The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce meets MONTHLY with the following committees. These committee members are most valuable to the operations and direction of activities that the Chamber focuses on. Please let us know if you would like to help out in any of these following areas. Here is just a sampling of the many things each committee does:

AGRI-BUSINESS COMMITTEE
This committee supports and presents ag-education programs in the Merrill Area Schools. They are responsible for planning and sponsoring the June Dairy Breakfast.  The breakfast includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, real maple syrup, strawberry shortcake, cheese, juice, milk or coffee. Entertainment is provided. This well-attended event is held annually at the Merrill Area Recreation Complex. The group also sponsors events and activities that promote dairy products. Grocery store taste testing give-aways and displays are popular. They are members of the WMMB and County Dairy Leaders Group.

MERRILL MARKETING GROUP
The group’s mission statement is: “The Merrill Area Marketing Group is a community partnership working to identify and promote the business, social, recreational and cultural opportunities toward expanding the overall prosperity of the Merrill, Wisconsin area.”

MERRILL RETAIL COUNCIL
This Council’s efforts focus on programs, promotions and open discussions pertaining to the retail sector.  They sponsor Crazy Daze and other citywide retail promotions, including Spring, Fall and Winter Holiday promotions for Chamber members.  Their advertising programs are funded as a ‘group’ to promote shopping in Merrill.  The committee works with the business districts on beautification of the downtown area.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
This diverse committee has representation from industry, law, finance, church, city, county and legislatures. They meet monthly to discuss various current issues.  They also sponsor educational breakfasts or public meetings of important topics.

TOURISM COMMISSION
Promotes many efforts to enhance our area economy. The  Commission members  are appointed by the city.  In recent years, we have been recipients of 2 JEM (Joint Effort Marketing) Grants awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to promote Lincoln County Trails and “Fall Color” and Activities.  This is just a start of many great ideas to promote Merrill as an attractive tourism destination.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE
This group sponsors ribbon-cuttings for new businesses and new business expansions. They also call on current chamber members and bring back to the group any concerns and comments that our members have.  The group also holds membership drives to recruit new members.

HUMAN RESOURCE NETWORK
This committee consists of HR directors from local businesses.  Their group provides an open dialogue among directors to discuss common employee issues. As part of their Work-force Development efforts, the HR group recently published a Business Resource Directory for the classroom called “Partners in Education”.  The HR group also works with schools to focus on better preparing students for the workplace.


MERRILL CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This is a dedicated group of business people who help establish policies and procedures and they oversee the chamber functions and operations. Board Members also serve on other chamber committees and always watch for issues, concerns or opportunities that will be a benefit to the community.

EVENTS/PROGRAMS
The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors and co-sponsors a number of business and community events.  It is the Chamber’s philosophy that these events provide value to the members and the community, and in many instances provide tourism opportunities.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS
BONNIE BLETSOE/MARY SOSNOVSKE - Agri-Business Committee
SUE KUNKEL - Ambassador Club
ART LERSCH - Legislative Committee
WALLY SMITH - Merrill Retail Council
DEBBE KINSEY - Holiday Parade
JANE MAULE - Human Resource Network
NANCY KWIESIELEWICZ  - Board Planning Sessions
BONNIE BLETSOE - June Dairy Breakfast
WALLY SMITH - Annual Golf Classic
DEBBE KINSEY - Annual Banquet
JAY STAPLETON - Merrill Marketing Group
RANDY BRANDNER – Chamber of Commerce Foundation

2010 PLANNED EVENTS/PROGRAMS
Chamber Annual Banquet                       Merrill Gift Certificates    June Dairy Breakfast
Lincoln County Trails Program                  Annual Golf Classic        Tourism Promotion Programs    
Work with City on Annual Projects           Crazy Daze                  Winter Retail Promotion        
Fall Retail Promotion                               School Promotions        Downtown Beautification Projects
Homecoming Celebration                        GRABAAWR                 Merrill’s Holiday Parade
Parade Customer Appreciation Day           Movie in the Park         Workshops