prairie Kwik Trip. Lunch sponsored by St. Mary's Foundation and Prairie Athletic Club.

Education February 16, 2011 (at Royal Oaks Elementary, SPHS, and CHUMS)
Key issues in today’s education environment such as diversity of population and revenue caps, discussions with students. Lunch provided by the high school.

Business & Industry March 16, 2011 (at Stark Company Realtors, Hallman Lindsay, Pan-O-Gold)
Tours of local businesses and industries, community economic development goals and strategies, small business issues. Lunch at Buck & Honey's.

Government April 20, 2011
Overview of city services and departments, planning issues and emergency services.

Graduation May 18, 2011 (Buck & Honey's)

UW Office of Corporate Relations is Topic of May 24 Sun Prairie Chamber Luncheon - Managing Director Charles Hoslet Presenting (Sun Prairie Star)

Office of Corporate Relations is Topic of May 24 Sun Prairie Chamber Luncheon

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestaronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=7444

Click here for more information on the UW Office of Corporate Relations.

UPDATE: Hoslet outlines services available at UW's Office of Corporate Relations

Link to Full Article: >http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=7583&TM=76898.04

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

20th Chamber Golf Classic - June 2nd at The Oaks

for the 20th Annual Golf Classic at the Oaks Golf Course on June 2nd. Put your own foursome together, or sign up individually and we will place you on a team. If you prefer not to golf, join us for the Watering Hole event which includes dinner, a raffle, and networking opportunities!

The Chamber is currently accepting raffle donations; if your business would like to donate a prize, please contact the Chamber. Recognition for raffle donations will be made at the event and in the Chamber newsletter. For more information, call the Chamber at 837-4547.

Leadership Participants Sought

The Leadership Sun Prairie Committee is taking applications for the fifteenth class. The nine month program meets September through May; one full weekday per month. Sessions, held in various locations, are chosen to expose participants to different aspects of the Sun Prairie community. Topics include: education, health, government, business, leadership, volunteerism, and communications.

Everyone in the community benefits from the involvement of well informed leaders through Leadership Sun Prairie! This is the perfect way to get to know your community and determine our role in it. Applications are due June 6th. To request an application or for more information, please contact the Chamber office at 837-4547 or spchamber@frontier.com.

Taste of the Arts Fair - Saturday, June 11th, 9 am—4 pm

Featuring our expanded Wine & Cheese tasting! Again, we will feature specialty food vendors, entertainment, the Art Cart and over 120 fine crafts/arts booths on display with items for sale. The event is held in conjunction with the Georgia O'Keeffe Celebration.

Details include:
Place: Sheehan Park-across from the Public Library.
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Visit our website for more information and vendor specifics.

Congratulations Graduates of Sun Prairie Leadership Class XIV

The graduation ceremony for the Leadership Class XIV will be held on May 18th at Buck & Honey’s. The program was created by the City of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie Area School District and the Chamber of Commerce as a leadership development program for the community. We would like to congratulate this year’s graduates and acknowledge their sponsors:

Elry Armaza: UW Credit Union
Andrew Hirvela: Sun Prairie Utilities
Denise Kerr: Stark Company Realtors
Patrick Malinowski: Summit Credit Union
Eric Ristau: Eustice, Laffey, Sebranek & Auby
Jon Rouse: Sun Prairie Area School District (SPHS)
Jamie Stueber: Bank of Sun Prairie
Brian Teasdale: Sun Prairie Police Dept.
Julie Wiedmeyer: Sunshine Supper

Corn Fest Sponsorships Sought

Put your business or organization in front of thousands of people! Event sponsorships enable your marketing dollars to stretch and reach a captive audience. Corn Fest attracts nearly
100,000 people over a four day period. Sponsors receive pre- and post-event recognition as well as on-site. Incentives are included and various commitment levels are available. Contact the
Chamber office for details or to meet with staff regarding opportunities for high-profile recognition.

May Member Luncheon - “UW Office of Corporate Relations - The front door to the university for business and industry"

Presenter: Charles Hoslet, Managing Director at the Office of Corporate Relations (OCR) at the University of WI-Madison, will discuss how area companies, organizations and entrepreneurs can access the many valuable resources available to them on campus.

Services include:
* Recruitment of UW graduates and student interns
* Faculty and staff expertise
* Professional development and executive education programs
* Technology licensing
* Global competency resources
* Entrepreneurship resources

Details are as follows: Place: Cannery Grill, 315 E Linnerud Drive

Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 RSVP: Friday, May 20th

Time: noon-1:00 pm Menu: soup and salad buffet & beverages

Cost: $8.50 per person

Payment due in advance; Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance for refund. Please make checks payable to Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce; 109 E Main St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.