Chamber Newsletter - October 2021 |
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Chamber Chat with Amanda
Dear Chamber Members,
Thank you for your support of the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce. We appreciate your ongoing commitment to the business community. Our staff works hard every day to make the Black River Area a better place to live, work and visit. We are asking for your continued support in 2022. We recently mailed the 2022 Membership Form, Visitor’s Guide Ad Placement Form, and an Invoice.
On the Membership Form, you will notice a flat rate depending on the division for your business. There are no rate increases for 2022. We filled out the form with the information we have on file for your business or organization. If any of the information has changed, please make changes on the form and send it back to us. We are more than happy to work with you on your membership dues and ad payments. Please contact us to discuss payment arrangements.
You also have the opportunity to volunteer for different committees within the Chamber if you choose to. The Ambassador Committee consists of volunteers from member businesses who act as public relations liaisons related to networking/social events sponsored by the Chamber and they select the recipients of the Annual Awards presented at the Chamber Annual Dinner. The Annual Dinner committee helps plan the Chamber Annual Dinner and they also select recipients of the Annual Awards presented at the Annual Dinner. The Karner Blue Race Committee plans the annual Karner Blue Race. You can also indicate if you would be interested in being on the Chamber Board of Directors in the future.
We will be working directly with The Print Shop in Black River Falls on our 2022 Visitor’s Guide. Ad prices will remain the same as last year. If you had an ad in last year’s guide, we’ve included the cost of the ad on the invoice. If you’d like a different size ad or if you choose not to do an ad in the 2022 Visitor’s Guide, you can change it on the invoice or call us with any questions. We will also be offering website banner ads and the opportunity to be a featured listing on our website as an option for 2022. Pricing for this option is listed on the ad placement form.
Our marketing will continue to have a multi-faceted approach, combining print, billboards, digital and broadcast. Digital marketing will include social media, banner ads, key word buys and email blasts. We will also continue to promote the many recreational opportunities we have with ATVing, snowmobiling, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, bicycling and hiking.
The Chamber has an exceptional staff and an excellent Board of Directors committed to serving our members and our community. We look forward to building a stronger business community and with your help and support, we will make it happen.
If you have questions or need assistance with any of the documents you received, please feel free to contact our office. Please note the deadline of Nov. 12, 2021. A $10 late fee will be assessed after the due date.
If you need another copy of the membership form or visitor's guide ad placement form, you can download them below. If you need another copy of your invoice, please let us know.
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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Welcome to our new Office Assistant Nicole Knight
Nicole Knight is the new Office Assistant at the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce. She started working here in July. Nicole graduated from Black River Falls High School in 2003. She lives in Black River Falls with her husband and sons. In her free time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends.
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Chamber Receives Donation
The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce was presented a check for $500 from Security Financial Bank (SFB). Melissa Lechner (second from right), SFB human resources generalist, said SFB selected four random area organizations that would benefit from a donation from SFB. Pictured with Lechner are Chamber director Amanda Gunn, Chamber office Manager Kathy Kopp and SFB President Paul Rudersdorf.
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Photo courtesy of Dakotah Bork/Banner Journal |
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Free Ad in the Weekly E-Newsletter for all Chamber Members in 2022
We are offering a free ad in the weekly e-newsletter to all Chamber Members in 2022. We would like to help promote your business as much as we can in 2022 with a free ad. We will insert the ad into the weekly e-newsletter and we will schedule a Facebook post on our page with your ad too. Just send your ad to: chamber@blackrivercountry.net and let us know when you'd like us to run it in the weekly e-newsletter. Ad sizes are 8.5x11. Please let us know if you have any questions!
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Member Job Postings
If your business or organization is hiring, send us information and we will get it added to the member job postings section on our website.
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Events and Press Releases 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 at 715-284-4658 and we will gladly pick them up at your business!
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Union State Bank
The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) welcomed Union State Bank (USB) to Black River Falls (BRF) with a Ribbon Cutting on September 2nd. Based in West Salem, the BRF loan production office is located at 445 N Water Street. Pictured (l-r) are Chamber Director Amanda Gunn, Chamber office manager Kathy Kopp, USB CEO Jane Leis, Chamber ambassador Keith Brown, USB vice president Chad Leis, USB Board director Steve Zeman, USB President Jim Anderson, USB Board director Rahn Pischke and Chamber ambassador Chad Bahnub.
“USB is a small community bank that has served West Salem for 118 years, and we are looking to expand our bank services to the BRF area,” shared Jane Leis.
“We wanted to bring the small-town community bank feel to BRF,” said Chad Leis.
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Photo courtesy of the Banner Journal |
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Security Financial Bank
The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Security Financial Bank into its membership roster in a ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 7. Pictured (l-r) are Miranda TerBeest, Barb Brower, Dan Stetzer, Julie Murray, Amanda Gunn, Keith Brown, Becky Wyss, Sheila Edie, Judy DeJong, Melissa Lechner, Paul Rudersdorf, Duane Johnson, Chad Bahnub, Kathy Kopp and Laura Lindow.
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Photo courtesy of the Banner Journal |
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Business After 5 events are cancelled until further notice. |
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Interfaith is growing!
To meet the expanding needs of our community, Interfaith is building a NEW HOME, on a donated lot at the corner of Tyler Street and Rye Bluff road in Black River Falls!!
To help make this dream a reality, Interfaith has received an extremely generous gift from the Lunda Charitable Fund of a matching grant, up to $800,000 for all local donations! This makes your donation worth twice as much!
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City Streets Open To ATVs/UTVs
On August 3, 2021, the Black River Falls Common Council approved Ordinance #865 which designates all city-maintained roads, streets, alleys, and highways, including any city-maintained parking lots, except connecting highways, as open to all-terrain vehicle ("ATV") or utility terrain vehicle ("UTV") routes, except as otherwise posted, and authorizes the operation of ATVs or UTVs on all state, connecting and county highways with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less within the territorial boundaries of the City, except as otherwise posted.
All signage is in place, so effective immediately, ATVs/UTVs are officially allowed on certain city streets as outlined in Ordinance #865.
• The hours of operation are 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
• All ATV/UTV operators are required to ride single file.
• Operators MUST be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Operators are required to have liability insurance and be able to provide proof of insurance.
• Operators of any ATV/UTV are prohibited from possessing any form of open alcoholic beverage.
• The Black River Falls Police Department has the authority to temporarily close any ATV/UTV route whenever conditions warrant closure.
• Violators are subject to a citation and fines of not less than $100 or more than $250.
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City of Black River Falls COVID-19 Recovery Microloan Program
The City of Black River Falls Recovery Microloan (CRM) Program has been expanded to include businesses within 2 miles of the city limits and home based businesses with annual gross revenues of $50,000 or more.
Individual businesses may apply for loans up to $10,000. The City of Black River Falls will utilize up to $650,000 from the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund. The microloans will be 0% Interest with no application fee and no penalty for early payment. Payments will be deferred for 6 months or more with repayment terms of up to 5 Years (60 months).
Eligible businesses must:
- Be located in the City of Black River Falls or within a 2-mile radius of the City limits.
- Have suffered measurable financial losses.
- Intend and have the ability to resume business operations in the City of Black River Falls as soon as possible.
The following businesses are not eligible for microloans: businesses with more than 50 employees, residential rental/lease companies, non-profits, financial institutions, liquor stores, home based businesses with annual gross revenue under $50,000, payday loan and title companies, and telemarketing businesses other than inbound call centers.
CRM funds may be used for the following activities:
- Payroll – including FFCRA mandated paid emergency leave
- Rent / Mortgage payments
- Operating supplies and expenses
- Other Debt Payments
- Inventory
- Utilities
The CRM is considered a short-term source of funding to assist impacted businesses with immediate and short-term needs during and following the COVID-19 outbreak. Additional local, state, and federal financial assistance programs available through local lenders, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and others will play an important role in the business recovery process. Business owners should contact their lender and visit the WEDC website for more information on these resources.
CRM funds will be administered by the City of Black River Falls.
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Dementia Friendly Community Initiatives of
Jackson County
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Dear Community Member,
As the number of people living with dementia continues to rise, and is projected to grow exponentially over the next thirty years, the Department of Health Services (DHS) has developed a statewide initiative to make Wisconsin as Dementia Friendly as possible. A Dementia friendly community is one that builds infrastructure to support and take responsibility for enhancing the beneficial effect of services for those living with dementia and their caregivers. This can be accomplished through promoting the awareness that a dementia diagnosis does not mean the person affected can no longer continue with their daily activities. In fact, studies have shown that people with dementia want to continue to be a part of their community, enjoy their regular daily lives and maneuver around their community safely and conveniently.
Community members in Jackson County have joined forces to provide this education, support and outreach to area businesses to enhance the support of those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in our community. For the convenience and efficiency of your business, training takes approximately thirty minutes. The trainer will travel to the location of your choosing, provide all materials, conduct a verbal presentation and answer questions. The information provided will outline what Dementia is, how to recognize it, why being a dementia-friendly business fits into the larger picture of a dementia-friendly community and how to better serve a person who may be suffering a symptom associated with the disease. Our program can enhance your company’s policies and procedures.
We recommend that at least 50% of the staff are trained, which includes managers. Going forward, we request that new employees receive the training as part of their orientation process. After completion of initial training, you will receive the “Purple Angel” window cling (pictured above) and the Dementia Friendly Toolkit for use in the orientation process. The toolkit is provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and can be viewed at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dementia/communities.htm. We recommend applying the symbol to all entrances so that customers can identify the business as a safe and supportive environment.
Training is always FREE. There will be no cost to you or your business at any time. We also will not ask for money at any time. Please contact Emily Reitz, the Jackson County Dementia Specialist, to set up your training. She can be reached by phone at 715-284-3978. You can also email ADRCJC@co.jackson.wi.us.
A dementia friendly community is a place where it is possible for the greatest number of people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to live a good, enriching life. Together we can make Jackson County that community!
We look forward to working with you in the future!
The Jackson County Dementia Friendly Coalition
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Explore Jackson County Series |
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Check out the latest episode of the Explore Jackson County Series with Jack Taylor, from Taylor Media LLC! This episode highlights Hatfield and Lake Arbutus. |
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Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant |
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Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants
The objective of the Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) standard grant program is to award funds to businesses from all Wisconsin industry sectors that reimburse the costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers. The customized, business-driven training will qualify workers for full-time employment, higher level employment, or increased wages.
Open to all industry sectors and companies of any size.
Amount: Approximately $4 million is being made available for this GPA.
Grant Amount: Grant awards range from $5,000 to $400,000 per grantee.
Match: Cash or in-kind match equal to 50% of the amount of the grant award is required.
Application Deadline: 3:00 p.m. CST on Monday, October 18, 2021.
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Workforce Innovation Grant |
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PROGRAM GOAL:
The goal of the Workforce Innovation Grant Program is to help the regions of Wisconsin solve their most pressing workforce challenges by financially supporting collaborative, sustainable and innovative pandemic-recovery plans developed by regional organizations.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Workforce Innovation Grant Program is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). The program provides up to $10 million grants to regional organizations to design and implement innovative plans that help solve the workforce challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has caused in their regions. This program encourages the development of leading-edge, long-term solutions that enable businesses to more easily find workers and empower those workers to more successfully prepare for and connect to the family-supporting careers in their regions.
Both non-profit and governmental entities are eligible to apply for the grants, which will be awarded in two rounds. Applications for Round 1 are due no later than 5:00 PM CST on October 25, 2021, with awards announced in mid-November 2021. Program dates and application details for Round 2 will be announced in 2022.
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Main Street Bounceback Grants |
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PROGRAM GOAL:
The goal of the Main Street Bounceback Grants program is to provide financial support to businesses that move into existing vacant commercial properties, helping to create a foundation for long-term success for themselves and their communities.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Main Street Bounceback Grants program provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant properties in Wisconsin’s downtowns and commercial corridors. Funds can be used to pay leases or mortgages, operational expenses and other business costs related to the newly opened location. The program is open to new or existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space as of January 1, 2021. Grant funds are available as part of the American Recovery Plan Act and will be distributed by WEDC’s regional partners. Businesses must apply through the partner organization for the region in which they are located.
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TAP Program Announcement
Grant Applications Now Open -
Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure Projects
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WisDOT is pleased to announce the application materials for the 2022-2026 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) program cycle are now available on the WisDOT TAP webpage. TAP provides eligible sponsors with up to 80% matching funds for projects that improve non-motorized transportation connectivity and enhance safety for non-drivers. Eligible sponsors and project activities are described in the guidance document found on the TAP webpage.
WisDOT encourages you to review the application materials provided on the webpage linked below and consider applying for project funding.
WisDOT TAP Webpage:
Applications for the TAP program must be submitted to WisDOT by 5:00 P.M. on Friday January 28, 2022.
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Restaurant Revitalization Fund |
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The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. |
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Western Wisconsin Women's Business Center |
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Are you thinking about starting your own child care business? Apply for our $2,500 start-up grant.
Right now, there are three children for every available child care opening in our communities. With uncertain school schedules and closures this academic year, families of essential workers are struggling to secure safe care for their children. You can help by opening your home to children in need and becoming a part-time or full-time child care provider today!
If you have any questions, please contact the Western Wisconsin Women's Business Center at 715-836-7511 or info@successfulbusiness.org for more information.
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Starting a new business in Trempealeau, Buffalo, Jackson, or Eau Claire County?
Click the link below to apply for FREE business counseling and create your own job. Qualify for up to $2,500 to cover start-up expenses, while funds exist. Eligible businesses must have launched prior to March 31, 2021.
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Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission
Revolving Loan Funds
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The Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission with $1,050,00 in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Revolving Loan Funds (RLF). The RLF is designed to assist small businesses (under 10 employees) most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with short-term, fixed rate, low-interest working capital loans. |
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7 Rivers Alliance Updates |
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U.S. Small Business Administration |
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Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
The SCORE chapter that services the western and north central region of WI has a number of different mentors that have expertise in certain areas of business (marketing, social media, bookkeeping, etc). Additionally, SCORE mentors can help a business owner update or create a business plan. Learn more at https://centralwisconsin.score.org/.
Area Contact -
Lisa Taylor
Outreach and Marketing Specialist
Wisconsin District Office
U.S. Small Business Administration
Cell: (202) 407-3299
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Miller's Antiques & Auction Co |
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2021 Chamber Board of Directors |
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President - Robert Crampes, Cell.Plus/US Cellular
Vice President - Dana Olson, Black River Country Bank
Treasurer - Jordan Nortman, Coldwell Banker River Valley, Realtors®
Secretary - Joe Williams, Theisen's Home-Farm-Auto
Board Members
Keith Brown, Clearview Realty
Miranda Chandler, Co-op Credit Union
Kathleen Clemons, Ho-Chunk Nation Rep
Michelle Kapfer, North Point Advisor Group
Bill Laurent, Jackson County Republican Office
Laura Lindow, Reflections on Water
Brianne Massman, Lunda Community Center
Veronica (Vee) Price, Norgaard Agency
Ray Ransom, Jackson County Board Rep
Nichole Sullivan, School District of Black River Falls
Jack Taylor, Taylor Media
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Nicole Knight - Office Assistant
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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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