News and Media

Start In Wisconsin Launches Website to Connect Businesses with Local Resources & Support

Monday, June 29, 2020

Initiative to power connections and accelerate area entrepreneurs. Eau Claire, WI., June 29, 2020 – Start In Wisconsin is a new initiative sponsored by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Aimed at accelerating area entrepreneurship, the initiative is a powerful tool in the region’s economic recovery. Start In Wisconsin and its regional affiliate, Start In Wisconsin - WCW (West Central Wisconsin) is a collaborative effort among Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), UW System, Momentum West and other regional partners to build a comprehensive, curated directory of regional and statewide startup and entrepreneurial resources. As of June, 2020, 72 providers have registered to offe...

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Regional Businesses: Survey Results Are In

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Economic developers and community leaders need to understand the extent of the impact COVID-19 has had on business operations, jobs, wages and productivity. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh developed a survey to assess the Economic Impact of COVID-19. From June 1 - 13th, the survey was completed by 744 businesses in 72 counties. Detailed results are being sent to regional EDOs, chambers and community partners like Momentum West. The data will then be used to inform future decisions regarding programming, resources and funding. Businesses who wish to take the survey should click here. Overall Economic Impact of COVID-19 Per survey respondents, the tota...

A big step has been taken by Chippewa Valley’s own based start-up business

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

A big step has been taken by Chippewa Valley’s own based start-up business. Jim McDougall from UpStream AV has recently been named a finalist among twenty-eight other entries representing sectors as broad as health technologies and innovations in products or services who are all competing in the 17th Annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. UpStream launched in 2019 as a start-up technology business engaging in AV’s most pressing problems with next generation technology. UpStream focuses on developing next generation AV over IP solutions to make systems easier to use, faster to install, and overall, more flexible. This top of the line technolog...

A Disciplined Road Map for Industrial Site Selection

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

It’s almost always good news when an industrial manufacturer needs to find a new plant site. It means business is growing, new markets are emerging, and financials are healthy. However, this is the point of time in the business cycle when decisions about next steps need to be made carefully. Unfortunately, this is when many businesses get tripped up. Plant owners and managers may agree on the need for new production lines, more distribution capacity, new automation processes, and more staff. But this is also when additional rigor is most urgently needed to analyze the best-case business scenarios for that nex...

COVID-19 Will Remake How We Work and Live

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Generally speaking, everyone resists change. Especially sudden change. But Covid-19 changed all that. Friday rolled around and we were told to grab-your-stuff and go home and no one knew when we would be back. You hear people say, “When things go back to normal…” Well, will things really go back to normal? We’ve learned new techniques, new ways to do things differently when working together digitally. Perhaps we will not return to the old ways. Read full article.

Ensuring Business Continuity While Focusing on Accelerating Automation

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, I think that the outlook is positive in the near- and long term for corporate site location projects. The current environment is teaching us that the need to ensure business continuity in the face of exceptional risks will be driving many supply chain location decisions in the future. More localized supply chains will be a way for companies to increase resilience and minimize disruptions as the probability for exceptional events of a global impact increases. This will generate increased activity from corporations seeking to re-shore, move, or establish new operations closer to their markets...

How Is the Pandemic Affecting Location Decisions in the Food & Beverage Industry?

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

I've been fortunate to have some great conversations with economic developers over the past few weeks, with many questions on the pandemic's impact on site location decisions for the food and beverage Industry. While nothing is certain, I've read and attached links to some important insights which I would like to share with those who currently or plan to target this industry. Be very aware that: Disruption of reliable demand and labor shortages have resulted in huge supply chain inefficiencies, leaving too much food in the wrong places. New facility locations that process products that heavily rely on predictable supply chain will n...

Potential Shifts in the Workforce Due to COVID-19

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is already causing shifts in the economy and workforce. Other than the obvious loss of employment, some of which will hopefully be temporary, another significant shift in the workforce involves employees in the professional services sector and others forced to work remotely from home. Although companies allowing employees to work remotely was already a growing trend in the United States, the question will be whether this trend continues after COVID-19 is under control. And, if the trend does continue, which is likely, consideration for incentives for home-based or remote employees will also have to be considered fro...

Resiliency of Supply Chains & Post-Pandemic Opportunities for FDI

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Disruption of supply chains and the prospects of reshoring to the U.S. are not unique to the spread of the coronavirus and related pandemic. As is well-documented, the development of global supply chains over time has provided cost-competitiveness to many companies. However, as we have witnessed rising offshore wages and operating costs, increased lead times, a lack of consistency in product quality, and a move toward more protectionist trade policies, many of our clients have for some time been assessing these mounting global supply chain risks vis-à-vis any cost-competitiveness that they once produced. The COVID-19 disruption will accelerate these analyse...

Smart Facilities and Industrial IOT in the Era of 5G

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

For manufacturing and distribution facilities, the introduction of 5G — the next generation of cellular wireless — could be a game-changer down the line. Consider: 5G will hasten the rise of the smart factory/warehouse, where tracking and distribution will improve exponentially, thanks to industrial IOT sensors. Monitoring will happen continuously in real time as the 5G network takes a triple approach to improving mobility — speed (ultra-fast data rates), interactivity (ultra-low lag with no buffering), and connectivity (more capacity, devices, and data). Read full article.

VentureHome-Eau Claire Announces First Cohort

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Exciting news is something we all need during these uncertain times and that is what VentureHome-Eau Claire, a new startup hub, announced this spring. This startup hub combines statewide resources with community initiatives to provide local entrepreneurs access to a full menu of startup resources in their community. They also serve as a landing spot for Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial “alumni” to “venture home” and contribute to their local communities. The seed accelerator launched at the beginning of April 2020 with six individuals all looking to start their own businesses in the area, beginning with the first cohort with virtual programming amidst COVID-19.Th...

Workforce Reductions, Incentives Compliance, and Adjusting to the “New Normal”

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Companies are primarily concerned with maintaining operations while also keeping their workforce’s good health a top priority. For some of our larger clients, those with a workforce of more than 1,000, it’s simply not possible to maintain operations and keep their workforce safe. As a result, these companies are temporarily halting operations and furloughing or laying off employees. Our corporate clients with fewer than 1,000 workers are able to significantly reduce their operations and implement new policies to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Examples include requiring the use of masks and maintaining a safe distance from other people within th...

“Future-Proofing” Corporate Location Decisions in Uncertain Times

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Site selection has traditionally focused on analyzing and comparing markets based on their current — and sometimes historical — capacity to support a corporate end user’s organizational objectives. More recently, a fundamental shift is under way where clients are challenging their consultants and candidate communities to also provide assessments of future market conditions, particularly surrounding talent. This forward-looking approach mitigates risk around the final location decision and aims to ensure that the selected market will align with the company’s long-term location and people strategy. Clients are increasingly requiring a site selection analysis that solves for their future workforce needs an...

Farmers Market opens for the first time

Saturday, May 16, 2020

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- Eau Claire's Downtown Farmers Market opened at the Phoenix Park pavilion. There were a few changes to the market, though. For the coming weeks, the vendors are required to wear masks and have been given an extra table to add some distance between vendor and customer. The vendors are also placed outside of the pavilion, with no vendors on the inside of the "U". There is one way foot traffic around the pavilion as well. Read full article.

WATCH NOW: Meat industry butchered by COVID-19 in the Midwest

Saturday, May 16, 2020

It's a living, breathing bottleneck of livestock, choking the Midwest's meat industry. The food is there — but frustratingly out of reach in some cases — as COVID-19 has closed or slowed production at Midwest meat processing plants, confounding farmers, retail operators and consumers. A traffic jam of livestock is stalled on farms and ranches as major processing plants spanning Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Indiana struggle to react to the impact of the virus on its workforce. Read full article.

Dunn County issues order advocating safe business practices, advising against large gatherings

Thursday, May 14, 2020

The Dunn County Health Department has issued a local order after the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the Wisconsin Department of Health Services safer at home order. Together health department Director KT Gallagher, Dunn County Sheriff Kevin Bygd and Menomonie Police Chief Eric released a joint statement regarding the next steps to keep the community safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response the health department issued administrative order 20-01 which states mass gatherings are advised to be avoided, businesses shall use safe business practices, all non-essential travel is discouraged and schools shall remain closed. The order is effective immediately an...

Reopening Guidelines for Wisconsin Businesses

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Gov. Evers Announces Reopening Guidelines for Wisconsin Businesses In an effort to provide actionable advice for businesses, especially small businesses, as they begin the road back to reopening, Governor Evers announced the creation of a set of Reopening Guidelines for Wisconsin Businesses. Included in these guidelines are a set of general guidelines for all businesses (see below), as well as industry-specific brochures. Industry-specific brochures are available for industries such as restaurants, retailers, manufacturers, professional offices, farmers, manufacturers, builders, hotel and motel operators, barbers, personal care services and other fields. It is important to note that these guidelines were created with input fro...

3 Fundamentals for Building a Resilient Supply Chain

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The global health crisis has exposed widespread vulnerabilities in supply chains. Although toilet paper shortages have become the most talked-about issue, long-term demand and supply shock ripples caused by this crisis will likely be felt for much longer as production delays at impacted sites, material shortages and scarcity of logistics come to light. It’s no surprise that many companies have relied on old habits to navigate out of the crisis. But solely relying on comfortable tools like spreadsheets, emails and conference calls can add undue delay to a team’s ability to resolve issues at a time when speed is critically important. Organizations have to accept that "crisis mode" is going t...

5 Ways Restaurant Owners Can Prepare for Reopening

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

In early May, many states began loosening restrictions on business operations. In California, for example, Governor Newsom announced that bookstores, music stores, toy stores, florists and some other retailers could reopen for pickup service. While restaurants were not a part of this first wave of reopenings, if all goes well, we could see them open their doors for seating in the next few weeks. Many eateries are operating on pickup or delivery service at the moment, but in order to truly reopen, restaurant managers will need to figure out how to handle a crowd of customers in a time of continued caution and social distancing. It’s no easy task, but in anticipatio...

Chippewa County approves up to 30 small business loans

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Chippewa County is creating small business disaster relief loans to help some businesses in the county stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The board voted 8-7 to adopt the plan to distribute up to $300,000. The loans will go to up to 30 area businesses, with a maximum amount of $10,000. The loans are meant for companies that have no more than 10 employees. The maximum length of the loans would be five years. The first year would be interest free; following years would be at a 1.5% interest rate. Read full article.

Local seniors presented with Dunn County Farm Bureau scholarships

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Four local seniors have been awarded scholarships from the Dunn County Farm Bureau. Andrew Zukowski, Ben Styer, Camryn Christopherson and Kittrick have been chosen to receive a Dunn County Farm Bureau Scholarship in the amount of $250. Zukowski is a senior at Menomonie High School. He is the son of Adam and Mary Zukowski. His plan is to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. to major in homeland security with minors in terrorism studies and global conflict. Read full article.

8 Ways the Crisis Will Forever Change the Future Workforce

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

This year's public health crisis has reoriented our relationships with each other, the media, technology and the work we do. Humanity has never experienced such a swift and universal shift. Friends are hosting live parties on Instagram. Teachers are uploading lessons to YouTube for the first time. Doctors are utilizing FaceTime or Google Duo for telemedicine services with patients. Read full article.

Brewers striving to survive pandemic despite uncertainty

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Wisconsin craft brewers are demonstrating a strong will to survive the pandemic, despite their uncertainty about Wisconsin’s economy coming out of COVID-19. “Our brewers are entrepreneurs by nature, so they’ve been able to come up with some creative ways to just keep things going as best they can,” said Mark Garthwaite, president of the Wisconsin Brewers Guild. Read full article.

Chippewa Falls retail stores react to being allowed to reopen their doors

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Business is beginning to return to the Chippewa Valley. Gov. Tony Evers announced retail businesses are allowed to reopen as long as they keep their occupancy to five people or fewer at a time and continue to practice social distancing. Mike Jordan, president of the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce, said the update is pleasing to hear, but additional steps will need to be taken to ensure business throughout the state can recover. Read full article.

Menomonie Mainstream Boutique owner builds online community with consumers

Monday, May 11, 2020

Dianna Fiergola always knew people cared about her and her store. It wasn’t until a pandemic led to the closure of Mainstream Boutique in Menomonie that she realized how many and how much people cared. Fiergola has been blown away by the support of her customers as women’s retail clothing store looks to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read full article.

New Video: Ethnic Minority Emergency Grants

Monday, May 11, 2020

In response to the strain placed on small businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic, WEDC has funded the Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant (EMEG) initiative. This initiative will award grants of $2,000 per company to ethnic minority-owned businesses with five or fewer full-time equivalent employees (including the owner) in the retail, service or hospitality sectors that have not received assistance through the Small Business 20/20 Program or the federal CARES Act and/or Paycheck Protection Program. Read full article.

WEDC Sec. Missy Hughes On How Wisconsin Businesses Should Be Preparing To Reopen

Monday, May 11, 2020

The state's businesses face reopening this month while the threat of the novel coronavirus remains. We'll talk to the Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation about new guidelines for businesses to reopen safely. Click here to listen.

Wisconsin banks help businesses obtain $8.3 billion in PPP

Monday, May 11, 2020

Wisconsin banks stepped up last month to help 43,400 of the state’s small businesses obtain more than $8.3 billion in federal Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program funds. Quick action by banks pushed Wisconsin to near the top in processing loan requests, according to Rose Oswald Poels, president and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. “We’re proud to say that Wisconsin was 14th in the country in terms of appropriations. The banks were proactive right away. There was only $349 billion available for the first round of the program,” Poels said. Read full article.

Wisconsin college grads scramble to secure jobs, internships in COVID-19 economy

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Yogev Ben-Yitschak expected his Facebook feed to be filled with photos of friends’ final semester on UW-Madison’s campus and announcements about where they will spend the next chapter of their lives. Instead, the posts have taken a depressing turn, with many students writing about rescinded job offers and canceled internship programs. Read full article.

Local business shifts production to make masks

Saturday, May 09, 2020

An Osceola company has recently shifted its production line to start producing protective facemasks for government contracts, as well as private sales. Core Products International was founded in 1988 by Phil Mattison and specializes in making health products like spinal support pillows, ankle and back braces and massage tools and equipment. The business has three locations, but its main office is located in Osceola. Read full article.

As Live Gigs Disappear, Wisconsin Musicians Find Creative Ways To Reach Fans

Friday, May 08, 2020

For nearly two months, Wisconsin musicians have been unable to perform in front of crowds because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While they’ve watched their income from live gigs dry up, many have also been laid off from the jobs in restaurants and bars they rely on to make ends meet. Yet the most difficult part isn't financial, it's being unable to connect with fans, said Teresa Marie Hardy, lead singer of the Madison-based People Brothers Band. Read full article.

Gov. Evers Announces Best Practices and Safety Guidelines for Wisconsin Businesses

Friday, May 08, 2020

MADISON, WI. May 8, 2020 — Gov. Tony Evers announced that businesses looking to keep workers, customers, and families safe while “turning the dial” toward reopening can now draw on a series of publications to keep them informed of best practices and safety tips. The brochures include general guidelines for all businesses to follow as well as industry-specific advice, such as for restaurants, retailers, manufacturers, professional offices, farmers, manufacturers, builders, hotel and motel operators, barbers, personal care services and other fields. Read full article.

Menomonie Market Food Co-op receives Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant

Friday, May 08, 2020

The Menomonie Market Food Co-op was announced as a recipient of a grant through the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program. The program, administered through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, is designed to strengthen Wisconsin’s food industries by helping farms and businesses more efficiently process, market and distribute locally grown food products. Read full article.

Complete the 2020 U.S. Census Virtually

Monday, May 04, 2020

In the Momentum West region we are encouraging residents to complete the U.S. Census virtually. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how the Census is being conducted, but it is still happening online and via the phone. Even though our communities are creating strategies for re-opening this spring, in-person data collection will continue to be delayed until July. That, however, is no reason to wait to submit information. They have made it easy to complete the census and we encourage everyone to do so as soon as possible, to ensure that our participation numbers are high. Ways to Virtually Complete the Census Th...

Gov. Evers reveals plan to make Wisconsin a top state in testing per capita

Monday, May 04, 2020

MADISON -- Gov. Tony Evers announced on Monday, May 4 a plan "to make Wisconsin one of the top states in testing per capita, in addition to already being one of the top states in COVID-19 testing capacity." Governor Evers outlined four key goals -- chief among them that everyone who needs a test to get a test. He also announced plans to test all residents and staff in the state's 373 nursing homes. The announcement came on the eve of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin hearing over the "Safer at Home" extension. Read full article.

Open Cupboard flush with product, ready to supply those in need

Sunday, May 03, 2020

The Open Cupboard food pantry in Osceola has not let COVID-19 affect their inventory and is urging those in need to use their services. The 27-year-old organization wasn’t taken by surprise when the pandemic hit and has continued to receive adequate supplies while many stores and businesses across the country have run dry of essentials. That’s all thanks to community support, according to Open Cupboard’s director Rosanne Anderson. Read full article.

31 Wisconsin school districts awarded Fab Lab Grants

Friday, May 01, 2020

MADISON, WI. MAY. 1, 2020 – Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today announced that 31 school districts throughout the state have been awarded a total of more than $690,000 in grants to establish or expand local fabrication laboratory (fab lab) facilities. “The fab lab program remains one of the best ways for students to gain experience in the high-tech manufacturing jobs where Wisconsin leads,” Governor Evers said. “During the current coronavirus crisis, when we’ve needed quick turnaround for protective gear and other medical devices, those manufacturers have become even more important to our state.” Read full article.

Local apprentices receive Ascendium CVTC scholarships

Friday, May 01, 2020

EAU CLAIRE — Nate Leibfried of Wheeler is among 14 students enrolled in apprenticeship programs at Chippewa Valley Technical College who have received $1,500 Tools of the Trade Apprentice Scholarships from Ascendium Education Group. Tools of the Trade scholarships help apprentices with financial need purchase expensive tools, clothing and equipment required by their trades, so they can complete their programs and secure good jobs. Read full article.

UW-Stout graduate students provide mental health counseling in area schools

Friday, May 01, 2020

When students in elementary, middle and high school are dealing with a mental health issue, where do they go for help? They can turn to school psychologists, counselors and social workers, and if students’ parents have insurance then more support is available. Often, however, the needs in school districts overwhelm existing resources and can’t meet the significant, specific and growing demand, according to University of Wisconsin-Stout Professor John Klem. Read full article.

WEDC creates digital platform to share pandemic response and recovery resources

Friday, May 01, 2020

MADISON, WI. May 1, 2020—To help Wisconsin businesses and communities facing economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has launched a digital platform—Focus Forward—to serve as an online “one-stop shop” for state, federal and other funding and operational assistance programs. Focus Forward will provide up-to-date information through multimedia formats, including live videos, program updates, blogs and podcasts, to help business owners in Wisconsin navigate the complexities of pandemic recovery resources. Read full article.

FCC Commissioners Sharply Disagree on U.S. Broadband Report

Monday, April 27, 2020

A Federal Communications Commission report Friday indicated that the U.S. is making progress on closing the digital divide, but FCC commissioners don’t agree on how much progress has been made. The 2020 Broadband Deployment Report showed that very high-speed broadband service (250 Mbps/25 Mbps) can be accessed by roughly 85 percent of citizens — a number that has gone up by 47 percent since 2017. The report attributes this and other gains to the $80 billion invested in broadband infrastructure in 2018, a significant increase in fiber-to-the-home projects in 2019 and the advent of 5G technology. Read full article.

State Capitol Report: WEDC Prepares Businesses For 'New Normal'

Monday, April 27, 2020

The “New Safer-At-Home” order gives some businesses deemed non-essential more flexibility to continue operating. We speak with the governor’s chief of economic development about keeping businesses afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to listen.

Amery company assists with ventilator production

Thursday, April 23, 2020

During a time when recent circumstances have caused some industries to have slower, if any production, Amery’s Reliatrace is not only considered essential, it is working tirelessly to aid in the current crisis. Reliatrace has been making membrane switches for medical device companies for the past 28 years. Reliatrace President/CEO Mark Ester said, “All of us at Reliatrace are grateful to all health care providers, first responders, police and fire personnel who are selflessly putting themselves in harms way to fight this insidious virus, Covid-19.” Read full article.

How to Support West Wisconsin Businesses During COVID-19

Friday, April 17, 2020

Businesses in West Central Wisconsin need your help. By supporting them during the COVID-19 crisis you can make a considerable economic impact and make it easier for them to reopen at full capacity once the crisis is over. How? By supporting local small businesses. Every dollar spent at a small business supports another 50 cents in local business activity. As an added incentive, every ten jobs created at a local business, support an additional seven jobs within the community (Small Business Economic Impact Study, 2018). According to The Small Business Economic Impact Study, conducted by American Express in 2018, thi...

Managing Business Finances in COVID-19 and Beyond: Tips for Wisconsin Businesses

Friday, April 17, 2020

Wisconsin businesses have many financial advantages. Among them a low tax rate and affordable real estate costs. Still, financial literacy, the ability to manage cash flow and successful cash management is critical to sustaining a small business. When faced with the challenges brought on by COVID-19 closures, the importance is only amplified. Fortunately, there are tools and resources businesses can use to take control of their finances now and in the future. In addition, Momentum West, local economic development corporations and chambers, the SBDC, and university partners are here to answer questions and to provide support and guidance. This ca...

Kelliann Blazek named to head WEDC’s Office of Rural Prosperity

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

MADISON, WI. APRIL 14, 2020 – Kelliann Blazek has been named the first director of the newly created Office of Rural Prosperity within the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the organization’s secretary and CEO, Missy Hughes, announced today. “Even as WEDC concentrates on helping the entire state’s economy recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to give special attention to our rural communities that were already experiencing huge challenges before the outbreak,” said Hughes. “I’m pleased that WEDC was able to find someone with Kelliann’s knowledge and commitment to rural development to lead this vital effort.” Read full article.

WHEDA innovates for customers, communities, economic recovery

Thursday, April 09, 2020

April 8, 2020 Greetings: The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority was created in 1972 to expand access to affordable housing and economic opportunity for people throughout Wisconsin. To continue this important work during the COVID-19 pandemic, WHEDA is adapting and innovating to support low- to moderate-income home buyers, renters, affordable housing providers and other partners. While we are focused on meeting the immediate needs of our customers and communities, our extensive range of actions includes work to forge a successful recovery. I’d like to commend our staff for their incredible dedication and resilience in adjusting our operations to meet these challenges while preparin...

UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center is here to assist as needed!

Monday, March 30, 2020

11 Practical considerations and action items Management Tip: FMLA rules have changed, and if you are under 500 employees, you need to read this article IN FULL. IMPORTANT: Even if you are under 50 employees and normally are exempt from the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, these changes apply to you and go into effect around April 2. Essentially, the new law means that all companies must provide 80 hours of sick leave for all full-time employees. You will pay upfront to employees but be reimbursed fully by the federal government in the form of a refundable tax credit. This i...

ABC Names Derrick Companies as a National Top Performer

Friday, March 20, 2020

WASHINGTON, March 10—Associated Builders and Contractors today released its 2020 Top Performers lists, which recognize ABC member contractors’ achievements in safety, quality, diversity and project excellence ranked by work hours, with special designations identified. Published as a supplement to Construction Executive magazine, the lists identify the Top 200 Performers, Top 120 General Contractors, and other rankings. Derrick Companies was ranked 169 overall and 95 for General Contractor. “ABC Top Performers demonstrate the highest commitment to world-class safety, craftsmanship, workforce development, and community engagement in the merit shop construction industry,” said Michael Bellaman, president and chief executive officer of ABC. “These ranking...

Momentum West Recognizes Area Development Achievements

Friday, March 20, 2020

During the March 11th Momentum West Annual Meeting seven organizations/individuals were recognized for their 2019 contributions to the region’s economic growth and development. The awards were presented in the categories of Regional Talent initiative, Young Professional, Regional Collaboration, Regional Impact, Housing Development, Entrepreneurship and the regions 2019 Top Project. The awards were: Talent Initiative - Nolato Contour - Baldwin Nolato Contour provides polymer-based solutions for the medical device, pharmaceutical and hygiene industries. In 2019 Nolato took an aggressive approach to addressing talent attraction, retention and development. Taking the lead and teaming with OEM, Vital Plastics and the Baldwin School District, they formed ...

SMARTcare Software On Why Healthcare Technology Companies Thrive in Western Wisconsin

Friday, March 20, 2020

SMARTcare Software is at the forefront of the emerging tech ecosystem being built in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and the Momentum West Region. The company has created a full-service software suite of tools that are designed for the growing home healthcare industry. When founders Bill Mattle and Scott Zielski decided to launch the company in 2017, they chose Eau Claire for its proximity to higher education, a dedicated regional workforce, and the belief that tech companies can thrive in smaller beautiful communities, rather than needing to be confined to dense metropolitan areas. Bill and Scott’s decision to locate in Eau Claire ha...

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Friday, February 28, 2020

Chinese authorities have confirmed an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in early December 2019. Currently there are hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. Read full article.

Why Site Selectors Choose the Momentum West Region

Friday, February 28, 2020

The Momentum West Region of Wisconsin is around one hour from the Twin Cities Metro. This proximity to the Twin Cities offers strategic benefits for companies looking to access the Metro while paying less in real estate cost and in wages. Existing Twin Cities companies, and those looking for a strategic Midwest location, are attracted to the Momentum West Region for the following - #1 Convenient interstate access and proximity to the Twin Cities The Twin Cities is located just 25 miles from the Momentum West border. Interstate access makes it easy to access the Metro, in addition to major cities throughou...

Cheesemaker considers expansion into Menomonie

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, known for its cheese curds and artisan cheeses, is looking to expand into Menomonie. The Pierce County-based creamery is slated to meet with the Menomonie City Council about the possibility of opening its third manufacturing location in the city. Read full article.

Community round table discusses tax cuts and the impact on western Wisconsin

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- A little more than two years ago, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law. While the White House advertised cutting over $5.5 trillion dollars in taxes over ten years, there are those not in favor of the cuts. Wednesday, members of a group called "Opportunity Wisconsin" organized a community round table at Shift Cyclery and Coffee Bar. Read full article.

Demand For Broadband Internet Remains High In Rural Wisconsin

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Grant Applications Under State Program Are Double Money Available This year, Wisconsin will provide a record amount of money for broadband internet in underserved areas of the state that need it for business, government and school. The $24 million the state is making available in 2020 through the Broadband Expansion Grant Program is the largest amount since the program began in 2014. But it is not enough to meet demand. Read full article.

Lentz heading Sterling Bank

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Sterling Bank recently announced the promotion of David Lentz to President and the addition of Cathy Couey as its Chief Operations Officer. Both Lentz and Couey will work out of the bank’s corporate headquarters in Chetek. Lentz, a native of Barron County and a graduate of Barron High School and UW-River Falls, has been with Sterling Bank since 1996. He previously held positions of Loan Officer, Branch President (in Rice Lake) and Senior Lending Officer. Lentz replaces outgoing President, Dick Boening as the bank’s day-to-day operational leader. Boening, who served as Sterling Bank President since 2004, will continue as the organization’...

Tech-ed class gets four-post lift at BHS

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

The Barron High School technical education department has a new piece of equipment for students in its automotive program. The new “Rotary Lift” was installed Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 at the high school shop. Priced at $16,000, the unit is capable of lifting up to 14,000 pounds, according to Josh Meissner, tech ed teacher. ‘This is a cable-based hydraulic lift,” Meissner said in an email. “The main difference (from older types of hydraulic lifts) is that (the new unit) is a four-post drive on a lift instead of the more traditional two-post lift.” Read full article.

In Focus: Taking Steps to Fill Your Company’s Talent Pipeline

Friday, February 07, 2020

Companies must take the time to identify potential new hires, build a relationship, and follow up with training and support in order to build today’s — and tomorrow’s — workforce. It’s no secret the manufacturing and construction industries are facing a shortage of workers at every level. To build a talent pipeline, manufacturing and construction companies need to embrace the challenge, dedicate resources, and invest in programs to change the future. Building a solid talent pipeline requires a multifaceted approach that addresses internal and external factors of your organization. One set of strategies is applicable to positions in management or other high-skil...

Cultivating Talent from Untapped Communities

Thursday, February 06, 2020

By hiring from diverse and underserved communities, a company can boost innovation along with its bottom line. The current U.S. labor market bodes well for workers: unemployment has been consistently low and demand for talent remains high. But this wreaks havoc for companies who face a talent shortage to fill vacant IT roles. In IT alone, the U.S. has an astounding 918,000 open roles. Much of this job growth stems from digital transformation. As companies digitally transform and tech roles infiltrate all industries, corporations and hiring managers need help to fill vacant positions. It’s time to seek alternative pipelines and cultivate talent from untapped communities. Rea...

Dakota Supply group moves

Thursday, February 06, 2020

Dakota Supply Group has announced plans to move its branch in Rice Lake to a new facility in the first quarter of 2020. The new facility will be located at 2118 19th Street, an easily accessible location very near the intersection of Hwy. 48 and Hwy. 53. Dakota Supply Group provides products for the electrical; plumbing; HVAC; refrigeration; communications; utility; automation; waterworks; on-site sewer, water and well; filtration and metering technology industries. Read full article.

Economic development head Melissa Hughes looks to take agency in new direction

Thursday, February 06, 2020

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.’s fourth CEO, Melissa “Missy” Hughes, said her first four months have been spent developing a new direction for the state’s top economic development agency. The shift in direction, which Hughes and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers have said entails a greater focus on small businesses and rural communities, rather than on controversial deals like the one for the massive Foxconn project, is reflective of Hughes as a departure from previous leaders of the embattled WEDC since its 2011 creation. Read full article.

Wisconsin Restaurant Initiative seeks to help rural restaurants thrive

Thursday, February 06, 2020

BARRON, Wis. (WEAU) -- The restaurant industry can be competitive but restaurants in rural parts of the state face a unique set of challenges like small or declining populations, reliance on tourism and difficulty finding employees. To combat these challenges, the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has created the Wisconsin Restaurant Initiative to work with small restaurant owners to help them thrive and survive. Read full article.

Hot Jobs: Growing Industrial Sectors

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Although the number of jobs lost during the Great Recession have been regained, not all regions or industry sectors have experienced the same recovery. Where are the best job opportunities, and in what sectors? The research from market analytics consultant Emsi suggests that some of the most attractive sectors in terms of decent-paying jobs are also doing fairly well in terms of job growth. Most states will welcome all the manufacturing activity they can get, for example, and many states have been seeing healthy manufacturing job growth in recent years. Auto manufacturing is in respectable shape, biopharm is healthier all the time...

Front Line: New DOT Focus on Rural Development

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

“Economic success” is a critical component of the Department of Transportation’s new initiative. Last October U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced a new initiative focusing on transportation and related development challenges in rural areas. The new effort was called ROUTES — Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success. ROUTES will build on two successful DOT discretionary grant programs, now called BUILD and INFRA (previously known as TIGER and FASTLANE, respectively). BUILD supports varied projects. INFRA has a freight focus. Read full article.

Mission Wisconsin team profile: Steve Janke

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

The goal of the Mission Wisconsin initiative is to connect military personnel and families separating from service with the great opportunities Wisconsin has to offer, whether that’s quality education, a fulfilling career, a welcoming community or any support they need as they move into the next phase of their lives. Like any mission, it couldn’t happen without boots on the ground—the Mission Wisconsin team. We recently talked with Steve Janke, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who now serves as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) military talent attraction case manager. Read full article.

WEDC head backs current agency structure, calls for finding 'innovative ways' to help farmers

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

The new head of Wisconsin's job agency said keeping the organization in its current form is "really the way to go" in promoting economic development among businesses and communities throughout the state. After spending four months on the job, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said she "would advocate strongly for leaving the structure the way it is" at the agency — the entity Gov. Tony Evers at one point pledged to de-fund as a gubernatorial contender. Read full article.

Dairy expert predicts U.S. milk prices will climb in 2020

Monday, February 03, 2020

UW-Madison’s director of dairy policy analysis predicts U.S. milk prices will continue to climb in 2020 as low production helps clear out domestic and international stocks of milk. Still, Mark Stephenson noted that a recession would throw these numbers off course, though he doesn’t expect an imminent downturn. “At this point in time, we’re at a level where a recession would seem to be perhaps on the horizon,” he said last week at a UW-Madison agriculture forum. “I don’t think this is going to happen in 2020, so I’m not so worried about this today.” Read full article.

Feasibility Business Park Site Visit

Monday, February 03, 2020

Chippewa County is on the cusp of expanding on its recent economic boom, the President/CEO of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation(CCEDC)-Charlie Walker said. According to Walker, “The county began the process of looking into the feasibility of adding or building another Certified Shovel Ready Business Park because in part of the most recent success of the current Lake Wissota Business Park.” Read full article.

River Falls Chamber names 2019 awardees

Monday, February 03, 2020

The River Falls Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards and recognition banquet Jan. 30. RIVER FALLS -- A sea of plaid filled the room as the River Falls Chamber of Commerce gathered for its annual awards and recognition banquet Thursday, Jan. 30, with a flannel and frost theme. Chamber members looked back on a year that saw staffing changes and a new strategic plan, and honored nominees with its annual awards. Read full article.

The Evolution of Facility Design

Monday, February 03, 2020

Attracting and retaining the next generation of talent is now a critical input to the facility design process. When looking to build a new facility or renovate an existing one, manufacturing leaders need to consider several factors for the best return on investment. In the past, operational efficiency was often the most prominent, if not the only consideration. But today, the physical characteristics of a manufacturing facility must now deliver beyond operational excellence. The building or campus’ presence must now also serve as a recruiting tool, a reinforcement of brand, a testament to the company’s mission and values — not t...

Farm Ventilation Business Expands In Chippewa Falls

Sunday, February 02, 2020

Chippewa Falls, WI – A Chippewa Falls manufacturer is planning a $9 million expansion that will allow the company to double its staff. VES has completed an agreement to purchase a 12.4 acre parcel in the Lake Wissota Business Park from Chippewa County for $1, said Chippewa County Supervisor, Steve Gerrish. The property is in one of the city’s tax-increment financing districts. Read full article.

What Should High-Growth Companies Look for in a Community?

Sunday, February 02, 2020

While there are many key factors to consider when selecting a location, the three “must haves” for entrepreneurial, high-growth companies are an existing entrepreneurial ecosystem, an affordable cost of doing business, and the “cool factor." I'll start off by stating the obvious…you’re reading this article because you understand the importance of selecting the optimal business location. I believe this to be true across the board, regardless of industry sector, company size, facility type (i.e. headquarters, distribution center, etc.) or other factors. But perhaps it is most important to entrepreneurs and high-growth startup companies (herein referred to collectively as entrepreneurial companies). Whil...

Discovering Export Opportunities in Central Europe

Saturday, February 01, 2020

The potential exists to increase local companies’ sales through exporting. CCEDC hosted a round table discussion where over a dozen Chippewa Valley companies asked questions about the advantages of exporting their products to Central Europe. Paul Smerda, the Senior Manager at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) European Trade Representative Firm in Berlin, Germany lead a discussion and answered questions concerning the upcoming WEDC trade venture to Germany in June 2020, market trends, and recommended pro-active sales strategies for doing business in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Scandinavia. Wisconsin has a history of strong German immigration and shares man...

Tips for Navigating Incentives in Site Selection Process

Saturday, February 01, 2020

A thorough understanding of the components of each incentive program is key to a mutually successful incentive offer and ultimately a community partnership. More Collaboration Expected Compared to 10 years ago, there have some notable changes to today’s site selection process. I think one of the more important changes is the incentive package. The kinds of incentives offered a company 10 or 15 years ago, or maybe even five years ago, are going to be very different than what they're going to receive right now. Unemployment's really, really low right now, so communities aren’t as concerneddon't care right now about the number o...

The 2020 Regional Workforce Development Rankings

Friday, January 31, 2020

We may one year choose to rank states’ primary workforce development programs, but not this year. That would take a panel of objective experts gauging outcomes based on copious input from program clients and many other sources. Perhaps one year. Instead, this exercise looks in general terms at states’ workforce development climates, if you will, much like the state business climate rankings we publish each November. It’s an admittedly blunt instrument, but then it isn’t promising something it can’t deliver. These rankings take a regional look at states’ commitment to workforce development relative to other states in the same region base...

County welcomes Potter’s Without Kilns

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Local potters are about to get fired up about a new venture located between Amery and Star Prairie. Mark and Barbara Lusardi approached the Polk County Environmental Committee to obtain a permit for Potter’s Without Kilns (PWK). A conditional use permit was approved unanimously and will allow the PWK studio to host workshops, firings, classes and sales of multiple artists. “It’s such a relief to have gotten the conditional use permit approved as it opens the door on how I finish the studio,” said Mark. Read full article.

Light industrial is all the rage for e-commerce.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

As an industrial real estate broker in one of the country’s hottest submarkets, Patrick Turner sensed opportunity when he heard a news report announcing the closure of a national-brand bakery complex near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. “A light went off in my head,” says Turner, a vice president in the Rosemont, Illinois, office of Colliers International. “When you’re talking about urban infill, you can’t just go out and find 10 acres [4 hectares] anywhere around the airport. It just doesn’t happen.” Read full article.

How to Catch Hold of a Borderless Industry

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

What do fintechs do all day? “That’s the million-dollar question, right?” says Jackson Mueller, associate director at the Milken Institute’s Center for Financial Markets. He defines fintech as “the use of technology in the provision of financial products and services.” Among the sector’s characteristics, he says, are: The nature and pace of innovation and adoption: “Things are constantly moving at breakneck speed.” Read full article.

New manager says mall evolving but here to stay

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Marie Nett has a new job on her hands, and it’s a big one. As of the first of 2020, the familiar face at the Rice Lake Cedar Mall is the new property manager. She replaces Gregg Morgan, who left the position at the end of last year. Nett has a long history at the Cedar Mall, working at Herberger’s for 33 years, from 1985 until it closed in August 2018. Read full article.

Newest director drives River Falls chamber of commerce strategic plan away from complacency

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The chamber looks at future changes to the chamber's financial approach, special events like River Falls Days and producing more valuable resources and advertisements. RIVER FALLS -- The River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau has dug deep into the "whys" behind the chamber’s motivations, events and role as a resource within the community to establish a new strategic plan just a few months after welcoming a new executive director. Russ Korpela, who joined as the executive director in September 2019, revealed the 2020-2022 strategic chamber plan Jan. 16 in front of 65 attendees including state Rep. Shannon Zimmerman. Korpela sai...

2020 Vision

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Our annual 50-state report focuses on economic development laws, leaders, policies, indicators and projects from the past year. Use it to form a clearer picture of every state’s business climate. The collective knowledge and capabilities of the U.S. workforce is worth an estimated $240 trillion,” wrote Joe Parilla, a fellow at Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program, in a December 2019 research note, “four times more valuable than the country’s physical capital stock and 10 times more valuable than all the urban land in the United States.” What form does that value take? One way to quantify it is by professional certifications. Accordin...

5 Predictions for Wisconsin’s Tech Ecosystem in 2020

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

In 2019, Wisconsin made strides to position itself as a place for tech and startup growth. Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee launched a $150 million fund to invest into startups. Madison was named No. 7 on a list of the best startup cities in the Midwest. And Titletown Tech, the venture hub and fund operated by the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft, officially opened. Each milestone was evidence of Wisconsin’s growing tech ecosystem. To get a sense of what Wisconsin’s tech future looks like, Wisconsin Inno asked several venture capitalists and startup experts about what they see coming down the pipeline in 2020. Read full article.

WEDC wants to prioritize rural growth

Monday, January 27, 2020

The state’s economic development agency wants to make rural areas a priority. Missy Hughes is the CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and she’s looking forward to setting up a new Office of Rural Prosperity. She hopes people will reach out to them with ideas for potential businesses and projects. Read full article.

New City of Eau Claire logo revealed

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- The City of Eau Claire has a new logo designed by RT Vrieze or Knorth Studios. The logo references rivers, trees and downtown. The city says they like to think of the new logo as a reflection of our history blended with the achievements of today and the vibrancy of the future. Read full article.

Broadband in 2020: The Momentum West Region is Telecommuter Forward!

Friday, January 17, 2020

The Momentum West region is comprised of several Telecommuter Forward! certified communities. These communities have demonstrated a commitment to supporting telecommuters through the installation of fiber and ready access to fast internet speeds. As a result, the region has become home to a growing number of telecommuters working for corporations throughout the country - all from the comfort of home. The ready availability of broadband can be attributed to a partnership between local telecommunications companies, cooperatives, local government and the state. Telecommunications companies and cooperatives have heavily invested in broadband and government grants have helped to pay for a portion o...

City purchases Bremer building, bank will build

Thursday, January 16, 2020

In the coming months Amery's City Hall, Library and Police Department are slated to share space in a new location according to an announcement made at City Council. The city has purchased the current Bremer Bank building for $350,000. Mayor Paul Isakson said, “I can’t give all of the history, but I can give some. Due to unforeseen circumstances, staying in the condo association turned out to be beyond our means. I went to Bremer Bank and said ‘This would make a great library and city offices and Bremer said hey we would like to sell and build a brand new facilit...

A look inside the CBD industry

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

The ‘green’ rush at ExtraktLAB Driving through rural Wisconsin, signs are beginning to appear at storefronts that would be illegal only a short time ago. Those signs might read, “Organic CBD products here,” or, “Locally grown hemp products.” Now, those signs are commonplace, and CBD products are sold everywhere from pharmacies, to grocery stores, to gas stations. ExtraktLAB, one of the leading cannabis extract companies in the industry, has manufactured one of those products, Holus CBD, in Osceola since 2018. The Sun took the opportunity to speak with CEO, Dr. Jon Thompson, about the realities of the CBD industry boom in Wisconsin. Rea...

4 Steps to Growing Your Business Now

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Did your growth stall in 2019? Here's how you can engineer a bigger, better year for your business. Q: My business stalled out in 2019. What can I do to give myself the highest likelihood of growth in 2020? -- Aden, Minneapolis The challenge of growing a business is surprisingly similar to the difficulties of losing weight. It’s something I realized after growing my first business, a fitness consultancy called Born Fitness. Each year, people set resolutions (goals, KPIs), start off strong (lots of early-year focus), get frustrated (friction from the process), plateau (return to old habits), and watch apathy set in (panic and lack of focus if goals ar...

Are You Meeting (and Setting) Customers' Expectations?

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

My family and I went out for brunch recently in Miami. We ordered about $60 worth of food, and when the waiter asked what I’d like to drink, I said what I always do: “Just water, please.” “We charge 50 cents for water because we filter it five times,” the waiter said. That’s ridiculous, I replied. The waiter agreed -- in fact, he said, he’d been trying to talk the restaurant’s owner out of this policy for a while now. But the owner wouldn’t budge because he’d invested in some fancy filtration system. Read full article.

Menomonie business wins Main Street Makeover Contest

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Ted’s Pizza Palace to receive up to $10,000 to help give business facelift MADISON, WI. – Ted’s Pizza Palace in downtown Menomonie has been named the winner in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) annual Main Street Makeover Contest. The restaurant, celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2020, is a well-known local dining destination owned by Jim and Kim Gounaikis. A downtown mainstay, the restaurant was selected as the winner of the makeover contest based on the business’s successful track record, clear community support and the potential to refresh the interior and exterior of the building to create an enhanced dining experience tha...

An array of events lands haircutting couple in Amery

Friday, January 10, 2020

Adventures are funny things. Some are simply happy accidents-a single spark that ignites an unexpected chain of events. Some adventures though, may seek you out, whether you want them or not, and take you somewhere you never imagined you would be. Roger Valasco has experienced a little of both types of adventures and it has landed him and his wife Peg, as the owners of Amery’s newest barbershop. Roger and Peg’s Old Fashioned Barbershop opened September 16, 2019. It has been so busy; they have barely had time to look back. But when they do, it is a pretty interesting story. Rea...

Attracting the Modern Employee

Friday, January 10, 2020

Space is filling up! Click here for event details.

Creative Eye photography exhibit showcases Chippewa Falls area photographers

Friday, January 10, 2020

Taking a good photograph requires a keen and creative eye, and a local exhibit showcases the work of local artists who have just that. The Creative Eye exhibit at the Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls features works by 13 local photographers, featuring a variety of subjects, including landscapes, nature and architecture. The exhibit, which opened Jan. 6, features photo by Darren Hoepner, Bruce Warren, Steve Johnson, Megan Johnson, Claude Schilling, Rachel Kohn, Levi Polus, Jeff Gutsch, Zach Olaphant, Beverly Wickstrom, Lloyd Fleig, Martha Hidalgo Sueldo and Efrain Sueldo. Read full article.

New Prevea Menomonie Health Center to open next week providing urgent care, expanded services

Thursday, January 09, 2020

More health care services will be provided in a new facility as Prevea Health looks to grow its presence in Menomonie. The new Prevea Menomonie Health Center, 2919 Stout Road, held ribbon cutting to share its imminent opening with Prevea and Menomonie community leaders. In addition, a community open house was held later on Thursday for community members to tour the new facility. Read full article.

Prevea holds ribbon cutting ceremony for new Menomonie center

Thursday, January 09, 2020

MENOMONIE, Wis. (NEWS RELEASE)-- A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the new Prevea Menomonie Health Center located at 2919 Stout Rd. in Menomonie, near The Neighbors of Dunn County. The Prevea Menomonie Health Center will open for patient care on Monday, Jan. 13 and will offer urgent care, family medicine, women’s care, occupational health, lab and X-ray services. Read full article.

7 Chippewa Valley Networking & Business Programs

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

Succeeding as a start-up can be all about meeting the right people and finding the right programs Are you thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship? Have you already started your own business but could you still use a hand, a sympathetic ear, or some inspiration? The Chippewa Valley offers a rich environment to create and expand your own business. Numerous programs can help you incubate your entrepreneurial idea. Here are a few of them. Read full article.

Huntsinger Farms awarded grant for solar installation, 18% in electricity costs savings expected

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

Huntsinger Farms, the world’s largest grower and processor of horseradish and the parent company of Silver Spring Foods, won a $28,902.60 Focus on Energy grant to subsidize a new solar power installation on its Eau Claire farm. The Huntsinger Farm solar project will be one of the first farm solar installations in Wisconsin. According to the US Energy Information Administration, less than 2% of energy in Wisconsin is generated by solar power today. BMO Harris Bank will provide further financing for the project. Read full article.

Plans move forward for $35 million Ladysmith hospital

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

An architectural design firm has been hired to design plans for a new health care facility with up to $35 million in value on the former Mount Senario College athletic fields in Ladysmith. Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith CEO Jeff Euclide called the hiring of Minneapolis architect HGA the next phase of the development process. “We are going to start meeting with them in January so they get on site, and they get to know us and we get to know them,” Euclide said.” The meeting will include physician leadership and key stakeholders, according to Euclide. Read full article.

Menomonie looks to address housing issues within city

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

Like much of the country, Menomonie is facing a housing shortage. During four events, the city’s planning commission and council will look to listen and then determine the best action in helping solve the housing shortage issue. A special meeting of the council and planning commission was held Monday to discuss the housing supply and development issues in the community as the first step. Read full article.

Smokey Treats Fusion BBQ Restaurant Opens in River Falls, Wisconsin

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

Smokey Treats Fusion BBQ recently opened its doors in River Falls, WI, celebrating a ribbon cutting ceremony with plans for a future Grand Opening celebration. Smokey Treats features globally and ethnically-inspired fusion BBQ dishes with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Smokey Treats Fusion BBQ, River Falls’ newest fast-casual Fusion BBQ joint, opened its doors at 127 North Main Street in the Riverwalk Square Building on November 12th with plans for a Grand Opening celebration this summer. What started as a dream of making tasty, smoked treats at fairs and festivals turned into a food truck that has been seen around tow...

Dunn County Farm Bureau to offer scholarships to high school seniors

Monday, January 06, 2020

Dunn County Farm Bureau will be granting up to four scholarships to graduating high school seniors this year. The deadline to apply is April 1 and each scholarship is valued at $250. The application can be found by visiting https://wfbf.com/about/counties/dunn. Read full article.

WEDC lists top economic development deals of 2019

Thursday, December 26, 2019

MADISON, WI. — The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) released its list of Wisconsin’s biggest economic development deals of 2019. This calendar year, WEDC assisted 289 businesses and communities across 16 industries, totaling more than $250 million in awards. The more than $1.2 billion in planned capital investments for the projects supported by WEDC this year are expected to create more than 3,165 jobs and retain almost 14,000 jobs across the state. Of these awardees, 31 have planned capital investment of more than $10 million. Read full article.