Greetings!
The trees are budding and the robins have returned, so what happened to the sunshine? We'll just ignore this little detail and make our own sunshine. Easy to do! Simply join in the fun events planned for this Merry Month of May and bask in the warmth of a vibrant downtown community.
The Editors
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 | | Carol deBay and Mark Gutteter visit at the Pub. |
Message by DRI President
Mark Gutterer,
Rhinelander Cafe & Pub
As you read this, the last signs of winter will finally be disappearing. As we look out our windows the birds are returning. The geese, the ducks, the robins, the goldfinches, and the snow birds. In our backyard at home we embrace the birds. We put out food for them, we welcome them, we listen to their singing stories of winter adventure in the South.
In our downtown backyards we are doing the same thing....welcoming back the snow birds.
With the memory of this past winter still very recent, I think about what it would be like to fly South before snow and return as the snow melts away to spring flowers. For now, I am just glad that spring is finally almost here. I will continue to embrace the birds, and patiently dream about a time when I, like them, can disappear before the snow comes and return as it fades.
Your President,
Mark Gutteter
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RMM Solutions, headquartered in Wausau, expanded its operation to Downtown Rhinelander, locating
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Brad Kowieski, RMM Vice President for Strategy and Business Development
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in the Depot on Anderson Street. "We moved to Rhinelander to better serve existing customers," explained Brad Kowieski. RMM Solutions' focus is to design, implement, and manage technology solutions based upon the goals and needs of a business.
According to Brad, the complexity of the systems and the cost of hiring an in-house technology staff is what created a need for their business. Currently, they have 15 help-desk staff, three of which are located in Rhinelander. Most recently they opened another branch in Eau Claire.
"In the current technology boom," Brad said, "businesses need to expect more out of their IT. We can provide that service."
They must be meeting that need. They were honored as the 2013 Small Business of the Year.
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Niki Childrey
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Diane's Frame Shop
Artist in Residence
Sat., May 17
11 am - 2 pm
My interest in art came at an early age when I fell in love with Roy Rogers, Trigger, and the West. My passion led to making up bedtime stories for my sister, or sharing my dreams through drawing "movies" and "comic books." My mother expanded my art endeavours by getting me a paint-by-numbers horse.
I learned never to paint within the lines! With watercolor, I start with a general idea for the painting, and then the paint leads the way. For me, it has been important to learn not to fight with watercolor, but listen to it and cooperate with what it wants to do, letting it "play." The painting is successful when it calls the viewer to come stand in front of it and communicate with it.
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Streetscape Public Meeting
The process has begun to redevelop the main cross streets of Downtown Rhinelander. More than 40 people attended the first Downtown Streetscape Public Meeting, held at April 30 at the Hext Theater. The program allowed participants to visit three stations to learn about the details, ask questions and give opinions and ideas.
The stations included Construction Mitigation, Streetscape Design, and Redevelopment Opportunities. To stay updated on this process go to the Streetscape website for more information.
 | | Gary Becker (L) and Suzanne Vincent (R) from the Vierbicher Planning firm talk with participants about the Streetscape Design. |
 | Community members weigh in on the options on the
Streetscape Design. |
 | | Tim Kingman, Public Works Director for the City of Rhinelander, describes the utility upgrades for the streets. |
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Eagle River Cabinets is the Spotlight I Buy Local Business of the Week. Eagle River Cabinets staff like to say "Our philosophy has always been "Building relationships  | |
Jared Stiemke and David Dewell of Eagle River Cabinets
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one cabinet at a time". We saw a need to service southern Oneida County and the surrounding areas with a locally owned kitchen and bath design showroom which can offer more than what the big box stores can offer. We have a passion to design your kitchen and bath, and help make your dreams come true. Come check out our showroom." |
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Second Annual Available Properties Open House
Downtown Rhinelander's Economic Restructuring Committee is sponsoring the second annual Available Properties Open House, on Sat., May 17, 10:30 am - noon.
This half-day event will showcase more than 20 available downtown properties and office spaces. Each space will be staffed and be available for answering questions.
Those wishing to attend the Open House should check in at the DRI office and receive a map of the participating properties. Those attending also will receive a voucher for lunch following the event.
If you are a property owner and wish to have a space included in the Open House, please contact ER Committee member Joe Flanders at 715-420-1110.
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SAVE THE DATE
May 14
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RMM Technonogy Fair in Wasau 9-3 Technical and non- technical session. Click here for more information. | |
May 17
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Available Properties Open House 10:30 am - noon
Pick up a map at the DRI office
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Artist in Residence at Diane's Frame Shop: 10 am - 2 pm.
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Volunteer Lunch
11:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m.
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May 29
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Bling Fashion Show - ArtStart Fundraiser
5 pm at the Quality Inn
Tickets available by calling ArtStart at 715-362-4238
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And it is still time to adopt a basket. Download an application here. Your support is critical to continue this program.
DRI Executive Director
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 Volume 3 Issue 3
Downtown Rhinelander, Inc.
Maggie Steffen
Executive Director
26 N Brown St
P.O. Box 1638
Rhinelander WI 54501
Phone 715-362-7374
Fax 715-362-7340
msdri@frontiernet.net
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Stay Connected
 
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DRI Committee Reports
This is a brief update on what the DRI committees are working on each month. We always have room for more participants. If you see a project you'd like to participate in, call and join us. Most meetings are held once a month in the second week.
Design: Pat LaPorte, Chair
- We would encourage anyone who wants to contribute to the Streetscape Design for Brown Street to come forward now, while we can still influence the process.
Economic Restructuring: Ray
Burgan, Chair
- We are working on the Available Properties event and hope to have more than 20 spaces to show on May 17.
Organization: Sally Latimer, Acting Chair
- We are planning for the May Volunteer Lunch. Volunteers will have a chance to sign up for specific upcoming events for this summer.
Promotions: Sandy Buss, Chair
- Our biggest news is that we are adding (or bringing back!) the Duck Regatta to Rhinelander. With the joint efforts of the Tavern League and Tri-county Council and Lily's House, the Duck Regatta will take place during the second annual PotatoFest on Aug. 31.
- The Car Show is quickly approaching as well. Mark your calendars to attend on June 14 in downtown Rhinelander.
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