Pablo Center for the ArtsANNOUNCING TOGETHER CHIPPEWA VALLEY Coalition of nonprofits formed to address community needs (April 9, 2020 - EAU CLAIRE, WIS) Today, a new nonprofit coalition, Together Chippewa Valley, is being announced to the public. Together Chippewa Valley is a coalition of nonprofits forming to coordinate a response effort to address community needs during the COVID-19 crisis, to raise funds through a first-of-its-kind community-wide fundraising initiative, support each other’s missions, to survive, and to thrive. Out of respect for individuals, businesses, and other organizations that are being severely impacted in various ways, and acknowledging many want to help, nonprofit organizations in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties have come together in solidarity to create one fundraising campaign that will provide essential financial support during this economic crisis. Just as it is important that the communities’ businesses and other vital organizations survive this critical time, nonprofit organizations that provide crucial services in our communities are doing all they can to remain strong and sustain themselves in order to continue serving those who rely on them. The financial and social costs of COVID-19 are extensive, and they will continue to mount. Nonprofits’ facilities have been closed, events and programs canceled, fundraisers postponed or canceled, and expenses incurred to work remotely while these groups have continued to serve the community and their missions. Like so many, these organizations are concerned that they may not be able to provide the high standard of services to the community that will be needed when COVID-19 finally retreats. Together Chippewa Valley will work as one so the Chippewa Valley’s nonprofits can survive this crisis. Together, they can bring arts and social play back to our communities. Together, they can care for and nurture animals and children. Together, they can inspire all people to stay healthy and active. Together, with the help of community support, local nonprofits will remain active in our communities. TOGETHER CHIPPEWA VALLEY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT Together Chippewa Valley is launching one community campaign to raise funds during this challenging time. All money raised will be equally divided between the nonprofits in the coalition to be used for program and operating expenses as well as to offset losses incurred from COVID-19.Donors choosing to support the cause can make a gift online through our website or by mailing a check: Online (Credit Card) 1. Visit www.togetherchippewavalley.org 2. Choose “Make a Gift” Mail (Check) 1. Make check payable to Visit Eau Claire Foundation (Fiscal Sponsor of Together Chippewa Valley) 2. Mail to Visit Eau Claire Foundation c/o Together Chippewa Valley, 128 Graham Avenue #234, Eau Claire, WI54701 Founding nonprofits of this coalition are: · Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley · Children’s Museum of Eau Claire · Chippewa Valley Museum · Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild · Eau Claire County Humane Association · Family Resource Center · Junior Achievement of Wisconsin · Pablo Center at the Confluence Together these organizations: · Have 224 years combined service to the community · Serve 194,000+ people annually · Employ 249 people · Generate $7,849,000 in economic impact annually in the community · Purchase $1,996,500 in goods and services locally each year The following organizations have also now become members: · Bob’s House for Dogs · The Community Table · Chippewa Humane Association · Fierce Freedom · Sculpture Tour of Eau Claire · UCP Western Wisconsin · YMCA of the Chippewa Valley Make a gift today and help Together Chippewa Valley on their mission to keep the nonprofit community thriving. Together Chippewa Valley has now eclipsed $7,000 in contributions and we’re just getting started! Pablo Center Producing Protective Equipment for Healthcare Workers and First Responders Workforce Development and Outreach staff and equipment tapped in effort to aid the fight against COVID-19 (EAU CLAIRE, WIS. April 9, 2020) - Pablo Center at the Confluence is pleased to share that our community-wide efforts to fight against COVID-19 have come to fruition after weeks of planning. Aiming to help fill the gap for needed personal protective equipment in our community, Pablo Center initiated plans to use 3D printers to create NIH-approved face shields for use in area hospitals. The National Institute of Health (NIH) approved designs make the shields suitable for wear by all healthcare workers, such as doctors and nurses. This effort included creating proof of concept, receiving approval for use, and reaching out to other members of our community to help broaden this collaborative effort. Technologies, equipment, and partnerships, that are components of Pablo Center’s workforce development and outreach programs, are normally used to bring skills and expanded knowledge to community members interested in advancing new skills and career opportunities. Since Pablo Center closed its door in March due to COVID-19, these technologies, partnerships, and minds have not gone unused. They have been reinvented and recharged to support the many helping to fight against COVID-19. These efforts have been spearheaded by Workforce Development and Community Outreach Manager, Mike Lee, who created proof of concept for use in the Chippewa Valley after Executive Director Jason Jon Anderson put forward the idea of repurposing Pablo Center’s existing equipment and materials. “It is through these types of confluences - inception of an idea, thought-leaders with potential solutions, the right tools, and regional collaboration - which highlight the best we all have to offer. When I approached Mike just under two weeks ago with a design for a 3D print and the hope we could make it work at Pablo Center, he had already started working on finding collaborators to work with to help utilize our resources to help our regions' frontline medical teams. He has been working non-stop for the last two weeks with a coalition of makers and regional health providers. I am so proud of Dr. Mike Lee and of Pablo Center’s role in this initiative,” says Executive Director Jason Jon Anderson. Using Pablo Center’s two Prusa MK3S printers, purchased through previous funding by Xcel Energy and the AnnMarie Foundation, and PLA and PET-G filament material donated by Pablo Center, Lee is creating face shield visors with those printers that he has since moved to his home. Pablo Center Robotics Club mentors and students are also joining the effort with in-home equipment with support from Pablo Center. The Chippewa Valley Makers Groups, a group of which Lee is a founding member, is also using 3D-printers running in homes and businesses across the Chippewa Valley to produce around 200 NIH approved face shield visors per day. The Chippewa Valley Makers Group consists of over 25 area organizations, clubs, corporations, groups and individuals equipped to create, ensemble, and deliver this essential protective gear. The Eau Claire Children’s Museum has also donated the use of their four 3D printers for Pablo Center’s use in this undertaking. These visors are attached to donated plastic shields. The final shields are assembled by University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students at a centralized location provided by the Mayo Clinic Health System. The assembled face shields are then distributed to area hospitals and first responders. The scope of this group’s collaboration is just another undertaking that proves this community is stronger together, even when we need to stay physically distant. Pablo Center is proud to lend a hand to support frontline healthcare workers and responders close to home. To find out how to get involved with Chippewa Valley Makers Group’s efforts to creating face shields, please contact Mike Lee at mike@pablocenter.org. To donate materials or support Pablo Center’s workforce development programs and initiatives, please consider making a gift here at pablocenter.org/support/donate/ or contact Monica Frederick at monica@pablocenter.org. Pablo Center at the Confluence is a 501c3 organization, all gifts are tax-deductible. For more information, please contact Stephanie LaBair, Marketing and Communications Manager at Pablo Center at the Confluence, at 715-471-6138 or by emailing stephanie@pablocenter.org. University of Wisconsin Eau ClaireConstruction begins on Flesch Family Welcome Center at UW-Eau Claire Construction of UW-Eau Claire's new Flesch Family Welcome Center is now underway, with expected completion in summer 2021. Full story. Physics, astronomy faculty are ready for classes to resume online After a three-week break, UW-Eau Claire classes resume April 6 online because of COVID-19. The online format will continue at least through the spring semester. Faculty and staff in physics and astronomy say they are ready for the virtual format. Full story. Geology major Trevor Nelson named UW-Eau Claire’s newest Goldwater Scholar UW-Eau Claire geology major Trevor Nelson recently was named a recipient of a 2020 Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious U.S. national scholarships for future natural sciences, mathematics and engineering research leaders. Full story. UW-Eau Claire, Mayo Clinic and community makers working together to produce face shields for local hospitals UW-Eau Claire's Materials Science and Engineering Center is working with Mayo Clinic and a group of community makers to produce face shields for health care workers in all the hospitals in the Chippewa Valley. Full story. UW-Eau Claire health care programs donate personal protective equipment to area facilities Finding ways to help others during the COVID-19 outbreak comes naturally to Blugolds, and several campus programs and departments made sure that surplus campus supplies of PPE got into the hands of front-line workers. Full story. Nursing grad providing care on Navy hospital ship supporting COVID-19 relief efforts U.S. Navy Lt. Patrick Marsh, a 2014 UW-Eau Claire nursing grad, is an emergency room nurse on the hospital ship USNS Mercy, which has been docked at the Port of Los Angeles since the end of March as part of COVID-19 relief efforts. Full story. Dr. Jim Phillips receives national award for research mentoring Phillips, professor and chair of the UW-Eau Claire chemistry department, is a 2020 recipient of the CUR Outstanding Mentorship Award, which recognizes excellence in mentoring undergraduate researchers. Full story. Per MarPer Mar & Midwest Alarm Services Expand in Nebraska DES MOINES, Iowa – Per Mar Security Service, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial clients and the parent company to Midwest Alarm Services, is pleased to announce it has acquired GT Fire & Security based in Grand Island, NE. GT Fire & Security was founded by Gary and Tracy Hesman in 2008. Brian Duffy, COO of Per Mar, said, “GT Fire & Security is a great company founded by wonderful people. We are happy to have found such a perfect mutual fit. “ Gary and Tracy Hesman and the technicians from GT Fire & Security will be joining the Midwest Alarm Services team, and will continue to provide service from the Grand Island, Nebraska office. “This is a merger of two companies who prize their employees and customers above all else,” said Doug Richard, President of Midwest Alarm Services. “By combining operations, both Midwest Alarm Services and GT will be able to improve their delivery of products and services.” Prevea HealthPrevea establishes upper respiratory care center in Eau Claire Eau Claire – Beginning Monday, April 6, as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Prevea Health Family Medicine, 617 W. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire, will be transitioned into a dedicated center for patients experiencing upper respiratory symptoms. A person that is experiencing upper respiratory symptoms and in need of Prevea health care services in the Eau Claire area should only utilize the Prevea Health Family Medicine location, beginning April 6. Appointments will be available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling (715) 839-5175. People who need to see a doctor, but do not have any upper respiratory symptoms, should not go to this location. “Establishing a separate location for patients experiencing upper respiratory symptoms helps us curb the spread of respiratory illnesses throughout the community, and better protect our patients and staff,” said Dr. Ashok Rai, President and CEO, Prevea Health. Prevea Altoona Urgent Care, 3119 Woodman Dr. in Altoona, will be available to anyone who is not experiencing upper respiratory symptoms but in need of other Prevea urgent care services. It is open for walk-in care Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prevea also offers online health care for common conditions through Prevea Virtual Care, for only $35 per visit. This allows patients to receive high-quality health care from the safety and comfort of home which is especially important during this time. Prevea Virtual Care is available at: www.prevea.com/virtualcare Anyone concerned they may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and not in need of emergency care are encouraged to utilize Prevea Virtual Care for an online COVID-19 screening and evaluation at no charge. If additional care is needed, patients will be provided directions about where to go for lab testing and follow-up care to ensure they receive the care they need while maintaining a safe distance from others. Understanding universal masking Answers to frequently-asked-questions about universal masking recommendations Eau Claire – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend the practice of universal masking when in public and interacting with others. Universal masking, in addition to the practices of physical distancing and proper hygiene, helps to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Prevea Health offers the following answers to some of the most frequently-asked-questions about universal masking. What does “universal masking” mean? It means that everyone (if able) should wear a mask. There are some exceptions, including children under the age of two, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. What type of mask should I wear? Medical-grade masks, such as surgical masks or N95s, should be reserved for medical personnel only during this critical time. Therefore, the CDC recommends cloth masks for community members. There are tutorials for making masks with and without a sewing a machine, here. Some tutorials call for the use of common items, such as t-shirts and bandanas, with no sewing required. When should I wear a cloth mask? You should wear your cloth mask if you must leave your home for any public setting such as a grocery store, gas station, pharmacy or other essential business. You should also wear it if you are interacting with anyone outside your home for any reason. Will wearing a cloth mask prevent me from contracting COVID-19? Wearing a cloth mask is not guaranteed to prevent you from contracting COVID-19, and it is important physical distancing (stay at least 6 feet from others) is still practiced while wearing one. If wearing a cloth mask will not guarantee me full protection from COVID-19, then why is it important I wear one? Studies show a significant portion of individuals infected with COVID-19 do not show symptoms, and that even those who eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus before showing symptoms. Wearing a cloth mask can help to keep your respiratory secretions (where the virus can live) contained and prevent them from spreading to others. A mask can also prevent you from touching your nose and mouth, where the virus can easily be spread. Should cloth masks be washed or cleaned? Yes. They should be routinely washed in a washing machine, or with soap and water, depending on frequency of use. How does one safely remove a used cloth mask? Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth when removing their mask, and wash hands immediately after removing. A new episode of Prevea Health’s podcast, Plug in to Health, is dedicated to helping listeners better understand universal masking. COVID-19: Understanding Universal Masking is available now on Plug in to Health, which can be accessed on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple and Spotify, as well as at: www.prevea.com/podcast. Grace Lutheran CommunitiesGrace Lutheran Communities Launch Giving Campaign “Supplying Grace” to Support Healthcare Staff Altoona, WI – Grace Lutheran Communities is launching a giving campaign fundraiser for their amazing caregivers’ safety and morale. Grace Lutheran Communities is doing its best as an organization to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies for staff at its numerous senior care communities across the Chippewa Valley, but due to shortages and price increases, it is taxing the non-profit’s resources like never before. To keep staff and residents safe, healthy, and happy Grace Lutheran Communities appreciates any and all donation sizes. Here are some ways your donations can make an impact: $500 - Can provide two tablets to provide additional video meetings to connect family and residents $250 - Can stock an employee break room refrigerator as vending machine refills are not happening at this time $100 - Can provide 100 face masks to help provide care safely for both residents and staff $50 - Can provide a $50 gift card that a staff member at one of our facilities will win through our weekly lottery $25 - Can provide 5 face shields to help provide care safely for both residents and staff Raymond Weiss, Grace Lutheran Communities CEO, said, “It’s a challenging time, but I am inspired by the countless examples of our caregivers whose hearts of gold are continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients, residents and families. This gives me great confidence that we will get through this situation together – one day at a time. Remember, we are stronger together.” Here is the link to the donation page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supply-grace?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1 Grace Lutheran Communities has been helping our friends and neighbors in communities all over the Chippewa Valley since 1960. The non-profit organization specializes in rehabilitation, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, child care, independent living, and adult day services. Citizens State BankCitizens State Bank Paycheck Protection Program Citizens State Bank is participating in the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by offering PPP loans to existing borrowers. This loan program is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their employees on the payroll. The loan is forgivable if certain criteria is met. These loans will be available from April 3, 2020 to June 30, 2020. To inquire about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), customers are encouraged to call a Banker. Citizens State Bank is working with each customer individually to understand their needs and then find an appropriate solution through internal and external programs. Citizens State Bank was founded in 1902 in Cadott, WI. The bank, still headquartered in Cadott, has branches in Chippewa Falls and Cornell. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. The Leadership Team at WNB Financial continues to meet regularly to review the evolving situation with COVID-19. For the health and safety of all, WNB Financial will extend its temporary lobby closures to Monday, May 4. Although the Bank has reduced face-to-face contact, WNB remains open as an essential business to meet all banking needs.
WNB continues to evaluate internal practices to keep both employees and customers safe. In addition to social distancing, handwashing, and sanitizing, employees may choose to wear face masks, at their discretion, while at work. Visit WNBFinancial.com/coronavirus-update for timely updates. Junior AchievementJunior Achievement Welcomes New Board Member Eau Claire, Wisconsin – Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Northwest Wisconsin is pleased to announce a new board member. Jason Bergeron, Divisional Merchandise Manager for Mason Companies, recently accepted a seat on the Junior Achievement board of directors. In addition to that, Jason is also wrapping up his second term as a County Board Supervisor in Chippewa County. He is an active member in his community and is committed to helping make the greater Chippewa Falls area a great place to live, work, and visit. “I am excited about the opportunity to become further involved in the Junior Achievement (JA) program. I have truly enjoyed being a classroom and career day volunteer. It feels like the right time to begin serving in a new role for the JA organization. I look forward to collaborating with the other board members, as well as JA leadership, and will do my best to add value to the program overall.” Jason has spent his JA time volunteering with both the public and private middle schools in Chippewa Falls for the last 7 years. Jason is a lifelong area resident of the area and is a graduate of CVTC in Marketing, UW Stout in Education, and earned his MBA from Lakeland University. Security Financial BankAndy Wieser Elected to SFSC Board of Directors EAU CLAIRE – Jerry Bauer, chairman of the Board of Directors for Security Financial Services Corporation (SFSC), the Holding Company that owns Security Financial Bank (SFB), is pleased to announce that Andy Wieser has joined the organization’s Board. Wieser, who was elected by unanimous consent of the Board, will begin his term May 1, 2020. Wieser is president/CEO of Wieser Concrete Products, Inc., a nationally recognized precast concrete manufacturer with 170 employees. The company is headquartered in Maiden Rock, Wis. and has additional locations throughout Wisconsin and southern Illinois. “I am pleased to welcome Andy to SFSC’s Board of Directors,” Bauer said. “He is a proven business leader with a long history of service, both locally and nationally. I look forward to working with Andy and the rest of the Board as SFSC continues to grow.” An established leader in the precast industry, Wieser is actively involved in the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA). He chaired various committees as well as served 10 years on the Board of Directors, completing his term as NPCA chairman of the Board in 2016. In 2017, Wieser was presented the industry’s top honor, the Robert E. Yoakum Award. Prior to his national service, Wieser was president of the Wisconsin Precast Concrete Association and a six-year member of the Plum City School Board. He remains active in the community as a member of the Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club and Rush River Trail Riders Snowmobile Club. He is currently serving on the Executive Committee as vice president of the Security Insurance Company of North America. Wieser will replace Steven Schultz, who is retiring from the Board as of April 30, 2020. Schultz served 10 years on the Board. Bauer expressed on behalf of the Board and the Stockholders his thanks and appreciation to Steve for his contributions to SFSC’s success these past 10 years. Also at the meeting, Bob Komro, Jim Price and Paul Rudersdorf were re-elected by the Board joining continuing Directors Chuck Forster, Jack Kaiser and Jim Mayo along with Bauer. Established in 1934, SFB is a community bank with offices in Bloomer, Durand, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and River Falls. SFB strives to provide products and services that exceed its customers’ needs and provides guidance that enable them to succeed. For more information on SFB, please visit www.sfbank.com or call 888-254-0615. Stokes|Herzog Marketing + ConsultingLocal Ad Agency Responds to Businesses in Need With Free Future Planning Help Eau Claire, WI - A local advertising agency is using its experience and talents to help businesses and non-profits in need during the COVID-19 crisis by creating a new website: www.eauclairestrong.com “The idea for creating eauclairestrong.com was to help non-profits and businesses that are facing hard times with the latest in marketing skills and strategies. We know that now, more than ever before, businesses large and small need help getting the word out about what they have to offer, before it’s too late, and all free of charge,” STOKES|HERZOG co-owner Chris Herzog said. The new website, eauclairestrong.com is designed to give businesses and non-profits a place to find the latest information on marketing and advertising strategies to help their clients and customers continue to buy their products, goods, and services. There is also a donation hub to help non-profits get the word out about their fundraisers to cover their costs during this difficult time. “Our mission from day one, has always been to help local businesses succeed. Now during their most challenging hours, we want to be a light of encouragement. Our team wanted to create a place where business owners and non-profits in our communities can come to get ideas and help with their plans to not just survive this economic crisis but to come out stronger and ready for the future,” said co-owner Sarah Stokes. Former news anchors Sarah Stokes and Chris Herzog started the STOKES|HERZOG family of companies back in 2014. The two own the marketing and consulting agency, STOKES|HERZOG Realty which is a Wisconsin based commercial real estate brokerage, and The Juicy Good Life, an online success training company designed for women. Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeCVTC Offers Fire Facility for COVID-19 Fight Decontamination site set up for area emergency vehicles Eau Claire, WI – Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Fire Safety Center will become the focus of efforts to decontaminate emergency response vehicles should the COVID-19 pandemic reach levels that overwhelm current resources. Use of the facility is one of the ways that CVTC is offering its support in the local response to the outbreak. Kim Nessell, retired Eau Claire fire chief and former CVTC instructor said emergency services already have places and procedures for decontaminating vehicles from contagions and hazardous substances when needed. However, if the outbreak becomes severe enough, those normal procedures may not be adequate to bring the vehicles back into service as quickly as they are needed. “Eau Claire is a huge regional medical center, and we have a large number of emergency vehicles coming here from all over the area. In a severe outbreak, they would also need to be decontaminated quickly,” said Nessel, who is now working with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department on response to the virus. Three lanes have been set up as stations for vehicle decontamination (decon) at the Fire Safety Center at CVTC’s West Campus. “Primarily the decon areas are set up outside of the building, but the center lane has been designed so that if because of severe weather they can’t decon outside, they can go inside the burn room,” Nessell said. Nessell managed the Fire Safety Center for CVTC when it first opened and is familiar with the controlled environment inside. He added that a personal shower site is available at the facility for emergency service workers. CVTC is an ideal location for an emergency decontamination site, Nessell said. “Because CVTC provides hazardous materials training for a wide area, there are a lot of resources there that can be deployed and replaced later. It would take three times as long to set up a similar decon site if it didn’t have CVTC’s readily-available supplies.” Other CVTC resources are also available to be deployed when needed. “The Eau Claire County COVID-19 Response Team asked if they could borrow squad cars and ambulances for transport of COVID-19 patients to isolation facilities,” said Eric Anderson, associate dean of emergency services. “The Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement program has donated the use of four Ford Explorers and the Emergency Medical Services program has donated the use of its ambulances.” As previously reported, CVTC has already donated personal protection equipment (PPE), ventilators and other equipment from its health and emergency services programs. “We inventoried all FireMedic and Emergency Medical Services supplies, including non-disposable equipment and disposable PPE,” said Mark Schwartz, emergency services continuing education coordinator. “Our disposable PPE, like masks and gloves, were divided up for our 11-county area.” In addition, CVTC has now made available equipment such as portable radios, self-contained breathing apparatus, thermal imaging cameras, a HazMat trailer, generators, level A training suits, oxygen tanks and cardiac monitors. HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's HospitalsHSHS hospitals expand COVID-19 surge preparedness EAU CLAIRE AND CHIPPEWA FALLS – As part of ongoing COVID-19 surge preparedness, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are proactively and temporarily consolidating a few specific services beginning Friday, April 10. This temporary consolidation will allow our hospitals to move certain services to a single location in order to reduce foot traffic, make physical space available for a potential influx of patients, and make more economical use of resources. Wound care, surgery, and women and infants maternity services at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital will move to HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital while this pandemic is in place. All other services at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital will remain unchanged, including the emergency department. This decision was made based on careful consideration with input from colleagues, providers and hospital leadership. In the next several days, leadership at both hospitals will work in collaboration with OakLeaf Clinics and Prevea Health providers to ensure continuity of care services to our patients. “The Women and Infants Centers are diligently working to ensure our patient’s safety during COVID-19 while serving our local communities during these ever-changing and trying times,” said Dr. Erica Barrette, chair of the department of obstetrics and pediatrics at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital. “We are working closely with any patients who may be affected by this temporary change to ensure a smooth transition.” This temporary consolidation will be re-evaluated as we continue to get a clear understanding of the COVID-19 impact in our communities. HSHS is committed to returning these services to St. Joseph’s Hospital as quickly as this pandemic allows, while also recognizing that COVID-19 will change the future of the health care industry. “We have been fortunate to be able to adjust our strategy day to day as we prepare for an influx of potential COVID-19 positive patients,” said John Wagner, president and CEO of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital. “This temporary consolidation allows our hospitals to operate safely and efficiently, while protecting patients, colleagues and the communities we serve.” Farm Technology DaysFARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS POSTPONED TO 2021 Huntsinger Farms to Host FTD in Eau Claire July 20-22, 2021 EAU CLAIRE, WI -- April 10, 2020 -- The Executive Committee of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2020 Eau Claire announced today that it has postponed this year’s event to July 20-22, 2021 because of the impact Covid-19 is anticipated to have across Wisconsin this year. Huntsinger Farms, the 2020 Host Farm, has generously offered to host Farm Technology Days in 2021 in Eau Claire. Eau Claire will fill a gap year in the FTD schedule, as there was no show planned for 2021. The decision was made by the Executive Committee after discussion and input from the Eau Claire County officials, sponsors, volunteers, and exhibitors. “The health and safety of all our attendees, volunteers, and exhibitors is our primary concern, and we felt we could not proceed with 2020 plans based on the ever-changing Covid-19 situation,” said John Leary, Executive Chair Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2020, Eau Claire. “We are grateful to the Rygg family for their extraordinary offer to host the show on their Huntsinger Farms Eau Claire property in 2021. Collectively, the committee and the Rygg family are committed to building on the exciting plans we already had in place for this year to make next year’s show even better.” Eric Rygg, President of Huntsinger Farms and its Silver Spring Foods subsidiary added, “While we’re disappointed that the 2020 show won’t happen, we’re excited that we’ve been able to accommodate shifting Farm Technology Days to 2021. I know it’s going to be an awesome event that shows both the resilience and the promising future of the Wisconsin Ag community.” Leary also noted that Eau Claire County officials have moved quickly in this very busy time to work with the committee for next year’s dates. The Executive Committee will reconvene this summer to pick up the plans already in place and start augmenting them for 2021. “The silver lining is that with all of the great plans for this year already in place, we will be able to produce an even better show for next year,” added Leary. About Wisconsin Farm Technology Days Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a three-day outdoor event showcasing the latest developments in production agriculture, including practical applications and recent research and technological developments. This is the only farm show of its size in the United States that is organized and run entirely by volunteers. As the largest outdoor agricultural event in the state, it welcomes more than 45,000 attendees, with more than 600 commercial and educational vendors. The first WFTD show was named Farm Progress Days and was held in Waupaca County in 1954. About Agriculture in Eau Claire County Agriculture works hard for Eau Claire County every day. Family-owned farms, food processors and agriculture-related businesses generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity while contributing to local income and tax revenues. Eau Claire County, though dominated by the dairy industry, raises everything from meat goats to milking sheep to apples, grapes and vegetables. The county has seen farm numbers rise, while farm acreage has declined to an average farm size of 155 acres. Migration from the city to rural areas has resulted in smaller farms producing a variety of products. A diverse population has created opportunities to fill ethnic and specialty food niches. Meanwhile, county institutions and farmers have joined forces to produce fresh, healthy products to meet a growing demand for local food. Alice in DairylandAlice in Dairyland Finals moved to June 19-20 Media Contact: Rick Hummell, Public Information Officer, (608) 224-5041 Richard.Hummell@wisconsin.gov MADISON – Due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 public health emergency, the upcoming 73rd Alice in Dairyland Finals are facing several significant changes including date, format and location. The 73rd Alice in Dairyland Finals will now occur over two days: June 19-20. To maintain appropriate social distancing, those events will be livestreamed over the internet for public viewing, including a live question and answer session Friday, June 19, and the Finale Event on Saturday, June 20 at which the 73rd Alice in Dairyland will be selected. In March, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced the six top candidates for the 73rd Alice in Dairyland, moving one step closer to the selection of the next Alice. Typically, the next Alice in Dairyland is selected from among the top candidates at the conclusion of the finals in front of a live public audience. Each year, a different Wisconsin county hosts the Alice in Dairyland Finals. The new hosting schedule is as follows: · The 2020 Alice in Dairyland Finals will be hosted by DATCP and Walworth County · Walworth County will host the 74th Alice in Dairyland Finals in 2021 · Dane County will host the 75th Alice Finals in 2022 as planned · Dunn County will host the 76th Alice in Dairyland Finals in 2023 More details about the 73rd Alice in Dairyland Finals will be announced in coming weeks. The six top candidates are: Rachel Gerbitz of Milton, Erica Helmer of Plymouth, Stephanie Hoff of Thorp, Kaitlin Konder of Glenwood City, Julia Nunes of Chippewa Falls and Grace Schroeder of Cashton. The current Alice in Dairyland is Abigail Martin, who hails from Rock County. Alice in Dairyland is a full-time marketing and communications professional serving as Wisconsin's agricultural ambassador. Alice is employed by DATCP to promote the state’s agricultural industry via media outreach, presentations and attending community events. Eau Claire Community Foundation and United Way of the greater chippewa valleyContact:
Sue Bornick, Executive Director, Eau Claire Community Foundation info@eccfwi.org 715-552-3801 or 715-210-4446 Jan Porath, Executive Director, United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley info@uwgcv.org 715-834-5043 THE EAU CLAIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND UNITED WAY OF THE GREATER CHIPPEWA VALLEY ANNOUNCE A MATCHING CHALLENGE GRANT AND COVID-19 RELIEF GRANTS TO LOCAL NONPROFITS The Eau Claire Community Foundation and United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley are thrilled to announce that Royal Credit Union, the Dick and Marlene Cable Family Fund, the Larson Family Fund, and two anonymous donors are challenging our community to raise $50,000, which they will match. This challenge will generate another $100,000 to be awarded to area nonprofits! “The community response to the Quick Response Community Fund has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Sue Bornick, Executive Director of ECCF. “Now is the time to come together and look out for the most vulnerable among us, and the Matching Grant Challenge is a perfect example.” There are other new and exciting developments happening in response to the Quick Response Community Fund. Lasker Jewelers is designing a bracelet in support of the Quick Response Community Fund and $20 will be donated to the Fund for every bracelet purchased. More information about this initiative will be available soon. In addition, this week $100,000 from the Quick Response Community Fund was awarded in grants to nineteen local nonprofits—an amount that was made possible thanks to a $50,000 gift from the Pablo Foundation, Inc. That brings the award total for the Fund’s first two weeks of granting to approximately $175,000! This week’s grantees who are meeting vital Service Needs are: Bolton Refuge House - Emergency shelter needs for victims of abuse and for urgent operational needs. Chippewa Valley Health Clinic - Additional funding for medication and direct services for those recently unemployed. Good Shepherd Lutheran Foundation - Meal program for its residents Hope Gospel Mission – Additional program staffing HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation - To address the need for easily accessible COVID testing. L.E. Phillips Career Development Center - Expansion of their face mask program Lutheran Social Services - Additional funding for Positive Avenues, which serves people experiencing mental health concerns or homelessness. School District of Altoona - Expands voucher program for eggs, milk, produce and meat for families in need. Organizations that received urgent Operational Funding: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin Boys & Girls Club Greater Chippewa Valley – Mary Markquart Center Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity Eau Claire Children’s Theatre Eau Claire County Humane Association Family Promise of the Chippewa Valley Junior Achievement of WI Northwest Area Pablo Center at the Confluence Sculpture Tour Eau Claire United Cerebral Palsy of West Central WI UWEC Children’s Nature Academy Applications not funded this week will be considered next week. New applications will continue to be accepted; interested organizations can apply online at the Eau Claire Community Foundation website. Additional grants will be distributed weekly as donations to the fund permit. The Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) and United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley (UWGCV) established the Quick Response Community Fund to rapidly deploy financial resources to Eau Claire area nonprofits that serve community members disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak and its economic consequences. Funds will be granted on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs. Donations from community members are encouraged. ECCF will cover administrative fees, so 100% of donations will support local nonprofits. To donate, visit the ECCF website (www.eccfwi.org) Eau Claire Community Foundation strengthens our community by offering donors opportunities to establish charitable legacies, by making grants, and by serving as a catalyst to address community needs. www.eccfwi.org United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley fights for the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in every community we serve. www.uwgcv.org Comments are closed.
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Eau Claire ChamberThe Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce has more than 1,200 members. Archives
February 2021
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101 N. Farwell Street - Suite 101, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 834-1204 | Fax: (715) 834-1956 | information@eauclairechamber.org
Privacy Policy
101 N. Farwell Street - Suite 101, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 834-1204 | Fax: (715) 834-1956 | information@eauclairechamber.org