Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc.,
Northwest Wisconsin; Kicks Off Annual Operating Campaign Goal set to raise $187,500 this allows Junior Achievement to reach 7,500 students
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc., Northwest Wisconsin recently kicked off its annual Operating Campaign raising funds to offer JA programming to area youth for the 2019-2020 school year. Last year more than 18,400 2nd-12th grade students throughout northwestern Wisconsin received Junior Achievement programming because of the generosity of area businesses and individuals throughout the area’s 20-county area.

Junior Achievement's purpose is to empower young people to take ownership of their personal economic success. JA business volunteers work with area educators presenting financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship skills to students attending public, private and parochial schools. Key information is presented to area students to help them understand how to manage money and how to act on their entrepreneurial spirit which results in innovation and job creation. Junior Achievement programs are available to students per the request of teachers. Volunteers are recruited to share their "real life" job experiences with the students and bring relevance to what students are learning in school.

"Junior Achievement continues its efforts to reach additional schools and kids in our communities,” said Rolly Enderes, Junior Achievement Campaign Chair and board member. “I personally see the impact that JA programming is having on our kids. From the financial literacy lessons offered and how JA programs help area students with career planning, work readiness and entrepreneurship skills, This is why this year’s campaign is even more important than ever so we can continue to support our existing programs and to expand JA programming to the schools and communities that are asking to be included." Susan Peterson, Junior Achievement Director stated, "This year's goal of $187,500 will provide vital economic lessons to nearly 19,000 students preparing them for success in the global economy. We cannot begin to fulfill our mission without the generosity of area businesses and individuals who are willing to invest in our area youth." 
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To donate or volunteer as a classroom presenter or for more information, call 715.835.5566 or visit wisconsin.ja.org. 

University Wisconsin Eau Claire
Inaugural freaQweek celebration set for Oct. 7-12
A familiar and signature UW-Eau Claire event has a new name and an expanded mission. Anchored in a film festival, freaQweek is a weeklong program that celebrates queer resistance, advocacy, activism and education.
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'Thursdays at the U' to feature Higher Vision vocal ensemble
The local quartet will perform "Songs for the Soul" from noon-1 p.m. Sept. 26 on UW-Eau Claire – Barron County's Rice Lake campus. Full story.

Latinx Heritage Month, Latin American Studies Week underway
Be sure to join festivities and events at UW-Eau Claire, all geared toward honoring the history, culture and outstanding contributions of Latinx people in our local, national and global societies. Full story.

HSHS Sacred Heart, St. Joseph's Hospitals
HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation to host annual Hope Gala October 12
EAU CLAIRE – HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation will hold its annual Hope Gala fundraising event October 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Florian Gardens, 2340 Lorch Ave.  

Pull out your poodle skirt, brush up on your Jitterbug and grab a hula hoop because the 2019 Hope Gala is going back in time! Enjoy a night of 1950s nostalgia with games, live music, a gourmet menu, big-ticket auction items and more. The event will be rockin’ until midnight.

Tickets to the Hope Gala are $125 per person, $450 for a reserved table for 4 and $800 for a reserved table for 8.
Funds raised at this year’s event will benefit mobile mammography, providing better access to early breast cancer detection in rural communities.
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To purchase tickets, call 715-717-4925 or online at www.sacredhearteauclaire.org/Giving/HopeGala.
 
Pregnancy and infant loss remembrance walk set for October 15 at Irvine Park 
CHIPPEWA FALLS – Share of Western Wisconsin, a pregnancy and infant loss group coordinated by HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals, is hosting a walk to honor babies who have died during pregnancy or shortly after birth. October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

On October 15 at 5:30 p.m., families who have suffered a loss – either recently or at any time – are encouraged to gather at the Main Pavilion in Irvine Park near the duck pond. The walk will then proceed to the bridge for a brief memorial service. The walk will then loop through the park back to the duck pond (less than one mile). All family members and friends offering support are welcome.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. For more information, call HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital’s Women and Infant Center at 715-717-7421.
 
HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital honors extraordinary nurse
EAU CLAIRE – At a ceremony held earlier this morning at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, a registered nurse was honored for the extraordinary, compassionate care she provides daily in her role. Sarah Hendrickson, a registered nurse in the hospital’s Women and Infants Center, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ®.

Hendrickson, who has served at the hospital for eight years, was nominated by her patient. “Sarah was kind, compassionate and caring. She advocated for me when I was in too much pain during labor to advocate for myself. She supported me, encouraged me, and she held me when I quite literally couldn't hold myself up anymore. The Women and Infants department is tremendously blessed to have Sarah on their team, and so is every mother who is lucky enough to be a patient of hers.”

Nominees were also recognized at the ceremony. “Nurses are extraordinary every day,” said Jennifer Drayton, chief nursing officer at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals. “The DAISY award was created to honor and recognize nurses who provide extraordinary care with kindness and compassion to patients every day.”

To nominate a registered nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital for a future DAISY Award, visit www.SacredHeartEauClaire.org/DaisyAward.

Eau Claire YMCA
A new program, First Jobs 101, is designed to help young people seeking employment
This October, The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley is offering a new workshop for young people that is designed to help them secure employment. First Jobs 101 is a single-day class that will teach those who attend the value of putting themselves out there and how to do so in an effective way.

Class participants will learn a number of things, from where to look for opportunities, to how to fill out an application or craft a resume, to how to set an appropriate pay rate, to interview tips for landing the job, and so much more. “This new class is geared toward young people with all sorts of employment goals,” said Jen Zwicky, Youth Development Director. “Whether someone is looking for a job at a restaurant or store, or looking to start their own dog-walking or babysitting business, we want them to have the resources they need to be confident and successful.”

One of the pillars of the YMCA is youth development, and the YMCA has been taking strides nationally to address the various needs of youth and teens. Just two years ago, the Eau Claire YMCA began running a Teen Job Fair every spring, intended to assist teens in feeling prepared and finding gainful employment for the summer and beyond.

First Jobs 101 will take place on Saturday, October 12 from 3:00-5:00 PM in the Youth Development Center at the Eau Claire YMCA (700 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire, WI). The cost is $30 for Y members and $45 for the community.  The Eau Claire YMCA plans to offer this program again in the spring. For more information, please visit the Eau Claire YMCA’s website at www.eauclaireymca.org or contact Jen Zwicky at jen.zwicky@eauclaireymca.org. 

Wisconsin Public Radio
Chippewa Valley Latino Leaders on “The West Side” September 30
Two western Wisconsin individuals named among the state’s most influential Latino voices will join “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 30 on the Ideas Network Stations of Wisconsin Public Radio 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls.

Host Dean Kallenbach will welcome Catherine Emmanuelle and Gerardo Licón of Eau Claire, both of whom were recently named by the online news site Madison 365 as two of the people on their list of 34 Most Powerful Latinos in Wisconsin. Emmanuelle works for the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the Area Extension Director for Chippewa, Eau Claire and Dunn Counties, is a member of Extension’s Latino Task Force, and serves as vice-president of the Eau Claire City Council. Licón is a historian who serves as an assistant professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a former president of the local advocacy non-profit El Centro de Conexión de Chippewa Valley.
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“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.

Cyber Warfare Range Coming to RMM 2019 Tech Fair
The RMM 2019 Tech Fair, hosted by RMM Solutions, will feature a mobile cyber warfare range providing a rare and unique opportunity for attendees to obtain hands-on cybersecurity training. Registration is now open for the RMM 2019 Tech Fair taking place on Thursday, October 3 at the Milwaukee Marriott West.

Milwaukee, Wis. (September 23, 2019) – RMM Solutions, a leader in business-enabling technology solutions and host of the RMM 2019 Tech Fair, will feature a mobile cyber warfare range providing a rare and unique opportunity to obtain hands-on cybersecurity training and apply real-time actionable threat intelligence. Cybersecurity expert strategists, Keith Rayle and Brett Scott, will give the opening and lunch keynote presentations focused on the role of artificial intelligence in data protection, data center modernization, and more. Indisputably the state’s largest conference dedicated to strengthening the responsible security movement, registration is now open for the RMM 2019 Tech Fair taking place on Thursday, October 3 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Milwaukee Marriott West. Pre-registration for the event is required.
“Businesses in the state of Wisconsin have not been immune to the challenges faced with cybersecurity threats, clearly defining a comprehensive security strategy, and providing I.T. professionals that have a limited security background with more training opportunities,” said Rimon Moses, CEO of RMM Solutions. “We are excited to bring the mobile cyber warfare range to the RMM 2019 Tech Fair because it allows security and I.T. professionals of all skill levels to see first-hand how to detect vulnerabilities, gather data, perform forensic analysis, and apply real-time intelligence.”

The RMM 2019 Tech Fair is ideal for individuals and teams that use technology to drive business growth. Participants will learn about the latest types of cybersecurity threats and attacks, as well as tactics for preventing data breaches.
Other event highlights include:

• Opportunities to expand cybersecurity knowledge in a real-world setting
• Over 30 educational sessions led by cybersecurity, I.T., technology, and data experts
• Hands-on demonstrations, technology interactions, and valuable takeaways that can be immediately applied to everyday protocol
• Introduction to the newest technology innovations
• System comparisons, tabletop drills, and incident response plan preparation
• Networking opportunities with fellow professionals and key industry partners
• Access to expert consultants and free cyber threat vulnerability analysis
  
  

Moses continued, “Every organization is fighting a never-ending cyber war, even if they don’t realize it. The expert speakers taking part in the RMM 2019 Tech Fair, along with the incredible opportunity to experience the cyber warfare range, will allow attendees to apply new skills in a collaborative environment.”

As more and more organizations face cybersecurity threats, staff shortages, and disparate I.T. functionality, the RMM 2019 Technology Fair offers a critical opportunity to gain knowledge, network with fellow professionals, test concepts, and connect with industry experts.
 
For more information about the RMM 2019 Technology Fair, call RMM Solutions at 414-908-2214, or visit www.rmmsolutions.com. MEDIA CONTACT:  Andrea Meyers | andrea@streamcreative.com | (414) 530-0704

Congratulations to Star Cup on their ribbon cutting to celebrate their new downtown Eau Claire location!

 Left to right: Reps. Warren Petryk, Treig Pronschinske, Jodi Emerson, Romaine Quinn, Bob Kulp, and Jesse James;
Sens. Jeff Smith and Kathy Bernier; Moderator Jennifer McHugh, Royal Credit Union (Chair, Chamber Govt Affairs Committee)
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​Lastly, the panel was asked to discuss the issue of bipartisanship found in the Wisconsin Capitol with a democratic governor and a republican led Legislation. The Legislators in the panel all saw this to be a serious issue. Representative Kulp notes that “It’s definitely a different environment,” and Senator Bernier agrees with this and adds that policy making is slowed down dramatically because of the split. Even with this ever present bipartisanship, the Legislators all emphasized that they need to work together to better Wisconsin as a whole not just for their own party. Representative Smith emphasized that as Legislators, they have the choice to continue using the adopted term “split-government”. He goes on to say “We all have to do the best we can to start changing the term to "shared-government" because that’s what’s expected of us.”

Join us for our next Eggs & Issues on Friday, Oct 18 from 7-8:30 a.m. at The Florian Gardens Conference Center. With the City of Eau Claire in the midst of considering its 2020 operating budget, the next Chamber breakfast will welcome in Finance Director Jay Winzenz. Winzenz will provide clarity on how city finances work and what goes into creating a balanced budget. Click here for more information and to register.

More information:
Workforce development concerns area Legislators (Leader-Telegram)
Lawmakers revive hope for Chippewa Valley mental health expansion (WQOW News 18)
Wisconsin Legislature Website (contact information for local legislators)

Posted by Amy Oldenburg, Legislative Intern
oldenburg@eauclairechamber.org

​Aging & Disability Resource Center - Congratulations Dementia Friendly Business!
Thank you and congratulations to Martin Dental for receiving the dementia friendly training!
 
We appreciate all who took the time to learn about dementia and how best to serve our community members living with dementia and their caregivers. More and people are calling the Aging & Disability Resource Center asking if the business, organization, church, etc. they would like to go to is dementia friendly. 
 
Is Your Office Dementia Friendly?  Make the call today to learn more about this free, onsite, flexible training at 715-839-4735.

Charter Bank Welcomes New Chief Human Resources Officer
Eau Claire, WI – Charter Bank is proud to announce and welcome Patty Chambers as our new Chief Human Resources Officer. She will be partnering with the HR team, senior leadership, employees, and the Board of Directors to support Charter Bank’s business objectives and core values of Community Partnership, Customer Commitment, Family-Spirited, Integrity and Teamwork.  This includes programs for employee development, total compensation and employee performance that serve Charter Bank’s continued success and growth.
As a Mondovi native she comments on her excitement to be working locally, “I am thrilled to continue my career in the same community in which I live.  Charter Bank has a very positive, strong reputation.  I am starting to get to know the people who have served to grow Charter Bank over the years, and I will learn from them and help to continue the bank’s growth.”

In addition to obtaining her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Chambers had held a SPHR certification since 2008. She has served in a variety of positions within Human Resources. Her most relevant experience comes from the hospitality, energy, and financial industries in Texas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
“Patty comes to Charter Bank with extensive experience and expertise in her field,” states Paul Kohler, President of Charter Bank. “We are very lucky to have someone so passionate about our core values and driven to maintain the same tradition of excellence.”
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In her downtime Chambers enjoys spending time with her husband Greg, two daughters Hannah and Elayna, and their two pet cats Izzy and Lucy. While both of her daughters are moved out of the house and currently attending college at the University of Minnesota, Chambers jokes that, “when my girls were little, we had a zoo at our home! We could never say no to adding pets, including a gecko.” 

C&M Home Builders - 120 Lot Affordable Altoona Residential Development Underway
Altoona, WI - The owners of C&M Home Builders and Real Estate are proud to announce they’ve begun development on 120 new single family home lots dedicated to affordable housing in phase 2 of the Hillcrest Greens development in Altoona.
“The City is very excited to welcome another unique C&M Home Builders housing development to the City of Altoona. The Hillcrest II development will highlight all the best Altoona has to offer with easy access from Highway 12, close proximity to a beautiful park and the ability to get anywhere in the Chippewa Valley in minutes,” said Altoona City Administrator Mike Golat.

Phase 2 of Hillcrest Greens includes 120 new lots for single family homes on the site of the former Hillcrest Golf and Country Club. These city lots include wooded and walk out lot options, common areas with pickleball courts, ponds, and trails.

The homes in phase 2 of Hillcrest Greens start at $237,900 with numerous lot sizes and floor plan options available, including lots near Otter Creek. C&M’s package home options allow home owners to purchase the lot and brand new home with all the amenities at an affordable price in the Chippewa Valley, with wooded and water adjacent options.
“Affordable housing is needed all over the Chippewa Valley, so we are excited to begin this new phase in Altoona to help offer more options to our community,” said C&M owner Cody Filipczak.
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For more information on Hillcrest Greens or any of C&M’s other communities, log on to CandMRealEstate.com.
For more information and to schedule an interview:
Press Contact: Taylor Pelissero
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing + Consulting
taylor@stokesherzog.com
(715) 215-2496

SDS Architects, Inc. - Chelsea Vorce has been granted her Certificate of Registration as an Architect in the State of Wisconsin.

SDS Architects, Inc. is pleased to announce that Chelsea Vorce is now a Registered Architect in the State of Wisconsin.  Chelsea joined SDS in 2010 and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota and an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Architectural Technology from Western Technical College.  She has successfully completed the Architect Registration Exams, Education & Experience Requirements, and Application for Registration in order to earn her Certificate of Registration as an Architect in the State of Wisconsin.

“The thing I enjoy most about my career at SDS is that every day brings something new and exciting. Whether it’s the satisfaction that comes with visiting a construction site and seeing a project come together or facing the challenges that arise while problem solving with the design team, every day presents new opportunities to grow and learn,” said Chelsea.
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Those in her office say, “Chelsea is an exceptionally talented and industrious team member. Her ability to keep everything moving while juggling a range of project variables and client wishes is a rare and much-appreciated skill. Her cheerful attitude even when dealing with unreasonable schedules or unfortunate circumstances is an encouragement to everyone with whom she interacts.” 
 
SDS Architects, Inc. is an Eau Claire-based architectural firm providing architectural and interior design, consulting, and management services to clients in the commercial, educational, governmental, industrial, and religious sectors throughout Wisconsin. 

HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals
Blessing of the Animals events September 29 CHIPPEWA FALLS – HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals will host their annual “Blessing of the Animals” events on Sunday, September 29.
 
At St. Joseph’s Hospital: The event will begin at 1 p.m. at the hospital’s Healing Garden outside of the main entrance at 2661 Co. Highway I, Chippewa Falls.
 
At Sacred Heart Hospital: The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the hospital’s Healing Garden outside of the main entrance at 900 West Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire.
  
All pets must be leashed or under control and owners must provide clean up. The events are free and open to the public.

October 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 October. All sessions will take place at The Healing Place, 2125 Heights Drive, Eau Claire, unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 715-717-6028.
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 5 p.m., Tuesday evening meditation group. Free. No registration needed.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10 a.m., Wednesday morning meditation group. Free. No registration needed.
Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m., gratefulness gathering, a monthly program designed to cultivate grateful living. Free. No registration needed.
Oct. 3 and 17, 6:30 p.m., suicide survivor’s support group. Free. No registration needed.
Oct. 7 and 21, 6:30 p.m., parent grief support group. Free. No registration needed.
Oct. 8, 5 p.m., sound meditation/Tibetan singing bowls with Mary Jackelen. Free. No registration needed.
Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m., “It’s ok that you’re not ok.” A program using TED Talks to discuss grief, loss and life transition. Free. No registration needed.
Oct. 16, 23 and 30, 2 p.m., Personality, Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Style, three-part workshop to help strengthen relationships by reducing conflict and improving communication. Free. Call to register by Oct. 9, 715-717-6028.
Oct. 17, 11 a.m., “Book Club,” part of The Healing Place’s Movies with a Message series, at Micon Downtown Cinema (315 S. Barstow Street). Free. No registration needed. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 
Oct. 24, 10:30 a.m., Mindfully Merry: Taming the Tinsel at Holiday Time, offers tips for coping with stress and grief at Christmastime and beyond. Free. No registration needed.
Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m., six-week spouse loss support group. Free. Call to register by Oct. 24, 715-717-6028.

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
'Unusual Message' on display at Foster Gallery
"Unusual Message," the UW-Eau Claire Foster Gallery's current exhibition, features everyday objects transformed into extraordinary unusual images by artists and designers from 12 countries. Full story.
 
Dangers of vaping topic of nursing research, presentation
A UW-Eau Claire nursing student and professor are working to educate teens and young adults about the dangers of vaping, which has become a national public health epidemic. Full story.

Wisconsin Public Radio
Trends in Local Journalism on “The West Side” September 23
The state of journalism in western Wisconsin and its role in western Wisconsin communities will be discussed on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 23 on the Ideas Network Stations of Wisconsin Public Radio 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls.

 Host Dean Kallenbach will welcome Dave Gordon, chair of the board of directors for the online publication the Chippewa Valley Post, and emeritus professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he chaired the Communication and Journalism Department for five years; Gary Johnson, editor of the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram; Andris Straumanis, associate professor for Communication and Media Studies at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls; and Dan Schillinger, recently retired news director at WQOW-TV in Eau Claire.  The program takes place the week before News Engagement Day, set for October 1.
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 “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.

ThinkEauClaire.com, the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce’s interactive talent attraction campaign, was selected as a finalist for the Wisconsin Economic Development Association’s (WEDA) Talent Development award, presented at its event in Madison on September 11. The award is part of the Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA) program established by WEDA to recognize businesses, projects and organizations that are making significant contributions to Wisconsin’s economy.  The Talent Development award honors initiatives or programs that have driven successful talent development efforts to strengthen the Wisconsin workforce. 

The first place winner in the Talent Development category was Western Technical College in La Crosse for its partnership with the City of La Crosse and La Crosse Central High School that provided over 440 students with hands-on instruction in the construction trades while building 35 new homes to ease that community's housing shortage.​

The Chamber’s ThinkEauClaire.com campaign was recognized as a finalist because it offers an interactive video and web-based platform that local businesses can utilize to help attract employees to the Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley region. The program provides a persuasive tool for area employers to highlight the unique attributes of living and working in the region, including the cultural, economic and recreational qualities desirable to potential employees. The platform was built in a way to allow businesses to customize the available media tools to promote their organization and tell their own story about company culture, pay and benefits.  ThinkEauClaire.com also supports and complements the State of Wisconsin’s Think-Make-Happen talent attraction marketing campaign. 

River Prairie wins Economic Development initiative category;
Nordson EDI, Chippewa Falls, a finalist for Business Retention & Expansion
   Also at the CEDA event, Altoona's River Prairie Project won first place in the Economic Development Initiative category, while another finalist from the Chippewa Valley was Nordson EDI of Chippewa Falls in the the Business Retention and Expansion category for its new combined facilities now under construction.

More information:
CEDA 2019 Awards
Nordson EDI finalist information
River Prairie Project Wins Prominent Economic Development Award​
​Western Technical College winner information
ThinkEauClaire.com

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

Dove Healthcare
South Eau Claire, 3656 Mall Drive, is celebrating 10 years of serving the Chippewa Valley with a 50s-60s rock n' roll themed party! You are invited to join them on Wednesday, September 18 from 3:30-5:30PM for great music by The Thundermen, a delicious pulled pork meal with ice cream sodas, and a car show by the Indianhead Old Car Club. You'll want to stop by the photo booth with your friends too for a special memento of your fun time. Rain or shine, join them on the tent covered grounds. Overflow parking at Concordia Lutheran next door; just look for the Dove Healthcare shuttle for easy door to door service. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2M4bVxs or call 715-552-1035.

L.E. Phillips Memorial Library
Library Starts a New Chapter in Story Builder Expansion Campaign
At the heart of any good story are great characters, and the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire recently revealed three main characters in their Story Builder capital campaign. Long-time Eau Claire area literacy advocates Heidi Atkins and Carol Gabler, and library Board of Trustees President Bob Eierman, will co-chair the $7M campaign which aims to fund the first expansion of the library since the facility was built in 1976.
 
The current building is in need of a major renovation to replace crucial mechanical systems, and the City Council has approved $11.5M in capital improvement funds for that purpose. That commitment creates an opportunity to efficiently and affordably expand the overcrowded building to meet the community’s needs now and well into the future.
 
Expansion will add approximately 29,000 sq. ft. to the existing 61,000 sq. ft. facility, for a total size of 90,000 sq. ft. This will include a third story addition of roughly 25,000 sq. ft. as well as extending the first floor toward Eau Claire Street. Lower-level parking is expected to remain as it is.
Highlights of the expanded space include:

• Full ADA compliance, ensuring equal access for all
• More shelving space for books, movies, etc. with more display options and less reliance on difficult-to-reach lower and higher shelves
• A 200-seat community programming room (twice the size of the largest current room)
• An expanded front entrance atrium with signature artwork
• An expanded Youth Services programming room
• A variety of smaller rooms for individuals and groups to meet, study, and work

According to Carol Gabler, “It is a no brainer to complete this expansion now in tandem with the proposed renovation. The City of Eau Claire and the City Council are stepping up to take care of mechanical updates.” Gabler continues, “The staff and Board have done a great job of working in the confines of this aging building, but the needs are urgent now for the renovation to be completed. This expansion is a justified next step.”
 
Gabler has lived in Eau Claire for more than 40 years. She served as Executive Director of Literacy Chippewa Valley for 20 years and supervised student teachers at UW–Eau Claire from 2007 through 2019. She also volunteers with the Women's Giving Circle and serves as a volunteer chaplain at River Prairie Nursing home in Altoona.
 
Eierman, Board of Trustees President agrees. “With the City doing its part, it is up to us as private citizens to provide the funds to expand to accommodate the huge influx in usage and participation the library is experiencing.” Eierman has served five years on the library board. He recently retired after 32 years as a Chemistry professor at UW–Eau Claire.
 
According to Atkins, a retired attorney, “The Library’s history goes back more than 150 years in Eau Claire. History shows community members have helped fund needed expansion and improvements when they were warranted. Just as when past leaders took charge, it is our desire to provide the space necessary for the library to best serve the quality of life of the Eau Claire area,” she adds. Atkins has served as the president of the boards of directors for Literacy Volunteers, Feed my People Food bank, and the Eau Claire YMCA. She has also chaired the Empty Bowls fundraiser for Feed my People since 2007.
 
With over 1,200 visitors daily, the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is the most visited destination in downtown Eau Claire.
 
“Today’s space needs aren’t as simple as crowding due to population growth,” says Library Director, Pamela Westby. “Library use per capita is way up! Each person in the library’s service area is actually using more library resources than they did in 1980.”
 
Atkins, Eierman, and Gabler have all served on one of three committees of more than 50 Eau Claire area residents that have been working on campaign planning. The committees’ work has included writing the rationale for the campaign, preparing communications materials, identifying those who may wish to give, and recruiting leaders to help make it happen.
 
Solicitation will begin in the fall of 2019 with a launch tentatively scheduled for next April 2020. The capital campaign is managed by Crescendo Fundraising Professionals, LLC, which has successfully helped communities raise goals in nearly 40 campaigns and nine library campaigns. The Eau Claire Community Foundation will support the philanthropic portion of the Story Builder capital campaign.
 
Campaign details can be found online at www.ecpubliclibrary.info/storybuilder. A media kit is also available at https://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/storybuildermedia/. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Assistant Library Director Kimberly Hennings at kimberlyh@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.
 
    
Come Home to Hogwarts at the Library
Wizards and muggles alike are invited to a magical, grown-up celebration of all things Harry Potter at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire. “Hogwarts Homecoming,” a special 21-plus after-hours event, will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 28. Advance tickets cost $12 and are available now through September 26 at ecpubliclibrary.info/hogwarts. Tickets will also be available for $15 at the door; cash only.

Last year, almost 300 Potterheads gathered together to indulge in revelry unseen since Voldemort’s defeat. This year, get in the fall spirit with a homecoming-themed evening. Show your house pride while you participate in spirit week activities, but be on your best behavior because professors will be on hand to award house points! Enjoy bewitching brews from the Three Broomsticks, meet house “mascots” from the Eau Claire County Humane Association, shop for wares from local artisans in the School “Spirit” Store, take part in the Horcrux Scavenger Hunt, learn your future with Diva Divination featuring local drag performers, and make themed crafts in the Dabble Box. 

Proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit the Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. Many thanks to event sponsors Clear Water Comedy, the Eau Claire County Humane Association, the Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Park Ridge Distributing, Inc., and the UWEC Players. For more information, call the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library at 715-839-5004, or visit ecpubliclibrary.info/hogwarts.

University of Eau Claire
UW-Eau Claire moves up in U.S. News 2020 Best Colleges ranking
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire ranks fourth among the top 33 public regional universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Colleges listing released today. It is the 25th consecutive year that U.S. News has named UW-Eau Claire a top Midwestern public university.
 
The Forum opens season with first Latina U.S. military pilot
Olga Custodio, the first Latina to complete U.S. Air Force pilot training and serve as a military fighter pilot and commercial pilot, will speak at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 in UW-Eau Claire's Schofield Auditorium. Full story.
 
Researchers create tools to test hearing in people who speak Hmong
Speech-language pathologists will eventually have a better option for testing the hearing of their patients who speak Hmong thanks to the work of a UW-Eau Claire faculty-student research team. Full story.
 
nternational student is making basketball dreams come true thanks to UW-Eau Claire
Zixuan (Jason) Jiang was a basketball loving teen in China when he decided to plan his future career around his favorite sport. First stop on his way to making his basketball dreams come true? UW-Eau Claire, of course. Full story.
 
New grant to support Blugold Beginnings youth programs
UW-Eau Claire’s Blugold Beginnings program has received a nearly $200,000 grant from Service Wisconsin to support its 2019-20 programming. Full story.

HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Hospitals
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital offers session on understanding adverse childhood experiences and brain development 
CHIPPEWA FALLS – HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is offering a session on adverse childhood experiences – also known as “ACEs” – and brain development. 

The session will take place Tuesday, September 17, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the hospital in McDonald Hall, 2661 Co Hwy I. This session will raise awareness and build understanding of how to identify and respond to the toxic stress of childhood adversity, and to inspire a new approach to building healthy and resilient communities. The session is free, but registration is required by calling 715-717-7479 or online at www.stjoeschipfalls.org/Events-Classes.
 
HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals host caregiver event September 25
EAU CLAIRE – Being a caregiver to a family member is as overwhelming as it is rewarding. Join HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals’ 3D Community Health, in collaboration with The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County, for a presentation on “Maintaining Your Mindset: Obligation or Opportunity.” Transform your thoughts from, “I have to,” to “I get to,” on Wednesday, September 25 at 5 p.m. at 29 Pines/Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center (5872 33rd Avenue, Eau Claire).

Learn about effective communication, compassion fatigue, self-care skills and maintaining your sense of humor with Jean Jirovec, Marriage and Family Therapist. A light dinner will be served at 5 p.m. with resource booths open, and the program begins at 6 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required by calling 715-717-6565 or online at https://www.sacredhearteauclaire.org/Events-Classes. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate for local food pantries.
 
HSHS hospitals to host event with songwriter and humorist Jana Stanfield October 2
EAU CLAIRE – Join HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals’ 3D Community Health Body.Mind.Spirit. for an uplifting, refreshing event to help your retune, recalibrate and optimize your optimism. The event will take place Wednesday, October 2, at Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Ave, Eau Claire, in the RCU Theatre. “Happiness” hour with appetizers and resource booths begins at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. 

Jana Stanfield, award-winning songwriter and international humorist, will help you reveal the power of positivity in your life. Her compositions have been featured on television and radio programs around the world. Stanfield’s performances have been described as “psychotherapy you can dance to.”  The cost is $10 per person, and can be purchased by calling 715-832-ARTS (2787) or https://www.pablocenter.org/all-events/.

Thank you to the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce for facilitating and collaborating the ribbon cutting for the Chippewa Steel hockey team.  What a great turnout of ambassadors and other Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls Chamber representatives.  

Congratulations to Hansen's IGA on their ribbon cutting and store grand opening!  

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative Wins Statewide Magazine Award
Eau Claire Energy Cooperative recently won two awards for presentation of local news in the Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, the voice of the state’s rural electric cooperatives. Mary Kay Brevig, communications & public relations manager at Eau Claire Energy Cooperative and editor of the co-op’s local pages, accepted the awards at the 2019 Electric Communicator’s Conference in Green Bay August 22.

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s magazine pages were adjudged to have been the best overall in the categories of Co-op News and Photography for the previous year. This is the third year in a row that Brevig has won the award for Co-op News and the second year in a row she’s won for Photography.

Founded in 1940, the Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News focuses on statewide issues that affect electric cooperatives, promoting the general welfare of Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives, their member-owners, and the areas they serve. Eighteen electric cooperatives throughout the state are responsible for their own local sections within the magazine, which reaches 174,000 mailboxes each month.

Photo caption: Mary Kay Brevig (left), communications & public relations manager at Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, was presented with two Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (WECN) awards by WECN Editor Dana Kelroy at the statewide Electric Communicator’s Conference in Green Bay August 22.

Altoona’s River Prairie Project Selected as Finalist for Prominent Economic Development Award
Madison, WI – The River Prairie project in Altoona, WI has been selected as a finalist for the Wisconsin Economic Development Association’s (WEDA) Economic Development Initiative award. The award is part of the Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA) program established by WEDA to recognize businesses, projects and organizations that are making significant contributions to Wisconsin’s economy. The Economic Development Initiative award honors innovative community and economic development efforts that successfully promote growth and prosperity in Wisconsin communities. The $227 million mixed-use River Prairie Development in Altoona, WI situated along the Eau Claire River has provided the community with a tremendous economic spark, quickly becoming the city’s “new downtown” and gathering place. Once undeveloped green space, the site is now a thriving commerce district home to numerous businesses and restaurants, as well as a revolutionary public park that includes three amphitheaters, event space and a cutting-edge playground with its own stream. The park hosts numerous festivals and community events and is the pride of area residents and businesses. The project was financed with private investment secured by local tax increment financing. The River Prairie project is among 17 finalists selected for the 2019 CEDA Awards. There are two to three finalists in the following six award categories: Business Retention & Expansion; Economic Development Initiative; Economic Driver; Private-Public Partnership; Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse; and Talent Development. The League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Wisconsin Counties Association and WEDC have partnered with WEDA to present the CEDA Awards program. Finalists have been screened by an impartial panel of WEDA members and partners, and winners will be unveiled at a ceremony on September 11, 2019, at The Edgewater Hotel in Madison. The event is open to the public. For more information on the CEDA Awards, please visit weda.org/events/awards/.

L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
Get Carded at the Library
Almost 40,000 of your neighbors have an L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library card. How about you? September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the public library in Eau Claire is inviting community members to sign up for a new library card or get a free replacement for lost or damaged cards all month. All you need is proof of your current residential address.
The library will also host a Library Cardholder Appreciation Open House on Friday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Show your library card or sign up for a new card on Library Cardholder Appreciation Day to receive a sweet treat and enter a special prize drawing. While you’re there, why not have a look at the results of the library’s recent space reallocation efforts? Check out the new Teen Lounge on first floor and browse the DVD and music CD collections, which are now conveniently located on the first floor. Curious about the Dabble Box makerspace? Staff will be available to answer questions about Dabble Box equipment and programming, which helps people gain and improve STEAM skills. Drop by the Play & Learn area in Youth Services where young imaginations take flight! It’s a great example of “sneaky learning” — in which kids may only be aware of having fun, but are also learning valuable skills.
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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. 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.

Merchant’s Bank
Merchants Bank’s “Swipe Out Hunger” Facebook giveaway has concluded with a donation of $500.00 to Feed My People. 

In the bank’s seventh annual campaign, the top three donations were awarded based on the total number of votes for Hastings Family Service ($2,500), the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse ($1,500) and 360 Communities ($1,000). The 10 other local food shelves that participated each received a $500 donation. More than 3,400 votes were cast in this year’s giveaway. 

The Food Shelves were nominated by Merchants Bank locations (bank locations making the nomination are noted in parentheses). There were a number of locations that nominated the same organization. The “Swipe Out Hunger” awards break down as follows: 

Feed My People (Eau Claire): $500.00 
360 Communities (Lakeville & Rosemount): $1,000.00 
Cannon Falls Food Shelf (Cannon Falls): $500.00 
Channel One Regional Food Bank (Rochester): $ 500.00 
Friends in Need Food Shelf (Cottage Grove): $500.00 
Hastings Family Service (Hastings): $2,500.00 
Hometown Resource Center (St. Charles): $500.00 
The Hunger Task Force (Onalaska): $1,500.00 
La Crescent Food Share (La Crescent): $500.00 
The Open Door Pantry (Apple Valley): $500.00 
Randolph Food Shelf (Hampton): $500.00 
Semcac (Caledonia, Lanesboro, Rushford, Spring Grove): $500.00 
Winona Volunteer Services (Winona) $500.00 

This year the bank donated five cents each time a Merchants Bank credit/debit card was used and $100 for every checking or savings account opened from August 1-8 for a total of $10,000. During last year’s “Swipe Out Hunger” giveaway Hastings Family Service received the top donation and more than 4,400 total votes were cast. In its seven-year history, Swipe Out Hunger has donated more than $70,000 to support local food shelf programs in Minnesota and Wisconsin. 
 
Merchants Financial Group, Inc. Completes Acquisition of First National Bank of Northfield 
WINONA, Minn. – Merchants Financial Group, Inc., the parent company for Merchants Bank, has taken ownership of the First National Bank of Northfield, according to Merchants Financial Group, Inc. President & CEO Gregory M. Evans. 
        
Transfer of ownership took place as of close of business on Friday, August 30, according to Evans. At this time the First National Bank of Northfield will operate as an affiliate of Merchants Financial Group, Inc. until technology projects and system conversions are complete in the spring of 2020. At that time, when system conversions are complete, the bank name will change to Merchants Bank. 

“First National customers should look forward to seeing the same friendly faces they’ve come to know at their local branches, including Tim Viere, who will continue to serve as President,” noted Evans. “With more than a decade of leadership at First National and 35 years in community banking, Tim truly understands the important responsibility we have as community bankers to help our communities thrive. 

“It’s been a privilege to work with the First National Bank of Northfield through the change of ownership. The staff has been completely focused on taking care of customers throughout the process and that will not change as Merchants assumes ownership.” 

Between First National Bank’s two locations in Northfield and loan production office in Bloomington, Merchants Financial Group, Inc. acquired $199 million in deposits, $166 million in loans and $224 million in total assets. Additionally, Merchants acquired all outstanding stock. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed. 

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR)​
Louie Anderson on “Spectrum West” September 5, 2019
Comedian Louie Anderson joins host Al Ross on “Spectrum West,” which airs at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. The show also features guests speaking about three events taking place in Chippewa Falls: a writer’s workshop, an interview of a band that will play at this year’s Oktoberfest and a book signing.
 
Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award winning comedian and actor Louie Anderson visits “Spectrum West” in anticipation of his upcoming stand-up comedy show taking place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie. Anderson and Ross will talk about his books, movies and hit TV show “Baskets.”
 
Authors Bruce Taylor and Pattie See join Ross to talk about a writing workshop they are leading at the Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls. They will discuss the practice of life writing for autobiographies, blogs, family histories, journals, memoirs and personal essays. The six-session workshop will take place Saturdays from September 28 to October 12 and October 26 to November 9.
 
Becky Livermore of the band Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen joins special correspondent Jim Oliver to preview their upcoming performance that will take place on Friday, Sept. 20 at Oktoberfest in Chippewa Falls. The annual event is celebrating its 17th year and takes place from Sept. 20 through 22. Accordion player and singer Livermore joins Oliver to talk about the band’s history and sample some music.
 
Doug Hoverson, author of the book “The Drink that Made Wisconsin Famous: Beer and Brewing in the Badger State” will be signing his book at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls. Ross welcomes Hoverson to the show to talk about the book and the history of the brewing industry in Wisconsin.
 
“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. A live stream can be found at www.wrfw887.com and a repeat broadcast plays at 7 p.m. Fridays on 89.7 WUEC-FM/ Eau Claire and 90.7 WVSS-FM/ Menomonie. Archives of the show are available athttps://www.wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.

Fall Legislative Session Preview on “The West Side” September 9
A preview of the upcoming Wisconsin legislative session, and the effect of pending legislation on western Wisconsin will be discussed on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 9 on the Ideas Network Stations of Wisconsin Public Radio 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls.
 
Host Dean Kallenbach will welcome two members of the Wisconsin Assembly, State Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) and State Rep. Romaine Quinn (R-Barron) to talk about the upcoming legislative session and the possible effects on western Wisconsin.
 
“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.

Prevea Health and HSHS Sacred Heart Hospitals
Prevea Cancer Center at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital earns national accreditation from the Commission on Cancer
EAU CLAIRE – The Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), has granted a three-year renewed accreditation to the Prevea Cancer Center at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital. To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care. 
 
Because it’s a CoC-accredited cancer center, the Prevea Cancer Center at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care. 
 
“This level of accreditation reflects the dedication of our team of providers, nurses, therapists, and other professionals who make up our cancer program,” said Angela Quick, director of oncology, Prevea Cancer Center at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital. “We’re honored to receive this renewed accreditation, which signifies the high level of care our patients receive.” 
Applying for and maintaining CoC accreditation is a voluntary commitment by a cancer program that ensures its patients will have access to the full scope of services required to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, and support patients with cancer.
 
“HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer for the past 43 years,” said Andrew Bagnall, president and CEO, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital. “This is attributed to the exceptional quality care we provide our patients.”

Prevea Health, a multi-specialty health care organization, began providing cancer care at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in 2016. The Prevea Cancer Center at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital opened for patient care in September 2018.

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care.

Citizens State Bank
Citizens State Bank is set to open a new full service branch office at 221 Bridge Street, Cornell, WI 54732 on September 4, 2019.  The bank is a sound and secure financial institution which has obtained FDIC and Wisconsin DFI approval.  Citizens State Bank is a locally owned, independent community bank servicing personal, business, and agricultural needs. 

The branch office at 221 Bridge Street in Cornell has been renovated and branded to Citizens State Bank standards.  Hannah Cowan, a Chippewa Falls native, will be leading the branch as the Business Development Branch Lead.  Katrina Hakes, a Cornell resident, will be operating as a teller in the branch.  There will be an additional team member as well.

Citizens State Bank was founded in 1902 in Cadott, Wisconsin.  It was created by a group of businessmen, farmers, and workers to not only meet their financial needs but also foster the growth of their small community in Cadott.  They are headquartered on North Main Street in Cadott with a drive-up location on South Main Street.  In 1985, the company expanded to Chippewa Falls and opened a branch on the corner of Highways 178 and S.  In 1995, another branch was opened at highways J and X in Chippewa Falls. 

President/CEO, Tim Cruciani, says, “It is with absolute excitement that we pursue expanding into Cornell.  We serve a base of customers from the area and our new branch makes us more agile and able to serve those customers with better care, accessibility, and efficiency”.  He also stated, “Citizens State Bank is on a mission to grow.  We care about our customers and work to find the best solution for them by learning about them, their situation, and their needs and dreams.  Growth allows us to continue this mission and help more people and communities”.

Citizens State Bank is an Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC. 

Neal Bennett of Occupational Chaplains of America (OCA) and his colleagues cut the ribbon to celebrate their new location at 1101 W Clairemont Avenue.