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GENERAL ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Company Summary

The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum is a non-profit 501 (c (3) organization in Wisconsin Rapids. The museum is being designed to provide children, ages 0-12, with hands-on, interactive experiences in core areas such as social development, science exploration, arts, and all-around curiosity. The museum plans to offer interactive exhibits, programs, and workshops that will constantly evolve to meet the needs of children that we serve.

Achievements/History

The museum is the brainchild of Manda Wirth, a stay-at-home mother and foster parent for at-risk youth. Ms. Wirth is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology. While working from home, she took notice of the lack of activities and outlets for children to participate in the Wisconsin Rapids area. The idea was then planted to mesh Ms. Wirth’s education and love for children with a place designed for kids to enhance social well-being, learn about the world we live in, and most importantly, have fun!

To begin transforming her idea into a reality, Ms. Wirth created a Facebook page to create awareness of the project within the local community. She also held public meetings concerning the idea to gain support. This acquired a core group of people to get the project underway. Nick Brazeau Sr., a well respected lawyer in Wisconsin Rapids is heading up the legal tasks. Elizabeth Stewart has a degree in childcare, Jeff Williams brings experience from the newspaper The Voice, and Dave Farmbrough helps with networking.

The group has joined the Association of Children’s Museums and contacted the Incourage Community Foundation of Wisconsin Rapids for assistance. Ms. Wirth also worked with the Entrepreneurship Management class at Mid-State Technical College to begin her business plan. At the same time to raise awareness of the project the group began to create market awareness through Facebook, community events such as the Children’s Festival, and continued public meetings.

Mission and Vision statements

The children’s museum group has developed two guiding statements to assist in future planning. Our mission is as follows:

WRACM is committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. It offers an accessible, affordable, interactive and educational environment that will bring families together in a creative environment that sparks imagination, inspires learning through play, and supports school readiness. The museum will provide a diverse, creative center for hands on learning through permanent and changing exhibits that will stimulate intellectual curiosity and exploration in children and all types of backgrounds.

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Our vision of the future is to be the area’s leading attraction for childhood development, social play, learning and exploration. We will do this by staying on the forefront of social, environmental, and educational trends to bring our young minds that we serve the tools they need to grow and succeed.

Goals

With our mission statement in mind, our goals for the future include the following:

Obtain nonprofit status Find a location for the museum Develop enough resources to build the museum Obtain donations from local businesses to help create our educational exhibits Gain community awareness via Facebook, word of mouth, and community events Prepare a budget for current and future events Have a minimum of two hundred children visiting our children’s museum each month To enhance school curriculum by using the museum as a learning tool for teachers To provide the community an additional outlet for leisure and recreation To secure further funding through personal donations, corporate donations, and government

grants To generate revenue by selling daily passes, memberships, enrollment in programs and classes,

and special events

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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLAN

Products ProvidedThe products and services that the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum offers is a place where kids can play and learn. A kid-friendly environment where children can let their imaginations run free will be provided. There will be various permanent and changing exhibits that focus on children of different age ranges. Overall we will provide a mix of art, science, language and physical activity all to inspire interest in children from toddlers to pre-teens.

Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum will change every few years, while focusing on low-technology items to prevent high maintenance costs. We will try to get a new traveling exhibit every two years. Most of our exhibits will be made by people from our community.

The main exhibits include a fire truck, kid-sized Kwik Trip, and a crane. These will all be hands-on items that allow kids to play. We will also have a news room where kids can put on a news cast, a Velcro wall for jumping, and PVC music. A detailed description of our exhibits can be found in the Appendix.

Additional Services

The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum is dedicated to delivering a high quality experience to anyone that walks through our doors. For enhancing appeal, convenience, and accessibility, the museum is considering the following additional services.

Discovery Shop The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum gift shop will provide a memory of a day at the museum. The gift shop will provide guests access to educational toys and games, designed to stimulate young minds and promote family and social interaction.

Programs and Classes The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum will supplement their exhibits with programs and classes targeted for all age groups that the museum serves. Programs will run for a variety of lengths and times to accommodate stay-at-home parents, homeschooled children, and regular public or private school children. The programs will be both educational and fun and include activities from the sciences, visual arts, crafts, and music. During summer months, the museum will host additional programs to be determined at a later time.

Children’s Express Pub The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum will have its very own on site food court. The Children’s Express Pub will offer a wide assortment of reasonably priced, fresh, healthy food choices and will help educate children about the importance of eating healthy.

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The Comfort Zone The tranquility of the Comfort Zone is a perfect room to sit back and relax while reading one of the many children’s books that are on hand. Visitors may also choose to just sit back on one of the many pillows and connect with their young children. Whatever the reason for entering this room, visitors will be guaranteed a peaceful time.

The Log Cabin I and The Log Cabin II The Log Cabins are separate rooms available for private events such as birthday parties, meetings, family gatherings or school field trips. Members will receive 10% off the room when they book one of them for an event. The Log Cabin I is approximately 400 square feet. The Log Cabin II is approximately 1300 square feet.

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MARKET RESEARCH PLAN

Market SegmentationThe Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum broadly defines its market as any family in the greater Wisconsin Rapids area with children between the ages of 0-12. The greater Wisconsin Rapids area is a 30 mile radius from Wisconsin Rapids that includes the communities of Plover, Stevens Point, Nekoosa, Pittsville, Port Edwards, and Adams-Friendship.

Within the broad market, there are many individual markets the museum will draw from including parents, grandparents, stay at home parents, homeschooled children, and public/private school groups. With the main demographic being women 50 and under with a child under 3. In a 2008 demographics survey 89% of attendees were 50 or under, 89% were female, 88% had a child under 4, and 81% were college educated with an average income of 100,000/year.

According to the most recent census data (2010), there are about 12,123 children between the ages of 0-12 who live within the defined area, with about one third of those already living in Wisconsin Rapids. There are other large communities just outside the 30 mile radius, such as Portage and Marshfield, from which the museum can draw from that will further enhance the market base to the tens of thousands.

The Association of Children’s Museums periodically publishes metric reports on the number of visitors a museum sees. According to the report, for a museum the size of the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum, there is a reasonable expectation to obtain about one third of the market base. However, that number will grow if you include visitors from areas just outside the target area. Therefore we believe we will draw up to 4,041 customers.

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Competitive AnalysisThere is no local direct competition for the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum. However, there are relatively 30 indirect competitors in Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding areas. Competition includes but is not limited to theatres, zoos, bowling, parks, etc. Many of these activities are limited to the summer months and activities are lacking for children 0-12 in the winter months. This is another benefit that will give a great competitive advantage to the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum.

The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum has a direct competitor, the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum in Stevens Point. The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum understands that direct competition between the two non-profits would prove detrimental to both parties. The Wisconsin Rapids Children Museum would differentiate from the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum (Steven’s Point, WI) by offering a more diverse learning and interactive environment for all ages between 0-12 years. By offering a fun and advanced learning environment, it would allow Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum to attract visitors from outside the local surrounding area.

Wisconsin Rapids is also home to the South Wood County YMCA, another non-profit organization. The YMCA offers programs for youth including sports, swimming, and gymnastics. However, the YMCA’s programs emphasize physical abilities, fitness, and athleticism, which is not in line with what the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum goals and direction are. The South Wood County YMCA is not a direct competitor nor does it offer what the museum can offer, but it is another alternative for youth to be involved in. Cost is a factor here as well. YMCA programs and memberships can be pricey, especially among low income families, but a trip to the museum is relatively inexpensive, which is a huge advantage.

Another competitor that may hurt the museum during the fall Halloween season is Altenburg's Country Gardens. Altenburg's could end up taking customers away from the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum if the fall season is nice with good temperatures and not a large amount of rain. Altenburg's offers many things aimed toward kids the ages of 0-12 which is in the same age demographic as the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum. Some of the ideas may be different because obviously it is not outside and is not really aimed at the farm activities. The museum also has the advantage of not having to depend on the weather because it is obviously inside and it also has an advantage of having indoor plumbing.

Clancy’s Mini-golf is located at 9331 State Highway 13 S Wisconsin Rapids. Clancy’s offers a driving range with an average cost of 4 dollars and mini golf for 3 dollars for adults and 2 dollars for children 5 years of age or older. A batting cage is also available. The facility is open from late spring to fall.

The Rapids Rafters is a minor league baseball team located at 521 Lincoln St., Wisconsin Rapids. Baseball games are played on the grounds with food and drinks available. There is a small play area for children. The cost is 7 dollars base price. Season tickets are available. This is only open during the summer months.

Future Outlook for Competitors

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The future outlook for Rogers Cinema is looking good because of the popularity there is for going out to see a new movie on a big screen and get the experience that the movie theater provides. What kid doesn’t like to go out and eat popcorn, candy and sugary drinks? There are different types of movies for all ages like G rated movies, PG rated movies, PG-13 rated movies and up, so the parent can decide what movie to take the kid to. There are 50 total screens in 2 states and 8 cities; Rogers Cinema is still owned by Paul Rogers and John Koran. The prices range from 6-12 dollars, the cheaper prices are for the movies that are during the day and the more expensive movies are during the evening.

The future outlook for Mead Pool is going to be good because it’s a popular place to go swimming in the summer. The price is good for admissions and there are season passes that you can get there. The admissions and season passes seem to be cheaper than what the children’s museums would be. The price for admission at mead pool is 2 dollars per person and the season passes range from 20-35 for residents of Wisconsin Rapids, and 25-50 for non-residents. Mead Pool is open Sunday through Saturday from noon-5:00pm and 5:30pm to 7:00pm and the wading pool is open from noon to 7:00pm during the same days as the big pool. It’s a good place to take your kids to have fun swimming and to enjoy the good weather.

The future outlook for Skate City in Wisconsin Rapids is good because of the popularity there is for skating and skateboarding in our area. Skate City is a safe place to go and skate with your friends and family, there is a snack bar for you when you are hungry and need something to eat. There is a skate shop where you can buy incline skates, skateboards, shirts, sweatshirts, other accessories, and other things that you can buy for your skateboard or skates. There is a bounce house that is for all ages, and there is an arcade in Skate City that has the largest video game variety in the area. And if you want to do something a little more daring, there are ramps and rails for you to use with your skateboards and skates. Skate City offers different birthday party packages, which include the ice cream package, hot dog package, and the pizza package. You can also have a private skating party at Skate City. With the popularity of skating around our area and the different things that skate city offers for kids, it seems that skate city’s future s+eems bright.

The future outlook for Clancy’s miniature golf course in Wisconsin Rapids is good because it’s a popular place to go and play miniature golf and enjoy the weather and fun time with your family. Clancy’s mini golf offers 18 hole course for you and your children to take part in. You can purchase or rent equipment, can buy gifts and there is a snack bar to go and get a snack for you and your children. Mini golf costs $3.00 dollars for adults, kids 5-12 is $2.00 dollars and children under 5 are free. To play another round, it would cost you $1.50 instead of $2. Its open during late spring, summer and early fall during the year.

The future outlook for Bowlmor Lanes in Wisconsin Rapids will continue to improve because they are the only bowling alley within the city limits. The price seems to be pretty cheap with the price of $2.00 dollars per game being during the day Monday through Friday and the price increase to $3.00 dollars per game during the evening. On Saturday the price is $3.00 dollars per game and during the evening on Saturday the price is $13.00 a person because its cosmic bowling which happens every other Saturday, and on Sunday the price is $3.00 per game for the whole day. Bowlmor Lanes in Wisconsin Rapids is open Monday and Tuesday from 1:00pm to 12:00am, Wednesday from 12:00pm to 12:00am, Thursday

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from 8:00am to 12:00am, Friday 1:00pm to 2:00am, Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00am, and Sunday from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Bowlmor Lanes in Wisconsin Rapids also have an arcade, bar, lockers, and you can rent out lanes for a birthday party.

Uniqueness The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum will be significantly different from other organizations in several key ways. The first reason, and perhaps the most important, is affordability to the consumer. In an area of the state where economic downturn has affected many people, the museum feels the need to keep fees and costs to a minimum. The museum will accomplish this by not requiring monthly or annual memberships and will employ a nominal daily rate. To further keep costs down, the museum will employee volunteers and use local building talent to create its exhibits.

Secondly, there are no other non-profit businesses in Wisconsin Rapids that duplicates the services the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum will provide. The museum offers age appropriate exhibits, programs, and classes that focus on social wellbeing, education, and exploration in the physical and biological sciences. When traditional services offered by other organizations, such as Parks and Recreation, struggle to entice youth, the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum provides an excellent alternative for those who are looking for something different and out of the ordinary.

Lastly, the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum will be an organization that is a tool for educators. The museum and its exhibits can be incorporated into school curriculum to enhance lesson plans and overall learning. The museum has already gained support from local educators in the public schools.

State of the Industry

The market trends for children’s museums in U.S. are:

78 children’s museums are currently being planned 81% have early childhood exhibits for infants and toddlers 35% have outdoor exhibits and/or a garden Popular exhibits are dinosaur/fossil exhibits and the Kwik Trip gas station/store 65% of children’s museums are found in urban areas, 33% in suburban areas, 12% in rural areas,

and 35% in downtown revitalization projects Field trips are very common (90.5% median) 49% run after-school programs 70% school outreach

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MARKET RESEARCHhttp://www.childrensmuseums.org/images/VisionMarketingToolkit/2010factsaboutchildrensmuseums.pdf

http://www.childrensmuseums.org/images/VisionMarketingToolkit/casestatementsummary.pdf

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http://www.childrensmuseums.org/images/VisionMarketingToolkit/casestatementsummary.pdf

http://www.childrensmuseums.org/images/VisionMarketingToolkit/2010factsaboutchildrensmuseums.pdf

http://www.childrensmuseums.org/images/VisionMarketingToolkit/2010factsaboutchildrensmuseums.pdf

MARKETING PLAN

Location

The location of the Children’s Museum is critical to its success. A listing of criteria was developed that will be important to a location. This included:

Cost of location (works within capital constraints and ongoing limits of funds) Possibility of donation Location is safe Accessible location ( entrance ways, no one-way streets) Convenient for parents Attractive location Size of location (Big enough now and allows future expansion) Surroundings are appropriate for children’s museum (general area and surrounding businesses) Parking available Easily located for visitors Long-term viability

Based on these factors a number of locations were reviewed in Wisconsin Rapids. (After reviewing the analyses, a location of 195 2nd Street, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin is recommended. This location is centrally located, safe, and accessible for visitors. There is also parking available in the area and it is near a riverbank where other community events are held. For more information, individual site selection analyses are located in the appendix.

Promotion

Our museum will focus its marketing efforts on three objectives:

To educate our community about children’s museums To inform our community that we exist To build support in donations and volunteers for our museum

With these goals in mind, we will focus on a range of activities designed to inform and build support. This includes advertising, personal selling, publicity, and general promotional events.

Advertising

A variety of advertising methods are available for the Museum. This would include:

Fliers Postcards, Brochures Mailing lists Community Access TV

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Radio advertisement

Flyers should be sent out through the school systems in Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding area (Pittsville, Vesper, Plover, Adams-Friendship, Port Edwards and Rudolph), targeting the 0-12 age group. Ensure that the parochial schools, Boys and Girls Club, day care centers and HeadStart are also included in this. This flyer should be sent out once for awareness and on a Monday, as this would be looked at from parents. Sending it out on a Friday, it may not get looked at unless the parent needs to sign something and sent back in. Costs vary according to size, quality of paper, graphics and quantity required and company. Flyers should also be on-hand for special events.

Advertising using radio or television would be expensive for the museum. If donations for advertising were secured, radio ads could be aired several times a day depending upon the costs and how long you want them to run for. The best times to air would be during morning and evening when people are driving to work or home.

Technology could be used to help promote the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum through are YouTube, Twitter, and a blog. For YouTube, a video could be created that introduces the museum, explains what progress has been made, and ask for people’s help. At the end of the video, there will be an email address or a phone number so that people could respond. This helps the people that are creating the children’s museum and the customer s because it gives the customers a sneak peak of what is happening and it helps the creators of the museum see what other people have to say with the comment section and other suggestions.

A Twitter account could be created that would keep people informed with what events are happening, what time they are happening and what is going on in general. This helps the customers because they would know what is going, where they are and if they can go and help with the event or just go and have a good time. This also helps the people that are doing the children’s museum because this allows them to keep in contact with people that are following them on Twitter. This gets more people to the events then would normally go, if they knew that there was an event going on that the children’s museum group was doing.

Another tool that could help promote the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum would be to put it on the Association of Children’s Museums website. This is helpful for the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum because the website has every children’s museum in the United States, so they could get their name out that way because then everybody would see it and know where the museum is located. If you become a member, that allows you to connect with peers and experts that can help you with the children’s museum and other information that you want to know. The Association of Children’s Museum website also links for you like Professional Development, Data & Resources, Advocacy, about the Association of Children’s Museum, it could help you start a children’s museum, and there are other helpful links on the website. The Association of Children’s museum website is helpful for the customers because it allows them to see where the children’s museums are located and other information that they are looking for.

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Another way to promote the children's museum is to use online web pages such as websites that are put out there through local chamber of commerce, Google places or of travel planning sites of local places to visit and make plans at. This will be able to draw people from other areas if they are coming here to participate in something, such as the water ski shows, track meets or a car show just to name a few . People will be able to use these websites to make plans in the area and hopefully at the children's museum as well. Another way to advertise is to have an ad in the yellow pages. This seems like an old way to advertise because of recent technology, but it is one of the easiest ones to use and does not involve a computer which some may not have or like to use

Last the children’s museum could create a blog on the website Google, which would allow them to have conversations with other people about the children’s museum, any tips people may have, and other thoughts that could be helpful to creating the children’s museum. This is good for the customer because it allows them to give their input and it allows them to see what other people have said about the children’s museum. This could also be good and bad for the people that are doing the children’s museum because even though they are getting input from other people which could be helpful, they could also get the negative input that isn’t helpful and customers could put negative reviews or comments on the blog, which in turn could turnoff other customers.

Advertising should be assessed to see if it is effective in meeting our marketing goals. To assess this, the Museum could look to see if more people join the Facebook page, there are more emails seeking information, or there are more “hits” on the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum website.

Publicity will be crucial to the success of the Museum’s marketing efforts. Museum volunteers will participate in community events such as the Children’s Festival in Wisconsin Rapids or local 4 th of July parades to build awareness of the organization. Press releases will be used to gain coverage of these events. A sample press release is in the Appendix .

Publicity will also need to be assessed to see if it positively promotes the Museum. To do that, there will be a form on the web page that asks how people heard about the museum. Staff will also ask visitors how they heard about the museum when they buy an admission to the museum. The number of people attending events that the Museum participates in will also be tracked.

Personal selling will also be needed for the Museum. Staff will use this method when calling donors, schools for field trips, etc. This would be a way to introduce the Museum to people and let them know what you have to offer the public. There will also be internal selling to retain customers and increase their spending. This would be like special offers for returning visitors or a gift shop. This will also be used with donors so they can see what the Museum offers and where donated money is going.

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MANAGEMENT PLAN

Management Team

Currently the only definite member of the management team is Manda Wirth. She will make an excellent manager for the Wisconsin Rapid’s Children’s Museum due to her experience and educational background. Manda has experience with children from working as a foster care provider for teens and an educational background which includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social welfare.

The Wisconsin Rapids Children Museum will operation as a nonprofit organization. Therefore a Board of Directors will be created to oversee the museum. All vacant positions for the board of directors of the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum will be filled in the future when appointed by an advising or search committee. This process will also include input from the public and possibly a voting system. The following criteria will be used to assess potential members:

Leadership skills Community awareness Education Ethics and values Willingness to raise funds for the Museum Willingness to express opinions Time to be on the board Expertise in running a business Diverse background Ability to bring perspective and a unique skill needed by the museum (i.e.

accounting, legal, fundraising)

Potential suggestions for the Wisconsin Rapids Children Museum at this time include:

Zack Vruwink Colleen Dickman Andy Dewitt Ellen Dahl Qualified parent Retired elementary school teacher Accountant Lawyer Someone with experience at other children’s organizations like the Boys and

Girls Club

Consultants will also be used to supplement our management team. This will include a lawyer to help with the process of getting the museum up and running, and any legal issues. It will also include an accountant to assist in managing finances and help with the feasibility study. A person who is knowledgeable about marketing in order to help with promoting the museum and getting information to

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the target market will also be contacted. Several community groups will also be used for assistance, including the Small Business Administration, the Incourage Foundation, the Small Business Development Center, and a banker. The Entrepreneurship Class at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids has volunteered their skills and time to write a business plan. Volunteers will also be needed, and helpful in assisting with daily help for this nonprofit organization.

Organizational Structure

The employee structure will only consist of a few people. Manda will be the manager of the museum and will oversee the everyday employee and financial operations. She will insure that the museum meets the safety requirements regularly and that the building stays clean. She will also oversee the bookkeeping records that are associated with the museum. She will assign task to floor employees as well. The museum will need a Customer Service person at the front desk as well. This person will greet and receive payments from customers. They will also help customers with their gift shop purchases. A custodian and maintenance position will also be needed for the museum. This person will strictly concentrate on keeping the building clean and looking presentable to the customers. Both positions will both report to Manda and allow her to make the everyday business decisions. More detailed job duties can be found for each position in the appendix.

Organizational Structure

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Custodian/Building Maintenance

Customer Service

(Front Desk)

Director

Manda Wirth

FINANCIAL PLAN

The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum will require approximately $591,215 to begin assuming that a building must be bought and remodeled. This figure was developed using costs for required assets that can be found in the Appendix. If the building were to be donated, this figure would drop to approximately

The initial funds will need to be raise through fundraising efforts and grants. Grants are available through the Wisconsin Rapids Incourage Foundation and private charitable organizations. The American Children’s Museum maintains a grant calendar for appropriate opportunities. A sample of the grants available is listed in the appendix.

Once the museum is open, operating income for the first year is estimated at $112,929. This comes from a variety of sources, each detailed below.

Admissions to the museum will provide the majority of the income. At this time an admission price of $5 was used for forecasting. This matches the price of the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Market research showed that there were 12,123 children within a 30 mile range who were between the ages of 1-12. According to ACM data, one-third of children in an area are likely to visit a Children’s Museum. Using this figure, approximately 4041 children would visit our museum. For yearly sales it was assumed that each child would visit the museum twice a year with a parent or adult.

Memberships to grandparents and families are also available for purchase. At this time estimates of 2% of our potential for each type of membership was used as a conservative figure. This reflects the lower income of the Wisconsin Rapids area. Costs of each membership were kept equal to that charged by the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum. These would be $75 and $50

Extended memberships are also available to allow visitation to other ACM Children’s Museums. Sales were estimated at 2% of the potential market as a conservative measure. This meant that 81 such memberships would be sold. Prices were estimated at $125 each, which is the same cost as the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum price.

Group visitation was developed using information from the ___ Children’s Museums. This is a museum in an area of 13,000 people, which is smaller than Wisconsin Rapids. Using their figure for actual group attendance and purchase was considered a reasonably conservative estimate. This number would be $16,708.

If the Children’s Museum were to add a gift shop, additional revenue of $9,675 could be obtained based on comparable figures from the ___ Museum. This would raise total revenue to $122,604.

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Appendix – Exhibit Descriptions

Exhibit Description: Little Builders is a traveling exhibit that is available for rent through OMSI.edu. This exhibit helps children learn the basic of construction, motion, and how simple machines work. Children will be able to interact with this exhibit hands-on while operating a pulley or a conveyor belt to explore cause and effect. Let them transport cargo by turning the wheels of a gantry crane. They will have the chance to build structures by using blocks and pipes while learning about size, shape, balance, and gravity. Children can also explore with aerodynamics by inserting balls into air chutes and watch them, navigate through clear pipes.

Target Age Group:

The target group for the Little Builders traveling exhibit ranges from two to seven years of age.

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Future Planning

Within this exhibit there are 21 hands on interactive, graphic panels and text. This exhibit also includes an instruction manual and technical support, an activity guide for parents and teachers along with a marketing kit. The exhibit is shipped in one 48 to 53 foot truck and installation and takedown is estimated at three days each.

Size and Cost

The area for this exhibit that would be needed would be 100 square feet. The rental fee for this exhibit is $9500 for 3 months. This exhibit is available June-August 2013, October – December 2013, February – April 2014, June – August 2014 and October – December 2014. Double booking are available at a discount rate. A deposit is required upon booking.

Potential Donors

Although this is a traveling exhibit available through rent it is possible to find a donor. Potential donors in the area could be local construction companies. These companies could donate materials along with the time to build them.

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Appendix – Exhibit Descriptions continued

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Appendix – Exhibit Descriptions continued

Gas Station

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APPENDIX – Job Descriptions

Director Duties

Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.

Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.

Analyze operations to evaluate performance of a company or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.

Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity.

Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs. Direct or coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with production, pricing, sales,

or distribution of products. Negotiate or approve contracts or agreements with suppliers, distributors, federal or state agencies, or

other organizational entities. Review reports submitted by staff members to recommend approval or to suggest changes. Appoint department heads or managers and assign or delegate responsibilities to them. Direct human resources activities, including the approval of human resource plans or activities, the

selection of directors or other high-level staff, or establishment or organization of major departments.

Customer Service Representative Duties

Confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take or enter orders, cancel accounts, or obtain details of complaints.

Keep records of customer interactions or transactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints, or comments, as well as actions taken.

Check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers' problems. Determine charges for services requested, collect deposits or payments, or arrange for billing. Refer unresolved customer grievances to designated departments for further investigation. Review insurance policy terms to determine whether a particular loss is covered by insurance. Contact customers to respond to inquiries or to notify them of claim investigation results or any

planned adjustments. Resolve customers' service or billing complaints by performing activities such as exchanging

merchandise, refunding money, or adjusting bills. Compare disputed merchandise with original requisitions and information from invoices and prepare

invoices for returned goods. Obtain and examine all relevant information to assess validity of complaints and to determine possible

causes, such as extreme weather conditions that could increase utility bills.

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Custodian/Building Maintenance Duties Monitor building security and safety by performing such tasks as locking doors after operating hours

and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created. Service, clean, or supply restrooms. Gather and empty trash. Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming. Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors

and fixtures. Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to

specifications. Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors. Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems. Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties. Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or

squeegees.

Source: O*Net Online. U.S. Department Of Labor, n.d. Web. 7 May 2012. <http://www.onetonline.org/>.

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Appendix – Press Release Sample

Press Release

Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum to Create Awareness of Their Project at Kids Fest

Wisconsin Rapids, WI (April 10, 2012)—The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum is taking part in Kids Fest at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids Saturday, April 21 from 10am-4pm. The goal of the museum’s participation is to promote awareness and support for the development of a children’s museum for the Wisconsin Rapids area.

The head of the museum project, Manda Wirth, has already established a core group of individuals to spearhead the project. The group meets approximately every two weeks to discuss the progress of the project. The next meeting is slated for the 17th of April, at the McMillan Library, in the McCourt Conference Room, at 6pm.

The Business Decision Making class from Mid-State Technical College has volunteered to support the organization by writing a business plan for this non-profit organization..

The Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum is looking for community support to get their project off the ground. If anyone wishes to contribute to the organization, inquiries can be directed to Manda Wirth at [email protected].

So, remember to stop by the Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum booth at Kids Fest from 10 to 4, on the 21st to show your support.

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Appendix – Initial Capital Listing

ASSETS Cost Detail

Building19900

0 x

Equipment 617 x$189 for vacuum, wet/dry vac $38.80, tools $129, toolset 59.99, $200 for cleaning items such as mop, bucket

Remodeling Costs18000

0 x Average from American Children’s Museum Association

Shelving & Fixtures 2000 xThere is a potential for donations with these items, Cost estimated at $1000 for large shelving unit

Cash Register 100 x Source: StaplesComputer 700 x Source: Best BuyCopy Machine/fax/printer 1000 xInventory 4000 This includes gift store inventoryOffice Supplies 70 x Includes paper, pens, staplers, calculator and 500 business cards Deposits for UtilitiesLicenses and Permits 15Operating Cash 200

Art Supplies 200 xIncludes a selection of items such as paint, glitter, markers, colored pencils

Insurance deposits

Exhibits20000

0 xSign 1500 x

Promotions 1140This includes pens and LED bracelets to give away at events with Wisconsin Rapids Children’s Museum printed on it

Staff Uniforms/Name Tags 49 x This includes two name tags and shirts with logos

Office Furniture 624 xSource: Staples - Includes chair (100). Filing cabinet (249), cabinet (180), computer cart(45), 2 visitor chairs (50 each)

TOTAL ASSETS NEEDED59121

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Appendix - Current ACM Grant Calendar Opportunities

May 2012

9 Foundation Sparkplug Foundation Grants for Start-Up Projects $10,000

21 Federal US Department of Agriculture 2012 Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants

$100,000

25 Foundation Josten's Foundation Investing in Young People Grants

31 Federal U.S. Department of State Youth Leadership Program $325,000

June 2012

1 Foundation Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

National Grants $75,000

8 Federal U.S. Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods Planning Grant $500,000

8 Federal U.S. Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods Implementation Grant

$6,000,000

15 Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services

Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums

$100,000

July 2012

1 Foundation Best Buy Foundation Community Grants Program $10,000

1 Nonprofit The Drucker Institute Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation

$100,000

15 Corporate LEGO Children’s Fund General Grants for Early Childhood Education

$5,000

August 2012

13 Foundation Home Depot Foundation Community Impact Grant Program $5,000

31 Foundation Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation

Foundation Grants $5,000

October 2012

15 Corporate LEGO Children’s Fund General Grants for Early Childhood Education

$5,000

31 Corporate CVS Caremark Community Grants Program $5,000

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Site Selection Worksheet – Rapids Children Museum

Factor

940 Huntington Avenue Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Zurfluh Realty MLS#1103281715-424-1500www.zurfluhrealty.com

3241 Plover RoadWisconsin Rapids, WI

Terry Wolfe Reality715-423-0561 ext. 13www.showcase.com

4541 State Hwy. 54 Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

Zurfluh Realty MLS# 1630869715-424-1500www.zurfluhrealty.com

Cost of location (works within capital constraints and ongoing limits of funds)

$349,900 selling offer $265,000 selling offer $124,900 $24,900 down 30 year loan @5.5% interest an. $567.33 mo. +Taxes $1,599

Possibility of donation

No Unknown Unknown

Location is safe

There is one known sex offender located at 929 Grove Street. There was also a report of theft on the 2700 block of 10th Street South.

There are two known sex offenders within the immediate area of the property. These are the only criminal issues in the immediate area.

2 registered sex offenders within area.

Accessible location ( entrance ways, no one-way streets)

This property is located on the intersection of Huntington Avenue and 10th Street South. Entrance onto both Huntington Avenue and 10th Street South.

This property is located on the intersection of Highway 54 and 32nd Street North. These are two high traffic roads in Wisconsin Rapids. Entrance onto Highway 54 and 32nd Street.

Nice access, buildings set back away from Highway, private setting.

Convenie This location is one city The location is out of town 5 minutes from south side of

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nt for parents

block off of 8th Street South. avoiding stop and go traffic.Not located near densely packed areas such as downtown.

Wisconsin Rapids.

Attractive location

The building appears to be in good shape and wouldn’t cost much to make it appear ‘kid-friendly’.

Open space away from densely packed areas.Away from busy downtown. Quiet Building appears to be in great shape. Location on main roads.

Great layout and private on big lot.

Size of location (Big enough now and allows future expansion)

Building: 19,400 square feetLand: 50,000+ square feet

8,0000 square foot main building 5,000 square foot attached garage

2100 sq. ft. 1 ½ story house 1280 sq. ft. wood frame metal building 2 stall garage. 2.4 acres land

Surroundings are appropriate for children’s museum (general area and surrounding businesses)

Surroundings consist of other businesses and some housing. Businesses within the area are appropriate.

Surrounding area is mainly residential housing. There is large business across the highway.

Business District Near Skate City, which is popular with the older children and an auto dealership.

Parking available

This building has private parking available. Parking lot is in fair condition but would need some work in the future.

Large parking lot with lighting. Parking on three sides of the building. Already blacktopped and in good condition.

Lots of parking available.

Easily located for visitors

This location is one city block off of 8th Street South/ Highway 13. Should be able to locate easily with proper directions. Location would be easier to find with a sign on the corner of 8th Street South/Highway 13 and

This location is easy to find because it is on a main highway. Coming from Highway 54 North (Plover), the location is immediately before town on the right. Coming from Highway 13 South (Rome), just take a

Visitors will be able to find easily.

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Huntington Avenue. right at the intersection of Highway 13 and Highway 54 and go north a few miles. The highway has higher travel speeds so this would reduce the time to get there.

Long-term viability

The City of Wisconsin Rapids has no future plans for this location at this time.

There is nothing the city of Wisconsin Rapids is planning to do with the area of the location at the moment.

The City of Wisconsin Rapids has no future plans for this location at this time.

Other Comments

The inside of the building seems to be open with plenty room. Appears to be in good shape. There are 2 bathrooms available.

The inside of the main building appears to have an open concept, which will help the design of the renovation if the site is chosen.

The large metal building can be utilized for a larger exhibit that needs high ceilings. The house can be used for the small exhibits with the use of individual rooms. Walls can be knocked down to increase the size of rooms as needed. I think it has potential and is in the price range if we could get a donation for the down payment.

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Site Selection Worksheet – Rapids Children Museum (kyle

Factor Site 3241 Plover Rd. Wisconsin Rapids, WI


$265,000 selling offer Terry Wolfe Reality 715-423-0561 ext. 13 http://www.showcase.com

Possibility of donation Unknown

Location is safe There are two known sex offenders within the immediate area of the property. These are the only criminal issues in the immediate area.


This property is located on the intersection of hwy 54 and 32nd St. N. These are two, high traffic roads in Wisconsin Rapids.

Entrance onto hwy 54 and 32nd St.Convenient for parents The location is out of town a mile or two, so this would avoid

stop and go traffic. Not located near densely packed areas such as downtown.

Attractive location Open space away from densely packed areas Away from busy downtown Quiet Building appears to be in great shape Location on main roads


8,0000 square foot main building 5,000 square foot attached garage


Surrounding area is mainly residential housing There is large business across the highway

Parking available Large parking lot with lighting Parking on three sides of the building Already blacktopped and in good condition

Easily located for visitors This location is easy to find because it is on a main highway.

Coming from hwy 54 N. (Plover), the location is immediately before town on the right.

Coming from hwy 13 S. (Rome), just take a right at the intersection of hwy 13 and hwy 54 and go north a few miles.

The highway has higher travel speeds so this would reduce the time to get there.

Long-term viability There is nothing the city of Wisconsin Rapids is planning to do with the area of the location at the moment.

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Other Comments The inside of the main building appears to have an open concept, which will help the design of the renovation if the site is chosen.

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Site Selection Worksheet – Rapids Children Museum (devon, Tyler, Micahel)

Factor Site #1 (Include address and location information)The old Herschlebs building, it’s a former old fashioned ice cream parlor, very visible, a lot of traffic near where it is.

Site #2195 2nd street High visibility, there is high traffic corner that is across from the courthouse, the building is a 2 story building

Site #3It’s the old Starbucks building, you can go to the Odgen and company website for call them at 1.888.771.3424 for informationThe property is owned by the bank


79,900 199,000 299,000

Possibility of donation no no no

Location is safe It doesn’t seem to be too safe because there are 2 sex offenders that are near the building and another one that is a little bit away, and there are some other ones that were a missing person and computer crime

I do not think that this place is very safe because there has been theft, sex offender, disorders, breaking and entering, there are community policing around there as well, and it doesn’t seem that it will be so safe because it is near a courthouse and a bar.

The location is kind of safe there have been some accidents and thefts, disorders and there is a sex offender that is down the road a ways from the building.


There are 3 entrances, 1 that is out front of the building and 2 that are at the sides of the building and there are no on ways, it’s easy to get in and out of the parking lot and the building. There’s an alleyway

There are a couple of entrances, one on both sides of the building, and at the front of the building and at the rear of the building, so there seems that it’s easy to get to the building.

It’s on 8th street, there are entrances on both sides of the building, the easiest entrance is the entrance that is closed to pizza hut

Convenient for parents Yes its buy a restaurant and a grocery story if you need to get groceries after you are done and if you need to

It is convenient for parents because its easily to get to the building and get out of the building and

It is convenient for parents because it’s very easy to get to and to get out of and there are restaurants and places to

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get something to eat as well, and it’s easy to see the building to get there and it’s easy to get in and out of the parking are

parking a lot and there is a good amount of parking places and its downtown and there is a bank near buy

eat that are close to it like McDonalds, and if the parents need to do some shopping or banking there is a bank and a general dollar near by

Attractive location Yes and no because it’s highly visible, and the location is where there is a lot of traffic on baker street and it’s an old fashioned building, but the building looks run down.

It’s attractive because of how big the building is it’s a 2 story building, but it’s near a bar and the building from the outside doesn’t seem that it’s in that good of shape.

It is attractive because it is pretty good size and it’s on a corner of 8th street that when you turn you can go to another road to turn into the building you don’t have to go right off 8th street, and its next to McDonalds which for kids is a very good thing, it’s about 5471 square feet which isn’t bad. And the building seems like it is in good shape.


Total square feet is 3,192 and the land square feet is 20001-50000 It may be big enough now but not for future expansion

Total square feet is 5,642 and the land square feet is 1-10,000, the down stairs is 2885 square feet and the upstairs part is 2757 square feet

The building size is 5471 it’s all available, its separated into 3 separate rentals at suites of 1803, 1720, and 1948, no basement


There is a restaurant, a gas station, a grocery store, and another food place, it’s seems appropriate for a children’s museum

Court house is just across the street, there is a bar that’s pretty close, and the USDA Service center is like right next door, and there is a bank that’s pretty close, its seems like its downtown not to appropriate for a children’s museum because of the bar

There is a McDonalds, pizza hut, and a bulls eye credit union that are nearby, and a general dollar, and staples is close, it seems appropriate for a children’s museum

Parking available The parking lot is pretty big, there is opportunities to park on the street on the sides of the building and the parking is

There is parking all around the building, you can park in another business parking which are pretty close, and you

The parking a lot is pretty big it seemed that there were about 40 parking spaces in the parking lot, and you can park in the pizza hut and

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paved can park across the street from the building

general dollar that are next door and you can park on the street that is behind the building.


It is easily located because it’s on a corner on baker street by its self and its very close to IGA

Its easily located because it’s a pretty big building, and its downtown and its next to the court house

It is very easy to locate its on 8th street, it’s a good size building and it’s next to pizza hut and pretty close to McDonalds.

Long-term viability nothing The waterfront plan nothing

Other Comments Its only for sale Being that its next to the bar, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea, there seem to be a couple bars around in this area

Its owned by the bank, and that its divided into 3 separate rental suites of 1803, 1720, 1948 which could be a problem that you have to buy all of them

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Factor Site #1540 East Grand Ave.

Site #21051 Baker Street

Site #3940 Huntington Ave.


$219,900 $189,900 $349,900

Possibility of donation No Maybe, Owner will finance

Not sure, Motivated Seller

Location is safe Yes, by WRJH and Mc Millian Library

Yes Yes


2 Entrances1 onto East Grand 1 onto 6 th Street S

2 entrances1 onto Baker1 onto 11th Street

3 Entrances

Convenient for parents Near many eateries Across from Library

Yes Yes

Attractive location Nicely landscapedRecently remodeled

Not really, across from a bait shop

It's a bit run down. Needs some attention.


Lot size .4 acres3071 sq ft

20001-50000 Land sq ftTotal sq ft 7974

Lot. 50000+Total sq ft 19400


Location in East Grand Ave. Near library, Middle school, and right downtown Wisconsin Rapids

Bait shop and a hair dresser located next door.

Located right behind the Zurfluh Business center.

Parking available Yes, small parking lot in front of building

Yes. Paved parking lot. Yes, Paved parking lot. In need of some patching


Yes Yes off a main Hwy 54 and 8th Street

Yes, right off of 8th Street

Long-term viability Yes, the building is in great shape.Includes 1 Bathroom and room for improvements.

Yes, but the building may need a bit of remodeling. Large open space.

Yes, lots of space. Room for remodeling. Large open space.

Other Comments All located on one floor, so easy access for consumers with disabilities.

All on one floor. Open concept. Not many walls to tear down. New roof in 2007.

All located on one floor. Lots of open space. Front entrance and Rear entrance.

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Factor Site #1 (Include address and location information)195 N. 2nd StreetWisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Site #2

4021 8TH STREET SOUTH Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Site #2

821 8th StreetWisconsin Rapids, WI


$199,000 $125,000 $1,000 a month rent or

$139,900 to buy

Possibility of donation This is a possibility as I think it is actually owned by the city

It might be a possibility, depends on who actually owns it.

It may be possible for donation since it has been on the market for over 180 days, however renting is a possibility.

Location is safe Area is relatively safe. There have been a couple burglaries in the area the past couple of months. There is also 1 registered sex offender, but he lives several blocks away.

8th Street has lots of traffic. It could be a little bit of a hazard. But is a distance away from the road

Area is safe since its right on 8th street and in a prime business location where officers patrol on a regular basis.


Entrance way faces the street and is easily accessible, not sure if there is a back entrance. There is normal traffic flow coming in the popular downtown area.

Entrance faces road, multiple ways to get into parking lot.

Entrances to the parking lot face 8th street with 2 driveways entering the parking lot on both sides of the building.

Convenient for parents It is convenient for parents to access this building because of the high traffic area (walking and vehicle)

I think it is convenient because everyone in town would know the location if they drive down 8th St.

Very convenient for parent since its in a high traffic location and there is plenty of parking available.

Attractive location Even though the building may not be the most attractive, it is set in an area across from the river and near where most festivals take place

It could be an attractive building, doesn’t look like it needs a lot of work from the outside.

Nice location since its located right off of 8th St and it is right across the street from family video, and burger king. The skate park is also within a short walking

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distance.Size of location (Big enough now and allows future expansion)

The building has 5, 642 square feet with 2 floors. I am not sure if this footage includes the 2nd floor or not.

This building is 6000 square feet

The building size is 2,528 square feet with a lot size of .37 acres. Unknown if there is a basement.


The downfall for this building is that it is in the downtown area where there are several bars this would not be appropriate for the children, but the attractiveness and potential traffic may outweigh this.

There are some other businesses around this building that are used quite frequently, such as a hotel.

Surrounding area is appropriate since Burger King is on the opposing corner and Family Video is right across the street, also the skate park is within walking distance along with Little Cesar's.

Parking available There is available parking, but would be limited during the day as the court house is nearby and the area gets used for overflow. It is also in a high traffic area which is a plus

Parking is available and there is quite a bit of it.

There is plenty of parking available with parking on both sides of the building and behind it.


This building should be easily located for visitors coming into the city.

Anyone who drives down 8th street can easily see this location.

Visitors would easily be able to view the business since it's a larger building and located on 8th street.

Long-term viability I don’t see this building being used for the long-term but it would be a good starter building.

This could be a good start up building, may or may not be good for long term.

This building could be used for long term due to the size for growth and its location.

Other Comments This building was once used as the Stars Daycare so some parents may already know of its location.

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