Building Business. Building Community. INVESTOR GUIDE TO ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 - AUGUST 31, 2027
EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AWARDS NIGHT PRESENTED BY IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES
FEATURING THE 41ST ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD Timeframe
TBA
Attendance
300-plus
Building and sustaining an economically viable community requires perseverance, grit and determination. It requires people of passion, vision and action. All are traits of impactful leadership. Over generations, the greater Wausau region has been blessed with business and community leaders that have made positive impacts to advance the Wausau region. The Excellence in Business Leadership Awards Night program places intention to recognize and honor impactful leaders in the greater Wausau region. This program will include the Chamber’s 41st ATHENA Leadership Award. The Chamber has one of the longest-running and most established ATHENA programs in the country.
ATHENA Leadership Award James J. McIntyre Cornerstone Award
G Lane Ware Award for Innovation Liz Tillisch Heart of the Chamber award
EXCELLENCE
IN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
AWARDS NIGHT
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Presenting (1) $6,000 SOLD!
Award (3) $3,000 SOLD!
Platinum (6 4)
Gold (9 7)
Full page
Full page
Half page
Qtr page
12
6
2
1
$1,500
$750
First right of renewal next year Video message/commercial at event (1 min. max) Display table at event Logo appears on screen(s) at event Logo/name appears in all event promotion Sponsor receives verbal recognition at event Ad in printed program for the event Seat(s) for the event Final attendee list*
*Attendee lists are available upon request and only include attendee name and company
HOLIDAY PARADE VIEWING PARTY PRESENTED BY INCREDIBLEBANK Timeframe
December 2026
Attendance
100-plus
Members are invited to kick off the Christmas season at this special event. The Chamber’s Business Advancement Center at the east end of the historic depot offers a perfect indoor viewing spot for the annual Holiday Parade organized by Wausau Area Events. Outdoor viewing will also be encouraged. The annual lighting of the depot kicks off the night. This event will also feature food, beverages and desserts from various Chamber members! Members can support this event through both donations and through monetary sponsorships.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Presenting (1) $3,000 SOLD!
Platinum (2)
Sponsor name associated with event name First right of renewal next year Logo appears on screen(s) at event Sponsor mentioned in all advertising/promotion Sponsor highlighted on social media Final attendee list* *Attendee lists are available upon request and only include attendee name and company
$1,000
Gold (4) $500
Food and desserts
2027 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PRESENTED BY PEOPLES STATE BANK Timeframe
Date in January 2027 TBA
Attendance
500-plus
Location
Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center, Rothschild
This is an annual event focused on providing attendees with inspiration and leadership development to assist them in reaching their full potential, both professionally and personally. Individuals from around the state and at every age and every stage of their professional lives (from entry level to senior leadership) attend this high-impact, interactive leadership conference. A VIP Networking Event will be held the night before the conference, headlined by a featured speaker. This pre-conference gathering will allow both local attendees and those traveling to the event and staying the night to connect in a casual setting. The conference is developed by a committee with the intention of energizing, supporting, developing and educating women leaders and those who desire to become leaders. Speakers
TBA
“Each year’s Women’s Leadership Conference is unique and impacts attendees through the presentations shared, contacts made and conversations in the room.” Mauri Brueggeman, member of the Women’s Leadership Conference’s planning committee
“This event offers value to current leaders who may want to advance or grow in their current role, new leaders emerging with their skills and long-time leaders who want to refresh their skills.” Mona Fox, former member of the Women’s Leadership Conference’s planning committee
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Presenting (1) Platinum (3) $6,500 $3,500 SOLD!
Gold (5 2)
Silver (7 4)
Full page
Half page
Half page
Qtr page
16***
8
4
2
$1,500
$500
First right of renewal next year Video message/commercial at event (1 min. max) Display table at event Sponsor mentioned in any radio advertising Logo on tote bag and/or notebook Ad in printed program for the event Option to include piece in tote bag* Logo appears on screen(s) at event Logo/name appears in all print event promotion Sponsor receives verbal recognition at event Seat(s) for the Conference (VIP event not included) Final attendee list**
Additional Opportunities: Coffee or Snacks (1 each): $1,000 Keep attendees happy while building your brand. Exhibitor Booth (10): $350 Women-owned businesses are invited to connect with attendees. Each booth includes one seat at the event and the host is required to supply a basket to be raffled off to attendees valued at a minimum of $100. *This can be a printed piece or small promotional item **Attendee lists are available upon request and only include attendee name and company ***Presenting sponsorship includes tickets for VIP event
BUSINESS EXPO 2027 PRESENTED BY M3 INSURANCE Timeframe
A Thursday in April 2027
Attendance
5,000-plus
Location
Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center, Rothschild
The Chamber’s Business EXPO 2026 is the can’t miss event of the year for many members. Attendees from around the state visit the largest chamber expo in the country held right here in Rothschild each April. The event features nearly 300 booth spaces at the Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center. The event includes the Small Business of the Year Awards in two categories, named in a live event, and the Best In Show Awards in four categories. The Business EXPO is followed by the largest annual networking event in the area. Hundreds will attend Fun@EXPO which follows the Business EXPO. Fun@ EXPO features all-you-care-to-eat appetizers from a variety of member eateries. Members use both events to develop new business relationships and strengthen existing ones.
If you have ideas on how your business can enhance any of our events, we’d love for you to share your thoughts!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Small Business of the Year Presenting (1) Award (1) $6,000 $2,000 SOLD! SOLD!
EXPO (9 5) $750
First right of renewal next year Sponsor name associated with event name Sponsor mentioned in any tv/radio advertising Ad in printed EXPO map EXPO booth(s)
Full page
Qtr page
2
1
8
6
Opportunity to co-host interviews with Small Business of the Year Award finalists Fun@EXPO wristbands
4
Logo/name appears in print/social media event promotion
Additional Opportunities: Fun@EXPO (1): S$3,000 OLD! One business will be recognized as the Fun@EXPO networking event sponsor. Best In Show Awards (1):S$1,000 OLD! Four exhibitors will be recognized at the Business EXPO in four categories. This sponsor has the opportunity to co-host the streamed announcement. Sponsor name associated with award name. Exhibitor Lounge (1): $1,000 A popular destination for all exhbitors featuring donated food and beverage items. Sponsor name associated with lounge name.
2027 GOLF OUTING PRESENTED BY THE DIRKS GROUP Timeframe
TBA in June, 2027
Attendance
160-plus
Location
Wausau Country Club, Schofield
Golf outings aren’t just for leisure; they’re an opportunity to get business done. Whether you’re looking to generate new business contacts, develop existing relationships or close a sale, this event offers connections to high-performing individuals whose companies are rewarding them with a day of golf at the Wausau Country Club The Chamber’s Golf Outing, one of the most exciting business events during the summer, offers a unique variety of opportunities to interact with those golfing in the event. This event sells out for both golfers and sponsors each year. Because of this, a number of new sponsorship opportunities are added each year.
“Participating in the Golf Outing isn’t just about sinking putts and enjoying the fairways; it’s about strengthening community bonds and fostering business relationships. Our involvement underscores our commitment to local partnerships and the vibrant spirit of Wausau.” Andrew Hale, Business Development Executive with The Dirks Group
2027 GOLF OUTING Sponsorship Opportunities: First right of renewal next year
Presenting (1) Platinum (3) $4,000 $2,500 SOLD!
Beer Hole (3) Hole (11 10) $1,500!** $1,000 SOLD
Display table at event (indoors) Complimentary golfer(s)
4
2
Lunches for hole staff
4
2
2
2
Drink tickets for hole staff
8
4
4
2
Dinners for hole staff
4
2
2
2
Verbal recognition at event Logo/name appears in all event promotion Exclusive hole with signage
Final attendee list*
Additional Opportunities: Golfers’ Carts (1): $1,000 Logo recognition on the carts of all golfers and the opportunity to stock the cart with a promotional item Lunch Sponsor (1): $2,500 Provides lunch for all golfers | Coffee Sponsor (1): Provides beverages for all golfers Driving Range (1): Same benefits as hole sponsor | Putting Green (1): $1,000 Same benefits as hole sponsor D! SOL$1,000 Snack Cart (2 1): $800 Logo recognition on the cart and the opportunity to serve as cart host 19th Hole Cork Pull (1):SO $600 LD! A post-outing raffle held at the reception Best Dressed Award (1): $300 | Best on Course Award (1): $300 *Attendee lists are available upon request and only include attendee name and company **Includes one half barrel of domestic beer - additional charges may apply for extra barrels and/or imports ***Includes ‘Greens Keeper’s Garden’ raffle and 19th Hole Cork Pull raffle
MEMBER APPRECIATION PICNIC Timeframe
August 2027
Attendance
200-plus
Location
Clarke Island, downtown Wausau
Members are invited to wrap up their day at this special complimentary event, held rain or shine. The picnic is the Chamber’s largest networking opportunity of the summer and includes live music, outdoor games and a cookout featuring food, beverages and desserts from various Chamber members! This event also includes tours of the Chamber’s historic train depot headquarters and the WPS Powerhouse. Members must be 21 years old to attend. Members can support this event through both donations and through monetary sponsorships of special amenities like a tent.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Presenting (1) $7,000
Platinum (2) $1,500
Gold (3) 51,000
Silver (5) 5500
Sponsor name associated with event name First right of renewal next year Sponsor logo displayed behind band on stage* Display table at event (indoors) Logo/name appears in all event promotion Final attendee list**
Additional Opportunities: Tent: $1,000 Help shelter attendees, and the refreshments, from the elements Cornhole Tournament: $500 Members will compete to raise funds for a local non-profit (TBA) and for prize money.
*Live music/band may be dictated by number of sponsorships and/or weather **Attendee lists are available upon request and only include attendee name and company
NEW IN 2027! 2026 HEALTH & WELLNESS CONFERENCE
LEADING IN WELLNESS HEALTHIER PEOPLE. STRONGER ORGANIZATIONS.
PRESENTED BY A DIVISION OF SURGICAL ASSOCIATES
Timeframe
Fall 2027
Attendance
150-plus
Join us at the scenic Sundance Chalet at Granite Peak for a refreshing, strategy-focused wellness conference built around the future of preventative health. This one-day experience is designed for leaders in HR, healthcare, insurance and workplace wellness who are driving real change in how we approach employee and community well-being. Through thought-provoking keynotes, meaningful networking, and an interactive Wellness EXPO featuring local partners, this event will explore how preventative strategies can reduce costs, improve outcomes and create cultures of health within organizations. This isn’t just a conference, it’s a call to shift from reactive care to proactive wellness. Come to step away from the noise, connect with peers and return with renewed energy and ideas to shape a healthier future for your people and your workplace.
Featured Speaker: Todd Whitthorne Leveraging an educational background in kinesiology and exercise physiology, fourteen years as a senior executive at the world-renowned Cooper Aerobics Center, and an Emmy-award winning broadcasting career, Todd helps organizations increase productivity and reduce absenteeism by empowering individuals to embrace healthy behaviors both personally and professionally.
Sponsorship Opportunities: First right of renewal next year
Presenting (1) Platinum (3) $7,500 $3,000 SOLD!
Gold (5)
Silver (7)
Full page
Half page
Half page
Qtr page
16***
4
2
1
$1,500
$750
Bronze (7) $400
Video message/commercial at event (1 min. max) Display table at event Sponsor mentioned in all event advertising Logo appears on screen(s) at event Ad in printed program for the event Logo/name appears in all event promotion Sponsor receives verbal recognition at event Seat(s) for the Conference Final attendee list**
Additional Opportunities: Coffee or Healthy Snacks (1 each): $1,000 Keep attendees happy while building your brand.
*This can be a printed piece or small promotional item **Attendee lists are available upon request and only include attendee name and company ***Presenting sponsorship includes tickets for VIP event
POWERING INNOVATION IN MARKETING PREVIOUSLY THE MARKETING HUB Timeframe Attendance
Quarterly meetings in November, February, May and August 40-plus individuals and growing
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Presenting (1) $1,500*
First right of renewal
The Presenting Sponsor is invited to emcee the program, including a welcome message, facilitation of attendee introducations and the introduction of featured experts (or present as a featured marketing expert!).
Logo appears on screen(s) at event
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to place your brand in front of dozens of local marketing professionals.
Sponsor highlighted on social media
Beginning in August 2026, this group will meet in one large session in the new WPS Powerhouse event space.
Final attendee list**
Sponsor mentioned in all advertising/promotion
*This is an annual sponsorship for programs November 2026 through August 2027 **Attendee lists are available upon request and only include attendee name and company
NEW MEMBER BREAKFAST Timeframe
Quarterly
Attendance
25-plus
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Presenting (1) $250
First right of renewal This is a unique opportunity for the Chamber’s new members to meet and get to know each other. Attendees are invited to bring their business cards and marketing materials. Sponsorship dollars and/or food and drink donations are used to provide breakfast at this complimentary event. The Presenting Sponsor is invited to open the program as the emcee, facilitating the introduction of attendees and kicking off the morning’s gathering in the Chamber’s Business Advancement Center.
Logo appears on screen(s) at event Sponsor mentioned in all advertising/promotion Sponsor highlighted on social media Final attendee list** **Attendee lists are available upon request and only include attendee name and company
Timeframe
Fall 2026 to Spring 2027 Graduation ceremony in May 2027
Attendance
Three cohorts totalling 60 students
The Chamber’s Transformational Leadership program is now open to sponsorship! The program has grown to three cohorts of about 20 students each. These individuals and the businesses who they represent spend nine months in the program developing themselves personally and professionally. This program is lead by facilitator Bridget Wenman. The sponsors of this program will have a unique opportunity to not just reach the program’s participants, but have their brand associated with this long-running and successful program.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Presenting (1)
Platinum (2 1)
2
1
$5,000
$2,500
Sponsor name associated with event name First right of renewal next year Table(s) at graduation ceremony in May 2025 Opportunity to speak at graduation ceremony Logo appears on screen(s) at graduation Sponsor mentioned in all advertising/promotion Sponsor highlighted on social media All Chamber investors at the Keystone and Cornerstone levels will be recognized as Gold sponsors of this program as a benefit of membership.
“The bond our class developed during the program was amazing. It was a great place to escape each month and trust you could openly discuss any struggles and get great advice on how to overcome them.” Kevin Thomer, Wausau Tile
Gold (3 2) $1,250
Timeframe
Monthly sessions
Attendance
25-plus individuals and growing
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving economy, innovation is the key to unlocking business growth and economic success. But navigating the complexities of modern business can be overwhelming. That’s where Powering Innovation comes in. The Presenting Sponsor is invited to emcee events in the program, including a welcome message, facilitation of attendee introducations and the introduction of featured experts (or to present as a featured expert!). All programs in this series will be held in the new event space at the WPS Powerhouse. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to place your brand in front of dozens of local professionals. Also, as a comprehensive, digital resource center, Powering Innovation makes it easy for entrepreneurs and businesses to access the essential tools and services they need to adapt, compete, and thrive. By streamlining access to the right resources, we help turn challenges into opportunities, fueling the growth and success of businesses in a rapidly changing world.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Presenting (1) $1,500*
First right of renewal Logo appears on screen(s) at event Sponsor mentioned in all advertising/promotion Sponsor highlighted on social media Final attendee list** *This is an annual sponsorship for programs August 2025 through August 2026 **Attendee lists are available upon request and only include attendee name and company
DINING GUIDE This glossy, eight-page printed piece is a great opportunity for member restaurants to highlight their businesses. Advertise in our inaugural edition, with stand-alone copies available and with the guide also inserted in our relocation guide, publishing in August 2026. The online version will be found on the Chamber’s website and will include links to all advertisers’ websites. To reserve an advertisement in our next edition, visit wausauchamber.com or contact marketing manager Brian Otten at 715-848-5947 or botten@wausauchamber.com.
Rates: Back Cover - $400 Bleed - 7.5” S xO 10.5” LD! No Bleed - 7” x 10”
Inside Cover - $250 Bleed - 7.5” xS10.5” OLD! No Bleed - 7” x 10”
Profile - $400 Includes two photos, 400 word article, logo
NEW IN 2026! Register here:
GREATER WAUSAU Timeframe
Summer 2026
Distribution
2026-2027 Relocation Guide
2,000 copies
Our annual printed relocation guide is an important part of an ongoing effort to attract both people and businesses to our region. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to shape the impression prospective and new residents have of your business by advertising in our next edition, publishing in August 2026.
Register here: The printed version of this recreation guide will be available at career centers on college campuses around the state, as well as at high-traffic locations around the region. Many employers use the publication in their recruiting efforts. The online version will be found on the Chamber’s website and will include links to all advertisers’ websites. Please register your ad on WausauChamber.com.
Rates: Full Page - $750 LD!x 11” Bleed -SO 8.5” No Bleed - 7.5” x 10”
Half Page - $475 Quarter Page - $325 D! x 4.75” 3.5” x 4.75” Horizontal SO-L7.5” SOLD! Vertical - 3.5” x 10”
Business Card - $175 3.5” x 2.25” SOLD!
Premium positions on the outside and inside of the front and back cover are $1,000-$1,200 ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY THE MONK GARDENS
A Central Location:
The Wausau Region is a metropolitan area of more than 79,0 00 residents and is locat ed in Marathon County, Wisconsin’s largest county at more than 1,500 square miles.
MINOCQUA
EAU CLAIRE
YOUR HOME FOR FUN CASINO | HOTEL | DINING | AND MORE
Ho-Chunk has the perfect room for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round; offering gaming excitement and relaxing accommodations in one convenient location. Enjoy your favorite beverage from the Village Bar located on the gaming floor. Grab a bite to eat at the Forest Edge Snack Bar or Pick up that special gift or souvenir at the Sundry.
15 MILES
GREEN BAY
GROWTH
50 MILES
100 MILES
ilestones are meant to be celebrated and the Monk Botanical Gardens’ 20th Anniversary this year is no exception. Hundreds of community members of varying ages participated in diverse events and programs to commemorate 2023’s special occasion.
staff and especially volunteers have accomplished,” said Ruth Schuette who, along with her late husband Marvin, donated the Treehouse feature and an additional 8.5 acres. “My message is to encourage everyone to visit the Gardens, watch for additional plans as proposed and invest as you are able!”
Monk Botanical Gardens became incorporated as a non-profit in 2003, two decades after the concept of an educational botanical garden grew from an 'accidental trespassing' and Robert W. Monk III donated 20 acres to this vision.
The Sprouts Garden Preschool program will continue to grow in the 2023-2024 school year. New offerings will include a fullday class for four- and five-year olds, and before and after-school care options for students. With nature at the heart of the program, teaching is based on high-quality early childhood education and environmental education practices. Students spend more than 80 percent of their time outdoors throughout the seasons with any indoor time taking place in a yurt classroom.
“My Dad would be thrilled if he could see how the Garden was growing in many ways to be a success,” said Robert’s daughter, Marcia King. “He would love seeing the kids running around enjoying the outdoors, playing in the dirt, and splashing in the water like we did.”
N7198 US HWY 45 | WITTENBERG, WI 54499 | 866.910.0150
WAUSAU
20 YEARS OF M
“Walking frequently through the Gardens, I am so proud of what
DISTANCE FROM WAUSAU: DULUTH ................238 MILES (4 h 11 min) EAU CLAIRE ..........9 9 MILES (1 h 38 min) GREEN BAY ........... 97 MILES (1 h 38 min) MADISON ........... .143 MILES (2 h 16 min) MILWAUKEE.......18 8 MILES (2 h 54 min) MINNEAPOLIS..185 MILES (2 h 56 min) MINOCQUA........ ............69 MILES (1 h 10
MADISON
Learn moreWaus about authe Gardens’ programming and membership benefits onWhite MonkGardens.org. water Park Photo by Kelly Puntne
GREATERy WAUSAU WausauChamber.com 21
CENTRAL TIME www.wausauchambe r.com
19
WEEKLY EMAIL UPDATE Timeframe
Every Monday
Distribution
6,000-plus email addresses
The Chamber’s weekly email update offers eight ad positions at the top of the message. Each of these six single-sized ads is priced at $100. Many members opt for the double-sized option at $150. There are larger size ads at a greater cost available, too. The ad is delivered to our email list once at this cost. These cost-effective ads are reserved on a first come, first served basis for individual dates and can be designed for no additional cost. Each ad can link to the url of your choice. The ad design is needed by the Friday prior to the scheduled Monday. You may be eligible for a discount if four or more dates are reserved. Please register your ad on WausauChamber.com.
Rates:
Single ad - $100 240px wide by 120px tall
Takeover Four ad - $250 480px wide by 240px tall
Double ad - $150 480px wide by 120px tall
Takeover Six ad - $350 480px wide by 360px tall
LUNCH SPONSOR FOR BOARD MEETINGS The Chamber’s Board of Directors meets monthly over lunch. This is an opportunity for you to place your brand in front of an influential group of local business leaders by either supplying or making a monetary contribution to pay for the meeting’s meal. These meetings typically have about 20 individuals in attendance. A minimum $300 contribution is needed to cover the cost of the lunch.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING The Chamber will occasionally develop special programming related to education, networking, business advocacy or related to other initiatives. Opportunities to sponsor these programs will be reserved on a first come, first served basis with the Chamber approaching those members who have expressed an interest in the select topic.
If you have ideas on how your business can enhance any of our events, we’d love for you to share your thoughts!
DONATIONS, IN-KIND DONATIONS OR SERVICES AND AFFINITY PROGRAMS Donating items and branded promotional items are great ways to build brand awareness. There are plenty of opportunities to donate for auctions, raffles and events requiring food and/or beverages. There is also the opportunity to donate services for programs and events. The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is committed to not only ‘Buy Local,’ but also helping members save money whenever possible in an ever-changing economic environment. Chamber membership guarantees access to exclusive discounts from Affinity Program Partners. By taking advantage of these discounts, members can see a high return on their membership investment and realize unparalleled savings on these products and services. Affinity Program Partners must maintain their Chamber membership and offer direct cost-saving and/or value-added benefits to members of the Chamber exclusively. Affinity Programs should have a broad appeal to the membership.
THE FINE PRINT • Sponsorships are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Inclusion on marketing materials and press releases for individual events is dependent on the timeline in which the sponsorship commitment form is received. Sponsorships are not secured until a confirmation from the Chamber is received by the sponsor.
• The Sponsor holds the GWCC and its volunteers, employees, officers and members harmless from any liability for the content of sponsorships, including but not limited to intellectual property disputes, text, representation and illustrations and for any claims arising therefrom against the Chamber.
• Sponsorships are open to all Chamber members and are not exclusive. You may be placed alongside your competitors.
• The Chamber reserves the right to refuse any sponsorship.
• The Sponsor agreement is between [you] and the Chamber. • The Sponsor wishes to sponsor the Event described and receive benefits as outlined in the Sponsorship Booklet. • The Sponsor agrees to pay the amount specified on the first of the month in which the event takes place(due date). Once the sponsorship commitment is confirmed, it may not be terminated, and all amounts will be due. • Subject to the terms and conditions of this agreement, the Sponsor grants The Chamber the right to use the Sponsor’s trade names, logo designs, trademarks, and company description as provided in Sponsor marking materials. These assets may be used in any medium of advertising, promotional products, or marketing materials distributed solely in connection with this event. The Chamber agrees to use material according to Sponsor’s trademark usage guidelines.
• The Chamber is not liable for delays in delivery, and/or non-delivery in the event of labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slowdown, or any condition beyond the control of the Chamber affecting production or deliver in any manner. • By completing this registration, I hereby acknowledge that I have read the above information and agree to the Commitment Agreement outlined herein.
Thank You for your investment!
209 W WASHINGTON STREET | WAUSAU, WI 54401 | 715-845-6231
WausauChamber.com