Chamber Connection Newsletter: October 2022

Our Workforce in a Time of Change

Workforce issues are complex. With so many stakeholders, inputs, and external implications, it can be difficult to figure out where to engage. The Chamber, with your support, continues our work to cultivate solutions that fit the needs of Chippewa Falls. Here is a snapshot of current Chamber projects.

1. TALENT ATTRACTION

Talent attraction is a key element of Chippewa Falls’ economic strategic plan along with growing our own local talent to fill jobs in our community. The Chamber’s digital workforce attraction campaign for 2022 (February - August) targeted the Twin Cities and Chicago areas. We featured our quality of life, housing, and jobs. During the campaign, nearly 1.1 million people were exposed to the messaging and over 44,000 visited our website (chippewachamber.org).

2. CHILD CARE

In August, a group of local businesses and child-care providers met with local legislators to learn more about how our economy is influenced by child-care challenges. Parents and caregivers of young children are only able to be productive, reliable employees if they have access to affordable, high-quality child care while they work. Employers across the Chippewa Valley continue to recognize the impact child care has on their employees and will lead the way towards change, using the strength of their voice and impact in the community to partner with advocates on shared solutions.

3. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

A good education system is critical to a world-class workforce. We continue to work with our schools to invite students, parents, and educators to explore and understand careers in Chippewa Falls through our School2Skills tour program. We also continue to support the Youth Apprenticeship program at our local high schools.

Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire Chambers teamed up with the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA), United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley and Child Care Partnership, a program of Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, to host a Childcare and Workforce Business Forum.

Membership

New Members

Our membership is over 700 members strong, and we are so excited to continue welcoming new businesses to the Chamber. In the last quarter, we added 16 more businesses to our membership base. From local businesses to leadership changes, it is always amazing to continue to diversify the industries we serve. At the next Chamber event you attend, be sure to say hello to these new members:

CHERRY PICKERS

Madison Boos

315 E Prairie View Rd

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

715-861-5665

EEVY-IVY-OVER FLOWERS, FRAMING & GIFTS

Becky Gudis

314 N Bridge St

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-723-7576

UPPER LAKES FOODS

Scott Mullen

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 800-879-1265

COMPUTER RECOVERY ASSOCIATES

Craig Webb

2214 Heimstead Rd

Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-944-9485

FORWARD SERVICE CORPORATION

Grace Glor

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-723-5542

WOMEN WITH PURPOSE INC.

Connie Szak

PO Box 3

Thorp, WI 54771 715-306-0406

BEAUTIFUL HORIZONS CHILD CARE CENTER

Kayla Steinmetz

547 Lavorata Rd

Cadott, WI 54727 715-978-0086

GOLDEN INVESTIGATIONS, LLC

Tim Golden

Chippewa Falls, WI 715-702-2350

EC’S YUMMMYDELISH LLC

Elice Seebandt

Chippewa Falls Area, WI 715-461-0086

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY DIVERSIFIED

Katherine Rapacz 4330 Golf Terrace, Ste 103 Eau Claire, WI 54701 715-514-4265

MILESTONES EARLY EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY

Arnie Swoboda

1300 Lowater Rd Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-723-7444

D & D HYDROSEEDING Derek Lindenberg 527 W Spruce St Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-271-3812

Connection Made By: Ambassador, Stacey Bunkelman SOKUP’S MARKET Jason Jacobson

624 N Bridge St Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-723-4953

Connection Made By: Ambassador, Michael Stoffel OPE! IT’S SOAP Anthony Liedl 24 W Spring St Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-514-9820

Connection Made By: Ambassador, Blake Sykora

MAD SHANNON’S PHIT SHED Shannon Seyforth 22105 Cty Hwy X Cadott, WI 54727 715-894-0222

KELM LAW FIRM LLC Kerry Kelm 411 N Bridge St, Ste 203 Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-495-5015

Connection Made By: Ambassador, Michele Paquette

Ribbon Cuts & Ground Breaks

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.

APEX Engineering congratulates Rick Anderson for a well-deserved retirement. Rick co-founded APEX Engineering with Dan Peterson in 1993. The firm now employs thirteen people and provides services for more than 130 Wisconsin projects annually.

Aveanna Healthcare Recover Health, which has been providing home healthcare services in the Chippewa Valley area for the past 7 years, announced their name change to Aveanna Home Health. Recover Health has been a part of Aveanna Healthcare, a leader in pediatric and adult home healthcare since December 2020.

ChemCeed is excited to welcome a new member of their sales team - Shannon Beranek as a National Sales Representative. They also announced two promotions: Alyssa Michaels has been promoted to the role of Operations & Compliance Manager. Tom Allred has been promoted to National Sales Manger.

Chippewa Falls YMCA The Eau Claire YMCA and Chippewa Falls YMCA offer small LIVESTRONG group sessions to connect participants to other cancer survivors looking to reclaim their lives.

JC Norby & Associates has moved! Their new physical address is 1107 Regis Court, Suite 200, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

McDonell Area Catholic Schools is pleased to announce two internal hires for the principal positions at its PreK - Grade 12 schools. MACS’ most recent Elementary Principal, Eric Wedemeyer is now the Principal at Notre Dame Middle School and McDonell Central Catholic High School. Additionally, MACS’ most recent Elementary Vice Principal, Jerry Smith, is now the Principal at St. Charles Borromeo Early Childhood Center and Primary School and Holy Ghost Elementary School.

Miron Construction Co., Inc. recently promoted an executive at its Eau Claire office. Andrew Daniels has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Eau Claire operations.

Prevail Bank is pleased to welcome Scott Rannila and Brenda Trump to their Eau Claire team. Trump joined as Branch Manager, and Rannila joined as a Vice President & Commercial Banking Officer.

Royal Credit Union announces the promotion of Taylor Tarras to Fraud Manager. In this position, Tarras is responsible for leading the Fraud Analyst team in preventing fraud, analyzing and resolving fraud situations, and delivering superior service to Members.

Member Snapshot

Each quarter, we highlight a few industries our Chamber represents. Here is Quarter 4’s member snapshot:

Automobile Body Repair & Painting

Chippewa Auto Body & Service Collision Center, Inc. Wissota Collision & Customs Automobile Dealers

Chilson Auto Outlet

Chilson Chrysler Dodge Jeep LLC

Chippewa Valley Mazda

Courtesy Auto and Truck

Eau Claire Ford Lincoln & Quicklane Markquart Motors

Markquart Toyota

Paulson Auto Sales and Custom Golf Carts

Toycen Ford

Automobile Parts & Supplies

CURT by Lippert Automotive

Interstate Batteries of Midwest Wisconsin

ITW Deltar Fasteners

John’s Auto Parts

Get Involved

The Chippewa Falls Area prides itself on being community-oriented, and lending a helping hand to one another. Here are a few ways to get involved with the community in upcoming months:

JOIN

Oktoberfest

Be a part of the Oktoberfest fun by helping plan Oktoberfest 2023! There are a variety of Oktoberfest Committees to participate in. Contact tasha@chippewachamber.org to learn more.

SPIRIT OF Christmas

Each year, the Chamber places out a Christmas Tree with gift tags as ornaments. You can stop by or call the Chippewa Falls Chamber to select one of these tags to support a community member in need this holiday season. Interested in learning more? Contact the Chamber 715-723-0331.

$hop Local this Holiday $eason with Chamber Buck$

Chamber Buck$ are the perfect gift for even the pickiest of gift-getters because you can spend them at any of our participating members (250+ local businesses!) Offered in $5, $10, $20 and $25 denominations, purchase your Chamber Buck$ for an easy gift to give to teachers, family, friends, or staff this holiday season.

Contact mandy@chippewachamber.org to purchase your Buck$ today!

The Chamber Golf Outing is one of our largest events of the year, and you could help plan it! Tasks include planning meetings before the event, and support on the Golf Outing day. Contact tasha@chippewachamber.org to learn more.

Golf Outing Farmer Appreciation

The Farmer Appreciation Dinner is an annual dinner for our local farmers to thank them for their hard work year-round. Support this event by being on the planning committee! Contact michelle@chippewachamber.org to learn more.

Educational Opportunities

With the constant evolving trends of our business community, there is always something new to learn. The Chamber works closely with the business membership to offer educational opportunities that keep businesses informed about these trends. Check out the opportunities happening this quarter:

Nonprofit Round Table Discussion | 8:30 - 10:30 AM

The Nonprofit Round Table Discussion is an opportunity for local nonprofits to come together to connect and learn from each other. Ann Kaiser, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Chippewa Valley will share her insight on what board development means, and how to build the best board you can. She will be joined by a panel including: Rolly Enderes - Chemceed LLC, Tracey SmiskeyNorthwestern Bank, Chuck Frenette - Retired. This is a free event, and registration is required.

OCTOBER 27

HOSTED AT: HEYDE CENTER FOR THE ARTS 3 S HIGH ST, CHIPPEWA FALLS

Chamber 101 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM

Find out all the ways you can maximize your Chamber membership at Chamber 101. Whether you are a new or seasoned member, this is a great chance to learn everything your Chamber membership includes. Registration is required. This event is free for members to attend.

OCTOBER 12 HOSTED VIRTUALLY

DECEMBER 14

HOSTED VIRTUALLY

Success for Breakfast | 9:00 - 10:30 AM

People with disabilities bring unique characteristics and talents to the workplace that benefit employers and organizations. If we find the right jobs for the right people, it can and will increase the bottom line of companies. Join us on November 16 to meet Joalyn Torgerson and learn how Kwik Trip coordinates with different programs to ensure the success of their employees. Tara Burns from Workforce Development and Amanda Turner with the Chippewa Falls Senior High School will also be available to explain the nuts and bolts of the resources that are offered in the Chippewa Falls area.

NOVEMBER 16

HOSTED AT: CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA CHAMBER 1 N BRIDGE ST, CHIPPEWA FALLS * Virtual option available

Ashley Adams -

Karen Behling -

Richard Coates -

Alyssa Cooley

Nicole Frederick

Vickie Gaerlan -

Brendan Haney

Amanda Hill-Hable

Jenna Jandrt-Hoff

Marty

McKenzie

Energy

Kristin

Networking Opportunities

Your Chamber membership offers a variety of networking opportunities to connect you with other local business members, and help grow your business. Mark your calendar for these upcoming networking events:

Business After Hours | 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Business After Hours happens monthly at different member locations. This is a great event to enjoy a cocktail, visit with other members, and learn more about the local business community. These are member-only events that cost $5 at the door, or $35 annually. No registration is required.

OCTOBER 24

HOSTED AT: LEINENKUGEL’S LEINIE LODGE 124 ELM ST, CHIPPEWA FALLS

SPONSORED BY: +

NOVEMBER 28

HOSTED AT: THE WILLOW EVENTS & CATERING 501 N HIGH ST, CHIPPEWA FALLS

SPONSORED BY: +

Coffee & Commerce | 8:00 - 9:00 AM

DECEMBER 19

HOSTED AT: WISSOTA GOLF & EVENTS 16108 97TH AVE, CHIPPEWA FALLS

SPONSORED BY:

Coffee & Commerce events are held throughout the year as morning networking opportunities with other business professionals. This event is free for members to attend. No registration is required.

OCTOBER 14

HOSTED AT: WHIRLYBIRD COFFEE CO. 2829 CTY HWY I, CHIPPEWA FALLS

SPONSORED BY:

NOVEMBER 11

HOSTED AT: LUCY’S EATERY 117 N BRIDGE ST, CHIPPEWA FALLS SPONSORED BY:

Networking @ Noon | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

DECEMBER 9

HOSTED AT: COBBLESTONE HOTEL & SUITES 100 N BRIDGE ST, CHIPPEWA FALLS

Networking @ Noon is a virtual event held throughout the year to bring members together for a great networking experience. This is a member-only event, and is free to attend. Members are welcome to enjoy their lunch during the session. Registration is required.

OCTOBER 21

HOSTED VIRTUALLY SPONSORED BY:

CHAMBER EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

are looking

SAVE THE DATE

SPONSORED BY: 2023 CHIPPEWA FALLS CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING Monday, January 23, 2023 4:30 - 6:30 PM

Heyde Center for the Arts

World’s

THANK YOU AMBASSADORS!

The Chippewa Ambassadors represent many sectors of our business community, and support the Chamber’s efforts of connecting business to business by volunteering their time to attend a variety of events! They are truly our boots on the ground.

Marketing Opportunities

Membership Direc tory

The Chamber’s Membership Directory is available in print and digital form. The directory is distributed to every Chamber member, given to guests, and is a great resource in our relocation packets. Advertising in the directory is a great way to reach a broad audience!

$600 - Inside Front Cover Ad (Limit 1)

$600 - Inside Back Cover Ad (Limit 1)

$600 - Outside Back Cover Ad (Limit 1)

$450 - Full Page Ad

$300 - Half Horizontal

$200 - Quarter Horizontal

$200 - Enhanced listing (includes logo, name, address, phone number, and website)

Member Memo

The Member Memo is a bi-weekly e-news publication that is sent to over 1,500 members.

$120 - Large Ad, 620 x 820px (Limit 2 per email)

$90 - Medium Ad, 620 x 600px (Limit 4 per email)

$60 - Small Ad, 620 x 300px

Website Feature

The newly designed Chamber website offers new opportunities to market your business. With views from relocation prospects, local businesses, community members, and visitors, you can reach a broad audience with website advertisements.

$2,000 - Digital Communication Sponsor (Annual) - Logo on footer of website (Limit 6)

$150/month - Featured Event Listing

$150/month - Horizontal Banner Ad

Chamber Buck$ Chamber Newsletter

Buck$ are a popular gift in the community, that keeps local dollars in the community. Feature your logo on the Chamber Buck$ check to gain awareness for your business.

$500 - Logo Sponsorship and linked URL on website (Limit 6)

The Chamber Connection Newsletter is printed quarterly to highlight member information and Chamber news. The newsletter is shared in digital and print versions. Sent to over 1,000 people, and shared on our website your ad will reach a broad audience.

$350 - Annual Exclusive Back Page Ad

$150 - Full Page (1,100 inserts provided by member) *optional $50 add-on for digital insert*

$75 - Quarter Vertical, 3.75” x 4.5”

$75 - Quarter Horizontal, 7.5” x 1.75”

UPDATE YOUR BUSINESS INFORMATION

The 2022 Membership Directory will be in your hands SOON! This means we need your updated business information. If you have not completed necessary updates to your profile, please email mandy@chippewachamber.org by October 21!