State, city officials help cut ribbon at renovated Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce office

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Christina Williams
608-837-4547

State, city officials help cut ribbon at renovated Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce office

Wisconsin Secretary of Administration Kathy Blumenfeld and Andrew Nussbaum from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism joined Sun Prairie Mayor Paul Esser in celebrating the ribbon cutting for the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce office building at 109 E. Main St. in downtown Sun Prairie.

The updated office space features contemporary furnishings, a new board/community room, and a visitors information center in the front vestibule of the building. The remodeled facility also includes updated wireless internet access, a new phone system, improved security features, new outdoor lighting as well as upgraded electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Plans for the remodeling of the building began after the July 2018 natural gas explosion in downtown Sun Prairie that damaged windows, the front awning and electrical wiring in the former office space.

Although it received a $172,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant in 2021 to help cover the cost for the remodeling, the chamber experienced supply chain shortages and price increases due to inflation that resulted in a final completion price of more than $330,000 for the project, which was completed in May.

“I think about two years ago, when I came to visit and we were cramped up in the front room, all huddled together, and you were painting the vision for what we are all experiencing here today — it was an amazing day. But I really value seeing this firsthand and experiencing this,” Blumenfeld said. “So I'm delighted to be with you. We were thrilled, Governor Evers is thrilled, as is our entire administration to help support your rebranding efforts.”

“This is why we have decided this is our home,” Nussbaum said. “They (visitors) come here and they discovered and whether they just discovered as a visitor and they keep coming back, or they decide you know what, at some point, it's going to be a great place to live . . . and see everything you have here.”

Mayor Esser emphasized the partnership between the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, the Sun Prairie Tourism Commission and the City of Sun Prairie and the State of Wisconsin in his praise for the new facility.

“It’s really a testament to the efforts and the approach that the Chamber has done with this. A lot of great things are happening in Sun Prairie — we’ve done a lot of ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings already this year — and we’ve got more that are coming up. This is a vibrant, growing community,” Esser said.

“We need the Chamber of Commerce, and we need the Chamber of Commerce in a location where it speaks positively of the community. And now you have that,” Esser said. “So with that, I want to compliment you, and thank you for all of your efforts for making this happen. This is a special day. Thank you.”

Williams recounted the history of the grant from the state and recalled the donations and partnerships needed to complete the renovation of the former insurance building, beauty shop and dental office.

“Today, I am thrilled to present to you our new beautiful and modern space, a testament to the collective effort, passion and dedication of everyone involved in this renovation project,” Williams said. “This space represents not just a physical transformation but also a symbol of growth, innovation and unity within our community.”

Williams also acknowledged donors who made the project possible, including Rita Tubbs, Valerie Renk, Operation Fresh Start and more — who are acknowledged on a donor wall located in the new board room.

“The success of this project would not have been possible without the expertise and creativity of Interiors by JW and the valuable assistance from Kontext Architects,” Williams said. “Their contributions were instrumental in bringing our plans to fruition, and ensuring that the final renderings would provide the most efficient use of space while offering a quality working environment for Chamber staff and benefiting our team and our community. During the renovation project, it was necessary for us to temporarily relocate to the community room of City Hall. So I want to express my deepest gratitude to Mayor Paul Esser, City Administrator Aaron Oppenheimer and all of the city staff for their unwavering support during that transition.”

Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Board President Joe Schuch said the new facility will help the Chamber support its community focus for the next 30 years.

“I can speak on behalf of the board that we’re really happy and pleased that we've set up this organization for success for decades to come. To have a have a building like this, that’s really going to help grow the organization more, give back to the business community, and all that Sun Prairie is, we thank everyone for coming . . . to open up the building officially.”

To learn more about the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, which is also accepting donations to offset future expenses associated with the new office facility, go online to www.sunprairiechamber.com.