Determination. Tenacity. Grit. Monroe County. Wisconsin.
FROM THE CEO
Hundreds Gather Despite Threat of Storm
The annual Monroe County Fair has come and gone, which means that the Chambers of Commerce in both Sparta and Tomah again co-hosted( along with many other sponsors and partners) the Business After 5 at the Monroe County Fair. We were asked several times how many years how this partnership had been going on for, and we couldn’ t find a date of inception; however, in speaking with Dave Magnum, from Magnum. Media, he indicated that it had surpassed his 28 year involvement. That’ s a pretty amazing collaboration.
The weather this day was supposed to have severe thunderstorms leading up to and during the event. We were watching the weather service and it didn’ t look good. But, no one bailed. No one called us and wanted to back out. Everyone moved full speed ahead in the direction of the goal: Come together as a county celebrating business success.
Perhaps one of the unique things about the businesses in Monroe County is that we don’ t scare off easily. We show up. We see the storm clouds looming in the horizon and we put our rain boots on. Maybe that is why so many businesses in our region have been successful for the long haul. We certainly couldn’ t have decades of a successful Business After 5 at the Monroe County Fair without businesses that endured for decades.
Determination. Tenacity. Grit. Monroe County. Wisconsin.
I’ ve lived in Monroe County the majority of my life. Good or bad … it’ s the case. Living here has instilled an intense sense of pride in this region. I love the people. I love knowing the history of the businesses here. I love knowing that my grandparents owned businesses and raised families here. I love being a part of a community where I know that one person … just one … can make real change.
Being at the County Fair last week spoke volumes to me about the people that live here. It was not lost on me that I saw kids showing their livestock that were there with their grandparents … who also showed livestock there. I remember seeing kids names up above the livestock and thinking to myself“ I rode the bus with their mom!” and“ their grandparents raised llamas too!” How cool is it to see friends and neighbors who have passed down traditions of hard work and values through the generations!
I’ ve found our area to be a place where people are brutally honest, loyal to each other, endearing and hard working. There may be a million communities like ours, but none just quite exactly like it. It is family here. It may not always be pretty, but deep down, we all need each other to grow together.
Thanks to all who participated in this years Business After 5 at the Monroe County Fair. It was a successful event because of your sponsorship … but beyond that, thank you to all who chose to have a business in Monroe County. You have faced the storms in the eye and laughed at the clouds … you have heard the thunder looming in the distance and pulled on your rain boots. You provided jobs when times were uncertain and laid the groundwork for future economic growth. You are Monroe County. Thank you for the memories and the future.
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