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Chamber Blog

Small Street Journal: August 30, 2019

8/30/2019

 
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​WNB Financial
David Hoover Earns Chartered Financial Analyst Designation
For More Information: Jenny Baertsch, Marketing Manager
507-454-9248 JennyB@WNBFinancial.com
 
WNB Financial is pleased to announce that David Hoover, Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor, recently earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute.
“This extraordinary accomplishment is considered the gold standard of financial designations,” said Jack Richter, WNB Financial President & CEO. “I speak for all of our coworkers when I say we’re proud of David and appreciate the time and effort he put into earning this tremendous achievement. We are fortunate to have him on the WNB Team.”
 
CFA® designation is the highest distinction in the investment management profession, and Hoover passed three levels of exams to achieve it. The credential is held by only 150,000 elite professionals worldwide who have a strong understanding of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills.
 
Hoover also holds the title of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and is a member of the WNB Financial Wealth Management Division. He works with individuals, business owners, trusts, and foundations to help accomplish immediate and long-term financial goals, including retirement planning, business succession, estate planning, and educational planning.
 
WNB Financials’ Wealth Management Division is located at its historic Downtown Winona Office, 204 Main Street. Call 507-454-8800 for more information or to schedule an appointment.


Security Financial Bank
Karlee Marg Joins Security Financial Bank as Credit Analyst 
Paul Rudersdorf, CEO and president of Security Financial Bank (SFB), is pleased to announce that Karlee Marg recently joined the bank as a credit analyst. Marg will be responsible for completing the credit analysis and presentation functions to assist relationship managers in the credit approval and review processes. She also will assess the credit worthiness and appropriate risk rating level of new loan requests and ongoing loan portfolio relationships. 
A Winona, Minn. native, Marg earned a bachelor of business administration degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She previously worked as an operations associate at Orgel Wealth Management.
Marg will work out of SFB’s corporate office located in Eau Claire.

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​WEAU 13 News
Michael Strubel Joins WEAU 13 News
Michael Strubel has joined WEAU 13 News as General Sales Manager.  In his new role, he will lead the top-flight sales team to accomplish revenue goals and support the continued strong community involvement efforts at the station.  Strubel received his bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from UW-Eau Claire.  Prior to joining WEAU, he worked as a Gift Officer for the Western Division at Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation, and worked as Director of Sales and Events at Visit Eau Claire.  He currently serves on the executive committee for the Eau Claire Chamber Youth Leadership Eau Claire program, and on the curriculum committee for Leadership Eau Claire as co-chair of Arts & Tourism Day.      


UW-Eau Claire
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Welcome week challenge encourages new students to think about sustainability
Senior Lily Strehlow will lead UW-Eau Claire's first "Waste and Sustainability Challenge," a weeklong competition for new Blugolds that aims to help them think seriously about sustainability and to embrace a zero-waste philosophy. 

“UW-Eau Claire has fantastic waste infrastructure, including compost, recycling and e-waste recycling,” Strehlow says, noting that the campus also recently added plastic bag recycling. “Davies Center and Hilltop also purchase a variety of products that are compostable and recyclable.

“The opportunity to reduce our landfill waste stream is already here, but our waste auditing research shows that students aren’t paying attention to the different options available for their waste. That’s why our first move is to start developing a sustainable sense of place with a waste training competition.” Full story.
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UW-Eau Claire faculty and staff receive 2019 excellence awards
Eight UW-Eau Claire faculty and staff members were recognized for excellence during the university's academic year opening meeting Aug. 27. 

Chancellor James Schmidt presented 2019 excellence awards to:
  • Dr. Norah Airth-Kindree, associate professor of nursing.
  • Jack Connell, facilities maintenance specialist-advanced.
  • Dr. Mary Beth Leibham, professor of psychology.
  • Dr. Ling Liu, associate professor of accounting and finance.
  • Cheryl Lochner-Wright, senior study abroad coordinator.
  • Dr. Jennifer Muehlenkamp, professor of psychology.
  • John Reichert, academic advisor, Advising, Retention and Career Center.
  • Jodi Thesing-Ritter, executive director for diversity and inclusion.

HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Hospitals
Donations needed for HSHS coat and blanket drive
An average of 10 percent of Wisconsin residents live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Though it’s hard to believe, there are folks in western Wisconsin who won’t have warm coats to wear this year. To respond to this chilling reality, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are collecting winter coats and blankets September 1 until September 30.
 
“This drive is a great opportunity for us to extend a helping hand into our communities for those who are in immediate need,” said Mary Pengra, director of volunteer services at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals.
 
“Our mission is to help those in need,” said Brandy Sikora, manager of volunteer services at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital. “We do that every day at the hospital, but we know we can do more. This is one of many ways that we can partner with other groups in our community to give back.” 

All donations must be clean and in wearable condition. 
 
Items needed this year include:
·  Great need for children and infant size coats, hats, mittens, scarves and boots
·  Great need for adult coats, sizes XL, XXL and XXXL
·  Winter coats and snowsuits
·  Adult size hats, mittens, scarves and boots
·  Blankets for infants, children, youth and adults
 
The drop-off site at Sacred Heart Hospital (900 West Clairemont Ave.) is inside the hospital’s main entrance near the information desk. The drop-off site at St. Joseph’s Hospital (2661 County Hwy I) is also inside the hospital’s main entrance near the information desk.
 
In Eau Claire:
Donations will be distributed Saturday, October 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Redeeming Grace Church, 312 South Barstow Street. Guests will be allowed to select a certain number of items based on their household size and items will be restocked throughout the day.
 
In Chippewa Falls:
Donations will be distributed Saturday, October 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Notre Dame Life Center Hall, 22 South Prairie Street.Guests will be allowed to select a certain number of items based on their household size and items will be restocked throughout the day.

Please note: The distribution will not be held at Sacred Heart or at St. Joseph’s hospitals.
 
 
Partners of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital to host annual Wonderland on the River event November 2
CHIPPEWA FALLS – The Partners of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital will host their ninth annual Wonderland on the River fundraising event on Saturday, November 2 at Lake Wissota Golf and Events, 16108 97th Ave. The fundraiser will feature a luncheon, raffles, fashion show and more. Proceeds from this year’s event will support ongoing hospital projects.

Wonderland on the River will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a tour of themed tables uniquely decorated by local designers. The luncheon will begin at 11 a.m. Raffles for prizes also will be sold at the event.

Early bird tickets to the event are $40 each September 1 through October 18. Prices increase to $45 each October 19 until the day of the event or sold out. Tickets are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through the hospital’s Volunteer Services office.

Tablescape designers are needed! If you’re interested in designing a table for the event, or for more information, contact Brandy Sikora at 715-717-7439 or Brandalee.Sikora@hshs.org.

L.E. Phillips Public Library
Local Author Examines Post-9/11 Literature
Take an in-depth look at the work of Milwaukee-raised writer and actor Ayad Akhtar at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire on Tuesday, September 10 at 6 p.m.in the Eau Claire Room on the library’s lower level. “Ayad Akhtar: Writing the Nation and Its Others in the Homeland Security State” will examine Akhtar’s work within the social and political context of post–9/11 American culture, marked by the creation of the Homeland Security State and the racialization of Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians. No registration required.

Presenter Dr. Lopamudra Basu, author of Ayad Akhtar, the American Nations, and Its Others After 9/11: Homeland Insecurity,will discuss Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize award-winning play Disgraced, and his novel American Dervish with respect to his experimentation in the genre of tragedy and the controversial reception these works have received. Lopamudra (Lopa) Basu is a Professor of English at UW–Stout. She is also the co-editor of Passage to Manhattan: Critical Essays on Meena Alexander. Her articles, interviews, and reviews have been published in South Asian Review, and Journal of Commonwealth and Postcolonial Studies, and her poetry has appeared in Postcolonial Text, Barstow & Grand, and the Poets’ Calendar, published by the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets.

For information, stop at Information & Reference on your next visit to the library, call 715-839-5004, or email the library at librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us. To learn more about library programs, check the library website at www.ecpubliclibrary.info.
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If you have a need for a sign language interpreter or other special accommodations, please notify Information & Reference (715-839-5004,librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us) at least 48 hours before the program.

Gundersen Health System joins All of Us Research Program
Partnership with Marshfield Clinic Research Institute will enroll participants in Wisconsin
 MARSHFIELD, LA CROSSE – Starting July 1, Gundersen Health System has partnered with the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute in the All of Us Research Program, a nationwide effort to gather data from one million or more people living in the U.S. to accelerate research and improve health. 
 
“The All of Us Research Program aims to change the face of medical care from ‘one size fits all’ to one that takes into account our individual differences. It is one of the most ambitious projects sponsored by the National Institutes of Health,” said Murray Brilliant, Ph.D., lead investigator for All of Us Wisconsin and director of Marshfield Clinic Research Institute’s Center for Precision Medicine Research. “Our vision for All of Us Wisconsin is to offer the opportunity to join this program to the entire state. People who join will be our partners in research and their representation will help future research for people who share their same medical risks, advancing health care research for all of us.”
 
The mission of the All of Us Research Program is simple–to speed up health research and medical breakthroughs. To do this, All of Us is asking one million or more people to lead the way to provide the types of information that can help researchers create individualized prevention, treatment, and care for all. Partnering with Gundersen Health System is one step toward improving health care for generations to come in Wisconsin.
 
The All of Us Research Program is a momentous effort to advance precision medicine. Gundersen Health System joined the Wisconsin consortium led by Marshfield Clinic Research Institute in collaboration with the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine and Public Health, and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin.
 
“Participation in this first-of-a-kind research program places Gundersen Health System in the middle of the transition of medicine from remedial to preventive in the application of precision medicine,” says Julio Bird, M.D., director of Medical Research for Gundersen Medical Foundation. “Identifying associations between genetic makeup and disease processes will allow us to develop preventive strategies for earlier identification and treatment of disease."
 
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @AllofUsMCHS for updates and upcoming events. This work is supported by the All of Us Research Program, part of the National Institutes of Health, under award number OT2OD026555. All of Us and the All of Us logo are service marks of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Ribbon Cutting: VER

8/23/2019

 
It was a gorgeous day for a ribbon cutting to celebrate VER's location at 427 Water Street!

200 Main Art & Wine Gallery Ribbon Cutting

8/22/2019

 
Congratulations to 200 Main Wine & Art Gallery on the ribbon cutting for their beautiful gallery at, you guessed it, 200 Main Street!

Small Street Journal: August 23, 2019

8/22/2019

 
​Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary on “Spectrum West” August 22, 2019
 
A perspective on the 50th anniversary of Woodstock from two western Wisconsin men who were there will be featured on “Spectrum West,” which airs at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 22 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. The show also highlights a Hudson herding dog competition and a play co-written and produced by an Eau Claire native.
 
Host Al Ross sits down with poet Thomas R. Smith of River Falls to reflect on the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. The comments of the late John Stedman of Eau Claire will also be reprised from a previous “Spectrum West” discussion 10 years ago on Woodstock’s 40th anniversary.
 
Dr. Patricia McConnell, author of 11 pet behavior books and participant in the Wisconsin Working Stock Dog competition, will speak about the Midwest Championship Sheepdog Trial hosted in Hudson over Labor Day weekend.
 
Correspondent Jim Oliver welcomes Daniel Floren, an Eau Claire native, and Bradley Gosnells, writers and producers of the play “Gun and a Holy Bible,” appearing at the Grand Theatre in Eau Claire at 7:30 p.m. on August 23 and 24.
 
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show includes in-depth behind-the-scenes interviews and stories about area writers, musicians, theater, visual arts and much more. It is heard weekly from 10 a.m. to 11a.m. Thursdays on Ideas 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls, with a live stream at www.wrfw887.com and a repeat broadcast at 7 p.m. Fridays on 89.7 WUEC-FM/ Eau Claire and 90.7 WVSS-FM/ Menomonie. Archives are available at http://www.wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.
 
WNB Financial Employees Donate $600 from Jeans Day Funds

WNB Financial Employees Donate $600 from Jeans Day Funds For Immediate Release: August 20, 2019 For More Information: Jenny Baertsch, Marketing Manager 507-454-9248 JennyB@WNBFinancial.com WNB Financial is pleased to announce two donations: $300 to the Winona Area Humane Society, as well as $300 to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Winona. These donations were made possible from “Jeans Day” collections, where employees choose to pay $2 each Friday to wear casual jeans during the work day, with the proceeds benefiting non-profit organizations. The goal of the Winona Area Humane Society is to provide humane care and treatment for animals needing protection. It is a no-kill shelter, therefore there is no set limit on the amount of time an animal can remain onsite. WAHS actively works to return lost animals and to find homes for animals without owners. The newly renovated Habitat ReStore works as a fundraiser for the Winona-area Habitat for Humanity. All store proceeds help to finance home building and repair projects. The ReStore sells gently used and new building materials from manufacturers, stores, contractors, and individual donations. WNB Financial employees understand the importance of giving back to the community they serve. In 2018, 36 employees donated 2,211 hours of service to 91 organizations. WNB gifted over $377,900 to the community in the areas of education and youth programs, fine arts and culture, health and wellness, economic development, and community service.
 
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library Story Builder Campaign Leadership Announcement 

What: Local media are invited to meet the co-chairs of the Story Builder Campaign, which aims to raise $7M to expand the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. Co-chairs Heidi Atkins, Bob Eierman, and Carol Gabler will share briefly their excitement for the campaign along with key elements of the expansion and answer questions about the next steps.
During the event, media representatives will:
  • Receive a media packet with details on the need, urgency, and plans for expansion.
  • See renderings of design concepts
  • Hear from library administrators and campaign leadership
  • Have the opportunity to speak with other campaign committee members
Who: Campaign co-chairs Heidi Atkins, Bob Eierman, and Carol Gabler; Communications Committee co-chairs Beth Blackburn and Jennifer McHugh; Library Director, Pamela Westby; and Library Assistant Director, Kimberly Hennings.  Several other committee members will also be in attendance.
When: Thursday, September 12 | 11 a.m.
Where: L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
Why: The needs of the building are urgent. A 2017 building evaluation by Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc. found a leaky roof system, poorly functioning and inefficient HVAC system, challenges with electrical and data, outdated plumbing, unaddressed accessibility concerns, outmoded alarm system, uneven pavement, and obstructed sight lines. Maintenance expenses will currently cost the City more than $1M per year if the aging systems are not replaced.

The library is also facing a critical space shortage. Navigating the library is difficult for those with accessibility issues. Customers have been turned away from popular programs that are filled to capacity. And there is limited space for adding new materials, even with hard-to-reach shelves in use. 

The renovation portion of the transformative plan will be fueled with $11.5M from the City of Eau Claire’s 2018, 2019, and 2020 capital improvement plans. The remaining $7M needed for the privately funded expansion will be sought through a capital campaign.

The Story Builder campaign $7M goal was determined based on the results from an extensive Campaign Readiness Study undertaken in 2018 by Crescendo Fundraising Professionals, LLC. Study results determined the private financial support from individuals, corporations, businesses, and foundations is available to help reach the $7M goal.

Library Closed on Labor Day
​

The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire will be closed Monday, September 2 for Labor Day. The library will resume its normal hours on Tuesday, September 3.
 
The library will also be open on Sundays beginning Sunday, September 8. Winter hours at the library are:
  • Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For information, stop at Information & Reference on your next visit to the library, call 715-839-5004, email librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us, or visit the library online at www.ecpubliclibrary.info. For a recording of library hours, please call 715-839-5005.

Chamber members Beckfield, Marshall finalists for HR Professional of the Year

8/22/2019

 
Two Eau Claire Chamber members, Kelsie Beckfield of Great Northern Corporation and Deb Marshal of Wipfli, were among the finalists in the large employer category for HR Professional of the Year, an annual award presented by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce at its Policy Day in Madison, which was held on August 13.  The award is sponsored by ​Ogletree Deakins.
Photo on left: Deb Marshall, left, and Kelsie Beckfield, right
Photo on right: List of all nominees 
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Deborah Marshall of Wipfli was nominated because of her great work at Wipfli, both internally and in the community. Focusing on helping small to medium rural employers, she assists Wipfli clients as well as other HR professionals by serving as a strong resource and mentor. Deb started a “Human Resource Business Forum” to bring professionals together to meet and discuss important topics as well as network to grow professionally. She now runs these forums around the state. Internally, she constantly pushes for a team atmosphere and is able to ensure Wipfli employees are a united team to best serve their clients. She also originated the annual Western & Central Wisconsin Wage Survey, now in its 20th year.

Kelsie Beckfield of Great Northern Corporation has been an active volunteer with her local SHRM chapter for several years. As part this volunteerism, she is leading the effort to create a marketing video for the Chippewa Valley area titled “Make Chippewa Valley,” modeled on the Think.Make.Happen campaign from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. She has worked hard to grow local SHRM membership by 17% as she worked up the ranks all the way to President of the Chippewa Valley SHRM chapter. Internally at GNC, she has improved the company culture by, among other things, implementing an employee recognition and thank you system, monthly wellness challenges, and an updated flex policy to allow greater work life balance, resulting in a decrease in worker turnover – something critical in today’s job market.

Winner of the large employer category was Chuck Klein, Exact Sciences Corporation. 

“Human resources professionals may not always get the credit for the impact they have on business, but they are critical to recruiting, developing and retaining talent,” said Chris Reader, WMC Director of Health & Human Resources Policy. “Our winners deserve immense credit for the value they bring to the business community and their leadership in the human resources profession.”

Awards were presented to individuals of high moral and ethical standing who have demonstrated the value of the HR function with their organization through the implementation of best practices, organizational design and effectiveness, and alignment and accomplishment of the strategic direction of the organization.

“Ogletree Deakins is honored to be the presenting sponsor of the 2019 Human Resources Professional of the Year Awards,” said Keith Kopplin, Shareholder at Ogletree Deakins. “We congratulate all of the winners and thank them for their commitment to improving the industry.”

More information:
​HR Professional of the Year recognition (Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce)
Western & Central Wisconsin Wage Survey (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)

Posted by Scott Rogers, Governmental Affairs & Workforce Director
rogers@eauclairechamber.org


Small Street Journal: August 16, 2019

8/16/2019

 
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​Royal Credit Union Launches New Advocacy Program: Names YP CU Activist 

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) is launching a new program designed to strengthen the credit union movement and amplify the voice of young professionals. The Royal Credit Union Young Professional Credit Union Activist (YP CU Activist) will talk about the credit union difference with policymakers at key advocacy events. One young professional employed by the credit union will represent Royal in this role each year.

Amanda Farnham, an organizational development advisor, will serve as Royal's YP CU Activist from August 2019 through July 2020. Farnham will attend the Wisconsin Credit Union League's (WCUL) Hike the Hill event in September and Government Affairs Conference in January 2020. She will also participate in the Credit Union National Association's Government Affairs Conference in February 2020 and the WCUL Annual Convention in May 2020.

"I want to help educate lawmakers about the purpose of credit unions and talk with them about the financial issues that are facing young professionals," Farnham said. "It's important to have meaningful discussions about how public policy can help young adults accomplish their financial goals and live their best lives. I'm also looking forward to sharing what I learn with my fellow YPs and mobilizing them to take action to make a difference in the credit union movement."

Royal's President/CEO, Brandon Riechers, is a champion for YPs and the creator of the program. "Amanda will do an excellent job sharing the credit union difference and highlighting the important role young professionals' play in our movement," Riechers said. "Lawmakers want to hear from constituents with varied experience and different perspectives. Royal Credit Union is making this investment in its young professionals to ensure they have a seat at the table during these important discussions. We are very excited to launch this new program."

Farnham will spend approximately two hours a month expanding her credit union advocacy knowledge and preparing to attend the events by completing a curriculum developed by Royal's director of public affairs. She will also participate in meetings during lawmaker visits to Royal and will attend key political events in the community. Royal is covering all registration and travel costs for the YP CU Activist. Candidates interested in the position completed an application that was reviewed and scored by an internal committee of Royal leaders. Applicants were required to be employed by Royal for a minimum of six months, eligible to participate in the Royal Young Professionals program and have approval from their supervisor.


HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Hospitals

Donate blood at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals

CHIPPEWA FALLS – There’s always a great need for whole blood from healthy donors. It’s a valuable resource that’s in short supply. To help bridge that gap, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are hosting American Red Cross blood drives. 

On Tuesday, August 27, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in McDonald Hall, 2661 County Hwy I, Chippewa Falls. To schedule an appointment, call 715-717-7439 or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter “St. Josephs” (no apostrophe).

On Thursday, September 26, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital is hosting a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Rotunda, 900 West Clairemont Ave. Eau Claire. To schedule an appointment, call 715-717-4074 or visitwww.RedCrossBlood.org and enter “Sacred Heart Hospital.”

“RapidPass” is also available. Visit www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass on the same day as the drive and complete your health history before you come in to donate. This option can help speed up the process.

Eligible donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health and feeling well.
 
Join HSHS Volunteer Partners for concert to support area students
EAU CLAIRE – Join the Volunteer Partners of HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals for a fun concert Tuesday, September 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Regis High School Auditorium, 2100 Fenwick Ave., Eau Claire.

Featuring local singer/songwriter Jerry Way – a retired music teacher in the Chippewa Valley – the concert is free, however donations are encouraged and will help support the two hospitals’ tuition assistance and scholarship programs for area students who wish to further their education in health care-related fields.

“Our Volunteer organizations at both Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are commemorating special milestones this year,” said Mary Pengra, director of volunteer services at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals. “Our volunteers have been serving Sacred Heart Hospital for 80 years and St. Joseph’s Hospital for 50 years. This concert is a way for us to celebrate these milestones with our community.”

To register for the concert, visit www.SacredHeartEauClaire.org/JerryWayConcert by September 5, or call 715-717-4074.
 
Partners of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital to collect, sell books for scholarship fund
CHIPPEWA FALLS – The Partners of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital will collect new and used books and sell them to raise money for the group’s scholarship fund. 

To donate, drop off new and used books September 1 through September 30 at the front desk of the hospital, 2661 County Highway I. Please do not donate text books, dictionaries or encyclopedias.

To purchase, visit McDonald Hall at the hospital from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 3 and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 4. Book prices will start at 25 cents with $2 bag sale all day Friday.

For more information, call 715-717-7439.

September sessions with The Healing Place
EAU CLAIRE – The Healing Place, a free service of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital that helps anyone who has experienced a loss and is in need of spiritual and emotional support, is offering the following programs and sessions in September. All sessions will take place at The Healing Place, 2125 Heights Drive, Eau Claire, unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 715-717-6028.
  • September 3, 10, 17 and 24, 5 p.m., Tuesday evening meditation group. Free. No registration needed.
  • September 4, 11, 18 and 25, 10 a.m., Wednesday morning meditation group. Free. No registration needed.
  • September 5, 10:30 a.m., gratefulness gathering, a monthly program designed to cultivate grateful living. Free. No registration needed.
  • September 5 and 19, 6:30 p.m., suicide survivor group. Free. No registration needed.
  • September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18 and 25. 11 a.m. or 5 p.m. 12-week Living Mindfully meditation education series. Free. Register by September 3.
  • September 10, 6 p.m., six-week spouse loss support group. Free. Call to register by September 5.
  • September 11, 10 a.m., sound meditation/Tibetan singing bowls with Mary Jackelen. Free. No registration needed.
  • September 12, 10:30 a.m., TED and grief with Jason Rosenthal. A new program using TED Talks to discuss grief, loss and life transition. Free. No registration needed.
  • September 16, 6:30 p.m., parent grief support group. Free. No registration needed.
  • September 26, 10:30 a.m., Stepping Stones through Grief. Ongoing grief support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Free. No registration needed.

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University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
 
International research helps criminal justice majors prepare for future success
This summer, three Blugolds immersed themselves in all aspects of the criminal justice system in Taiwan, an experience that is helping them better understand the similarities and differences that exist within criminal justice in other parts of the world. Full story.
 
The following is sent on behalf of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Police:
For more information, contact Sgt. Joel Field, UW-Eau Claire Police, 715-836-2222
UW-Eau Claire Police to participate in ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign Aug. 16-Sept. 2
To help save lives and prevent needless tragedies, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Police will join law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Aug. 16 through Labor Day, Sept. 2.
“These high-visibility law enforcement efforts are intended to discourage motorists from engaging in dangerous driving behaviors that endanger everyone,” Sgt. Joel Field said.

Last year in Wisconsin, alcohol-related crashes resulted in 159 deaths and nearly 3,300 injuries. While alcohol-impaired drivers remain a concern, a growing problem involves drug-impaired drivers — people whose ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is compromised by legal or illegal drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.
To help combat impaired driving, Wisconsin has:
  • Nearly 5,000 police officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) to help detect and remove impaired drivers from the roadways.
  • 301 highly trained drug recognition experts — among the most in the nation.
  • 23 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility enforcement task forces operating throughout the year, across the state.
 
There are several ways citizens can help:
  • Never allow someone to get behind the wheel impaired. Find a safe alternative to get them home. If you plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver.
  • Report impaired drivers to law enforcement by calling 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle and location.
  • Download the free “Drive Sober” mobile app from the WisDOT website. The app includes a “find a ride” feature to help locate mass transit and taxi services.
  • Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons with a safe ride home. Visit www.tlw.org and click on Safe Ride.
  • Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up — every trip. Watch your speed and eliminate distractions.
 
“We do all we can to keep our roads and communities as safe as possible, but we need cooperation from motorists and citizens,” Field said.

Security Financial Bank: Mark Chilson Receives Certification to Sell LGM-Dairy Insurance

Eau Claire – Mark Chilson of Security Financial Bank (SFB) recently became certified to sell Livestock Gross Margin-Dairy (LGM) insurance through NAU Country Insurance Company. In order to receive the certification, Chilson completed a mandatory course and successfully passed an exam.

“LGM-Dairy is a product that allows dairy farmers to protect against the loss of gross margin between milk price and feed cost,” Chilson explained. “This is another opportunity for producers to mitigate risk during these challenging economic times in agriculture.”

Chilson, who was recently appointed to lead SFB’s newly-expanded insurances services, has been a license insurance agent since 1985. Some of the insurance products he sells in addition to LGM include dairy revenue protection (DRP), multiple peril crop and crop-hail. Chilson also is licensed to sell term life, return of premium life, whole life and disability income insurance. He joined SFB in 1991 and has served as a relationship manager focusing on agri-business loans. Chilson has been SFB’s market president in Durand since 2014.
For more information about LGM or other Ag insurance products, contact Mark Chilson at 888-254-0615 or mchilson@sfbank.com.

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR)
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Rimshots! on “Spectrum West” August 15, 2019
 Minneapolis-based youth percussion group performing in Amery will be featured on “Spectrum West,” which airs at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 15 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. The show also highlights the upcoming seasons of the Mable Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie and WideSpot Performing Arts Center in Stockholm and an online music streaming platform in Eau Claire.
 
Host Al Ross sits down with Paul Babcock, director of the MacPhail Center for Music, the non-profit music education organization that produces the percussion group Rimshots!, and Aurora Weirens, a student who is a member of the group. They will talk about the group’s upcoming show at 7:30 p.m. on August 17 at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts in Amery.
 
Jeff McSweeney, executive director of the Mable Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie, and Fred Harding, chairman of WideSpot Performing Arts Center in Stockholm, join the program to promote their respective venues’ upcoming entertainment seasons.
 
Isa Small, programming and communication services manager for L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire, will speak on the update of Sawdust City Sounds, the local online music streaming platform at the library. Musical artists can submit their work up until August 31. Sawdust City Sounds will also present feature performances by Greg Gilbertson and Jerrika Mighelle on August 16 at The Plus in downtown Eau Claire.
 
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show includes in-depth behind-the-scenes interviews and stories about area writers, musicians, theater, visual arts and much more. It is heard weekly from 10 a.m. to 11a.m. Thursdays on Ideas 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls, with a live stream at www.wrfw887.com and a repeat broadcast at 7 p.m. Fridays on 89.7 WUEC-FM/ Eau Claire and 90.7 WVSS-FM/ Menomonie. Archives are available at http://www.wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.
 
Challenges Facing Education in Western Wisconsin on “The West Side” August 19
As the back-to-school season approaches, challenges facing students, teachers and administrators in western Wisconsin will be discussed on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 19 on Wisconsin Public Radio’s The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls.
 
Host Dean Kallenbach and guests will explore challenges and opportunities facing K-12 educators in western Wisconsin ranging from social media and bullying to teacher burnout and testing methods. The guests will also discuss the local impact of the state education budget which includes increases in funding for mental health and special education.
 
“The West Side” is a call-in program focused on issues specific to western Wisconsin. The show airs at 10 a.m. on Mondays on 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls, with a live stream at www.wrfw887.com. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at 1-800-228-5615. Archives are available at www.wpr.org.

Small Street Journal: August 9, 2019

8/9/2019

 
Marco Purchases Customer Base of Executive Technologies in Iowa

ST. CLOUD, MINN., AUG. 5, 2019 – Marco, a leading technology services provider in the United States, announced today its acquisition of the customer base of Executive Technologies, a copier/printer and IT services company located in Iowa.
Marco’s sales and service team will continue to serve and support Executive Technologies’ clients from its current locations in Sioux City, Mason City and Des Moines. The company has six locations throughout Iowa.

“We have been serving the state of Iowa for the past six years,” said Marco CEO Jeff Gau. “We look forward to satisfying our new clients from Executive Technologies’ and expanding on the services we can offer them.”
This is Marco’s tenth acquisition in the past two years. Earlier this year, the company purchased Accent Business Solutions and Enterprise Systems Group (ESG) located in Wisconsin. Marco has over 1,400 employees and serves 35,000 clients from its 61 locations throughout the United States.
​
“We are excited for Marco to be able to serve our customers,” said Kevin Grosvenor, Owner of Executive Technologies. “They are a high performing company that is committed to excellence and outstanding customer service.”

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​Irish Bluegrass Quartet on “Spectrum West” August 8, 2019
 
The Irish bluegrass quartet We Banjo 3 will be featured on “Spectrum West,” which airs at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 8 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. The show also highlights an Amery radio program, a Rice Lake musical and a Chippewa Valley Craft Beverage Trail event.
 
Host Al Ross sits down with David Howley, lead singer of the Irish bluegrass quartet We Banjo 3, to talk about the group’s latest album, “Roots to Rise—Live.” The band will make tour appearances in Marshfield, St. Paul, La Crosse and Milwaukee.
 
Mike Murtha, host of the Amery-based radio program “Trigger Happy Memories,” will stop by the studio to talk about the show that features live music and old friends. It airs on Amery’s community radio station WPCA.
 
Correspondent Jim Oliver shares a conversation with Amy Myers, director of the Northern Star Theatre Company’s production of “Young Frankenstein,” running at 7 p.m. August 8-11 and 14-17, and at 2 p.m. August 11 and 18 in the company’s new Rice Lake facility.
 
Josh Beaudette from River Bend Winery and Distillery in Chippewa Falls, and Rebecca Hei from Northwoods Brewpub in Osseo, join the program to discuss the details of the Chippewa Valley Craft Beverage Trail’s special food pairing event the weekend of August 16-18.
 
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show includes in-depth behind-the-scenes interviews and stories about area writers, musicians, theater, visual arts and much more. It is heard weekly from 10 a.m. to 11a.m. Thursdays on Ideas 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls, with a live stream at www.wrfw887.com and a repeat broadcast at 7 p.m. Fridays on 89.7 WUEC-FM/ Eau Claire and 90.7 WVSS-FM/ Menomonie. Archives are available at http://www.wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.


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​Wisconsin Public Radio Announces Listener Appreciation Event
 
Rob Ferrett, host of “Central Time,” and Al Ross, host of “Spectrum West,” will be among the Wisconsin Public Radio staffers who will meet listeners at a free event to say thank you to WPR’s audience between 5 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 22 at the River Prairie Center in Altoona.
 
Ferrett is heard on The Ideas Network, including 88.3 WHWC/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW/ River Falls, between 3 and 7 p.m. weekdays. “Central Time” includes interviews with news makers and interesting people from Wisconsin and beyond.
 
The WPR Listener Appreciation Event will include a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of “Spectrum West,” an Eau Claire produced show about the arts, culture and humanities of western Wisconsin.  “Spectrum West” airs Thursdays at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network, and repeats Friday nights at 7 p.m. on 89.7 WUEC/ Eau Claire and 90.7 WVSS/ Menomonie, stations that are part of the NPR News and Classical Music Network of Wisconsin Public Radio.
 
Among other WPR personalities who will be present will be Dean Kallenbach, host of “The West Side,” the issues-based call-in program with a western Wisconsin focus that is heard on The Ideas Network at 10 a.m. Mondays; WPR reporters Rich Kremer, Liz Dohms and Clara Neupert; as well as the staff of WPR’s local Eau Claire office.
 
The open-house style event will be free of charge with refreshments and a cash bar available. There will be yard games, giveaways and some surprises to look forward to. Due to limited space, registration is encouraged. Visit www.wpr.org/presents for more information and to R.S.V.P.


Water Quality in Western Wisconsin on “The West Side” August 12
 
Wisconsin’s water quality issues and standards and how they play out in western Wisconsin will be discussed on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 12 on Wisconsin Public Radio’s The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls.
 
Host Dean Kallenbach welcomes Jim Zellmer, deputy administrator of the Wisconsin Department of National Resources Division of Environmental Management, and Caryn Treiber, chair of the Chippewa Valley Sierra Club. Kallenbach and his guests will explore the quality of and the threats to ground water and drinking water in western Wisconsin.
 
Gov. Tony Evers has proclaimed August as 'National Water Quality Month' throughout the state of Wisconsin as part of his commitment to improving water quality.  Earlier this year, Gov. Evers declared 2019 as the Year of Clean Drinking Water because today the drinking water for tens of thousands of Wisconsin families does not meet acceptable health standards. 
 
Last month Gov. Evers announced he would order the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to establish nitrate performance standards for surface and groundwater contaminated by farm waste and fertilizers. He also signed an executive order creating a Department of Health coordinator to fight lead levels in water that threaten children's health.
 
“The West Side” is a call-in program focused on issues specific to western Wisconsin. The show airs at 10 a.m. on Mondays on 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls, with a live stream at www.wrfw887.com. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at 1-800-228-5615. Archives are available at www.wpr.org.

HSHS hospitals host free QPR suicide prevention session

EAU CLAIRE – HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals’ 3D Community Health: Body.Mind.Spirit is hosting a session for anyone who would like to learn how to recognize the warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, and how to help them. The training is called “Question, Persuade, Refer” – or QPR. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save a life.

The session will take place Wednesday, August 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Augusta Memorial Public Library, 113 N. Stone Street, Augusta.

Registration is required by calling 715-717-7479 or online at www.sacredhearteauclaire.org/Events-Classes. 

“Suicide is very hard for most people to talk about,” said Laura Baalrud, director of Community Health at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals. “Through QPR training, we hope to open up the dialogue about mental health and suicidal feelings to help reduce the stigma that surrounds these subjects.”

Ribbon Cutting: Diamond School of Dance

8/7/2019

 
Congratulations to Diamond School of Dance on the ribbon cutting for their beautiful new facility!

Your CBD Store Ribbon Cutting

8/6/2019

 
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Congratulations to Your CBD Store on the ribbon cutting at their store at 1418 S Hastings Way!

Ribbon Cutting: Your CBD Store

8/6/2019

 
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Congratulations to Your CBD Store on the ribbon cutting for their new store in Eau Claire!  
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