The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce Launches Redesigned Website

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce Launches Redesigned Website

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce announces the launch of its completely redesigned website, www.muskego.org, and hopes the fresh, contemporary and user-friendly format will make it a primary information hub for the entire community.

The most beneficial feature of the Web site is the optimization. When the average rate of time on the site goes up 60 percent, our members benefit. When the number of pages viewed goes up 400 percent, our members benefit. When new visitors are easily directed to our site through S.E.O., our members benefit.

Features the site offers Chamber members include a detailed events calendar, the option of online registration and payment for events and programs, and an array of marketing and information opportunities. Visitors will find an extensive community events calendar, a one-stop location to quickly learn about our business community, and the opportunity to directly link to member websites and other sites of local interest. To stay abreast of rapidly evolving business communication options, social networks Facebook and Twitter have also been incorporated.

Muskego’s Chamber Executive Director, Tina Weiss said, “The new Web site caps a major transformation for the Chamber. We're stronger and better than ever, and we're excited to move forward with these exciting changes. There really is no better time to be part of the Muskego Chamber of Commerce. We are thrilled to help provide this additional exposure for Chamber members, in support of our community’s economic vitality. With more and more consumers and businesses turning to the web and using local online search options to find reputable businesses, we are pleased to provide a search-engine-optimized portal to help them discover, learn about, and contact our members.”

Independent research shows that membership in a local chamber significantly contributes to a firm’s brand credibility. In addition to the dozens of other Chamber benefits, services and events, the Muskego Chamber is more confident than ever in their membership offering and value.

Equally proud of the accomplishment, 2012 Board President Gerald Boisits comments, “In today’s competitive environment, a strong Internet presence is critical to serving our membership and community, and in promoting Muskego’s economic development on a global scale. With this new website, our Chamber of Commerce takes a giant leap forward.”

Explore our Website, Win a Prize!
We’ve hidden three Golden Eggs somewhere on our website, www.muskego.org Look around, see what our site has to offer, and find the eggs! Once you find all of them, you will be prompted on your next steps to win. Enter by May 10th for your chance to win a 2012-Jammin’ on Janesville T-shirt. One per business please.

Tina Weiss
Executive Director
Muskego Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
414-422-1155 x111
executivedirector@muskego.org
www.muskego.org

SlideShare

I just launched a profile on SlideShare.net a few nights ago. It looks like a very neat site, and I'm really looking forward to getting better acquainted with it.

SlideShare allows you to create a public profile page and share your PowerPoint presentations, videos, and documents with the world. There are also a number of social networking features at your disposal, such as the ability to "follow" the pages of other SlideShare users and in turn attract "followers" of your page, post announcements and thoughts to your "wall", etc.

A big thanks to Tina Weiss for telling me about SlideShare. Tina is the executive director of the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce, and she does a fantastic job at keeping up with current trends in social media and educating business owners and leaders on how to harness the power of these great online tools and resources to build stronger customer and client relationships, increase visibility, and boost sales.

I have had a presence on Scribd.com for a while already. Scribd is similar to SlideShare and is another great online resource worth looking into.

--Aaron Robertson, president, Intrepid Innovations Inc.

Networking Event at Ruby Tuesday on 11/9/11

Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Ruby Tuesday - Greendale
5320 S. 76th Street
4:00-6:00pm

Opportunities to network with members of the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce, New Berlin Chamber of Commerce, and Milwaukee Networking Club!

The event is co-hosted by Pams' Essentials and Massage Envy, both members of the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce.

Plenty of Happy Hour Drink Specials, Business Card Drawings, and Free Appetizers!

For more information, and to RSVP, please call Carol Schmidt at (414) 807-4306

Why You Should Belong to Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Here's a great article that offers some very attractive stats and facts from a consumer's perspective on why your business should belong to your local chamber of commerce.

A special thanks to Tina Weiss for sending me the link to this article. Tina serves as executive director of the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce, and does a fantastic job in her role.

--Aaron Robertson, president, Intrepid Innovations, Inc.

Muskego Chamber of Commerce Supports School Referendum

The Muskego Chamber of Commerce is backing its Mission: Creating prosperity and a vibrant community that makes our lake community a destination for work, home, and play by supporting the 2011 School facilities referendum that will take place on Tues November 8th, 2011.

Investing in education leads to future community growth and the prosperity of our citizens and businesses. Muskego boasts a much respected school district. Yet, it is well known in this community that many of our elementary facilities are outdated and thus affects the perceived image of education and community. With interest rates and building costs at historic lows, it is an opportune time to invest in school facilities. The Muskego Chamber has long supported local education. Its members support the school district by providing student mentorship programs through our business leaders. The Chamber recognizes that our schools positively influence residential property values. Realtors don't sell houses-- they sell neighborhoods. Good schools and a strong community equal good neighborhoods.

The Chamber of Commerce is encouraging all to become knowledgeable about the new revised plan by attending referendum information nights, take building tours, and talking with school board representatives and members on the steering committee. Many of our business leaders participated in the steering committees that drafted the revised plan. The revised plan merges community input with the most pressing facility needs. It responds to community cost concerns while still delivering on the mission of the school district. The Muskego Chamber urges voters to support our community on November 8th.

Tina Weiss, Executive Director
Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
414.422.1155 x 111
Email: executivedirector@muskego.org
Website: www.muskego.org

Don Reidy, Chamber of Commerce President
Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
(414) 422-9116
tractorgrading@yahoo.com

Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce Educational Series

Jobs in Hales Corners

Not too long ago, I wrote about a jobs board that the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce, on whose Board of Directors I serve on, launched on its Web site as a means to connect business owners and managers in Hales Corners with residents looking for work.

At the time I wrote about it, the page was pretty empty, and that still accurately describes it, although there are a couple more job listings now than there were at the time. I think the problem here is just a matter of doing a better job of getting the word out about it to the masses, and I'm hoping this blog post helps with that.

So, if you're a business owner or manager in Hales Corners looking to fill positions, please get in touch with the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce to get your job postings up on the site. And if you're a resident of Hales Corners looking for work, continue to check the board from time to time.

This is a free service of the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce, and it's just one more way we can provide value to the broader community, so do take advantage of it!

To Your Success,

--Aaron Robertson, president, Intrepid Innovations Inc. 

Final Jammin' on Janesville for 2011 this Friday 8/5

The final Jammin' on Janesville of 2011 is taking place this Friday evening, August 5th! Hope to see you there!

What is Jammin' on Janesville, you ask? Read our prior article and watch the video below!

Next Jammin' on Janesville Fast Approaching

The city of Muskego.

The second Jammin' on Janesville is just around the corner on Friday, July 1!

For those of you not familiar with Jammin' on Janesville, it's an outdoor festival of sorts that takes place in the evening and is meant to draw attention to businesses along Janesville Road in Muskego.

Held on the first Friday of the month, the first-ever Jammin' on Janesville took place on June 3, with the third and final one of the year set for August 5.

Janesville Road will soon be undergoing a major expansion, and Jammin' on Janesville, which is sponsored and promoted by the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce and numerous individual businesses throughout Muskego, is meant to help residents remember to frequent the businesses along Janesville Road during the road construction.

Numerous businesses from across Muskego (not just those along Janesville Road) are joining forces to offer an extensive variety of entertainment, food and beverages, giveaways, and information about their businesses.

It's a tremendous opportunity to network, have a little fun, and really take in everything Muskego has to offer. Hope to see you there!

--Aaron Robertson, president, Intrepid Innovations Inc.

Are You a Hales Corners Resident Looking for a Job?

Recently, the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce, of which I am a Board member, launched a page on its Web site devoted to helping Hales Corners residents connect with area employers that are looking to hire. There's not much on the page at the moment, but as word spreads, we hope that it will prove to be a valuable resource for both job seekers and area businesses.

Check the page out here:

http://www.halescornerschamber.org/jobs.html

If you're a Hales Corners business looking to hire, contact the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce to get the word out on its Web site! It's free and easy to do!

--Aaron Robertson, president, Intrepid Innovations Inc.

Networking Opportunities Through ABLE South

ABLE South (Active Business Leads Exchange) Promotes Your Business

Fourth Tuesday of every month
11:30 am-1:00 pm
$12 advanced registration includes a delicious lunch

New Location:

Klemmers Banquet Center
10401 W. Oklahoma Avenue
West Allis, WI 53227

• Give a 30-second commercial for your business
• 5 minute presenter (pre-selected)
• 50-90 total attendees to hear about your business

Each participant should bring at least six business cards. Introductions followed by 30-second commercials by each participant. The appointed presenter will provide a 5-minute presentation followed by sharing of success stories and "outrageous requests" (business-related only).

The remainder of the meeting is for networking.

Active Business Leads Exchange (ABLE) is a networking group formed by area chambers of commerce for the purpose of joining forces once a month to harness the power of business referrals and networking. ABLE South involves members of the Franklin, Oak Creek, Hales Corners, West Allis/West Milwaukee, Greendale, Greenfield, South Suburban and Muskego Area chambers of commerce.

TO REGISTER, CONTACT YOUR RESPECTIVE CHAMBER'S OFFICE.

Hales Corners Chamber After 5 on 2/23

Please Join Us for an After 5 Chamber Business Social & Networking Event

Clifford's
10418 W. Forest Home Ave.
Hales Corners, WI 53130

Tuesday, February 23rd 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Snacks and Orderves will be served

Cash Bar Available

Also, for members, please check your Chamber plaque and let us know what years you still need a year plate for. We will have 2008 & 2009 year plaque plates on hand.

Questions? Call Don Schwartz at 414-529-4821

To learn more about the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce, visit: http://www.halescornerschamber.org/ .

Burton Robertson awarded Wind Lake Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business of the Year 2009

Author: Janet Janowiak

Email: Janet@eZoneSecretary.com

Website: http://ezonesecretary.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2010

Contact: Burton Robertson
Tel: (414) 510-3351
E-mail: Burton@ImagiMarketing.com

Burton Robertson awarded Wind Lake Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business of the Year 2009

Multi-faceted business owner, Burton Robertson presented with Outstanding Business of the Year Award at Wind Lake Chamber event.

Wind Lake, WI, February 9, 2010: Burton Robertson, entrepreneur operating Mega Music DJ Services, ImagiMarketing, Send Out Cards and The Cash Coupon, of Waterford, Wisconsin has been named the 2009 Outstanding Business of the Year by the Wind Lake Chamber of Commerce. Robertson, a retired firefighter, is an entrepreneurial dynamo managing to run four successful business entities while strengthening and building the Wind Lake Chamber of Commerce, (WLCC) with his creative thoughtfulness and never-ending energy. Robertson’s passion for marketing has been instrumental in reinventing a 35 year WLCC tradition into a vision of a high-quality family event recently re-coined FestiBazaar. A self-described “creative idea guy,” Robertson is the current Vice President of WLCC, Chair of the FestiBazaar Committee, current WLCC webmaster and handles most of the administrative tasks of the Chamber with ease. His get-it-done attitude has offered members of the Chamber such benefits as discounted bulk mailing opportunities, a member to member discount program, discounted Send Out Cards memberships and many Chamber fund raising ideas. Robertson says, “I get a lot of help and support from my wife, Holly Robertson who is the owner of these businesses and provides quite a bit of input.”

The Outstanding Business of the Year Award not only recognizes exceptional business growth but commitment to strengthening the Wind Lake Chamber of Commerce, fellow Chamber members, businesses, business opportunities within the Wind Lake area and/or to serving the citizens of the Wind Lake area. This yearly award is open to nominations from the Chamber and past winners of the Outstanding Business Award during the year are also included. The Wind Lake Chamber of Commerce represents all types of businesses and organizations located in or around the Wind Lake area in Racine County. Robertson is a natural networker who is always searching for new connections for Chamber members, his businesses and the Chamber itself.

Some of the services provided by Burt and Holly Robertson’s entrepreneurial spirit include providing support to subscribers of his online greeting card system, Send Out Cards; music and DJ entertainment for weddings, festivals and events; online marketing opportunities via a coupon system through The Cash Coupon and brain-storming and implementing marketing ideas through his website ImagiMarketing.com.

For more information about any of Robertson’s services, please visit ImagiMarketing at http://imagimarketing.com/; The Cash Coupon at http://thecashcoupon.com/; Mega Music DJ Services at http://megamusicdjservices.com/ and Send Out Cards at http://socwi.com/.

About Robertson’s businesses

Mega Music DJ Services: Provides mobile entertainment including music and announcements.
Send Out Cards: Digital greeting cards
ImagiMarketing: Marketing ideas and implementation
The Cash Coupon: Internet coupon provider

About the Wind Lake Chamber of Commerce

Visit the website at http://www.windlake-wi.org/.

What Does it Mean to be a Chamber Member?

By Burton Robertson 

Joining the chamber of commerce is a great way to gain new business prospects, be an active part of a community, and learn about new ways to advertise your business. It is an investment in your business, no less than buying a piece of equipment, or placing an advertisement in a paper or on the radio. By being a member, you can attract more local business and have resources available that you might not otherwise have. It's also a great way to make connections, meet new business people and become informed about the activities going on in your local community.

A chamber provides a broad membership base, but usually within a defined geographic area, such as a town or a county. Depending on the nature of your business, this kind of local membership could be of significant importance.

Unlike a referral networking group, professional society, or trade association, a chamber does not limit the number of people who can join from any one profession or industry. The local membership may include, for example, several commercial interior designers. Membership in this chamber of commerce would thus give you an opportunity to meet more than one prospect for your word-of-mouth marketing team.

Chambers conduct social and business events where you can socialize and develop relationships. Becoming a member of a chamber of commerce provides opportunities to give back to the community and capitalize on significant member benefits; serving in the leadership raises your recognition, visibility, and credibility, as well as that of your business.

Chambers, like the rest of the business world, provide assistance based on what effort you put into it, and how you use the resources. Expecting a chamber to “do it all for you” as a consideration of the membership price is a waste of the fee. Good chambers have a variety of member services for you to take advantage of. Whether it is through seminars, counseling (like SBDCs) or networking events, numerous opportunities exist to grow and sustain your business by exposing yourself and your business to like-minded individuals. The biggest mistake people make is that they join a chamber, get their membership plaque, and expect business to roll in. Joining is just what “gets you in the game”. You then have to consistently network by going to chamber events, meetings, ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and, even better, getting involved on committees.

Doing your homework is what’s important here. All chambers are different, so it is important to go where you “feel the love”. Remember, however, that a chamber of commerce is a “casual” contact network where relationships will only grow with time and effort. So when you join any chamber of commerce, be prepared to “work” it. Much like planting a seed, you have to give it some care, attention, and time. But before you know it, things begin to blossom and soon you can enjoy the bloom...

Burton Robertson, in addition to running a number of businesses, serves on the board of the Wind Lake Chamber of Commerce.