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The Jefferson County Visitor Center in Downtown Fort Atkinson houses: The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce offices, Fort Atkinson Tourism, AND the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation offices.
Jefferson County Visitor Center
Address: 244 N Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
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What is a Chamber?
- A Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of citizens who are investing their time and money in a community development program – working together to improve the economic, civic, and cultural well-being of the area.
- The work of a Chamber is financed by the investment of the members who support it on the basis of their ability to pay and their interest in the progress of the area.
- The Chamber of Commerce is composed of committee workers, directors, and officers who serve without pay. A Chamber executive and staff are the only paid employees.
- A Chamber of Commerce helps to create job opportunities through stimulation of industrial and commercial growth. It seeks the improvement of community facilities such as streets, highways, parks, schools, marketing facilities and human resources.
Affiliations
- American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)
- Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
- Circle Wisconsin
- Fort Atkinson Historical Society
- Greater Madison Convention & Visitor Bureau
- Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium (JCEDC)
- Jefferson County Tourism Council
- Wisconsin Association of Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC)
- Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives (WCCE)
- Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association
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Program of Work
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Economic Development
The Chamber promotes managed growth with vision and a diverse business base.
- We promote transportation infrastructure improvement.
- With the City government, we help to promote available commercial properties, including our business parks.
- We sell Chamber Gift Certificates to promote local shopping.
- We provide business development assistance:
- Revitalization Loan Program
- Encourage entrepreneurial ventures
- City map & relocation guide
- List of commercial property specialists
Tourism Development
The Chamber promotes tourism for economic benefit, community awareness and business opportunities.
- Visitor Center
- Web sites: Explore Fort AND www.fortchamber.com
- Weekly Newsletter
- Event Promotion
- Advertising and PR Campaigns
- Market to group tours
- Social media presence on Facebook & Instagram
- Participate in Jefferson County Area Tourism Council
Workforce Development
The Chamber works to attract, develop and retain a quality workforce.
- New Teacher Welcome Breakfast for ALL schools in Fort Atkinson
- Project LEAD (leadership academy programming)
- 8th Grade Reality Check
- High School Senior Portfolio Interviews
- Lemonade Day (youth entrepreneurship programming)
- Liaison-Business access to services
- Career Fairs at MATC, UW-Whitewater and Fort Atkinson High School
Government Relations
The Chamber is the voice for business. We advocate for our members and communicate on issues.
- Candidate Forums
- Running for Public Office Announcements
- Legislative Luncheon
- WMC Legislative Updates
Community Development
The Chamber works to promote, enhance and celebrate the community’s quality of life.
- Build community pride through events:
- Wedding Expo
- Lemonade Day
- Fort Farmers Market
- River Run 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
- Rhapsody Summer Music Festival & Downtown Extravaganza
- Retail and Recreational Promotions Year-round
- Holiday Open House & Holiday Parade