September is Chamber of Commerce Month! We are honored to be one of 265 organized chambers in the State of Wisconsin. Across the state, endless hours are dedicated by staff and volunteers to fulfill the demands and needs of our communities.  So, let’s start with a big shout out to all the business owners that keep Monroe going! We are over 330 members strong and we are thrilled to see that our community continues to support one another in an ever-evolving society. 

Day to day is not so routine and everyone has been doing what they can to provide the services and products to our local consumers as well as supplying our country with the products that can only be found in Monroe and Green County. Shopping local and hiring local is so very vital to us and with every day that passes, I am happy to see so much local support. I am so proud to see everyone digging in deep to keep things going.

Normally in September, we hold our Chamber Member Appreciation Tailgate Party event to coincide with Chamber of Commerce Month. With precise planning, we were going to include our dedication to the Greetings from Monroe Mural project and make on big party of it. 

Well things are looking a little differently than we panned. We are mid project on the landscaping and just as everything seemed to be coming together flawlessly, we hit a minor slowdown. Apparently, there is only one company in the Unites States the produces the stencil product that is needed for creating epoxy filled engraving for our sponsored pavers. 

KC’s Landscaping is doing everything they can until the final pieces of the landscaping puzzle can be completed. I do mean puzzle. Her team is hand piecing the walkway and building the stone benches and flower boxes with precision. When the final pieces arrive, they can be placed and sealed for completion. I can’t say enough about her and her very small and committed team. I know she is fielding endless questions from passersby and she is more than accommodating to discuss the project. It is great to have a project like this take shape in front of everyone to see. 

Once all the final products are delivered, we will enjoy our dedication to a long-awaited finished product that our very patience donors have been waiting for. In the meantime, we will focus on the glorious fall weather we have ahead of us. Monroe is always a beautiful city but the tail end of summer and the beginning of fall makes Monroe extra special to me. The pace of the city does not seem to be slowing and it makes me happy to be able to see first-hand that our community continues to be a destination for people to experience and keep coming back to.  

I would not be earning my keep if I failed to mention that joining the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers great opportunities for businesses big and small. If you are you interested in joining, stop by the office or check out our website at monroechamber.org. Now is the time to get involved in the Monroe business community.

— Melissa Even is the executive director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.