In This Issue






Spotlight on– Deke Slayton Memorial Museum
and Monroe County Local History Room
Message from the President
Note from the Executive Director
Fort McCoy– Army Lodging
Barb Brings to Mind
Chamber events pictures
Volume: XIII
Issue: March 2013
THE SPARTA AMBASSADOR
March Spotlight- 2 Great Museums in One Building
THE DEKE SLAYTON MEMORIAL SPACE & BICYCLE MUSEUM
The Museum is a Progression of Transportation from the first bicycles, the Wright Brothers’ Bicycle Shop, and the Wright Flyer, exploring Monroe County’s rich aviation history, and into outer space with Mercury 7, Astronaut Donald Kent “Deke” Slayton
The museum in part is a memorial to Donald “Deke” Slayton – an astronaut and NASA administrator who grew up on a farm outside of
Sparta, WI. There are numerous artifacts on display including several of Deke’s personal items such as, his Mercury Spacesuit and even a
Moon Rock!
The museum also recognizes that Sparta is the Bicycle Capital of America. There are over 200 Bicycle exhibits, from the very lst bicycle
to modern day bicycles, including some driven by famous people. Exhibits trace the evolution of the bicycle throughout American history. Note: The historic 7 person tandem bike has been taken out of storage and will be refurbished and again be making appearances in
local parades.
The Museum is located at: 200 W. Main Street Sparta, WI 54656/ Phone: 608-269 0033 or email: dekeslayton@centurytel.net
OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY 10 AM – 4:30 (CLOSED SUNDAYS)
Monroe Country Local History Room
The Monroe County Local History Room’s purpose is to connect people to the past in a meaningful way through historical exhibits, public
programs, and research assistance. MCLHR serves over 7,000 visitors annually through our museum and library. Over half those visits were
from Monroe County residents, and the rest representing Wisconsin and beyond. Our staff and volunteers encourage visitors to extend
their stay in our county by having lunch at one of our fine restaurants, doing some shopping, or at the very least, filling up their gas tank before getting by on the road.
The MCLHR is the place to go in the winter to beat those winter blahs. We invite you to attend an engaging public program about the civil
war. You can also check out some really cool 3-D pictures of Sparta area people, places, and events taken over 60 years ago. Winter is a
great time to do a little family history using the MCLHR’s library and award winning website, www.MonroeCountyHistory.org.
Next SBA5 will be Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Sparta Area Outlying Businesses @ the Colonial
SBA5 is a wonderful way to increase your exposure and/or promote your business, a new product or service. It is an opportunity to mingle
with Sparta area business owners in a relaxed social setting and offers an excellent “fringe benefit” to offer to member employees. SBA5 is held
monthly on a Wednesday in member establishments. Member hosts provide snacks, beverages and door prizes. Attendance ranges from 65 275, depending on facility and time of year. The 2013 Calendar is full– see the schedule inside for details. please contact the office (269-4123)
for more information on how to participate in grouped events.
Now taking names for the April 17, SBA5 for outlying businesses at the Colonial. Please call Barb at 269-4123 and get on the list.
March 2013
The
Ambassador
2013 Chamber board of directors
MEET THE BOARD
Officers:
MEET THE BOARD
Directors:
Past President– Carol Ostrem
State Bank
608-269-2111
Mark Pierce
United Country Markim Reality 608-269-0057
President: DeAnn Perzel
Shades Body Studio
608-269-8282
Kate Stueber
Century Foods
President Elect: (Open)
Treasurer: Louis Zanon
Clifton, Larson, Allen
608-269-2424
Vice Presidents:
Todd Page
All American Lumber
608-269-5028
William Hoffman
WCOW
608-269-3307
Katie Blashaski
The Greenery
608-269-0057
Darren Schauf
F.A.S.T. Corp
608-269-7514
Rose Leis
Speed’s Bike Shop
608-366-2290 x. 2520
Scott Davis
State Farm Insurance
608-269-5441
Dan Arndt
Arndt, Buswell & Thorn
608-269-1200
Jeff Nilssen
Nilssen Electric
608-269-3300
Bonita Sanders
Bonita’s Bridal Boutique
608-269-2315
Denise Halverson
Edward Jones
608-269-9136
608-269-2315
Ex-Officio:
Staff:
Executive Director:
Tim Hyma
Tourism & Event Coordinator:
Barb Bendel- Sandvigen
Summer /Weekend Tourism Staff:
Shelby Mantzke & Kassie Perkins
City of Sparta, DNR, Fort McCoy, Sparta
School District, UW-Extension, WTC
The
Ambassador
March 2013
President’s Message
Cabin Fever 2013 is in the books. Thank you to all who volunteered your time to this event. Planning
is only one part of making this event a success each year; we also want to thank the volunteers who
worked the event that evening. Donations are an important factor in a successful event and a huge
thank you goes out to all who made a donation of items or sponsorship money. Congratulations to all
the winners! Many walked away with great prizes or cash at the end of the evening. We look forward
to our next “fun”draising event which is our Annual Golf Outing in August.
We have several weeks of winter left to enjoy and explore all that makes our area a destination for winter fun. We are working diligently to promote all that Sparta and the surrounding area has to offer to
winter activity enthusiasts. If your business would like to promote a winter event please contact the
Chamber Office.
Remember to shop local. Whether it is a new piece of furniture, a gallon of paint to freshen up a room
or a unique gift for someone special Sparta has what you are looking for. Please shop local and support
your fellow members.
Respectfully,
DeAnn Perzel – President
The Annual Cabin Fever “Guns & Roses” was the highlight of the month– over 250 people participated
The Sparta Area School District showcased their programs and activites at the last SBA5–
Check out the photos:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.468163106582617.103955.121320464600218&type=1
The
Ambassador
March 2013
Barb brings to mind
The Expense of the March Winds
Mom and Dad were busy starting the spring house cleaning. Painting, cleaning the wallpaper and the likes of what
all they use to do when it was spring. You totally tore your house apart and gave it a good going over. All the
rooms got it whether they needed it or not. That was the traditional rule in those days. Well, when you lived in a
big old house like we did you had to start early. They even put me to work. My chores were to empty out my
room of all the stuff I no longer wanted and get rid of the clothes that no longer would fit. Next I was handed a
bucket of water loaded with spic & span (to this day I do not like the smell of the stuff) and some rags. I had to
wash the stairway railings and spindles, wipe them dry and polish them with a special oil and they had to sparkle
when I got done or I had to redo them. I remember there were over one hundred spindles so it wasn’t a two
hour task it took me almost all day. My next big task was to do all the heat registers. I learned real young how to
use a screw driver. I also know there are probably a few screws rolling around in the heating ducks. But dad always had extra so they could be put on secure when my job was done. After we had slaved away all day mom
decided we would order carry outs from a place called Mickey's. They had the best deep fried chicken and that
was what she would order for us for dinner because she wanted to keep on going and get her painting project
finished. She handed me a $20.00 bill and sent me on my way. The last thing she said was, don’t lose the money.
Instead of walking the block and ½, I decided I would ride my bike because it had a basket in and I figured I could
put the bag in there. Got the carryout and threw the change in the bag. Back then you could get ½ of chicken dinner for about 3-4 dollars. So there was about $12.00 in the bag. When I got home and set the bag on the old butlers pantry. Mom took out the dinners and asked where the change was. I told her in the bag. She checked again
and said there was no money in there. Well, I guess I never rolled up the bag and only the coins were in there.
When I started back for home the bills were on the top. The wind was just a whipping and there was a light mist
coming down and I guess I was just like any kid not paying attention. So the bills were gone with the wind. We left
the dinners sit and went to look for the change. I can remember going up and down Market St. with them trying
to find it. The change was in the bag but not the bills and I figured I was in deep trouble. My dad spotted a $5.00
bill but that was all we recovered. We finally gave up. I did get a pretty good scolding and we ended up eating cold
chicken and french fries. But the way I felt I didn’t care if I ate or not. Dad said it was an accident but I would have
to do some extra chores to make up for it. Back then a $20.00 bill was big bucks. You could buy groceries for the
family for a whole week. They kept me busy for quite a few weekends to make up for the loss. Lesson learned
never put your change in a bag. To this day I still don’t do it!
March will it come in like lion or a lamb?
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Barb
The
Ambassador
March 2013
FROM FORT MCCOY
McCoy’s estimated economic impact exceeds $1 billion
Fort McCoy's total economic impact for fiscal year (FY) 2012 was an
estimated $1.02 billion, down slightly from the $1.31 billion reported
for FY 2011. Fort McCoy supported a training population of 122,171 personnel for FY 2012, which ran from
Oct. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2012.
The training population included reserve- and active-component personnel from throughout the military.
Work force payroll, operating costs and other expenditures were $317.5 million compared to $409 million
for FY 2011. The number reflects a decrease in sustainment, restoration and modernization and stimulus
funding.
The total FY 2012 work force payroll for civilian and military personnel was $124.5 million; operating costs
were $180.5 million, and other expenditures were $12.5 million.
Operating costs included utilities, physical plant maintenance, repair and improvements, new construction
projects, and purchases of supplies and services. Salaries for civilian contracted personnel working at McCoy
also are included in operating costs.
Other expenditures included $306,000 to local governments (including land permit agreements, school
district impact aid, etc.) and $12.2 million Soldier discretionary spending in local communities.
A gross multiplier index (GMI) of 3.2 was used to determine the overall effect of the expenditures in the
local economy. The GMI measures the number of times a dollar turns over within a region.
A total of 2,874 personnel worked at Fort McCoy in FY 2012 - 1,549 civilians, 454 military and
871contracted employees.
New construction figures from FY 2009 to FY 2012 were $29.9 million. A total of $251.7 million in contracts
were incurred in FY 2012.
Nonappropriated fund sale March 19
A Cash-and-carry sale of surplus nonappropriated fund items will be held Tuesday, March 19 at building 643
at Fort McCoy. The sale opens at 8 a.m. to Common Access Card holders, military personnel and military
retirees with a valid ID, and at 9 a.m. to the general public. The sale will end at 2 p.m.
Sale items include refrigerators, microwaves, washers, dryers, and much more. Items are sold on a firstcome, first-served basis, must be paid for by cash or check and must be picked up at the time of purchase.
For more information, visit www.mccoymwr.com or call 608-388-4397.
The
March 2013
Ambassador
Community Updates
Save the dates- Here is the 2013 Business Education outline for Leadership seminars. Tom Thibodeau from the
Viterbo University is confirmed to the classes.
Meetings will be held at Jake’s Northwoods from 11:30-1:00, lunch will be provided for $10.00
March 27-2013 - Team Building – The buy in
July 23, 2013 – Constructive Discipline
October 24, 2013 – Performance Planning and reviews
___________________________________________________________________________________
Your Chamber at work for our youth– The Chamber recently agreed to sponsor four students to
attend the Business World Chamber Challenge, as well as, make a donation to the high school DECA
program for nationals.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you to our new & renewing members for your continued support:
Arenz Shoes
AMFAM– Haldeman Agency
Amy Sue Vruwink
Arndt, Buswell & Thorn
Biederman Jewelers
Boys & Girls Club
Caboose Cabins
Century Foods Int’l
CenturyLink
Western Technical College
The Greens
J&T Events
Jake’s Northwoods
Wisconsin County Places
Lake States Lumber
City of Sparta
Coverra Insurance
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home
Curves
First Weber Group
M.T.N.T.
Main Street Ink & Toner
Market Bar
Marr Promotions
Mary Kay
McPherson Guitars
Monroe County Title
Oak Meadows Court
Park Bank
Monroe County Publishers
Richard Edwards, DDS Shades Body Studio
Sojourner’s Journey
Sparta Area Schools
Sparta Free Library
Sparta Women’s Group
Terry Tobin Design
Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home
Logowear
Mayo Health Systems
Cura Salon
Dean’s Home Security
Club 16
Dean’s Satellite Service
Walgreen’s
Edward Jones– Denise Halverson
The Greenery
Finishing Touch Drywall
US Cellular
Triple RRR Industeries
Tlustosch Law Office
Leon Country Tavern
Sparta Montessori School
The
Ambassador
March 2013
Calendar of Events
2013 Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events
Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday @ NOON at Jake’s Northwoods, except if there is a 5th Tuesday; they meet
at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
Rotary meets every Tuesday evening at Jake’s Northwoods @ 7pm
March 2: Monroe County Historical Spring Craft Show @ Sparta High School
March 5: Ambassador Meeting
March 20: SBA5- Deke Slayton Memorial and Bicycle Museum and Monroe County Local History Room
March 25: Legislative-Cracker Barrel Breakfast 7am @ Happy Trails Diner
April 6: Freedom Honor Flight Casino Night
April 17: SBA5- Outlaying Businesses at Colonial Bowling Center
May 1: State Bike Trail Open House-Chamber Depot -10am
May 7: Ambassadors Meeting at Chamber Depot @ 9am
May 15: SBA5 at ABR Employment Services
May 18: Fort McCoy Armed Forces Day
May 19: Fort McCoy vs. Sparta Softball
May 20: Legislative-Cracker Barrel Breakfast 7am @ Happy Trails Diner
May 27: Memorial Day Parade, Sparta
May 29: Start Concert in the Park Series– High School Jazz Group
Concerts in the Park Every Wednesday Night, Summer Months @ Evans Bosshard Park, Hwy 16 East, Sparta
June 6-9: Sparta Butterfest Celebration & Carnival @ Memorial Park
SAVE THE DATE– August 7th will be our Annual Golf Outing Event
Check http://bikesparta.org/events.html often for updates
You can also add your own events to www.bikesparta.com using https://secure.chambermaster.com/login/ and
your login and password.
Call us at 269-4123 if you need any help with this!!
The
March 2013
Ambassador
From the Executive Director
Helping the Business Community
Build, Grow, AND prosper
February was busy with the High School Casino night, SBA5, ribbon cuttings, award presentations, Cabin Fever, Regional
Economic Opportunities and lots of planning meetings in between.
March is looking good also– Monroe County Historical Society’s Arts & Craft Fair on March 2d, The Sparta Sports Expo
on March 9th, SBA5 on March 20th, Legislative Breakfast on March 25th, and Team Building Education series on March
27th. Lots of members are also putting their events on the calendar, so check often for updates at www.bikesparta.com.
We are also attending a couple expos out of the area to promote Sparta over the next couple months, and I’m working
with Discover Wisconsin to get a booth at the state fair again.
Please remember to update your information on the website. I’ve been working on over 400 records in the database to try
and get everything current, but could use your help. Go to http://bikesparta.org/business-3.html and click on the member
login icon. Take a few minutes to look over everything and ensure the information is accurate. You can also add Hot Deals,
Events, and post job openings while updating the site. If you need assistance, please call me at 269-4123. I can walk you
through it over the phone– its that easy.
Membership renewals are almost complete. If you have not paid your investment, please do so at your earliest convenience. If you lost your from, you can download one from the website. If you like me to come visit your business, and get
some help in promotions, let me know– I want to help you build, grow and prosper.
Sincerely,
Tim Hyma
Executive Director
Seven days without Sparta Area Chamber
involvement makes a business weak!
The new team at Gerrard-Hoeschler Realty
The
Ambassador
March 2013
Committee Meetings
Welcoming Businesses,
Unifying the Community,
Creating Possibilities
AMBASSADORS– Dan Arndt
Purpose: to foster positive community-wide and Chamber relations
Meets first Tuesday of each month at the Chamber office or member businesses at 9am
TOURISM– Rose Leis
Purpose: to foster tourism development through cooperation and promotion of the Sparta Area tourism
businesses & attractions
Meets first Monday of each month at noon at The Chamber Depot
EDUCATION– Carol Ostrem & DeAnn Perzel
Purposes: to foster economic and community growth through cooperation and promotion of prosperous
business practices via seminars, webinars, forums and panel discussions. To foster educational opportunities
for business, youth and government in support of creating and maintaining a positive business environment
Committee meets as needed at the Chamber Depot
MEMBERSHIP & GROWTH– Todd Page
Purpose: to foster Chamber membership growth and retention.
Meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Noon at various member businesses and potential businesses
CONCERTS IN THE PARK– Carol Ostrem
Purpose: Maintain and continue the successful summer community series Committee meets as needed 4-6
times a year
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK– Mark Pierce
Purpose: Create a community driven committee to keep the tradition of the lights in the park going, as well
as, other community events for a better quality of life for the community.
If interested in sitting on any committees, please call Tim Hyma at 269-4123 and we will find a seat for you.
Presorted
Standard
U.S. Postage
Paid
Sparta, WI
Permit NO. 160
The Sparta Ambassador
111 Milwaukee Street
Sparta, WI 54656
Address Service Requested
Get Involved!
Your participation is critical to achieving a positive
business climate for the Sparta Community. Help your
community in economic growth and enhanced quality
of life by calling Sparta Area Chamber at 269-4123 or
email spartachamber@centurytel.net