Small Street Journal: October 21, 2016

​Michael Strubel has joined Marshfield Clinic as a Foundation coordinator for the Eau Claire market.  In this position, he will lead annual giving programs in the West Region of Marshfield Clinic to grow philanthropic support from employees, grateful patients and community members. Strubel received his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire, where he continues to serve as president of the Alumni Board. Prior to joining the Foundation, he worked as an account executive with WEAU 13 News and as director of sales and events for Visit Eau Claire for nearly 10 years.  He spends much of his free time supporting the Eau Claire community, as a board member for Eau Claire Jazz, Inc. and Eau Claire North Band Parents, playing in various musical ensembles, participating in local theater, and serving on Chamber of Commerce committees for Leadership Eau Claire™ and Youth Leadership Eau Claire.

Facilities Manager Brian Allande was presented the Royal Credit Union (Royal) 2016 Positive Impact Award.  Allande, a Royal team member since 2012, met the high criteria for this award by demonstrating exceptional commitment to Royal Members through his work operating and maintaining multiple office locations. This is Royal’s highest team member award and only one award, per year is presented. Royal’s facilities team effectively and efficiently provide maintenance, operational services and utilities services that support Royal Credit Union team members in their service to Members and the community. Allande leads the team and ensures the experience at Royal exceeds Member expectations and provides a comfortable work environment for all team members.

Miron Construction Co., Inc. is partnering with Cedar Corporation to make renovations and an addition to the Stanley Wastewater Treatment Plant in Stanley, Wisconsin. Construction on the $6.5 million contract began in August 2016 and is scheduled to be complete in August 2017. Miron’s work on the 103,000-square-foot project includes structural and equipment demolition, paving, piping and utility piping. Miron is scheduled to make pump and piping modifications in the control building, re-aeration building and to other various equipment. The scope will also include lighting, plumbing and ventilation work throughout the plant.

Larson Companies was recently awarded the Exemplary Employer Award by the State of Wisconsin. The Department of Workforce Development presented the award to Larson Companies for their commitment to progressive employment practices that encourage the full participation of people with disabilities. Only three businesses in Eau Claire received this recognition. Dawn Edlin, chief people officer, coordinates the program and accepted the award on behalf of Larson Companies. 

Merchants Financial Group, Inc. (MFGI) President & CEO Rodney R. Nelson will retire as of January 31, 2017. Winona Market President and Chief Banking Officer Greg M. Evans will take over the position after Nelson’s retirement. Nelson joined the organization in 2000 and will retire after 17 years with the organization, including the past three as MFGI President & CEO.  Evans has been with the Merchants organization for 27 years. He served in the Marketing Department from 1989 to 2007, the last five years as senior vice President of marketing. In 2007, he was named regional president for Hampton, Cannon Falls and Red Wing when Merchants Bank acquired those locations. In 2013, Evans was named president of the Winona Market and chief banking officer, providing leadership for all Merchants Bank locations. 

Prevea Health now offers comprehensive cancer care at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. Prevea cancer services are provided by fellowship-trained oncologist, Dr. Rifat Elkhatib. He is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology and provides care for adults with solid tumors and blood disorders as well as offering second opinions on cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The Partners of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital received the Wisconsin Award for Volunteer Excellence (WAVE) under the category of “Community Outreach and Collaboration.” With food insecurities identified as a significant problem in Chippewa County, the Partners of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, in cooperation with the hospital’s Green Committee, developed a community garden project four years ago. The project gives households the opportunity to grow their own vegetables to supplement their diets on garden plots available on the hospital’s campus. Plots are made available for a small fee and include tilling and irrigation, with the sole purpose of providing nutritious food to families and individuals who need it most. Organizations also have leased plots and donated the harvest to local food pantries. In the last four growing seasons, a total of 3,575 pounds of food has been grown and donated to area food pantries as a result of this community garden project. The WAVE program was established by the Partners of Wisconsin Hospital Association, Inc to recognize volunteer programs whose work directly furthers the mission of the institution they serve.  

HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is now offering 3-D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) for breast cancer screening. Breast tomosynthesis produces a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue, which makes it easier for radiologists to identify breast abnormalities that could be cancerous. Breast cancer is a common cancer among American women, exceeded only by the incidence of skin cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime.

Nurse practitioner Jamie Taylor, recently joined the Hospital Medicine Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. She will be dedicated full time to taking care of patients admitted to the hospital. Taylor earned her master’s degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She completed her residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Nephrology Associates in Columbia, Tennessee.  She is certified in advanced cardiovascular life support and basic life support, and board-certified in adult gerontology.