Member Appreciation Night features TV episode premier

George Althoff
Executive Director

The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual member Appreciation Night on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and we have something special in store – the premier showing of the “Discover Wisconsin” episode featuring Baraboo.
Last year the Chamber contracted with the producers of “Discover Wisconsin” to create a 30-minute show highlighting the many tourism attractions the Baraboo Area has to offer. The $50,000 investment was significant, but the Chamber’s Board of Directors felt that it was a worthwhile expenditure of the room tax revenue we receive from the Village of West Baraboo and the City of Baraboo.
Earlier this summer, a Discover Wisconsin production team led by Sauk County native Lindsey Hayes spent several days in Baraboo visiting more than a dozen local businesses and attractions and interviewing people for the show. Originally, the show was supposed to air next spring in 13 TV markets across five states in the Midwest. However, the timetable got pushed forward and it will now air in those markets the weekend of Oct. 18-19. Of course, we’re eager to see the finished product, and the producers have graciously agreed to allow us a sneak preview the night of Oct. 15.

“Discover Wisconsin,” which was created in 1986, is a travel series television program that encourages tourism across the state. It features destinations, events and attractions throughout Wisconsin, and is the longest-running tourism series in the country. It has won five Emmy Awards, has earned more than 20 Emmy nominations, and has won 20 National Telly Awards. “Discover Wisconsin” reaches millions of viewers through a combination of network, cable, and satellite stations, and through its digital presence across various platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Details for Member Appreciation Night are still being finalized, but this we know for sure: The event will be on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Al. Ringling Theatre, which just happens to be one of the many local attractions featured in the show. Keep watch for more details and a registration link in future email blasts and newsletters.

2026 board elections on the horizon
Later this year, I will issue a call for nominations for three positions on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. The positions up for election are:

At-Large -Tony Jaynes, a partner at Wegner CPAs, holds this position. He also has served two consecutive terms and is not eligible for re-election.
A director’s duties include participation in the monthly board meetings and service on at least one of our four standing committees. Directors also are encouraged to take part in Chamber events such as the annual dinner, golf outing, Oktoberfest and our monthly Business After 5 networking events. The nomination form for these three positions will be published in the October Chamber Review.

Retail – This position is currently held by Jason Grossenbacher, Manager of Festival Foods. Jason is finishing his first term on the board and is eligible to run for a second three-year term.

West Baraboo hotelier – This position is currently occupied by Tom Patel, General Manager of the Best Western Baraboo Inn. Tom has served two terms and is not eligible for re-election.