Chamber hosts open house to celebrate anniversary

The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce hosted an open house last Tuesday, marking a momentous conclusion to its 100th anniversary year. 

The event celebrated the chamber’s century of supporting the business community, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life in Rhinelander.

State representative Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) and Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lauren Sackett pose for a photograph during the chamber’s open house Tuesday, Dec. 17. Swearingen read and presented the chamber with a commendation from Gov. Tony Evers, congratulating the chamber on its 100th anniversary.
(Photo courtesy of Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce)

The open house offered a chance for guests to see updates recently made within the chamber building, along with a chance to enjoy refreshments and networking opportunities. Attendees were able to connect, celebrate and reflect on the Chamber’s rich history and exciting future.

A key moment of the event was the unveiling of the Anniversary Donor Plaque, which recognizes the contributions of donors to the Chamber’s anniversary investor campaign. Director Lauren Sackett shared the importance of this milestone.

“A number of donors gave this year to our anniversary investor campaign,” she said. “Their contributions are helping us further our mission and goals. One of those goals was some building renovations that allowed our staff to continue to grow. We are grateful for the members and donors who see the forward thinking of what we are doing and supported our efforts.”

State representative Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander), attended the event celebrate the members of the community on the donor plaque. He also read a commendation from Gov. Tony Evers congratulating the chamber on its 100th anniversary.

The program also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the conclusion of the Chamber’s centennial year, the recent renovations within the building and to mark the beginning of the chamber’s next chapter.

“One hundred years of supporting the business community and improving the quality of life in Rhinelander is a tremendous milestone,” Sackett said. “It has been a great year to remember our history, celebrate our present, and think forward to the future.”

Looking ahead, she said the chamber envisions continuing its work to support local businesses, champion tourism, and enhance Rhinelander’s vibrant and unique community.

While the next century of impact is still unwritten, Sackett said the Chamber’s commitment to its mission remains steadfast.

“We just approved our next strategic plan and have a good vision for the next several years,” she said. “I imagine that our theme of supporting local businesses, helping our local economy, championing and promoting tourism, and improving the quality of life for Rhinelander will remain at the heart of what we do.”

The Hodag, Rhinelander’s beloved mascot, has been a proud witness to the Chamber’s journey. 

“The Hodag Statue has welcomed thousands of people over the last 25 years at our office, and he is ready to welcome thousands more,” Sackett noted.

The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Open House was a heartfelt celebration of a century of service and a bold step into the future. 

The event reminded everyone of the power of community and the shared commitment to making Rhinelander a great place to live, work, and visit.