Survey for area entrepreneurs

Green County Development Corporation is looking ahead to the next year and a project to help developing entrepreneurs get their businesses started on a solid footing. To help determine where the largest needs are locally, they have put together a short survey. If you are currently a local entrepreneur or are thinking of starting a small business here, please take five minutes out of your day to complete this survey and provide important information to GCDC.

Complete Survey Now

Thanks for taking the time to help get this project off the ground. Please spread the word about this survey if you can.

By the way, if you are a current or aspiring small business owner in the area, don't forget about GCDC's monthly Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club meetings!

Get clean and save some green

Wisconsin winters are hard on our cars, what with all the salt and sand from the road making everything a dull grey and the ice that can build up. It can be damaging to the finish and undercarriage of a vehicle to leave that on too long.

We'd like to help you have a little money while protecting the investment you have in your vehicles. Readers of our blog can save 10% on any car wash at Pro-Image Car Wash in Monroe or receive $10 off any vehicle detail in the month of February. Simply mention Cheese Country Realtors or Luis to receive your discount.

Pro-Image had a full equipment rehaul in recent years, and all equipment and chemicals used have been updated to be both highly effective and respect the environment. This is not a touchless system, and what a difference that makes. The soft foam system is wonderful at getting a car to shine, and the polishes used help protect your vehicle until the next time you come through. The soft foam brushes creates friction which allows Pro-Image to use significantly less water and gentler cleaning solutions while still getting your car cleaner. (Touchless systems rely heavily on large quantities of water and frequently harsh chemical to clean your car.) Also, the water used is processed properly through the city's waste treatment system, and nothing ends up in the storm sewers like when someone washes a car in their driveway.

Pro-Image is located at 606 10th St next to Monroe Honda on Monroe's West Side, and as co-owners, we are proud to say that it is 100% locally owned and operated. Stop in Monday through Saturday from 8 am until 6 pm or Sunday 8 am until 5 pm. Remember to mention Cheese Country Realtors or Luis to receive your discount. (If you haven't met Luis in person yet, you pronounce his name Louie.) Call 608-329-4666 to set up a full or partial vehicle detail by appointment.

Business Spotlight

Being passionate supporters of both locally owned businesses and the environmental movement, we have been happy patrons of a New Glarus business for a while now. Recently, we have been hearing more and more people talk about this business, which warms our hearts.

Nikki's Diapers in New Glarus is an internet-based company turned brick and mortar store. We have had the pleasure of spending time with Nikki and her husband, and they are lovely people. They started the company from their home a number of years ago. Nikki wanted to fill the gaps for parents who were searching for quality cloth diapering items. Cloth diapering has come a long way from our grandparents' era, but you would never know it to see some of what is offered at the major national retailers. Niche businesses like Nikki's are helping make cloth diapering easier for parents of all budgets.

A few years ago, Nikki opened a retail space in New Glarus where she proudly offered not only cloth diapers and covers, but many other types of products as well. Now under the Planetwise umbrella, Nikki offers breastfeeding support items, babywearing slings and soft sided carrier, adorable soft baby shoes and legwarmers, wooden toys, reusable swim diapers, and much more. The New Glarus store has been one of our favorite places to stop in for a baby gift or supplies for our own children.

We want to congratulate Nikki because she recently opened a second brick and mortar retail location. There is now a Nikki's Diapers store in Madison as well, in Sauk Point Square on the corner of Old Sauk Rd and High Point for those of you familiar with the area. It is exciting to see a local business grow so well!

For those of you unfamiliar with Nikki's current New Glarus location, it is at 405 2nd St, just down the road from Tofflers and almost across the street from the park with the swimming pool. Hours there are limited to weekdays until 3:30, though the Madison store does have expanded hours. Otherwise, take advantage of her free shipping options and shop from home.

For those of you curious about cloth diapering, it really is easy. The environmental impact does make a big difference, in spite of what the studies commissioned by the disposable diaper companies claim. Go green and support a local business at the same time!

Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club

The Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club is all set to discuss internet marketing at their next meeting on October 5. The meeting, Internet Business Strategies--Gaining an Edge in Cyberspace, will feature a panel of Blackhawk Technical College teachers, including Brenda, discussing the hows and whys on internet marketing.

The panel of speakers consists of Richard Grahn, Brenda Carus, Greg Isley and Anita Huffman. Grahn will present information on internet marketing and sales, Carus on social networking for businesses, Isley on website design and creation and Huffman on the various business classes that BTC offers in Internet Business Strategies and how to register for them. Brenda will be teaching a Social Media for Small Business class at Blackhawk, and Richard will be teaching Internet Marketing for Small Business, both in October. Richard's class was very popular last time it was offered.

Internet questions are welcomed by all the participants. Each presenter will have information that attendees can use immediately and also give a taste of the class they will be teaching this fall semester in the continuing education curriculum. Come get a taste of where the web can take your business and how you can plan your own internet business strategy.

Discussion and networking among attendees will be encouraged in the evening's program, as with all E&I club events. For more information, contact the GCDC offices at 608.328.9452 or email gcdc@tds.net. The E&I Club meets in the New Glarus room of the Monroe Hospital on the first Monday of every month starting at 6:30 pm.

This event is free and open to the all without pre-registration.

Business Spotligh - Europa

Europa has been a mainstay business in Monroe for years. The store is well known for heritage lace, stocking items of a quality that is difficult to locate in this pre-fab world. The inventory also has always included a variety of collectibles and interesting items.

Europa has had some changes in recent months, though. After moving to the Downtown Square, Europa then changed owners. New ownership always alters a store slightly, and the new owner, Heather, has been busy updating the stock at Europa, so if you have not been in lately, stop by for a peek at what is new.

Naturally, the heritage lace items are still present. If you are looking for lace curtains, tablecloths or runners, Europa should be the first place on your list to look. These items are incredible in their quality, and they will last for generations.

However, Europa has much more than just lace items. If you are looking for interesting home decor pieces, you need to check out the inventory at Europa. This is not the place to find run of the mill pieces. The items here are stylish, unique and sure to liven up any interior. Heather has figurines, table top pieces, artwork and more. There is something here for everyone, every generation. Her selection of glassware includes everything from classic leaded crystal to fun decorated martini glasses.

Need a unique baby gift? Heather stocks a variety of interesting items including a selection of locally made blankets, taggies and hats crafted from plush fabrics and adorable patterns. She also has figurines and other gift items for the new little one in your life.

Brides, after shopping at Julie's Bridal next door, be sure to stop at Europa to pick out your wedding stationary items along with specialty items like champagne flutes, unity candles and more.

Europa is one of those stores that is plain old fun to browse through. Stop in next time you are on the Square in Monroe and take a look for yourself.