Friday, November 23, 2012
The owners of small businesses throughout the Metro Milwaukee area say it works for them to be part of the fabric of their communities.
Small businesses work for a strong community. The days of Henry Ford coming into a community to build a plant and hire 25,000 workers are gone. But the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well on a much smaller scale. From neighborhood diners and booksellers with a handful of employees to niche operations with dozens of employees, small business owners have found ways to be profitable while strengthening the community in which they operate. Paul Schueller, CEO and part owner of Franklin Energy Services in Port Washington, Wis. was an engineer for Wisconsin Natural Gas Company. Schueller saw an opportunity and struck out on his own. “It’s more cost effective for energy companies to find ways to improve energy efficiencies than to build …
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Some of Port Washington's most passionate and committed citizens were honored Wednesday at the annual awards dinner at Memories Ballroom.
The passion that Port Washington’s most dedicated citizens have for their community was displayed Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce 2012 Annual Awards Dinner at Memories Ballroom. “These are the people who are making our community great,” said former mayor Scott Huebner. He choked up briefly while thanking his wife and children for supporting him through three terms as mayor as he accepted the Citizen of the Year award. Dan Michu, co-owner of Baltica Tea Room, also had to compose himself briefly as he accepted the City Beautification Award on behalf of Baltica. He spoke at length about the need for citizens and business owners to “pay it forward” to make the city stronger. “Mr. Port Washington,” Leroy Bley, was given a Special …
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Bette Langford and Becky Luedcke of Blue Heron Artisan's Gallery and Heron Bay Banquet Hall, are hosting an "Honor Our Military: Operation We Care," drive through Dec. 1.
Local businesses owners are organizing a drive through the month of November to benefit troops currently stationed overseas. Bette Langford and Becky Luedcke of Blue Heron Artisan's Gallery and Heron Bay Banquet Hall, are hosting an "Honor Our Military: Operation We Care," drive — collecting anything from food, toiletries, small games, phone cards, and more — with plans to package the items and send them to troops overseas in time for Christmas. Individuals can also drop off cards for the troops or write a letter to send; Langford has supplies to write letters when you drop off your donation. The gallery is hosting an Honor Flight Art Show from Dec. 8 to Dec. 23 — featuring photos from the official Honor Flight photographer of Visual …
Monday, November 12, 2012
Local business improvement district leaders say a thriving small business climate makes the whole community stronger, but it takes support from residents, the government and business owners to make things work.
Thriving businesses are one-third of a triumvirate of a vibrant community. “You need good schools, a quality housing stock and a solid commercial area,” said Tim Ryan, president of Shorewood’s Business Improvement District. Ryan is invested in all three. He and his family live in Shorewood, his daughter goes to school in Shorewood and he is the president and owner of Harleys: The Store for Men on Oakland Avenue in Shorewood. Small businesses line the commercial corridor that runs east and west along Capital Drive and north and south along Oakland Avenue, Ryan said. “Unlike many small communities, our business district is spread out on two thoroughfares.” Small businesses, like Harleys, are invested in a community the way national chains …
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Port Washington residents instantly recognize Bethel Metz' Seven Hills Honey at the city's Farmers Market. The Metzes make the honey from hives in the surrounding area.
The eyes of Port Washington residents instantly look to the Metzes large banner at the city's Farmers Market. "People point at it and they go, 'Oh my gosh, you're those people,'" Bethel Metz said. "I have to buy honey — this honey is made in my backyard, this honey is made by my neighbors. There's this huge interest in Port." Metz has been a Port Washington urban beekeeper since last summer. She and her husband Mike took classes to gain the necessary knowledge, and now work together on raising honeybees outside their home. In fact, an ordinance allowing urban beekeeping inside city limits was created because of the Metzes decision to bring the hobby here. Those who drive by the Metzes residence at a quick glance would never know that there…
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Sarah Jayne Photography opened a studio in Port Washington this summer, and owner Sarah Tendrup said she is loving every minute of the new business adventure.
Though she stumbled upon her recently opened Port Washington location by chance, Grafton native Sarah Tendrup said it was passion for the hobby that drove her to become a professional photographer. "I've always been creative and I've always loved taking pictures," she said. "It started out as a hobby — I loved it and I wanted to learn more." Tendrup is now the owner of Sarah Jayne Photography, operating a studio at 116 E. Grand Ave., in Port's downtown. She officially registered as a business in 2012, and opened her studio just after Port Washington's Fish Day near the end of July. Though she shoots a variety of photos — such as engagement and senior photos, among other categories — she said she specializes in newborn and infant photos. "…
David Tatarowicz
5:09 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
@Ab Fab You make some very good points and more importantly ask some very good questions. I noted that Ryan said " thriving small businesses reduce the tax burden for homeowners and buoys home values." which is just not true. Property tax rates are the same for commercial property as it is for residential property. In Wisconsin, unlike some other states, the local communities get no share of the … more ›