Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Volume 24 | Issue 1 | Quarter 1 | 2021
2021 ANNUAL MEETING:
Presented By:
APRIL 19 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM | VIRTUAL
We are excited to announce our virtual 2021 Annual Meeting presented by Northwestern Bank. We will go beyond simply broadcasting a program —we’ll create space for meaningful conversations and connections between members. We are excited to create an immersive experience (REMO Platform) where we will celebrate our accomplishments, support impactful collaborations, and draw us closer than ever before. With the generosity of our sponsors, we have an incredible Experience Box for each participant that will tantalize your taste buds with local eats. Space is limited, so we encourage you to purchase your tickets now. $40 Registration | Members Only
SUCCESS FOR BREAKFAST: FEBRUARY 17 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM | VIRTUAL Please join us as we discuss the City of Chippewa Falls’ new housing program aimed at increasing the quality and affordability of the Chippewa Falls housing supply. Brad Hentschel, City Planner, will share details about the five aspects of the new city program during this virtual presentation followed by a Q&A. • • • • •
Curb Appeal Grant Program Downtown Housing Conversion Revolving Loan Program Major Renovation Forgivable Loan Program First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Property Acquisition Program $10 Members | $15 Non-Members
Major Sponsors:
Experience Sponsors: Charter Bank, Xcel Energy, Prevea360 Health Plan Dessert Sponsor: CCF Bank Digital & Print Sponsors: Bohl & Proulx Plumbing, Inc, Wipfli LLP, WESTconsin Credit Union
MEET OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Stoffel is a Chippewa County native and lives in Tilden. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UW Madison (’91) and works in the municipal group at Ayres in Eau Claire as a Registered Civil Engineer. Michael is a member of the Wisconsin and National Societies of Professional Engineers, Wisconsin Rural Water Association, and American Water Works Association. In the community, Michael is active in St. Peter’s Catholic Church and School, the Chippewa Chamber as an Ambassador, as an Oktoberfest volunteer, and as a Glockenspiel performer, the “Egg Chief” of the Eau Claire Chamber Breakfast in the Valley, the Knights of Columbus, the McDonell High School Foundation, the Chippewa Partners Board, the Riverfront Park Current Campaign, Chippewa County 4-H, and MathCounts. Michael and his wife, Lisa, have two grown children, Emily and Peter. Jason Forman is the general manager for Blain’s Farm & Fleet, and a native of Cadott. After graduating from UW-Eau Claire, his career in retail management with Blain’s has spanned 27 years in several locations, until returning to the Chippewa Valley in 2014. Jason is thankful to work for a family-owned company that values local connection to the community. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, hiking, and cheering on his nieces and nephews at local sporting events.
2
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
THANK YOU O UT GO IN G B O A R D ME M B E RS
Dave Lemanski is the President and CEO of Chippewa River Industries, Inc (CRI). CRI serves over 500 individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment annually in a 6 county region and employs 75 staff members throughout La Crosse, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Rice Lake, and Chippewa Falls (headquarters). Dave graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and moved to the area in 2001. He has been involved in several board roles in the past including Rehabilitation for Wisconsin (now DSPN), ADRC of Chippewa County, Lake Hallie Lake Association, and the City of Chippewa Falls IDC. CRI and the Chamber worked closely in preparations for the 2019 Packers Tailgate Tour stop in Chippewa Falls to support CRI. Dave lives in Lake Hallie with his wife Cheryl and two daughters. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors hunting or fishing, all Wisconsin sports teams, and playing the piano.
ROD FISHER
MID-STATE TRUCK SERVICES
TOM HUBBARD
RETIRED FROM CEDAR FALLS BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC.
JUDGE BENJAMIN LANE CHIPPEWA COUNTY
MIKE OLSON
MICON CINEMAS
JOIN US IN THANKING OUR OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS FOR THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE.
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES WHERE PEOPLE MATTER
Meet Your 2021 Chamber Ambassadors Brianna Badtke
Joey Forster
Trina Banks
Chad Hable
Hampton Inn & Suites B&G Liquor Warehouse
Stacey Bunkelman CCF Bank
Amber Cernohous The Raven Team
Mike Crawford Access Security
Rolly Enderes CF Products
WEAU Wipfli
Tom Hubbard
Individual Member
Jen Moen
Northwestern Bank
Carrie Nielsen
Royal Construction
Michele Paquette B&D Metal Fab
Brooke Petska
Marawood Construction Services
Steve Pregent
Chippewa River Business Park
Jackie Sadler
Chippewa County
Tom Seaholm
WNB Financial
Tami Severson
Spectrum Business
Tyler Sperry
Mower Insurance
Michael Stoffel Ayres
Blake Sykora
Indianhead Insurance
Tiffany Thompson
Leinenkugel’s Leinie Lodge
Angela Welch
Woods and Water Realty
Excellence in Education
rent the lodge fo r yo u r n e x t p r i va t e e v e n t
Safely host your private event, party, meeting or gathering at the Leinie Lodge! Space available 9:00am - 10:00pm from Monday - Wednesday through March. Max 50 people with safety measures in place.
m o r e d e ta i l s + b o o k yo u r e v e n t n ow : t i f fa n y. t h o m p s o n @ m o l s o n c o o rs . c o m
t h i rs t y fo r m o r e ? l e i n i e . c o m leinie.com | shop.leinie.com
@LeinieLodge | #LeinieLodge
The Excellence in Education Banquet honors the top 5% of the graduating classes in Chippewa Falls and their most influential educators. Please consider being a sponsor. This banquet would not be possible without the generous funding from the community. To learn more, contact tasha@chippewachamber.org.
CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY® | ©2021 JACOB LEINENKUGEL BREWING COMPANY, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI.
2021 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORIES ARE ON THEIR WAY NEW ONLINE FORMAT | ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDED
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
3
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
COFFEE & COMMERCE
FREE | MEMBERS ONLY | VIRTUAL
JANUARY 8 | 8:00 - 9:00 AM SPONSORED BY:
STRONGBRIDGE WEALTH ADVISORS AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL
FEBRUARY 12 | 8:00 - 9:00 AM SPONSORED BY:
MARAWOOD CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
EXPERIENCE
THE BEST
OF WINTER We Have Winter Toy Loans! Low Rates Fast Approvals Local Service
MARCH 12 | 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Apply today at rcu.org/WinterToys or schedule an appointment at any office! Subject to credit approval.
SPONSORED BY:
Chippewa Falls Downtown
MCDONELL AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
215 Bay Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
800-341-9911
Chippewa Falls South 1031 Woodward Avenue Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS CHIPPEWACHAMBER.ORG/EVENTS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN A BOX
$5 PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED VIRTUAL | MEMBERS ONLY
JANUARY 25 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM SPONSORED BY:
GROUP HEALTH COOPERATIVE SANDBAR & GRILL SPRING STREET SPORTS
ANNUAL BAH PASSES ON SALE
FEBRUARY 22 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM SPONSORED BY:
AMPI CITIZENS STATE BANK ECONOMY FURNITURE
MARCH 22 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM SPONSORED BY:
HAMPTON INN & SUITES HOME OASIS POOLS & SPAS RUFF LIFE PET HOTEL 4
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
WANT TO MAKE MORE
CONNECTIONS IN 2021? $35 / Annually contact mandy@chippewachamber.org
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR REDEEMING CHAMBER BUCK$
WHEN A CUSTOMER COMES IN TO YOUR BUSINESS, REMIND YOUR EMPLOYEES TO TREAT THE GIFT CERTIFICATE AS A LEGAL CHECK GIVING CHANGE FOR ANY REMAINING BALANCE. CHAMBER BUCK$ CAN BE DEPOSITED AT YOUR BANKING INSITUTION FOR FULL FACE VALUE OF THE CERTIFICATE.
Save the ate! Date! Our Committee is hard at work to plan for a safe and fun event in 2021!
September 17-18, 2021
oktoberfestchippewafalls.com
2021 WORKFORCE CAMPAIGN:
ANSWERING THE CALL FOR MORE SKILLED WORKERS IN THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY CONTACT MICHELLE@CHIPPEWACHAMBER.ORG BY FEBRUARY 15 TO BECOME A SPONSOR
GET INVOLVED IN 2021
JOIN A COMMITTEE CONTACT THE CHAMBER TO LEARN MORE
The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber has over 6 different marketing channels that are only available to Member businesses. Let’s talk DID YOU about how we can help you reach your target audience! Learn more KNOW? at chippewachamber.org/chamber/ chamber-benefits/
AMBASSADORS | OKTOBERFEST | GOLF OUTING | FARMER APPRECIATION
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
5
MEMBER 2 MEMBER
Northwestern Bank President, Gerald Jacobson has been elected to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’ board of directors for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2021.
Royal Credit Union has announced Jodi Berg as the new Organizational Relations and Recruiting Manager and Zach Mara as the Menomonie Hub Branch Manager.
The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport has continued to make health and safety improvements to their facilities in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The latest enhancement is the installation of bipolar ionization equipment in the airline passenger terminal building air handlers.
NEWS
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley has hired Mollie Hogan as the new Chippewa Falls Center Director. She began the new position on Monday, November 30. Security Financial Services Corporation (SFSC), the parent company of Security Financial Bank (SFB), announced its acquisition of Jackson County Bank. The transaction became effective following the close of business on November 16, 2020. Wendel is pleased to announce that Robert W. Krzyzanowski has been appointed to the position of Associate Principal. This appointment recognizes professionals for their exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence. Dr. Mark Southard was recognized as HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Physician of the Year. This award is the highest honor a physician on staff at HSHS can receive. Just Jen Fitness owner Jennifer Sherbinow earned her Fitness Yoga certification with NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association). There is currently a Saturday morning class for Fit Yoga and more classes will be added.
Due to the generous support from our community members, organizations, and businesses, the Community Foundation of Chippewa County has assisted a total of 23 nonprofits by awarding $73,223 of grant funds. All of this was made possible through the Response-Recovery-Rebuild Fund. Alliance Plastics Corp. has designed a new line of custom health guards to help keep the community healthy and open. They are offering both standard and custom options. Charter Bank purchased Bank First’s branch in Chetek, Wisconsin. On Monday, December 14, 2020, the branch in Chetek opened as a Charter Bank location. After twenty-one years of service to the Chippewa Valley Technical College district, President Bruce Barker has announced his retirement. Royal Credit Union has partnered with Power of Perception (POP), a local mentorship program for 6th12th grade African American and biracial students, to provide incentivized virtual financial education sessions.
Say Hello to Our
New Members ALPINE INSULATION Justin Hinnenkamp 3110 Louis Ave Eau Claire 715-598-7288 alpineinsulation.com EDWARD JONES Kelsey Nicolai 706 N. Bridge St Chippewa Falls 715-723-8588 edwardjones.com/ kelsey-nicolai
HERE AND THERE AUTOMOTIVE, LLC Adam Hitts 809 N Broadway St Stanley 715-214-6886 hereandthereauto.com M-TIMES2 LLC (MX2) Mike Molter, Doug Riddle 925 W River St, Ste 1 Chippewa Falls 715-861-3482 Mx2.energy
ELEVATE5 JoDee Mittlestadt Rye, Colorado 715-556-0753 elevate5.com
6
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
We’re WESTconsin Credit Union, and...
We’re Community Strong! Making banking easy during difficult times. Available whenever you need us— online, over the phone, or at our offices.
We really are here for you!
(800) 924-0022 | westconsincu.org
Federally insured by NCUA
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH RETAIL STORES (CONT.) Foreign 5 Goodwill NCW Green Oasis Home Oasis Pools and Spas Interstate Batteries of Midwest Wisconsin Jacobson’s Ace Hardware Jacobson’s Ace Hardware Lake Store Korger’s Decorating Leinenkugel’s Leinie Lodge Marc-On Shooting LLC Marieke Gouda Mason Companies Inc. Outlet Store Northwoods Violin, LLC Spring Street Sports, Inc. The Chippewa Store The Hearth Shoppe/Erv Smith Services The Hive Valley Art Gallery
Volume One Magazine/ The Local Store Walgreens Walmart Supercenter Yellowstone Cheese Inc. RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES Chippewa Manor Residential Living Homestead Village Senior Apartments RETREATS Kamp Kenwood - Wisconsin Farmers Union White’s Wildwood Retreat, LLC ROOFING CONTRACTORS Denning Construction LLC ECO Group, Inc RUBBER STAMPS Star Marking Systems
BY THE NUMBERS OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2020
RV SALES & SERVICE Chilson Outdoor Adventure RV County RV LLC North Point RV SCHOOLS Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District Chippewa Valley Technical College Christ Lutheran Church & School Lakeland University McDonell Area Catholic Schools SCRAPBOOKING White’s Wildwood Retreat, LLC SECURITY EQUIPMENT & SERVICE 24-7 & West Wisconsin Telcom Access Security, Inc. Chippewa Valley Lock & Key LLC Krista Computers Inc. LVC Companies Inc. NetGuard Security Solutions Per Mar Security Services S.O.S. Security LLC
183 Visitor Packets 23,995 Tourism Website Views 11,913 Chamber Website Views
The mission of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is to improve the quality of life in our community by providing leadership to coordinate, support, and promote the business interest of our membership.
BOARD
DIRECTORS
Mark Broses Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
CCF Bank
Chair
Chair Elect
Erin Lorberter
Angela Eckman
Stacy Pickerign
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Chippewa Valley Technical College
John Lynn TTM Technologies
Jason Forman
First Vice Chair
David Goldbach
Treasurer
Jamie Leibrandt Northwestern Bank
Alliance Plastics Corp.
Cathy Leibke
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Immediate Past Chair
Amy Forcier-Pabst Royal Credit Union
CHAMBER STAFF
Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services
Michael Stoffel
Blain’s Farm & Fleet
Scott Smith Nordson EDI, LLC
Mike Jordan President Mandy Nunes First Impressions & Administrative Assistant
Courtney Berg
MEET US!
David Lemanski
Ayres
Brandon Thorsness
Marshfield Clinic Health System
Mayor Greg Hoffman Ex-Officio
Chippewa River Industries, Inc.
Michelle Farrow Workforce Development Coordinator Kathy Strecker Membership Coordinator
Jackie Boos Tourism Director
Tasha Weiss Programs Director
Cami Johnson Tourism Sales Manager
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
7
®
EdwardJones MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING
Nicholas Docksey Paul Murry Ted Oeffler Deb Waldusky Aaron Widiker Kelsey Nicolai Grady Loew
723-8588 720-8849 723-2117 726-8923 720-6105 723-8588 720-6105
Locally Connected. Personally Invested.
Timothy M. Fries, CFP®
Welcome to
Financial Advisor
Charter Bank.
Cathy A. Johnson Financial Advisor
(715) 720-9605 www.friesfinancialgroup.com
charterbank.bank PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EAU CLAIRE, WI PERMIT NO. 1557
1 N. Bridge Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
CF PRODUCTS Janitorial Products • All Purpose Cleaners Floor Cleaners • Toilet Bowl Cleaners Hand Sanitizer • And More...
www.cf-prods.com 715-726-2300
715-839-7653|edinarealty.com
SOLVING YOUR MOST COMPLEX CHALLENGES.
xcelenergy.com/Community Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists 800.472.5881 | sehinc.com/subscribe
© 2020 Xcel Energy Inc.
1.9x1.63_WI-ChippewaFallsChmbrCmmrc_P03.indd 3/19/20 1 10:17 AM