Somerset Chamber Somerset Chamber

The Sharing Tree

So excited to share this week's MEMBER MONDAY Spotlight - THE SHARING TREE!!

TELL US ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU DO.

The Sharing Tree provides school supplies and backpacks to Hudson and Somerset students. In 2019 we initiated the Mid-Year Teacher School Supply Replenishment Program assisting our educators with the tools they need to teach but may not have the funds to afford. I am the CoFounder and current Executive Director, Cindy Leonard

WHAT PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO YOU PROVIDE?

Any school supplies and backpacks students registered with The Sharing Tree will need and the classroom supplies educators may request during the MidYear Teacher Replenishment.

The Sharing Tree is the only school supply assistance program in Hudson and Somerset. But what differentiates us from other school supply assistance programs out there is we provide the students exactly what’s on their classroom teacher’s list. Students registered with The Sharing Tree arrive on their first day of school with same supplies as their peers, not random supplies that we’ve seen other programs offer.

TELL US ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU.

We provide this service year round not only at ‘Back to School’ time. Families move into and out of districts and student’s needs may change during the year. We keep an inventory of necessary supplies so that we can be available when needed.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT WITH THE BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION?

The establishment of the Mid-Year Teacher School Supply Replenishment Program. Recognizing that our district educators also need assistance with school supplies before they spend their own money prompted us to broaden our Mission, budget for, and plan how to also support them.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS IN WHICH YOU’RE INVOLVED WITH THE CHAMBER & SOMERSET COMMUNITY?

This is my first year on the Somerset Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, so I dipped my toes in very slowly—joining the Tree Lighting Event committee, off season from the busy time with The Sharing Tree. That was really fun and I would LOVE to continue my involvement with it going forward. I also work at Wheelhouse Coffee in Somerset. Kortney, James, and their coffee are a wonderful asset to Somerset. Their community involvement speaks for itself.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SOMERSET AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?

Shannon Donnelly asked me! I have appreciated Shannon’s dedication as the SHS principal and now Superintendent; she said the Chamber was looking for more non-profit representation so here we are!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN SOMERSET OR ACTIVITIES/EVENTS TO SPONSOR &/OR PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY?

Now that I know about it I would like to participate more in Pea Soup Days events, a perfect community celebration to officially start summer! I really enjoyed volunteering with the Tree Lighting Event. Seeing all of the little ones in awe of Santa and enjoying the activities the Chamber sponsored was a delight. 

WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT & FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP IN SOMERSET?

Personally, whenever my kids come to visit we order pizza from Pizza Planet for pick up. We go over to Oliphant Brewing and eat it while enjoying Oliphant’s craft beer either inside or outside on their awesome patio. Oliphant was the 1st Somerset business to partner with The Sharing Tree to collect school supplies during our summer collection period. And my kids love their beer. For shopping, I go to Dick’s Fresh Market.

The Sharing Tree is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the communities of Hudson and Somerset, WI by ensuring all students have access to the tools they need to succeed in their classrooms. In the words of Mr. Rogers, ”Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are willing to help.” With the support of our volunteers, local philanthropists, grants, individual gifts, our retail partners, WESTconsin Credit Union, the annual Marty Party Holiday Fundraiser for The Sharing Tree, we will always try to be a helper.

Founded in 2002 we have assisted approximately 3,723 students. The Sharing Tree is a 501(c)3 nonprofit incorporated in the State of Wisconsin. Your contributions are tax deductible.

Here's the link to their WISH LIST for items they're still collecting through August 5th: https://www.thesharingtree.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SupplyWishList.pdf.

Also, if you or someone you knows needs help this year (or any year) there are 34 days left to register for The Sharing Tree school supply program! Registration closes July 31.

Find mobile-friendly online registration at our WEBSITE: thesharingtree.org.

✂️📙✏️📓🖍️📕📘
#schooltools #schoolreadiness #equippedforsuccess #chamberrockstar #somersetwichamber
#hometownproud #seeaneedfillaneed

Read More
Somerset Chamber Somerset Chamber

McQuirter Garn Investments

MG Investments LLC focuses on commercial real estate investments and development.  Our additional focus is specifically on St Croix County as we see tremendous opportunity for growth.

Our mission is to strengthen communities by helping people facilitate their dreams and endeavors in the small business sector.  

We believe that the strength of a community primarily lies in its business leaders and their intrinsic impact.  These leaders shape the culture, direction, viability and future of their community.  

Lonnie McQuirter has owned and operated a convenience business for over 17 years and has purchased the property at 242 Main Street in Somerset that hosts two retail locations and an Air B&B.  

Caleb Garn is owner/partner in two coffee and beverage businesses that began 9 years ago.  Four coffee shop locations and two manufacturing locations.  

Together MG Investments LLC are partners in a manufacturing facility in New Richmond where Big Watt Beverage Co. and Lift Bridge Brewing are tenants.  MG Investments continues to seek additional opportunities in the region from retail, warehouse and flex space, multi-use, and more.  We are more than happy to look at any and all opportunities and potential collaborations that align with our mission and goals.

CLICK HERE FOR THEIR CONTACT INFO:
https://business.somersetchamber.org/list/member/mcquirter-garn-investments-llc-3278

Read More
Somerset Chamber Somerset Chamber

OSI Physical Therapy

TELL US ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU DO.

OSI Physical Therapy has been in business for 43 years and has had an office for 17 years in Somerset. We provide outpatient physical therapy to orthopedic patients.

WHAT PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO YOU PROVIDE?

We provide physical therapy to orthopedic patients including sports injuries, work injuries, back, neck, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. I also specialize in hand therapy, concussion, vertigo treatments, and prediabetic care; all offered at our Somerset location.

WHAT MAKES OSI UNIQUE OR SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS?

OSI gets very high outcomes that exceed the national average measured with functional questionnaires. OSI specializes in orthopedics and many of our therapists are Board Certified Specialists in orthopedic physical therapy. I am a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist.

WHAT'S ONE THING WE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR COMPANY?

We are privately owned by physical therapists so you will build a relationship with your therapist. At OSI, you are more than just a patient to us. We also are clinical instructors to physical therapy students to help foster and train the next generations of physical therapists.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

I am a shareholder in OSI. I opened OSI's office in Somerset in 2006. While with OSI, I obtained my OCS (Orthopedic Certified Specialist). I am a Clinical Instructor and have trained many physical therapy students as they finish their internships to earn their degree.

HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE CHAMBER & THE COMMUNITY?

I have been on the Somerset Chamber Board for the past year and have been a member for many years. OSI has hosted the After 5 Social and sponsored Pea Soup Days and other community events. I am a charter member of the Somerset Lion's Club. I organized the Pea Soup Days Parade sponsored by the Lions Club for many years. I started the Spring League Volleyball program for Somerset 4th-8th graders in 2015 and coached teams for 4 years and now stay involved as the tournament director for home tournaments. I volunteer with the school district and athletics.

I feel that through my work as a physical therapist, I help to keep the Somerset community healthier.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SOMERSET AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?

I have been a chamber member as a representative of OSI for many years but joined the Chamber Board last year to use my abilities to serve the Somerset business community and continue to be involved and improve our community.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN SOMERSET OR ACTIVITIES/EVENTS TO SPONSOR OR PARTICIPATE IN?

One of my favorite things to do in Somerset is to canoe on the Apple River. I live on the river and can access it through our development's park. I enjoy the natural beauty of the river and surrounding bluffs. I love to bike and look forward to a bike trail linking Somerset to the Loop trail in Stillwater and Houlton.

Read More
Somerset Chamber Somerset Chamber

State Farm Insurance - Brian Brady Jr. Agency

Tell us about your business and what you do.

I am a State Farm insurance agent. My team and I specialize in helping people determine the best ways to protect the people and things that are most important to them.

What products or services does your business provide?

We offer insurance coverage for businesses, homes, rental property, autos, recreational vehicles and boats, and probably the most important…life!

What makes your business unique or different from other similar service providers?

There are definitely plenty of insurance options out there. But, my team and I are proud to be a part of the Somerset community and participate in many local events. This is where we work, live, and play! You will not get the same hometown service elsewhere.

What are your favorite things to do in Somerset or activities/events to sponsor &/or participate in the community?

We really appreciate our local public schools and enjoy sponsoring various middle and high school sports teams. We are also really looking forward to being a part of Pea Soup Days by having a float in the parade and serving up some cold ones at the beer tent!

Read More