Allyson Wisniewski started her role as the President and CEO of the Chippewa Falls Chamber in November 2022. Allyson is looking forward to getting to know the Chippewa Falls business community and our membership base, so if you see her at Chamber events be sure to say hi!
To get to know Allyson, we asked her a few questions:
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Minnesota, but don’t worry, I’m not a Vikings fan.
I graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a degree in marketing and live in Lake Hallie with my husband Michael. We enjoy boating, gardening, canning, and traveling.
How do you pronounce your last name?
Whiz-NEH-ski
What is your favorite part about the Chippewa Falls area?
The people. It’s fun to see people when I’m out for dinner, at a movie, or even in a baseball hat on a Saturday morning at the grocery store. I’m proud to be part of a community that works and stands together, especially when faced with challenges.
What are you most looking forward to in your role as President? I am already energized by the strength of our community, the opportunity for growth, the commitment of the leadership and the Chamber team and the firm foundation that has already been established. I look forward to building on this foundation and mapping out a strong future.
Do you prefer Wisconsin in the Winter or Summer?
Summer. I can be cold when its 90 degrees out, so winter is less enjoyable, but I try to find joy in snow related activities that can get me out into the sunshine (even if it’s 20 vs 90 degrees).
Chocolate or vanilla ice cream?
Vanilla with chocolate sauce and chocolate chips, it’s the best of both worlds!
Meet Allyson, Our New Chamber President CHAMBER CONNECTION VOLUME 26 | ISSUE 1 | QUARTER 1 | JANUARY 2023 IN THIS ISSUE: On The Cover Meet Allyson, our new Chamber President Ribbon Cuttings See our area’s business growth | Page 4 Membership Meet the newest Chamber members | Page 2-3 News Stay up to date! | Page 6-7 Meet Us! Get to know the Chamber | Page 9 Upcoming Events Networking & Educational Opportunities | Page 5
PURCHASE YOUR ANNUAL MEETING TICKETS TODAY! PRESENTED BY: TDS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING 2023 Networking | Hors d’oeuvres | Beverages | Entertainment
Allyson Wisniewski began her role as the Chamber President in November 2022.
Membership
New Members
Our membership is over 718 members strong, and we are so excited to continue welcoming new businesses to the Chamber. In the last quarter, we added 28 more businesses and one individual to our membership base. At the next Chamber event you attend, be sure to say hello to these new members:
ADLER CPAS & ADVISORS
Dave Adler
1706 York St, Ste 8 Bloomer, WI 54724 715-568-5189
ALL PAWS PET WASH Brelee Nelson 2110 Cameron St Eau Claire, WI 54703 877-880-6056
Connection Made By: Ambassador Michael Stoffel
AMERICAN RED CROSS - NORTHWEST WISCONSIN CHAPTER
Mary Jane Thomsen 3728 Spooner Ave Altoona, WI 54720 877-618-6628
AMR ELECTRIC LLC Ross Hanson 343 Cashman Dr Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-861-3948
Connection Made By: Ambassador Mike Crawford BABY ECHOES 3D/4D ULTRASOUND STUDIO, LLC Dawn Gosse 16960 54th Ave Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-864-4745
CAPTAIN COOP’S BEARD & BODY CO. Cooper & Nicole Chippewa Falls, WI54729 715-563-6988
CARIBOU COFFEE
Jason Nilssen 2868 Cty Hwy I Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Connection Made By: Ambassador Michael Stoffel
CHIPPEWA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
Jennifer Lindstrom PO Box 131 839 1st Avenue Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-723-1612
AREA CHAMBER OF
CONNELL’S 12 Randi Ann McVinnie E11295 US Hwy 12 Fall Creek, WI 54742 715-877-2140
COOK-RUTLEDGE MANSION Will Skora 505 W Grand Ave Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-723-7181
DES SIKOWSKI-NELSON Individual Member 715-828-3869
EAU CLAIRE ACUPUNCTURE & FERTILITY Jamie Wilcox 323 E Madison St Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-575-1220
Connection Made By: Ambassador Blake Sykora ELITE CUTS Melissa Litke 120 E Park Ave Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-861-7977
Connection Made By: Ambassador Blake Sykora HAY CREEK PALLET COMPANIES Mandy Hrdlicka 925 W River St, Ste 11 Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-720-5922
Connection Made By: Ambassador Michael Stoffel HB APARTMENT Marnie Keilholz Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-505-3035
LUX YOGA STUDIO
Tiffany Berg 33 E Columbia St Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-861-3056
MAG STAINLESS Matthew Gwiazda PO Box 112 Cadott, WI 54727 715-313-3367
2 CHIPPEWA FALLS
COMMERCE
New Members Cont. Membership
MCLAREN HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST LLC
Kris Custer
522 Superior St Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-720-0878
MIKE HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY
Mike Howard Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
PLAY SPACE-CHIPPEWA FALLS
Mandy Runge 521 N Bridge St Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-861-3951
RADON SOLUTIONS LLC
Chandler Bernklau
33478 Cty Hwy X Stanley, WI 54768 715-644-8352
Connection Made By: Ambassador Tony Willkom
RHOM CONSTRUCTION LLC
Josh Gardow 2105 N Clairemont Ave Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-514-4172
SCHUETZY’S TAVERN
Lisa Schuetz 18985 Cty Hwy J Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-720-7008
SHELTER ARCHITECTURE
Kurt Gough 131 S Barstow St, Ste 202 Eau Claire, WI 54701 715-495-0623
STATE FARM - MICHELLE MOUA INSURANCE AGENCY INC
Michelle Moua 4905 W Park Ave Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-726-1919
THE HAIR REFINERY
Shelby Dallman 34 W Spring St Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-514-8379
THE YOGA PLANT Kelli Cook 501 N High St Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 608-387-5771
WEST WISCONSIN APPRAISALS
Sara Johnson
1795 White Pine Dr Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-456-2414
Connection Made By: Ambassador Michael Stoffel 1881 NUTRITION Ashley Kittelson 222 N Broadway St Stanley, WI 54768 715-309-3030
CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER 3
The Chippewa Falls Area is consistently growing with new businesses. Here at the Chippewa Falls Chamber, we are excited to be a part of the celebration for new business members. We celebrate new ownership and grand openings with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This is a unique way for new businesses to get their name out into the community.
Whether a business operates completely online, or has a brick-and-mortar location, we are happy to celebrate all business members new to the area. This quarter, we celebrated 10 ribbon cutting ceremonies throughout the Chippewa Falls Area. Congratulations to all!
4 CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Ribbon Cuttings
Distillery
Supper Club Sun Country Airlines HB Apartment
Shannon’s Phit Shed Leinenkugel’s Disc Golf Course L.E. Phillips Career Development Center Outreach Office Milestones Early Educational Community Ope! It’s Soap Captain Coop’s Beard & Body Co. Chippewa Falls Chippewa Falls Eau Claire Chippewa Falls Cadott Chippewa Falls Chippewa Falls Chippewa Falls Chippewa Falls Chippewa Falls Ribbon Cuttings 800-341-9911 Insured by NCUA Open a checking account and help us give back at rcu.org/DoingGoodTogether Our Members are helping Royal do good right here in the Chippewa Valley! YOU CAN HELP ROYAL CREDIT UNION MAKE A DIFFERENCE
River Bend Winery &
Connell’s
Mad
Scan to View Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
Upcoming Events Networking & Education
Throughout the year, the Chamber hosts a variety of networking and educational events. Our members are strongly encouraged to attend these events to maximize your Chamber membership. From building community relationships to learning more about workforce issues, there is something for every member!
JANUARY
13 |Coffee & Commerce
event sponsor: mcdonell area catholic schools
From 8:00 - 9:00 AM, enjoy a morning of coffee, chit chat, and door prizes at Goldsmith Cafe and Coffee Bar.
23 |Annual Meeting
presenting sponsor: tds telecommunications Celebrate the accomplishments of 2022 and the exciting beginning of 2023 at the Annual Meeting happening from 4:30 - 6:00 PM at Heyde Center for the Arts. Registration is required.
FEBRUARY
10 |Coffee & Commerce
event sponsor: edward jones - kelsey nicolai Hosted at HB Apartment Airbnb, sip a coffee and enjoy a morning of networking from 8:00 - 9:00 AM.
22 |Chippewa Valley Rally
Join the Chippewa, Eau Claire, and Menomonie Chambers as we head to Madison to speak with legislators about issues in the Chippewa Valley, such as broadband and childcare.
27 |Business After Hours
co-sponsors: ccfbank, chippewa falls harleydavidson & chippewa steel hockey Spend the evening, 4:30 - 6:00 PM, networking at Chippewa Falls Harley-Davidson with beverages and appetizers provided.
MARCH
8 |Chamber 101
Calling all members to join Zoom from 9:00 - 10:00 AM to learn all the ways to maximize your Chamber membership. Registration is required.
10 |Coffee & Commerce
event sponsor: healthcare workforce training institute
Join us at Whirlybird Coffee Co. from 8:00 - 9:00 AM for a morning of networking and delicious coffee.
16 |Women to Women Luncheon
sponsors: royal credit union, dove healthcare-regional vent center, hshs st. joseph’s hospital, westconsin credit union, marawood construction services, inc. From 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, join us for networking, lunch, and a wonderful panel of local women.
17
|Networking@Noon
sponsor: prevail bank
From 12:00 - 1:00 PM, be a part of interesting conversations via Zoom with your fellow Chamber members. Registration is required.
27
|Business After Hours
event sponsor: play space - chippewa falls Enjoy an evening of networking, beverages, and appetizers at Play Space-Chippewa Falls, happening from 4:30 - 6:00 PM. Be sure to check back for more details!
CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER 5
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2023 *All dates are subject to change JANUARY 13 - Coffee & Commerce 23 - Annual Meeting FEBRUARY 10 - Coffee & Commerce 22 - Chippewa Valley Rally 27 - Business After Hours MARCH 8 - Chamber 101 10 - Coffee & Commerce 16 - Women to Women Luncheon 17 - Networking@Noon 27 - Business After Hours APRIL 14 - Coffee & Commerce 24 - Business After Hours 26 - Success for Breakfast MAY 3 - Excellence in Education 12 - Coffee & Commerce 22 - Business After Hours JUNE 13 - Annual Golf Outing 16 - Coffee & Commerce 21 - Farmer Appreciation Dinner 26 - Business After Hours JULY 12- Chamber 101 AUGUST 18 - Networking@Noon SEPTEMBER 8 - Coffee & Commerce 15-16 - Oktoberfest 25 - Business After Hours OCTOBER 11 - Chamber 101 13 - Coffee & Commerce 20 - Networking@Noon 23 - Business After Hours 25 - Success for Breakfast 26 - Nonprofit Round Table NOVEMBER 10 - Coffee & Commerce 27 - Business After Hours DECEMBER 8 - Coffee & Commerce 13 - Chamber 101 18 - Business After Hours 20 - Success for Breakfast learn more & register for upcoming chamber events by visiting chippewachamber.org/events or scan the qr code
Member News
Member to Member News
Our members stay very busy, and often have exciting news to share! Here are a few pieces of member news from the past few months highlighting local business growth and accomplishments. If your business has something to share, send your press release to erin@chippewachamber.org to be placed in next quarter’s newsletter: Citizens State Bank promoted Morgan Zerbian to the role of Consumer Lender at the Chippewa Branch.
Dove Healthcare - Regional Vent Center has been designated as placing among the elite 16% that earned “High-Performing” status by U.S. News & World Report. This designation awards the care center with a U.S. News Best Nursing Home badge for 2022-2023.
Fries Financial is pleased to announce that Tim Fries earned a place on the Raymond James Chairman Council for 2022. The Chairman’s Council includes the top 100 financial advisors based on personal production during fiscal year 2022.
Marshfield Clinic Health System announced that Susan Turney, MD, MS, FACP, FACMPE, is stepping down as CEO in September 2023.
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Northwest Wisconsin is pleased to announce new board member Lisa Yohnk from WIN Technology, LLC.
Lake Wissota Golf & Events announces new General Manager, Lindsay Teason.
Royal Credit Union announces Shane Dutton and Linda Kampa as Royal’s 2022 Positive Impact Award winners.
Prevail Bank is happy to announce that through Prevail Bank’s Charitable Contribution program, $10,000 was pledged to The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire to support its construction project. They are also excited to share that $17,250 was donated and split between nine local nonprofits this holiday season as a result of their bank-wide Holiday Matching campaign.
Country/Rock Fest was announced as the location for the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2024 event by the planning committee. Close Farms will be the host farm for the event.
WNB Financial is pleased to announce that Katie Behrendt has joined the Bank as a Mortgage Loan Officer in Altoona, WI.
Member Snapshot
Each quarter, we highlight a few industries our Chamber represents. Here is Quarter 4’s member snapshot:
Bakery
Bohemian
6 CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ovens Bakery & Restaurant Bridge Street Brew Dessert First Josef’s Cheesecake Cupcakes Banquet Facilities Dixon’s Apple Orchard and Wedding Venue Fest Valley Events
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westconsincu.org APPLY TODAY
924-0022
Chamber News
We are excited to welcome two new board members to the Chippewa Falls Chamber Board. Plus, the Chippewa Rally Valley is back for the 29th year and other Chamber information:
Karin Schuler is the Human Resources Manager for Premium Waters in Chippewa Falls, where she has worked for over 23 years. Karin holds her PHR and SHRM-CP certifications, and is currently enrolled in the Human Resources program at CVTC. She has an Advanced Safety Certificate from the National Safety Council, and is also an IBWA (bottled water)
Certified Plant Operator. Karin planned the Pure Water Days Parade between 2002 and 2012, and was the recipient of the 2012 United Way Keystone Award. She currently volunteers with the Chippewa Falls Optimist Club and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Karin enjoys spending her free time with her husband Bill and daughter Holly, especially cheering for Holly at her sporting events. She also likes vegetable gardening, canning, wine-making, and crocheting gifts for family and friends.
John Monarski was born and raised in Chippewa Falls. He retired in 2013 after over 35 years in sales management, marketing, and sales with Your Family Shopper, Sentry Broadcasting (Z-100 Radio), The Chippewa Herald Telegram, and The Eau Claire Press Company (The Leader Telegram). John earned an Associate Degree in Marketing from CVTC in 1973. For the last six years, he has served as City of Chippewa Falls Common Council Alder-person for the First District and serves on several committees with this role. John is also a parttime courier for L&M Mail Couriers. John and his wife Judie have been married for the past 50 years, and have three grown children and four grandchildren. He is looking forward to participating on the Chamber Board this year!
As their terms come to an end, we would like to say, “Thank you!” to the outgoing board members, Kirk Boettcher, Mark Broses, and Mayor Greg Hoffman for their dedicated service on the Chamber Board.
The Chippewa Valley Rally is an opportunity to bring the collective voice of the Chippewa Valley Business community to Madison at one time. Join fellow community members to address local issues. Learn more and register at eauclairechamber.org.
Redeeming Chamber Buck$
BUILDING
WHERE PEOPLE MATTER
Use your Buck$ at the business of your choice!
Enjoy your new purchase!
If you gifted or received Chamber Buck$ this holiday season, you may be wondering how to redeem them. We are here to share that it is easy to redeem your Buck$: Check out our website to find where you can spend your Buck$.
CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER 7 Chamber News
STRONGER COMMUNITIES
TO WOMEN
LUNCHEON
Meet the Panel:
Staying Positive and Navigating the New Normal
Thursday, March 16 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
The View on Lake Wissota
Charity Zich, C.M. graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Airport Management. Charity began her current position as the Airport Director of the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in July 2006. Charity carries out the policies and procedures of the Airport Commission and oversees the airport to ensure a safe and efficient environment for commercial, business/corporate, and general aviation aircraft operators. Prior to moving to Eau Claire, Charity worked as the Airport Manager in Dickinson, ND and at the TweedNew Haven Regional Airport in New Haven, CT in the Operations Department. She is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives, serves on the Board and is Past President of the Wisconsin Airport Management Association, sits on the Visit Eau Claire Board of Directors, and acts as campaign coordinator for the Eau Claire County Employee United Way Campaign.
Sheena Harings is the owner/operator of Aggie’s Country Living, an assisted living facility just north of Chippewa Falls. With a Bachelors degree in Health Care Administration and after twelve years working in healthcare, she started her own business that not only allowed her to follow her passion but also allowed her to care for her grandmother who was suffering with dementia. The business began in 2015 and was named after Aggie, Sheena’s grandmother, who passed away in 2016. Sheena is also an active volunteer. She organizes a fundraiser each year for the Alzheimer’s Association that has raised more than $60,000 in the last 6 years. Sheena is a lifelong resident of Chippewa Falls. She is married and has 4 step-children and new baby girl, Maggie. Her and her family love boating on Lake Wissota and traveling to see new and exciting places.
Sunem Beaton-Garcia has more than 25 years of instructional experience in education, 12 of those in higher education. Her career includes notable accomplishments for a culture of collaboration and teaching excellence, transformational academic programs and innovation in student support, community engagement, and resource generation and stewardship. She previously served as the North Campus President, and Vice-Provost for Academic Services at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and served as the Interim Campus President for the Central and South Campuses with responsibility for Teaching Excellence and Learning Academic Resources. Dr. Beaton-Garcia is a passionate advocate for the community and the College, exemplified through her service on various local, state, and national boards. Under her leadership, CVTC has been recognized as a military-friendly college and one of the top 150 2-Year Colleges in the nation by the prestigious Aspen Institute.
Networking & Education
WOMEN
Sponsored By:
Register Today at chippewachamber.org/events, call 715-723-0331, or scan the QR Code $25 Member and $35 for Non-Member
Tourism in our backyard is thriving. With winter upon us, our outdoor recreation is the focus of our messaging within Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and other Wisconsin cities. We will see an estimated 3.7 million impressions from our campaign in the first quarter of 2023 alone. Get out and enjoy our beautiful county!
gochippewacounty.com to find
When it comes to your to-do list, put your future first.
To find out how to get your financial goal on track, contact us for a complimentary review.
WINTER CHALLENGE
winter fun. Go Chippewa County has partnered with the Chippewa Health Improvement Partners (CHIP) for an exciting winter challenge called “On the Go in the Snow: Chippewa Winter Challenge.”
Visit gochippewacounty.com to find how you can get active this winter & win prizes!
Nicholas A Docksey, AAMS® 706 North Bridge Street 715-723-8588
Paul A Murry 16949 County Highway X 715-720-8849
Kelsey R Nicolai 224 N Bridge Street 715-861-1036
edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Ted Oeffler, AAMS® 2751 Commercial Blvd Ste 2 715-723-2117
Debi Waldusky, AAMS®, CRPC® 345 Frenette Dr Suite 5 715-726-8923
Aaron L Widiker, AAMS® 2029 County Hwy I 715-720-6105
CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER 9 Meet Us Meet Us! The
the
Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is to improve the quality of life
our community by providing leadership to coordinate, support, and promote the business
our membership. Executive Committee Board of Directors Sta Michael Sto el Ayres Angela Eckman Chippewa Valley Technical College Greg Field W.S. Darley & Co. Jason Forman Blain’s Farm & Fleet David Goldbach Alliance Plastics Corp. Dave Johnson EO Johnson Business Technologies Allyson Wisniewski President Tasha Weiss Programs Director Kathy Strecker Membership Coordinator Erin Smith Communication & Marketing Manager Jackie Boos Tourism Director Michelle Farrow Workforce Development Coordinator Mandy Nunes First Impressions & Administrative Assistant Cathy Leibke Holiday Inn Express & Suites Riley Wogernese Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Karin Schuler Premium Waters, Inc. John Monarski Ex-O icio - City of Chippewa Falls Scott Smith Nordson Extrusion Dies Industries, LLC Chair Courtney Berg CCFBank Chair-Elect Dave Lemanski Chippewa River Industries, Inc. First Vice Chair Jamie Leibrandt Northwestern Bank Treasurer Amy Forcier-Pabst Royal Credit Union Immediate Past Chair Stay Connected BY THE NUMBERS | SEPT, OCT, NOV VISITOR PACKETS TOURISM WEBSITE VIEWS CHAMBER WEBSITE VIEWS 233,830 347 10,285 gochippewacounty.com chippewachamber.org
mission of
Chippewa
in
interests of
TOURISM UPDATE
Visit
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THANKS FOR READING! LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHAMBER AT: CHIPPEWACHAMBER.ORG Locally owned - Serving Chippewa Valley for over 35 years - Call us today for all your Real Estate needs! woodsandwater.com (715) 833.1900 Eau Claire • (715) 723.4663 and (715) 723.7828 Chippewa Falls • (715) 967.2332 New Auburn • (844) 400-0144 (toll-free) Woods and Water Realty Inc. Email us at: info@woodsandwater.com ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS Here Contact 715-723-0331 if interested in an ad space! www.sfbank.com 888.254.0615 Bankers Who Believe in You csbankcadott.com
