MAKING TRACKS

It’s our anniversary!

Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Clow.

BY BILL CLOW
RACC Executive Director
During September, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a month-long membership drive in honor of our 80th anniversary. There are many stories about the start of what is now the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce and the various organizations that preceded and eventually merged to become the Chamber. However, we have found in our files documents that show the official incorporation date of the chamber was September 21, 1936. We will be celebrating our 80th anniversary with the first-ever Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Day.

The September membership drive offers new members an 8-percent discount on their first year of membership. If you are a current chamber member, get a new member signed up and you will be placed in a drawing for a $50 chamber buck check.

We work year-round to make the entire Rhinelander area the best place to live, work, play and conduct business. Now is a great time to join as we are currently in the process of creating the 2017 Rhinelander Area Guide. The Rhinelander Area Guide has a business directory listing the chamber’s entire membership. Those members who join during the membership drive will be included in the newest directory.

The anniversary festivities will take place on Wednesday, September 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber staff invites all Rhinelander community members, both chamber members and non-members, to stop by and sign the guest book. The celebration includes cake provided by Trig’s, coffee, a short presentation and a picture. Previous staff and board members are encouraged to stay for the picture.

UPCOMING EVENTS
2016 Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge
Friday, Sept .23– Sunday, Sept. 25 Rhinelander Quality Inn
Musky anglers from around the country will come to Rhinelander to compete in one of the most historic Musky tournaments in the nation. The catch-and-release tournament will be headquartered at the Quality Inn Rhinelander and fishing will take place on area lakes. Cash purse to the winning teams, as well as prizes for the first 50-inch musky, the largest musky, the largest northern pike, and more. If you’re a musky fisherman or just someone interested in the sport, don’t miss the Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge. Information and registration forms are at the Chamber. We are also looking for people who are interested in manning judge boats for the Saturday, Sunday or both. Contact the Chamber office for details.

Harvest Hoedown
Saturday, Oct. 1
12-6 p.m.
The Woodpecker Bar & Grill
Join in some old-fashioned fun for this harvest-themed event to benefit the Rhinelander and NATH/Frederick Place. Pig roast, live music, line dancing, horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin patches, face painting, and more- the Harvest Hoedown will be fun for the whole family!

The Haunted Hodag Howl
Saturday, Oct. 22 – the Rhinelander Quality Inn.
This adult Halloween party will feature raffles, games, music, hors de oeuvres and a cash bar. Watch for more information coming soon!

CORRECTION: Downtown Trick or Treating
Saturday, Oct. 29 downtown Rhinelander 2-4 P.M.

CORRECTION: City-wide Trick or Treating
Monday, Oct. 31

Contact the Chamber for information on businesses, the area or if you have questions about anything in this column. The Chamber is open from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. You can reach me at 715-365-7464 or at director@rhinelanderchamber.com.