Chamber Connection
Volume 25 | Issue 1 | Quarter 1 | 2022 2022 ANNUAL MEETING: WORKFORCE ATTRACTION:
JANUARY 18 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM Heyde Center for the Arts | 3 High Street
We are excited to announce our 2022 Annual Meeting presented by Northwestern Bank. This year, we will be returning to an in-person event where we will tip our hats to you, our members, and your hard work.
This will be the Chamber event of the season and we sell out every year, so make sure to get your tickets now. Join us to network, enjoy the Gatsby Gang Jazz Band, and relish amazing hors d’oeuvres and desserts. $40 Registration | Members Only
Major Sponsors:
PRIORITY FOR CHIPPEWA CHAMBER
Talent recruitment is one of the top workforce issues as businesses struggle to find enough workers. The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce focuses on finding solutions supportive of businesses to combat this concern. Since its inception in 2019, the Workforce Program has aimed to entice skilled workers to choose our community. In 2021, we successfully implemented an eight-month digital marketing campaign that shared why Chippewa Falls is a wonderful place to raise a family and a business. The campaign generated 3.5 million impressions and more than 61,000 clicks to sponsors’ job listings. In direct response to our digital placements, we also sent out 98 personalized relocation packets and those prospective employees received continued interaction from our team through email and bi-annual “Living Here” emails with community storytelling. We expect this program to expand as Chippewa Valley businesses continue to reach out for support. New in 2022, videos will feature member testimonials of their experience in Chippewa Falls that made them choose to live, work, and play here.
Entertainment Sponsors: Alliance Plastics Corp., CF Products, Prevea360 Health Plan, Trust Point Inc., Xcel Energy Dessert Sponsor: CCF Bank Digital & Print Sponsors: Bohl & Proulx Plumbing, Inc, Wipfli LLP, WESTconsin Credit Union
If you are interested in supporting the growth of this program as a sponsor for the Workforce Digital Marketing campaign, please contact michelle@chippewachamber.org by January 28. Workforce Relocation Packet Sponsorships are also available for a limited time.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS Riley Wogernese was born in the Chippewa Valley, but moved to Oshkosh, WI at a young age. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Riley started his career with the public accounting firm Baker Tilly, working in both their Milwaukee and Austin, TX offices. In 2019, he moved back to Wisconsin to join Cobblestone Hotels in Neenah, where he currently works in finance and restaurant operations. This past year he spent most of his time in Chippewa Falls helping to remodel and reopen Wissota High Shores Supper Club. When not traveling for work, he enjoys flying, skiing, and traveling with friends and family. Riley is excited and looking forward to being a part of the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce Board.
Dave Johnson is Vice President of Production Print and Strategic Accounts for EO Johnson Business Technologies, where he has worked in a variety of roles for nearly 40 years. Dave and his wife Cathy, a Financial Advisor at Fries Financial, live on beautiful Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls. They have five children, with four grandchildren and three more on the way, including a set of twins. Dave has been an active community member as past Board member and Chair of the Eau Claire Chamber, Board member and Chair of the Friends of the Sacred Heart, past Chair of the Golf and Tennis Classic, and past Board member of the LE Phillips Career Development Center. He has led the fundraising within EO Johnson Business Technologies as a United Way Pacesetter. He is past President of the Eau Claire Whitetails Unlimited Chapter, past President and Board member of the Fall Creek Booster Club, and past President and Board Member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. In his spare time, Dave enjoys being with his family, golfing, hunting, and traveling. Dave is a proud advocate for business and is looking forward to bringing meaningful contributions to the Chippewa Falls Chamber Board of Directors.
2
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Kari Dahl is a mostly Wisconsinite, graduating from UW-Eau Claire in Business with an emphasis in Industrial Psychology. She began her Human Resources career in the food industry with Kraft Foods (Tombstone Pizza in Medford; Philly Cream Cheese in Beaver Dam; KraftOscar Mayer in Ohio), Pillsbury, and Novartis – Medical Nutrition in MN. Then, back to Wisconsin in plastics with Charter NEX Films and Pactiv. She finally moved into the electronics field, with Jabil in Tempe, AZ, and the last six years as Human Resources Manager at TTM Technologies. She is currently serving with Eau Claire Area Business Leaders Advisory Board. Kari is a proud parent of three adult children – Danica in Madison, WI; Darci in Richland, WA; Dana in St Paul, MN; and “Grammy” to 3.5 adorable grandchildren. Her free time is spent with Tim enjoying Lake Wissota water, as well as taking walks with Tilley (white, furry rescue dog), playing with the grandbabies, and cheering on anything Wisconsin Badgers. Kari is happy to be joining the Chippewa Falls Chamber and eager to get started!
ROYAL CREDIT UNION’S
STRONG ROOTS
MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU TO GROW We’ve Been Helping Families Thrive In The Chippewa Valley Since 1964. rcu.org/Roots
800-341-9911
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
3
NETWORKING & EDUCATION
Feb 28 @ Chippewa Falls - Harley Davidson Co-Sponsors: CCF Bank & Chippewa Steel Hockey
March 28 @ Hampton Inn & Suites
Co-Sponsors: L.E. Phillips Career Development Center & Charter Bank
Jan 14 @ Goldsmith Cafe & Coffee Bar Sponsor: Royal Credit Union
Feb 11 @ Little Wissota Bakehouse
Sponsor: Marawood Construction Services, Inc.
March 11 @ Riverfront Park
Sponsor: Coldwell Banker Brenizer, Realtors Inc
Feb 28
Jan 21 Sponsor:
L.E. Phillips Career Development Center
March 18 Sponsor:
UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education Chamber staff work with members to create a tailored welcome experience for potential recruitments and new employees to the area. 4
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
DID YOU KNOW?
Jan 19 - Professional Development Drinks with Dave
Feb 12 - YP Bean Bag Tournament Wagner’s/The Complexx
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
5
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AFTER TEN AGENCY Allie Larsen 105A N Bridge St | Chippewa Falls (715) 864-3708 ANDERSON’S CHIC-N-FISH John Anderson 615 W Park Ave | Chippewa Falls (715) 861-3911 CULLIGAN WATER Paul Lekvin 1928 Truax Blvd | Eau Claire (715) 834-9431 DRONE TOURS LLC Aaron Accola 312 S Barstow St | Eau Claire (715) 563-7865 GFL ENVIRONMENTAL Lisa Faschingbauer 11888 30th Ave | Chippewa Falls (715) 404-5059 HALLIE NUTRITION Tina Davern 3032 Commercial Blvd | Lake Hallie (715) 864-9784 IVY MEDIA LLC Kyle Lehman 521 N Bridge St, Ste 1 Chippewa Falls (715) 864-7235
6
LITTLE WISSOTA BAKEHOUSE Hunter Custer 2829 Cty Hwy I, Ste LL1 Chippewa Falls (715) 829-4868 LYDIA’S INTERIORS Sarah Paul 3460 Mall Drive, Ste 4 | Eau Claire (715) 552-0400 MICHAUD MACHINING Jason Michaud 925 W River St, Ste 6 Chippewa Falls (715) 861-5018 NIBLETT’S APPLE SHED Donna Hayes 18027 Cty Hwy OO Chippewa Falls (715) 456-0634 OLSON SOLAR ENERGY Michael Behringer 1003 Vernon St | Altoona (715) 579-0474 RECOVER HEALTH/AVEANNA HEALTHCARE Angela Kjellberg 4319 Jeffers Rd, Ste 201 | Eau Claire (715) 598-5600
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
REJOICE CHIROPRACTIC Alice Kephart 401 Pinnacle Way, Ste 120 Eau Claire (563) 419-1696 SCOTT AND ALLIES HOME SUITE HOME Scott Reiter 13362 98th Ave | Chippewa Falls (715) 726-1113 STRING THEORY STUDIO LLC Kathryn Bushman 116 N Bridge St | Chippewa Falls (715) 861-5353 TASTY TROLLEY LLC Caroline Hepfler Mobile Food Truck (715) 563-3974
RIBBON CUTTINGS
CITIZENS STATE BANK STANLEY
DREWMARK BOUTIQUE CHIPPEWA FALLS
DRONE TOURS CHIPPEWA VALLEY
HALLIE NUTRITION LAKE HALLIE
JR TRUCK REPAIR AND FABRICATION LLC LAKE HALLIE
LITTLE WISSOTA BAKEHOUSE CHIPPEWA FALLS
REJOICE CHIROPRACTIC EAU CLAIRE
RESTORE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CHIPPEWA FALLS
Meet Your 2022 Chamber Ambassadors
AFTER TEN AGENCY CHIPPEWA FALLS
Trina Banks
Jen Moen
Tami Severson
Stacey Bunkelman
Carrie Nielsen
Tyler Sperry
Amber Cernohous
Michele Paquette
Michael Stoffel
Mike Crawford
Brooke Petska
Blake Sykora
B&G Liquor Warehouse CCF Bank
The Raven Team Access Security
Rolly Enderes CF Products
Chad Hable Wipfli
Tom Hubbard
Individual Member
Northwestern Bank Royal Construction B&D Metal Fab
Marawood Construction Services
Steve Pregent
Pregent Development LLC
Jackie Sadler
Chippewa County
Spectrum Business Mower Insurance Ayres
Indianhead Insurance
Tiffany Thompson
Leinenkugel’s Leinie Lodge
Zach Schimmel
Fries Financial Group
Tom Seaholm WNB Financial
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
7
MEMBER 2 MEMBER NEWS Julene Bowe and Gerald Jacobson have been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Edward & Hannah M. Rutledge Charities Inc. The appointments fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Gerald Naiberg and David Hancock. Julene Bowe will also serve in the position of Executive Manager and marks the first female to ever be appointed to serve on the board in the 100 year history of the Rutledge Charities. Jake Leinenkugel serves as the President, Gerald Jacobson serves as Vice President, and Julene Bowe as Secretary-Treasurer. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Northwest Wisconsin is pleased to announce: • New board member Ashley Adams. Ashley has more than 10 years of financial analysis and regulatory experience of which the past seven have been in the utility industry. In her role as a Gas Strategy Consultant at Xcel Energy she is responsible for the development and execution of regulatory strategies for the natural gas organization. • Janice Lemminger will receive the 2021 JA Hero award at the 5th annual JA Hero’s Gala. Purple Mountain Solutions dba Gold Cross Couriers was just awarded the Wisconsin Marketplace Award at the 40th Annual Governor’s Conference on Diverse Business Development for Outstanding Large Business Disabled-Veteran Owned Business. Purple Mountain Solutions is a disabled-veteran owned business and that we are doing good things in our community and the state of Wisconsin. Royal Credit Union (Royal) is pleased to announce: • Jeff Marty as Vice President of Retail Operations. In this role, Marty is responsible for the developing and executing a strategic plan to provide an exceptional Member experience for retail operations. Joshua Odegard as Member Experience Manager. Odegard is responsible for leading a dynamic group of team members to grow and develop Royal’s frontline teams while working with branch and call center leadership to deploy the member experience team throughout Royal’s branch network. • The promotion of Heather Johnson Schmitz to Financial Education Manager. In this position, Johnson Schmitz is responsible for the strategic direction, growth, and operations of Royal’s community financial education initiatives and School $ense program. Royal Credit Union has been awarded $525,000 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Financial Assistance Program. Royal is one of 265 CDFIs receiving the grant funds. • Digital Experience Manager Matt Schewe and Multimedia Marketing Coordinator Steve Dayton were presented Royal Credit Union (Royal) 2021 Positive Impact Awards on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. WAXX 104.5’s Terry West announced her retirement on October 22, 2021, after more than 40 years in broadcasting! Terry’s career with WAXX 104.5 and I-94 has included community work with several different charitable organizations and her Public service interviews on behalf of Transitus House earned her a Wisconsin Broadcaster’s Association Award.
8
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
WNB Financial is pleased to announce that Jenna Zinter has joined the Bank as Branch Retail Lead in Altoona, WI. She brings six years of banking experience to WNB Financial as a Lead Teller, Personal Banker, and Service Manager. Have something to share? Send your press releases and announcements to tasha@chippewachamber.org.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to our Chamber volunteers that welcome people at the Visitor Center and help get our newsletter out to our members. What a great group of people!
NEW YEAR, NEW PLAN. INSPIRING YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL—
Business Platinum Visa N Competitive interest rate N $1,000 minimum credit line N Free, secure access to your credit card’s account through WESTconsin Online
Sign Me Up! CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS LOAN OFFICER TODAY!
*Available to you with a Business Savings and/or Checking Account. Federally insured by NCUA
15 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
(800) 924-0022 | westconsincu.org
MEMBERS OF THE QUARTER VACATION HOMES Edina Realty White’s Wildwood Retreat, LLC VETERINARIANS Chippewa Veterinary Clinic, S.C. Riverview Animal Hospital LLC VIDEO PRODUCTION After Ten Agency Ivy Media LLC The Post House
WEDDING SUPPLIES & SERVICES Fest Valley Events Foreign 5 Bridal Sweet KP Katering LLC Lilydale Dance Hall & Event Venue White’s Wildwood Retreat, LLC WELL WATER SYSTEMS Bohl & Proulx Plumbing, Inc. WINDOW CLEANING Fish Window Cleaning Green Oasis J & F Facility Services Inc. Squeegee Squad
WAREHOUSING Fleet Farm Mobile 1 Storage Precision 1 Storage Pregent Development LLC Feed My People Food Bank
WEBSITE DESIGN Elevate5 Chippewa Online Citon Computer Corp. - Eau Claire First Net Impressions LLC JB Systems, LLC WEBSITE HOSTING Chippewa Online
Sept | Oct | Nov
984
Visitor Packets
WINDOW TREATMENTS T. Lynn’s Custom Blinds, Shades, & Draperies
WATER CONDITIONERS Culligan Water Gibson’s Water Care
BY THE NUMBERS
WINERY Wisconsin Veteran Farm LLC Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery O’Neil Creek Winery, LLC River Bend Vineyard & Winery, LLC
86,028
Tourism Website Views
30,968
Chamber Website Views
YOGA Chippewa Falls YMCA Iron Pines Strength & Yoga LLC
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
Greg Hoffman
Amy Forcier-Pabst, Royal Credit Union
Rooney Printing
Dave Johnson
Chair
Chair Elect
First Vice Chair
Ex-Officio, City of Chippewa Falls
Kari Dahl
EO Johnson Business Technologies
Angela Eckman
Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Staybridge Suites
Cathy Leibke
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Courtney Berg, CCF Bank
Dave Lemanski
Greg Field
Treasurer
Jamie Leibrandt, Northwestern Bank
Immediate Past Chair
Mark Broses, Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc.
CHAMBER STAFF Mike Jordan President Mandy Nunes First Impressions & Administrative Assistant
Kirk Boettcher TTM Technologies
Scott Smith, Nordson EDI, LLC
MEET US!
Chippewa River Industries, Inc.
W.S. Darley & Co.
Jason Forman
Michael Stoffel
Blain’s Farm & Fleet
Ayres
David Goldbach
Riley Wogernese
Alliance Plastics Corp.
Michelle Farrow Workforce Development Coordinator Kathy Strecker Membership Coordinator
Cobblestone Hotel
Jackie Boos Tourism Director
Tasha Weiss Programs Director
Erin Smith Communication + Marketing Manager Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
9
CF PRODUCTS www.cf-prods.com 715-726-2300
charterbank.bank
Developing long-term relationships built on trust! Cadott, Chippewa Falls, Cornell, Lake Wissota, Stanley
www.CSBankCadott.com 715-289-4253 Commercial, Agriculture, Mortgage, and Consumer
Timothy M. Fries, CFP® Financial Advisor
Cathy A. Johnson Financial Advisor
(715) 720-9605 www.friesfinancialgroup.com
715-839-7653|edinarealty.com
Women to Women Luncheon
Charting your Career and Changing Directions Thursday, March 17, 11:30 AM- 1:30 PM The View on Lake Wissota + Virtual Option MEET OUR PANEL OF SPEAKERS: Ann Kaiser been around the nonprofit world in the Chippewa Valley for almost 25 years. Her professional involvement started as a part-time community liaison for the Altoona School District. In 2002 she became the Executive Director for Family Resource Center and in 2006 joined HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital as Director of Philanthropy. In September 2019 she joined Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley as CEO. She and her husband have four grown children. Kelly Kasik is the owner of Chippewa Steel, she grew up in Northern California where she studied dance all the way through high school becoming a professional ballroom dancer. After dancing she went to college and received her degree in Business Management. After college she joined her family in real estate and has been a successful real estate agent/investor for the last 16 years. Her love of hockey has brought her to Chippewa Falls becoming the new owner of the Chippewa Steel Jr. Hockey Team. She has two wonderful kids. Shawna Stanley is the sole owner of Shawna Lou Creative, LLC since 2017. From the corporate world to owning her own business, Shawna has more than 14 years of experience in print design. She does everything from logo design to marketing materials including hand-lettering which is one of her passions. She loves living in Wisconsin and finding inspiration in all the seasons and being close to her family. Her husband, four children and puppy are the light of her life.
$20 member / $30 non-member Register at chippewachamber.org/events or call 715-723-0331
SPONSORED BY:
2022 Financial Literacy Program: Program Overview: Test Drive … Next Stop Reality, is a two day simulation of real life when it comes to money and finances. The program will be launched in Chippewa Falls May 18-19. Royal Credit Union developed Test Drive so that high school students understand what it takes to make it on their own and better prepare for their future. This program offers students the opportunity to select a career, research the education needed and calculate the monthly salary that would come from that career. Then, at an exciting, hands-on event, students are required to live within their monthly salary while paying for basics such as housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, and food. Additional expenditures such as entertainment, pets, and unexpected expenses are also factored into the simulated activity.
Sponsorship Opportunity:
Join us in support of this exceptional program by committing to a $150 sponsorship. In addition to helping prepare today’s students for adulthood tomorrow, sponsors will receive: •
Interact with students by sending at least 2 volunteers to both days of the event to help the students make decisions and offer guidance if a student is faced with a difficult situation. Training and all necessary materials will be provided.
•
Recognition in Chamber newsletter, social media, and event promotions.
•
Opportunity to market your company through hand outs and giveaways, if appropriate. In addition, sponsor volunteers are encouraged to wear company logos and name tags. (NO signs or banners can be used.)
____________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Yes, we would enjoy participating in this venture with the Chamber. We will support the 2022 Financial Literacy Program with $150 and assign two or more volunteers to represent our company on the days of the event. Deadline to sign up as a sponsor ____ Yes, we would enjoy participating in this venture with the Chamber. We will support the 2022 Financial Literacy is February 16. A link to sign up Program with $150, but are unable to provide volunteers at this time. volunteers will be sent to all sponsors after February 28. Company:
___________________________________________
Contact Name: ___________________________________________ Email:
____________________________________________
SPONSOR THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR
All Official Sponsors receive company recognition on the Major Sponsor Board, an option to have a window display outside the Family Fun Building, and recognition on marketing materials
FUN METAL BOARD SPONSOR All Metal Board Sponsors receive company recognition on the Metal Sponsor Board and in the Chamber Member Memo E-news and supporting materials
STAGE: $10,000
PLATINUM: $1000
MAJOR: $7500
GOLD: $750
GLOCKENSPIEL: $5000
SILVER: $500
DIAMOND: $2500
BRONZE: $300
(22) 2 Day Admission Wristbands (10) Invitations to the Festmeister Gala (8) Weekend Parking Passes (18) 2 Day Admission Wristbands (8) Invitations to the Festmeister Gala (6) Weekend Parking Passes (16) 2 Day Admission Wristbands (8) Invitations to the Festmeister Gala (6) Weekend Parking Passes (14) 2 Day Admission Wristbands (6) Invitations to the Festmeister Gala (6) Weekend Parking Passes
(10) 2 Day Admission Wristbands (4) Invitations to the Festmeister Gala (1) Weekend Parking Passes (10) 2 Day Admission Wristbands (2) Invitations to the Festmeister Gala (1) Weekend Parking Passes (8) 2 Day Admission Wristbands (2) Invitations to the Festmeister Gala (1) Weekend Parking Passes (4) 2 Day Admission Wristbands (2) Invitations to the Festmeister Gala
OFFICIAL: $1500
(12) 2 Day Admission Wristbands (4) Invitations to the Festmeister Gala (2) Weekend Parking Passes
For more information, contact Tasha at tasha@chippewachamber.org or 715-723-0331. Oktoberfest/Chippewa Partners, Inc. is a non-profit organization that holds a 501(c)3 Tax Status
Yes, I want to show my support and gain great exposure to the 10,000+ festgoers. Company:_________________________________ Contact Name:_____________________________ Phone:____________________________________
___ Official: $10,000 ___ Major: $7,500 ___ Glockenspiel: $5,000 ___ Diamond: $2,500 ___ Official: $1500
___ Payment Included Email:_____________________________________
___ Please Invoice Us
___ Platinum: $1000 ___ Gold: $750 ___ Silver: $500 ___ Bronze: $300
Make Checks Payable To: Oktoberfest 1 N. Bridge Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(2) - 2 DAY ADMISSION (2) - KIDS WRISTBANDS (unlimited bounce house use) (2) - 2022 COLLECTIVE HAT PIN FAMILY NAME ON THE FREUND BANNER (4)- EXCLUSIVE FESTMEISTER GALA TICKETS (1) - DISCOUNT AT OKTOBERFEST SOUVENIR HAUS (1) - WEEKEND VIP PARKING PASS
FAMILY FREUND PACKAGE: 2 Adults and 2 Children 12 and Under
2 DAY ADMISSION(s) 2022 COLLECTIVE HAT PIN(s) NAME(s) ON THE FREUND BANNER EXCLUSIVE FESTMEISTER GALA TICKET(s) (1)- DISCOUNT AT OKTOBERFEST SOUVENIR HAUS (1) -WEEKEND VIP PARKING PASS
FREUND PACKAGES Individual and Couple
LET'S BE
FREUNDE
92745 IW ,sllaF aweppihC teertS egdirB .N 1 tsefrebotkO :oT elbayaP skcehC ekaM
__________________________________________:liamE
_________________________________________:enohP
_______________________________________________
________________________________________:sserddA
_______________________________________:)s(emaN
noitanoD lanoitiddA ___
051$ :ylimaF ___
521$ :elpuoC ___
57$ :laudividnI ___