Welcome, everyone, to Midday Magazine for this February 13th, 2024.
Have your host, James J. Mailoff here at part two today at 330.
We're going to welcome in our friend, Lindsay Shider.
Let's talk real estate with our friends at Cole Banker,
See Your Relatures.
Right now, our good friend, Lise Ailing,
events and engagement director with our Heart of Wisconsin Chamber
commerce in with us in studio today.
Lise, good to see you.
Good to see you, James.
And as you like to do from time to time,
you brought a friend with you, Lise.
Yes.
Well, it's interesting.
That's my favorite thing to do.
Yeah, it does.
Holly and Hydell is with us.
Holly, first up, a biggest question I'm going to ask.
Did I get your last name right?
Yes.
All right.
Thank you, Pam.
That was all Pam.
Yes, it was.
She wrote it out for me and everything.
Well, Holly, thanks so much for being here.
Holly, I see that you are an office manager.
We're at.
For the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce,
and I'm super glad to be here today.
We appreciate the time.
And thanks so much for being here.
Looking forward to getting to know you and talking
with you a little bit more.
Lise, I know we have a couple of upcoming community events.
You want to start right there?
Yes.
So annual meeting awards, we are the final call
for sponsors, attendees, register.
We sent out invitations.
We're still waiting for some RSVPs from people.
Did you RSVP, James?
Yes.
OK.
Did you pick your food choices?
I think so.
Yeah.
I believe.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
I did a RSVP, yes.
I think that's that, yeah.
I'm proud of you.
So we still have gold and bronze sponsorships available,
as well as some raffle baskets.
I think we are still taking one bottle of wine,
and I think like three or four of liquor.
But definitely it's a good way to get your name out there,
attach your business card to it.
Really, really fun.
I mean, definitely a more, there's
different packages depending on your mission and what you want
to do and what information you want to get out there.
But a lot of people will be in that room.
So definitely it's a good marketing opportunity
to just kind of get your name in there
and definitely be a part of our awards.
We'll talk about this probably with some other businesses,
including our members of the month and that.
But when you are a chamber member,
when you work with the chamber,
it isn't just what the chamber can do for you,
which is unparalleled in this community.
There's not many that can do what the chamber can do
for you promoting your business,
making the connections that they can give you.
But you're also showing that you're putting into this community.
More and more I'm hearing from listeners
and I'm talking to people that are very similar to me.
I personally, I pretty much only shop at places
that I see put back into this community.
That's just a little simple thing for me that I like to do.
I know more and more people are doing that.
So when you are a business
and you associate yourself with the chamber,
that's immediately all of a sudden a light bulb goes off.
Oh, there's a connection.
There's a business is putting back into our community.
So you have this extra PR that comes with being
with a chamber member that is,
there's no money price you can put on that.
There's no price tag you can put on something
like that kind of PR.
Absolutely.
And we definitely want to support those smaller businesses,
especially if you are you're kind of like him and hawing.
Like, okay, well, you know, it's the beginning of the year.
I have a, you know, I have a whole year of people
that are going to be asking me for things.
Even with a raffle basket, it's $25.
So that's, I think what kind of marketing
can you get for $25 when you have,
when you're having all of the biggest businesses
in the area in one room,
they're all going to be walking around,
looking at those things.
It's not necessarily an ad that's in front of your face,
but it's that subliminal where you're seeing,
they're, you know, they're seeing that.
And it's, I think it's good to get your name out there.
And it's, I don't really think you can beat it
for that price, the marketing.
And I think everyone is looking for marketing this,
this day and age, and a lot of those packages,
they start out, you know, at pretty high amounts.
So you're going to be in the room with,
obviously, those award winners,
people that are giving back to the community.
And so I think it's, it's really nice to,
to be a part of it.
And obviously, someone's going to win it.
So that's really fun too.
Yeah, it's going to be a fun event.
Lacey, when is the last opportunity to sign up
for that? When is the cutoff day?
So we are trying to make sure that it's full.
So I think we're looking at, like,
obviously two weeks out for if you want to attend the event.
We're going to be reaching out to the nominees
and letting them know.
So definitely call the chamber.
If you have any questions, please reach out
communications at WisconsinRapidsChamber.com
or 715-422-4859 if you want more information.
There's a couple of things that really sing spring to us here
in Central Wisconsin, especially here in Rapids.
After baseball, coming back, you know,
that kind of thing, the school wrapping up a lot of that.
And of course, lunch by the river, gather by the gazebo,
the Cherry Blossom Festival.
These are all things associated with spring.
Let's warm up our audience a little bit.
Let's give us some to look forward to.
Let's talk a little bit about those events coming up.
I know it's snowing right now.
Yeah, yeah.
It's literally snowing right now.
But we are going to be, I mean,
we want to be proactive in getting this plan,
getting everything prepared.
So we are looking for entertainment sponsors.
We're looking for food vendors.
We are looking for local talent.
We definitely want to feature people
that have something different, something fun.
I know I mentioned my fire-juggling
and everyone seemed to love that besides our insurance.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
But I definitely want to bring in something I want to bring in
so that it's kind of cover everybody.
We're talking to the city about expanding some space there.
So we can have more diverse food options.
I think that that's a really, really good idea
to bring people in there.
I think food trucks, I think they're awesome.
I think the pop-up of it and like, you know,
you can go down there, you can watch some entertainment,
bring your kids, walk around, you know, meet some people
and it's free.
So I think you can't beat that.
It's the summer, get out there, get active,
get out of the house with the family.
We're going to have some new updates this year,
which I'm not going to say,
but I'm definitely excited to make sure
that we have more well-rounded entertainers
as well as, like, talking to the schools
and getting, like, theater in there.
So yeah, that's great for you, but definitely,
you know, featuring different things.
So I want there to be something for everyone.
I don't want it to be like, oh, you know,
it's not, you know, geared towards that.
And I think we want a younger demographic
so that they're entertained.
Their parents can enjoy themselves, you know, themselves as well
and not just chase them around.
So, you know, Lacey, it's just us.
You can tell us, come on.
You can tell us, come on.
No, I got to try.
I had to try, I had to at least try.
We are so excited about these events coming up
and I got to tell you, and I've mentioned this before.
I have you or I think the fourth or fifth person
I've talked to in your position.
And I have worked and enjoyed working with everybody
that has done the job that you do,
including hiring somebody that used to do your job
and our old partner around here,
Stefan, everything.
So I think very highly of the position
and the work that people do.
And I think that every person that's been before you
has added something or done something
really neat to the different things.
What I appreciate about you is you're taking something
and okay, this is all working
and I wanna keep these things that are working
and things that you know people love.
But what can I do to enhance those things?
When you listen to the community, you talk to people
and you're putting them into action.
Like, it's one thing to talk a good game.
It's another to put it into action
and I've seen you do that in a short amount of time
you've been in this position.
It's very cool, Lacey.
Like, it's really cool to see.
I'm trying.
It's noted.
It's not just me that says this.
I've heard other people talk about it too.
It's very noteworthy.
So when it comes to lunch by the river,
one of our favorite events,
one of our most prized events,
how long a lunch by the river been going on?
20, 30, I think we're like 37, 37th year?
That's a long time and it's great the way we have it.
But why not expand it a little bit
if we could or at the very least try?
Like, I appreciate hearing that even.
Whether it happens or not,
the attempt is just as noteworthy I think.
So that's kind of exciting.
That's fun.
And if you are an entertainer out there,
if you are somebody that has a skill set,
we'd love to feature you.
Say you maybe you do a Simpsons One Man show
and you've been looking for a place
to be able to do it at.
I don't know, maybe that.
No, nobody has any interest in that.
No, no, that's, I'm there.
I think that would be fun.
I think that would be fun.
I think it's nice to try new things
and kind of see, okay,
is this something that this community doesn't have
and something that we want to add?
I want to do activities.
I want to do caricatures.
I'd love to do balloon stuff.
Face painting.
And I love, I think,
sweets is definitely an essential.
I really, really want to have like an ice cream truck
or even if we just had someone who has like a little cart.
But I think just kind of trying to support
the local talent, the local businesses
and people that want to get in on something.
I think that I want to make it bigger.
I definitely want to increase attendance this year
and I think that having people that are younger and older,
I just want to reach everyone
and make sure they have a safe place.
They can have fun with their family.
And then they have, I mean, they'll have
a couple different options for food.
So maybe you don't like something, but your kids do.
And then I think it's, I think it's fun to try new things.
So definitely excited for the changes
that are happening as well as, you know,
how people can get involved.
That's where they can get involved.
Yeah, I completely agree with you.
Also, don't encourage me.
Don't don't encourage me,
because I'll keep going with it.
Okay, I will not let it go.
We have networking at night
also coming up looking forward to that.
Yes, Tamerax Pub.
So very excited.
That's a good one.
Is that a new one?
So yes, that's a new one.
February 19th, five to seven.
Those are our new hours to kind of accommodate people
that do work during the day.
We want better attendance.
We want people to be able to come out,
network, bring their business cards.
It's harder when you get older and to meet new people,
kids can walk up people and just start a conversation
and become best friends in two days.
I think it's harder when you're an adult.
Oh, yeah.
So yeah, obviously open to investors,
future investors, free to attend.
Definitely come out, networking at night, Tamerax Pub,
free appetizers.
Oh, nice.
I mean, meet at the same work.
Yeah, free food.
Whoever was on the fence on it,
just immediately fell over at that.
Free food and raffle prizes.
So definitely come out.
There'll be a 50-year raffle.
So definitely come and bring people with you.
And a place maybe you haven't been to before,
an opportunity to check it out.
And you might find a new favorite place to go,
because I've heard nothing good things.
Yeah, they have, they have really good food.
We've ordered food from there for lunch at the chamber
and they have really, really good food.
And they have different things.
I think, like, I mean, you wouldn't expect them
to have some kind of prime rib sandwich, but it's good.
Yeah, yeah.
Go check it out, everybody.
It's going to be a fun one.
We'll touch on that before we let go.
And we'll certainly talk about it
in our good stories of the day and our morning shows.
We have eat, drink, and buy local.
That is another one of our favorite events
that we do at the chamber.
And you've got that for us, Holly.
Yeah, absolutely.
So for those that have participated in the bass,
it was previously known as SIP Shop Support.
So we just, we're rebranding a little bit,
make it more fun, get it out there better this year.
So eat, drink, and buy local.
So showcase your business during the spring event.
It's great.
It's 14 days long.
You get to collect a bingo card, go out,
visit these businesses.
We are looking for businesses to participate.
It's great.
It's just the 35 to participate
and then the raffle basket.
But honestly, we get so many people that come out
and they just love it.
And then the people get to enter to win the raffle prizes
that the businesses are sending out.
So it's great.
We definitely need that form and payment by March 25th.
Again, it's 14 days to eat, drink, buy local.
I know I'm super excited.
We did extend it.
So that way you can visit all the businesses,
not just those few in that short period of time.
But definitely we have shops, restaurant bars.
And we're really looking to grow it
to reach more businesses.
We want more of that community involved in this event.
Is there a limit of how many businesses
we can have with this event?
Absolutely not.
It's essentially just based on how many businesses
I can fit on the bingo card.
Right up, right up.
So I think everybody in their head
immediately can kind of picture a bingo card.
That's a lot of spaces.
So let's fill them up.
And this is one of the more celebrated events we have
where not only do we get more and more people involved,
but I've heard over the years,
you know, I was curious about this event last year.
I thought I'd try it this year.
So I think it's another event that's been around
for a little while, but it's only growing.
It's only getting stronger every year, it seems.
It's also a fun event.
Like this is one of the more fun things I hear
in the community and seeing people do.
Yeah, I've heard a lot actually with people there,
you know, me and my daughter or my family,
we go out, visit these places, have fun.
And this one's great because it's right
before Mother's Day.
So why not go out and get mom that present
or that gift that she really deserves?
Yes, yes, because she is not going to ask for it.
She is not going to tell you what she wants.
She'll just pick it up five times and then be like,
look how pretty this is.
Yes, yes, that's she's telling you.
She's telling you she wants that.
Oh, you've met my mother.
You've met my mother because this is moms.
Moms don't tell you anything.
Moms, we got to do for them.
We got to look out for them.
We have to do for them.
This is a great event not only for that,
the timing of it with coinciding
near Mother's Day and everything is perfect,
especially for, so let's be honest,
so many guys out there just being blunt about this.
We're not always sure what to do.
And then when we ask, we don't get answers
because no mother is going to tell you,
hey, I want this.
Get me the hope diamond.
No mom in history is ever going to say that.
So we got to kind of read between the lines
like Lacey was saying there.
And these events too,
and not only giving you an opportunity
to find mom gifts and everything,
we're having fun with that.
But just at the same point,
I don't think my mom's any different
than most any mom out there.
They, I could go to a department store
and buy something that I can buy
at any department store in the world.
And she would probably like it.
But if I find something that is local,
that is made local,
that woman is going to go to the moon.
Well, how happy she is.
That's my mom and that's I think 90% of moms out there.
They love those kind of things.
It goes back to when we were kids
and you could buy a card for your mom,
but if you made a card in class,
you put your hand down and you do the eyeliner,
like moms, they still have those
in a cardboard box somewhere.
This is the same type of thing.
The things that businesses that are a part of this event,
you're thinking of that.
You're going to be a part of Mother's Day.
You're going to be a part of these things.
So reach out and be a part of this great event
with our chamber and get on that bingo card.
Yeah, definitely.
And the really nice thing too,
is if you get that present from mom
and she loves it,
you know she's going to go back to that same store
because she's going to love other things they have.
So definitely if you're interested,
you know reach out, ask for Holly and phone number 715-423-1830.
We can get you signed up for that, no problem.
And we'll get that information out
before we wrap up again, Holly.
And one of the things that I think of with this too
is something you're touching on right there.
That where yes, it's great for moms and that,
but we also know that there are so many people out there
that oh, I didn't even know this business was around
and it's been in town for like five years.
You know, we've got a medium sized community,
but even with that things get lost
and the shuffle sometimes,
you're on that bingo card, people are going to see you.
People are going to have a lot more.
So certainly any business out there,
you've been around 20 years encouraged to do this,
but if you are a young business,
this is a really key great opportunity for you
that I've seen other businesses use
and just springboard from.
And immediately they're in a lot more traffic
in their building.
Thank you for that, Holly.
That's great.
That was really fun.
That was great.
Coffee with the chamber coming up.
Wanna talk a little bit about that?
Yes, that is next Wednesday February.
Well, I should say two February is the way.
The 28th that is going to be Sam Wessel
and he is going to be speaking about
economic development in Central Wisconsin.
So if you are wanting to hear about the things
that are changing, things that are changing,
things that are coming to the area,
you want to know besides trying to look through the paper
and maybe like when they release it
kind of be ahead of it and to know what's coming here,
how that'll affect your business, your family,
definitely attend, you can do it virtually
or come to the chamber boardroom.
It is free for investors.
So definitely register, there is a QR code
if you want to do it on there
or go to our website and register online.
It's Sam's a great talker, really knows what he's talking
about too, so that kind of knowledge
and that kind of information you can get is vital.
It's also a great opportunity, great event.
Like a great place to have this event and everything
and this is still available virtually.
Yes, absolutely.
And there is also like, I mean, when you're going there,
I think it's really nice because they definitely still talk
about the person that's virtual.
They, you know, you're still a part of it.
It's not like you're on the outside
and you can't really participate,
but definitely it is a really, it's good for networking too.
So getting your business out there,
they, a lot of people that come and attend,
they stay a little bit longer.
Typically the speaker will stay longer
and answer any questions.
Maybe it's pertained to their business specifically.
So definitely come out and attend.
That is the coffee is going to be sponsored by Cravings.
So who doesn't love Cravings?
Really specialty drinks?
Cravings coffee.
Oh, that's such a good place.
I go there at least once to twice a week.
Yeah, yeah, it's the same here.
Yeah, great place.
Love that place.
I also wanted to talk about the job resource
and transfer fair sponsorships.
One of the touch on that a little bit with AC.
Yes, it is coming up quick.
So we are very excited to have the job resource
and transfer fair.
It is going to be August 16.
And we have a couple of different booth options
for sponsor and non-sponsor.
That is going to be on from one to five.
And then registration, obviously a little bit earlier
that day at mid-state.
Absolutely reach out to workforce.
That is going to be the person
that you're going to want to make to contact with
for the booth options, for electricity,
for different sponsorships, for gold, silver, bronze.
They're going to sell out pretty quick.
I know we're getting a lot of people registering.
I think it opened and we had like 10 within the first 20 minutes.
Absolutely.
A lot of people are looking for jobs.
A lot of if you're someone that has jobs to fill,
I think it's a great way to get your name out there.
It definitely come, attend, bring business cards, network
with other businesses, maybe talk about what
they're struggling with, what you're struggling with,
as well as there's a lot of options
just for getting your name out there, transferring
for college credits.
I think it's essential if you are someone
in the workforce, even if you're not looking for a job,
just like I think to grow professionally, essential.
Absolutely.
This is on both sides.
If you're a business and you've got great employees,
you could still, you never know if you're going to lose somebody.
Most of the smart businesses I know have a backup plan,
have an idea of, okay, well, if I lose so and so,
I've got this or if I lose anything,
I can get to another person here having a good amount
of resumes on your, you know,
and this is some vital to agree with you.
I think on the other side of things too,
if you are currently you have a job
and maybe even have a good job and you like your job
or something, but there's the pay isn't what it is
or the hours aren't there or you just want to free up
your schedule a little bit more, whatever it might be.
This is a great opportunity.
The power has gone to the employees and it's not going back
and not putting the genie back in the bottle
and all the smart companies and smart businesses get that.
And when you have a chance at like this at a job fair
to see that business, to be able to talk to them,
make eye contact and work with them,
you get much more of an idea of what they're really made of
and vice versa.
You same thing with employees.
A lot of businesses nowadays have to do interviews
on the phone or online.
This is a chance to do one in one right in person
seeing each other.
Absolutely.
And this is something that you can participate in
even if you are not a chamber member.
Okay, so I think some of our, you know,
some of our things, they are specific to chamber members
and obviously we want to make sure they get a lot of benefits.
But absolutely, even if you were not a chamber member
and maybe you want to see, you want to go down that road
kind of see if this is beneficial,
it's $100 for booth.
And I think with you being there all day long,
I think the connections that you can make
definitely worth $100 investment.
Oh, you can make your money back on that one,
right away.
Yeah, for sure.
That's a great idea.
Lacey, with the last couple of minutes we have,
let's go ahead and get into our February member
of the month investor's choice.
We're like all over.
So yep, the investor's choice.
So we actually went and did a Bob with him.
So our business outreach program
and we went, visited him.
Got to learn a lot about him.
He's also an author, really, really good guy.
He's been, you know, kind of working since he was a kid.
So I think I love the work ethic of people
that like they get out there and even when they've,
they've essentially made it to everyone else,
they keep going.
They keep making those changes.
He seems like a very strong leader.
And I think he definitely cares.
And he cares about this community.
He wants to make sure that it's taken care of.
He lives here.
So like with stocks, dividends, retirement,
planning for your future.
He does all of that stuff there.
He's right essentially behind the courthouse.
So essentially located and he really, really is a good,
a really good person.
I think Holly can probably say more too.
She actually came with me for that.
So we got to get to know him a little bit.
So who is this again?
Scott, he owns investors toys.
OK.
Yeah.
Absolutely.
So the really cool thing that I liked
is he actually has a historical building
where he's at the trailway used to or the train tracks.
You used to go right up to his front door.
So that's super cool that it has that history.
But the one thing that really stood out with me
is his, how much he truly cares.
He brought on employees and they're like,
hey, you know where I'm going to help you out for a few months.
They're still there years later.
And I'm talking like 20 years.
So it's amazing to see that, you know,
when you get that great leadership,
you know, your employee retention, it just stays.
It's great how much he actually cares about these people
and just make sure that they're supported
along with the community.
Big shout out to investors choice.
And we wrap up with our January new members.
We certainly want to send a shout out to them.
Absolutely.
So we have MCG services, turf badger, strategy leaders,
the domestic goddess, express employment services,
hype nutrition, wham incorporated,
and then Lashato the manor bed and breakfast.
Excellent businesses, excellent places, excellent work, you too.
Holly, nice work, nicely done.
Nice work done.
Thank you for the first time.
I think I did pretty good.
You made it, you made it, nice work.
And Lacey, as always, great.
If you got, if people want to get in touch
with either of you, want to find out more,
Lacey, how can they get in touch with you?
Yes, so communications at WisconsinapolisChamber.com
or the 715-422-4859.
And then Holly, do you want to do one?
Absolutely.
So you know mine is just office at WisconsinRapidsChamber.com.
And my direct line is 715-422-4852.
But if you call the main office, you're going to get me.
Find out more at WisconsinRapidsChamber.com.
Be sure to follow the chamber on social media.
That's a great follow.
Great work, you too.
Thanks so much for the time.
Thank you, Jim.
Thank you.
Well, a more midday magazine coming up right here
at WFHR, locally grown radio.
