A Trip Unexpectedly Discovers Feltz Dairy Farm in Plover…The Real Thing
Feltz Farm gives additional inspiration to “farming in Wisconsin”. The real deal in the middle of farmland near Plover, Wisconsin. A fun trip for the kids.
Visit: Saturday, May 11, 2024
As we were leaving the Plover farm exploration center, we stumbled upon a real-life farm with a connected dairy store and playground – an unexpected delight that has inspired our Barnyard Estates project.
The Feltz Dairy Store was a red barn-like structure surrounded by farm land. Walking into the red barn store, we were immediately struck by the "home-town, family feel" it exuded. The simple, transparent porch with seating added to the welcoming ambiance.
Inside the store, we were met with a retail experience unlike any other. Over 250 varieties of Wisconsin-made cheese, along with other local products, were available for purchase. In addition, there was an abundance of cheese curds, ice cream, and candy, with ample seating to enjoy dairy treats right on the premises. We hit the road with a chocolate waffle cone in our hands. This is similar to the Pulaski Heritage Center & Gift Shop that we would like to include in the Barnyard Estates. In fact, we have been in contact with a large cheese manufacturer to help tell their story within the Barnyard Estates. In addition, we are working on the history of all of the small local cheese manufacturers this area was once known for. We want to tell our story, the history of Pulaski and surrounding areas, and how these local cheese factories were a huge part of this farming community. This is will be wonderful addition to the Barnyard Estates, and it will help a nationally know company share their roots as well.
This experience at the farm, for us and for anyone that visits, is an opportunity to truly connect with the source of the products. A video showcased the farm and the dairy production process, while a window allowed us to observe the cows being milked. There was a cow-themed merry-go-round, which was a great attraction for kids.
The Feltz Dairy Store also offers inexpensive tours and hosts events like the upcoming Dairy Palooza. This “experience”, with activities such as farm tours, hay rides, and a petting zoo was an added benefit to the store. We too want to provide and experience at the Barnyard Estates, so even though the recreational area has been eliminated, we may find a way to sprinkle in some “experiences” that tell our story, and history of the area.
The outdoor playground was a true standout, with a real combine equipped with a ramp that allowed children to get a hands-on feel for farm equipment. The opportunity to interact with the goats was an added bonus.
This accidental discovery has provided us with invaluable inspiration for our Barnyard Estates project. Specifically, the gift store and souvenir shop have become a focal point, as we recognize the importance of capitalizing on tourism and sharing local products with the world.
Moreover, the Feltz Dairy Store's emphasis on education and the opportunity to learn about food production has reinforced our belief that this is a crucial element for our community. Showcasing the origins of our food and the processes involved is a key priority.
Overall, the simplicity and genuine charm of the Feltz Dairy Store have proven that you don't need the latest technology to create a memorable and engaging experience. Seeing the impressive "Buttercup," the massive Holstein cow, has solidified our conviction that having a cow of this size is a must-have for the Barnyard Estates.
The Feltz Dairy Store has been a wonderful source of inspiration, and we are excited to incorporate the lessons we've learned into our own Barnyard Estates project. If you’d like to visit Feltz Dairy Store, we would highly recommend it - and bring the kids or grandkids too! For more information visit this link - https://feltzsdairystore.com/.
Fueling Inspiration: Lessons from the Food + Farm Exploration Center
Food + Farm Exploration Center provided inspiration and ideas for the Barnyard Estates project which will be coming to Pulaski, Wisconsin.
On May 11, 2024, Bruce and I had the opportunity to tour the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover, Wisconsin. This vibrant, 50,000+ square foot facility is highly recommended for families, school groups, and anyone interested in agricultural innovation and sustainability. The center's mission as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is "to educate current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability."
Visits like this always provide a welcomed sense of inspiration and excitement, even when progress on one's own projects can feel slow. This tour was no exception. The modern, glass-enclosed building features a diverse array of spaces, including a Meeting & Event Hall, Executive Boardroom, Kitchen Lab, Exploration Area with interactive displays, Ag Lab Maker Space, Farm Tech Shed, the Colorful Plate Café, offices, a common area, and a gift shop.
Opened in December 2023, the Exploration Center is conveniently located off Interstate 39, making it easily accessible. The facility's contemporary design and futuristic ambiance provided a sharp contrast to the historic, barn-like aesthetic we have envisioned for the Barnyard Estates project, where we are blending modern and rustic elements.
Our tour began at the Colorful Plate Café, which offers a simple but delicious menu of breakfast, lunch, and à la carte items. I enjoyed a Turkey Club Panini with a side of broccoli cheddar soup. The café's counter-service model helps address staffing challenges, eliminating the need for traditional wait staff. We can learn from this model for our own successes.
From the café, we explored the interactive Exploration Area, which, though primarily geared towards children, (but we enjoyed it as well) provided engaging learning experiences for all ages. This reinforced our interest in incorporating strategic, interactive displays throughout the Barnyard Estates to cultivate creativity and innovation, even without a dedicated recreational space.
One of the standout features was the Kitchen Lab, a state-of-the-art culinary education space sponsored by Bushmans' Inc. This 28-person capacity room can accommodate a wide range of uses, including client meetings, educational programming, food demonstrations, culinary events, and team-building activities. We envision a similar Culinary Center at the Barnyard Estates, featuring commercial-grade equipment and technology, along with flexible seating and presentation capabilities.
On the second level, we discovered the Ag Grand Hall, a versatile event space capable of accommodating up to 224 guests, with full audiovisual capabilities, an observation deck, and built-in storage and food/beverage counters. This complements the community event room planned for the first level of the Barnyard Estates barn, while the corporate meeting room and other flexible spaces will be located on the second level.
In many ways, the Food + Farm Exploration Center and the Barnyard Estates share common elements, such as the culinary center/kitchen area, event spaces, café, gift shop, community and professional office space. Although the Exploration Center's hands-on, educational focus is not the primary emphasis of the Barnyard Estates, we are considering the incorporation of some interactive areas for children to cultivate curiosity and innovation.
During our visit, we learned about the Exploration Center's membership program, which offers year-round free admission, exclusive event invitations, and discounts on workshops and events - something we may explore for the Barnyard Estates as well. We also had the opportunity to speak with enthusiastic staff members, who provided valuable insights and contact information for future reference.
As we continue to refine and simplify the complex Barnyard Estates project, visits to similar destinations, such as the Food + Farm Exploration Center, reinforce the possibility of turning our dreams into reality. We have already identified several local corporations that could be potential sponsors or partners, understanding that a well-crafted marketing campaign addressing their needs will be crucial to securing their support. If you know of a corporation that might have an interest in the Barnyard Estates, please have them reach out to us at 920-655-4587 (Tammy) or 920-621-6899 (Bruce) or email us at promotepulaski@gmail.com. We’d be happy to meet with them to share the Barnyard Estates project.
Discover Green Bay
Discover Green Bay is a great resource to the Barnyard Estates project. Thanks To Brad and Nick for the tour and awesome advice.
In May, we met Brad and Nick at Discover Green Bay that gave us more insight to great resources and tools for the Barnyard Estates Project. What was really interesting was that the Discover Green Bay current tourism building was an eight year project. Now, I am not known for my patience, so having heard this, set me back just slightly. However, it made me realize that I do need to have a little patience, and in the end things will work out, and in a time frame that is right. Everything needs to fall into place, and this project is no different.
One focus of Discover Green Bay, that through meeting Brad and Nick was the how important that their organization is to the city of of Green Bay and the businesses within this community. When organizations like the Green Bay Packers and big companies are trying to recruit employees, one thing that they might do, is bring them into the tourism center to help them understand all of the unique things to do in Northeast Wisconsin to try to get employees to relocate to Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Walking through the tourism center, what we did see was a lot of sponsorship from local businesses, something that we need to captivate on moving forward. A word of advise from Brad and Nick, was to make sure that when we are talking with potential donors, is to not loose our focus of what the Barnyard Estates is all about. This includes naming rights, and making sure that we set up a process to follow, and make sure that we have boundaries in place. Never forget where you came from, or never forget your initial intention.
It was a great meet up, and we are thankful for the time that we were able to spend with Brad and Nick.
Online Survey Report
Thank you all for your time with the Barnyard Feasibility Online Surveys and everyone who participated in the in-person Study Groups. Read the latest on what the next steps are moving forward with the Barnyard Estates Community Project.
Thank you for your time in taking the online survey. Congrats to our winners that received prizes in the drawing: Sarah Matuszak, Gail Burant and Jamie Jensen.
Our next step in the process is getting together with the Promote Pulaski steering committee, Board, and our partner Keller in January to discuss the survey, and compare notes from the feasibility group sessions that were held on December 5th and 6th. We received some great feedback and follow-ups from the meetings. We’ll review everything, and update our business plan and designs appropriately, and create an executive summary. These events were imperative to creating more focus and detail moving foward.
We appreciate your time and help with the Barnyard Estates Community Project. Happy New Year!
First of two Feasibility Studies Set to Happen on Tuesday evening, December 5th.
The Barnyard Feasibility Study is only one day away. On Tuesday, December 6th at 5:30 p.m., the first of two sessions will be held in Pulaski at Premier Community Bank. There is still time to participate. Just for sharing your input you’ll be entered into a drawing for prizes. Learn more by reading our latest blog.
Super excited to receive these hand-made gifts from our Barnyard Friend, Barb Smith. Thank you Barb for donating these for our Feasibility Study Sessions that will enhance our raffle prizes we will be giving away to anyone that attends. We love your passion for the project!
Super excited about getting our Barnyard Estates Feasibility Study under wraps, as was our new Barnyard Friend, Barb Smith. She called me up, and wanted to share with me her excitement about the project. She was so excited that she donated these beautiful, hand-made, diamond painted holiday framed art to be given as additional door prize drawings for attendees. We are also giving away with a few gift cards from Kwik Trip and Figaros Pizza. You may have seen her recently, as she had her items on display at the Pulaski Craft Show. (Trust me, the photo doesn’t do them justice.)
Remember there is still time to join us for either session. The more people means the more ideas to build upon. The evening session is Tuesday, December 5th at 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and the daytime session is Wednesday, December 6th at 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Both sessions are at Premier Community Bank (community room), so parking in back.
All of the information gathered at these Feasibility Group Sessions and from the online survey will be shared to the public in a report just before the holidays. Anyone that attends these group sessions will be sent the actual report via email.
Please feel free to reach out to Tammy or Bruce at Dynamic Designs during the daytime hours to sign up. by calling 920-822-4450, or email promotepulaski@gmail.com. You can also sign up online here.
Growing Together: Non-Profit Collaboration at the Barnyard Estates
Executive Director of Rooted In meets with Promote Pulaski to discuss future partnerships and strategies with the Barnyard Estates.
Tammy Brzeczkowski (Promote Pulaski - The Barnyard Estates) and Selena Darrow (Rooted In) meet in Pulaski, Wisconsin.
Great meet up this morning with Selena Darrow, the executive director of a non-profit, Rooted In Inc, an organization whose mission is focused around helping those in the community who don’t have regular access to healthy food, and at the same time building partnerships and strengthening the community. Pulaski is all about community, and it was refreshing to talk to and collaborate with Selena in regards to how both missions really do align with each other.
Additionally, talking with Selena, I learned about her passion for not just bringing local food products to the table for, but understanding the food gap that actually exists in developing ways to use the fresh products, like through the Chef’s Table at the Market program was fascinating and inspiring to say the least. The shared kitchen at the Barnyard Estates and the in-door farmer’s market, was definitely a point of interest for Rooted In.
Selena Darrow was recently on the news for her work with gathering left-over food from community gardens and then donates the produce to food pantries, a term she calls “gleaning” which is basically saving the leftover produce from these gardens to be used for food or composts.
We are excited about this new partnership, and are committed to learning more about each other, strengthening this relationship, sharing resources and connecting people to both of these entities to build a more sustainable world.
Forming Alliances, Key To Building The Barnyard Estates.
Forming alliances to build support and breathe life into the Barnyard Estates is essential to our success.
Today, I had the opportunity to meet with author and Shawano Leader editor Lee Pulaski on the latest updates for the Barnyard Estates. The last time we met was in April of this year, so our conversation was extensive, and we covered a lot of ground. We are truly grateful for the strategic alliances we are forming with this community project and know that they are key to the success of the Barnyard Estates.
Since April, we have dedicated a significant amount of time and energy into the Keller discovery meetings, architectural planning, business and organization meetings to help build awareness and support the project, and planning and follow-up from the “Unveiling of the Barnyard Estates” event which was held at Keller in Kaukauna on September 26th. Now the fun part begins, right?
Our next steps will be building awareness and support. We have been meeting key individuals, businesses and organizations to continue to build momentum. If you would like to learn more about the project itself, please contact myself, Tammy Brzeczkowski at tammy@dynamicdesignspulaski.com, or 920-822-4450, or any Steering Committee members listed on the website. I would be happy to schedule a time to talk to you about the project, and create some potential ideas for partnership opportunities.
A second step in this process is researching fundraising opportunities, naming right criteria, grant opportunities, and corporate funding. We will continue to meet with corporations to garner support. If you have an institution or know of an individual who has a passion for Pulaski, or a mission that aligns with the Barnyard Estates we would love the opportunity to talk with you.
Finally, our steering committee is working towards the logistics of how business and community will work together in this barnlike structure. Everything must align in order to sustain the Barnyard Estates. Questions that we must answer: 1) How much space will need to be leased to cover the common space or public area of the building and at what cost per square foot? 2) Who do we hire once the project is up and running - What type of position or role do we need to help execute events, tenant leasing or memberships for the co-shared work space and at what salary will we need? 3) How will the building be maintained, and who will maintain it? These are just a few of many questions we are working on.
While there are numerous questions surrounding Barnyard Estates, what truly excites me is the profound impact it will have on our community. Not only will it bring families closer together, but it will also provide a platform for small business dreams to flourish. This project will offer opportunities for individuals of all ages to gather, socialize, eat, drink, and have fun. Additionally, it will showcase the talents of local artists, authors, and entrepreneurs. Major corporations will also benefit from the facility, utilizing it for off-site meetings and professional development. Furthermore, the project will create additional learning opportunities and foster cultural growth, all thanks to the collective belief in the dream we call Barnyard Estates.
Learn More About The Barnyard Estates Project Here in This Presentation
The Unveiling of The Barnyard Estates Project. Help us build the barn. Watch the video and learn about this amazing community project, then jump on the hay wagon and make the dream come alive by supporting this project.
If you’re wondering about the Barnyard Estates and would like to learn more, watch this presentation video. If you’d like to have us present to your business or organization we’d love to stop by. Reach out at 920-822-4450 (Tammy or Bruce) and we’ll set up some time to show you this awesome community project, built for the community by the community. Pulaski is a special place - and what makes it special are the people.
The Unveiling of the Barnyard Estates, Who Was at the Party?
September 26th our Big Barnyard Launch occurred at Keller, Inc. in Kaukauna. To learn more, read our latest blog.
Whenever you plan a party, you always hope for the best. You hope you have enough food. If it’s an outdoor party, you hope it doesn’t rain. You hope your guests are able to make it. It’s nerve wracking, not gonna lie. However as a team, we set the date, sent letters, emailed people and followed up with a few phone calls too. As always, not everyone that said they were coming were able to make it. I believe the businesses and individuals we had there at the launch of the Barnyard Estates, and on the zoom call that evening were meant to be.
Walking into the event room at Keller prior to the presentation on September 26th, set me at ease right away. Our Keller friends had everything set up just perfectly, a cheese and sausage tray, snacks, and all the trimmings, in addition displaying every rendering concept of the Barnyard structure on an easel, and my presentation already on the screen. They made it easy for us to add the souvenir “Barnyard Coffee Mugs” and brochures to the ambiance of the evening.
After an explanation of the non-profit, Promote Pulaski we discussed our mission of the Barnyard Estates “to create a space for community, businesses, and families to co-exist together under one roof, based on the idea of the concept of the “family farm”. Board and steering committee members were introduced then I handed the podium to Jeremy Knoll to say a few words about Keller and the project at hand. Side note: words can’t express how appreciative we are of Jeremy and Greg, and the entire team at Keller. Without them believing in our dream, we would not have been there.
The diverse crowd of manufacturing, financial institutions, small business owners, board members, school representatives, community leaders, even a local organic producer of vegetables, pastured eggs, beef and pork, were on hand, which ignited us even further. As I said in my presentation, One of my favorite authors, Dolores Cannon says “you can manifest anything,” she also says it has to be with the best intentions in order for it to happen. If you think about it, she’s right. Just look around you; every building, every car, every invention, every piece of clothing, technology - everything was once a thought, and then manifested through people. The Barnyard Estates is not just a dream. It’s passion. It’s people. Through this community project we are bringing people together. When you do things for the good of the people, it will manifest itself. It will happen, but not just with a thought. It will happen with hard work, time, energy and people. We are prepared to work hard.
During the meeting, we went around the room and asked everyone for their thoughts, questions, and comments. In addition, we had attendees fill out an interest form to give us an idea of what they thought about the project, and how they might be interested in helping. To see the architectural renderings click here.
Overall, the Unveiling of the Barnyard Estates event was a huge success. We’re excited to continue to spread the word, talk with individuals, businesses and organizations that are interested in this community effort of Building the Barn in Pulaski, Wisconsin. If you have an interest in hearing about the project and would like a presentation, please feel free to contact us at promotepulaski@gmail.com or call Tammy (920-655-4587) or Bruce (920-621-6899) or our work phone 920-822-4450. We’ll continue to update and inform you on the status of the project.
A New Beginning on 9/11: How the Barnyard Estates is Uniting a Community
Not just a date in history, 9-11-23 is the start to the launch of the Barnyard Presentation event on September 26th at Keller in Kaukauna. A date in history to start the launch of bringing a community together.
On this day, 9/11, we reflect on the tragedy that brought our nation together in unity and resilience. It is a day that will forever be remembered in history. And now, on this same date, we are embarking on a new beginning for our community with the Barnyard Estates project. This project is not just about building structures, but about bringing diverse people together under one roof for the betterment of all. We believe that by working together, we can create a community that is stronger, more vibrant, and more connected than ever before. With the Barnyard Estates Presentation just around the corner, we are excited to share our vision and take the first step towards a brighter future for Pulaski and the surrounding areas. Here’s our latest update on the project.
Making adjustments this week. Just like a musician makes small adjustments to an instrument to achieve the perfect sound, Promote Pulaski and Keller have been doing the same for the Barnyard Estates Design Plan. Details of the Barnyard Estates building design, generating a guest invitation list, designing and printing brochures, working on an agenda and putting together an inspirational powerpoint. All in an effort to share the vision we have for the Barnyard Estates and what it will mean to Pulaski and surrounding areas. A community project, built by the community, and for the community. Getting ready for our presentation on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Keller in Kaukauna. 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
In essence we are creating that bird’s eye view of a project that has a lot of moving parts. By sharing our story, our vision, I know that everything will fall into place.
In the last few weeks, I had the opportunity to sit down with John Reinders (Associate Dean for Business of College) from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, who is forwarding our information over to Meridith Jaeger who is the Vice President of College Advancement. It will be exciting to see where this may take us and how we might be able to partner together. Potential opportunities in my mind on how this partner might exist; a potential satellite office, classrooms, business training, financial support, leadership, ideas and so much more. We need to continue to build awareness and bring different perspectives to the table as we launch the Barnyard Estates project. When we bring a diverse group of people together, with unique skill sets and experiences we are able to ensure that the needs of all the members in the community are taken into consideration. This is what we want for the Barnyard Estates Project.
Another time, I was able to sit down with Mike, one of the owners of Karvana, a successful coffee house in Green Bay that I thought might be willing to expand to Pulaski. I was so appreciative of Mike’s time, transparency and resourceful information that he was able to provide me, it really put things into perspective for me. Restaurants right now, and I’m sure you’ve witnessed it firsthand, the food/restaurant industry is struggling in so many ways. In Pulaski, we have a need for a coffee/breakfast shop, however as Mike mentioned, expanding in the area of food might not be an option for their coffee house. (Not out of the question, but not a strong possibility.) So what would a coffee/house/breakfast shop look like? A coffee shop typically slows down significantly after 2:00 p.m., so could we potentially have two tenants in the same location? Could we find a tenant that would serve coffee/breakfast and another that would serve soup and sandwiches all day long? How could a coffee/breakfast shop be able to sustain itself? Offering delivery, or catering? Or do we look at the ADRC in Green Bay, and what they did with the Grounded Cafe? Making the coffee shop/breakfast a non-profit? Training people with disabilities? Enhancing the lives of people over 60 looking to share skills and build community? Check out this amazing organization’s food truck, “Grounded on the Go”, one of the first handi-cap accessible food trucks in our community that was brought to life by ADRC of Brown County and Grounded Cafe. The truck features an electronic life for employees and volunteers who use a wheelchair or mobility aid, accessible kitchen items, and long-term plans for motorized window access. On Wednesday, September 13th, the “Grounded on the Go” food truck will be in Pulaski, Wisconsin at the Pulaski Public Library, 4 to 6:30 p.m. This is really a cool concept, but again would require a lot more work, time and energy than having a business lease the space.
Grounded on the Go Coffee Truck coming to Pulaski on September 13th from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Check it out!
Today, on 9-11-23, we mark an important date not just in history, with the terrorist attacks on the United States, but also because our invitations for the Barnyard Estates Presentation on September 26, 2023, have been sent out. By the way, if you didn’t get an invitation to join us, and feel in your heart you should be there, reach out to Tammy or Bruce at 920-822-4450 (during the day), or text Tammy at 920-655-4587, or email promotepulaski@gmail.com. There will also be zoom options available.
We are excited to bring together a diverse group of individuals, including leaders, corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits, to share our vision of the Barnyard Estates. Our goal is to create a community where business, family, and life can come together in a meaningful way, based on the concept of the family farm where it all began. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we are excited to work hard and enjoy life together.
How the Barnyard Estates Will Help Preserve Local Cheese History
Another trip, with more ideas. Visits in Wisconsin to special places like the Cheese Counter and Fast Fiberglass provide inspiration for the Barnyard Estates community project.
The Cheese Counter in Plymouth, Wisconsin gave us some great ideas for the Barnyard Estates.
They say time flies, and this is true. The summer for us has been like the wind, really breezing by, so much that it’s time for another update on the Barnyard Estates Journey.
First, on July 28, 2023, we had a fun road trip to the Cheese Capital of the World, Plymouth, Wisconsin. With four major cheese factories in this location, it is estimated that 10-15% of the nation’s cheese production is processed and sold from Plymouth. If a person wants to learn about cheese, enjoys local history, and a good sandwich, The Cheese Counter; a dairy heritage center in Plymouth, Wisconsin is the place to stop.
How does this visit to Plymouth relate to our community project? We’re glad you asked. Inside the Barnyard Estates, we will have something similar to the Cheese Counter. Right now, we’re calling our heritage center: Discover Pulaski. We’ve been reaching out to local cheese factories like Belgioioso, with the hopes of helping them tell their story of how they settled in Wisconsin and started producing cheese. We believe getting these factories on board with the Barnyard Estates early will be essential to the success of the project. Being on the local board for the Pulaski Area Historical Society has given me a little insight into the small cheese factories that were located on every corner in small rural communities, so in addition to the larger factories, I know that we are also working on the history of our local farmers and how these cheese factories started. Interestingly enough, I recently learned, through a local resident of her grandfather, who was considered to be one of the first milk haulers in the area. (This is another story I am working on.) Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 16, 2023, for a Milk & Cookies Historical Event on the Milk Strikes that are a part of our history. The event is free to the public, and we encourage anyone that has an interest in local agricultural history to be part of this educational event. Cookies, milk and coffee will be provided.
The Cheese Counter gave us some great ideas that we hope to incorporate into the Barnyard Estates plan. As examples: a historical timeline on the wall, old photographs, interactive displays, souvenirs and local products sold within the store (not just cheese). It was an old building that was restored, which included an elevator. If you ever have the opportunity to swing visit the Cheese Counter, I highly recommend it. Meanwhile, if you have connections to any of the local cheese factories and would like to make sure they tell their story, send the right contacts to me or any other Promote Pulaski board member or steering committee member. One thing to keep in mind with this community project is that “local” will take precedence over everything else. Here are photos from our trip.
Bringing awareness of this project is especially crucial, so each week, meetings are held with key individuals that we believe may lead us to “greener pastures”. Within the last couple of weeks, we’ve talked to SLO, which is a farmer co-operative in northeastern Wisconsin founded in 2014, and committed to providing quality farm products that sustain both our family farms and our environment. Our contact, Heather Toman, was excited about the project, and we are looking forward to a tour of the farm in the near future. In business, it is my strategy to make sure that we have the right people on the bus, in the right seats to ensure we get to the final destination. This project is no different. We need to find the right people.
It’s all about building awareness around the project. Last week I also met up and provided details on the project with Joe Wojkiewicz, an owner of two manufacturer facilities in Northeast Wisconsin, Highview Custom Fabricating and NEW Industrial Coatings. Sharing ideas, brainstorming, collaborating and connecting is essential with the Barnyard Estates. If you are a business owner, or know someone who might be interested in this community project, please connect with me. I’d be happy to share the Barnyard Estates mission and ideas with you.
As a committee, and also in discussions with Keller, we realize that it is important the project is done right. We want to make sure that it will work, for the community and for tenants within. This week, Bruce and I met up with Howard Zernicke, who is on the zoning committee for the Village of Pulaski. Howie provided us with his thoughts moving forward. The property that the structure will be located does have limitations, specifically in the area of parking. This we did talk about initially. Some suggestions that Howie had was the possibility of underground parking, and possibly taking the recreational space to a lower level. On Monday, we are meeting virtually with Keller to discuss these challenges once again. Greg and Jeremy, our contacts at Keller believe that spending more time in the planning process will help us save time later on. Which brings me to the committee’s decision to reschedule the Big Barnyard Estates Presentation which is now tentatively set for Tuesday, September 26, 2023. We will confirm this after our meeting tomorrow.
Finally, on Friday, August 11th, we visited Fast Fiberglass, a fiberglass manufacturer located in Sparta, Wisconsin that produces larger-than-life animals and roadside attractions to individuals, businesses and organizations all over the United States. Our intent of this trip was to get ideas for a tourist attraction that could be located on-site at the Barnyard Estates. One of the goals of Promote Pulaski, is to build tourism in Pulaski - bring people to Pulaski on a consistent basis. Ryan Lakowske, the owner of Fast Fiberglass, has a niche business. Our gears really started to turn after Scott provided us with a tour of the facility. Cows are one of their specialities and definitely something that could be an accessory to the project. Whatever route we decide to take, we know Fast Fiberglass has the passion and experience to help us put the finishing touches on our project.
Interested in helping bring the Barnyard Estates project to Pulaski, Wisconsin? Reach out to Tammy or Bruce at 920-822-4450 during the day, or send an email to promotepulaski@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to share the Barnyard Estates project with you or your organization.
Polka'ing Right Along; The Latest Barnyard Updates
Polkaing right along with Pulaski Polka Days; Read the latest updates from the Barnyard Estates.
Pulaski Polka Days, the largest polka fest in the United States, is held in Pulaski, Wisconsin. Shown here in the photo is Promote Pulaski Board Member, Zachary Brzeczkowski. Zach is the drummer for "Live Wire" and "The Mix" who performed during Pulaski Polka Days. The event brings together thousands of people from all over the world. We are super excited to be a part of this celebration. However, the downside of this event, along with Casimir Pulaski Days is, these two events are the only really large events that attract people from all over the world to Pulaski, Wisconsin. What is unique about the Barnyard Estates Project is that we are focusing on bringing people to Pulaski all year round by the development of businesses, community events, a cultural/heritage center, a Polish restaurant and a unique recreational area. The project when completed will be operating synchronically with these events.
Here’s just a quick Barnyard Project Update to keep you in the loop. We have a few upcoming meetings on the calendar. August 1st, we’ll be meeting with Steve Schneider (owner of the 1001 Club) who is currently working on a huge renovation project at the VIC Theater to discuss his project and pick his brain for questions about the Barnyard Estates project. This will be a great discussion.
On August 11th a scheduled tour with Fast Fiberglass in Sparta, Wisconsin is in store for us. They are excited to show us some of their larger than life-like projects. We hope to get some ideas and learn more about what they do, and how they might be able to help create a large attraction for the Barnyard Estates.
On August 15, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. we are meeting with owners Kayla and Mike from Karvana, a coffee house in Green Bay to show them the project to see if it is in alignment with their vision for a possible expansion project into Pulaski. This is the second coffee house that we will be meeting with. In the afternoon, a visit with John Reinders, Associate Dean of Business at NWTC has been added to the calendar, and we’ll discuss and brainstorm about how the Barnyard Estates could work together with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
The new steering committee members will be introduced at a zoom meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16th. The Discovery research from Keller will be presented to everyone, and a brief plan of how we will proceed moving forward with the steering committee.
There will be a special presentation on The Barnyard Estates project, August 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Keller in Kaukauna. Light snacks and refreshments will be served for those in attendance. The presentation will provide special guests information about the Barnyard Estates mission and an overview of the tentative design plans. The purpose of the presentation is to bring awareness to a select group of individuals and businesses, with the hopes of obtaining support to propel the project forward. In addition, Board members and steering committee members will be on hand for the presentation. There will be limited space at this meeting so if you have any suggestions about who we should invite to this meeting please send an email with the contact information to Tammy@dynamicdesignspulaski.com at your earliest convenience.
Finally, we are working on a brochure for the project that we can hand out at the meeting, and also a form that we can provide business at the meeting that will give us a general idea of their interest and how we can follow up with them after the presentation.
Slowly but surely we will keep the needle in motion on the Barnyard Estates. Our intentions are to bring you updates every week on how the project is progressing. Feel free to reach out to Tammy or Bruce during the day at 920-822-4450 for any questions or ideas you may have for the project. Let’s keep things rolling along without skipping a beat.
Join the Utterly Exciting Movement: Barnyard Estates Project Update
The latest journey on the Barnyard Estates. The community project, for the community, built by the community. Become a part of something really special for Pulaski, Wisconsin and surrounding areas. Read our latest,
Chatty Belle, World’s Largest Talking Cow located in Wisconsin, an inspiration for the Barnyard Estates project.
This week has been utterly fun, and yes the pun is intended - you’ll see later on. On Monday, July 10, 2023, we presented our project to Terry Handstedt, Partner of MCL Industries, and Tonya Dittman, Director of Engagement at the Village Companies. Tonya Dittman was raised in Advance, Wisconsin. Her background with Miron Construction Co, Inc. a design-build, industrial, and general construction service in the US will be a benefit to the group as she intends on joining the steering committee. Both individuals were excited about the project and asked what the next steps would be moving forward.
The Pulaski Area Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting on Wednesday morning of this week, so an update on the Barnyard Estates journey was provided. There was excitement, along with a lot of questions on how everything will work together, the logistics of it. However, it was explained to them that the project is huge and the goal is to have an estimate on the project costs by July 31, 2023, so we can move forward with our fundraising efforts. We need to have a clear understanding of the cost of the project so that we can include it into the details of the business plan. The key focus of the steering committee will be to help brainstorm a clear plan of how business and community will help not only propel the project forward, but sustain everyone in the Barnyard Estates.
On Thursday, Village Trustee, Stephanie Rodgers also agreed to assist us on the steering committee. She believes that the project will be a great asset to the community. Stephanie has a strong background in accounting and has resources available for helping non-profits that might come in handy as we move forward.
On Thursday, I met an individual from another non-profit (Strike Up A Chord) at a coffee shop in Green Bay, Karvarna, which is located on Broadway. My first impression of the Karvarna Coffee House was “community”. The Barnyard Estates “commons area” to me would definitely be an atmosphere like the Karvarna I experienced. If you get a chance to stop out and experience it, it was definitely an inspiration. One thing I thought was really interesting is that sourcing local food is very important to Kavarna. They source foods from the local agriculture as much as possible, and they work with local producers such as Full Circle Community Farms (Seymour), Lamers Dairy (Appleton), and SLO Farmers Co-op (Wisconsin) and many more throughout the Farmer’s Markets in Green Bay. In fact, I reached out to SLO Farmers Co-Op and received a response from Heather Toman, the general manager wanting to learn more about the organization. What’s really exciting is that SLO is headquartered in Hofa Park, Wisconsin. I will be reaching out to Heather this week to set up a time to meet.
Interestingly enough, that same day, I attended the Summer Market on Military Avenue in Green Bay. Here is the website to learn more. One of the thoughts of the Barnyard Estates would be to have in-door and out-door markets. As I walked around, I had the opportunity to talk with a few vendors. Two vendors in particular were from Suring and Green Bay and may be potential targets for the shared kitchen in the Barnyard Estates. Currently, they create from scratch home baked goods in their own home. By the way, I walked away with some delicious treats and business cards that I will add to our potential vendors list in google docs.
Finally, at our last meeting, we were brainstorming, and discussion about having a large “cow” or some kind of attraction in front or near the Barnyard Estates Building. In my research this week, I came across a Wisconsin company (Sparta) called FAST Fiberglass, a manufacturer that creates larger than life animals for businesses and roadside attractions. I reached out to them for a tour and Ryan Lakowske is more than excited to accommodate us. We are working on a date to visit the company the last week in July or first week of August.
The next steps? On Thursday, July 31, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. we will meet in Kaukauna with the Keller Team to go over the Discovery Meeting, which will include plans and comps. On August 16th, an early morning zoom meeting will be scheduled to introduce the three new individuals to the Promote Pulaski Board of Directors. We’ll probably have some discussion about the presentation meeting - which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, August 24, 2023. The plan is to hold an evening presentation “by invitation only” on-site at Keller to present the Barnyard Estates project. Our goal is to obtain as much support, and yes, financial backing before we begin the fundraising to “build the barn.” This week we will work on creating content for the invitation along with the list of potential community individuals and businesses we believe we can partner with to bring this exciting project to fruition by March 2025. If you know of anyone that should be included on the list, please forward their contact information to tammy@dynamicdesignspulaski.com. As I mentioned at the beginning of this update, it’s been utterly fun researching, meeting with like-minded people and building the momentum of the project.
Discovery Meeting with Keller Structures Nearly Complete
Discovery Meeting with Keller Structures in Kaukauna. Tour and fine-tuning details on the Barnyard Estates project.
On Friday, June 16th, 2023, Promote Pulaski members spent the entire morning at Keller, Inc. in Kaukauna for a Discovery Meeting on the Barnyard Estates Project. Some members also participated virtually. Keller has been in business since 1960, definitely a plus for the project at hand. Their longevity in the industry proves they will be a valuable asset to the Barnyard Estates and the community of Pulaski, Wisconsin.
In this discovery meeting - there were questions, questions, and more questions. Greg along with Jeremy from Keller led us in our discussion of the Barnyard Estates project.
We determined the overall look of the barnlike structure will be somewhat intertwined with a rustic and modern appearance - definitely more than 50% rustic. Lighting, building flow, what we liked about the first design, what we didn’t like, bathroom facilities, building materials, parking, capacity, and purpose of the rooms - it was all about details. Honestly, we had no idea how much was put into the building process.
This Friday, June 23rd, we return again and finish the discovery process, specific details about each of the spaces will be discussed.
The steering committee is a work in progress. We have a few new people on board that haven’t quite gotten their feet wet in the project and for a good reason. Our main goal is to finalize the building project details now that we’ve determined Keller Structures will be a partner in the project. Once these project details are finalized we’ll have a better grasp on what the total project will cost, therefore a better understanding of the direction we will need to take with financing and fundraising. As an example, knowing the square footage cost will help us with a formula for naming rights so that when we approach our corporations and private individuals we can provide actual numbers.
The Keller communication process so far has been nothing short of amazing, so we are anticipating for the most part “smooth” sailing in working with them. They are super excited to be working with us, and as a partner, they have committed to being part of the fundraising campaign process, where they intend on being present and providing guidance and will share their expertise along the way. What else could you ask for? For more information on Keller visit the website. at https://kellerbuilds.com/
Thank you to the Promote Pulaski Board Members that have been participating in the discovery meeting. We appreciate all that you are doing! #kellerbuilds #promotepulaski #barnyardestates
Promote Pulaski Seeks Passionate Pulaski People
The Barnyard Estates - seeks additional steering committee members to bring the project to fruition in Pulaski, Wisconsin. The capital campaign has started for The Barnyard Estates. If you have a passion for Pulaski, People, Community and Business, this might be the perfect volunteer project for you. Read more about the Barnyard Estates.
The Barnyard Estates Steering Committee Opportunities
Do you have a passion for Pulaski? Are you self employed and dreaming of relocating your business out of your home some day? Would you like to expand your current business by adding a different venue, location or satellite office? Are you a volunteer or do you serve on a board in a community organization? Would you like a place to go while your kids are practicing or in extracurricular activities at school? Does a recreational/activity center for adults and kids excite you? Have you ever needed a place to host a family party, an educational event or business meeting in Pulaski other than your home? Is preserving Polish Heritage, family traditions or the history of Pulaski important to you? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider becoming a part of the Barnyard Estates, a project of Promote Pulaski (501c3 non-profit). The Barnyard Estates is a huge community project that will engage businesses, non-profits, community members and families in a single infrastructure. Promote Pulaski is currently seeking ambitious persons that have an interest in becoming a part of the steering committee that is setting this project in motion.
The mission of the Barnyard Estates is to create a space for community, businesses and families to co-exist together under one roof, based on the concept of the “family farm.” The Barnyard Estates project would be constructed like a barn, and would accommodate business, community and families. The project is specifically designed to provide a co-working space for professionals to collaborate, present workshops and provide services, leasing opportunities for businesses, a safe place for kids to congregate and be entertained, a shared kitchen for caterers, community, food trucks, culinary chefs and pastry cooks. If you’ve ever had the need to rent a space for a party, event or meeting, this project will support these needs. Finally, a public commons area, eateries: a Polish restaurant, coffee/breakfast, and a winery or bar & grill are all a part of the Barnyard Estates.
Promote Pulaski, Inc. a 501c3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to help promote business and tourism for Pulaski and surrounding communities, through marketing, special events, education and projects that focus on Pulaski’s rich Polish heritage and history. The Barnyard Estates is one of those projects that has been in the development phase since late December 2020. The organization is seeking assistance from Pulaski and surrounding communities to pull this project forward. There currently are volunteer positions available on the board and steering committee. If you think you are a key fit for Promote Pulaski, email promotepulaski@gmail.com or connect with Tammy or Bruce at 920-822-4450 for more information. To view the premier video for more detailed information click on the QR code below or go to the website at www.thebarnyardestates.com.
What Will Be In The Barnyard Estates?
Behind the scenes the Promote Pulaski has been working hard on The Barnyard Estates. We now have a plan that we can share with potential businesses, sponsors and donors. It's the visual that we knew was the key to starting the capital campaign. It's a big project, and we are finalizing the numbers so we know what our end goal is.
Honestly, we are all very new to this, but we are all very passionate. This week we reserved some great advice from a fundraising "expert", well, maybe not expert, but someone that has experience with fundraising. Our next steps include setting some very specific goals, and we'll be appointing a spokesperson, and possibly having a few other join our steering committee to ensure we get the project completed. We do know that it is going to take a lot of work, but it will be worth it. If you are interested in joining us, please feel free to reach out to Tammy at 920-822-4450, Bruce 920-621-6899 or email us at PromotePulaski@gmail.com.
If you'd like to learn a little more about The Barnyard Estates and what our focus is, watch our video.
Do you know a builder or architect?
Promote Pulaski is in search of a partner to assist us in designing the Barnyard Estates, spread the word if you know of a builder or architect that could help.
Promote Pulaski, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation is in search of a builder or architect to assist the organization in providing a rendering/drawing of the Barnyard Estates. The structure will be situated on a one-acre parcel located in the Village of Pulaski. A requisite is that the firm that will assist the organization with the rendering/drawings be located in Wisconsin.
A June meeting is tentatively being scheduled to unveil the Barnyard Estates to the community, which will kick off the awareness and fundraising of the Barnyard Estates. The project, depending upon how quickly funds are received, is estimated to be a 1-3 year project completion date.
Interested builders or architects are requested to email the Board of Directors at promotepulaski@gmail.com to meet and discuss the details of the project.
Creating the Vision, What Makes Pulaski, Wisconsin Special?
Why Pulaski, Wisconsin? What do we bring to the table, and how can The Barnyard Estates help to showcase this. Read more to find out what the anchor business will be at The Barnyard Estates.
Creating “The Vision” is our next step in the Barnyard Estates Journey.The mission of the non-profit organization, Promote Pulaski efforts are focused on promoting economic growth in and around Pulaski, Wisconsin. As a group, we believe the need for an anchor business within the barn, will be necessary to help the community concept of having businesses and community “under one roof” be sustainable and to thrive. The question is, what will that anchor business be?
History plays an important factor in communities and their success. For example, a Wisconsin town that you might be familiar with according to “15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Wisconsin,” (The Crazy Tourist, 2020) Cedarburg, near Milwaukee makes it history well known to out-of-towners. The town was originally founded in 1842 by Ludwig Groth along the banks of Cedar Creek. The name means “Castel of Cedars”. The Columbia Mill, a lumbermill was built, and the town expanded and thrived. Today, the old wool mill was purchased and converted into a restaurant, winery and shops that attracts tourist from all over the world.
Another hidden Wisconsin gem is found in Southwest Wisconsin, New Glarus, a charming Swiss culture brought there by the first settlers. It’s named after the canton of Glarus in Swtizerland. It’s one of the best known Swiss settlements in the nation. Famous for it’s New Glarus Brewing Company, tourist come to enjoy the festivals that commemorate their Swiss German heritage customs and culture throughout the year.
Longtime residents, and tourists might agree that Pulaski, Wisconsin, built on agriculture and the “family farm” concept, is well known for it’s Polish heritage, specifically the Polish music and food. Events such as Pulaski Polka Days and Casimir Pulaski Days have helped put Pulaski on the map. However, a business directly relates to our Polish heritage is non-existent in Pulaski, Wisconsin. With that in mind, the Board believes that by bringing to the table, a Polish Restaurant, we would reinforce and keep alive the Polish culture and traditions that make Pulaski who we are. Having an authentic, Polish cuisine restaurant in the barn, we believe is essential to the success of The Barnyard Estates.
We have begun our quest for finding a special partner, someone with strong a Polish heritage and experience in a Polish restaurant or cuisine who might be interested in starting or expanding their Polish roots in our community. Do you know someone who might be interested in a chance to pursue their dream? In the next few weeks, we will be reaching out and looking for connections. Our calendar is even slated for touring Polish restaurants and businesses to find the perfect associate to provide this to Pulaski.
We need your help too. Remember, we can't build a community concept without our community, The board of directors is asking for your help to connect us to the right people, Let’s build The Barnyard Estates together. Share this blog post, the website and our facebook page as we continue our journey. Interested in helping the organization? Fill out this contact form and let us know how you would like to help.
Next up. What type recreational facility will be housed in the Barnyard Estates? Who are we specifically targeting and why?
Congrats to our newest Board members
Congrats to the latest members to the Promote Pulaski Board of Directors, we are excited to have you join us on our journey to help Build the Barnyard Estates in Pulaski, Wisconsin
Congrats to our newest Board members to Promote Pulaski, Inc. We look forward to working with you to bring tourism and business to Pulaski, Wisconsin through “The Barnyard Estates” and “Casimir Pulaski Days”. It’s exciting. Here are our newest members: Mark Heck, Lisa and Steve Huben, Breanna and Kaleb Santy and Zachary Brzeczkowski.
What’s Next? Apply for the Board of Directors!
We’re looking for passion at Promote Pulaski. If you’re interested in helping us build the Barnyard Estates, then we want to talk to you. Promote Pulaski Board Members, must have passion for Pulaski. Fill out our inquiry form on the website, or simply email us at promotepulaski@gmail.com.
It’s been a whopping nine days since we released the Barnyard Estates video. The secret is out, finally and we are super excited. The next question, what’s next?
In January, the Promote Pulaski Board of Directors will meet to determine how we will build funds to acquire the land by April 1, 2021. Online donations are currently being accepted for The Barnyard Estates Project, which will house a bowling center, shared kitchen, cafe and other retail businesses, in addition the project will be able to host small business, family and organizational events, which will include a media room to assist with education and virtual events.
Currently, the volunteer Board of Directors is looking to add passionate board members to the 5013c nonprofit organization. If you, or someone you know is experienced with 5013c non-profits, or has skills, education or experience in real estate, construction, non-profits, shared kitchens, bowling centers, cafes, grant writing, agriculture, or believes in the dream and development of this Project in Pulaski, and would like to bring it to fruition, contact promotepulaski@gmail.com. In the subject line, include Board of Directors.