Welcome to the Eau Claire Chamber Blog

Congratulations to the following individuals who have graduated from the Leadership Eau Claire™ program.

LEC Class of 2017
Kelli Bergner, Xcel Energy
Brian Bessinger, Royal Construction, Inc.
Leonard Borgen, Miron Construction Co., Inc.
Diane Cable, Eau Claire County
Paul Canfield, Re/Max Affiliates
Margot Dahling, Silver Spring Foods, Inc.
Liz Dohms, Leader-Telegram
Laura Ericson, Chippewa Valley Technical College
Deb Erwin, Literacy Chippewa Valley
Melissa Eslinger, Marshfield Clinic - Eau Claire Center
Ben Franko, Wells Fargo  
Jessica Hannusch, Mayo Clinic Health System
Roger Hermsen, Wisconsin Independent Network, LLC
Chad Larson, CCFBank
Matt Larson, Larson Orthodontic Specialists
Ashley LaVick, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, Inc.
Jennifer Loew, Mayo Clinic Health System
John Lofgren, City of Eau Claire
Lacey Logslett, BMO Harris Bank
Ted Maday, Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital
Patti Matthews, Manpower
Nichole Mayer, Wipfli LLP
Brian Moore, YMCA
Shaughnessy Murphy, Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C.
Brieanna Lise Newton, Ostertag Orthodontics, LLC
Casey Newton, Regis Court Dental Associates
Bruce Ommen, Ayres Associates
Theresa O'Neel, Associated Bank
Allison Shepard, Herrick and Hart S.C.
Lois Sieve, Acoustic Café
Jacob Spies, Royal Credit Union - Hastings Pl
Patrick Sullivan, Market & Johnson, Inc.
Paul Swartos, Bremer Bank
Jodi Thesing-Ritter, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
James Thomas, The REACH Foundation, Inc.
Shari Tieman, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital
Jacqueline Van Hemert, Children's Museum of Eau Claire
Zachary Weisenberger, Merrill Lynch
Debbie Wentzel, Hillside Dental, Ltd.
Jesse Werner, Charter Bank
Pamela Westby, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
Melissa Wilson, Chippewa Valley Technical College
Anne Yoder, Nestle Nutrition
Joe Ziehr, Xcel Energy

As part of the program, the class completed five community service projects for area non-profit organizations. To read more about the projects, click here. 

Thank You!
Thank you to the many volunteers that make this program possible. We truly appreciate all your support.

Executive Committee
Chair Jim Lahti, Bremer Bank
Vice Chair Latacia Greeley, WESTconsin Credit Union
Past Chair Margo Keys, Chippewa Valley Technical College
Alumni Chair Jeff Stevens, Chestnut Consulting

Curriculum Committee
Sara Antonson, Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley
Ally Clark Peterson, Girl Scouts of the Northwest Great Lakes
Heather Costley, Mayo Clinic Health System
Kelly Jacobs
Wayne Marek, Eau Claire Children’s Theatre
Stavroula McCormick, Aurora Community Services and REALiving
Nick Mohr, Rhom Construction
Steve Nick, City of Eau Claire
Shelly Olson, Chippewa Valley Technical College
Julie Poquette, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Kristin Schmidt, M3 Insurance
Jon Schultz, City of Eau Claire Fire Department
Chris Seelen, Ruder Ware, LLSC
Georgia Smith, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital
Michael Strubel, Marshfield Clinic – Eau Claire Center

LEC Class of 2018
Applications for next year’s Leadership Eau Claire class are due Thursday, June 1! For more information, visit the Eau Claire Chamber website.

​Marco, a technology services provider, recently announced that it has assumed responsibility for the copier/printer sales and service previously provided by Dakota Business Center, a Rapid City, South Dakota based company. The 15 employees that previously supported Dakota’s copier/printer solutions have joined the Marco team. Dakota Business Center will continue to provide its customers with sales and service for their office supplies, office furniture, managed IT and promotional products. This is the 16th acquisition the company has completed over the past three years. They have six locations throughout South Dakota.
Two HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital colleagues recently earned advanced degrees in their respective fields. Loren Lortscher, director of clinical programs for nursing administration, and formerly director of surgical services, recently earned his master of science in nursing (MSN) degree from Saint Xavier University in Chicago. Lortscher has served Sacred Heart Hospital for more than nine years. Stacey Powell, director of surgical services, and formerly clinical educator and assistant director of surgical services, recently earned her master of science in nursing (MSN) degree from Saint Xavier University in Chicago. Powell has served Sacred Heart Hospital for more than 13 years.

HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to providing the most appropriate stroke treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. To receive the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, a hospital must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month periods and achieve 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality measures.

On May 24th, 36 area high school juniors graduated from the Chamber’s Youth Leadership Eau Claire (YLEC) program. In its 14th year, the program gives students a chance to enhance their knowledge and development leadership skills. During the nine-month program, the students learn about the community and future career opportunities.
 
In order to graduate from the program, students must complete community service projects. This year, the class divided into four groups to complete the projects for the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, Eau Claire Humane Association, Feed My People Food Bank and YMCA of Eau Claire. The following is the list of 2017 graduates:
 
Altoona High School
Zach Engen
Kennedy Marlaire
Matthew Stein
 
Fall Creek High School
Kyle Burnside
Olivia Costley
Irene Eigner
Jamie Peterson
 
Memorial High School
Jordan Barstad
Kalli Charles
Grace Cole
Cassidy Cooper
Rebekah Gerry
Tanner Kohlhepp
Julia Nelson
Annika Nerbovig
Chong Pha
Lauren Priem
Nicholas Schultz
Emma Theisen
 
North High School
Jayce Fisher
Jenna Geist
Brady Kays
Matelyn Peplinski
Kyla Rust
Jackson Schaefer
Erik Tate
 
Regis High School
Ryan Ciresi
Alaina Darnell
Bergen Finn
Emily Haag
Taylor Johnson
Laith Kidess
Audrey Newby
Ethan Petersilka
Celine Sabbagh
Josie Seelen

YLEC Executive Committee
Chair Jason Craig, Mayo Clinic Health System
Vice Chair Michael Strubel, Marshfield Clinic – Eau Claire Center
Past Carla Jenna Ziegler, Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire
Jim Schmitt, Eau Claire Area School District
Laura Volbrecht, Fall Creek School District
Larry Zorn, Eau Claire Press Company
 
YLEC Curriculum Committee
Andrea Finn, Royal Credit Union
Missy Kostman, Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley
Kelly Lauscher, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital
Eric Lindquist, Leader-Telegram
Andy Neborak, Eau Claire Express Baseball
Susan Peterson, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc.
Ben Richgruber, Eau Claire Regional Arts Center
Jennifer Roetter, US Department of Agriculture
Vicki Seltun, City of Eau Claire
Suzie Slota, YMCA
Daneille Strong, Weld Riley, S.C.
Keith Zehms, Eau Claire County
 
YLEC Sponsors
Thank you to all of our sponsors for making this program possible. For a complete list of sponsors, please click here. 

County Materials Corporation received a Special Award named “Bridging the Skills Gap” at the 2017 Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award program in the Large Company Category for their work in communities and industry education. County Materials was one of eight awarded out of 31 nominees. The Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award recognizes the contributions made to the construction and landscape industry.

The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) board of directors elected John Sackett, Board treasurer of Royal Credit Union, to the Foundation board. The CUNA Board of Directors recently designated Sackett, a CUNA Board Member, as a CUNA Board representative on the Foundation board. 

Larson Companies has promoted team member Justin Hinnencamp to the Holiday Inn South Eau Claire general manager position, filling the vacancy created following Becky Squires promotion to lodging brand manager. Before joining Larson Companies, Hinnencamp worked as the general manager at The Plaza from 2015 until its closure. 
​ 
HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital recently presented the 2017 Nurse Exemplar Awards to two colleagues. These peer-nominated awards are the two hospitals’ highest nursing honors and recognize extraordinary nurses who exhibit excellence in caring for patients and families, provide personalized patient care, and have a superior level of knowledge and skill. At Sacred Heart Hospital, the award was presented to Emily Cook, who works in critical care. Cook has served the hospital for 14 years. At St. Joseph’s Hospital, the award was presented to Ann Bowe, who works in post anesthesia care. Bowe has served the hospital for 16 years. This year marks the 11th year that Sacred Heart has given this honor, and the first year that St. Joseph’s Hospital has done so. 

EO Johnson Business Technologies was named a 2016 Top Dealer by Canon. The Canon Top Dealer award is presented to all Canon dealers that met or exceeded their baseline targets for 2016. Canon also recognized EO Johnson on their 60th Anniversary and acknowledged Canon’s partnership of 37 years with EO Johnson. EO Johnson started selling the Canon product line in 1979.

Effective immediately, the name and logo “Low Voltage Contractors” will be rebranded as LVC Companies, Inc.  LVC’s new logo and refreshed brand image communicates to both current and potential clients that LVC is an innovative company with a commitment to excellence for every client they serve. Because of added services, geographic expansion, and strategic acquisitions, the name Low Voltage Contractors no longer accurately encompasses the full range of its capabilities and expertise, the company reported.

WESTconsin Credit Union announced Latacia Greeley as mortgage loan originator at the company’s new Altoona office in the River Prairie Development. Greeley has been working with WESTconsin for more than 12 years transitioning through a variety of service, lending and leadership roles. She most recently held the position of office supervisor in Eau Claire. Greeley graduated from UW-Stout in business management with a concentration in service management. She serves as vice chair of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Eau Claire program™ and board member of Eau Claire Cares, as well as volunteers with many financial literacy initiatives, United Way, Big Brother’s Big Sister’s, Relay for Life and Special Olympics.  

Adult nurse practitioner Hope Saeger recently joined the Hospital Medicine Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. Saeger earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from UW-Eau Claire. Prior to joining Mayo Clinic Health System, Saeger was a nursing instructor at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire. She is board-certified as an adult nurse practitioner. Saeger will be monitoring patients in the Rapid Discovery & Recovery observation unit.

This year's Children's Legacy Luncheon will honor the following individuals for their important and lasting contributions to children in the Chippewa Valley: Jason Collins, founder of After School Literature Club;  Mary Jacobson,   founder of McDonell Catholic Schools Student Ambassador program; Tim Olson, Board president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, BSA-Chippewa Valley Council Board member Chippewa Valley Airshow volunteer past co-chair; Blia Schwahn, advocate for Hmong children and Hmong American Peem Tsheej Club advisor; and Tammy Tillotson, president of International Dyslexia Association-Wisconsin and director of Children's Dyslexia Center of Upper WI. Patty Horecki and Helen Nordstrom also will recognized with the first ever Legacy Award. 

The Eau Claire Regional Arts Council, the organization that owns and operates the State Theatre in downtown Eau Claire, will merge with the Confluence Council, the entity that will operate the Confluence Arts Center. A letter of intent has been signed by both Boards of Directors, and the merger will take place before the opening of the Confluence Arts Center in fall of 2018. Starting in January, ECRAC has passed 10 percent of all membership dues directly to the Confluence Council’s operating fund. A portion of proceeds from this June’s annual “Jubilee” fundraiser also will go to the Confluence.

​Richard A. Helmers, M.D., recently assumed the role of regional vice president at Mayo Clinic Health System in northwest Wisconsin. Helmers is the new physician leader for Mayo Clinic’s community practice in northwest Wisconsin, a region that includes five hospitals and 12 clinics. He began transitioning into the role in April, as previous president and CEO Randall Linton, M.D., prepared to retire. In his new role, Helmers will provide organizational leadership, direction and be responsible for the overall performance of northwest Wisconsin operations, including outcomes, safety, service and financial performance. Helmers will promote and expand Mayo Clinic Health System’s foundation of providing high-value care, supporting local wellness and promoting overall community health.

The law firm of Weld Riley, S.C. announced that Attorney Garrett W. Nix has been elected a shareholder of the firm. Garrett, a member of the Business section, joined the firm in 2014. His legal practice centers on providing businesses and individuals expert legal counsel on issues relating to business formation, operations, and succession planning. Nix also assists individuals in developing estate plans. He has a specialty in farm and business succession planning and serves as municipal counsel for several government entities in western Wisconsin. Nix received his undergraduate degree from UW-Stevens Point, with a B.S. in Economics and his law degree from Marquette University Law School. Since becoming a lawyer in 2012, Nix has worked with numerous individuals and businesses with planning and transactional matters.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Nationwide Leadership Council recognized Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin with a 2016 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Quality Award. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin is in its 45th year of serving the children of the Chippewa Valley. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin has served nearly 500 children by connecting them with supportive adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and supporting those mentoring relationships. The Quality Award recognizes Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin for its excellent community programming. Throughout the year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin hosts fun match activities, as well as fundraising events such as their signature event, Bowl For Kids’ Sake. Out of more than 300 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, Big Brothers big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin is one of 36 that will be recognized as Quality Award Winners at the 2017 Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference.

HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals recently held its Colleague Service Awards banquet where it was announced that Donna Stolp, occupational therapist, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Father Klimek Healing Presence Award. In addition, Erica Barrette, M.D., has been named Sacred Heart Hospital’s Physician of the Year for 2017, and that Robert Maslonkowski, M.D., a Marshfield Clinic physician, has been named St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Physician of the Year for 2017. Stolp has worked in the inpatient rehabilitation department at Sacred Heart Hospital for 32 years and is well admired by her colleagues. The Father Klimek Healing Presence Award is the highest honor a hospital colleague can receive, and recognizes a long-term colleague who has dedicated his or her life to being a humble servant of the sick. Barrette joined HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in September 2011, and she will be transitioning to OakLeaf Clinics on June 1, 2017. She will continue to care for patients and deliver babies at Sacred Heart Hospital. Maslonkowski is board-certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has brought more than 2,500 babies into the world since moving to the community. Last fall at the St. Joseph’s Hospital board appreciation dinner, Cheryl Halida received the St. Joseph’s Keeper of the Tradition Award, which is the highest honor a St. Joseph’s Hospital colleague can receive. She was recognized at this year’s colleague service awards event, as well.

Royal Credit Union was recently honored with a Diamond Award, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. The award was presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing & Business Development Council, a national network comprised of over 1,200 credit union marketing and business development professionals. Awards are given in each of 30 categories ranging from advertising to community events and beyond. Royal Credit Union won the financial education category for its entry, entitled Social Media Q & A videos.  Royal also received an award in the Print Campaign category for its entry, entitled Black Friday Newspaper Insert.

Marco announced the addition of Chris Pudenz as chief financial officer (CFO) and the transition of Jennifer Mrozek from CFO to executive vice president of business development and operations. As former executive vice pesident and CFO of ABRA Auto Body & Glass, Pudenz led all finance, procurement and legal functions for the $900 million business that includes 283 company-owned locations and 53 franchise locations. Mrozek brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role focused on leading the company’s acquisition strategy. Mrozek will provide strategic leadership for executing and integrating acquisitions and for the company’s business, sales and service operations.

Library volunteer Karen Peters of Altoona was recognized for her outstanding service to the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library at the Friends of the Library recent annual meeting. Peters was the 10th recipient of the library’s Distinguished Service Award, which honors generosity of time and spirit and extraordinary contributions to a library-related issue. Peters has served with distinction as a library volunteer for more than 15 years. As a driver for the Home Delivery Service (HDS), she provides valuable resources to those who would not otherwise receive them.

The Chamber recently honored 60 area high school seniors and their chosen educators at the 33rd Annual Excellence in Education Banquet. Students represent 10 area high schools. 

Each participating school selects honored students based primarily on academic achievement, although other important attributes, such as leadership, character and community involvement also were considered. The Excellence in Education Banquet also recognizes an additional student from each school who has exhibited extraordinary qualities and effort, above and beyond what is considered normal or expected, and who is quite likely not a top academic achiever. Each student was asked to select an educator who incited a special interest in a specific subject or learning in general, demonstrated exceptional knowledge, served as a mentor or caused the student to do more than what might be considered possible.

For a list of all student and educator honorees, click here.

In addition, the following honorees received Special Educator Awards:

•    Innovation in Teaching Award – Sarah Hoplins, School District of Eleva-Strum
•    Innovation in Teaching Award – Rebecca Mattson, Robbins Elementary, Eau Claire
•    Contributor to Education Award – Holly Larson, Longfellow Elementary, Eau Claire
•    Unsung Hero Award, Sue Maenner, Augusta School District

5ive for Women Magazine Publisher and Editor in Chief Jen Theisen was the keynote speaker, and Bob Gallaher of WEAU 13 News was the emcee.  

The event is made possible by the following sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor: Marshfield Clinic

Gold Sponsors: Banbury Place, Bush Brothers, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire Area School District, Eleva-Strum School District, Fall Creek Lions Club, Higgins Travel, HSHS Sacred Heart & St. Joseph’s Hospitals, Johnson Litho Graphics, Leader-Telegram, Mayo Clinic Health System, McDonough Manufacturing Company, NBI, Inc., Royal Construction, Royal Credit Union, SDS Architects, Senn Blacktop, Student Transit-Eau Claire and Weld, Riley S.C.

Silver Sponsors: Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, Lions Club of Mondovi, Manpower, Osseo-Fairchild School District, PESI, Inc., School District of Mondovi, UW-Eau Claire Foundation Inc.

Bronze Sponsors: Altoona Area Foundation, Altoona Board of Education, Associated Bank, Augusta School District, CliftonLarsonAllen, DeLong Middle School, Eau Claire Area Retired Educators Association, Eau Claire Association of Educators, Fall Creek School District, Hillside Dental, Kris Javurek, Kleven Real Estate, L&M Mail & Courier, Marten Transport, Ltd., Memorial High School Student Council, North High School Student Council, Realityworks, REALiving, Regis High School, Ryberg Law Firm, School District of Altoona, School District of Gilmanton, Sylvan Learning Center, United Bank – Eleva, Mondovi and Osseo offices, Unity Bank and Wipfli.

In-Kind Sponsors: Altoona High School, Brent Douglas Flowers, Johnson Litho Graphics, Bill Hoepner and UW-Eau Claire. 

Special thank you to the following Excellence in Education Committee members for planning this year’s event: Chair Kayann Bock - Sylvan Learning Center, Cherrie Bergandi - Chippewa Valley Technical College, Karen Hauck - Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Bill Hoepner - UW-Eau Claire, Patti Iverson - Eau Claire Area School District, Lynette Livingston - Chippewa Valley Technical College, Joyce Orth - School District of Altoona, Dale Poynter - SDS Architects, Inc., Carrie Ronnander - Chippewa Valley Museum, Vicki Seltun - City of Eau Claire, Sue Tietz - McDonough Manufacturing Company and Jamie Trullinger - Security Financial Bank