Community Development Authority Meeting — Agenda Packet

VILLAGE OF MOUNT HOREB E. Main Street Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Phone: (608) 437-6884 Fax: (608) 437-3190 Email: mhinfo@mounthorebwi.info Web: mounthorebwi.info Community Development Authority Agenda Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM Municipal Building Board Room 138 E. Main Street Mount Horeb, WI 1) Call to order 2) Roll Call 3) Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items* 4) Consent Agenda a. Consideration of July 8, 2026 Meeting Minutes 5) Agenda Items a. Consider an update regarding Lukken Annexation and Making a Difference Developers b. Consider approving an update to the Tax Incremental Financing Application Process c. Consider approving a Facade Grant Application for 107 E. Main Street d. Consider a one-year amendment to Tax Incremental District No.3 e. Consider approving the Future Focus Areas for the CDA 6) Reports a. Economic Development Director's report b. Mount Horeb Area School District report c. Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce Report 7) Meeting adjournment. *Public Comment Policy Members of the public are invited to speak at meetings of all Mount Horeb Public Bodies. To comment, please complete a Public Comment Form at the Meeting Room entrance and submit it to staff before the meeting begins. Comments are limited to three minutes, must be made from the podium, and the speaker must return to the audience after speaking. • Non-agenda item comments are heard at the start of the meeting. Public Body members and staff will not engage in discussion during public comment but may consider topics for future agendas. • Agenda item comments are heard during the relevant item, after the proposers or staff present the item and before Public Body discussion. All public comments on the item will be heard before any discussion by the Public Body. Page 1 of 38 Members of the public will only be allowed to speak outside these public comment times if they are invited by the meeting chair to share additional information requested by the Public Body. If so invited to speak, the member of the public must do so from the podium. Written comments are also welcome. Written comments shall include the name and address of the submitter and should be submitted to the Deputy Treasurer/Governance Coordinator by email at niki.erickson@mounthorebwi.info (subject line: Public Comment Request-Name of Public Body) or delivered by to the Village at: 138 E Main Street, Mount Horeb WI, 53572, ATTN Public Comment Request-Name of Public Body. UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS THROUGH APPROPRIATE AIDS AND SERVICES. FOR INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST THIS SERVICE, CONTACT ALYSSA GAFFNEY, CLERK, AT 138 E MAIN STREET, MOUNT HOREB, WI (608) 437-9404. Page 2 of 38 Page 3 of 38 Page 4 of 38 Tax Incremental Financing Assistance Application Process Below is the step-by-step process to request TIF assistance in the Village of Mount Horeb. Step #1 The best way to start is to schedule a meeting to discuss the potential project and request with the Village Administrator. Depending on Village specifics, the staff involved may include the Village Attorney, Economic Development Director, Finance Director, Village Planner, Village Engineer, and potentially others. To request a meeting, contact Gabe Altenbernd, Village Administrator via gabe.altenbernd@mounthorebwi.info. Prior to attending the meeting, please carefully review the TIF application and other background materials regarding TIF in Mount Horeb. Staff may assist by identifying concurrent processes that may be feasible during a TIF assistance approval process, such as rezoning, site plans, conditional use permits, etc. To the greatest extent possible, staff will accommodate a prompt time-frame by running multiple approvals concurrently. Step #2 A formal request for TIF assistance is initiated once the Village receives the completed TIF application and the corresponding fee of $100. Note: In the “but for” discussion, you must clearly describe why TIF is needed to help this project and why the project will not/cannot proceed without such support. Failure to clearly provide the “but for” explanation will delay action on your request. Step #3 Village staff will review the proposal. In most instances, a Development Agreement is the formal document used to memorialize a TIF assistance package. The Village will supply a template for the development agreement for the developer to review. The developer will be required to provide detailed project pro-forma above and beyond what is initially presented in the application. Further, the Village may require financial statements to assist in determining whether the “but for” test is met. To the extent allowed by law, the Village will utilize the Village’s Financial Advisor to collect, review, and report on the private financial statements in order to protect confidentially of sensitive applicant data. The Village will bill the applicant for 3 rd party consulting fees and/or other related expenses as they pertain to the assistance request review process. Page 5 of 38 Step #4 The Community Development Authority (CDA) will host a public meeting with the applicant present to make a recommendation to the Village Board, who has the final decision-making authority on granting TIF assistance. Typically, staff will brief CDA members in advance of discussion at a public meeting. The Community Development Authority regularly meets on the 2 nd Wednesday of the month. Step #5 Once scheduled for Village Board action, approval may be completed in a single meeting. However, the Village Board has the right to defer action for further study/review or outright deny the request. To avoid delay at this step staff will work diligently with the developer to assemble thorough and complete information. The Village Board regularly meets on the 1 st Wednesday of the month. Page 6 of 38 Page 1 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Request Application Form Please complete and submit the following information to the Village Administrator for a more detailed review of the feasibility of your request for Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Assistance. Applicant Information Name of Applicant: Business Name & Address: Primary Contact: Phone Number: E-mail Address: Type of Business Entity: Property Information Address of the Proposed Property: Parcel Number(s): Currently, does the applicant own or lease the property? (circle one for the following questions) Own Lease Neither Will the applicant own, lease, or convert the property to condo ownership at completion? Own Lease Convert to Condo Ownership Who will occupy (operate the business on) the site at project completion? Owner Renter Both If t he applicant is the current owner or prospective tenant of the property, attach a description of the premises to be leased (legal description, floor plan, etc.) Page 7 of 38 Page 2 Evidence of Site Control A. If the applicant o wns the project site, attach a copy of the applicant’s deed. Also indicate: Mortgage Holder(s): Total annual mortgage payment (principal & Interest): $ Total outstanding balance of existing mortgage(s): $ Name, address, and phone numbers of other people or entities having an ownership interest in the property to be redeveloped, if applicable: B. If the Applicant has a contract or option to purchase the project site, attach a copy of the purchase or option contract. Also indicate: Date contact was signed: / / Closing/expiration date: / / C. If the applicant currently leases or will leave the project site, attach a copy of the lease or lease option contract. Also indicate: Leal name of Owner as noted on the deeds: Name of person who signed the lease for the tenant: Landlord /Owner’s name and address: Owner affidavit: If the applicant currently leases or plans to lease the property, have the owner (and all entities having ownership interest in the property) sign an Owner’s Consent letter. Page 8 of 38 Page 3 Project & Business Information Proposed Use (check all that apply): ☐ Industrial ☐ Commercial ☐ Mixed Use ☐ Market Rate Multi-Family Development ☐ Affordable Housing Project Description – Provide a description of the project. Where applicable, a concept site plan and architectural building elevations shall be included in the application. Applicants may supplement these materials by including a portfolio of similar/past projects. Will the project incorporate any affordable housing units? Describe. Will the project incorporate any exterior art or placemaking amenities? Describe. Current annual revenue: $ Estimated Annual Revenue: $ Current annual expenses:$ Estimated Annual Expenses: $ Cap rate: Business Plan and/or Marketing Plan attached: ☐ Yes ☐ No Balance sheet & profit/loss statements for the past 3 years attached? ☐ Yes ☐ No Page 9 of 38 Page 4 Describe the Project Schedule Final Plan/Specification Preparation Date: Preliminary Construction Start Date: Preliminary Construction Completion Date: Date Occupied or Opened: Number of principal buildings: Est. total building square footage: Estimated equalized assessed valuation after project completion (EAV) $ Land $ Improvements $ Total Est. equalized property taxes to be generated by the project (attach any independent appraisals) Pre-improvements: $ PA x Mill Rate = $ Total (A) Post-I mprovements: $ PA x Mill Rate = $ Total (B) Addi tional incremental (B-A) = $ Will the proposed project result in relocating economic activity/businesses from another location within the Village? ☐ Yes ☐ No If yes , discuss the nature of any anticipated relocations and the impact the relocation would have on the existing property or neighborhood where such activity is currently located. Do similar businesses /uses already exist in Mount Horeb? If yes, please describe any differences in your proposed business to existing businesses. Page 10 of 38 Page 5 List the current and projected number of part-time and full-time jobs in the Village of Mount Horeb before and after the project completion. Current Jobs Projected Jobs Average Wages / Salaries Average Total Compensation Full-time Part-Time Total Appr ox. what % of employees do you expect will be hired from the area? Di scuss any history of community involvement by the applicant or business within the Village. Ha s any portion of the project already been started or completed? If yes, describe the portions of the project completed, the work remaining, and why public financing is necessary to complete the project. Page 11 of 38 Page 6 TIF Request State the total amount of TIF assistance being requested: State the form of incentives requested: ☐ Developer Loan (pay-as-you-go) ☐ Traditional Loan ☐ Tax Increment Loan at Occupancy ☐ Tax Increment Loan at Project Start ☐ Other: State the need and justification for TIF assistance. Explain how the applicant intends to demonstrate compliance with the “but for” test. Provide a 10 -year projected cash flow pro forma for the project showing revenues, expenses, net operating income, and the anticipated rate of return with and without TIF assistance. Substantiate that other alternative methods of financing have been thoroughly explored. The burden is on the requesting party to prove that the proposed project would not be feasible without TIF assistance. Every other financial alternative should be explored prior to the use of TIF. Check which box(s) best describe the use of TIF funds: ☐ Land Acquisition ☐ Environmental Audits ☐ Surveying/Site Grading ☐ Demolition/Remediation ☐ New Construction ☐ Rehabilitation/Expansion ☐ Utility Improvements ☐ Streets/Parking/Access ☐ Landscaping/Recreation ☐ Exterior Art/Placemaking ☐ Financing Costs ☐ Professional Fees ☐ Other: Page 12 of 38 Page 7 Project Budget Budget Source ☐ Developer ☐ Arch/Eng ☐ Contractor ☐ Other: Project Budget Sources and Uses of Funds Project Costs Amount $ Source(s) of Financing Property Acquisition* Environmental Audits Site Grading / Soil Remediation Demolition/ Remediation Construction of New Building(s) Renovation of Existing Structures Utility Improvements Streets / Parking / Access Landscaping / Recreation Exterior Art / Placemaking Architectural / Engineering / Surveying Fees Legal & other professional fees Permit fees Developer fees Other (please specify) Total Project Costs *I f land will be purchased for the project, please describe the purchase price, and supply any appraisal or other documentation available that provides information relating to the fair market value of the property. Sources of Financing Amount ($) Percent of Total Costs TIF % Developer Equity % Investor Equity % Loans % Grants % Other (please specify) % Total Project Costs 100.0% Contact Information for Project Lender: Grant Sources: Grant Amount: Page 13 of 38 Page 8 Applicant Certification and Acknowledgement I acknowledge being informed that the Village of Mount Horeb (Village) will, upon request by a member of the public or in the course of reporting its activities to the public, disclose the names of individuals requesting Tax Incremental Financing (TIF), the amount of TIF requested, state/federal programs used, if any, and the development impact of the TIF requested (e.g. jobs created, tax base impact and total project investment), as may be required under applicable state statutes regarding open records or open meetings. The Village has assured me, and I understand, that other financial information provided by me in connection with this application or with assistance from the Village, if any is given (including, but not necessarily limited to business and personal financial statements, business operating statements, data on historical and projected future sales or other aspects of business performance, and business plans) will, to the extent permissible by law, and except for use in collection proceedings, if any, be treated as confidential. This will confirm that I have relied upon such assurance by the Village in providing financial information to the Village, and that, but for such assurances, such information would not be provided. I c ertify that the information contained in this application is, to the best of my knowledge, true and correct. I agree to notify the Village, in writing, of any changes that materially affect the accuracy of this statement. I authorize the Village or its agents to verify the information provided in this application and to obtain additional information concerning the applicant(s) financial condition. I certify through signing the TIF application that the final form and amount of financing the Village offers may differ from that requested. The form and amount of financing shall be finalized through the execution of a development agreement. I c ertify that financial, insurance, and project assurances will be required as part of the final development agreement to be negotiated with the Village upon preliminary approval of this application. These may include, but are not limited to, assessment guarantees, letters of credit, personal or corporate guarantees, minimum payment agreements, lien waivers for contractors, consent of mortgagee or other loan security instrument. All terms and obligations of the Village and the applicant shall be finalized through the execution of a development agreement. I certify, by signing and submitting this application, that additional costs, above the amount of the application fee, incurred by the Village for outside professional review or expertise of this application, and any development agreement resulting from this application, will be the responsibility of the applicant. I further certify that denial of the application or failure to reach agreement with the Village on a development agreement shall not entitle the applicant to a refund of the application fee or any amounts of the escrow used in the review of the application. Applicant Name: Title: Signature: Date: Ple ase return the completed application to gabe.altenbernd@mounthorebwi.info Page 14 of 38 Page 15 of 38 Page 16 of 38 Page 17 of 38 Page 18 of 38 Page 19 of 38 Page 20 of 38 Page 21 of 38 Page 22 of 38 Page 23 of 38 Page 24 of 38 Page 25 of 38 Page 26 of 38 Preliminary - without Amend. Village of Mount Horeb Tax Increment District No. 3 without Amendment Cash Flow Proforma Analysis Assumptions Annual Inflation During Life of TID……………………………………………… 0.50% 2025 Gross Tax Rate (per $1000 Equalized Value)…………………… $17.29 Annual Adjustment to tax rate……………………………………………………… 0.00% Investment rate…………………………………………………………………………… 2.00% Data above dashed line are actual Background Data Revenues Expenditures TID Status (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) (m) (n) (o) Year End TIF District Inflation Construction TIF Increment Tax Tax Computer Investment Total Existing Administrative Combined Annual Cumulative Year Valuation Increment Increment Over Base Rate Revenue Aid Proceeds Revenues Debt Service Fees Expenditures Balance Balance Cost Recovery Year (January 1) (1) (2) (December 31) Base Value (1) $2,381,600 2025 $72,417,900 $362,090 $1,210,959 $71,402,649 $17.29 $144,777 Per 2025 Audit 2025 2026 $71,722,900 $69,341,300 $17.29 $1,210,959 $3,463 $2,896 $1,217,318 $898,150 $5,000 $903,150 $314,168 $458,945 2026 2027 $71,722,900 $358,615 $69,493,215 $17.29 $1,234,584 $3,463 $9,179 $1,247,226 $829,300 $5,000 $834,300 $412,926 $871,871 Expenditures Recovered 2027 $720,704 $2,445,544 $6,925 $12,074 $3,339,198 $1,727,450 $10,000 $1,737,450 Type of TID: Industrial 2004 TID Inception (3/24/04) (1) 2004 Base Value was recertified in 2024 from $2,588,300 to $2,381,600 2022 Final Year to Incur TIF Related Costs (2) 2014 tax rate reflects an $0.89 adjustment due to Wisconsin Act 145. This will increase state aid to technical college districts and lower levy amounts. 2027 Maximum Legal Life of TID (23 Years) Prepared by Robert W. Baird Co. Incorporated S:\Public Finance\municipalities\mount horeb vg wi\tif\TID 3\2026\tif3 proforma with amendment mount horeb vg_current status_073126.xlsx/mjm 7/31/2026 Page 27 of 38 Preliminary - with Amend. Village of Mount Horeb Tax Increment District No. 3 with Amendment Cash Flow Proforma Analysis Assumptions Annual Inflation During Life of TID……………………………………………… 0.50% 2025 Gross Tax Rate (per $1000 Equalized Value)…………………… $17.29 Annual Adjustment to tax rate……………………………………………………… 0.00% Investment rate…………………………………………………………………………… 2.00% Data above dashed line are actual Background Data Revenues Expenditures TID Status (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) (m) (n) (o) Year End TIF District Inflation Construction TIF Increment Tax Tax Computer Investment Total Existing Administrative Combined Annual Cumulative Year Valuation Increment Increment Over Base Rate Revenue Aid Proceeds Revenues Debt Service Fees Expenditures Balance Balance Cost Recovery Year (January 1) (1) (2) (December 31) Base Value (1) $2,381,600 2025 $72,417,900 $362,090 $1,210,959 $71,402,649 $17.29 ($78,676) Per 2025 Audit 2025 2026 $71,722,900 $69,341,300 $17.29 $1,210,959 $3,463 $0 $1,214,422 $898,150 $5,000 $903,150 $311,272 $232,596 2026 2027 $71,722,900 $358,615 $69,493,215 $17.29 $1,234,584 $3,463 $4,652 $1,242,699 $829,300 $5,000 $834,300 $408,399 $640,995 Expenditures Recovered 2027 $720,704 $2,445,544 $6,925 $4,652 $3,331,775 $1,727,450 $10,000 $1,737,450 Type of TID: Industrial 2004 TID Inception (3/24/04) (1) 2004 Base Value was recertified in 2024 from $2,588,300 to $2,381,600 2022 Final Year to Incur TIF Related Costs (2) 2014 tax rate reflects an $0.89 adjustment due to Wisconsin Act 145. This will increase state aid to technical college districts and lower levy amounts. 2027 Maximum Legal Life of TID (23 Years) Prepared by Robert W. Baird Co. Incorporated S:\Public Finance\municipalities\mount horeb vg wi\tif\TID 3\2026\tif3 proforma with amendment mount horeb vg_current status_073126.xlsx/mjm 7/31/2026 Page 28 of 38 August 5, 2026 To: Community Development Authority From: Kristen Fish-Peterson, Economic Development Contracted Staff Re: Report on work to date What follows is a list of activities for July: 1. Meetings in person and virtual a. Gabe Altenbernd individually (in person, virtually, phone, and emails) b. Meetings regarding Lukken Property (with Making a Difference, Staff) c. Meetings regarding Karakahl Redevelopment (with JT Klein) d. Meetings with landowners and potential developers/brokers regarding housing land availability e. Meeting with property owners re: annexation f. Chamber of Commerce document review, dialogue with Chamber President/CEO g. Phone calls and emails with retail prospects 2. Follow up from meetings 3. Work to certify TID 6 with WI DOR 4. Review of map and follow-up for work toward business park potential development 5. Research for future TID/ housing TID Page 29 of 38 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY August 12, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 6.b Mount Horeb Area School District report BACKGROUND Board Communication - Mount Horeb Area School District MHASD Monthly Report RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS None Page 30 of 38 AUGUST 2026 Chamber Report mounthorebchamber.com 608-437-5914 info@trollway.com T h e C h a m b e r ’s b u s y e v e n t s e a s o n c o n t i n u e s w i t h s e v e r a l m a j o r s u m m e r p r o g r a m s n o w c o m p l e t e a n d p r e p a r a t i o n s s h i f t i n g t o w a r d f a l l a c t i v i t i e s . T h e M o u n t H o r e b A r t F a i r w a s h e l d J u l y 1 8 – 1 9 , w i t h s t e a d y t o s l i g h t l y i n c r e a s e d f o o t t r a f f i c c o m p a r e d w i t h 2 0 2 5 . A n A r t F a i r E v e n t S u m m a r y i s i n c l u d e d w i t h t h i s r e p o r t a n d p r o v i d e s a d d i t i o n a l d a t a . T h e C h a m b e r a l s o h e l d i t s A n n u a l G o l f O u t i n g o n A u g u s t 6 a t N o r s k G o l f C l u b . T h e e v e n t s a w i n c r e a s e d p a r t i c i p a t i o n o v e r 2 0 2 5 a n d p r o v i d e d a n o t h e r s t r o n g o p p o r t u n i t y f o r C h a m b e r m e m b e r s , l o c a l b u s i n e s s e s , a n d c o m m u n i t y p a r t n e r s t o c o n n e c t . W i t h t h e s e s u m m e r e v e n t s c o m p l e t e , s t a f f a t t e n t i o n i s n o w s h i f t i n g t o w a r d t h e F a l l V i l l a g e - W i d e G a r a g e S a l e s i n S e p t e m b e r , f o l l o w e d b y F a l l V i l l a g e M a r k e t a n d W i t c h e s ' N i g h t O u t i n O c t o b e r . P l a n n i n g , v e n d o r r e c r u i t m e n t , s p o n s o r s h i p s , a n d m a r k e t i n g a r e c u r r e n t l y u n d e r w a y f o r a l l t h r e e e v e n t s . P r o g r e s s i s a l s o b e i n g m a d e o n i m p r o v e m e n t s t o t h e M o u n t H o r e b W e l c o m e C e n t e r . S i d i n g r e p a i r s a n d e x t e r i o r s t a i n i n g , p a r t i a l l y f u n d e d t h r o u g h a M o u n t H o r e b C o m m u n i t y G r a n t , a r e n o w s c h e d u l e d f o r S e p t e m b e r T h e n e x t s t e p i n o u r T o u r i s m Z o n e e x p a n s i o n w i l l t a k e p l a c e w h e n t h e T o u r i s m C o m m i s s i o n m e e t s A u g u s t 1 1 t o t a k e u p t h e i n t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l a g r e e m e n t t h a t w i l l f o r m a l l y e s t a b l i s h t h e p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h B a r n e v e l d i n r e g i o n a l d e s t i n a t i o n m a r k e t i n g e f f o r t s . L a s t l y , m e m b e r s o f t h e C h a m b e r B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s a n d B u s i n e s s A d v o c a c y C o m m i t t e e w i l l m e e t w i t h m e m b e r s o f t h e M o u n t H o r e b V i l l a g e B o a r d f o r a c a s u a l m e e t - a n d - g r e e t a t B u c k & H o n e y ' s o n A u g u s t 1 9 . T h e g a t h e r i n g i s i n t e n d e d t o p r o v i d e a n i n f o r m a l o p p o r t u n i t y t o b u i l d r e l a t i o n s h i p s , e n c o u r a g e d i a l o g u e , a n d s t r e n g t h e n c o l l a b o r a t i o n b e t w e e n b u s i n e s s a n d c o m m u n i t y l e a d e r s a s w e l o o k a h e a d t o f u t u r e p r i o r i t i e s a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s . Page 31 of 38 JULY 2026 Chamber Report mounthorebchamber.com 608-437-5914 info@trollway.com T h e C h a m b e r h a s e n t e r e d it s b u s ie s t e v e n t s e a s o n o f t h e y e a r , w it h t h e m a jo r it y o f o u r a n n u a l p r o g r a m s t a k in g p la c e b e t w e e n J u ly a n d O c t o b e r . P r e p a r a t io n s a r e u n d e r w a y fo r A r t F a ir , t h e C h a m b e r G o lf O u t in g , W it c h e s ' N ig h t O u t , F a ll V illa g e M a r k e t , a n d t h e F a ll V illa g e -W id e G a r a g e S a le s , a ll o f w h ic h p la y a n im p o r t a n t r o le in d r iv in g v is it a t io n , s u p p o r t in g lo c a l b u s in e s s e s , a n d s h o w c a s in g t h e c o m m u n it y . T h e C h a m b e r is a ls o w o r k in g c lo s e ly w it h T y r o l B a s in t o s u p p o r t t h e t r a n s it io n o f t h e T h ir s t y T r o ll B r e w F e s t u n d e r it s n e w o w n e r s h ip . T h e e v e n t w ill t a k e p la c e o n A u g u s t 2 9 a n d w ill fe a t u r e s e v e r a l n e w o f fe r in g s , in c lu d in g lo w e r - p r ic e d t ic k e t o p t io n s fo r m u s ic - o n ly a d m is s io n a n d lim it e d s a m p lin g , a s w e ll a s a v o lle y b a ll t o u r n a m e n t in t e n d e d t o b r o a d e n p a r t ic ip a t io n a n d a t t r a c t n e w a u d ie n c e s . P la n n in g a ls o c o n t in u e s fo r im p r o v e m e n t s t o t h e W e lc o m e C e n t e r fa c ilit y . C h a m b e r s t a f f a r e a c t iv e ly e x p lo r in g o p t io n s t o a d d r e s s s e v e r a l m a in t e n a n c e a n d r e p a ir n e e d s , in c lu d in g a s id in g r e p la c e m e n t p r o je c t t h a t m u s t b e c o m p le t e d b e fo r e t h e e n d o f 2 0 2 6 t o s a t is f y g r a n t r e q u ir e m e n t s . T h e s e im p r o v e m e n t s r e m a in a n im p o r t a n t p r io r it y a s t h e C h a m b e r w o r k s t o p r e s e r v e a n d e n h a n c e t h is k e y v is it o r - fa c in g a s s e t . T h e T o u r is m C o m m is s io n is s c h e d u le d t o m e e t in A u g u s t t o d is c u s s im p le m e n t a t io n d e t a ils r e la t e d t o t h e e x p a n s io n o f t h e t o u r is m z o n e t o in c lu d e B a r n e v e ld b e g in n in g in 2 0 2 7 . T h is e f fo r t fo llo w s t h e a p p r o v a l o f B a r n e v e ld 's r o o m t a x o r d in a n c e a n d in t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l a g r e e m e n t e a r lie r t h is s u m m e r a n d r e p r e s e n t s a n im p o r t a n t s t e p in s t r e n g t h e n in g r e g io n a l t o u r is m c o lla b o r a t io n . L o o k in g a h e a d , t h e C h a m b e r p la n s t o r e c o n v e n e t h e C o m m u n it y C o a lit io n t h is fa ll fo llo w in g t h e a r r iv a l o f G a b e A lt e n b e r n d in h is n e w r o le a s V illa g e A d m in is t r a t o r . In a d d it io n , t h e B u s in e s s A d v o c a c y C o m m it t e e is w o r k in g w it h C h a m b e r le a d e r s h ip o n p la n s fo r a V illa g e B o a r d m e e t - a n d - g r e e t e v e n t d e s ig n e d t o s t r e n g t h e n c o m m u n ic a t io n a n d c o lla b o r a t io n b e t w e e n lo c a l b u s in e s s e s a n d c o m m u n it y le a d e r s . Page 32 of 38 JUNE 2026 Chamber Report mounthorebchamber.com 608-437-5914 info@trollway.com T h e C h a m b e r c o n t i n u e s t o p r e p a r e f o r a b u s y s u m m e r a n d f a l l e v e n t s e a s o n , w i t h b o t h A r t F a i r a n d F a l l V i l l a g e M a r k e t c u r r e n t l y t r a c k i n g a t v e n d o r p a r t i c i p a t i o n l e v e l s s i m i l a r t o t h e 2 0 2 5 e v e n t s . P l a n n i n g e f f o r t s a r e a l s o u n d e r w a y f o r t h e C h a m b e r G o l f O u t i n g , W i t c h e s ' N i g h t O u t , a n d T r o l l i d a y s , w h i l e t h e C h a m b e r a l s o c o n t i n u e s t o s u p p o r t c o m m u n i t y - l e d e v e n t s i n c l u d i n g t h e F r o l i c a n d T y r o l B a s i n ' s 2 0 2 6 T h i r s t y T r o l l B r e w F e s t . O n J u n e 2 , t h e C h a m b e r h o s t e d a s t r a t e g i c p l a n n i n g s e s s i o n i n v o l v i n g 1 0 C h a m b e r B o a r d m e m b e r s a n d c o m m u n i t y p a r t n e r s . T h e g r o u p s p e n t t h e e v e n i n g e v a l u a t i n g p r i o r i t i e s , i d e n t i f y i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s , a n d d i s c u s s i n g l o n g - t e r m o r g a n i z a t i o n a l g o a l s . W e l o o k f o r w a r d t o s h a r i n g t h e r e s u l t s o f t h a t p r o c e s s w i t h t h e c o m m u n i t y l a t e r t h i s s u m m e r . A n o t h e r f u n d e v e l o p m e n t i s a n e w c u s t o m - m a d e J o r g e n c o s t u m e , w h i c h w i l l m a k e i t s d e b u t a t t h i s y e a r ' s F r o l i c p a r a d e . T h e u p d a t e d m a s k a n d c o s t u m e w a s c r e a t e d t o p r e s e r v e t h e c h a r a c t e r ' s f a m i l i a r a p p e a r a n c e w h i l e i m p r o v i n g t h e l o o k a s w e l l a s c o m f o r t a n d d u r a b i l i t y f o r v o l u n t e e r s . L o o k i n g a h e a d , t h e C h a m b e r p l a n s t o e x p a n d J o r g e n ' s r o l e i n t o u r i s m m a r k e t i n g e f f o r t s a n d i s d e v e l o p i n g a d d i t i o n a l " T r o l l C a p i t a l o f t h e W o r l d " b r a n d i n g i n i t i a t i v e s t a r g e t e d f o r l a u n c h t h i s f a l l . P l a n s a r e a l s o b e i n g f o r m a l i z e d f o r a W e l c o m e C e n t e r i m p r o v e m e n t i n i t i a t i v e t h a t w i l l s e r v e a s t h e f o u n d a t i o n f o r f u n d r a i s i n g e f f o r t s b e g i n n i n g l a t e r t h i s s u m m e r . T h e s e i m p r o v e m e n t s a r e i n t e n d e d t o e n h a n c e t h e v i s i t o r e x p e r i e n c e w h i l e p r e s e r v i n g a n d s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h i s i m p o r t a n t c o m m u n i t y a s s e t . F i n a l l y , t h e V i l l a g e o f B a r n e v e l d o f f i c i a l l y a p p r o v e d a r o o m t a x o r d i n a n c e o n J u n e 1 , a l o n g w i t h a n i n t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l a g r e e m e n t e s t a b l i s h i n g a j o i n t t o u r i s m m a r k e t i n g z o n e a n d t o u r i s m c o m m i s s i o n w i t h t h e V i l l a g e o f M o u n t H o r e b . T h e M o u n t H o r e b A r e a C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e h a s b e e n d e s i g n a t e d a s t h e m a r k e t i n g o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d l o o k s f o r w a r d t o w o r k i n g c o l l a b o r a t i v e l y w i t h b o t h c o m m u n i t i e s t o s u p p o r t r e g i o n a l t o u r i s m p r o m o t i o n a n d d e v e l o p m e n t . Page 33 of 38 MAY 2026 Chamber Report mounthorebchamber.com 608-437-5914 info@trollway.com T h e C h a m b e r h a s m o v e d f u l l y i n t o i t s e v e n t s e a s o n f o l l o w i n g t w o l a t e - A p r i l p r o g r a m s . T h e 2 0 2 6 V i l l a g e - W i d e S p r i n g G a r a g e S a l e s g e n e r a t e d s t r o n g p a r t i c i p a t i o n w i t h 7 7 r e g i s t e r e d s a l e s , a n d t h e C h a m b e r d i s t r i b u t e d a p p r o x i m a t e l y 2 , 0 0 0 p r i n t e d s a l e m a p s t h r o u g h o u t t h e c o m m u n i t y a n d r e g i o n . S h o p p e r s t r a v e l e d f r o m w e l l b e y o n d t h e i m m e d i a t e a r e a , r e i n f o r c i n g t h e e v e n t ’s c o n t i n u e d r o l e i n b r i n g i n g a d d i t i o n a l v i s i t o r t r a f f i c i n t o M o u n t H o r e b d u r i n g a n o t h e r w i s e t y p i c a l s p r i n g w e e k e n d . T h e C h a m b e r a l s o h o s t e d i t s S p r i n g J o b F a i r o n A p r i l 2 5 w i t h 1 2 l o c a l b u s i n e s s e s r e p r e s e n t e d . E m p l o y e r p a r t i c i p a t i o n w a s s t r o n g ; h o w e v e r , a s a n t i c i p a t e d , a p p l i c a n t a t t e n d a n c e r e m a i n e d m o d e s t , r e f l e c t i n g t h e c o n t i n u e d d i f f i c u l t y m a n y c o m m u n i t i e s a r e e x p e r i e n c i n g i n d r a w i n g t r a f f i c t o i n - p e r s o n h i r i n g e v e n t s . P l a n n i n g a l s o c o n t i n u e s f o r W e l c o m e C e n t e r f a c i l i t y i m p r o v e m e n t s a n d t h e f u n d r a i s i n g e f f o r t s t h a t w i l l b e r e q u i r e d t o s u p p o r t t h o s e p r o j e c t s . S i d i n g r e p a i r a n d r e p l a c e m e n t i s t h e n e x t m a j o r m a i n t e n a n c e p r i o r i t y a s t h e C h a m b e r w o r k s t o p r e s e r v e a n d i m p r o v e t h i s i m p o r t a n t v i s i t o r - f a c i n g c o m m u n i t y a s s e t . A s p a r t o f o n g o i n g d o w n t o w n o u t r e a c h e f f o r t s , K r i s t e n F i s h P e t e r s o n a n d A l l i s o n P l u m e r w i l l v i s i t d o w n t o w n b u s i n e s s e s o n M a y 6 t o s h a r e 2 0 2 5 v i s i t o r d a t a a l o n g w i t h u p d a t e d p a r k i n g i n f o r m a t i o n . T h e g o a l o f t h e s e v i s i t s i s t o c o n t i n u e s t r e n g t h e n i n g c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w e e n t h e C h a m b e r a n d d o w n t o w n s t a k e h o l d e r s . I n a d d i t i o n , t h e C h a m b e r r e c e n t l y o b t a i n e d a s m a l l g r a n t f r o m t h e M o u n t H o r e b R o t a r y t o a s s i s t i n l a u n c h i n g p r o m o t i o n a l e f f o r t s t i e d t o M o u n t H o r e b ’s n e w B i r d C i t y W i s c o n s i n d e s i g n a t i o n . C h a m b e r s t a f f w i l l w o r k a l o n g s i d e K e r r y B e h e l e r a n d l o c a l p a r t n e r s t o b e g i n b u i l d i n g a w a r e n e s s a r o u n d t h i s r e c o g n i t i o n a n d e n c o u r a g i n g b r o a d e r c o m m u n i t y p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n r e l a t e d i n i t i a t i v e s . Page 34 of 38 APRIL 2026 Chamber Report mounthorebchamber.com 608-437-5914 info@trollway.com The Chamber is currently preparing for the busy spring and summer event season. Registration for the 2026 Art Fair in July is off to a strong start, reflecting continued interest and demand from vendors. Staff are also working through logistical planning, including identifying new solutions for vendor parking due to the loss of parking at the lot where the Steve Brown Apartments are currently under construction. The Chamber recently published a snapshot of 2025 tourism data, compiling insights from Placer.ai, the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association, and several local businesses and attractions that contributed foot traffic data. This report provides a more comprehensive view of visitation trends and will help guide future marketing and regional collaboration efforts. In March, the Chamber also fulfilled its annual meeting requirement as outlined in its bylaws by hosting a brief virtual meeting on March 23. As part of efforts to enhance programming and manage event resources, the Chamber has rescheduled its Annual Awards event from March to December 2, allowing for a refreshed format and improved timing later in the year. The annual meeting presentation, including the 2025 tourism data, is attached for review. Page 35 of 38 FEBRUARY 2026 Chamber Report mounthorebchamber.com 608-437-5914 info@trollway.com The Chamber is wrapping up the 2026 Scandihoovian Winter Festival, with final planning underway for the Annual Awards Dinner on March 5. Staff are also looking ahead to spring and fall events, including the Village-Wide Garage Sales, Art Fair, Fall Village Market, and Witches’ Night Out. In January, President/CEO Allison Plumer presented to the Barneveld Economic Development Committee on tourism marketing and regional collaboration. Following that presentation, the Village of Barneveld has notified the Chamber that it is recommending selection of the Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce as its Destination Marketing Organization and participation in Mount Horeb’s Tourism Commission beginning later this year. Final approval is expected following a Village Board vote in March. The Chamber is also beginning work with the Friends of the Welcome Center Board to develop more detailed plans for fundraising and future upgrades to the Welcome Center. Building improvements are underway, with siding repairs planned for the spring and new furnace and air conditioning units being installed this week following a recent system failure. Together, these efforts reflect a strong and busy start to 2026. Page 36 of 38 JANUARY 2026 Chamber Report mounthorebchamber.com 608-437-5914 info@trollway.com The Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Allison Plumer as President/CEO on December 3, 2025. Since stepping into the role, Allison has been actively meeting with Chamber members, community partners, and local officials while beginning strategic planning for 2026. These early conversations are helping shape priorities and align efforts for the year ahead. Planning is also well underway for the Scandihoovian Winter Festival, taking place February 6–8, along with preparations for the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on March 5. Additional 2026 initiatives and events in development include a spring job fair, the spring and fall Village-Wide Garage Sales, Art Fair, Fall Village Market, Witches’ Night Out, Trollidays, and more. In addition, the Chamber’s 2026 committees—Marketing, Business Advocacy, Tourism Events, and Professional Development—are holding kickoff meetings throughout January and February. These meetings will establish goals, initiatives, and programming plans to guide the Chamber’s work throughout the year. The Chamber’s overarching theme for 2026 is “Mount Horeb on the Map,” focusing on increasing visibility, strengthening economic vitality, and positioning Mount Horeb as a destination for business, tourism, and community engagement. Page 37 of 38 Page 38 of 38