Who can register for a directory listing?
Any business, service, or organization located within a reasonable distance from Cottage Grove can register for a listing in the Business Directory. The goal of the directory is to promote awareness of local businesses and services. Entities within the Village or Township of Cottage Grove are entitled to a free Bronze listing.

What are my directory options and what does it cost?
Currently, you can select from a Bronze listing or a Silver listing. Both listings include a full-page listing that includes business name, address, phone number, and contact name; and a listing in one business category (example: auto repair, accounting, hair salons/barbers, etc.). The Bronze listing includes a 25-word description of services; the Silver, 75 words. The Silver listing also includes an email link to facilitate easy contact with your business or organization; an extended profile that includes years in business, professional affiliations, and number of employees. Your company appears in bold face and appears before the bronze listings in the search result. Bronze listings are free to businesses or organizations physically located in Cottage Grove; other businesses pay $100 per year for the listing. Silver listings are free to CGEDC members; however, there is a charge of $100/year for entities in Cottage Grove; others pay $150/year. Those selecting the Silver listing also can choose, for a nominal $25, to link to your web site. If your business or service fits multiple categories (example: Landscaping and Construction), you may purchase additional categories for $25 each. Remember, you receive one category with your Bronze or Silver package. These nominal charges support the cost of maintaining and developing CottageGroveOnline, and are priced far below other comparable online directories. The Business Directory is a cost-effective Internet presence for Cottage Grove area businesses and organizations. If you decide to remove your directory listing, for any reason, there is no refund.

What if I don’t find a directory category that fits my business or organization?
While the business directory covers a broad cross-section of categories, a business or organization may not find a category that describes its services. If possible, please use the existing categories; if you find this unworkable, please email your concern to directory@cottagegroveonline.com. The CGEDC will decide whether it can accommodate a request for a new category, as the addition may have broader impact on the directory organization and maintenance.

What if I am a member of the Cottage Grove Economic Development Corporation?
Members of the CGEDC are entitled to a free Silver listing. Additional rates apply for a web site link or additional categories. The CGEDC logo also appears at the end of your listing as a visual reminder of your support for economic growth and development in Cottage Grove.

How will visitors find my directory listing?
The CGEDC will actively promote CottageGroveOnline through a variety of community venues, media coverage, and registration on various Internet search engines. Once visitors access the site, the Business Directory is easily accessible from the homepage. Once visitors click on the directory link, they will quickly find the search feature, which allows them to search by keyword, product or service, or access the entire list of businesses and organizations in the directory.

How do I register for a directory listing?
If you have Internet access, you can register by going to www.cottagegroveonline.com. Click on the "Business Directory" section, and then "Register" on the left side of the page. Just follow the directions, agree to the terms and conditions, and submit your registration. The contact person identified during registration will receive immediate confirmation that your directory listing was successfully submitted. Within two or three business days, your directory listing should appear on CottageGroveOnline, after a CGEDC member reviews it. If there are any associated fees, the contact person will receive notification of fees due. Fees must be paid by check and sent to CGEDC, P.O. Box 306, Cottage Grove, WI 53527 within 30 days of notification. If you do not have Internet access, contact Web Site Committee members Ken Dahl, 839-4213, kndhl@netscape.net; or Joyce Hastings, 839-5178, welldone@execpc.com for help in setting up your directory listing. If at all possible, we ask that businesses and organizations register online to reduce the number of volunteer hours needed to develop and maintain this directory.

How do I change or update my directory listing?
You control the content in your directory listing and have the capability to update it online whenever you need to make a change. During the online registration process, you will choose a username and password. Record this information in safe place for future reference. When you want to make a change, go to www.cottagegroveonline, select the “Business Directory” link, then click on "Make Changes." Your username and password will give you access to the ability to edit your listing. If, during the editing process, you upgrade your listing, you will need to send any associated fees by check to CGEDC, P.O. Box 306, Cottage Grove, WI 53527 within 30 days. Your changes will be reviewed by a CGEDC member; and generally online within two to three business days after submission.

How will I renew my listing?
Directory listings are for the term of one year, with an anniversary date the day the listing first appears on CottageGroveOnline. Notices for renewals will be sent to the identified contact person, generally 30 days in advance of the anniversary date. Payment must be received by the CGEDC by the anniversary date or service may be suspended.

Are there other ways to increase my business or organization’s visibility on the site?
Yes, there are a number of ways to become a site partner or sponsor. Depending upon the level of financial participation, your business will receive recognition on the site and in promotional materials distributed in the community. In addition, you brand your business or organization as a community partner. We welcome Alliant Energy as a site sponsor! While the Village of Cottage Grove has supported the development costs of this site, the CGEDC, a nonprofit corporation, wants to ensure its ability to further develop CottageGroveOnline as a relevant resource for Cottage Grove’s business community. You can choose from four options: 1) Partner – your name or log will appear on the left navigation bar site wide; 2) Exclusive Sponsorship – exclusive sponsorship of an section of the web site; 3) Shared Sponsorship – share sponsorship of a particular section with up to two other businesses or organizations; and 4) Support – receive a listing on a sponsor page.

What is the CGEDC and why has it built CottageGroveOnline?
Officially incorporated on Jan. 1, 1999, the Cottage Economic Development Corporation was established to promote economic growth in the Cottage Grove area. This corporation is comprised of a Village representative, a Township representative, and community members interested in the economic development in Cottage Grove. This nonprofit corporation receives nominal funding through membership dues and support from the Village of Cottage Grove. Visit our section of the website to learn more about the CGEDC, its mission, and officers and board of directors. The CGEDC identified the need for a central community resource to learn about local news and events, and the businesses and organizations that serve the community. CottageGroveOnline was developed and is maintained by the CGEDC Web Site Committee comprised of Dan Costello, Ken Dahl, Joyce Hastings, and Bob Steffel.