Grafton Chamber Messenger
A Publication of the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce 
valentines-dots-header.gif

February, 2014
From Your Chamber President 
   
Roberta Campbell 
Port Washington State Bank 

Greetings! While we're has a frigid start to the new year, the atmosphere was warm and fuzzy during the chamber's annual "State of the Community" event held in January.  A special thanks to Lester Bartel, Grafton Town Board Chairman, Jim Brunnquell, Grafton Village President, and Mel Lightner, Grafton School Superintendent for the talent and dedication they bring to their roles.  2014 will certainly have its' challenges, but I'm convinced there are wonderful opportunities for positive things ahead. We are fortunate to have 283 active members representing a diverse mix of businesses in the area.  No matter what your business offers, please be sure to take advantage of all your chamber has to offer in the new year.  Give us a call.   

 

Stay warm!~


Roberta

ONCE logo Ozaukee Networking Chamber Exchange

 

Please join us

for the ONCE Luncheon 

Wednesday, February 26th

11:30am - 1:00pm

am at the Black Swan - 1218 13th Avenue, Grafton

 

11:30-11:45  -  Networking

11:45-12:15  -  Lunch catered by Atlas BBQ  

12:15-12:30  -  Introductions
12:30-12:35  -  Featured Business Promo
12:35-1:00  -  30-Second Commercials by Attendees

1:00  -  Adjourn

   

 


Grafton Chamber Scholarships

The Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce awards $3,000 in Scholarships each year to Grafton High School students.

Scholarships are given to 4-Year College Applicants, 2-Year Vocational/Technical Applicants
and Continuing Education Students.

 If you have employees or know students who are continuing their education, we encourage you  inform them of this opportunity. Two and Four year applications will be available on the GHS website beginning February 28th (due March 1st). 

The Continuing Education Scholarship is available for students who reside or work in Grafton or have graduated from GHS. Applications are available at the GHS office or at the Chamber Office.

Keep in mind, applicants are required to submit a Letter of Recommendation from a Chamber business member, so you may be contacted by a student requesting your assistance.

Please call the Chamber office at 262-377-1650
if you have any questions. 

Business Day in Madison
Thursday, February 6th

Speakers will provide a preview into the topics confronting our state and nation, including our current economic situation. Governor Scott Walker will close out this year's event and discuss issues that impact and influence Wisconsin's  steadily improving business climate.

In This Issue
From Your Chamber President
ONCE
Grafton Area Chamber Scholarship
Business Day in Madison
Welcome New Members
From Our Chamber Members

February 6th
Business Day in Madison

February 13th
Open Forum-Phillip Graebner Agenc

February 20th
Open House -Anita's Gardens 

February 26th
ONCE Luncheon

March 13th
Smart Phone Seminar
(more information coming soon!)

Thank you to all those attended our Annual State of the Community Event on January 30th. There is so much growth and positive energy in our Community and we are so proud to be a part of it. We are so thankful for our partnerships with the Village, Town, School District and all our amazing businesses and business people.

Special thanks to Melanie Boyung for her  coverage in Thursdays News Graphic.

 The Grafton Fire Department 

is in need of Paid-On-Call Firefighters

Grafton Paid-On-Call Firefighters perform Fire & Life Safety services for the Village and Town of Grafton on essentially a volunteer basis with some basic per call compensation.  Most new members join because they view the job as an exciting way to serve their neighbors, and it is MUCH more then that! With experience, members gain a full understanding of what it means to advance a hose line, extricate a victim, rescue a child or assist a person in a time of trouble. The feeling exceeds the value of any material rewards - pride in the work that brother and sister firefighters perform selflessly. A feeling of being a part of the ultimate team and a feeling of self worth that is impossible to describe to others.

 

 Grafton residents or those that work in Grafton who are interested in becoming a Grafton Paid-On-Call Firefighter should contact  

Fire Chief Bill Rice at 262-375-5314

AT&T continues to meet the needs of businesses and consumers

The FCC today made a bold leap forward on the path to a modern 21st Century broadband world by agreeing to oversee industry wide geographic trials. click here to see the full story
WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS 

Anita's Gardens
1777 W. Highland Drive
Grafton, WI  53024        www.anitasgardens.com
262-377-6828
Contact: Erin Gutsmiedl

Anita's Gardens is an Assisted Living Community licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a CBRF. We have 20 rooms offering private accommodations for elderly clients who need help with their personal care needs, medication management and memory care needs. Please visit us to learn more about our brand new facility!

 FROM OUR CHAMBER MEMBERS


Join us for an Open House on Thursday, February 20th at 4:30 as we welcome Anita's Gardens to our community Click here to view the full flyer Anita's Gardens is an assisted Living community with 20 private rooms and offering care for elderly residents, and located at 1777 W. Highland Drive (next door to the Grafton Post Office).  More information coming soon!

The Bloomin' Olive
Visit the Bloomin' Olive and Sweetrio for all your Valentine's Day gifts! We're offering a Valentine's Day Special featuring a vase of one dozen long-stemmed roses, one dozen Sweetrio stemmed chocolate strawberries in a chocolate bowl delivered to your businesses, home or waiting at the restaurant for $85.95. Call 376-1404 (the Bloomin Olive) or 375-8746 (Sweetrio) or stop in for all your Valentine's Day needs. Valentines Day is February 14th!   Click here to see our flyer


Bublitz Creativehas been designing websites for area businesses and organizations since 2002. I enjoy helping customers on a small budget get an attractive, professional and functional website. Call Jenny at 262-376-1850 for a free consultation or visit www.bublitzcreative.com 

click here to view flyer for all your website needs 

 


The Cedarburg Cultural Center presents YOU GOTTA HAVE ART on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 6:00pm. This premier fundraising has it all; fun, food, and festivities galore, including Paint Your Own Are Out live painting demos, Live Auction, Silent Auction and appetizers. Tickers available at www.cedarburgculturalcenter.org  Also join us for Blues in the 'Burg with the Alex Wilson Band on Saturday, February 22nd at 7:30pm.  Click here for ticket information 

     

Please join us for a fun day of scrap-booking! Get together with friends and get some serious scrap-booking done.  We'll provide the space, refreshments, a light breakfast, lunch and snack throughout the day. Mary Jarr, with Creative Memories will be joining us! Proceeds benefit the Grafton Community Scholarship Fund.   click here for registration information  

 

GALA continues their Indoor Concert Series on Friday, February 7th with the Whiskeybelles. The all-female trio will perform traditional Country and Americana and feature their own hot fiddle, guitar and bass playing.  Doors open at 6:30pm music starts at 7:00pm. click here to view the winter schedule.

 

Visit The Glass Palette, Grafton's new Wine Social & Bar located in the Historic Grafton Mill just one block south of Hwy 60 at the dam. We offer wine by the glass or bottle, craft beer, great bourbon and scotch selections as well as other fine spirits. Open Friday and Saturdays at 5:00PM.  Check out our website to see the live music and other events we have planned for you in February. www.theglasspalettegrafton.com  

 

     

Gland Slam Charity Jam to benefit Camp Hometown Heroes is seeking Sponsors & Contributors for their event on March 8th, 2014 at the Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee. Contact Neil Willenson willenson@hometownheroes.org orclick here for more information 

 

 

    

Join the Phillip Graebner Agency for our 1st "Open Forum Conversation" on February 13th 6:30-7:30. We'll cover the topic of Home Owners Insurance; home, condo and renters insurance information. We invite anyone who has insurance questions to attend - no obligation. Refreshment will be served. 1514 Wisconsin Ave,Grafton, or call 375-1860 for more information. Hope to see you there! 

 

   

Portal Logo Portal, inc wishes to thank Don Freis, Business & Operations Manager, for his service to our Agency and participants since 2001.  Don will be retiring this summer.  We are actively recruiting for this position.  Please visit the Chamber's Jobs tab or visit Portal's website, www.portalinc.org to learn more.  Portal, inc. is also seeking recycled materials for their Art Applause program for participation in the Go Green Challenge. Click here for details on how you can help! 

 

 

Providence PlaceThe Providence Place, along with Comfort Keepers, Heritage Nursing & Rehabilitation and Home & Hospice Advantage are hosting a Chili Box Lunch to benefit Family Sharing. Please join us on Friday, February 28th at Providence Place for lunch! Click here to see all the yummy details! 

 

   

Port Washington State Bank presents Willy Porter in concert o Benefit the Advocates of Ozaukee- Friday, February 14, 2014 at 8:00pm at the Cedarburg Cultural Center.  Tickets are $25 in advance/$30 at the door (if still available).  Click here to view the flyer


Village Logo The Town of Grafton is hosting "Love That Rural Feeling," on Saturday, February 8th at 11:00am at the Grafton Library. This workshop is for landowners who are looking for an easy way to make a positive environmental impact with their property landscape and for those considering long-term land preservation.  Andrew Struck will also be discussing Hedgerows/Hedge funds. Please join us! Click here to see the full brochure and additional info   

 

Volunteer Center  

The Volunteer Center of Ozaukee County is is seeking nominations for 2014 Volunteer of the Year and Agency of the Year. There will be a Recognition Event on April 17th. Please consider nominating a deserving person or agency. Volunteer of the Year Form     Agency of the Year Form 

 

 

Wellspring Wellspring is offering Sustainable Chocolate Cooking Class on Thursday, February 13th - 6 to 8:30 pm. Join Milwaukee's own Omanhene Cocoa Bean Company, and Chef Karen Gill for an evening of tasting and learning about sustainable chocolate! Demos, tastings and tips. Wine pairings and recipe handouts to take home. Cost: $30 until 2/10, $35 after. Visit   www.wellspringinc.org  for details.