SW Wisconsin News

The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its annual Member Appreciation Night, scheduled for Wednesday, October 15. This year’s event will feature an advance screening of a new “Discover Wisconsin” television episode focused on Baraboo.

The Chamber previously partnered with the producers of “Discover Wisconsin” to create a half-hour program highlighting local tourism attractions. The production cost was $50,000, funded by room tax revenue from the Village of West Baraboo and the City of Baraboo. According to George Althoff, Executive Director of the Chamber, the Board considered this a worthwhile investment.

Earlier in the summer, Lindsey Hayes, a Sauk County native and part of the Discover Wisconsin team, led filming efforts in Baraboo. The crew visited over a dozen businesses and attractions and conducted interviews for the episode. While the show was initially set to air next spring across 13 TV markets in five Midwest states, its release has been moved up to October 18-19. The Chamber will offer members an exclusive preview at Al. Ringling Theatre—one of several featured locations—on October 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,” according to information provided by George Althoff.

Details about Member Appreciation Night are still being finalized. Further updates and registration information will be shared via upcoming email communications and newsletters.

In addition to announcing this special event, Althoff noted that board elections are approaching later this year for three positions: At-Large (currently held by Tony Jaynes), Retail (held by Jason Grossenbacher), and West Baraboo hotelier (held by Tom Patel). Jaynes and Patel have both served two terms each and are not eligible for re-election; Grossenbacher may seek another term.

Board directors participate in monthly meetings as well as serve on at least one standing committee. They are also encouraged to attend major Chamber events such as annual dinners or networking sessions. Nomination forms will be published in October’s edition of Chamber Review.