Membership

Welcome!

As we stride into the exciting prospects of 2025, we’re eager to invite you to join us as a member of the chamber for what promises to be a busy year. Your involvement has been integral to the community’s growth, and we are counting on your continued support as we navigate some significant upcoming milestones.

2024 was a difficult year in Washburn. The lack of snow in the winter and the substantial summer road construction on HWY 13 cut into our ability to generate revenue through visitor spending. We worked tirelessly to help businesses, residents and visitors navigate the ups and downs. There was so much more that we wanted to do but staff size and budget constraints were the limiting factor.

In 2025 there are opportunities for growth and we intend to take advantage of as many of them as possible. Homecoming is back in 2025 and it will take an all hands on deck approach to pull it off. However, it is an opportunity to recoup some of the lost revenue from 2024 if we do it right. The success of this event and the many others we put on, hinges on the collective efforts and support from all our chamber members and your participation will be instrumental in maintaining the growth momentum we’ve seen over the past five years.

As part of our efforts to fortify our operations last year we introduced a new membership level called the Chamber Investor. This level is open to all members, regardless of size and offers an opportunity to provide additional support vital for sustaining our ongoing initiatives. This voluntary level replaces the standard dues with a contribution of $1 per day ($365 annually). It includes all the same benefits as other membership levels and helps further support the Chamber’s mission and community initiatives. By choosing this level you are demonstrating your appreciation for the work we do for our members and the community, helps us to ensure our ability to continue driving positive changes.

The benefits of joining the Chamber are multifaceted. Besides gaining access to valuable resources and educational opportunities, your membership directly contributes to the vibrant growth and prosperity of our local area.

Whether you’ve been an integral member of our Chamber family or are considering joining us for the first time, we encourage you to be part of this positive transformation. Your involvement makes a significant difference and together, we can continue fostering a thriving community for everyone.

We sincerely hope you’ve noticed and benefited from the changes we’ve facilitated and that you’ll choose to maintain or initiate your membership with us. Your partnership is vital, and we’re excited about the possibility of shaping a prosperous future together.

Thank you for considering this invitation. We eagerly anticipate your continued support and involvement in the Chamber’s journey ahead.

Sincerely,

Melissa Martinez
Director
Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce
director@washburnchamber.com

Become a Member Today

Member Benefits

NETWORKING

Being a member of the Washburn Area Chamber provides a great opportunity to stay in touch with the community and network with other business leaders; contact the office to find out about how to host an upcoming After Hours Networking event.

SUPPORT

Chamber members support each other by utilizing each other’s services, buying each other’s products and by creating positive relationships and conversation between each other. We take care of our own!

PROMOTE

Take advantage of the Chamber’s promotions via website, social media, brochures, email blasts and more! Contact us for more information.

Business Referrals

• Business Referral System:
Chamber staff gives referrals to member businesses in response to the phone calls, emails, and
drop-ins.

Wisconsin Harbor Towns

• Wisconsin Harbor Towns Association: 
(WHTA): The WHTA is a non-profit organization that promotes tourism to water-based cities. Washburn is one of the nineteen Harbor Towns that is featured in their guide and on their website: www.wisconsinharbortowns.org

Business After Hours

Host a Business After Hours: Sign up to host members at your business for networking, to thank the business community, introduce new management or promote a new business. Please call the Chamber office if you are interested in hosting a Business After Hours.

Attend Business After Hours: Join fellow Chamber members in numerous opportunities to network, celebrate and support our business community.

Website

Website:
Free listing on www.washburnchamber.com linked to your site. Don’t have a website? Receive a complimentary page for your business on our www.washburnchamber.com website.

Mailing – Newsletters

• Mailing List:
Email list and/or mailing list of our members available. It will not be distributed to non-members.
• Weekly E-Newsletter:
Every Thursday afternoon “Washburn Area Happenings” goes out to over 500 email contacts. As a Chamber Member, use this for free by sending us your upcoming event information, promotions and announcements.
• Bulk Mailing Permit:
Available for use on mailings of 200 pieces or more. It can be a great cost savings for those large mailings:
postcards, newsletters, etc. Contact the Chamber office for details on how to use the bulk mailing permit and design tips.
• Brochure Display:
Display your brochures in the Chamber office.

Annual Meeting

• Annual Meeting and Dinner:
Reports summarizing business from the previous year, board member election, and recognition of business/person of the year.

Ribbon Cuttings

• Ribbon Cutting and Grand Openings:
Chamber Members are welcome to have a celebration and photo opportunity for special milestones. These photos are published in the area newspaper.
Contact the Chamber office to schedule your ribbon cutting.

Relocation Packets

• Relocation Packets:
Information on our community, Chamber Membership list and map is sent to those requesting information on the area.

Contribute to the eBlast

Contribute to the eBlast and/or Event Calendar. Washburn Area Chamber Members can contribute to the weekly eBlast and/or the Event Calendar that is displayed on the Chamber website by using this form to send information to Nicole in the Chamber office.

Submit Here

Chamber Board Members

Executive Board
President – Marieke van Donkersgoed, Broad Street Brokers
Vice President – Paul von Stoetzel
Treasurer – Kristen Walczak, Elza Heating Co & Aspirus St. Luke’s Ashland Clinic
Secretary – Michelle Lampson, Persnickety Computer Services & Maddie’s Wardrobe

Board Members
Cara Overland, Overland Agency – American Family Insurance
Kristy Larson, Hansen’s IGA
Rick Gruebele, Visions First Realty

Office Staff
Melissa Martinez – Director
Nicole Then – Office Manager

Office Hours

Monday-Friday – 8:30AM-4:00PM
Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce
100 W. Bayfield St.
P.O. Box 74
Washburn, WI 54891
Email: info@washburnchamber.com