Summer Dreamin Brings Businesses Out to Talk Jammin 2013

Coming into its third year, Jammin' on Janesville has gone from an event that required a lot of explaining to one that residents can't wait for to return, construction-zone warts and all. This summer's events will be Fridays (of course) June 7, July 5 and August 2.

The all-business 'kickoff' meeting was held Tuesday night at Muskego Public Library to introduce the marketing plan for businesses and organizations to take part in, and this year's efforts were made simpler by demand.

"We heard from you last year, and we knew we needed to simplify and make sponsorships more accessible to every business," said Tammy Brings, event coordinator.

Some of the places you're likely to see 'Jammin' promotions include the radio, TV, billboard and of course print. Muskego Patch, which enjoyed meeting thousands of folks over the three events last year, will also keep readers informed on developments as they come.

In addition, the city map that will be produced and distributed to all Muskego residents, as well as parts of Hales Corners, Franklin and New Berlin, will also feature the Jammin' on Janesville map. However, it also means that all marketing needs to be wrapped up by March 8, which gives the planning a little more urgency this year.

What festival goers will also note as new this year:

• Closing time: the addition of street lights has drawn requests for a later closing time, so the festival hours for all three events will be 5 - 10 p.m.
• Randy goes high-tech: QR codes (those weird squiggly squares you're seeing more of on advertising) will be put onto badges that can be purchased for $5. They will be worth discounts at participating businesses, and will also enter the badge holder into a drawing to see if they won a gift basket of goodies from participating businesses. All they have to do is scan their code by using a QR code reader from their smart phone. The pins will make a first appearance in March at the Chamber of Commerce Gala, and will then be available at the Chamber offices. As other businesses join in, we will update the places to purchase the badges.

And old favorites to return:

• Dollar menu items
• Trolley and shuttles
• Live entertainment
• Kids activities

If you're with a business or organization and would like to get involved, visit the Chamber's website for more information. There will also be a second meeting for those who missed Tuesday night on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Muskego Chamber offices.