Chamber e-Reminder
Time to take the Plunge!
This January 1st marks the 19th plunge of the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club – will we see you there?
If you haven’t witnessed the surge of the heard, you are really missing out. Whether it’s from the vantage of a toasty warm parka or standing in a bucket of warm water waiting for the signal to “plunge”, the spirit of this ritualistic event will remain seared into your memory for years and years to come – and, the icy cold water is very slenderizing on the mid-winter physique.
The Plunge is at Noon on January 1st but get there early. The Jacksonport Polar Bear Club has posted helpful tips and more information on their website at: http://www.doorbell.net/pbc/
Insider Tip
Do you subscribe to the Chamber’s Insider Tip? Have you ever seen one? These snappy e-mail newsletters have swelled in popularity with voluntary subscriptions souring over 5,000. Over 5,000 visitors have signed up for the Insider Tip and you should too. I do my very best to keep you apprised of the deadlines and up coming events but, in this new year, I will be working to show off the many innovative ways we work to inspire the traveling public to choose Door County as their next destination when it’s time to travel. In addition to becoming familiar with the marketing opportunities, you will also get a better idea of what is going on to lure your potential customers here, to Door County.
You can check out the latest edition of the Insider Tip online at: http://www.icebase.com/reader.ice?20041222120105285875&phil@doorcounty.com&m21014 but, to get the full effect, I would recommend signing up for it.
Spread the Joy
While I do not mean to go on and on about this, supporting your friends and neighbors is much more important than I could ever explain. There is strength in numbers and if we support each other, there is no limit to the good we can accomplish together.
Browse our Member Directory for gift-giving ideas this Holiday season.
Or visit the online store at www.DoorCounty.com to shop from the comfort of your own home.
Making the most of your Generosity
If you haven’t taken full advantage of your available tax-deductible donations for 2004, you’re missing out in more ways than one. Not only are your contributions important to the continuation of our local non-profits, you might want to consider this: Most non-profit organizations have a list of items they need but, don’t have the funds to buy. By donating items from your “shelves”, you can maximize your write-offs without tapping into your cash. Additionally, if your business has wholesale access to an “item” on a Wish List, you get to claim the retail value on your taxes. Not only have you sincerely helped a local non-profit but, you might have dramatically increased your potential tax savings by purchasing the item at wholesale and being able to declare the retail value as a gift.
We’re makin’ a list… (so, you can check it out twice)
All non-profit members are encouraged to submit their “Wish List” to me via e-mail at: phil@doorcounty.com
Please note: I am neither an accountant, nor should I even be allowed to play one on TV. If a tax deduction is critical to your financial planning, please consult your tax professional to make sure it applies to you.
The 2005 Go-Guide
If you had any thought of placing an ad in the 2005 Door County Go-Guide – we need to know right now. We still have room but, before you read further, send an e-mail to Cathy Lynch right now at: cathy@doorcounty.com If you need a Go-Guide contract – simply print a new copy from our website: Go-Guide Contract
(http://www.doorcountychamber.org/Online-GG-Contract-2005.pdf)
Remember to print it out AFTER you e-mail Cathy – then, complete it; sign it and FAX it to: (920)743-7873
Nature of Romance
The Nature of Romance promotion is designed to inspire the traveling public to take advantage of our winter season to make time for a loved one but, we can’t do it without you. If you would like to know more about the many opportunities still available to promote your business, please contact our Marketing Director, Jon Jarosh at: jon@doorcounty.com or by calling (920)746-6663 or 868-3521 at extension 810. We are always looking for good ideas to help set the mood.
Member’s website
I’ve posted new educational opportunities, up coming events and the latest PR from your fellow members – it’s worth your while to check it out regularly.
How does Salt melt Ice?
Before we talk about salt, it’s important to understand ice. Ice is caused by the collection of slowing molecules of water. As the water is cooled, the molecules slow down and are drawn closer together until they can’t move anymore. When salt is added to the water, the salt molecules dissolve into the water and get in the way of the water molecules as they try to snuggle up together to form ice. The more salt in the water, the lower the temperature needed to form the ice. A 10% salt solution won’t freeze until it’s closer to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and, a 20% solution freezes just above 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Note to self: It’s the Salt “getting in the way” that keeps the ice from forming. Salt is best used to “prevent” ice when the temperatures are dropping and your walkway or road is still wet. This will allow the salt to mix with the water and lower the freezing point. If the salt is thrown on solid ice, the tight molecules in the ice won’t let the salt in – unless it can dissolve. If the surface you’re salting is less than 15 F, the salt is not going to help anything and it’s far better to use sand to build up the traction. The darker color will also help reduce the reflective quality of the ice and, if mixed with salt, the increased absorption of the sunlight will aid in the salt’s effectiveness.
Note to other self: Sugar will do the very same thing – but, I don’t recommend it.
My best wishes to you during this season of celebrations and, as each day grows longer under the waxing daylight, I hope the warmth of the winter sun is amplified even more by the many smiles around you.
Happy New Year Everyone!
Phil
P.S. Don’t forget about the New Year’s Day Parade in Egg Harbor… Come one, come all – Bundle up and have a ball!
January 1st – Egg Harbor New Years Day Parade
Parade at 1pm
Just show up at St John’s Parking Lot
Philip J. Berndt
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Door County Chamber of Commerce
1015 Green Bay Rd / PO Box 406
Sturgeon Bay WI 54235
(920)746-6663 or (920)868-3521 ext. 809
e-mail: phil@doorcounty.com
Main Web: www.DoorCounty.com
Organizational Site: www.DoorCountyChamber.org
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