Hello world. Welcome to WFHR's rapid support. Probably brought to you by
Crockett Sceptic for this Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. Have your host James here.
We're joined right now by our great friends over the Harder Wisconsin Chamber
of Commerce. We have Danielle Wetstein with us, marketing specialist. Danielle,
good to see you. Good to see you too. I appreciate you being here. Thanks for the
time as always. Always a big shout out to our Chamber and the great work that
you guys are doing. Buying local supporting local printing into our community.
We really appreciate it. Keep in mind everybody, we're going to go through a
bunch of events right now. We are scratching the surface of things available
with the Harder Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. Encourage you to bookmark their
webpage if you've done so already. WisconsinRabitsChamber.com. Danielle, let's dive
right into it. Got some upcoming events like Networking and Night. Networking
and Night is coming up October 20th. Yes, it is. Our networking at night is
happening from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 20th again at Timerex Pub. It is open to
members, future members, and it is free to attend. If you're thinking about
joining the Chamber, if you're not really sure about what we all have to offer,
this is a great event to kind of see what we all do and what we can do for
you and your business. Or if you're just looking to make those business
connections, this is a great opportunity for you to do that. We do have appetizers,
raffle prizes, and more. It's just a great night about
community and connecting. It kind of brings together that enhancing the
business aspect of the Chamber that we do with also that
community enhancement and bringing that community together. It could be
difficult to kind of begin relationships in general.
And the older you get, the tougher it can seem sometimes. So, you know, certainly
even if we're just talking about making new friends or meeting new people or
something, that can be a factor, but a fun part of this night.
The business part of it can feel almost kind of starchy sometimes. If you're
just going in there and handing out business cards or anything, these
networking at nights are a perfect combination of fellowship,
having fun, community. Well, also being able to get out that business card,
maybe being able to make a connection that you might not have thought of
otherwise. I know that I've heard from people for years, but well, I never
thought about working with this company, but we are both at networking at night.
We got talking and found out, oh, our businesses would work really
good together. Or some kind of way of that. I know hearing non-profits do
similar things as well. It's great for all those factors.
And you get out of the house. You have some fun. It looks, it's something to look
forward to. As it gets colder and colder out, we need these events. So,
they're great for a lot of factors. Yes, definitely. And another thing
that makes our networking at night really unique and really special is that every
single time we do it, we pick a different business to do it at.
So, even if you're just kind of getting into the area and you're trying to see
what's around here, this is a great event to do that because we're always going
somewhere fun. So, Tamerax Pub is going to be a really great place to hold this event.
So, you should definitely come out. Great spot. If you haven't been there before,
this is a perfect opportunity to do it. Good, I know over there. And oh, yeah,
raffle prices. I mean, we got to mention that. People love raffles. Got to
mention that. So, that's a fun event. Again, never get at night.
Next one is coming up October 20th. Five to seven over Tamerax Pub.
The business expo is right around the corner. It'll be at the end of the month.
We've talked about this one a little bit. Let's get into that a little.
Yes, our business expo. I'm personally really excited about it and I know I've
already said this, but it is Candyland themed, which is obviously super cool.
So, our business expo was happening on October 28th. I believe that is a Tuesday.
From two to six p.m. and it is going to be a day of discovery and networking.
We're holding it at the Ridge's Golf Course. And so, we're basically kind of splitting the day
up into different sections based on what you're kind of into. So, from two to four p.m.
we're doing business to business networking. So, to get into that, you would show your business
card to get into there. And then we are open to the public for free from four to six p.m.
So, if you're looking for a job or if you're an employer looking for employees,
like this is just kind of an event that facilitates those conversations.
Again, it is happening at the Ridge's. And I do want to thank our sponsors,
USBank, Hodchung Gaming-Nikusa, Samuel's Group, Marshall Clinic Rapid Center,
and Security Health Plan.
The theme, we've talked about this a couple of times. It's an awesome theme.
I'm looking, I'm already looking forward to next year what you guys come up for a theme.
It's fun because people are going to decorate their booths for a chance to win some rewards and
stuff. And that'll be a fun part of this. And I think one of the other fun things about that is
a little bit of an icebreaker with that. You know, it kind of, it could be kind of intense looking
for work or looking for employees. And it kind of makes things a little bit calmer, a little bit
more fun, and certainly still being able to do the work that you want. You're going therefore.
There are very few opportunities where if you are looking for a work or just a career in general,
maybe you're tired of a job, you want a career or something like that, where can I go,
and I can find out all about these businesses. Well, there's plenty of places online,
but they don't give you the heart of things. They just give you kind of the details,
maybe some logistics here and there. And an event like this business, Expo, you're face to face.
You're able to talk to employers, our employers are able to talk to employees, vice versa,
all of the above, and really get a chance to get a feel for somebody, really get a chance to
get to know somebody or whether it's the business or the employee. And there's no price you can
put on something like that. And today's day and age where more and more businesses are applied,
you can apply online or you can apply over on the phone. There's not a lot of face to face.
And for so many out there, that's what gets you in the door. That's what gets you the job oftentimes
is that personal element that you bring that nobody else can. It's a great part of this.
And it's a great opportunity. Yeah, I definitely agree. I think that this is just a great
community builder as well, because again, everyone's going to be trying with that theme.
I also believe that I said it was at the ridges. It's at Bullseye Golf Club. Let me reiterate
it is at Bullseye Golf Club. We do shout out the ridges. They're great, but yes, Bullseye
Golf Club is where this one will be hosted. Yes, we had our golf outing at the ridges and it was
awesome. Somebody get golf places around here. That's the thing. Yeah, it's understandable.
But yes, this one will be at the Bullseye Golf Club from four to six. It'll be free and open
to the public. Otherwise, if you're a business and want to be a part of this, have a booth or
something, is there still time to do that? I believe our registration closed today. Okay.
So now we're more so looking for community members and people to show up. If you are, if you know
a group of people that would be great for this business expo, please let them know. We would love
to see as many faces there as possible because we're really trying to bring this event back.
I look forward to hearing how it goes. It should be a great event. I look forward to it. Again,
the business expo happening October 28th, two to six and from four to eight, four to six,
it will be free and open to the public over at Bullseye Golf Club. The networking exchange for
safety professionals is like the day right after. You got a busy week that week. Yes, we do.
It is this, um, networking exchange for safety professionals is actually happening at the chamber
and it's going to take place from 11.30 to 1pm and it is for safety professionals. It is free for
chamber members. Our registration does close October 22nd. So if this is a topic that interests you,
if you're into things like risk assessment, if you're a company that deals with anything
relating to safety, like this is an event that you aren't going to want to miss and you can register
by heading over to our website. Again, that's Wisconsin RapidsChamber.com. We have a keynote speaker.
It is Chris Bartek from Erko Worldwide and we are going to be talking about risk assessment,
new approaches to identifying and mitigating workplace hazards. And so it's just going to be a very
insightful discussion, pretending particularly to safety, which I think is really important to kind
of get a group of people who have that similar background to kind of share ideas and bring new things
to the table. Yeah, Chris really knows what he's talking about. He's a great one to have hosting
this or being your main speaker and information can go so far with something like this.
I've heard in the, you know, time I've been in this area and other areas I've lived in, I've heard
of businesses going under because they didn't have, they just didn't check this box. They
wasn't safe or they didn't, they thought they had everything checked off and there was that one
thing that they didn't think about because they're new to this world. You bring up a great point
if you're a new business. This is really almost vital for you to have. Maybe you think you've
thought of everything and maybe you did and this will just be reaffirming that. But in case you
haven't to leave this kind of thing just up to chance is not a good idea. And hearing Chris,
not only is Chris a good talker and funny and everything, but really knows his stuff and really
able to answer these questions again, face to face. In the speaking, he doesn't answer something
you wanted to know. You'll be able to ask probably. It's a great opportunity, great resource,
and your business will thank you for it. Networking Exchange for Safety Professionals, October 29th,
over at the chamber, 1130 to 1. And this is free for chamber members you mentioned, but others
should register. Yes, please do at the link in our website. Yeah, and we'll give you that information
before we wrap up. We are speaking with our friend Daniel Wetsdine Marketing Specialist with the
Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. Daniel wanted to get to just a couple of other things before
we let you go here. One of them, the small business showcase, a fantastic event right around the
corner in November because October is just flying by. Yeah, so our small business showcase is
perfect just in time for the holidays. It is going to be taking place from November 29th to December
12th. And so basically what we're doing is on the business end of it, as a small business in the
area, you can promote it during the business busy shopping season of the year. We take 45
business members and we put them on a passport. So then customers can grab that passport
and come into your shop and then they can stamp it every single time that they come in. And then
with those stamps, they are able to redeem that for certain rewards. It's just a really great way
to get exposure and also to just kind of build that community again, just being invested in the
Wisconsin Rapids community. For a non-member business to participate, it is $100. For a member,
it is $50 plus a raffle prize. And we are taking registrations through October 31st. So until
the end of the month, and if this is something that you're interested in, again, please visit our
website at WisconsinRapidsChamber.com. I don't think there's a business in the area that couldn't be
benefited by this. No matter if you've been around for a hundred years or you just open your doors,
everybody could use more exposure, more ability to be able to be out there, be seen. I don't know
about you, Daniel, but I know that I've run into a number of people where, oh, I didn't even know
this was in town. They find something that's been here for a while or something like that. So we've
all heard those stories before. But there's another thing. And Daniel, I brought this up and I
really appreciate you doing so because it's something I mentioned with the chamber all the time.
The chamber constantly, every day, we have examples of the chamber investing in our community
and putting into our community and promoting our community. It's part of the mission statement,
part of what you guys do over there. But as a business, it means something to also be a part of
the chamber and to kind of show, hey, I care about this area. I'm backing this area. I'm investing
in it. We see businesses that you being blunt about it. And I know the people over there, I talk
to them all the time, but callvers. Callvers is pretty well known. I don't think callvers needs
to go put a ton into the advertising budget to make sure that people know there's a callvers.
But you see callvers all the time advertising. You see them putting their name on things because
they want to invest in their community. They want to back their community. That's why you see
that going on. Yes, maybe it sells a couple extra butter burgers or whatever, but being blunt about
it, they're fine. They're doing okay. They do these things because they want to show, hey, we
care about this area, hey, we care about this community. So they invest in the community by doing
things like that. This is an opportunity for you to be in that kind of realm and that kind of
area with your business. You know, hey, everybody knows about this place. It's been around 50 years,
but they're a chamber member because they back the community.
For sure. Another thing that I personally really like about the small business showcase is that
it honestly just builds excitement about your business. Being able to see people like walking
down the street with their passports in hand, like in groups, like people will go with their
passports and groups and they will hit up each and every single store just so they can get that
stamp on their passport and just kind of seeing that excitement around these amazing businesses
in our community. Like it's just very fulfilling and so I think it's just a great thing to be a part of.
It's a really good point. It's just fun. Like sometimes that's enough. It's fun. There's
plenty of other factors that I've rambled about and Daniel has touched on and everything, but I
think that the end thing to take away is this is a lot of fun. It's a really cool event too. I
love the passport part. That's a great part of this. So with all of these events we've talked
about and the different things going on in our area, keep in mind everybody. We just scratched
the surface of November. There's coffee with the chambers coming up and rekindle the spirit
at the end of the month. There's so many things going on in November. We'll be getting into next month
of course, but be on the lookout for it and find out more about our Wisconsin Rapids chamber.
And Daniela, if people want to register or find out more about some of these events, what's the
best way for them to reach out or find out more? Yeah. So our website is always really great.
Wisconsin Rapids Chamber dot com. Otherwise you can directly call us at 715-423-1830.
Be sure to bookmark that web page. Everybody Wisconsin Rapids Chamber dot com. Be sure to
follow them on social media as well. It's great way to keep up the data and things that are going
on in our area. You can share their posts on your page. You just never know who might see it
otherwise. Daniela, thank you so much for the time. Thank you. Say hi to the staff over there
for us and we'll see you again real soon. And we appreciate you joining us. Everybody out there.
Thanks so much for being here and a big thank you to our friends at Crocket Sceptic for sponsor
in the show. We appreciate them. We'll have more coming up for you on the Rapids Report.
