WAUSAU — The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce invites residents to rally around local businesses this month in a new campaign that launched in early May

The Ready. Let’s Grow! campaign is also designed to encourage, motivate and assist business owners and managers to prepare for success as the region emerges from the economic slowdown associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
“We have a very strong and resilient business community, but it’s time to get ready to grow again,” said Kirk Howard, president of KinzieGreen Marketing Group, in a news release. “The Ready. Let’s Grow! program is a way for all of us as business owners and consumers to work together to bring back the vitality of our local economy.” 
 
Most local businesses have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and require renewed support of the region’s consumers.
 
“Our resilience is fueled by the kindness around us,” Julie Luedtke, catering and service manager at The Mint Cafe in Wausau, said in the release.
 
For businesses that want to support the campaign:

  1. Share a video clip detailing how you are doing business in the midst of the pandemic, how you are getting your business ready for the post-Safer at Home period and what you are most looking forward to in the coming weeks. Or simply record yourself or your staff saying, “Ready. Let’s Grow!” Video clips should be sent to the Chamber’s marketing manager at [email protected].
  2. Download and review the checklist for businesses available at ReadyLetsGrow.com.
  3. Download the poster available at ReadyLetsGrow.com and display it prominently at your business.
  4. Buy gift cards from businesses or chamber gift certificates to use as gifts, bonuses or incentives for your employees.
  5. Become a sponsor of the campaign by reaching out to the chamber at 715-848-5955.
  6. Subcribe to the chamber’s Elevated Conversations podcast and listen to interviews with local business leaders.
  7. Subscribe to the Ready. Let’s Grow! email update by visiting ReadyLetsGrow.com.
  8. Engage with campaign posts on social media and use the #readyletsgrow hashtag.

For individuals who would like to support local businesses:

  1. Download and review the checklist for consumers available at ReadyLetsGrow.com.
  2. Review the dining guide available at ReadyLetsGrow.com.
  3. Listen to interviews with local business leaders on the chamber’s Elevated Conversations Podcast with episodes available on ReadyLetsGrow.com.
  4. Subcribe to the chamber’s Elevated Conversations podcast and listen to interviews with local business leaders.
  5. Subscribe to the Ready. Let’s Grow! email update by visiting ReadyLetsGrow.com.
  6. Engage with campaign posts on social media and use the #readyletsgrow hashtag.

A webinar with Joan Theurer of the Marathon County Public Health Department will be held at 1 p.m. today, May 8. Participants can register for this online event at ReadyLetsGrow.com.

If you have questions or suggestions, contact the chamber’s marketing manager, Brian Otten at 715-848-5947.