Meet Susan Melton | Marketing Director/Graphic Design

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Melton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always felt the need to to be creative and to help others! In my younger days I didn’t always recognize that creating was truly my passion and thus, I veered off course pursuing another career. Never-the-less I still felt the need to pursue a non-traditional profession so I learned to weld. I spent many years proving myself in what was traditionally a man’s job and became a top welder in my field and one of the first female welders in the region. After all of that work and accomplishment, I was compelled to change course and pursue my first love… creativity. Marketing seemed like it offered what I needed. Working in the marketing field gives me a platform to express myself while helping others. It’s what I have always wanted and gives me great satisfaction to know that I can use creative marketing and graphic design to inspire an audience, to connect with their emotions, while providing great benefit to them and to the organization that I work with. So, to answer your question, i pursued a career in creativity to help others and that satisfies my passion.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have been so honored to be the marketing director for the Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for the past 14 years. Janesville, known as Wisconsin’s Great Outside is a moderately sized city with a population of 63,575 located on the Rock River scenic south central Wisconsin. Janesville is best known for is its abundance of beautiful parks and trails and its rich history. Its bustling downtown has recently undergone a successful revitalization and is filled with a variety of boutiques, shops, exceptional dining, entertainment and public art. Through ongoing efforts by City of Janesville, Downtown Janesville, Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Forward Janesville, private groups and citizens, it has grown to become top Wisconsin destination for travelers, and an outstanding place to live and work. Our role as the community’s destination marketing organization has been to support the attractions, events, local businesses and organizations in their efforts make the community a better place to visit, thus enhancing the quality of life for the community. Some of the most important ways that we offer support is by providing marketing services and grants. Marketing services includes everything from advice to providing creative services from graphic design, advertising, social media, brand enhancement and everything in between. I am grateful to have had a part in the transformation/revitalization of this community. I am most proud of our efforts to incorporate art into the hardscape via our annual event “Art Infusion.” The event consists of a free to participate community art project, school classes taught by professional artists, a sidewalk chalk art free drawing opportunity and competition. The Art Infusion committee works with private donors to commission professional artists from around the United States through a juried process to create large scale murals. Over the last couple of years our committee has been responsible for adding 10 large scale murals to our downtown. What we have found is that the art has completely transformed our community and provided a true sense of pride for our citizens.

There were many challenges along the way to the place that we are now. One of the biggest was when General Motors (GM) pulled up stakes in 2008 and closed its Janesville plant leaving thousands jobless. Not only did GM leave but so did many of the support businesses. It left the community mourning the loss. It had been the key component of the community’s identity and its primary sense of pride. GM continued to dangle the carrot of re-opening the plant until 2015 when it decided to sell the plant. It was finally time to move on from the hope that GM would ever return. While it took a while for our community to rebuild and to find its confidence again, we’re there now and the community is more vibrant than ever!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, we’d hit the trails! Janesville’s 30 miles of trails, including Janesville’s segment of the statewide Ice Age Trail, connect many neighborhoods, parks and attractions. In the winter, the trails, parks and greenbelt system are available to cross country skiers and snowshoers. Most of the trail in Janesville is paved, perfect for biking, walking, running and rollerblading. A few portions of the trail, notably the Devil’s Staircase in Riverside Park and a segment that runs through the Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum, are unpaved and ideal for hiking.

We’d then stop for lunch at Sandwich Bar. It features gourmet sandwiches, a funky interior designed by muralist Jeff Henriquez, and a fun, dive bar vibe that feels like stepping into a graphic novel. They’ve used reclaimed tin ceilings, an old bowling alley lane, and other salvaged materials to capture that well-worn feeling of a neighborhood bar, with “Damn fine sandwiches … okay beer.”

Next stop, Rotary Botanical Gardens. The garden is an award winning, 20-acre non-profit botanic garden, home to many dramatic and themed gardens. Some have an international focus, such as the Japanese and English Cottage gardens, while others are less formally-structured, such as the children’s garden, Hosta Hollow, the fern and moss garden, and other seasonal displays. Much of the garden is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with wide, level paths and many benches to sit and take in the surrounding beauty. In December, the Gardens presents the spectacular Holiday Light Show.

Dinner will be at Genisa Wine Bar where you will enjoy a relaxing evening of good conversation, great drinks and delicious food in an elegant atmosphere in downtown Janesville’s only historically preserved Italianate-style building or sit out on the deck with scenic river views. Enjoy an Italian-inspired menu of specialty pizzas, charcuterie plates, and decadent desserts as you explore our international wines, local and national beers, signature crafted cocktails, or an authentic Italian espresso, coffee or cappuccino.

Breakfast kicks off at Citrus Café, named the Reader’s choice, Best Breakfast Restaurant in Janesville for seven consecutive years in a row!

We’ll kick off the day with a walking tour of Janesville downtown to explore its unique architecture, history and public art.

Following the tour we’ll make a stop at the Bodacious Shops of Block 42. This trio of shops includes:
The Bodacious Brew is a coffee shop and breakfast spot by day, serving gourmet coffees and teas from around the world, handcrafted into espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and more, plus a wonderful selection of homemade wraps, quiches, pastries and sandwiches. In the afternoon, The Brew shifts to a Wine, Beer and Bourbon Bar that serves tantalizing appetizers and cheese trays. Bring the kids for shareable milkshakes and ice cream.
So Chopped is a salad bistro where diners can build their own healthy and delicious salads and wraps with fresh ingredients and premium toppings, featuring dressings made in-house using Bodacious Olive Oils and Vinegars. Homemade soups and hot sandwiches and wraps round out the menu. Call ahead and they can have your order ready to pick up.
The Bodacious Olive is a taster’s paradise, captivating your palate with the world’s finest gourmet and flavor-infused ultra premium olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars. Adding to the culinary adventure are cheeses, gourmet salts and seasonings and the latest kitchen gadgets.
Following lunch we’ll head to The Sugar Exchange offering homemade sweets, classic candies, handcrafted classic soda, ice cream and shakes. From fudge to Jelly Belly™ candies to fresh roasted nuts and chocolates, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth. Looking for a fun date night or family outing? Try a s’more charcuterie board on the back patio as you relax and watch the river float by.

Next, we’ll head to the Rock County Historical Society. The Rock County Historical Society is a resource for historical research, thought-provoking programming, and one-of-a-kind historic sites. At its center is the Lincoln-Tallman House, an Italianate-style mansion that was constructed in 1857 and occupied by William Morrison Tallman, a lawyer and abolitionist. Abraham Lincoln visited in October of 1859 prior to his election in 1860. A variety of themed tours of the Lincoln-Tallman House are available. The Traditional Tour narrative will focus on how a prosperous Victorian family would have lived, weaving in stories about the Tallman family. In November and December, come for the Lincoln-Tallman House Holiday Tour with the house decked out in its holiday finery both inside and out.

The Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center, housed in the 1912 Prairie-style residence of Stanley Dexter Tallman, serves as the Lincoln-Tallman House’s visitor and ticketing center and houses the administrative offices of the Rock County Historical Society. The Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center offers exhibit galleries that feature Pauline Pottery and Pickard China, as well as rotating exhibits celebrating the history and heritage of Rock County. Parker Pen World features some of the most popular Parker pens in history, a collection of old ads and memorabilia, and music from the Parker Pen Band. The All About Rock County exhibit features historic collections on agriculture, transportation – including General Motors – leisure, the military, county businesses and more. You can also enjoy the McBlair Art Collection, paintings and line art by professional artist and Janesville native Gretchen Frick McBlair (1901-1982). Lastly visit the gift shop for a bit of shopping. It features art pieces from Janesville Art League members and other regional artists and makers selling on consignment. Visitors will also discover pottery, children’s items, sculptures, an assortment of locally made masks, and a wide selection of jewelry including costume pieces, fine jewelry, and collectibles.

Time to head to Lark for cocktails and dinner. Lark’s focus is on seasonally driven dishes made with locally sourced ingredients that reflect the wide influences that drive American cuisine from burgers to ramen, tacos to pasta … and inventive spins on your favorites. Lark’s bar features classic and original craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients and artisan spirits. We also offer a variety of thoughtfully selected craft beers and wines by the glass and bottle.
To end the evening, take in a performance at Janesville Performing Arts Center or stop in a local establishment for live music.

Spend the day shopping local in Janesville’s downtown where you’ll find many boutiques, shops, and vintage stores. Take a break for lunch at drafthouse for a delicious meal and real Wisconsin deep fried cheese curds and beer, cocktail or glass of wine.

Spend the evening watching an exciting performance by Janesville’s very Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team. The Rock Aqua Jays are the most successful water ski show team in the world with more than 60 total tournament victories, including 21 U.S. National Championships. They perform free water ski shows on Sunday and Wednesday evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. The Rock Aqua Jays often host the National and World Water Ski Show Championships.

Take a day to explore Janesville’s art scene, from its numerous exhibits to fun art classes. Learn to make stained or blown glass or to paint your own masterpiece. Take a scenic drive along the area’s rustic to roads to follow the barn quilt trail. Grab a delicious meal or snack from any of Janesville’s delicious food trucks.

Step back in time and explore the area’s role in the Underground Railroad when you visit the Milton House Museum. The hexagonal-shaped Milton House was opened in 1844 as a stagecoach inn by Joseph Goodrich, and is one of the oldest standing poured grout buildings. It was a stop on the Underground Railroad, with a tunnel connecting the Milton House to a log cabin. The Milton House has two Wisconsin Historical Markers on the property – one for the Milton House itself and one for Storrs Lake, where Brigadier General Henry Atkinson and 4,500 soldiers camped overnight in their pursuit of Black Hawk in 1832.

Head to any or all of the area’s three wineries to enjoy locally made wines then enjoy fabulous dining at an authentic Wisconsin Supper Club. The Buckhorn has been a delicious lakefront dining tradition for over 85 years. They offer plenty of outdoor seating, as well as indoor dining, and a great bar!

Make a stop Gray Brewing. Founded in 1856, Gray’s Brewing Company is proud to be one of the nation’s oldest family-owned beverage companies, currently managed by the great-great-grandson of the founder. They offer a flavorful line of beer, root beer and soda. Rock County Brewing is Janesville’s first nano brewery.

Fill the rest of your time in Janesville relaxing as you explore our park system and outdoor recreation including boating, fishing, golf or tennis or attending a fun event.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. I don’t know how I would have made this far without him by my side. I have had some truly wonderful mentors that have provided guidance, motivation and emotional support over the years. This includes two of my former marketing instructors, Mary Squire and Cindy Leverenz, former employer, Wanda Sloan and my friend and boss, Christine Rebout. My mother-in-law, Beverly Melton has been a great inspiration to me. She ran her own business for nearly 40 years and has always made it a priority to help others along the way. A favorite book that I have gone back to again and again over the years is The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People.

Website: https://www.janesvillecvb.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explorejanesvillewi/

Linkedin: Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanesvilleCVB1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanesvilleCVB

Image Credits
Full Spectrum Photography