Jammin' on Janesville 2013 Funding

A big thanks to the City of Muskego Common Council last night for continuing to fund Jammin' on Janesville by allocating monies for it in the city's 2013 budget.

Following is a letter I wrote on 10/9/12 to the Common Council urging its members to keep this great and worthwhile event series in the city's budget:

Aaron S. Robertson
P.O. Box 151
Muskego, WI 53150

October 9, 2012

Dear Members of the Muskego Common Council:

I am writing you today to respectfully urge you to continue the City’s financial contribution to Jammin’ on Janesville at current levels.

During the 2011 and 2012 Jammin’ events, I was primarily a volunteer at the Muskego Kiwanis Club’s booth, of which I am a member. But I also had opportunities to promote my business, Intrepid Innovations Inc. Fliers and business cards promoting my business were on display at other booths, and I was able to purchase an ad in the 2012 Jammin’ brochure that was distributed across the city by mail and by volunteers at each event.

While I cannot speak for my fellow Kiwanis Club members, and while it should be noted here that I am not officially speaking on behalf of the club, my own perspective is that Jammin’ on Janesville raised the profile of our club tremendously. These events provided the club with great opportunities to fundraise for meaningful causes, increase awareness for what we do, and reach prospective members.

Speaking for my business, I was able to secure a handful of new clients because of the exposure that Jammin’ has provided. The time, effort, and monetary investments we as a business put into Jammin’ were well worth it, and I look forward to next year’s Jammin’.

I understand that there has been a debate amongst members of the Council over spending city money on a largely privately-funded event. But I would respectfully argue here that while it is true that the Chamber of Commerce and participating businesses are private entities, there is no doubt that the city as a whole, and more specifically here the City government, is a direct stakeholder of Jammin’ – a direct beneficiary of it.

Showcasing to residents of both our own community and those of other communities what our business base has to offer them is priceless for Muskego’s economic growth. Contrasting the “old” and “new” Janesville Road demonstrates to residents, business owners, and decision makers in both Muskego and in other communities that Muskego is serious about having their best interests in mind. These marketing efforts translate into new developments, business expansions, jobs, tax revenue, and increased circulation of capital. That being said, there can be no doubt that the City of Muskego has a vested interest in the reach and ultimate success of Jammin’ on Janesville.

In closing, I again ask that you continue to support Jammin’ on Janesville at current levels.

Respectfully,

Aaron S. Robertson