Mission

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October 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.

Upcoming Events: October 16 - Chamber Coffee October 16 - Maximize Your Membership October 29 - Business Breakfast October 31 - Community Expo November 10 - Business After Hours November 20 - Chamber Coffee November 27 - River Dazzle

Chamber Coffee

Event Sponsor

Friday, October 16th 8:30-9:30 a.m. City Hall Training Room (222 Lewis St) Take part in this great free networking event as you enjoy free coffee and donuts. Share what is new with your business and hear what is new with other members. Stop by for the whole hour or just for a few minutes and enter to win a great door prize. Sponsored by: Bridge for Community Life.

Community Expo

Event Sponsor

Saturday, October 31st 12-4 p.m. River Falls High School Looking to highlight your business to the community? Join us for a day of family fun! This is a great opportunity to highlight your business to residents and visitors. Last year over 1000 people and over 60 businesses participated. Attendees will once again have the opportunity to vote on the Best Themed Booth. The winner will receive a $500 advertising package from Thunder Country Radio 95.7. Our event lands on Halloween this year and both attendees as well as exhibitors will enjoy new events celebrating the theme!

Reasons to be a part of the Community Expo! 1) Network with other businesses and potential clients 2) Personally connect with the community 3) Inexpensive marketing for your business 4) It’s a fun way to promote your brand!

Registration is now open online at rfchamber.com. Sign up before October 9th and save $30! Contact the Chamber at 715-425-2533 for more information.

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

Chief Executive Officer NEWS from the



Now Accepting Board of Directors Nominations

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.

The River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, like all other Chambers, is governed by a Board of Directors, elected by members to represent their interests. Annually, the Executive Committee considers Board of Director vacancies, Chris Blasius and possible candidates to fill any open positions. The Executive Committee is now accepting the names of any member who might have an interest in serving on the board, with a term commencing in January 2016. Potential candidates with broad involvement in business and civic activities must be able to make a three year commitment to serve on the board and are expected to actively support the Chamber goals and initiatives. Board members meet monthly to discuss policy and direction for the organization. Members may serve up to two three-year terms. One of the Chamber’s goals for the composition of the Board shall be to have one university representative and equal representation from all business entities and geographic areas that represent the Chamber service areas including, but not restricted to, the following: retail, industrial, education, financial, professional, hospitality, medical, and individual or home based business. With the structure of our current Board, there are two members that have fulfilled their two term limit, so we are seeking their replacement. In addition, there are two members seeking to renew their 3-year term for a second time. The Executive Committee will review the names of all candidates and select a slate to fill board vacancies at their monthly meeting on October 12. The composition of the current Board will be considered when making final selections to ensure the diversity of chamber membership is represented. Once the slate is determined, the candidate list will be sent to Chamber Members for consideration. The new members will be certified at the December 28, 2015, Board of Director’s Monthly Meeting. Anyone with questions about the nominations process, or who wishes to submit a name for consideration should do so by contacting me directly at 715-425-1675 or [email protected] no later than Wednesday, October 7.

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 Steiner 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

Tourism Corner The results are in! Over 16,000 bacon lovers converged on River Falls, Wisconsin, to make the third annual Bacon Bash a “porktacular” success! During the two-day event held September 19 – 20, bacon fanatics of all ages “pigged out” on nearly 1,000 pounds of bacon, 1,000 pounds of pork in the bacon brats, 3,300 Croix Valley Pig Wings, 500 mini bacon cinnamon rolls and more.

Judy Berg The Bacon Bash celebrates all things bacon! The free, two-day outdoor festival featured bacon-inspired food booths, cooking competitions, a Pet Costume Parade and pig-inspired activities for the entire family. New this year—CEO and Founder of the World Food Championships, Mike McCloud, officially welcomed bacon lovers to River Falls and pardoned Oliver who “squealed” with delight with the reaffirmation he will never end up in the frying pan. Mark your calendars for the 2016 Bacon Bash September 17 – 18. Details can be found at riverfallsbaconbash.com.

Maximize Your Membership

Friday, October 16th 12-1 p.m. City Hall, Maple Conference Room (215 W. Maple Street) The Chamber is committed to making sure you are getting the most of your membership dollars. This fast-paced, informal, FREE workshop is open to all current and potential members. Topics will include: website opportunities, sponsorships, hot deals, networking options, marketing ideas, and more. Contact [email protected] if you are interested in attending.

Business Breakfast

Event Sponsor

Thursday, October 29th 7:30-9 a.m. West Wind Supper Club Join us for our next Business Breakfast featuring Mark Tyler, OEM and recent recipient of Wisconsin’s Workplace Success Award. Tyler traced the evolution of workforce development priorities and how they intersect with his passion for championing Success By Six (SB6), a United Way initiative that supports the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of children by age six. Register online at rfchamber. com today!

Business After Hours

Tuesday, November 10th 4:30-6 p.m. Kinnic Health & Rehab Join us for an evening of networking, great food and cold drinks. This event is the perfect opportunity to meet local business leaders and connect with fellow members. Mark your calendars today for this free, informal way to market your business. Sponsored by: Kinnic Health & Rehab.

Manufacturing Sneak Peek A strong manufacturing industry is fundamental to Wisconsin’s prosperity. The manufacturing sector was responsible for more than $55 billion worth of economic output in 2014 alone. In celebration of Manufacturing Month during the month of October, the Chamber will be hosting a local manufacturing facility tour and open house. This event will be designed to expand the knowledge about manufacturing within our community. Attendees will learn first-hand in-depth information on processes, producers, products and career opportunities available right here in River Falls. Watch for details.

River Dazzle

Friday, November 27th, 1-8 p.m. Downtown River Falls Celebrate River Dazzle with us on Friday, November 27th. Gather the whole family downtown to enjoy a festive day full day of events! Promote your business by sponsoring the event, become a participating location for the chili crawl, or enter a unit for free in the illuminated parade!

• 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Santa & Mrs. Claus & Reindeer! • 1:00 - 5:30 p.m. 10th Annual Chili Crawl • 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. Free Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides • 6:30 p.m. River Dazzle Parade For more information visit the Chamber website www.rfchamber.com

Community Events!

Fox Den School of Magic & Mysteries October 17 - Second Year Oct. 24 - First Year Students Fox Den Books

Looking to relive your favorite Harry Potter tales? Don’t miss Fox Den’s School of Magic & Mysteries! Tour the Wizard Shopping District and attend classes on witchcraft and wizardary. Wands required and costumes are encouraged. Stop down to 120 S Main or call 715-425-6180 to reserve your tickets today.

Fall Finds Tour

October 30, 31 November 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 Dozens of artists participate in this wonderful barntique tour. Get your holiday shopping done early and support the handcrafted work of local artisans! 2015 Locations! • Blue Ridge • Our Neighbors Old Barn • Garden Divas • Riverwalk Art & Antiques Visit riverwalkartandantiques.com for more information.

We’ve moved!

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

715.425.2533

Chamber News - Page 4

www.rfchamber.com

Ambassadors Visits CHAMBER Belle Vinez Winery

From L-R: Amanda Wright, American Family Insurance; Jodi Pechacek, CPR Wealth Advisors; Vince Seidling, Edward Jones Investments; Maranda Mahr, River Falls Chamber; Scott Jones, Royal Credit Union; Kristin Weirsma, First National Bank; Ryan Leitch, Leitch Insurance Agency; Josh Zimmerman, Belle Vinez; Mandy Zimmerman, Belle Vinez; Angie Jansa, Greg Peters State Farm Agency; Monica Steiner, Steiner Plumbing, Heating & Electric; Toni Hinz, Junior’s Bar & Restaurant; Connie Ruppert, First National Bank

After trips to Tuscany, the Zimmerman family was inspired to create the same experience here in River Falls. Their dream slowly turned into reality when they planted their first vines in 2012. After years of dedication and hard work they opened for business on May 16th, 2015. Belle Vinez is a true family business and it is apparent the moment you walk into Belle Vinez. Each bottle of wine captures a moment of their family member’s lives with a poetic caption. In addition to the divine wine, Belle Vinez also offers exceptional appetizers and wood-fire pizzas. Their delicous food can be enjoyed in their beautiful dining hall or their patio overlooking the vineyard. Owner, Angel Zimmerman commented, “River Falls has been a great supporter in helping us get our name out there and known to the local people.” Belle Vinez is open Monday-Wednesday by appointment only and from 11-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Stop out and and enjoy a little piece of Tuscany right here in River Falls. Reserve your table by calling 715426-9463.

Leadership River Falls

From L-R: Monica Wright, Express Employment Professionals; Jordan Lubich, Security Financial Bank; Pamela Terwilliger, CVTC; Kensey Schultz, Vibrant Health Family Clinics; Karen DesLauriers, River Falls State Bank; Kristin Samp, UWRF; Kristin Frank, WESTconsin Credit Union; Dan Lytle, Chippewa Valley Techincal College; Tammy Smith, Royal Credit Union; Kristi Hartmon, City of River Falls; Danette Olson, First National Bank; Angie Bond, City of River Falls; Michelle Filkins, Greg Peters State Farm Agency

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

For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has been named one of the best colleges in the Midwest according to the nationally known education services company The Princeton Review. UW-River Falls is one of 159 institutions in 12 Midwestern states and one of four University of Wisconsin System institutions deemed “Best in the Midwest.” The Princeton Review also designated 225 colleges in the Northeast, 125 in the West, and 140 in the Southeast as best in their locales on the company’s “2016 Best Colleges: Region by Region” lists. Collectively, the 649 colleges on The Princeton Review’s “regional best” lists constitute about 25% of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges. The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their colleges on several issues –from the accessibility of their professors to the quality of their science lab facilities – and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life. UW-River Falls, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee are the four University of Wisconsin System institutions included in The Princeton Review’s list of the “Best in the Midwest.” The Princeton Review is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep courses, books, and other student resources. The company is not affiliated with Princeton University. River Falls has been named one of the “50 Safest College Towns in America” according to The SafeWise Report. SafeWise combined data from recent FBI crime reports with its own research focused on safety-related programs and initiatives to create a list of the 50 Safest College Towns in America. According to SafeWise, “The town and its residents emphasize a holistic approach to safety, in which the arts and culture contribute to the overall well-being of the area. While the nonprofit Community Arts Base facilitates the arts in River Falls, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls serves as a cultural hub for the region, offering exceptional academic programs in the arts as well as performances and exhibits open to the community. As residents of the town know, these efforts contribute to the overall well-being of the town and neighboring communities.” Options for Women, River Falls (formerly Pregnancy Helpline) will hold their annual fundraiser on Thursday, October 22nd at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club, River Falls. The guest speaker is Steve Karlen, Director of North American Outreach for 40 Days for Life. Options for Women is a prolife non-profit organization supporting women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy. Funds raised will be used for remodeling new office space and adding medical services, including an ultrasound machine. Support this important ministry and join us for a fun-filled evening featuring a Silent Auction and our incredible “live” Dessert Auction. The finale will be the drawing of our Raffle winners – the Grand Prize is a John Deere Gator, 2nd Prize is $1000, 3rd Prize is $500. Get your raffle tickets today! Banquet cost is $40 per person or sponsor a table of 10 for $350. RSVP by October 8th. Call (715) 425-8539 for banquet information or raffle tickets. The board of FORWARD, The River Falls Public Schools Education Foundation, is beginning to finalize plans for the 5th Annual Holiday Concert featuring Colleen Raye. This community event will be held on Monday, November 30 at the River Falls High School Auditorium with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. There will be snacks, bake sale and silent auction. Tickets will be available at the First National Bank, the Dish and Spoon Cafe, online (www.forwardrf.org) at the end of October. WESTconsin Credit Union is offering up to thirteen, $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from the class of 2016 as part of the credit union’s Scholarship Program. The goal is to award one scholarship in each community served by a WESTconsin office. These areas include Amery, Baldwin, Barron, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hudson, Menomonie, New Richmond, Prescott, River Falls and Spring Valley. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May of 2016. Online applications are accessible from WESTconsin’s website, westconsincu.org, and full instructions are provided on the application. Applications will be accepted through midnight on Sunday, February 14, 2016. WESTconsin has offered the Student Scholarship Program since 1995. To date, over $190,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to local students from throughout west central Wisconsin to assist them in continuing their education. For information regarding the program, contact Melissa Schutz at [email protected] or call (715) 235-3403, ext. 7772.

Big Brothers Big Sisters will be holding their annual Vino Vitale Fashion Show this year at the new Belle Vinez Winery on Thursday, October 29th. A wine and appetizer reception will kick off at 5 p.m. with the show featuring lines by La Rue Marche, Matilda Jane and Silpada Jewelery starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and available by calling Michel at 715-381-7289 and online at www.bbbsnw.org. Proceeds will support the non-profit organization.

REGISTRATION FORM Community Expo - A Day of Family Fun! Brought to you by local Businesses & Organizations Saturday, October 31, 2015, 12 noon – 4 p.m. VENDOR INFORMATION Business Name: ________________________________________________ (As to appear in promotional material) Address: ______________________________________________________ City: ________________________________ State: _____ Zip: _________ Contact Name: _________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________ Email: ______________________________ EVENT DETAILS  Booth space is limited and available on first come basis.  Deadline is Friday, October 9 to assure inclusion in marketing material. No cancellation or refund after deadline.  Displays must be contained within designated 8’ x 8’ booth space.  Listing in River Falls Journal insert. (5,700 circulation)  Option to sell product/service/food in booth space.  Invite to Vendor Networking Lunch.  Move in crew provided. Package Booth Space

Description 8’ x 8’ space that does not include a table

Electricity

Limited and available first come. 6 foot # needed _____ Includes booth space with premium placement, special promotion at event, and logo listing on printed materials advertising. Activity description: ________________ (Examples: pumpkin painting, hayride, etc.) Applies after Oct. 9

Table Chair Co-Sponsor Expo Schedule 9 – 11 a.m. Vendor Set-up 11 a.m. – 12 noon Vendor Networking Lunch 12 noon – 4 p.m. Expo Hours

In-Kind Activity Sponsorship Late Fee

Investment $45 Non-Profit $80 Chamber Member $105 Non-Chamber Member $25

Total

$10 $0 $300

$0

$0

$0

$30 Total Space Cost

Please complete and return registration form together with check payable to River Falls Chamber no later than Friday, October 9. River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau l New location! 215 W. Maple Street, River Falls Phone: 715-425-2533  Web: www.rfchamber.com  Email: [email protected]

River Falls Bacon Bash

Thank you to all of those who helped “BRing home the bacon”

AgStar Financial Services Angel’s Pet World BMO Harris Bank Best Western Plus Campus Inn City of River Falls Croix Valley Foods

Dick’s Hometown Liquor Durango Joes Freeman Drug Matt’s Moving Company Nueske’s RJ’s Meats & Groceries

ReMAX Synergy River City Disposal Royal Credit Union WEVR Whole Earth Grocery Wireless World - Verizon Wireless