Star Journal Report

2020 Oneida County sales tax revenues were up nearly 10% over 2019; couple that with sales of Chamber Bucks that doubled over the same period – totaling close to $43,000 – and Rhinelander Area Chamber Director Lauren Sackett has reason to celebrate.

The chamber promoted two “Buy Local” campaigns last year to encourage residents and visitors to support local businesses during the pandemic.

“Rhinelander Chamber Buy Local campaigns and the Chamber Bucks program have had a great economic impact for our community.” said Lauren Sackett, Rhinelander Chamber Executive Director. “In 2020, we really pushed the messaging of shopping and supporting local business, between our county’s sales tax numbers and this huge increase of Chamber Bucks purchases, we are calling our Buy Local campaigns a success.”

The campaign taglines included, “Support. Revive. Prosper,” and “Our community, our future,” reflecting the importance of locally owned businesses in building a strong community, Sackett noted.

“Supporting your friends and neighbors by investing in our community helps our area to revive from current events and continue to prosper in the future.”

Local sales in Oneida in December resulted in a 57% increase in sales tax in 2020 compared to 2019.

Other Northwoods counties also recorded increased sales tax revenues in 2020 compared to the previous year:
• Forest County +10.3%
• Iron County +5.4%
• Langlade +8.6%
• Lincoln +5.6%
• Oneida +9.8%
• Vilas +9.2%