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Chamber Newsletter - March 2018
Volume 23 - Issue 3
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Chamber Chat with Amanda
Two area businesses and a community organization were honored with awards at the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet that took place on Monday, March 19 at Castle Hill Supper Club in Merrillan.
Northern Family Farms received the 2017 Business of the Year Award. Northern Family Farms was established in 1955. It was a Christmas tree farm owned by Cal and Arlene Frelk, along with Cal's brother George. John and Ginger Ahl joined the business in 1980 and shortly thereafter, added a line of nursery products. The family business has welcomed its third generation of leadership with the addition of Ashley and Derek Ahl. Northern Family Farms offers quality products and are a wholesale distributor of nursery and Christmas tree products in the Midwest. You can find their products at local retailers in our area. They employ approximately 125 people in various agricultural occupations.
Other nominees for the Business of the Year were Cell.Plus/US Cellular Authorized Agent, Regal, Revolution Coffee, The Mocha Mouse, Theisen's Home-Farm-Auto and WWIS Radio.
Cell.Plus/US Cellular Authorized Agent received the 2017 Customer Service Award. Since taking over the former location of Sight and Sound in 2014, Cell.Plus, an Authorized Agent for U.S. Cellular, has gown its customer base and sales each year. In 2017 they relocated and invested in a brand new store in the new strip mall by Wal-Mart. Cell.Plus now serves over 3,700 customers in the Black River Falls/Jackson County area. They pride themselves on the customer experience provided in their store. Cell.Plus has nine locations and the Black River Falls store rates the highest for customer experience. They implemented a survey program three years ago and the Black River Falls store scored 97% on the questions relating to service, knowledge, personal care and value.
Other nominees for the Customer Service Award were Black River Memorial Hospital, Co-op Credit Union, Re-Pete's Saloon & Grill and The Print Shop.
The Black River Area Community Band received the 2017 Service Organization Award. The Black River Area Community Band started in 1998. This spring, they are celebrating their 20th year of performing for the community. Members of the band come from all over the area. The depth of the talent is amazing. Band members range in age from the teens to the late 70's. Forty members is the average size but there have been over 120 musicians in the band at one time or another. The Black River Area Community Band was the driving force behind choosing the site and the planning and design of the Band Shell at the Lunda Community Park. The band provides musical support for many community activities. They have become the de facto band for Black River Falls and the greater Jackson County area.
Other nominees for the Service Organization Award were Aptiv, Friends of the Black River, Lunda Community Center and Network for Youth.
The winners were chosen by the Chamber Ambassadors group, the Chamber Annual Dinner Committee and by Chamber board members after a review of the nominations.
We had an outstanding selection of nominees. It's always a difficult job choosing, but each of the recipients are certainly deserving of the award. Congratulations to all of the award winners and nominees!
Northern Family Farms, LLP was named the Business of the Year. Pictured (l-r) are Joaquin Rodreguez, Afredro Rodreguez, Amanda Staff, Jared Gaier, Randy Evans, Vicki Woods, Jeff Casper, Derek Ahl, Stacy Zak, Ashley Ahl, Chamber Director Amanda Gunn and last year's Business of the Year winner Harvey Wood. (Photo courtesy of JoDee Brooke/Banner Journal)
Cell Plus/U.S. Cellular Agent of Black River Falls received the Customer Service of the Year award. Pictured (l-r) are Chamber Director Amanda Gunn, associate Mackenzie Borek, operations manager Ryan Granger, store manager Nancy Stevens, associate Nick Slegel, store owner Andy Kamla, associate Tyler Gunn and associate Sara Baker. (Photo courtesy of JoDee Brooke/Banner Journal)
The Black River Area Community Band received Service Organization of the Year award. Pictured (l-r) are Chamber Director Amanda Gunn, Stephanie LaRosa, Diane Kujak, Lorraine McDonald, Marie Ruda, Dennis Ruda, Mary Mack, Margaret Severson, Carolyn Burge, Lois Corey and Judy Hawley. (Photo courtesy of JoDee Brooke/Banner Journal)
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Chamber. Together we will build business, create community and promote tourism.
Amanda Gunn
Executive Director
Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
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Chamber Annual Banquet Wrap Up
Thank you to everyone who attended the Annual Banquet. We had 250 people
registered to attend. Thank you to the following businesses and organizations for contributing to the event:
Corporate Sponsors:
Platinum Level
Coldwell Banker River Valley Realtors
Gross Motors of Black River Falls
Ho-Chunk Gaming of Black River Falls
Millers Antiques and Auction Co.
Regal Beloit
Gold Level
Scholze Ace Home Center
Silver Level
Community Dental
Co-op Credit Union
Edward Jones-Kristin Franks Financial Advisor
Royalty Sponsors:
Riverside Auto Sales, Inc
Toybox Rides, Inc
Silent Auction Donors:
Black River Falls Studio 107
Black River Memorial Hospital
Coldwell Banker - Simonis/Nortman Team
Comfort Inn & Suites
Co-op Credit Union
D & S Manufacturing
Dave and Luane Meyer
Dynamic Audio & Video
Federation Cooperative
Ho-Chunk Gaming
Jackson County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers/ Lori Chown
Jackson Correctional Institution
Karner Blue Garden Club
K-9 Country Lodge
Magnum.Media
McDonald's
Millers Antiques & Auction Co.
Moe Hardware
Pine View Care Center
Pine View Terrace
Rainbow Rock REIKI
Reflections on Water
River Haven Salon & Spa
Sand Creek Brewery
Scholze Ace Home Center
The Banner Journal
Theisen's Home-Farm-Auto
The Merchant General Store
The Mocha Mouse
Three Bears Resort
Western Dairyland EOC
Wis-Coat LLC
WWIS Radio
Heads or Tails Basket Donors
Comfort Inn & Suites
Sand Creek Brewery
Re-Pete's Saloon & Grill
Wood Sales & Service
Revolution Coffee
Leila Selke - Cellkey Photography
Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
Special thanks to:
Castle Hill Supper Club, The Print Shop, Falls Florist, Dynamic Audio & Video, Miss Black River Falls Court, Miss Karner Blue Princess Court and the Boys & Girls Club
Also, Sand Creek Brewing Company & Ripp Distributing for your continued support of Business After 5
We appreciate your support! We look forward to the 2019 event.
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Chamber News
2018 Board of Directors
Front row (l-r) Brad Chown, City of Black River Falls; Tris Harris, Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls; Grady Gutknecht, Jackson County Board of Supervisors; Treasurer Sue Miller, Co-op Credit Union. Back row (l-r) Karman Briggs, Western Dairyland; Tamra Soto, Comfort Inn & Suites; Kristin Franks, Edward Jones Investments; Matt Streeter, Black River Memorial Hospital; Carrie Timp, Revolution Coffee; Secretary Justin Dougherty, Dynamic Audio & Video; Scott Johnson, Aptiv; Charles Betthauser, Sherman Law Office; President Robert Crampes, Land O' Lakes and Chamber Executive Director, Amanda Gunn. (Not pictured: Candy Christianson, D&S Manufacturing and Vice President Dave Meyer, WWIS Radio.)
2018 Black River Country Visitor's Guides
The 2018 Black River Country Visitor's Guides are printed and ready for distribution! We have cases available at our office. You can also view it online on our website. Stop into our office and pick some up anytime. If you would like us to deliver them to you, please call our office at 715-284-4658 or send us an email.
Thanks to all who advertised in this year's visitor's guide. If you missed out and want to make sure you're a part of next year's visitor's guide, it's not too early to let us know!
Our New Website is Live!
The new website is done and looks fantastic! Vision Design Group did a wonderful job with the design. Please take a look at the new site and your listing and let us know if you would like any of your information updated. You can also email us multiple pictures to add to your listing. Please send pictures to [email protected].
Events to Share
Please send us information on any upcoming events your business or organization is hosting. We will get them posted to the calendar on our website and in the printed calendar that we distribute at our office. We also share many different events on our Facebook page.
Brochures, Rack Cards and Business Cards Needed
Make sure to drop off a supply of your brochures, rack cards and business cards at the Chamber office. Help us help your business by passing along information to both our out-of-town visitors and to local residents who come to the chamber. If you can't make it to the office, give us a call and we will gladly pick them up at your business.
Goody Bag Items Needed
Throughout the year, we put together goody bags for our Karner Blue race, new teachers, hockey tournaments and other events. We are asking businesses to donate goody bag items. If you have items such as pens, magnets, key chains, coupons, etc that you would like to donate, give us a call. It is a great opportunity to advertise and promote your business!
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Career & Job Fair
Career Fair and Community-Wide Job Fair will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018!
The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce, Department of Workforce Development and the Black River Falls Middle School are planning a Career Fair and Community-Wide Job Fair at the Black River Falls Middle School. We appreciate your partnership on this day to help grow your current and future work force.
The schedule for the day will be:
10:30pm-12:30pm -
8th Grade Career Fair
12:30pm-1:00pm -
Lunch for Employers
1:00pm-5:30pm -
Community Wide Job Fair
*The School District will provide lunch and snacks for all folks running a booth.
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Fern Helbling Scholarship
Black River Area Chamber of Commerce seeks Scholarship Applicants
Each year, the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce (BRACC) awards two Fern Helbling Scholarships. Fern Helbling was a local registered nurse who passed away Dec. 21, 1999. It was her wish that the interest earned from part of her estate be used to benefit local scholars.
The Fern Helbling Business Scholarship is awarded to a male or female student enrolled in a four-year college. The student must be at least a college sophomore in good standing. Students must currently be taking at least six credits and enrolled in a business curriculum.
A second scholarship is the Fern Helbling Women's Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to women 25 years of age or older, and enrolled in a two or four-year college and currently taking at least six credits.
Both scholarship applications require a current degree audit or class schedule and an un-official transcript that reflects GPA. Requirements for both scholarships state the student must be a Jackson County resident.
Applicants must have good moral standards, an unquestionable reputation and be able to provide three character references. The students will be required to submit an essay on their goals and plans for achieving those goals.
The applicants may apply and receive more than one scholarship during undergraduate years. In 2018, the maximum scholarship amount in each category will be $500.
Application forms are available on the website.
Look for the link under the "Chamber" tab. Applications are also available at the BRACC office located at 120 North Water Street, Black River Falls, or can be emailed to the applicant. The application and attachments must be returned to the BRACC no later than May 18, 2018.
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Karner Blue Race
Registration is underway for the 14th Annual Karner Blue 5K-10K-Half Marathon which is Saturday, June 30. The event will take place the same day as Festival in the Park. An estimated 200 runners are expected to compete in the races, which are sponsored by the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce. The half marathon begins at 7 a.m., the 5K and 10K at 8 a.m. and a free kids race sponsored by Jackson In Action for youth 10 and under starts at 9 a.m.
Registration is $45 for the half marathon until June 22 and will increase to $50 for late registrants. Cost is $25 for the 5K and 10K races which will increase to $30 after June 22. Teams of five runners can sign up for the Corporate Challenge. Corporate registration is $100 and $125 after June 22.
Food and refreshments will follow the races. The awards ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. near the finish line at the Chamber of Commerce building. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age division. There will also be trophies for the male and female winners in each race.
You can also register at the Chamber office or on the day of the race.
Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the races can contact the chamber at 715-284-4658.
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Member Business Briefs
Brianne Massman named Lunda Community Center's new Executive Director
Brianne Massman has been named the Lunda Community Center's (LCC) new executive director. Massman began her journey at the LCC several months ago and says she has loved every moment of it. "Our staff, the members, the facility and energy make it the most amazing place to be - not just for me, but for all who come to visit," shared Massman.
In her time away from the LCC, Massman loves spending time with her family which includes two boys, Adam, 8, and Brett, 4, and her husband, Brian. "We enjoy taking on all kinds of fun, new adventures - including travel, sports, gator rides, gardening, art, cooking and music," "Teaching fitness classes and helping people work towards their fitness goals and to increase their overall wellness are a few other passions of mine," Massman shared. "Life is too short to not do what you love - so go after it!"
Massman says she looks forward to continuing her journey at LCC. "I hope you join me for part of the ride," she shared.
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Kelly LaBar named Boys & Girls Club - Lunda Center's new Director
Article and photo courtesy of Lori Jayne Carlson/Banner Journal
Kelly LaBar was recently named center director of the Boys & Girls Clubs
(BGC) of the Greater Chippewa Valley - Lunda Center. LaBar began her new position March 5.
"I want to continue to see the growth here. I have amazing passion for this place. I'll continue to let the kids inspire me," commented LaBar.
LaBar shared she has worked for the BGC in Black River Falls since 2010 and as the center's program coordinator since 2013.
As program coordinator LaBar said she worked more with the programming aspects of the center, but will now be more focused on developing resources, fundraising and connecting with the community.
"Two events are already coming up," explained LaBar, "the Beer and Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Sand Creek Brewery April 7 and the Sporting Clays Fundraiser at Woods & Meadow Hunting Preserve May 5."
The BGC provides activities and afterschool programming for youth ages 8-18. One of the goals of the BGC is to be a strong community resource which enables young people to reach their full potential, gain self-esteem and become responsible citizens. Membership is available to youth for a nominal yearly fee.
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Dave Mack, a Red Cross Hero after saving his friend
Story courtesy of JoDee Brooke/Banner Journal
It started as a late-season day of ice fishing on Lake Onalaska for Dave Mack and Jim Hornby, both former Black River Falls School District teachers. Temperatures were mild, 35 to 40 degrees. Mack loves fishing; Hornby describes himself as a tag-alone fisherman.
"I don't have all the equipment and gear that some do, but I just enjoy going and my friends take me along," shared Hornby.
Both Mack and Hornby are swimmers. Both are actually water safety instructors. But, no matter how well-prepared those in certain situations are, the unexpected happens.
Mack and Hornby were fishing a year ago last February on the backwaters of the Mississippi River . "It was getting to be the end of the day, and I said to Dave, 'Let's drill one more hole.' I started walking away a little bit from where we were, and Dave went to get the auger. As I turned, swish. Down I went through the ice into the water."
Mack remembered that afternoon well. "I heard his gasp right away," remembered Mack. "I turned around, and there he was in the water. He was about 20 to 30 feet away from me. I got down and crawled out to the hole."
Hornby remembered he caught himself on the edge of the ice, so he never went completely under. The water at that point, the guys said, is between 35 and 40 feet deep.
"Once I got to Jim, I pulled him back up as far as I could, and we crawled away from the hole," said Mack.
"There's a strong current there, so if I'd gone under the ice, it would have turned out a little different - we could have both gone under."
Hornby nominated his good friend for the Red Cross Hero Award. Mack and eight other individuals were honored March 14 at the Northwest Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross' Heroes' Breakfast in Eau Claire.
"You don't think about it," described Mack. "I can't imagine anyone not doing the same thing that I did that day."
The two didn't go fishing the rest of that year, but they have been back out on the ice once it froze this past winter.
Mack grew up near Stillwater, MN. He loved fishing. "My dad told me I couldn't go fishing until I learned how to swim," said Mack.
The circumstances that day may have created a situation where it wouldn't have mattered whether or not Mack and Hornby could swim, and both have thought about what might have happened if they'd both gone into the water and were pulled under by the current.
"There was a fishing contest there that day, so they obviously figured the ice was OK," said Mack. "The ice was 12 to 15 inches thick where we drilled holes. There were even vehicles driving on the lake that day. But there are springs in that area. They come up from the bottom, and they keep the water moving and either eat away at the ice or prevent ice from forming. Where Jim went through, the ice looked like it did everywhere else."
Hornby said he did come home with a few displaced ribs that day, which he confirmed a few days later after a visit to the doctor.
"Once I got him pulled back as far as I could from the hole, Jim says, 'Oh, "I'm not that cold.' Oh, you will be I told him."
"It could have been so different," shared Mack. "I always have a coat that will float with me, ice picks and a rope in my pocket, but it was so nice that day, I'd taken my coat off, so it didn't do me much good that day. Now I carry the rope in my coveralls."
Mack remembers fishing a lot with his dad. "I was in middle school or junior high and my dad was always an 'early ice' and 'stay on as long as he could in the spring' ice fisherman. We got out there and saw this guy, he was sitting on a five-gallon pail fishing when he went through the ice. My dad got to him and grabbed him and I hung on to my dad's feet. And, we got him out."
Mack got Hornby to the truck, where he changed into some dry clothes before heading home.
"And, you know, Jim only has one fishing pole, and he was still hanging on to it when I pulled him out of the water," shared Mack. "Somehow, he never let go of his pole."
Dave Mack (center, back) was honored at the Northwest Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross' Hero Breakfast March 14. Pictures with Mack is his wife Mary, a Jackson County Red Cross (JCRC) volunteer, his good friend and ice fishing companion Jim Hornby, Jim's wife Carol and JCRC volunteers Jane Ramey and Lyle Hart and Lyle's wife Ruth.
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2018 New Members
Mr. Pita
24 North Water Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Facebook:
Phone: 715-670-1300
Mr. Pita serves pitas, wraps, burgers, breakfast and more. Open Thursday-Tuesday from 11 AM-8 PM. Closed on Wednesdays. Stop in and give them a try!
First Nations Community Financial
206 S. Roosevelt Road
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: 715-284
First Nations Community Financial is a state chartered not-for-profit Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
We are so much more than just a loan! First Nations Community Financial provides opportunities for members of the Native Community. It also makes available financial education and coaching, credit counseling, technical support and other programs and services exclusively for Community members. First Nations Community Financial currently partners with the Ho-Chunk Nation and Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency to provide a wide range of financial products and services for the Communities and its members. Nationally, about 68 Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) exist in Indian Country. However, First Nations Community Financial is unique because it is the only Native CDFI that puts all its financial services to serve more communities than any other.
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7 Rivers Inspire Program
The 7 Rivers Alliance is pleased to announce that 51 employers have signed up to become community partners and 40 individuals registered as coaches for the Inspire Program! The Inspire portal is now "live" and is a part of the School District's Career Cruising career exploration platform.
The 7 Rivers Alliance is extremely thankful for the cooperation received from Black River Area Chamber of Commerce, the Black River School District, Western Technical College and the 7 Rivers employer community. When all the stakeholders are satisfied that the model is meeting initial expectations they will start to roll out the project throughout the remaining 16 districts in our region.
Please continue to encourage your friends and fellow employers, especially those in the Jackson County and surrounding communities, to sign up to help area students achieve their career exploration goals. The process is simple and takes minutes to complete. For more information visit http://www.7riversalliance.org
or
call 608-787-8777.
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WisConnect
Are you looking to increase your skilled talent pipeline?
An internship program is a fantastic way to begin that process. We want to introduce you to WisConnect - Your Source for Wisconsin Internships.
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Create a profile/marketing page for their business
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Post their internships for free
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Search for interns
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Access resources on creating or improving an internship program
Use WisConnect to develop a robust internship program and recruit interns to enhance your skilled talent pipeline.
Create a free WisConnect account to start your search for interns today. Once registered, you can build your employer profile to showcase and attract interns, post internships and search for qualified interns who meet your talent needs.
College students are joining WisConnect regularly.
Visit the site frequently to make new talent connections.
Note: If you have a JobCenterofWisconsin.com or Unemployment Insurance login, you can use your existing Username and Password when signing in on WisConnect.
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Supply Chain Marketplace
Register your business for FREE on the Supply Chain Marketplace!
Wisconsin Supply Chain Marketplace directory provides companies with a convenient avenue to find Wisconsin suppliers in a simple to use system that delivers results and supplier solutions.
The Marketplace offers suppliers a dynamic platform to get their information out to a broader customer base. Suppliers in the Marketplace get access to RFPs, RFQs, and CFIs with an opportunity to respond to the requests and access new markets.
Supply Chain Marketplace is designed to:
Highlight company capabilities
Be searchable via keywords and categories
Be a connecting interface for business-to-business transactions
Organize suppliers for new go-to-market opportunities
Make locating suppliers as easy as entering a few key strokes
Visit the website for more information.
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Department of Workforce Development
Grant Opportunities
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) - Office of Skills Development (OSD) released a new Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment Grant Program Announcement (GPA), making up to $500,000 in grants available to Wisconsin school districts to train students for careers in advanced manufacturing under Governor Walker's recently expanded
Wisconsin Fast Forward
(WFF) program.
The purpose of the grant is to reimburse school districts for the purchase and installation costs of technical education equipment used in vocational training and technical education in advanced manufacturing fields, including costs for equipment operation software and instructional materials to train students. Funds also may be used to pay for technical education building modifications to accommodate the equipment and to support advanced manufacturing technical education programs.
Details follow:
Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment GPA:
Applicants: Wisconsin School Districts
Deadline to Apply: May 15, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
Award Amount:
$5,000 to $50,000
Awarded school districts must provide matching funds equal to 200 percent of the awarded grant amount in the form of money or the monetary value of equipment that is contributed from private sources, the school district or both.
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The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) - Office of Skills Development (OSD) recently released a new Grant Program Announcement (GPA) under Governor Walker's recently expanded
Wisconsin Fast Forward
(WFF) program, making up to $3,000,000 in grants available to Wisconsin Technical Colleges to certify high school teachers to meet new dual enrollment standards.
Wisconsin high school students earn college credits while fulfilling high school graduation requirements through contracts between technical colleges with accredited dual enrollment programs and school districts. New program standards require technical colleges to match the quality and integrity of dual enrollment programs with credits offered at the institution, including the credentials of high school instructors who teach dual enrollment courses.
Grants awarded under this GPA are intended to reimburse technical colleges for activities related to the certification of high school teachers to provide dual enrollment program instruction at the applicable college level.
Details follow:
Technical College Grants to Train High School Teachers for Dual Enrollment Programs GPA:
Applicants: Wisconsin Technical Colleges
Deadline to apply: April 17, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
Award Amount: $25,000 to $300,000
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Miller's Antiques & Auction Company
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Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls
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Gross Motors of Black River Falls
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Western Technical College
Western Technical College is offering a Critical Core Employee Skills Training Series at the Black River Falls Campus April 25th through May 30th. Training will be Wednesdays from 9:00 am until Noon. Topics include how to apply problem solving tools and strategies, adapting to change, effective listening and collaboration skills and much more! Space is limited. Register using promo code BRFCHAMBER to get $45 off your registration fee! For more information please call 608-785-9232 or email [email protected].
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Upcoming Events
If you have events or activities at your business or organization, please let us know and we'll add them to our calendar. To view the calendar of events, click
here:
2018 Business after 5 Calendar
April 11: Black River Memorial Hospital
May 9: Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls
June 13:
Theisen's Home-Farm-Auto
July: No Business After 5 in July
August 1: Jackson County Fair (Please note this will be the FIRST Wednesday of August)
September 12: JC Financial Partners
October 10: Brambleberry Winery
November 14:
Comfort Inn & Suites
December 5: Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
We have multiple openings for Business After 5 in 2019. Give us a call today to reserve your spot.
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2018 Chamber Board of Directors
President Robert Crampes, Land O'Lakes
Vice President Dave Meyer, WWIS Radio
Treasurer Sue Miller, Co-op Credit Union
Secretary Justin Dougherty, Dynamic Audio & Video LLC
Board Members C
harles Betthauser, Sherman Law
Karman Briggs, Western Dairyland
Brad Chown, City of Black River Falls
Candy Christianson, D&S Manufacturing
Kristin Franks, Edward Jones
Grady Gutknecht, Jackson County Board Rep
Tris Harris, Ho-Chunk Gaming-Black River Falls
Scott Johnson, Aptiv
Tamra Soto, Comfort Inn & Suites
Matt Streeter, Black River Memorial Hospital
Carrie Timp, Revolution BRF
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