The 22nd Annual Gathering of Owen-Withee Area Businesspeople was held at Troy and Jenn’s Hacienda on Monday, January 27 in conjunction with the Owen-Withee Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.

There were approximately 40 people in attendance and during roll call they all had a chance to introduce themselves and tell which business they represented. Chamber President Carey Hargot welcomed everyone for the evening. Nancy Amacher said the dinner prayer.

Phil Greschner and Scott Jalling were invited to speak about upcoming events planned to celebrate Owen’s Centennial. Cindy Cardinal also helped them out with describing some of the events. Events are scheduled for April 5, April 25-26, April 30, July 19, August 16, and September 5-6 so far. Phil and Scott said that anyone interested was welcome to join in the fun for the Jail and Bail fundraiser, especially if they were willing to sit in a “jail cell” for half an hour.

As the official Chamber Annual Meeting began, the minutes from last year were approved. Treasurer Linda Susa gave the financial report, listing $16,576.05 in receipts for 2024, $14,620.70 in expenses, and a balance at the end of the year of $20,061.47. Susa also reported that there was a balance of $4,808.54 in the Chamber Bucks account.

Chamber board member Nancy Amacher presented the Sid Borgeson Award for Public Service to Everett Lindgren. She noted that he was very deserving of the award. Everett has been Withee Village President for 16 years and has also been a devoted Lions Club member. Everett thanked everyone and said, “It is very nice to get this award. I love these communities and am always working to make them better.”

Hargot spoke about the upcoming Business Expo on April 5, encouraging everyone to register for a booth early and take advantage of the early bird deadline. She also encouraged everyone to pay their 2025 membership dues. Hargot said that Chamber Bucks are available to purchase at O-W Sports. She added, “They are a great way to promote our local businesses by keeping money in our area.” They can be taken to Prevail Bank to cash them in. They now have expiration dates on them. She noted that the O-W Area Development Corporation has funds available to loan to businesses, suggesting that anyone interested could talk to herself, Jackie Reinke, or Pam Jaffke, who are on that board.

Hargot went on to talk about the Chamber’s 2024 activities including the Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, which although successful, will not be happening this year. She also spoke about the Summer Picnic, which was an old fashioned cook-out in 2024. She said meetings of the board are usually held the first Wednesday of the month and members are welcome to attend. Hargot also asked for ideas for activities and how to get more businesses involved.

Cindy Cardinal and Tim Swiggum were elected to another term on the board and Chris Rohland was elected as a new board member. Board member Laken Potocnik had chosen not to run for re-election.

The door prizes were won by Jenn Hargot, Scott Jalling, and Phil Greschner.

No date has been set for the next Annual Business Gathering but it will be in early 2026.