Member Services & Events
All Heart of Wisconsin programs have an impact on the communities we serve.  Our Member Service programs concentrate on promoting your business to the business community and general public.  Some programs, like Business After Hours and Working Women’s Luncheon, are geared towards networking and professional development while other programs – Rekindle the Spirit and Cranberry Blossom Festival – bring together the community in celebration.   

Contact Krista Dhein (422-4860 or programs@heartofwi.com) for additional information on any of these events.   

• Business After Hours
• Business Bowl and Spooktacular Bowl
• Annual Summer Hummer Golf Outing
• Lunch by the River
• Cranberry Blossom Festival
• Working Women’s Luncheon
• Mardi Gras Business Expo
• Member Breakfast
• Legislative Breakfast
• Rekindle the Spirit
• Annual Dinner: Progress Awards & Citizen of the Year

Business After Hours

Business After Hours gives your business the opportunity to showcase what you have to offer!  You may choose to host the evening on your own, or partner with other area businesses.  Business After Hours runs from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm and will be one of the best events you’ve attended!

 Mark your calendars for these 2009 Business After Hours:

Tuesday, April 21, 2009: Rapids Rehab- Rapids Mall

5:00-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009:
Harmony Assisted Living

5:00- 6:30 p.m.

Interested in hosting a Business After Hours?  Contact Krista Dhein at 422-4860.

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9 Pin Tap Business Bowl & Spooktacular Bowl

Join us for the  October 22, 2009 Spooktacular Bowl.  Bowl and network with area business professionals at the 9 Pin Tap Business Bowl held in March and the Spooktacular Bowl held in October. Win prizes while meeting new friends and colleagues.  Promote your business at this event by sponsoring a bowling lane or donating a raffle prize. 

2009 Spooktacular Business Bowl Lane Sponsorship & Raffle Prize Sponsorship Form

 Spooktacular Business Bowl Registration Form

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Annual Summer Hummer Golf Outing Lunch by the River

Every year the Ambassador Committee of the Heart of Wisconsin hosts the annual Summer Hummer.  This event provides a relaxed atmosphere for networking while giving you the opportunity to work on your back swing.

July 14, 2009 - The Ridges

Summer Hummer Hole Sponsorship Form

Golfer Registration Form

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Lunch by the River

Lunch by the River is your opportunity to get out of the office, round up the kids and head on down to Veterans’ Memorial Park to enjoy entertainment and good food along the Wisconsin River.  Every Thursday, starting the 2nd Thursday in June and running until the end of August, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm enjoy a taste of Wisconsin Rapids with 6 different food vendors and entertainment from various groups in the community.  Each week is sponsored by a different business and is sure to be a favorite summertime event.  Don’t leave without stopping at the custard stand!

Interested in being involved in Lunch by the River? Contact Krista Dhein (programs@heartofwi.com) today! 

Lunch by the River Sponsorship Form

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Cranberry Blossom Festival

This fun-filled weekend event will be the first thing you mark on your calendar every year!  Visit the Cranberry Blossom Fest website for all the celebration details~

http://www.blossomfest.com/

 2008 Cranberry Blossom Festival Highlights

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Working Women’s Luncheon

Join us for a new series happening in Wisconsin Rapids.  The Working Women’s Luncheon offers you the opportunity to network, learn new ideas, discuss hot topics, and have fun!

 Mark your calendar for these upcoming Working Women’s Luncheon dates:

• Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - Lake Arrowhead

• Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - Bull's Eye Country Club

• Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - Biron Municipal Center 

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Mardi Gras Business Expo

Join the evening of networking with guests, friends and Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance Members.  Over 40 business booths are on display.  Enjoy Cajun food, refreshments & entertainment. 

Mardi Gras Business After Hours Expo 1:30-7:30 p.m. - Hotel Mead

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Member Breakfast

Our member breakfast gives new members a chance to learn about putting the Heart of Wisconsin membership to work for them.  This networking opportunity also introduces them to the board of directors and ambassador committee.

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Legislative Breakfast

Our Legislative Breakfast gives you the opportunity to connect with local and state representatives to hear what topics are being discussed in Madison and in Washington.  Our representatives also listen to your concerns and discuss options for creating solutions. Legislative Breakfasts are held once or twice per year.

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Rekindle the Spirit

Rekindle your Christmas spirit with us November 27, 2009 the day after Thanksgiving. Be part of the parade celebration, register a float.  Festivities include: fireworks, food vendors and a tree lighting ceremony.

2009 Rekindle the Spirit Sponsorship Opportunities Form 

2009 Rekindle the Spirit Parade Registration Form

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Annual Dinner: Progress Awards & Citizen of the Year

The Annual Dinner is the must attend event of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance!  Each year, this event honors businesses and organizations through three different awards – Business of the Year, Shining Star, and Entrepreneur/Developer of the Year. 

Join us on Friday, February 6, 2009 at Rainbow Casino from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.  

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Business of the Year – Criteria used in selection

• Economic impact on the community (employment growth)

• Expansion of business facility or products/services (business growth)

• Dedication to customer service

• Community service and leadership

• Innovative efforts used to adapt to marketplace change

• Must be a business enterprise for at least five years

• Must be a Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance member

• Has not received the award in the past 4 years

2003 – Solarus (Formally WCTC), 2004 – Pritzl’s Corner Mart,
2005 – Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese, 2006 – Quality Foods IGA, 2007-Ocean Spray

Shining Star – Criteria used in selection

• Service Organization or public institution

• Dedication to community service and leadership

• Innovative programs and services to adapt to the changing community needs

• Must be a business enterprise for at least five years

• Must be a Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance member

• Has not received the award in the past 4 years
   

2002 – Rapids Area Soccer, Inc., 2003 – Community Foundation of South Wood County, 2004 – Boys & Girls Club of Wisconsin Rapids, 2005 – Aqua Skiers, 2006 – Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre, 2007-South Wood County Humane Society  

Entrepreneur/Developer of the Year – Criteria used in selection

• Initiated economic growth

• Community service and leadership

• Innovative efforts used to adapt to marketplace change

• Must be an entrepreneur/developer for at least two years

• Must be a Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance member

• Has not received the award in the past 4 years

2003 – Sheldon Ferkey, 2004 – Dan & Cheryl Urban, 2005 – Gary Rosencrans, 2006 – Dave Pryor, 2007-Advanced Fiberglass Technologies

 Citizen of the Year