Business | Lodi Valley News

L.O.D.I. Annual Meeting

Rating 3.50 out of 5

Lodi, WI
1/26/10

Dear Friends of L.O.D.I,

L.O.D.I. cordially welcomes you to attend our Annual Meeting and New / Expanded Business Reception on Wednesday, January 27^th at Lodi’s Northern Edge. Hors d’oeuvres and musical entertainment begins at 5:30 pm. As you mingle, plan to register for numerous door prizes!

Following the reading of the L.O.D.I. Annual Report at 6:30, we will recognize over a dozen New or Expanded Businesses in the Lodi area. Recognition of these businesses is a great opportunity to hear about and meet the people who have committed to economically developing our business community. Three other awards will also be presented. They are:

Vilas Hibbard Beautification Award recognizes a business or organization that has renovated its facility or property.
L.O.D.I. Director’s Award is presented to an individual or organization for efforts exemplifying L.O.D.I.’s mission of promoting the Lodi area and supporting area economic development.
“Green Awards” recognize businesses which strive to conserve energy by installing energy efficient devices

Our keynote speaker is Mark O’Connell, Executive Director of Wisconsin Counties Association. His message will center on how to use your unique talents to help strengthen our community’s economic vitality.

Enclosed you will find your 2010 L.O.D.I. Membership Form. Please take a moment to complete and return it along with your dues to L.O.D.I. so that we may continue to support, improve and energize economic development. Your interest and involvement is greatly appreciated. We look forward to your attendance at our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 27^th! Read more »

Taxes & Record Keeping for Small Businesses

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI
12/1/09

Do you have a small business or are wanting to start one and want to learn more about taxes and record keeping? These two topics, while not everyone’s favorite things about running a small business, are critical to your success.

Please join us for the December 9th meeting of the Columbia and Sauk Entrepreneurs and Inventors’ Club to find out the basics of what you need to know to keep yourself out of trouble and in compliance with the law. The meeting is open to the public and will be held from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the West Square Building (Room B-24), 505 Broadway, in Baraboo.

Our speaker will be Kim Wegner, CPA with Moy, Borchert, Erbs, & Associates, LLP in Baraboo. Her practice is focused on taxation and small businesses. Kim has been working in public accounting for five years and is a graduate of Baraboo High School. Both her undergraduate and graduate degrees are from UW-Whitewater.

E & I Club meetings are interactive, fun, and free! All participants have an opportunity to share their concepts and learn from and network with each other. Don’t miss this opportunity to find the resources and people you need to help develop your business and/or invention. We hope to see you there!

The Columbia and Sauk Entrepreneurs and Inventors’ Club is co-sponsored by the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation, the Sauk County Development Corporation and MATC. All three of these entities have been designated as “Intake Centers” in the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network (www.wenportal.org).

For further information, call the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation at 608-742-6161 or the Sauk County Development Corporation at 608-355-2084.

Also, don’t forget to mark your calendars for upcoming meetings of the Columbia and Sauk Entrepreneurs and Inventors’ Club. Meetings alternate between Sauk and Columbia Counties and run from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

January 27, 2010 – Law Enforcement Center, Community Room, 711 Cook St., Portage

February 24, 2010 – Sauk County West Square Bldg. – B-24, 505 Broadway, Baraboo

March 24, 2010 – Law Enforcement Center, Community Room, 711 Cook St., Portage

April 28, 2010 – Sauk County West Square Bldg. – B-24, 505 Broadway, Baraboo

May 26, 2010 – Law Enforcement Center, Community Room, 711 Cook St., Portage

June 23, 2010 – Sauk County West Square Bldg. – B-24, 505 Broadway, Baraboo

July 28, 2010 – Law Enforcement Center, Community Room, 711 Cook St., Portage

Robert Davis Wins 2009 Downtown Revitalization Award from CCEDC

Rating 4.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI
11/19/09

At the Annual Meeting of CCEDC (Columbia County Economic Development Corporation) on Thursday, November 12th, Lodi resident Robert Davis won the 2009 Downtown Revitalization Award. Judges admired his vision and tenacity with a project of this magnitude. The following is the letter nominating Robert that was submitted by Rog Severson on behalf of L.O.D.I.

Robert Davis
Spring Creek Business Center, Lodi, WI
Entrepreneur of the Year

Rescuing a building that may have seen a wrecking ball in its future is no small feat! But that’s the story of the Spring Creek Business Center, formerly the Lodi City Hall. It is located at 113 S. Main, Lodi, WI.

A number of years ago, the Common Council of the City of Lodi was struggling with how to revamp the old City Hall. Specifically, more space was needed for a growing staff, meeting rooms, the police department and everything needed to address handicap accessibility. The existing City Hall was analyzed and determined to be way too involved to overhaul. With plans confirmed, the city began the lengthy building process and the old City Hall went up for sale. No one really wanted it because of the renovation required to make it usable, except one person. Read more »

DeForest Comfort Inn & Suites Earns Travel Green Certification

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI
10/26/09

Travel Green Wisconsin, a voluntary certification program that recognizes tourism businesses for reducing their environmental footprint through eco-friendly practices and the first of its kind in the country, has just announced that Comfort Inn & Suites featuring the North Star Conference Center, DeForest has earned certification.

Highlights from Comfort Inn & Suites’ checklist include: complimentary breakfast is served on china rather than disposable plates, 100% of light bulbs have been replaced with compact fluorescents, and a recycling program is in place with in-room receptacles facilitating guest participation as well.

In releasing the news, Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble made the point that serving the needs of eco-aware travelers is not only the right thing to do, it’s good for business. “Sustainability and profitability need not be mutually exclusive,” Trumble said. “All signs point to a burgeoning consumer demand for green travel in the nation, and the Wisconsin tourism industry is poised to serve this niche market, all the while continuing to grow tourism revenue for the state.” She went on to say that, “With our state’s history of land stewardship, it’s most fitting that Wisconsin lead the nation in this.”

To achieve certification, applicants must earn a minimum of 30 points from a checklist of basic requirements covering a wide range of “green” practices, including: waste reduction, reuse and recycling; energy efficiency, water conservation and wastewater management; air quality; wildlife and landscape; transportation; purchasing; and local community benefits. The Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, an independent third party, then certifies Travel Green Wisconsin applicants.

Since it was launched statewide in 2007, Travel Green Wisconsin has garnered its share of national media coverage, with stories appearing in USA Today, the Chicago Tribune and New York Times, and on CNN. The program has certified more than 130 tourism businesses to date, including hotels, resorts, B&Bs, restaurants, retail stores, tour operators, nature centers, state parks, convention centers, golf courses, and a range of indoor and outdoor attractions. For more information about Travel Green Wisconsin, a partnership of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, visit www.travelgreenwisconsin.com.

Free Business Breakfast Seminars at CBB – October 2009

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI
9/16/09

As the world moves faster and becomes ever more competitive, it is vital that businessowners keep abreast of the latest strategies and resources. Community Business Bank (CBB), Sauk City and Lodi, is sponsoring a four-part seminar series on important topics for today’s business environment. You are invited to attend one or all of the presentations.

This four-part free seminar series will take place at Community Business Bank, 1111 Sycamore Street, Sauk City, on the dates listed below. Registration/continental breakfast from 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. and presentation/questions from 7:45 – 9:00 a.m. on each of the dates.

Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		Friday, October 2
Options in Healthcare Insurance Coverage . . . . . .		Friday, October 9
Networking Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		Friday, October 16
Recruiting – You Can Have The Dream Team . . . .		Friday, October 23

Due to limited seating, reserve your spot by calling Community Business Bank at 608.643.6300 or emailing bbreunig@cbbwi.com by September 30, 2009.

A Market – A Musing

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Is that Larry beneath the Hat?

Lodi WI, Wisconsin
7/8/09

By Gail Lamberty

The wagon came and circled. It wasn’t followed by war whoops or shooting. It was surrounded by generosity and kindness instead.

Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market and the Lodi Area Food Pantry have been partners for a number of years in providing fresh produce to the elderly, shut-ins and those among our community who are experiencing rough times. Donations from the market on Friday are stored in two coolers in the market barn and distributed on Saturday am. Read more »

Lodi’s Dynamic Duo

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi Valley Farmers Market Fridays 2pm to 6pm

7/6/2009
Lodi, WI Wisconsin

Lodi Area Food Pantry + Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market = One Fabulous Dynamic Duo for Lodi.

Last Friday at the Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market, donations and vendors filled two huge coolers with fresh produce for the elderly, shut in and folks in need for the Lodi Area Food Pantry. That alone is outstanding generosity and only in Lodi can the story get even better!

For a mere $10, you can buy a very classy market bag. Last Friday Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market /Lodi Area Food Pantry bags were introduced as a fund raiser for the market and the pantry. Read more »

Buying a Home . . . What You Need To Know

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI
7/2/09

A free “Buying A Home . . . What You Need To Know” seminar is being presented by a panel of experts on Tuesday, July 14, 2009. Detailed information on the “First Time Home Buyer Credit” will be provided. You will learn about the steps to become pre-qualified for a home purchase and just how much home you can afford. Title insurance will be explained and why you may need a GAP policy. The pros and cons of investing in a foreclosed property will be shared, along with the benefits of a buyer agency relationship.

Mark your calendar to attend this presentation ~ it will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at Community Business Bank, 1111 Sycamore Street, Sauk City from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Registration and light meal begin at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required as space is limited. RSVP by July 10 to reserve your spot – phone 608.643.6300 or email bbreunig@cbbwi.com.

46th Annual “Art in the Park” July 4th

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi Art Club will host the 46th annual "Art in the Park" July 4th in Habermann Park Lodi Wi from 10am to 4pm

A Market – A Musing

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
7/1/2009
By Gail Lamberty

When we scheduled the “get grilling” market for Friday June 25^th were not thinking of grilling our own hides. It was a scorcher! Never to be called “wimps” our vendors showed up in good spirits with garden goodies galore! The first beans and (probably) the last asparagus were at the vendor booths. As always, you can get the expected and unexpected at the Lodi market. Read more »

Payment Relief In Sight for Those Struggling With Student Loan

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
6/30/2009

Madison, Wis. People struggling to make student loan payments may find welcome relief beginning July 1, when a new income-based repayment option becomes available. This new option allows certain lower income borrowers with federal student loans, regardless of when they first borrowed, to make monthly payments based on how much they earn, rather than the amount they owe. Read more »

Home Energy Labels Will Burden a Fragile Real Estate Market

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI-5/18/09

Letter to the Editor by Anna Morgan

Oppose Waxman-Markey “American Clean Energy and Security Act” that encourages home energy label disclosures in real estate transactions.

Frustrated with how the sluggish market is affecting the sale of your home? Now imagine your Realtor explaining to you why your home got an F grade on Energy Conservation and you have to reduce your selling price to keep your buyers at the closing table. That’s what could happen if the House Energy Committee passes the Waxman-Markey “American Clean Energy and Security Act” that creates new State-mandated Energy Star labels for homes and buildings. Read more »

Free Home Buying Seminar

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI-5/11/09

A unique group of local business women are holding a FREE Home buyers Seminar! Lu Ann Langowski, Mortgage Loan Officer for Associated Bank, Noelle Stevens and Lynda McGinnity, Real Estate Brokers for Swell Properties, Inc. and Cari Michel, CPA for LVH Business Solutions.

A step-by-step presentation on buying a home in today’s market! Lu Ann will discuss the $8,000 tax credit and types of loans available to first time home buyers. Noelle and Lynda will review Swell Properties’ exclusive Buyer Cash Back program, in which buyers receive 50% of our commission upon closing. Cari will cover the tax and financial benefits of home-ownership and the first time home-buyer credit!

The seminar will be held at Associated Bank, in the upper-level meeting room. Refreshments will be served.

Dates: Thursday May 14th 6:30-7:30 PM
or Saturday May 16th 9:30 – 10:30 AM

RSVP appreciated! Call 608/592-2100

Participants will receive: $100 off closing costs from Associated Bank & a Home Buyer Guide: “49 Essential Tips Every Home buyer Should Know” from Swell Properties

Prairie Valley Mercantile Workshop

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI-5/6/09

Prairie Valley Mercantile and Resale Store is holding their first community educational workshop for children and adults. Assorted annual flowers, accents and all planting materials will be provided. Bring your favorite flower pot , basket, or bowl. Pots will also be on hand.

All profit will go to children’s needs and charities.

Saturday May 9, 12 noon. Snacks provided.
Call 698-7059 to reserve your spot.
Cost is $6.00.

(Editor’s note: Prairie Valley Mercantile and Resale Shop LLC is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable corporation. Profits benefit charities such as Make A Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Children Diabetes Foundation, and most importantly, our own local and surrounding area children’s medical needs. Prairie Valley Mercantile and Resale Shop LLC is a completely volunteer-run organization.)

Happy Birthday to Lodi Valley News!

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI-4/22/09

Well, here we are at one-year-old. There have been a few growing pains along the way and we are still evolving as time moves forward, but we’ve made it to this point and the future continues to look promising.

We would like to thank all who have supported us throughout this experiment in citizen journalism. Please take some time to thank each of our sponsors. You will find them listed along the right-hand side of this page. They have made what we do possible. Let them know that you support them and us, as well as our local economy.

Our future plans are everchanging. We want to expand our stable of citizen journalists. If you have an idea for a story or a recurring column, let us know. Future plans include offering some low-cost classified advertising, adding more video feeds and hosting our site with a “green” web hosting company.

As we move forward, again, we would like to say thanks so much for your support. We hope you enjoy where we have been and are excited about where we are going. We sure are.

Thank you!

Gary & Roger, Editors