Chamber Newsletter - April 2019
Volume 24 - Issue 4
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Chamber Chat with Amanda
Dear Chamber Members,
Plans are well underway for the 15th Annual Karner Blue 5K-10K-Half Marathon races that are scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2019. Registrations are already coming in and this year promises to be another fun-filled event that will be part of the Karner Blue Butterfly Festival. The race routes will be the same as last year and we will hold the awards ceremony near the finish line.
As in the past, sponsorship opportunities for Chamber members include having your logo imprinted on the race t-shirt and becoming a donor toward the purchase of Gatorade, medals, trophies and items for the Kids’ Race goody bags. All those who participate will receive recognition through our online and printed media coverage.
Children 10 and under are encouraged to run the Kids’ Race which begins at 9 a.m. There is no cost to participate in this race.
Volunteers hosting refreshments will be stationed along the race route. Water, Gatorade and cups will be provided, so all we need from you is to supply your own table, chairs and your time. Road marshals and attendants are also needed along the race route to help direct the runners. These volunteers will be needed from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Lastly, all race registrants will receive goody bags that include promotional items from our area. If you have pens, note pads, key chains, coupons and other logo items that promote your place of business, we would be happy to include them in the bags. Approximately 200 entrants are anticipated and we will be happy to accept any number of items you can provide.
This is an important community and fundraising event for the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce. Your donations are a great opportunity to advertise your business and help support the 15th Annual Karner Blue 5K-10K-Half Marathon. Once again, donors will be acknowledged throughout the event publicity.
Sponsorship forms were mailed yesterday. You can also download a form by
clicking here
. Please fill out the form and return by fax (715) 284-9476 or email
chamber@blackrivercountry.net
by June 14th. If you have questions, please contact the Chamber by calling (715) 284-4658. Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Chamber. Together we build business, create community and promote tourism.
Sincerely,
Amanda Gunn
Executive Director
Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
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Plans are underway for the 15th Annual Karner Blue 5K-10K-Half Marathon races that are scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2019. This year promises to be another great event! The half marathon starts at 7:00 a.m., the 5K and 10K start at 8:00 a.m. and the kid's race starts at 9:00 a.m. The awards ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. near the finish line. All races will start and end at the Chamber of Commerce office.
Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age category. Trophies will be presented to the overall male and female winner of each race. Categories: Male & Female for 5K & 10K - 12 & Under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. Male & Female for Half Marathon - 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. Finisher medals will be given to Half Marathoners only. Kid's Race - 10 & Under (participation dog tags)
Registration forms for the 15th Annual Karner Blue 5K-10K-Half-Marathon will be available to download and print on our website under the community tab. You also have the option to register online.
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2019 Entertainment in the Park
Summer entertainment begins June 4th at the Lunda Park Bandshell!
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2019 Black River Country Visitor Guides
The 2019 Black River Country Visitor Guides are printed! We have boxes available for distribution. If you would like a box, stop in our office or give us a call and we can drop them off to your business. Here is a sneak peek at the beautiful cover!
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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 we distribute at our office. We also share many different events on our Facebook page!
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Brochures, Rack Cards and Business Cards
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!
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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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April Business After 5
Thank you to Western Technical College for hosting the April Business After 5 event! Attendees enjoyed a tour of the building and seeing the Simulation Labs on campus. Even though the weather wasn't the best, we had a good turnout and everyone had a wonderful time!
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Western Technical College staff from left - Lynda Savage, Katt Harmann and Kathie Steere
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Members toured the building
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Touring the Nursing Simulation Lab
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Meiers Associates Inc.
N3944 Little Pete Rd
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: 608-576-0228
Sales of Medicare supplements and guaranteed retirement income. Lifestyle and wellness consultant. In business since 1967. Graduate of UW Madison 1967 and American College Life Underwriters 1979. Services include planning and consulting on the process of maintaining lifestyle and wellness.
Sure Stay Plus by Best Western
600 Oasis Road
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: 715-284-9471
The Sure Stay Plus Hotel by Best Western offers 141 standard guest rooms and suites with the option of upgrading to a suite containing a cozy fireplace, or relaxing whirlpool, and a beautiful view of the boardwalk. All rooms come standard with a refrigerator, microwave, iron and board, hair dryer, and single cup coffee maker. Our indoor pool and fitness area as well as free hi-speed wireless Internet access. Located conveniently on the beautiful ATV/snowmobile trails of central Wisconsin. Pets welcome!
Black River Falls Athletic Boosters, Inc.
PO Box 1147
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Black River Falls Athletic Booster club holds fundraising events for the benefit of BRF high school sports.
Marco’s Italian & American Grill
3514 Blarney Road
Warrens, WI 54660
Phone: 608-378-5050
Marco's Italian & American Grill will have happy hour between 4pm-6pm. Lunch specials starting at $5.95! Dinner specials starting at $9.95! House Specialty Drinks, Appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, Homemade Baked Dishes, Homemade Pasta, Imported Pasta, seafood, chicken, veal, steak, and more!
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Please join us Saturday, May 18th for a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening celebration at SureStay Plus by Best Western, 600 Oasis Rd, Black River Falls. The ribbon cutting will take place at 2:00 p.m. There will be cake, refreshments, music and more!
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BRMH Addressing Gaps and Increasing Access to Healthcare Needs in the Community, Adding Clinic
The Board of Directors and Senior Leader Team at Black River Memorial Hospital (BRMH) have been evaluating responsibilities to the community, current healthcare offerings, sustainability, and health outcomes for Jackson County. BRMH has determined a need to add a primary care clinic combined with mental health and substance misuse counseling. Some of the findings include:
- There are some gaps in care, especially for behavioral health, alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA), and users of Emergency and Urgent Care whose needs would be better met in a clinic setting.
- Integrating mental health and AODA with primary care has a greater positive impact on the patient’s overall health and well-being.
- Around 50-60% of Jackson County residents are leaving the county for their care according to Wisconsin Hospital Association data.
“Being progressive is a core value for BRMH and we want to be proactive in meeting the needs of the community now and in the future,” stated Mary Beth White-Jacobs, President and CEO of BRMH. “We are excited to offer an integrated and holistic system for patients and keep care local for Jackson County residents.”
The new clinic area will include a family medicine physician, nurse practitioner, behavioral and AODA counselors as well as outreach specialists. BRMH will continue to collaborate with local and regional healthcare providers to meet the needs of our community.
The clinic will be added to the west side of the building with construction beginning in August and opening in late spring of 2020. BRMH is finishing its first phase of construction in the Surgical Services Department and Rehabilitation and Occupational Health Department at the end of April 2019. The next phases will begin in the Nutrition Services Department and on the west side of the hospital, including some changes in the Emergency Department.
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Rotary Club of Black River Falls February Youth Rotars
Samantha Blackdeer and Madysen McCormick were the February Youth Rotars for the Rotary Club of Black River Falls. Both are seniors at the Black River Falls High School. Youth Rotars are selected by their school and Rotary as representatives of “good citizens” in both their school and their community. Youth Rotars spend one month attending the Rotary Club’s meetings and give reports on school events. At their last meeting, they are presented with the Black River Falls Rotary Club’s flag. The Youth Rotar Program runs from September through May with two representatives each month, except the month of December.
Samantha is the daughter of Amy and Chad Blackdeer. She has six siblings. In school, Samantha has participated in volleyball, track and field, Student Senate, Pep Club and the Prom Planning Committee. She currently works at the Ho-Chunk Nation Social Services Office as a Child and Family Services Specialist. Outside of school and work she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Samantha will be attending the University of Wisconsin La Crosse this fall and plans on working in the Social Services field after she graduates.
Madysen is the daughter of Cindy and Matt McCormick. She has two brothers. In school, Madysen is involved in basketball, volleyball, National Honor Society, Tiger Investment Club, Future Business Leaders of America and Tiger Credit Union. She is also a Volunteen at Black River Memorial Hospital. She currently works at Co-op Credit Union as a Student Member Services Representative. In her free time she enjoys traveling, playing basketball and spending time with family and friends. After graduation, Madysen will attend Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona as part of the Physician Assistant Program. She will attend Saint Mary’s for three years with a science-focused undergrad and then she will attend the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program for two years in Rochester.
The Rotary Club of Black River Falls is part of an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people all over the world. Its purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards and to advance goodwill and peace throughout the world. The Club meets every Monday at noon at the Skyline Golf Course. For more information visit
www.brfrotary.org
or find the club on Facebook.
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Rotary Club of Black River Falls March Youth Rotars
McKayla Gilbertson and Sarah Guenther were the March Youth Rotars for the Rotary Club of Black River Falls. Both are seniors at the Black River Falls High School. Youth Rotars are selected by their school and Rotary as representatives of “good citizens” in both their school and their community. Youth Rotars spend one month attending the Rotary Club’s meetings and give reports on school events. At their last meeting, they are presented with the Black River Falls Rotary Club’s flag. The Youth Rotar Program runs from September through May with two representatives each month, except the month of December.
McKayla is the daughter of Tina Peterson and Mike Gilbertson. She has one brother. McKayla is a member of the National Honor Society, Irving Sticktights 4-H Club, Jackson Electric Youth Ambassadors and Wazee Riders Club. She currently works at Black River Falls Studio 107. Outside of school and work she enjoys riding and racing her horses and spending time with family and friends. McKayla will be attending Chippewa Valley Technical College pursuing a degree in Business Management. She plans on transferring to Winona State University to get a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and hopes to work in a Business Administration field when she graduates. When asked about her time as a Youth Rotar, McKayla said, “I found the opportunity to be a Youth Rotar very exciting. The meetings were always informative and I always learned something new. Most importantly I learned how important it is to stay involved in your community. The leaders that make up the Rotary are all working best to ensure our community is top notch. To me this was very heart warming and reassuring.”
Sarah is the daughter of Kathy and Dean Guenther. She has three brothers. In school, Sarah is involved in Pep Club, Varsity Cheerleading, Varsity Dance Team, Varsity Track & Field, Tiger Investment Club, GM97, Student Senate, Choir, the School Musical and TATU (Teens Against Tobacco Use). She currently works at the Lunda Community Center as a Lifeguard. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors and reading. After graduation, Sarah plans on attending UW La Crosse to pursue a career in Social Work or something else in the health field. When asked about her time as a Youth Rotar, Sarah said, “As a Youth Rotar, I was grateful for the opportunity. I learned that there are people trying to make our community better than what it already is and the work that's being put into it. I didn't really know anything about our Rotary club going into it and what they did, but I've definitely learned how they've impacted our community.”
The Rotary Club of Black River Falls is part of an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people all over the world. Its purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards and to advance goodwill and peace throughout the world. The Club meets every Monday at noon at the Skyline Golf Course. For more information visit
www.brfrotary.org
or find the club on Facebook.
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Pictured from left are Rotary Club President Kristin Franks, McKayla Gilbertson, Sarah Guenther and Rotary Member Tom Chambers.
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Work/Life Seminar Seeks to Help People Strike a Balance
Story & photo by Kyle VonRuden/Banner Journal
We’ve all been there. An exhausting day of project meetings and interminable email chains followed by a rat race to get the kids to soccer practice and choir rehearsal while somehow whipping up a three-course meal that involves more than just the high setting on the microwave. We hit the pillow completely drained, waiting for the warm relief of sleep to wash over us, but instead, we replay the lows of the day in our heads and get a jump on stressing over tomorrow. The night is fitful, the morning is a nightmare and the office beckons to us with the cold, clammy hands of death.
No one is immune to the challenge of balancing professional and personal demands with the need for leisure and self-care. To that end, the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) hosted a work/life balance presentation Thursday, March 28, at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Black River Falls. The discussion-based seminar was led by Catherine Link, procurement manager for the Ho-Chunk Nation and Chamber ambassador.
Link says the goal of her two-hour program is to help people realize when their work/life balance gets out of whack and to learn about steps they can take to regain an equilibrium.
“I actually think this is more about work/life imbalance,” she explained. “Sometimes we need to realize that we’re not as on top of our game as we thought we were. No one has the luxury to stop time, so we need to make the most out of the time we have. And to do that, we need to make sure that time is truly balanced.”
Link defined “work/life balance” as the proper prioritization between career-related goals and healthy lifestyle choices. It’s a dichotomy that dates as far back as the mid-19th century, she says, but the concept has changed drastically during the technological age. Most of us now carry virtual offices in our pocket every moment of the day, making it nearly impossible to prevent work from seeping into family and leisure time.
“We often laugh about it, but it’s really important that we take some time to unplug from technology on a regular basis,” said Link. “A common example is family game night, where everyone puts their phones in a box and they spend some time together without screens. That kind of thing is good for us, but it also sets a good example for our children.”
While ubiquitous screens and over-stuffed inboxes served as important motifs, Link pushed her audience to dig deeper into the social dynamics at the root of the problem: businesses organized around the principle of doing more with fewer employees, and employees who fear that simply meeting expectations is no longer enough to advance professionally.
“At work, it’s important to not try to take on everything yourself,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to go to your supervisor and say, I need some help. You’ll get farther by asking for help rather than pounding your feet and saying, it’s not fair, so-and-so doesn’t have any work on his desk and I have too much. That’s not a constructive approach.”
After reviewing the common causes and consequences of work/life imbalance, Link used the remainder of the seminar to discuss strategies to address it. Most of them were fairly straightforward, like setting manageable goals and taking short breaks at work, but when combined with a solid support system, Link says, they can go a long way toward helping people reduce stress and feel more fulfilled personally and professionally.
“Attaining balance doesn’t happen overnight, because you didn’t become unbalanced overnight,” she said. “I hope people left this discussion thinking, what are one or two things I can implement today to make tomorrow better?”
Because it’s an issue that resonates with so many people, work/life balance made for a good presentation topic, says Chamber executive director Amanda Gunn.
“A lot of people feel like they work so much and never have time for home life,” she said. “It seems like it’s really a struggle for most of us. I even had one person email me and say, I wish you could have this same seminar later at night because I have a bad work/life balance and my work won’t let me come to this. A lot of people are stressed because they don’t know how to balance responsibilities and say no, either at work or at home. I think this class will help us realize what does and doesn’t work and what could help us find balance going forward.”
Justin Dougherty was one of the 20-or-so people who came to hear Link’s program. He owns a small business, Dynamic Audio and Video, and helps out with the management of the Lunda Theater. With two teenage children at home, he’s no stranger to work/life imbalance. Recently he’s been toying with some ideas to make things more manageable, such as changing his booking practices and getting a second cell phone strictly for personal use, and he said he appreciated the opportunity to discuss the topic with others.
“Sometimes it’s nice to know that the things I’m thinking of, it’s nice to see them on screen and go, okay, this is what they’re recommending, and this is what I need to follow through on so I can start making some changes,” Dougherty said. “Just getting the reinforcement on that message of keeping work at work and home at home and learning some strategies to help with that, I thought it was very beneficial because that’s usually something that’s very difficult for me to do.”
Link’s presentation covered a lot of ground, but she ended with some very simple advice.
“Be your own best friend,” she said. “Be your own advocate. This is a difficult topic, and almost all of us struggle with at least some of these concepts. So when you come up short every now and then, give yourself a break, because no one is perfect. It’s okay to be human.”
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Catherine Link speaking to the group
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BRF School District Looking to Increase Internship and Apprenticeship Opportunities
The School District of Black River Falls would like to increase internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students in our area. Career Coordinator Ryan Johnson can meet face-to-face with employers, help coordinate and support interns and apprentices in local businesses and assist with finding and developing training opportunities for student workers. If your business would be interested in having student interns/apprentices, contact Tom Chambers at 715-284-4324 ext 2001 or by email at
Tom.Chambers@brf.org
or Ryan Johnson at 715-284-4324 ext 6511 or by email at
ryan.johnson@brf.org
.
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7 Rivers Alliance Updates
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The 7 Rivers Region faces a severe childcare crisis. The shortage of childcare is one of the major factors that is keeping parents out of the workforce, as identified in our Workforce Innovation for a Strong Economy (WISE) plan.
Join the 7 Rivers Alliance and the La Crosse Area Development Corp. for a strategic summit on childcare Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at the La Crosse AmericInn, 1835 Rose St., La Crosse from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will conduct roundtable discussions on local childcare surveys — including the new La Crosse County survey, the business model of childcare and look at cooperative and different community models.
Former Minnesota Congressman Tim Penny, the president and CEO of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, is scheduled to discuss some collaborative approaches to solving the childcare crisis.
Tickets are $25 for 7 Rivers Alliance members and $30 for nonmembers. Registration includes a plated lunch.
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Inspire Program
The Inspire 7 Rivers team has taken initiative to grow its network of employers and students. Inspire is a way to link together education and industry to help students and job seekers achieve their goals and address communities’ workforce development needs. Inspire 7 Rivers is launched in school districts within Black River Falls, Holmen, Tomah, Hillsboro and Blair-Taylor, and over the next three years, the program will expand to include school districts throughout the entire 7 Rivers Region.
The Inspire program is now up to over 100 employers and 80 coaches that collaborate with over 1,000 active students in the area.
Our team continues to communicate about the benefits of the program to local organizations. We are currently working on creating a more effective, user friendly registration process for employers to join. If you or any employer is interested in learning more please email Jeff at
Jeff@7riversalliance.org
.
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WisConnect is your source for Wisconsin internships!
Employers can recruit interns on WisConnect to enhance their skilled talent pipeline. Create an employer profile, post internships, search for Wisconsin college students and find resources to build or expand internship programs. It's easy to get started.
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 daily. Visit the site frequently to make new talent connections.
Students can seek internships to gain valuable job skills and launch their career. Create a professional profile, upload your resume, and search for internships with Wisconsin employers. Create a free WisConnect account to start your internship search today. Once registered, students can search for internships, explore Wisconsin businesses that offer internships and identify opportunities to gain valuable job skills. New internship postings are added frequently. Visit WisConnect often to find new opportunities.
For more information visit the link below!
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Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation News
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Economic Development Programs
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) offers programs and resources that spur economic prosperity in Wisconsin! Funding, resources and training help companies that do business in Wisconsin maximize their potential. Discover the support WEDC and Wisconsin’s statewide economic development network offer businesses and communities!
Click here to learn more.
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Made in Wisconsin
High-Quality Products from Hard-Working People
When something is produced in Wisconsin, it is a point of pride for those who had a hand in its creation. WEDC created a cost-free logo for businesses to use to proclaim their products' Wisconsin origin. The Made In Wisconsin logo can be adapted to reflect a company's production process.
Join the hundreds of companies who are already participating in the Made In Wisconsin program by filling out an application
here
!
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USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant
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USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the 2019 Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program!
The primary objective of this program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. The maximum award amount per grant is $200,000. Grants are available for non-profit corporations or higher education institutions only. Grant funds may be used to pay for up to 75% of the cost of establishing and operating centers for rural cooperative development.
Applications are due as follows:
- Paper applications are due to the Rural Development State Office, 5417 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482, by 4:30pm CST on June 7, 2019.
- Electronic applications must be received through www.grants.gov no later than midnight Eastern Time on June 3, 2019.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Kristin Peterson, Business & Cooperative Programs Specialist, at 715-345-7640.
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2019 Business After 5 Calendar
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May 8: Black Creek Lodge
June 12: Lunda Community Center
July: No Business After 5 in July
August 14:
WWIS Radio
September 11: Dale's Refrigeration & Heating
October 9: Co-op Credit Union
November 13: Revolution Coffee House & Wine Bar
December 4: Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
We have
three
openings for Business After 5 in 2020. Give us a call today to reserve your spot!
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2019 Chamber Board of Directors
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President -
Robert Crampes, Land O'Lakes
Vice President -
Dave Meyer, WWIS Radio
Treasurer -
Matt Streeter, Black River Memorial Hospital
Secretary -
Justin Dougherty, Dynamic Audio & Video LLC
Board Members
Karman Briggs, Western Dairyland
Keith Brown, Farm Urban Realty
Kristin Franks, Edward Jones
Grady Gutknecht, Jackson County Board Rep
Sue Miller, Co-op Credit Union
Melissa Porter, Ho-Chunk Gaming-Black River Falls
Scott Johnson, Aptiv
Tamra Soto, Comfort Inn & Suites
Carrie Timp, Revolution BRF
Wendy Trautsch, Pine View Terrace
Joe Williams, Theisen's Home-Farm-Auto
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From left: Lynette LeGarde, Samantha Windsor, Kathy Kopp and Amanda Gunn
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Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
120 N Water St
Black River Falls, WI 54615
715-284-4658
www.blackrivercountry.net
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