Mercer community deserves digital sign

To the Editor:

I would like to clear up some confusion about the proposed digital sign for the Mercer community. I believe most are not aware of how this project developed.

The Mercer School has had a strong desire for the past couple of years to get a new sign to help promote the school and community events. It approached the Mercer Chamber to see about a joint venture to share the costs. After many months of talks and the price exceeding $45,000, the chamber decided the cost and the need for the sign was not a good fit for them.

A short time later, the school contracted me and asked if we might be interested, since our location is good and we have a strong interest in supporting and promoting the community. I believe Mercer can always use help in getting the message out about all the good things taking place in Mercer throughout the year.

After a couple of months working through many of the details, Snow’s Family Market decided to join the project, seeing this as a great opportunity to get on par with many surrounding communities.

One point of agreement was that the sign was to be used to promote all community groups and events: Lions, Lioness, all chamber events, Fourth of July activities, Loon Day, ATV rally, church events, etc.

Some people have commented Snow’s would use this for personal advertising. The sign would not be used for our weekly ad, but yes, we do have special events, one-day sales, etc. But would that be so unreasonable with an investment over $20,000?

The school and Snow’s Family Market began working with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to get approval and a sign company to finalize the design and cost. After hearing the project was moving forward, the chamber decided to again become involved, maybe because the cost was lower with a third party.

This is where we stand today. Most recent efforts have been working with the Mercer town board to get regulations changed to allow digital signs.

The chamber should have a new sign. It is long overdue. That is why we became involved.

If the community would like the chamber to own the sign on its own, or with the school, that is fine. But we were asked to share in this project. Don’t hold it against us for wanting to move the community forward.

Randy Snow

Mercer