Jammin' on Janesville 2013 All-Business Meeting on 1/22/13

Attention ALL Muskego business owners!

Don't miss this very important planning meeting coming up on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, starting at 6:30pm in Room #4 of the Muskego Public Library!

Representatives from all Muskego businesses are invited and strongly encouraged to attend this meeting. Membership in the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce is not required.

Everything from the logistics to the many advertising and sponsorship opportunities for this year's Jammin' on Janesville sessions will be presented and discussed.

Now entering its third year, Jammin' on Janesville has continued to get better and better, drawing the involvement and support of more and more businesses and organizations with each passing year, along with noticeably larger turnouts of individuals and families looking for something fun to do on a Friday summer night.

Hope to see you there!

All the Best,

--Aaron Robertson, president, Intrepid Innovations Inc.

Intrepid Innovations to become 2013 Muskego Chamber Partner sponsor

Muskego-based online marketing firm, which is celebrating its fifth year in business, excited to become bronze partner sponsor for coming year.

Muskego, Wisconsin - December 28, 2012 - Aaron S. Robertson, president of Muskego-based Intrepid Innovations Inc., a firm specializing in Web and graphic design, search engine optimization, social media, online marketing, and copy writing, including press release writing and distribution, announced today that the company will be a Bronze-level partner sponsor of the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism for 2013.

“We’re very, very excited about this,” Robertson, also a freelance journalist and writer, as well as publisher of MilwaukeeBusinessOpportunities.com, said. Robertson went on to add, “We’ve been a member of the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism for five years now, since we launched our business in late 2007, and we’re very happy that we’ve reached this point in our company where we are able to do something like this. The Chamber has been such a great resource and marketing tool for us, that seeking a sponsorship was only natural.”

“We are so pleased to see some of our small businesses realizing the benefit by partnering in this way. We believe this is an extreme value for many of our small businesses in the community that cannot possibly reach a corporate sponsor level, but can receive great benefit at a Bronze Level. Affordable marketing with great exposure,” noted Tina Weiss, executive director of the Chamber.

Robertson, who serves as an ambassador in the Muskego Chamber and is a 2013 nominee for its board of directors, encourages all to visit the Chamber’s Web site at www.muskego.org to learn more about what the Chamber has to offer to its members, as well as to the broader Muskego community.

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Aaron S. Robertson
Intrepid Innovations Inc.
P.O. Box 151
Muskego, WI 53150
Phone: 414-418-2278
E-mail: aaron@boldlyinnovative.com
Web: www.milwaukeebusinessopportunities.com

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

Callen Construction Hosts Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce

Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce social hosted by Callen Construction, of Muskego, on 4/26/12.

Callen Construction, located on Janesville Road in Muskego, hosted a social earlier this evening for members of the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to serving on the board of the Hales Corners Chamber, I'm also very active in the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce, as well. Callen is a member of both chambers, too, and has been such a wonderful asset and partner with both communities, which border each other.

Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce president Don Schwartz addressing the crowd at Callen Construction.

A big thanks to their team for an awesome time this evening and for all that they do out in the community. There was great networking going on, helpful information and resources being shared, and the food, catered by Matty's Bar, Grille & Catering, another business that has been so good to the community, was absolutely amazing, as always! Matty's sure knows how to put out a great spread. Good times.

Again, thanks to everyone who helped make this evening fun and enjoyable, and we look forward to the next Hales Corners Chamber event!  

--Aaron Robertson, president, Intrepid Innovations Inc.

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

Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce: Statement on Common Council Vote

Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce     
Immediate Press Release

January 25, 2012

For Immediate Release

RE: Muskego Lake Property Acquisition

Contact: Tina Weiss, Executive Director

(executivedirector@muskego.org or 414.422.1155)

Members of the Muskego City Council faced a very challenging decision last night concerning potential lake property acquisition on Little Muskego Lake. While recognizing that opinions differ on the issue, the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce believes the City Council made a hard but right decision on this matter by approving purchase of the property.

The mission of the Muskego Area Chamber is to create prosperity and a vibrant community in order to make our lake community a destination for work, home and play. The City Council's vote on this matter is directly aligned to advancing this mission and vision for Muskego's future. We are thankful for the vote and for the civic-minded leadership it demonstrates.

In stating our organization's support for this Council decision, the Chamber also notes that this effort is in line with the Community's Comprehensive 2020 plan and is an option available to the Council due to a record of sound fiscal management over many years. We agree with the Council that this purchase represents an investment into Muskego's future while also rightfully seizing on a likely one-time opportunity to provide public access to the lake for all citizens in a key area adjacent to the city center.

In all walks of public life, there are key decisions that serve as defining moments for the officals involved and the communities they serve. The Muskego Area Chamber views last night's decision as a defining moment by our elected leaders, one that we believe will positively impact and shape Muskego's future and appeal for businesses, families, and visitors alike.

Tina Weiss

Executive Director

Muskego Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

414-422-1155 x111

executivedirector@muskego.org

www.muskego.org

Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce Backs Lake Park Development Proposal

January 23, 2012

On Behalf of the Muskego Chamber of Commerce we would like to state our position on the property acquisition on the lake.

The Mission of the Chamber is: To help create prosperity and a vibrant community, with the vision of making our lake community a destination for work, home and play.

Muskego has a beautiful, natural lake in the middle of its downtown that has been hidden for decades from many visitors and residents. The possibility of getting a sneak peek at our natural resource has all the elements for creating prosperity and everything else our mission and vision stands for.

Following the city's 2020 Comprehensive plan, put together by a coalition of community members, states on Page 141 this goal:

To establish a memorable community image that builds on the City's small town atmosphere and natural amenities.

In addition, the city's investment in a "lake park" will be rewarded with significant return on investment with tax revenues from increased economic activity and tourism-related expenditures. Creating great public places pays off as a tool for economic development. Muskego needs a destination.

While some would hold out for a resolution for the Parkland Mall property before pursuing something else, its current legal complications make it an unrealistic choice for development at this time. Furthermore, the Parkland Mall property isn't likely to result in a public green space, creating a destination we so much need in our downtown.

The time is right to showcase our natural resources and our opportunity to create a desirable destination for work, home and play.

If we don't invest in our community, if we don't carefully plan for our future and our children's futures, businesses and residents will continue to locate to more progressive communities. Support the development of a "lake park". Lake Park along with our new Janesville Road will create a distinctive presence making our community a destination.

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.

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