Three board seats up for election

George Althoff
Executive Director

Three positions on the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will be on the ballot for the upcoming 2026 election. Those positions are:

• At-Large – This position is being vacated by Tony Jaynes of Wegner CPAs. Tony has served two consecutive terms and is not eligible for re-election. A representative from a Chamber member in one of our six membership classifications is eligible to hold this position. Those classifications are Agribusiness, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Professional, Retail and Tourism.
• Retail – This position is currently held by Jason Grossenbacher, Manager of Festival Foods. Jason is eligible for re-election. Any representative of a Chamber member in the Retail classification is eligible to run for this position.
• Village of West Baraboo hotelier – This position is currently held by Tom Patel of the Best Western Baraboo Inn. Tom has served two consecutive terms and is not eligible for re-election. In order to qualify for this position, the candidate must be employed by a Chamber member lodging establishment that collects room tax revenue in the Village of West Baraboo.
  The 11-member Board of Directors is the governing body of the Chamber and works with the Executive Director to set priorities for the organization. Per our bylaws, the board is comprised of directors representing Agribusiness, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Professional, Retail, and Tourism; the City of Baraboo hotel industry; the Village of West Baraboo hotel industry; the Ho-Chunk Nation; and two At-Large directors.
  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.
  If you would like to be considered for any of the three positions up for election, please fill out the nomination form and send it to me at director@baraboochamber.com. If you have questions, please drop me an email or call me at 608-356-8333. Nomination deadline is Friday, Nov. 7. The full slate of eligible candidates will be approved by the Board of Directors at its November meeting. Ballots will then be sent to all eligible voting members within three business days.

Many thanks to all for Oktoberfest effort
Our 4th annual Oktoberfest was another great success, with nearly 500 people partaking in the event. There are many people to thank for that, including our Fest Royalty Pete and Rebecca Oettinger, the food and beverage vendors, Circus World staff, dozens of volunteers, and the members of our Tourism Committee – Shelley Mordini, Julie Hearley, Nellie Schmitz and Crystal Stonefish. A special shoutout to Suzanne Covoloskie and her cohorts, who once again performed flawlessly as the masters of the biergarten. See you all next year!