April 2017 • Vol. 79, Issue 04
Young Hero Award Leadership Menomonie Offers New Award
See pages 6 and 7 for details
Tourism News
What’s Inside: Tourism News
pg. 2
Ribbon Cuttings & Welcome Baskets
pg. 3
Ground Breaking
pg. 3
New/Renewing Members
pg. 3
Business to Business
pg. 4
Mutt Strut & Tabby Trot
pg. 5
iHeart Media
pg. 5
Young Hero Award
pg. 6-7
eLearning
pgs. 8-9
Business After Hours
pg. 10
YP Event
pg. 11
Golf Outing Registration
pg. 12
Chippewa Valley Job Fair
pg. 13
2017 Wage Survey
pg. 14
Chamber Statistics March, 2017 Packets
Relocation Visitor
Sales
Chamber Dollars
Facebook
New Likes Total Likes
Website
Total Sessions Page Views Users
The Menomonie Tourism Commission honored Gary Theelke for his service to the commission for over 14 years. The Tourism Commission is responsible for overseeing the distribution of the room tax collected by the City per the requirements of the Wisconsin State Statute and City Ordinance.
Menomonie had eight people attend the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism this past month. The conference was an excellent opportunity to network with fellow tourism bureaus and learn about exciting promotions from the Department of Tourism to help promote the entire state!
6 5 $1,975 88 1,852 922 1,259 669
Explore Menomonie is looking to get the local perspective on all things Menomonie and Dunn County. If you love to write, this is the perfect opportunity for you to become a local blog insider. Topics being added include local music, foodie, pet-friendly, outdoors, biking, arts, family, a local kids’ insider, or suggested ideas. Explore Menomonie currently has a local insider on fishing around Dunn County. If you are interested in becoming an insider, please contact, Leah Hauck at 715-235-9087 or by emailing
[email protected].
2017 Tourism Grant is still available Like us on Facebook!
Eligible applicants are non-profit, volunteer-managed, individual organizations or non-exclusive social cooperations. If you or your organization is looking to put on tourism events in the Greater Menomonie Area that will likely result in paid overnight room stays and have a positive impact on the region, apply for a Tourism Grant! http://www.exploremenomonie.com/grant-application.html
Ribbon Cuttings & Welcome Baskets Marine Credit Union Congratulations to Marine Credit Union on their ribbon cutting! Headquartered in La Crosse, WI, Marine Credit Union is built upon the strong belief that its members are more than just a credit score. They are committed to providing quality financial services and guidance to all members of the communities they serve and will continue their long-standing tradition of delivering personalized lending solutions to fit their members’ individual needs. Marine Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving nearly 60,000 members with office locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Stop by their new Menomonie location, at 1320 Broadway St. Suite 8, or give them a call at 715-309-4750.
Shoe Sensation Congratulations to Shoe Sensation on their ribbon cutting and grand opening! Shoe Sensation is a regional chain of family shoe stores selling quality name-brand shoes. Their stores carry a large selection of men’s, women’s, children’s, and athletic footwear in a better-branded merchandise mix. Shoe Sensation was developed to meet the footwear needs of the entire family with their clientele ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. If you have any questions, give the store a call at 715-309-2865 and be sure to follow them on Facebook!.
Groundbreaking Cobblestone Hotel Congratulations to Cobblestone Inn & Suites, on their groundbreaking! The four story, 51-room hotel is scheduled to open in the fall of 2017. Photographed from left to right are: Jeremy Griesbach, Chris Brooke, Hector Cruz, Paul Madsen, Bill Albright, Mayor Randy Knaack, Chancellor Bob Meyer, and Brian Wogernese. For more information, call them at 888-693-8242, follow them on Facebook and visit their website at www.staycobblestone.com
Thank You to Our New and Renewing Members! Advanced Disposal All Title Services, Inc. American Edge Real Estate Services, Inc. American Family Insurance, Lori Davidson Cady Cheese, LLC Chippewa Valley Technical College Citizens State Bank Colfax Chevrolet Inc. Cubby’s LLC Halverson Bros Plumbing & Heating Heritage Builders
Johnson Financial Services Kobussen Buses LTD. Market & Johnson Quality Inn & Suites- Menomonie Robert Giede Design Shefchik Builders, Inc. Masonic Lodge #164 Menomonie Optimist Club NovoPrint USA Mainstream Boutique
On the Go Bus Quality Auto Body, Inc. Serendipity Antiques Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center SMX Staffing Soft Landing Transition Services, Inc. Stucky Chiropractic Menomonie Ted’s Pizza, Inc. The Medicine Shoppe Wells Fargo Bank
Business to Business WESTconsin Credit Union Announces Board of Directors Beth Waldhart Appointed and annual report. Rita Lunderville, to Junior Achievement Board Treasurer, provided the Audit Committee Report, and Lynn Brantner, Northwest District Board Board Secretary, conducted of Directors the election.
Western WI - WESTconsin Credit Union held its 77th Annual Membership Meeting on March 21, 2017 at the Menomonie High School Auditorium. At the meeting, Board Chairperson Dave Maves provided a review of the Board activities and highlights for 2016. Lora Benrud, Chief Executive Officer, reviewed the financial statement
Members in attendance participated in the election process of three Board of Directors’ positions. Dale Dahlke, Todd Leipnitz, and Jerry Wolf were re-elected to the Board for another three-year term. At a recent Board Reorganizational Meeting, the following individuals were elected as officers. Additional Board members include Dale Dahlke, Todd Leipnitz, and Colleen Mensing. • Chairperson – Dave Maves • Vice Chairperson – Jerry Wolf • Secretary – Lynn Brantner • Treasurer – Rita Lunderville
Cedar Corporation Announces New Location in Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Cedarburg, WI -- Cedar Corporation is pleased to announce the recent opening of its newest location in Cedarburg. This location will directly
Cory Fisher Joins Auth Consulting & Associates Team Menomonie, WI Auth Consulting is excited to announce that Cory Fisher of AEC Engineering has joined the Auth Consulting & Associates team as of March 1, 2017, as their lead Structural Engineer. Cory received his Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and since then he has been providing Structural Engineering services to
serve clients in the Southeast region of the state, while collaborating with Cedar Corporation’s other offices to continue quality service throughout the Midwest. The Cedarburg office will be managed by Ron Dalton, P.E., who is joined by Bryan Greisch, and Douglas Kroes. The Cedarburg office, located at W61 N497 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, is open 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday, and staff can be reached at 262-204-2360. Read the full article here. Architects, Contractors and Owners for 16 years. Cory said he is eager to have a change of pace and be a part of a multi-disciplined engineering and land surveying firm. The AC/a team provides Cory with the opportunity to provide additional professional services that he had not been able to offer in the past, while continuing to provide structural engineering services. It is important for Cory’s customers and business partners to know that he will continue to provide the same great services and quality that you have come to know and rely on, while providing a larger network of professionals and services. Auth Consulting & Associates is proud to welcome Cory Fisher aboard and they wish him the best in his new position.
Eau Claire, WI – Junior Achievement welcomes Beth Waldhart, Assistant Vice President of Business Banking at Charter Bank to Junior Achievement Board of Directors. Beth Waldhart joined Charter Bank as an an Assistant Vice President Business Banker last October. She brings 15 years of lending experience to the bank, with the last nine years at Regional Business Fund, Inc., an economic development financing program for business expansion and start up. There, she managed the non-profit organization and partnered with financial institutions to provide financing to many businesses throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Graduating with Cum Laude honors from Ripon College Beth earned her degree in Economics, with a Mathematics minor and a Business Management Certificate and undertook a year of graduate work at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Policy. She is originally from Medford, WI, resides in Eau Claire with her two children; Sam and Chloe. Read the full article here.
Little Caesar’s Gets a New Look!
Menomonie, WI – There has been a big new remodel at your local Little Caesar’s! They’ve gotten a whole new look in their lobby, as well as new tools and technology to help them bring the best experience possible to their loyal customers here in Menomonie! They’re still bringing the same great value of their fresh Hot-N-Ready Pizzas for just $5.00, so stop by soon to check out their new look!
E
Leadership Menomonie Offers Young Hero Award
ach year, the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce puts on a nine-month program called Leadership Menomonie, which is designed to develop community leaders who have the skills to work together, be part of solutions, and accept ownership of community issues. In March, the Leadership Menomonie class studies the government in Dunn County, which includes guest speakers and tours of the fire station in north Menomonie, the judicial center and the government center. The class also has opportunities to meet many of our local heroes who keep our town safe. Tony Liedl, Interim CEO at the Menomonie Chamber, saw an opportunity to expand on this day. “Heroes come in all ages and sizes, and Leadership Menomonie’s Government Day is a perfect platform to use to recognize kids in our communities that go above and beyond, making a positive impact on those around them.” Such was the case for five-year-old Liam Kraft. “Knowing Liam personally, I see the type of leadership he displays for his two younger siblings. He’s kind, compassionate, and would do anything for his brother and sister without hesitation. He always puts their needs before his own, especially with his younger sister, Dillon. He was an obvious candidate to give our first award to.” Liedl said. Liam’s younger sister, Dillon, is just over three years old, and is often in the Children’s Hospital receiving treatment for a mitochondrial disorder. “Liam is always helping Dillon, giving her more independence when we’re out in the community. He doesn’t argue or complain, he just helps her,” Liam’s mom, Elizabeth Kraft stated. Kraig Kraft, Liam’s father, said, “He’s always been an inspiration to everyone. One night the news came on, and there was a story that we didn’t feel appropriate for him to see, so Elizabeth went to turn the channel. Liam said, ‘But mom, I want to see the heroes. If I can’t watch the news, I don’t get to see the heroes,
like the fire truck drivers, the ambulance drivers and the police.’ It made me realize he wasn’t taking in the scary stuff, but watching for the heroes of the story.” Tony Liedl met with Jack Baus, Fire Chief, Eric Atkinson, Police Chief, and Randy Knaack, Mayor of the City of Menomonie about the idea of the Young Hero Award, and all were in agreement that this would be a wonderful addition to the Leadership Menomonie program’s Government Day. Soon, a certificate was drawn up and signed by each of them. Then Liedl contacted the family, and arrangements were made to have Liam attend the fire station portion of the program for a tour and to receive his well-deserved award. The award states, “For displaying outstanding courage, being a positive role model for his younger siblings, and sacrificing time with his family so they may focus on the medical needs of his younger sister, Dillon.” Fire Chief Jack Baus and Police Chief Eric Atkinson presented Liam with the certificate, and Mayor Randy Knaack stopped by shortly after to personally shake Liam’s hand. Then Lieutenant Mucks gave Liam a full tour of the fire station, and even gave the family a ride in one of the fire trucks. “Lieutenant Mucks was amazing with Liam. He showed Liam every single truck in that fire station, turned on the lights whenever Liam asked, and made sure not to leave out Liam’s little brother, Arlo. It was a day that family will never forget.” Liedl said. Next January, the Chamber will reach out to the community and take nominations for kids deserving the Young Hero Award. Full details will be released later and put on the Chamber’s website, www.menomoniechamber.org. For more information about the Leadership Menomonie program, visit http://www.menomoniechamber.org/pages/leadership-menomonie, or call the Chamber at 715-235-9087.
Now Accepting Applications for Leadership Menomonie 2017-18! Another exciting year is planned for Leadership Menomonie, the Chamber’s program designed to help participants develop community knowledge, networking opportunities, leadership skills and become better informed of area businesses and community issues. Participation ensures the development of new community understanding and the enhancement of leadership skills. The opening retreat includes leadership assessment, personal project development and team building. Leadership Menomonie is an exceptional program, helping participants learn skills to improve their professional and personal lives and create a new network of professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. It is also designed to help participants gain a new appreciation of their community, which differentiates Leadership Menomonie from other leadership programs. Class members are also required to complete a personal leadership project. Tuition of the program is $950. Limited scholarships available for non-profits. If you have any questions about Leadership Menomonie, please call 715-235-9087 or email at
[email protected].
Leadership Menomonie is a time-tested program that has proven and is designed to develop local community leaders.
CLICK HERE
for more photos and to follow on Facebook! Leadership Menomonie is sponsored by:
The nine-month program guides participants to develop leadership skills, work together, understand our community, enhance their confidence and help them build a new personal network of business professionals.
Click HERE
to register online!
MENOMONIE AREA CHAMBER & Visitor Center Whitetail Golf Course - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 Foursome
Individual Golfer
Dinner Only
Register a foursome and save $20 off individual golfer fees!
Individual golfers will be assigned to a group by the Chamber
Reservations are required
$480
Reservations
Reservations are on a firstcome/first-serve basis. Only 36 teams available.
What’s Included
Every golfer will receive: Green Fees, Cart, Box Lunch, Dinner, Special Event Prizes, and Sponsor’s Gift Rain or shine event no refunds will be provided, but a golf certificate is issued to all players in the event of rain. In the event of a rain out, dinner will be held at 5:00 p.m. and prizes will be awarded.
Schedule
$125
Sponsorships Available Exclusive company tee sponsorship signs for one hole Includes registration fees for foursome ($480 value) Recognition in Chamber Newsletter, reaching over 1,300 readers
Company logo displayed on cart Company representative can ride in cart meeting golfers for event Recognition in Chamber Newsletter, reaching over 1,300 readers
Company logo displayed on prize signage for one of following prizes: • $10,000 cash • Apple iPad, iPod Nano, and gift card • $750 Visa gift Card • Callaway irons and woods
Includes Tee Sponsorship Recognition in Chamber Newsletter, reaching over 1,300 readers Company name on tee or green sign Company representative may promote products/services Recognition in Chamber Newsletter, reaching over 1,300 readers All tee sponsors are encouraged to have company representatives at your hole — it makes the event more fun and gives your company the opportunity to provide additional promotional items for the golfers!
Registration - 9:30 a.m.
Shotgun - 11:00 a.m. Box lunch will be on carts to be consumed at golfer’s convenience Dinner & Prizes - 5:00 p.m.
$25
Elite Sponsor
1,000
$
Cart Sponsor
500
$
Hole-in-One Sponsor
350
$
Tee or Green Sponsor
200
$
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Thank you to Our Major Sponsor!
WAGE
SURVEY
2017
Barron · Chippewa · Dunn · Eau Claire• · LaEau Crosse Barron • Chippewa • Dunn Claire
Save the Date! March 20: Survey goes out May 20: Survey due back July 20: Survey available for purchase
18th Annual Wage Survey
The 2017 Chippewa Valley Wage Survey will be distributed in March and published in July. This will allow more employers to use the information for budgeting and compensation planning purposes. An e-mail about participating in the survey went out on March 20. Businesses that didn’t receive the forms can obtain them through the Chamber website at www.eauclairechamber.org under “Programs & Services” and choose “Chippewa Valley Wage Survey” to download the forms in either paper or Excel format. There is a minimal cost to receive the report when it is available in July; Chamber or CVSHRM membership qualifies businesses for discounted pricing. We need more employers to contribute their data in order to keep the survey viable and relevant; data is kept confidential. The survey covers about 150 common jobs in the area, with breakouts in manufacturing, healthcare, financial institutions and non-profits. For questions or comments, please contact Casey Schumacher at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce at
[email protected] or (715) 858-0614.
WAGE
Watch your e-mail for more information!
2017
To participate please contact Casey Schumacher at
[email protected]
SURVEY Barron · Chippewa · Dunn · Eau Claire · La Crosse
342 E. Main Street Menomonie, WI 54751
menomonie area chamber April 2017 • Vol. 79, Issue 04 Board of Directors
News
Chamber
Officers
Directors
Staff
President
Theresa Boettcher Philips - Medisize
Mary Bygd Mayo Clinic Health System
Tony Liedl Interim CEO Business Development Manager
Leah Hauck Tourism Director
Donna Nygard Administrative Assistant
Jon Menz West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board
Vice President
Jody Hagman WESTconsin Credit Union
Secretary/Treasurer
Brad Waznik WMG Waznik Moseler Group, LLC
Past President
Phil Lyons University of Wisconsin-Stout
Member at Large
Todd Kostman Wipfli, LLP
Tom Evenson 3M
Jeff Jaeger WESTconsin Credit Union
Laura Kendzior Best Western Plus Menomonie Inn and Suites
Dan Lytle Chippewa Valley Technical College
Julie McRae Xcel Energy
Chad Plath Royal Credit Union
Josh Risler Menomonie Market Food Coop
Seth Sundeen Dairy State Bank
Contact Us!
P • 715-235-9087 T • 800-283-1862 F • 715-235-2824 E •
[email protected] W • www.menomoniechamber.org Visit us on Facebook at Menomonie Area Chamber
