Richland Chamber News and Notes
Monthly Newsletter
Download the latest newsletter from the Richland Chamber and Development Alliance.
2012 is off to a GREAT Start!
January 19, 2012
Brrrrr! The weather has come full circle and we finally have the snow and cold that we usually have this time of year. I must admit I appreciated the spring like days in January.
Congratulations to Pine Valley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for being named one of the Best Rehabilitation Facilities of 2011 by Rehabilitation Management magazine. Along with this honor, they also received the distinction of being designated a 5 Star facility by the Federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. This is a tremendous achievement and ranks them 'much above' other nursing homes. We are proud to have such a wonderful facility here in Richland Center. It shows that the employees of Pine Valley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center go above and beyond with their jobs by making sure the residents are properly cared for and the facility is maintained and kept up-to-date.
The Phoenix Center celebrates its 5th year of 'rising above the ashes'. A lot of memories were made at the former Center Lanes. It was devastating to many as it burned 5 years ago. We are grateful that they rebuilt and have grown and prospered with their new location in town. Last Friday I took my kids for some family fun after work. I'm a little rusty with my technique, but we all had fun. I fondly remember bowling at Center Lanes and divulging in their homemade pizza. Even though the location and name has changed their purpose has remained: A great atmosphere for people to come together and enjoy bowling, eating, drinks, fun! The homemade pizza is still a highlight. Cheers to many more years!
Our local Cost Cutters is a cut above the rest! The Richland Center Cost Cutters was named the 'Salon of the Year' in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. They were given top honors out of the 50 salons in competition. Having worked directly in a former position with Mr. Kaminski and the Cost Cutters staff, I can personally say this is a great honor for them to receive. Mr. Kaminski is very particular with the Cost Cutters image including cleanliness of the salon, training of employees, customer service, profit margins, product inventory, and other strict guidelines they must maintain or exceed. Kudos to the managers and stylists for your hard work and dedication!
It has been one year since Schreiber Foods purchased Dean Foods. Tune into WRCO tomorrow morning as representatives from Schreiber Foods join us to discuss their operations and the January Business Outreach Tour they are hosting.
If you have information you would like included on the RCDA online calendar of events please call or email them to us. We keep the calendar up-to-date and the information is viewed by many. Take time to check out the new changes on our websites. We consistently strive to make it user friendly while providing valuable information to locals and tourists. Enjoy!
Shop Locally in 2012!
January 5, 2012
I may be preaching to the choir, but it's a great message! If you take a moment and open up the Advantages to Shopping Locally! 
attachment, you'll read information that has been mentioned time and time again. However, it's a message that needs to be repeated time and time again. It is my hope that you will print out the attachment and place it in your business for customers to read. Perhaps you can include the message in a newsletter, post it in the employee break room, include it in your mailers, or simply remember the lesson for your own shopping needs.
When we look at the Richland Center area, we see businesses that have been here for years and others that have come and gone. We see empty spaces and "for rent" signs in buildings and wonder what will replace them. We question what makes a business successful and what brings a business its demise. It's important for EVERYONE in a community to value what they have and help it grow and be successful.
Another similar message I like is from the 3/50 project that another town promotes. Their message is to "Save the local economy three stores at a time!" The message is as follows:
3 Think about which three independently owned businesses you'd miss the most if they were gone. Stop in and say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.
50 If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if ¾ of the employed population did that.
68 For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.
1 The number of people it takes to start the trend. . . You!
Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.
Let's work together in 2012 to promote our local area. We have excellent retail shops, strong industries, fun events and great residents! Do your part and help spread the message!
Thank you.
Mary Jo Fortney
Assistant Director
Richland Chamber & Development Alliance
397 W Seminary St
Richland Center, WI 53581
maryjo@richlandalliance.com
