March 2016 • Vol. 78, Issue 03
Chamber Statistics
Packets Relocation ................... 7 Visitor .......................... 4
Sales Chamber Dollars ........ $3,297.50
Facebook New Likes .................... 42
Website Visits to Site ................ 1,526
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What’s Inside:
February, 2016
Tourism News pg. 2
New/Renewing Members pg. 6
Meet the Candidates Event pg. 6
Annual Banquet Recap pgs. 4-5
Benefits of Membership pgs.14-15
Business After Hours pg. 8
Weld Riley Advertisement pg. 7
Business to Business pg. 3
YP Cooking Class pg. 9
Red Cedar Watershed pg. 10
Wage Survey pg. 11
Business After 5 pg. 12
Golf Outing Registration pg. 13
Tourism NewsJoin the Crowd - Mabel Tainter EventsGuys and DollsFriday, March 4th, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.Saturday, March 5th,2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.Sunday March 6th, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Menomonie Theater Guild
Kenni Holmen with theMenomonie High SchoolJazz Ensemble ITuesday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.Sponsored by:Menomonie High School.Under the direction of Jake Karkula,performing contemporary jazz music and classic big band standards.
St. Olaf’s Norseman BandFriday, March 11, 8:00 p.m.The Norseman Band is one of two symphonic bands at St. Olaf College, MN.
Jazz and Wine: The Big DealFriday, March 18, 7:00 p.m.
Ring of KerrySaturday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.Ring of Kerry is a bursting-with-energy Irish music group that captures the heartsof listeners.
Hobo Nephews of Uncle FrankFriday, April 1, 7:30 p.m.American roots music . Their blend of folk, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll isuniquely their own. For more, visit www.mabeltainter.org.
Welcome Maggie Foote,Interim Tourism Director
Menomonie, WI - Maggie Foote has stepped into the role of interimassociate tourism director at the Menomonie Chamber to assist in coordinating tourism related marketing efforts. Foote has worked within the tourism industry for more than 25 years. She was executive director at the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, as well as the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center. Foote was a consultant for Corridor Design, a
western Wisconsin marketing and design agency for 13 years.She has been active in state and regional tourism organizations,and most recently had served on Menomonie’s TourismCommission. Maggie is the owner of the Oaklawn Inn - a bed and breakfast. She may be reached by email [email protected], or by calling 715-235-9087.
Do You Have a Tourism- Related Business?Don’t miss the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Ho-Chunk Convention Center, March 13-15. Learn from top industry specialists on a number of important tourism topics. To sign up, visit the industry web site at www.WIGCOT.org
Seeking Welcome CrewIf you like bragging about the Menomonie area and all there is to see and do, join our volunteer Welcome crew. This group will be helping to staff a Visitor Information table for larger conferences, meetings and events held in the Menomonie area. Here’s an opportunity to meet people from around the world and assist them in finding restaurants, services and things to do while they are visiting. Please contact Maggie Foote, 715.235.9087, [email protected], if you’re interested in saying “Welcome, how may we help you?”
Ag Tourism SummitKatie Wantoch, Agriculture Agent, Dunn County UW-Extension, John and Julie Govin, Govin’s Meats & Berries, and Maggie Foote, Tourism Director, Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center, attended the annual Ag Tourism Summit in Marshfield, Feb. 22-23. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, program topics included Historic Agricultural Tourism, Social Media, Event Barns, and Destination Marketing. Govin’s Meats & Berries, long time WATA member, was featured during the opening luncheon.
For more information, visit www.wiagtourism.com
NAIFC Ice Fishing TournamentFriday - Sunday, March 4-6Don’t miss the fun on Lake Menomin. NAIFC Open Qualifier, includes seminars, ice fishing tournament and the kids ice camp! A great place to bring the whole family. Visit www.naifc.com for the full schedule!
Science Olympiad-Twice!UW-Stout and Menomonie will be hosts to the State and NationalScience Olympiad competitions this year. April 1 and 2 will bring over 1,500 Wisconsin middle school and high school students, their coaches and parents to the UW-Stout campus for the Wisconsin State Science Olympiad Tournament. Please extend a friendly welcome to these young people.
Menomonie is also pleased to welcome the Science Olympiad National Tournament to be held on the UW-Stout campus May 18-21. This prestigious event will bring teams from every state, including Hawaii, as well as an invited team from Japan. Over 3,500 students, teachers, coaches, volunteers and families will be gathering in Menomonie over a four-day period. For more information, visit www.scienceolympiad2016.org
Business to BusinessAttorney Tim O’Brien Receives Re-CertificationIn Civil Trial Law with the National Board ofTrial Advocacy
New Richmond, WI - The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) is pleased to announce that Timothy J. O’Brien has successfully achieved re-certification as a Civil TrialAdvocate. Tim O’Brien is an attorney at Bakke Norman, S.C., with offices in New Richmond and Menomonie. Board Certification is the highest, most stringent, and most reliable honor an attorney can receive. To be certified as a Civil Trial Advocate an attorney must complete a rigorous application process, which includes demonstration of substantial jury trial experience, submission of references
by judges and other attorneys, attendance at specialized continuing legal education courses, and proof of high ethical standards. Approximately three percent of American lawyers are Board Certified.
Tim O’Brien was first certified as a Civil Trial Advocate on November 10, 2000, and was previously re-certified in 2010. His practice focuses on assisting people injured in automobile accidents, defending individuals charged with serious crimes, and representing businesses and their owners in legal disputes.
Bremer Investment Services Adds Ross Olson as Financial Advisor in Menomonie
Menomonie, WI - Bremer is excited to announce theaddition of Ross Olson as a new Bremer InvestmentServices and Raymond James Financial Advisor in Menomonie. He will support the broader financialneeds of clients throughout the region.
In his most recent position as a wealth manager atBernicke & Associates, Ltd., Olson delivered acomprehensive portfolio of financial solutions to personal and business clients. He also served a variety of clients
while at Royal Credit Union, where he started in financial sales and was later promoted to a business loan representative.
In addition to the experience he gained while working in Eau Claire, Olson has both the series 7 and 66 licenses, as well as licenses to offer life, accident and health insurance in Wisconsin. He also has earned the esteemed Six Sigma Process Improvement certificate. Prior to his more specialized education, Olson obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
New Chamber Checks Programto Replace Popular ChamberDollars Program
Menomonie, WI - Beginning March 1, 2016, the Menomonie Area Chamber will launch its Chamber Checks program. This program will replace the popular Chamber Dollars – a gift certificate program offered by the Menomonie Area Chamber
of Commerce, which brought in over $90,000 to member businesses. The new Chamber Checks will be “live” checks, and will still include an insert with a list of Chamber member businesses that accept them.
Checks will be available pre-printed in amounts up to $50 each and will be made payable to “Chamber Member Business.” Individuals may not accept Chamber Checks for deposit into their personal accounts.
Chamber Dollar paper certificates should continue to behonored by retailers, and will be reimbursed from theChamber. However, paper certificates will no longer besold after March 1, 2016.
Chamber Checks may be purchased at the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce during regular business hours, or may be ordered in advance via phone or email.
Payment for Chamber Checks must be received before or upon distribution (cash, check, or credit card).
Regional BusinessFund, Inc. Back to Fully Defederalized Fund Eau Claire, WI - The Regional Business Fund, Inc. has received its last signedcontract, and is back to a fullydefederalized fund.Regional Business Fund, Inc. will be putting together a marketing and outreach campaign, reintroducing the programs RBF has to offer to the broader network.For more information, visit their website www.rbfinc.org.
Heartland ContractorsMakes Donations toLocal OrganizationsChippewa Falls, WI - Heartland Contractors is proud to support organizations working to strengthen our communities. The following organizations were chosen to receive donations from Heartland Helps for the month of January:• Silvermine Ski Jump• Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation• Lighthouse Youth Center of Milwaukee• Lighthouse Youth Center of Eau ClaireTo have your organization considered, please submit to [email protected]
Thank you to everyone who attended the Menomonie Area Chamber’s 77th Annual Banquet! The evening was filled with wonderful people,engaging conversation, delicious food, and well-earned awards.
Thank You to OurBANQUET SPONSORS
Presenting S ponsor Reception Sponsor
Annual
Award SponsorsAndersen Corporation
Cedar CorporationCedar Falls Building Systems, Inc.Chippewa Valley Regional Airport
Charter Bank Eau ClaireDairy State Bank
Dunn Energy CooperativeHeartland Financial Associates, LLC
- Wealth ManagementMarket & Johnson, Inc.
Mayo Clinic Health SystemRoyal Credit Union
University of Wisconsin-StoutVets Plus, Inc.
Gold Sponsors
Anshus Jewelers
Bremer Bank
Manpower
Royal Credit Union
Walmart
WESTconsin Credit Union
Mary BygdChamber President 2015
Gene Hatfield2015 Distinguished Citizen
Brian and Wendy Wold,Quality Auto Body
2015 Small Business of the Year
Jim AndersonHonorary Lifetime Member
Brett Schreiner2015 Volunteer of the Year
Jay Fahl2015 Good Neighbor
Kara Grottke 2015 Ambassador
of the Year
Carol Hestekin 2015 Ambassador President
Jill Gamez,Arbor Place
2015 Nonprofit of the Year
Charlie Weber Family2015 Farm Family of the Year
Raj and Swati Lall,Vets Plus, Inc.
2015 Business of the Year
Steve Cook - 2011-2015 Board MemberRoxann Vanderwyst - 2007-2015 Board Member
Not Pictured: Ried Tate - 2013-2015 Board Member
Randy Eide2015 Friend of Tourism
Awardwinn ers
Thank You to Our New and Renewing Members!AgStar Home MortgageAndale Real EstateCedar Country Co-opChippewa ValleyHome Builders AssociationCommunity Foundationof Dunn CountyConfidential Records, Inc.Dick’s Fresh MarketJake’s Supper ClubKobussen Buses LTD.Kristo Orthodontics
L&M Mail Service, Inc.Heartland Financial Associates, LLC- Wealth ManagementMachine Shed SportsMarshfield Clinic Menomonie CenterMenomonie Log JamMrCamera ImagingOptimum Therapies, LLCOur House Senior LivingPC DoctorPhillip M. Steans, S.C.
RTS Roofing, Inc.Serendipity AntiquesSilver Dollar Saloon Special OlympicsWI Indianhead RegionSpectrum BusinessStraight ForwardSkoog’s ParksideTangles Hair StudioVets Plus, Inc.Wipfli, LLP
Tuesday,March 29
Meet the Menomonie
What:A casual social event for Menomonieresidents to discuss local topics withelected o�cials
Who:All mayoral, city council, and countyboard candidates for the city ofMenomonie are invited to meetwith residents
When:Tuesday, March 29th 6:30 – 8:00
Where:Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts – basement
Format: Various topics will be discussed openlybetween candidates in a guided discussion,with many opportunities for questionsand open dialogue
Accommodations:Treats and refreshments will beavailable throughout the event
Click Here to Follow on Facebook!
Red Cedar Watershed ConferenceThursday, March 10, 2016
University of Wisconsin-StoutMemorial Student CenterMenomonie, Wisconsin
KEYNOTES
Expanding on Regenerative Agriculture - Gabe Brown
Algae: The Why, The Risks and Our Role in Taming It - Tim Davis, Ph.D.
Working Together to Protect Watersheds: a Blue Future is Possible - Maude Barlow
LAND Go Plant, Not Dig - Gabe Brown Pleasant Valley Watershed Project - Steve Richter The Red Cedar Demonstration Farm: Soil Health and Water Quality - Katie Wantoch, Dan Prestebak and John Sippl
WATER Soaking In, Getting Water to Stay Home: Rain Gardens, Detention Ponds, Puddles and Pot Holes - Rod Olson, MD, Amanda Kostner and Gage McClean The People and Plan That Will Direct Efforts Toward Cleaner Water in the Red Cedar River Basin - Nels Paulson, Bob Walters, Ron Verdon, Tyler Gruetzmacher and Dan Zerr Water Battles at the State Capitol - Mike Engleson
PEOPLE Building Social Capacity: Linking the Sociology with the Science - Lynne Kolze Media’s Role in Conservation - Dave Carlson and Joe Knight Hunting and Fishing: What’s Clean Water Have to Do with It? – John Cole and Scott Sinz
Join us! Learn more and register today at www.uwstout.edu/profed/redcedar.
Questions? Contact UW-Stout Professional Education Programs and Services.715-232-2793 or [email protected]
What is the Wage Survey?A survey used to gather current and accurate data on wages for 148 common jobs throughout the 4 county area (Barron, Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire).
Participants get special pricing on the survey
Watch your e-mail for more information!
Save the Date! March 15: Survey goes out May 1: Survey due back July 15: Survey available
for purchase
17th Annual Wage Survey
CHIPPEWA VALLEY WAGE SURVEY
To participate please contact Emily Lindholm [email protected]
Watch your e-mail for more information!
WAGESURVEY2016WAGE
2016SURVEY
Barron · Chippewa · Eau Claire · Menomonie
WAGESURVEY2016WAGE
2016SURVEY
Barron · Chippewa · Eau Claire · Menomonie
Hudson New Richmond RSVP to Vanessa LaFleur RSVP to Rob Kreibich [email protected] [email protected]
Hammond/Roberts Somerset RSVP to David Lindquist RSVP to Beckah Whitlock [email protected] [email protected]
River Falls Baldwin-Woodville RSVP to Chris Blasius RSVP to Sarah Weiske [email protected] [email protected]
Glenwood City Area RSVP to Joan Bartz [email protected]
Your Local Chambers of St. Croix County Invite You To Our All Chamber
BUSINESS after 5 $10/person Payable at The Door
Thursday, April 14, 5-7 p.m. at R & D Catering Banquet
Corner of Highway 65 & County Road G New Richmond, WI
Join us for this amazing opportunity to meet and network with chamber members from all over St. Croix County, including:
Be an Event Sponsor
For $100. Receive 4 entries to
this event, booth opportunity, plus lots
of recognition and signage!
Contact your local chamber if you are interested in
this sponsorship opportunity!
Networking Appetizers Cash Bar Fun
Please RSVP by April 8th
MENOMONIE AREA CHAMBER & Visitor Center
EliteSponsor
$1,200Tee
Sponsor
$200
Whitetail Golf Course - Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Sponsorships AvailableSponsorship of a hole (Tee and Green)
Complete foursome registration Limited edition golf outing polos for each player
Market your business to more than150 golfers and volunteers
Receive a sign provided by the ChamberSponsor names are included in the program
Receive recognition at the event Mentioned in thank you in The Chamber News.
Foursome
* Rate increases to$480 starting March 24
$440*Individual Golfer
Individual golferswill be assigned to a
group by the Chamber
$125Dinner Only
Reservations are required
$25
ScheduleRegistration - 9:30 a.m.
Shotgun - 11:00 a.m.
Box lunch will beon carts to be consumed
at golfer’s convenience
Dinner & Prizes - 5:00 p.m.
ReservationsReservations are on a first-come/first-serve basis.Only 36 teams available.
What’s IncludedEvery golfer will receive: Green Fees, Cart, Box Lunch,Steak 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, dinnerwill be held at 5:00 p.m. and prizes will be awarded.
All tee sponsors are encouraged to have companyrepresentatives at your hole — it makes the event more fun and
gives your company the opportunity to provide additionalpromotional items for the golfers!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
$1,200 Elite Sponsor
Foursome& Hole Sponsorship
Thank you toOur Major Sponsor!
342 E. Main StreetMenomonie, WI 54751
menomonie area chamber NewsMarch 2016 • Vol. 78, Issue 03
Brett Schreiner UW-Stout Athletics
Dan Lytle Chippewa Valley Technical College
Gary Theelke Culvers
Julie McRae Xcel Energy
Kara Grottke Mayo Clinic Health System
Laura Kendzior Country Inn & Suites
Mark Parsons UW-Stout Foundation
Seth Sundeen Dairy State Bank
Tom Evenson 3M
Directors
Chamber
Michelle M. Dingwall Chief Executive Officer
Tony Liedl Business Development Manager
Donna Nygard Administrative Assistant
Staff
President Phil Lyons Mayo Clinic Health System
Vice President Jon Menz West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board
Secretary/Treasurer Jody Hagman WESTconsin Credit Union
Past President Mary Bygd Mayo Clinic Health System
Member at Large Todd Kostman Wipfli, LLP
Officers
Board of Directors
Contact Us!P • 715-235-9087 T • 800-283-1862 F • 715-235-2824
E • [email protected] • www.menomoniechamber.org
Visit us on Facebook at Menomonie Area Chamber