News and Media

On March 20th We Celebrated West Central Wisconsin and Our Regional Growth

Thursday, March 21, 2019

On March 20, 2019, Momentum West joined together with community leaders and businesses in celebrating West Central Wisconsin. At the event, sponsored by Bremer Bank, presentations were made highlighting recent successes in community and economic development with the purpose of celebrating the growing regional economy of West Central Wisconsin. Thank you to everyone who attended the event and who helped to celebrate, or make possible, our regional successes. 2019 Award Winners Were Announced New this year was the presentation of awards to businesses, projects and leaders, recognizing their significant contributions and impact in our region: Talent Initiative(s) – Rice Lake Weighing Systems Project/Development - River...
CVTC program draws future industrial mechanics

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

EAU CLAIRE – Tony Hess of Lake Hallie started looking for something better when he realized he was spinning his wheels at age 23. “I was job hopping for a while and was at a mediocre job,” he said. “I wanted to go back to school and look for an apprenticeship or something.” Ray Hardy, 23, of Jim Falls, a 2013 Cadott High School graduate, was in a similar situation. “I had two jobs, farming for a neighbor and working production at the AMPI plant in Jim Falls.” Jeff Wait, 50, originally from Menomonie, works at the OEM plant in Woodville after seven...
Depicting the Chippewa Valley: Raw Deal a place to be yourself

Monday, March 18, 2019

The mismatched furniture, from the vintage Victorian-era chairs to the orange velvet couch that looks like it belonged in the New York coffeeshop Central Perk on the set of “Friends,” is a perfect representation of the variety of people who are welcomed and come to the Raw Deal cofeeshop in Menomonie. Each person can find a place, no matter where they are from, their major or how they prefer to identify, from the non-gender specific bathrooms, the wide support the Raw Deal gives to the LGBTQ community, its sustainable practices and its vegetarian and vegan-friendly items. Age, gender and appearance vanish at...
Career Academy Program brings students into workforce

Friday, March 15, 2019

When Jared Cutts was in high school he wanted his learning to extend beyond the classroom.  He wanted hands-on experience in the workforce.  “When you’re sitting in class learning you’re absorbing information, you’re not out experiencing what you’re learning,” Cutts explained.  He joined Osceola High School’s Career Academy Program because he thought the opportunity for hands-on learning through the program was unique. He did not know that CAPS would lead to a job as a fulltime employee with local paddle manufacturer, Branches LLC.  Read full article. 
Bowman Leather opening in Amery this spring

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Once the sold sign went up in the former Ida Mae’s building on Amery’s Keller Avenue, rumors starting spreading like wild fire about businesses that could possibly be calling the main street building home. It was announced that the space is the new home of Bowman Leather. Read full article. 
SCEDC announces 2018 Business of the Year awards

Monday, March 11, 2019

Jill Gorres, president of St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC), announced the EDC's selection of St. Croix Valley Blow Molding, Inc. (town of Hudson), Next Generation Auto, Inc. (Baldwin and city of Hudson), and iMARK Molding, Inc. (Woodville) as recipients of the 2018 Business of the Year awards in St. Croix County. Read full article. 
Ziggy's comes to Hudson; occupies old Pudge's building

Friday, March 08, 2019

A new name has taken over the familiar 302 and 304 Second St. building, which has been the home of pubs in Hudson since it was first built in 1866. Formerly Pudge's Saloon and Eatery and Club 304, the recently remodeled building is now Ziggy's Restaurant. Owners Paul Barber and Kevin Jones have operated Ziggy's in Stillwater for three years, and Barber said he was excited to expand into Hudson. Read full article. 
Darnold, others honored as chamber celebrates 2018

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

The Hudson Chamber of Commerce capped a year of changes with its annual awards banquet.  Last year saw the chamber saying farewell to some of its staff, and welcoming both new and familiar faces, including Mary Claire Olson Potter as chamber president. The endeavors of several community members and businesses were honored with the annual awards for volunteer, chamber member and small and large business of the year. The chamber also paid tribute to business and community members it has lost. The Marie Blakeman award, given to one who exemplifies the community leadership of its namesake, continued the tribute, being awarded posthumously to...
2019 CTE Summit; Opportunities in CTE Through Collective Impact: Understand the power of together

Monday, March 04, 2019

The UW-Stout Emerging Center for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Excellence cordially invites you to attend the 2018 CTE Summit. As a key stakeholder in career and technical/workforce education, we hope you will join us to engage in professional development, research sharing, outreach and collaboration. Don’t miss the thought-provoking opportunities provided by our keynote speakers, practitioners sharing best practices and collaborative small group discussions.   Website: http://wwwprod.uwstout.edu/www.uwstout.edu/ctesummit   Dates/Times: Thursday, June 20th • 1:00-6:00pm Friday, June 21st • 8:00am-12:15pm Location: University of Wisconsin-Stout 721 3rd Street E., Harvey Hall Menomonie, WI  54751   Contact: Terese Wentworth 715-232-5023 wentwortht@uwstout.edu  
2019 Spring Lean Certificate Series

Monday, March 04, 2019

Program Dates:  April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, and June 12, 2019 (Program includes all sessions) Time:  8:00am – 4:00pm (each session) Location:  Chippewa Valley Technical College, 403 Technology Drive East, Menomonie, WI 54751   Program Details: The Lean Certification series comprises a series of workshops that include live simulations with a mentored implementation project at your company. This powerhouse combination provides swift and targeted technical competencies custom-fit to your unique needs. The cost savings from your first project typically pay back your investment many times over and promote the next continuous improvement activities. The program includes six sessions beginning Wednesday, April 3,...
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Expanded Program Draws Future Industrial Mechanics - Trio of recent Menomonie grads among those taking advantage

Monday, March 04, 2019

Eau Claire, WI – Tony Hess of Lake Hallie started looking for something better when he realized he was spinning his wheels at age 23.   “I was job hopping for a while and was at a mediocre job,” he said. “I wanted to go back to school and look for an apprenticeship or something.”   Ray Hardy, 23, of Jim Falls, a 2013 Cadott High School graduate, was in a similar situation. “I had two jobs, farming for a neighbor and working production at the AMPI plant in Jim Falls.”   Both workers found a pathway toward employment improvement through the Industrial Mechanical Technician program...
Export Opportunities in France and the UK/Potential Impact of Brexit

Monday, March 04, 2019

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), MMAC’s World Trade Association, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, the Greater Green Bay Chamber, and the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation are happy to welcome Ms. Terry Potter, Trade Director of WEDC’s Authorized Trade Representative for France and the United Kingdom to Wisconsin March 18-22.  Ms. Potter will share information on the latest market developments and how they may impact long-term sales potential for Wisconsin firms.    Export Opportunities in France and the UK/Potential Impact of Brexit   France and the United Kingdom are sophisticated and diversified markets that are important for Wisconsin exporters.  With continued uncertainty about Brexit,...
Many forms of wellness

Monday, March 04, 2019

Shaun and Heather Kittleson of Campia think there’s no better time than a new year for everyone to improve their health and well-being in simple ways. Through their business, Dakota Wellness, the couple offers homemade wellness products like diffusers, custom-blended essential oils, roller balls, sleep sprays, salves, jewelry with lava stones that absorb essential oils and more. Read full article. 
Hotel project looking good

Friday, March 01, 2019

Two years after it was finalized, a deal by the city of Barron to loan $300,000 to investors involved in the 36-room Cobblestone Hotel and Suites is more than paying for itself, according to figures tracked by city officials. Opened in spring 2017, the hotel belongs to local investors doing business as the Barron Hotel Group, LLC, and Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, of Neenah, Wis. Read full article. 
'Developing Your Agricultural Business Enterprise' workshop series launches

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Pierce County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC), Small Business Development Center and SCORE are launching, "The Developing Your Agricultural Business Enterprise" workshop series to provide entrepreneurs and agricultural producers tools and resources to launch their agricultural or rural business venture. Read full article. 
Anchor Paper constructs River Falls facility

Monday, February 25, 2019

Anchor Paper Company is finding a new, larger home in River Falls, constructing an 87,500 square foot building in the Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park off Highway 35. The company made the announcement on Jan. 10, 2019, and started work on the site at the end of 2018. Construction will continue, with an opening set for summer 2019. The facility will consolidate the two the company currently operates in Hudson, one of which has been in operation for 30 years. Read full article. 
Gelly's Too: Too original, yet too new, not to stop

Friday, February 22, 2019

The bright green false front building sits humbly on Great River Road in Stockholm, still waiting to feed and quench the thirsts of locals and tourists after so many years. The place used to fuel passersby. The original Texaco gas sign still stands at the corner to serve as a landmark, but for many years it has been known as a pub. The building has seen a few owners and names in its time, but recently it was adopted by Plum City native Bryoni Eggenberger with the help of her sister-in-law and loyal employee Kim Raethke. Read full article. 
Seibels named Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmers

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

JOHNSON CREEK — When Adam Seibel stepped to the microphone to accept the 2019 Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer award he looked in disbelief. “I want to thank all of the UW-Extension agents and everyone who has helped us get this far,” said Seibel with his wife, Christina, standing at his side. “This is a great honor for us.” The award was presented during the 66th annual Outstanding Young Farmer Awards Weekend held at the Comfort Suites in Johnson Creek. The Seibels were selected based on the progress in their agricultural career, soil and water conservation and contributions to community, state and nation. Read full...
Tony Evers: Expand economic development to include affordable worker housing

Monday, February 18, 2019

Economic development in Wisconsin should mean more than just counting jobs — it could also include helping companies create affordable housing for employees, Gov. Tony Evers told a business group in Madison. Evers said decisions on how to use state economic development funds should be “more nimble.” Read full article. 
Wisconsin among top 10 states for women entrepreneurs, report says

Friday, February 15, 2019

Wisconsin ranks among the top locations for female entrepreneurs, according to a recent report by Fit Small Business.  The organization offers research for small business owners. In a report published this month, Fit Small Business said Wisconsin ranks No. 9 as a top location for female entrepreneurs in 2019.  Read full article. 
WEDC now accepting applications for Certified In Wisconsin Program

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Program that designates industrial sites as ready for development has generated $456 million in new investment throughout the state MADISON, WI. – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting applications for its Certified In Wisconsin® Program, which designates industrial parcels of 20 acres or more as being “development ready.” The program has played a key role in helping communities throughout the state attract new companies by providing independent certification that a wide range of concerns have been evaluated—such as environmental and geological factors, transportation access, utility and infrastructure capacity, zoning and property rights—and that the site is ready for industrial development. Read...
Wisconsin ranks third in winning health and life science business grants

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

MADISON – Wisconsin’s early-stage health and life science firms and the Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) received national attention for the state’s success over the past decade in landing competitive federal grants. Wisconsin ranked third after Oregon and Vermont in securing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2008-2017. The 23 percent win rate for applications (248 awards from 1,056 submissions) resulted in $87 million invested in the state’s entrepreneurial efforts. The State Science & Technology Institute (SSTI), a national nonprofit organization, reported the newly available data and cited CTC’s...
Rural Development is now accepting applications for the 2019 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program!

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

This competitive program supports technical assistance, training and other activities that help develop or expand small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Eligible applicants include towns, communities, state agencies, nonprofit corporations, tribes, and institutions of higher education.   Application materials and the governing program instruction 7 CFR Part 4280, Subpart E, can be found by visiting our website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants/wi. Applications must be submitted and/or delivered by March 29, 2019 to the Rural Development State Office at 5417 Clem's Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482.
Gov. Evers requests creation of committee on entrepreneurship and innovation at WEDC

Monday, February 11, 2019

MADISON — Governor Tony Evers requested the creation of a committee on entrepreneurship and innovation at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Wisconsin currently lags in small business creation, which is where most family-supporting jobs are created. Gov. Evers knows that we must invest in and support small businesses, local companies, and entrepreneurship to create middle-class jobs and grow the economy. Read full article. 
Eau Claire Counties Work Ready Communities initiative

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

In a tight labor market, the pressure to hire and retain employees quickly enough to meet demand, puts tremendous pressure on companies and human resource departments.  Add to this, the challenge of gauging the specific skill sets that an applicant possesses.      Employers within 25 miles of Eau Claire are encouraged to support the “Work Ready” initiative that utilizes the “WorkKeys” assessment to better answer the above questions.  Currently ALL high school Juniors are required to take this career-based assessment. Those that score at a high enough level can, and have earned a certificate with resulting indicators in the following topics:   Applied...
2018 Was an Incredible Year Thanks to Our Partners and Investors

Monday, January 07, 2019

2018 has been a productive year – a year of growth and innovation in West Central Wisconsin. We want to thank our investors for their continued commitment to our organization’s mission and to initiatives aimed at growing our local economy and improving the quality of life for all our residents. The staff at Momentum West acknowledges that we could not do what we do without your continued support. “Reflecting on the last twelve months we need to thank the investors and volunteers that have been instrumental in driving the projects we’ve been involved with forward,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director. 2018...
Clark County family seeks new image for controversial crop

Friday, November 09, 2018

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- Hemp farming has become a hot button topic surrounding its legalization and use across the nation, including the state of Wisconsin. Now, one Clark County family is making an investment in the controversial plant. “It's been used for the thousands of years until the last 60 years, why?” asks Jamie Degenhardt, a hemp farmer in Clark County. After a 60-year ban on hemp farming in Wisconsin was lifted, the Degenhardts are investing in the crop. Seeking new financial options, they started Cannabis Cultivators of Clark County, a licensed industrial hemp processor and grower based out of Neillsville The Degenhardts family business...
Buildings planned for Eau Claire's north side area

Thursday, November 08, 2018

One is expected to employ at least 50 Two new buildings are planned for a business park on Eau Claire’s north side, and they are expected to bring dozens of jobs. Plans for both of the warehouses bound for the Gateway Northwest Business Park will be up for a vote during a Plan Commission meeting. While one of the buildings would be almost entirely storage space and be staffed by a handful of workers, the other has offices included in it and would have 50 to 75 people working there, according to documents submitted to the city. Most of the latter building’s 120,000 square...
The Pablo factor: Downtown businesses anticipate boon with opening

Wednesday, November 07, 2018

At its core, the Pablo Center at the Confluence is a performing arts center. While that may be its starring role, local officials are confident the gleaming new structure that opens next weekend at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers will mean more to Eau Claire than just a fancy new place to teach students about fine arts and hold plays, concerts and art shows. “I expect this to be an economic driver for the whole region,” said Pablo Center executive director Jason Jon Anderson, who envisions a “Pablo halo effect” that will be a catalyst for new business...
Local man creating an app to make traveling easier for those with disabilities

Tuesday, November 06, 2018

The 23-year-old with cerebral palsy has seen many countries despite using a wheelchair When Gabriel Schlieve began planning to move to China with his mother to teach English, many people told them they couldn’t do it. But instead of giving up his hopes of seeing the world, Gabriel, who was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, treats others’ doubts as a challenge.  He and his mother, Nancy Schlieve, successfully moved to southern China and taught English. He pulled himself out of his wheelchair and climbed the Great Wall of China. The Eau Claire residents have successfully traveled all over the world...
Former Syverson nursing home to go high-end

Monday, November 05, 2018

Upscale apartments there OK’d by Eau Claire Plan Commission; warehouse projects also approved in city The Eau Claire Plan Commission gave the go-ahead Monday night for two large warehouse projects in a northwest side business park and for developers to convert the former Syverson Lutheran Home into an upscale apartment building. The site plan for the nursing home project calls for Pablo Properties, Commonweal Development and Market & Johnson to transform the building at 816 Porter Ave. into 47 apartments. The project will include adding two parking garages, extensive interior renovations, improving the exterior architecture, upgrading the landscaping and adding to the fourth floor...
Local telecom co-ops offer path to expanding high-speed options in rural Wisconsin

Sunday, November 04, 2018

Pursuit Of Better Broadband Access in Rural Wisconsin Limited access to reliable, high-speed internet service is an issue facing rural Wisconsin that generates a lot of attention and calls for action, but change may seem to be moving at a crawl.  For many Wisconsinites, lower-speed broadband options or lack of access entirely stifles individual economic opportunities and limits business development options for communities. The state fares poorly in national rankings of this infrastructure. U.S. News and World Report lists Wisconsin: • 41st in the United States in its ranking for internet access • 40th for ultra-fast internet access and • 32nd for broadband access.  Meanwhile, a report released in July ranked...
Website ranks Chippewa Falls No. 2 in the state as an attractive place for retirees

Friday, November 02, 2018

CHIPPEWA FALLS — Chippewa Falls is a great place to retire because of its numerous recreational and social opportunities for retirees, according to the website Smartasset.com. The investment firm ranked Chippewa Falls No. 2 on its list of the top 10 cities in Wisconsin for seniors to retire. In 2016, the city was ranked No. 8 by Smartasset.com. The city earned its ranking because it has 2.1 doctor offices per 1,000 people, 0.8 recreation centers per 1,000 people, 1 retirement center per 1,000 people, and 17.6 percent of the residents are senior citizens, the website states. The website also factors in state and local...
Chippewa County contest to judge business ideas

Thursday, November 01, 2018

Winning entrepreneur earns cash prize, moves on to next round CHIPPEWA FALLS — Similar to the hit ABC show “Shark Tank,” entrepreneurs in Chippewa County will make their pitch to judges for creative and fresh business ideas in hopes of winning money. The Chippewa County Economic Development Corp. is hosting “Hatch” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Chippewa River Distillery, 402 W. River St., where six or seven entrepreneurs will present their case on their business ideas. The winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize and move on to another round, where they could win an additional $5,000. Charlie Walker, CCEDC executive...
Brian McAlpine Chose the Momentum West Region After Living in the East Coast and Colorado

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Brian McAlpine has a job that he loves. As a successful commercial insurance advisor, he works with businesses and property owners throughout the region, helping them solve some of their most pressing challenges. “I learn something new every day because I am constantly looking for new ways to help my customers,” Brian commented. For example, he was recently presented with a unique challenge. One of his customers was looking to sell their manufacturing company but the buyer wanted to make sure that the products were insured against defect or liability after the purchase was complete. Through his role at Bremer...
Good weather made for good harvesting in Wisconsin, report says

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Sunny skies and dry weather was great news for Wisconsin farmers last week, with crops maturing rapidly and harvesting in full throttle. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending Sept. 16 showed 6.6 out of 7.0 days suitable for field work, the highest number of the growing season so far. “Farmers took to the fields during a much-needed stint of dry weather,” the report said. “Clear, sunny skies and above normal temperatures firmed up wet ground and pushed crops quickly to maturity.” Conditions were great for making hay, with both the third and fourth alfalfa crops moving...
New internship program aims to keep UW grads in western Wisconsin

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Three University of Wisconsin System institutions in western Wisconsin are joining with a regional economic development organization to create a new internship program designed to keep graduates in the area after college. UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout and Momentum West have created the University of Wisconsin Internship Network (UWIN), a shared initiative aimed at encouraging more western Wisconsin businesses to establish internship and co-op programs. UW-Eau Claire Chancellor James Schmidt, UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen, UW-Stout Chancellor Bob Meyer, and Steven Jahn, executive director of Momentum West, jointly announced the new program last week. Click here for the complete article.
UW-Stout launches public phase of campaign

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

University engaged in $35 million fundraising effort MENOMONIE — UW-Stout announced the public phase of its $35 million fundraising campaign that will focus on campus, student and faculty improvements. To date the Pathway Forward fundraising campaign has raised $30.6 million, which is 87 percent of the university’s goal. The goal is to raise $35 million by June 30, 2020. Chancellor Bob Meyer has raised the stakes and challenged the Stout University Foundation to hit an aspirational goal of $40 million. “I think it will be a pretty good challenge,” he said. Mark Parsons, vice chancellor for university advancement and marketing, said this is the largest...
Menomonie program to help with home down payments

Monday, October 29, 2018

Effort designed to encourage more people to live in Menomonie  MENOMONIE — The City Council on Monday approved a private/ public funded program to attract new homeowners to the city. Program organizer Dan Ostermann told the council the Home Sweet Menomonie program would provide down payment assistance for someone buying a single-family home in the city. Employees from participating businesses will be eligible to borrow up to $10,000 for a down payment. Funding for the program comes from private, nonprofit and public dollars. The loans are available on a first-come, first-served basis. “The recession spurred the movement of young people to big cities, particularly those...
Cedar Corporation welcomes new employees

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Cedar Corporation announces the addition of Dylan Larson, Richard Seas, and Mitchell Reimer to its staff. Dylan Larson recently joined the Municipal Group in Cedar Corp's Green Bay Office as a Civil Engineer Technician. Larson recently graduated with an associates degree in civil engineering technology from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and will be specializing in municipal construction contract administration and observation services. Richard Seas has joined the Green Bay office's Municipal Group as a Water Resource Engineer. Seas has a B.Ss in civil engineering and M.S. in engineering from South Dakota State University and is very experienced in municipal and environmental engineering. Mitch Reimer has joined...
Downtown neighbors: Artysta Boutique reflects owner's creative talents

Friday, October 26, 2018

What if you could own your dream business, explore your creative passion — and watch your four children grow up all at the same time? That is exactly what Carmen Tubeszewski, owner of Artysta Boutique (formerly Acute Bead), has done the past 13 years. “The best part of having this store for so long is I was able to watch my kids grow,” Carmen notes. “Not only did they grow up in the store, I was able to instill work experience on them at a very young age.” With its brightly painted exterior and inviting vintage bicycle on the sidewalk, Artysta Boutique...
Clothing company seeks to help disadvantaged children get education, improve lives

Thursday, October 25, 2018

A startup Menomonie children’s clothing design company with a mission to help children is attracting University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates and students who want to help with the cause. Cross Border Wear, founded by Vivian Ngo, who has attended UW-Stout taking apparel design classes, said two years ago she returned to her home country of Vietnam and visited a couple of orphanages. “I saw the living conditions of the kids and I needed to help them,” Ngo said. She designed dresses for some of the orphans to wear for the upcoming new year in Vietnam. Still, Ngo wanted to do more. This year she...
NeuroScience announces new ownership

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

An Osceola-based nutritional supplement manufacturer, NeuroScience, announced new ownership and corporate officers in June. A group of individual investors bought the company, according to a notice on its website. Bill Sevold, the company’s president since 2017, led the group in the purchase. Sevold joined NeuroScience in 2016 as vice president of sales and marketing and was promoted to president in 2017. With the recent purchase, he was appointed chief executive officer and president. The change follows a turbulent era for the company whose founder, Gottfried Kellermann, pleaded guilty in October 2016 to violating clinical laboratory regulations. The Department of Justice had accused Kellerman...
Former CEO returns to lead Osceola Medical Center

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Jeff Meyer, a longtime CEO at the Osceola Medical Center, returned to the organization in early July following the resignation of Tom Geskermann at the end of June. Geskermann had joined OMC as CEO in September 2013. He resigned for personal reasons, according to communications manager Bob Wolf. “Tom did quite a bit for us,” Wolf said. “The most recent was putting in a new EMR, electronic medical records system.” He also helped transform the center’s urgent care offerings into a walk-in clinic. Meyer, who served as CEO for 18 years before his retirement in October 2013, has come out of retirement temporarily to...
Banker picks up college tuition for entire school class ... AGAIN!

Monday, October 22, 2018

LUCK, Wis. - Few would question the generosity of a man who promised to pick up the cost of a two-year degree for an entire high school class. There should be no doubts now, after businessman Dennis Frandsen extended the same offer to each and every student of the 2019 graduating class in Luck, Wisconsin. The Luck Public Schools confirmed for KARE 11 that that Frandsen -- a self-made success who now has 35 branches of Frandsen Bank and Trust in communities across Minnesota and Wisconsin -- offered to pay for two years of technical college for all of Luck's 34 prospective...
Four-peat: Aladtec again ranked among nations fastest-growing firms by Inc. 5000

Friday, October 19, 2018

For the fourth consecutive year, River Falls-based Aladtec is ranked among Inc. magazines fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Aladtec, Inc. moved down 202 spots, shifting from No. 2897 last year to No. 3099 this year. The company ranked No. 3197 in 2015. Only 443 firms on the list of 5,000 companies have achieved the distinction of appearing on the list four times. Aladtec recorded 128 percent growth over the last three years. Continue to full article
Potter named Hudson Chamber president

Thursday, October 18, 2018

The Hudson Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau announced that Mary Claire Olson Potter has accepted the position of chamber president. Potter brings 17 years of chamber experience to the Hudson Chamber of Commerce including the Rochester Area Chamber, Saint Paul Area Chamber, and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. Potter also was President of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce for seven years. For the past 10 years, she has worked as Director of Business Development for AECOM, a global architectural/engineering firm and most recently as Business Developer for HGA, a national multi-disciplinary architectural/engineering firm. Continue to full article
Grand opening of Hbeauty Bar

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Located in the former Downtown Threads, Hbeauty Bar has given the space a trendy facelift and offers a variety of products and services. Stop in and check everything that the new business has to offer. Members of the Amery Community Club welcomed the new owners of Hbeauty Bar during their Grand Opening. Those in attendance were Shari Overby, Matt Johnson, Cheryl Meyer, Harlee Schuldt, Jake Bracht, Ed White and Ed Flanum. Continue to full article
Multifamily Maxwell development nears completion

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) along with city leaders toured the multifamily development The Maxwell on Friday, Aug. 31. Construction of the Maxwell by Gerrard Corporation is nearly complete and will create 36 units of affordable rental housing at 2000 Maxwell Drive off Carmichael Road. WHEDA awarded $352,875 in Federal Housing Tax Credits in 2017 to help advance the development. Tax credit developments must meet high design and operating standards. Criteria include strong management, excellent development quality, demonstrated market need, provision of services and amenities, proper local zoning and permits and service to households at various income levels. WHEDA COO Brian...
Cheers to 100 years

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

A business serving a community for 100 years is bound to leave a mark on a town, and that is exactly what Bremer Bank has done to the city of Amery. The bank’s devotion to community wellness is made a reality by employees who stride to carry out the philosophy of a gentleman named Otto Bremer. “To serve our clients, we must also serve their community,” said Bremer. Mr. Bremer came to Minnesota in 1886 as a German Immigrant. Speaking limited English, he obtained a job as a bookkeeper for the National German American Bank. Over the next 36 years, he worked...
Entrepreneurs — from ‘school of hard knocks’ — leave millions for St. Croix Valley scholarships

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Marty Ryan and Richard Sterbenz were not known for their academic prowess. Ryan barely graduated from high school; Sterbenz never did. Despite their lack of formal education, the Somerset, Wis., couple amassed a fortune running Dalson Foods, a global meat-trading business, and Richmar Industries, a realty company. They also owned and operated MR Convenience Store, Rich’s Eatery and several real estate developments in the Somerset area. The couple, who had no children, decided to establish a $4 million scholarship fund upon their deaths to “give kids like them a shot at life that they never had,” said Karen Hansen, a partner at the...
Jewelry maker joins farmers market

Monday, October 15, 2018

Every Farmers Market, under the trees, you will find a small stand of semi precious stones. Fashioned into bracelets, necklaces and earrings, they are the creations of Hollie Moslet, who is enjoying a second career as an artist with her new business Y.B. Ordinary.  Moslet’s passion and knowledge about her jewelry shines out in every customer conversation. She sources stones used by ancient Egyptians for cosmetics, Japanese Miyuki glass beads, and Czek Swarovski crystals, “precision cut so you’ll never find a corner that does not match” she explains.  The folklore and wisdom of these cultures is not lost on Moslet, who can...
Sneaker's remains the same but says goodbye to original owners

Monday, October 15, 2018

Ruth Esanbock sits at Sneaker's bartop, ahead of the block window. The light pouring in from Spring Valley's downtown street floods around her from behind, darkening her face and the bittersweet look she keeps in her eyes. She has owned Sneaker's Pub and Eatery alongside her son Chad and sister Beth for 22 years. They've seen life happen in the walls of the pub. "Everybody's like family to us," she said. "We've endured their births, weddings, deaths. We watched their kids grow up and then we put them to work. Hired them down the road." Now it's time for the original owners to...
Red Bird moves to Cascade Street

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Red Bird music store moved mid month from its Third Avenue basement location to a storefront with a large display window on Osceola’s main drag.  Owner Robert Brace signed the lease on the building, formerly the Unlimited Styling salon, August 15. “You can blame it all on Gwen [Wright, owner of the Looking Glass] across the street,” Brace joked.  Wright confirmed that she had encouraged Brace to rent the Cascade Street building. “He has such great stuff to offer,” she said, adding that she regularly refers customers looking for instruments to Red Bird. In addition to records, musical instruments and supplies, the shop offers guitar...
Musty-Barnhart Insurance opening office in Ellsworth

Friday, October 12, 2018

With a number of connections to the Ellsworth community, Musty-Barnhart insurance agency is looking to take its relationship with the town further, opening an office at 167 W. Main St. in September. It was a natural step for the company, owned by Dee Whipple and Bob Kubes, with both customers and employees in the town and the surrounding area. "We wanted to basically put a brick up because we're already helping a lot of those people over there," said Whipple, a resident of the Ellsworth area herself. Musty-Barnhart Agency is an independent insurance agency that represents about 15 different carriers in providing business...
What's going down in west central Wisconsin's dairy industry

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Complex problems, confusion and miscommunication. The dairy industry is experiencing all three and then some. Finding a definitive solution or even a definitive reason for the depressed milk market might mean wading through a big pile of manure. In the mix is a confusing and volatile milk pricing system, tight farming budgets, newly imposed tariffs, contradictory farming regulations and a weary outlook on dairy farming's future. Continue to full article
Not giving up on making vino in the valley

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

As the sun sets on the valley, lights turn on over diners and at the hands of guests at the bar, a fire heats the cooler night air, horses take off on a wagon ride, live music floats through the air; pizza, pasta, and of course, wine, makes its way to tables on the patio, and guests laugh and chat while gazing out at the vineyard and canopy of trees that surround them. Enjoying the full experience, from the food and drinks to the valley view, is what it's all about at Vino in the Valley. But one thing is missing —...
WHEDA grants support future senior living apartments

Tuesday, October 09, 2018

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) recently awarded State Housing Tax Credits to The Depot at 300 River St., a multifamily development in River Falls. The tax credits, distributed by WHEDA, will help create 50 units of affordable senior rental housing. Located near City Hall, the Depot will go up where the old train depot used to stand. The Depot is being developed by the Gerrard Corporation, which received $351,824 in state tax credits. "We are so pleased that the city of River Falls has trust in our track record to bring high-quality, affordable housing to the city," said Paul Gerrard,...
Tom Still: Wisconsin's economy yielding good news

Monday, October 08, 2018

MADISON — A collection of headlines in recent weeks spoke to the overall health of Wisconsin’s economy, even if other indicators demonstrate not everything is rosy — even in boom times. For the first time, the total value of property in Madison and Dane County is estimated to be worth more than property in Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. At $65 billion and $64.1 billion, respectively, that speaks to continued growth in the capital city, although Milwaukee County’s gross domestic product is still more than double that of Dane County. Wisconsin benefits from having two Top 100 cities. Promega Corp., the biotech company...
Wisconsin fall color report goes live

Friday, October 05, 2018

MADISON, WIS. (WSAW) The Travel Wisconsin fall color report is live online for people across the state to monitor fall colors. The interactive map allows people to track peak foliage in all 72 counties, find nearby lodging and dining to plan fall getaways, as well as upload their fall color photos. Information is updated daily by more than 100 fall color reporters from chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, tourism organizations and state parks and forests. New this year, Travel Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism has installed selfie stands in all 50 state parks. The stands are designed with platforms that will hold...
Meet Ed Javier, WEDC’s new entrepreneurship program director

Thursday, October 04, 2018

When working with startups, it can help to have firsthand experience. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s new entrepreneurship program director, Ed Javier, brings plenty of that to his new role. He has helped build and scale well-known startups, including Cars.com and HomeFinder.com. He has also led technology launches into new industries, and as a general manager sold the Philippines’ leading real estate website to Rocket Internet. We sat down with Ed to learn more about his background and his plans for his role at WEDC, where he will oversee programs such as Capital Catalyst, Entrepreneurial Micro-Grant, Capacity Building grants, Seed Accelerator and Key Strategic...
Wisconsin launches first-ever national campaign to attract veterans transitioning to civilian life

Wednesday, October 03, 2018

MADISON, WI. AUG. 24, 2018 – The state of Wisconsin has launched a $1.9 million national marketing campaign to encourage military personnel and their spouses who are transitioning to civilian life to live and work in Wisconsin once they leave the service. The campaign, a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, is a part of the state’s new $6.8 million marketing campaign aimed at attracting talent to address Wisconsin’s current and future workforce needs. This marks the first time the...
WEDC awards $750,000 grant for new biomanufacturing center of excellence

Tuesday, October 02, 2018

Forward BIO Initiative will provide biohealth entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to transition research into commercialization MADISON, WI. – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded a $750,000 grant to establish the Forward BIO Initiative – a new biomanufacturing center of excellence that will help to bring groundbreaking research happening in Wisconsin out of the labs and into the marketplace. The grant will be administered by BioForward Wisconsin. The Forward BIO Initiative is a collaborative effort that will offer entrepreneurs and researchers the resources necessary to effectively translate discoveries into commercial products in the emerging area of biomanufacturing—the advanced manufacturing of therapeutic medical...
Wisconsin manufacturers invited to supply chain workshops: Five sessions planned statewide in September

Monday, October 01, 2018

MADISON, WI. SEPT. 12, 2018 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), in collaboration with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity, Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and the state’s regional economic development organizations is hosting five informational workshops throughout the state on supply chain readiness. The Supplier Readiness Series will include information to help manufacturers respond to industrial innovation trends that are impacting the industry, including updates to statewide resources designed to help improve productivity, prepare for Industry 4.0 and establish a path for global competitiveness. The workshops will also provide small- to medium-size manufacturers with details on how to...
WEDC Deputy Secretary Braun receives national recognition as a top economic development official in North America

Friday, September 28, 2018

MADISON, WI. SEPT. 12, 2018 – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Tricia Braun has been named one of the top economic development officials in North America by a national consulting firm. Consultant Connect, a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants, this week named Braun to its list of “North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers” for 2018. “This annual list is designed to acknowledge the hard work of the top leaders in this field and elevate the conversation around economic development and job creation,” said Ron Kitchens, managing partner of Consultant...
Supply Chain Marketplace ready for companies seeking to do business with Foxconn

Thursday, October 05, 2017

CREATE A PROFILE Statewide, online sourcing tool is free and allows opportunity to showcase full capabilities The statewide Supply Chain Marketplace has unveiled a Foxconn-specific directory for Wisconsin companies seeking to be part of potential business opportunities with the manufacturer.  Foxconn Technology Group announced on July 26 that it planned to invest $10 billion by 2020 to build a world-class manufacturing campus in the state. Since then, New North Inc., the Momentum West equivalent in the northeast part of the state, has been working closely with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), and other partners to build a supply-chain directory tailored specifically to...
Equalized Values Report shows four percent increase in property value

Thursday, October 18, 2018

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) released its annual Equalized Value Report. The report shows that Wisconsin’s total statewide equalized property value as of Jan. 1, was $549 billion, a 4 percent increase over the prior year. Equalized Values are based on data from Jan. 1, 2017 to Jan. 1, 2018. Wisconsin residential property was valued at $388 billion, an increase of 5.1 percent, or $18.9 billion. The 5.1 percent increase marks the greatest one-year increase in residential values since 2007. The DOR report also shows construction activity continues an upward trend. Wisconsin added $8.5 billion in new construction during 2017, including...

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