Portage County Connects

Local Eco-conscious B&B Earns Honorable Mention

An eco-conscious vibe and opportunities for conservation and energy efficiency education. These are the amenities that have earned the Artha Sustainable Living Center in Amherst, WI an “honorable mention” in The Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s 2010 Top 10 list of… Read More »

Stevens Point Takes Home the Bronze!

Stevens Point takes home the bronze; the bronze star in the Water Star Program, that is. The Water Star Program sponsored by the Wisconsin DNR, Cooperative Extension, MSA Professional Services, Town and County RC&D, among others (listed below) recognizes cities… Read More »

Land Use That Protects Our Future Generations

We’re all interested in economic development — growing existing businesses and attracting new ones. Community planning is key to sustainability — how a community uses the land for residential, agricultural or commercial purposes can have long term effects on the land… Read More »

Relocation, Relocation, Relocation

Lowering business costs is at the top of everyone’s list and a recent article by Dana Olson, President and CEO, Ecodev in Area Development Online points out how relocating to a community that better suits the needs of your business may help… Read More »

Stevens Point – An Eco-municipality since 2008

Then take a good look at Stevens Point — an eco-municipality since 2008. Just what is an eco-municipality you ask? One devoted to sustainable development that can meet present needs without threatening the needs of future generations.

Yes, we’re looking… Read More »

Destination Marketing Organization Certification

The Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau recently announced its Destination Marketing Organization certification. The certification was awarded by the Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (WACVB). The WACVB is 35 members strong and provides its members with… Read More »

Healthy Worksite Healthy Community

Research indicates that not only are “green” or sustainable efforts in the workplace important to customers — they’re important to employees as well. In fact, a company’s sustainability efforts are now a factor in attracting top-notch Gen Y employees.

How… Read More »

Stevens Point to Help Build Sustainable Garden and Food Center

What better way to build a sustainable garden and food center than to reuse and improve a set of existing structures? That’s exactly what is happening in Stevens Point. A recent article in Central Wisconsin Business reported that the Stevens… Read More »

The Arts Mean Business in Portage County

There are several $3M industries located in Portage County, Wisconsin. Although the arts and culture sector may not be the first that comes to your mind, the arts mean business. In 2009 the Arts Alliance of Portage County in partnership… Read More »

A Message from Chuck…

The following is an excerpt from Chuck Nason’s presentation on “The Pressures from Without” at the November 17 Power Breakfast (shared with his permission). Mr. Nason is Chairman of the Board for Worzalla Publishing Company.

This is not a… Read More »

Oh the places you can go (sustainably)…with isoprene.

Never heard of isoprene? Most of us haven’t and yet it’s an organic compound that plays a major role in our lives. Isoprene is a colorless, odorless gas found naturally in our breath and the environment — it is emitted… Read More »

Assistance Available for Communities Working on Comprehensive Community Plans

In 2000, the State of Wisconsin passed a law requiring every municipality (town, village, city and county) to have a long-range “comprehensive plan” in place. As part of the planning, communities review where they are, what housing, transportation, economic development,… Read More »

A New Way of Connecting with One Another in Portage County — Bike and Pedestrian Paths

It all began with occupants of the Portage County Business Park expressing interest in getting connected — literally — with bike and pedestrian paths. Notes Jeff Schuler, Portage County Planning and Zoning Director, “People came to us looking for better… Read More »

County Wide Farm Preservation Planning Benefits Business Development Planning

During the next 18 months, Portage County will be working on its county-wide farmland preservation plan. Basically, Wisconsin requires all counties to have a plan in place that discusses how agriculture works in their communities and to present means of… Read More »

Blenker Expands Business to Serve Larger Region

Since opening in 1974, Blenker Cos. has changed and grown to meet the demands of customers in the construction industry.

Originally a remodeling business, over time the family-owned and operated company added construction, manufacturing, contractiong and trucking.

But when a… Read More »

Marten Machining — Wisconsin Technical Public Education System Is Our Lifeline

Networking in 1984. Take yourself back to 1984. The Internet was in its infancy. Cell phones were bulky and for “the few.” From a 2011 perspective, it’s difficult to imagine how you could start a small business in Stevens Point,… Read More »

From Soda Fountain to Airport Runways — UWSP Student-Led Research Project gets FRESH

Visit a dining hall on the campus of the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (UWSP) and your meal and beverage will be served in an environmentally friendly clear PLA bioplastic container derived from plant materials. You can thank the… Read More »