Mission

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December 2015

Chamber News Mission

Our

The River Falls Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau works together to connect, promote, and support its members to further enhance the local economy and cultivate a sense of community.

Business Breakfast -

Tuesday, December 3rd 7:30-9 a.m. West Wind Supper Club

Event Sponsor

The

River Falls Community Foundation

If you’ve ever needed help solving problems, getting answers or reducing the regulatory burden of state government then this event is for you! As the ‘concierge service for business’ the Office of Business Development will identify the many ways they’ve helped business cut through red tape to solve problems, identify laws and rules that need to be reformed and link to various resources and services available in Wisconsin. Since early 2013, more than 500 events have been held in counties all across the state. After hearing this presentation which includes real life examples of problems encountered and solutions provided, business owners have brought more than 400 issues to their attention seeking assistance, including numerous ideas for regulatory reform. The presentation is followed by a Q&A session so don’t miss out on the opportunity to share your ideas on how to reduce the regulatory burden imposed by state government regulations! Sponsored by: River Falls Community Foundation. Register online with your member ID at rfchamber.com. or email [email protected].

Upcoming Events: December 3 - Business Breakfast December 18 - Chamber Coffee

Chamber Coffee

Friday, December 18th 8:30-9:30 a.m. City Hall Training Room

Event Sponsor

Riverwalk Square

If you haven’t attended a Chamber Coffee this is the one not to be missed! Dig out your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and stop by the Chamber for fresh coffee and treats. Share what is new with your business and learn what is new with other members. This is a perfect event to promote your business to the community for free. Sponsored by: Riverwalk Square

Please pass this newsletter on to additional employees or put in your lobby. Thank You!

Chief Executive Officer NEWS from the



E-Mail Blast Sponsor: Promote your business or event by sponsoring an e-mail blast. Includes your logo and a brief message about your company. $50 Event Sponsorship: Each year the Chamber organizes numerous Chamber and community events. These events include: River Falls Days, Town N’ Country Day, Business After Hours, Chamber Coffees and much more. Sponsoring one of these events is a great way to get your business noticed. Prices vary. Membership Mailing Labels: Advertise special events or promotions to your fellow Chamber members by purchasing preprinted member mailing labels. $50 Newsletter Inserts: Promote your business or event with a newsletter insert. $100 Website Links: Connect your website to the Chamber website. Upgrade your membership to include a web link. $35 link, $60 enhanced listing with link. To take advantage of any of these great marketing opportunities, please contact the Chamber at 715-425-2533.

Consider Chamber Checks This Holiday Season Each year over $14,000 flows through River Falls’ merchants in the form of Chamber Checks and keeps spending local. Supportive of over 300 local businesses, Chamber Checks are the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether given as a reward for that Chris Blasius special coach or teacher, as an employee incentive, prize drawings/contests, or as a special gift for friends or family members, Chamber Checks allow recipients to shop at a wide variety of retail or service-oriented businesses, or for use at local accommodations and restaurants. Available in any denomination, Chamber Checks can be purchased by Chamber members as well as any individuals and businesses throughout the community. Chamber Checks can be purchased with cash, check, or major credit card at the Chamber office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. For quick pick-up, purchasers may also call the Chamber office at 425-2533 to order in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions Do Chamber Checks expire? No. Chamber Checks are not marked with an expiration date. But if you run across one that you haven’t had an opportunity to use within a short time frame, simply stop by the Chamber office and we will gladly reissue one. Can I exchange Chamber Checks for cash? No. Chamber Checks may be used at any Chamber member business, but they cannot be exchanged for cash at these businesses or at the bank. They must be used to purchase goods or services. I am a Chamber member business. What do I do when I receive Chamber Checks? If you are a member who receives a Chamber Checks, all you need to do to redeem it is treat it like any other personal check. If the purchase is less than the amount of the Chamber Check, if your policy allows, you are welcome to give them change in cash or issue a store credit.

Matt Russell - Chair First National Bank

Danielle Campeau UWRF

Dan Nistler Jamie Benson River Falls School District Riverwalk Art & Antiques Janet Burns Bill Rasmussen UWRF Hammarback Law Offices, S.C Kellie Burrows American Cancer Society Jeff Schwab B Wireless Cedric Ellingson Bo’s ‘N Mine Monica Robey Steiner Plumbing, Jen Loesch Heating & Electric River Falls Hospital Scott Morrissette Bremer Bank

Kevin Westhuis City of River Falls Scot Simpson Ex-Officio City of River Falls

I am a Chamber member business. I do not accept personal checks. Must I accept Chamber Gift Checks? No. Chamber member businesses are not required to accept Chamber Checks. Accepting them is a benefit to you, however, as they are only redeemable at Chamber member businesses. If personal checks are not accepted because of the concern of inadequate funds, please know Chamber Checks are fully covered when issued.

2016 Board of Directors Each year a board is established to guide the direction of the Chamber, to include, but not be limited to management decisions, staff maintenance, dues structure, membership drives, adherence to the bylaws, and to conduct membership and annual meetings. Comprising of a maximum of 13 voting members, Angel and Greg will begin their first three (3) year term with Monica serving a single one (1) year term as Ambassador Committee Chair. Please welcome our new board of directors with Danielle Campeau (UWRF) serving as Chair. We would also like to recognize the outgoing board members whose term will end December 31. The Chamber would like to thank them for sharing their time and talent to benefit the Chamber organization: Cedric Ellingson (Bo’s ‘N Mine), Jeff Schwab (B-Wireless), and Ambassador Committee Chair - Monica Robey (Steiner Plumbing, Electric, and Heating).

Angel Zimmerman, Belle Vinez Winery Prior to opening the winery, Angel was co-founder of a language translation solution company, Sajan, where she served as Chief Operating Officer for over 18 years. In 2010, Sajan became a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ exchange. The company was recognized numerous times for growth and performance by INC Magazine and was identified twice as a top five fastest growing Wisconsin public company. Angel is passionate about business which is why the notion of a return to a small family business was so appealing to her when starting Belle Vinez. She also currently serves as President of the River Falls Economic Development Corporation, serves on the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Chancellor’s Advisory Committee and is active in a variety of community activities.

Community Events! Open House & Ribbon Cutting Thursday, December 3rd

Greg Peters, Greg Peters State Farm Insurance Agency 4 p.m. Ribbon Cutting Greg graduated from St. Cloud St. University in 1996 with a degree in broadcast journalism. Greg has previously worked in the TV sports news 4:30-6:30 p.m. Open House industry for 4 years and served as an assistant athletic director at two Our House Senior Living colleges (Northwest Florida State College and Bemidji State University) for 6 years. In 2005, Greg accepted an agency with State Farm Insurance Stop by Our House Senior Living (902 S. and moved to River Falls with his wife, Jenna. The couple has three Wasson Lane) for celebrate their trandaughters, Mattie (14), Ella (10), and Ava (8). sitioning into a memory care facility.



Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Contact 715-426-0151 for addtional details.

Monica Wright, Express Employment Professionals Monica, a River Falls native, graduated from UW-River Falls with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. She began her career working as a Staffing Consultant for Express Employment Professionals in River Falls. After four years in that December 4, 5 & 11, 12 -7:30 p.m. role, she was promoted to General Manager. Monica has been an active River Falls Public Library participant with the River Falls Chamber and has held the role of New Members Committee Chair and Ambassador Vice Chair; she is currently The River Falls Community Theatre enrolled in the Leadership River Falls program. Monica and her husband, Kyle, live south of River Falls with their dog Hallie. If not at work, presents the radio play, “It’s a Wonderful Life” based on the screen play by Franyou can find Monica enjoying the great outdoors!

It’s a Wonderful Life - Radio Play



Save the Date: Thursday, February 4th 5 - 9 p.m. University of Wisconsin - River Falls, University Center

ces Goodrich, Albert Hackett, and Frank Capra. Tickets are available for $10 or $8 with a food shelf donation at Art’s House, Dish and the Spoon Cafe and at the door. Visit rfcommunitytheatre.org for details.

We are off to the races this year with the theme “River Falls Derby”. Dig out your big hats and bow ties and save the date for the largest networking event of the year! This is an event you don’t want to miss.

The Dam Decision

Chamber Annual Awards Banquet

Social hour begins at 5 p.m. which will give you an excellent opportunity to network with many of the guests. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the awards ceremony to follow. There are many sponsorship opportunities available to highlight your business. If you have any questions on how to get your business more exposure we would be happy to discuss that with you. Voting will open mid-December for this year’s annual awards.

Become a Chamber Ambassador! Are looking to become more involved in the River Falls Chamber? The Ambassadors club may be the right fit for you! If you are looking to learn more about local businesses, gain professional contacts, and make lasting relationships - join the Ambassadors for their next meeting on Thursday, January 14th from 12-1:30 p.m. at Junior’s Bar & Restaurant. Contact Maranda at the River Falls Chamber for details at [email protected] or 715425-2533.

Monday, December 7th 7 p.m. Falls Theatre

Should I stay or should I flow? Don’t miss the documentary short film examining River Falls’ current discussion of dam removal, the concerns at large and how individuals can get involved. Free admission, concession, and discussion.

We’ve moved!

Visit us at our new location: 215 W Maple Street (City Hall - Lower Level)

715.425.2533

Chamber News - Page 4

Ambassadors Visit CHAMBER

www.rfchamber.com

From L-R Monica Robey, Steiner Plumbing Electric & Heating; Jodi Pechacek, CPR Wealth Advisors; Toni Hinz, Junior’s Bar & Restaurant; Amanda Wright, Jill Morrow, American Family Insurance Agency; Ricky Jacobson, River Falls Community Theatre; Jeff Schwab, B Wireless; Steve Preisler, Community Arts Base; David Markson, River Falls Community Theatre & Community Arts Base; Cheryl Maplethorpe, Community Arts Base; Gordon Hedahl, River Falls Community Theatre; Kay Fritz, Community Arts Base; Ryan Leitch, Leitch Insurance Agency; Deb Lucero, Community Arts Base; Scott Jones, Royal Credit Union; Angela Schoettle, Community Arts Base; Kaari Naughton, Hope Lutheran Church; Maranda Mahr, River Falls Chamber

Art’s House Located at 108 East Maple St. Art’s House is the new home for the River Falls Community Community Arts Base and Community Theatre. The non-profit organizations renovated the space into the perfect spot for their organizations to hold meetings, rehearsal and store items needed for events and shows. Both organizations are excited to be under one roof.

River Falls Community Arts Base

River Falls Community Theatre

The River Falls Community Arts Base (CAB) has been celebrating the arts in our community for the last 20 years. The volunteer organization promotes the arts through several community events including; Music in the Park, Community Arts Base, Spring Arts Gala, Main Street Art Crawl and their largest, Art on the Kinni. Each year the event features over 50 artists and draws over 1,500 attendees. In addition to the events they put on in the community, CAB recently teamed up with Powerful Choices unit of River Falls Municipal Utilities for the River Falls Utility Box Beautification program. CAB reached out to local artists to complete the painting of utility boxes. The River Falls Community Foundation recently awarded $500 grant to CAB to help compensate the participating artists. CAB is happy to have found their new home at Art’s House with the River Falls Community Theatre.

River Falls Community Theatre (RFCT) is a volunteer, member driven, non-profit organization that is supported by families, individuals, and businesses. Their mission is to provide high quality, affordable theatre experience for the area residents of all ages and skill levels. RFCT produces five productions each year; a fall play, a holiday show, one act plays in the late winter, spring show with the River Falls High School and a two-week long children’s workshops in the summer. Like CAB, RFCT runs soley on volunteers and is always searching for individuals with talents in set design, sound crew, lighting crew, props and costumes, and publicity. RFCT has enjoyed teaming up with CAB and creating Art’s House. Together they are working towards expanding Arts House to include an open gallery and box office. RFCT wants to encourage everyone to support the arts in any medium!

Interested in learning more? Visit www.riverfallscab.org.

Learn more about their upcoming shows and how you can get involved at www.rfcommunitytheatre.org.

Chamber News - Page 5 Dick’s Fresh Market

2014 Chamber Annual Award Winners

2014 Business of the Year

BUSINESSBriefs

Bo’s ‘N Mine 2014 Small Business of the Year

www.rfchamber.com Cedric Ellingson Monica Steiner River Falls Baseball Council Steiner 2014 Citizen of the Year Plumbing, 2014 Non-Profit of the Year Heating &Electric 2014 Ambassador of the Year

The American Planning Association – Wisconsin Chapter (WIAPA) presented the City of River Falls and St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity the award of Sustainable Housing Community for the Eco Village. The WIAPA recognizes outstanding achievements and innovations in planning and to publicize persons and organizations whose activities advance planning in Wisconsin. In 2011 the City of River Falls and the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity partnered in a pilot project to develop a sustainable and stateof-the-art affordable housing project called Eco Village. Construction of the Eco Village began in 2011 to construct 18 homes east of South Apollo Road. The benefits from this sustainable housing community are many. This project has fostered community pride, family stability, a valuable public-private partnership, and environmental stewardship within the City of River Falls. The project involved an innovative re-imagining of seven acres of grey field land into a beautiful, livable, and sustainable neighborhood the entire community is proud of. “The Eco Village was a vision of the community that put the heart, mind and soul on a mission of creating a sustainability and state-of-the-art affordable housing project.” Buddy Lucero - Community Development Director. The City of River Falls prides itself on its commitment to environmental stewardship and the Eco Village ties into the community’s environmental vision. At the heart of the Eco Village project is a commitment to sustainable building practices. Every home includes solar panels on rooftops for energy generation, solar thermal systems for the production of hot water, rainwater cisterns to capture rainwater for use by homeowners, sustainable and efficient construction materials, and a community garden for low cost, high quality food options. The efforts of the City of River Falls and the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity are first-of-its-kind with regards to developing a whole neighborhood of high quality and sustainable affordable housing. As a result of the success of the project, Habitat for Humanity is planning on expanding the Eco-Village concept to other northwest Wisconsin communities and possibly nation-wide in the future. WESTconsin Credit Union offices are collecting non-perishable food products and cash donations for families in need from December 7-19. Items can be dropped off at any WESTconsin location including Amery, Baldwin, Barron, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hudson, Menomonie (North, Downtown and East), New Richmond, Prescott, River Falls and Spring Valley. All proceeds will be delivered by the credit union to local food pantries for distribution. Monetary donations are especially valuable because for every $1 in cash, food pantries can purchase up to $10 worth of food. The number of families in need has increased substantially in recent years, leaving food shelves less stocked than in the past. According to the 2010 Poverty and Population estimates from the US Census Bureau, 69,950 people in the 14 counties of west central Wisconsin live in poverty including more than one of every five children. Our Neighbors Place will be providing a safe, warm overnight shelter for individuals to sleep from November December through March. In addition, showers, snacks, breakfast and coffee will be available for guests. Our Neighbors Place is currently seeking volunteer to assist with operations. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, undergo training and orientation, work a minimum of two shifts per season, and have compassion and understanding to work with people of many backgrounds and beliefts. Interested individuals should contact 715-426-9000 or [email protected]. The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Masquers will present “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” Dec. 8-12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanford Syse Theatre in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building. This raunchy new take on the classic Peanuts comic strip sheds some light onto real-life struggles that teenagers face every day. “Don’t expect the sweet and light-hearted Peanuts that you’re used to. There are moments that make me laugh out loud, gasp, and sometimes even tear up.” Audiences should be ready for taboo topics, adult language, and an all-around good time at the performances. Tickets are $10/adults, $8/seniors, $5 for others under 18 (one free ticket per student with UWRF ID available at the Box Office window only). Tickets can be purchased in person, by phone at 715-425-3114, or online at uwrf.edu/SASA/universitytheatre/index.cfm.

Chili Crawl Winners: 1st Johnnies Bar 2nd Snappy Dog Salsa 3rd Maverick’s Corner Saloon

Thank you sponsors!

•Kinnic Health & Rehab • Hub 70 Design & Print

presents the

Seventh Annual Legislative Forum

State Representative Warren Petryk 93rd Assembly District

State Representative Adam Jarchow 28th Assembly District

State Representative John Murtha 29th Assembly District

State Representative Dean Knudson 30th Assembly District

State Representative Romaine Quinn 75th Assembly District

State Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District

State Senator Janet Bewley 25th Senate District

State Senator Kathleen Vinehout 31st Senate District

Public and Private Sector Members of St. Croix EDC are invited to attend and participate in a legislative networking event featuring St. Croix County’s state legislators.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Cashman Conference Center

WITC New Richmond, 1019 South Knowles Avenue, New Richmond, Wisconsin

4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Networking with the Legislators 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Questions & Answers with the Legislators

Bring your questions on Business, Regulatory, Transportation, Education, etc.

6:00 p.m.

Adjourn St. Croix EDC Board Meeting to follow

(Members are welcome to stay for the board meeting if they wish)

Please RSVP [email protected] or (715) 381-4383 Organized in 1993, St. Croix EDC is a private, nonprofit organization that operates as the independent economic development arm of St. Croix County, Wisconsin. As an IRS-designated business league, the EDC works in conjunction with its members to improve the business climate within St. Croix County. Reflective activities include business retention, expansion, recruitment, new business start-ups, and legislative advocacy. St. Croix EDC is nonpartisan in its approach to economic development initiatives. Further, the distribution of this material is not an endorsement of a particular person or political party.