Chamber Newsletter - April 2024

Chamber Chat with Amanda

Exciting News! The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce office is now officially a Dementia Friendly Business! Huge thanks to Darby Rush, Dementia Care Specialist & Outreach Coordinator and Amber Ducklow, APS Social Worker from Jackson County DHHS for providing the invaluable training.

As the number of individuals living with dementia grows, it's crucial for communities to step up. That's why we're joining the statewide initiative by DHS to make Wisconsin Dementia Friendly.

What does being Dementia Friendly mean? It's about building infrastructure to support those with dementia and their caregivers. People with dementia want to stay engaged in their communities, and with proper support, they can!

We're proud to be part of this movement in Jackson County. Businesses can get involved too! Training is quick, free, and tailored to your needs. Let's make Jackson County a place where everyone can live a fulfilling life. Email ADRCJC@jacksoncountywi.gov to schedule your training session. Together, we can make a difference! 

Pictured (l-r): Nicole Bue, Amanda Gunn, Kathy Kopp, Darby Rush and Amber Ducklow

Village of Merrillan Outdoor Recreation Plan Survey

The Village of Merrillan is developing an Outdoor Recreation Plan. Please take a few moments and provide your thoughts and feedback. We want the end result to be the vision that guides our staff, elected officials, volunteers, and community for years to come.

Family Friendly Workplace Certification Program

Employer Certification Program Available to Jackson County Employers

Affiliation Between Jackson County Child Care Network and Family Friendly Workplaces Aims to Strengthen Children, Families, and Employers

A program designed to strengthen children and families while helping employers find and keep employees is coming to Jackson County. The Jackson County Child Care Network (JCCCN) and Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW) announced their new affiliation to the first-annual JCCCN gala in Black River Falls. The affiliation will bring the Family Friendly Workplaces Employer Certification Program to Jackson County.

“Employers in Jackson County face a difficult labor market,” said Neil Kline, Executive Director of FFW. “Our program is designed to be a stamp of excellence which can help employers recruit and retain staff today, while also enlisting their help in addressing the county’s long-term workforce shortage.”

Jackson County has been experiencing a shrinking workforce since 2015, a dynamic that is projected to continue through at least 2040. “This program is an excellent opportunity for employers to differentiate themselves from other employers in the region while building a stronger childcare infrastructure in Jackson County,” said Marianne Torkelson, Chair of JCCCN.

The program will also directly benefit child care in Jackson County. FFW-certified employers are required to make an annual contribution to a nonprofit that supports families. Under the affiliation, employers in Jackson County will have their conduit contribution automatically directed to the JCCCN. This funding will then be used by JCCCN to support child care providers in Jackson County.

“Child care is critical to a strong workforce not only now but in the future. Our program gives employers an avenue to directly support child care providers, and by extension help themselves,” said Kline.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Wisconsin Businesses Affected by Lack of Snow Can Apply for Working Capital Loans from the SBA

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) advises Wisconsin businesses engaged in hospitality, winter tourism, their suppliers, and those that provide support services to the hospitality and tourism industry to also consider the impact of lack of snow, low snow or low precipitation on their revenues and operations this past winter when applying for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) for drought.

These working capital loans are available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of these declarations. Examples of eligible businesses include, but are not limited to hotels, restaurants, ski and snowmobile rentals, sleigh rides, snowboard manufacturers, and snow removal services.

The loans are available in Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Burnett, Calumet, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Fond Du Lac, Forest, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, La Crosse, Lafayette, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Menominee, Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Racine, Richland, Rock, Rusk, Saint Croix, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago and Wood counties in Wisconsin.

Apart from aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by the drought conditions.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million. Interest rates are 4% for small businesses and 2.375% for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Eligibility is based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than July 31, 2024.

Chamber News

Tourism Booth Advertising Opportunity

Elevate your visibility with our exclusive ad space opportunity! Showcase your business or organization on one of the panels nestled within our high-traffic tourism/information booth located on Oasis Road near SureStay Plus by Best Western. With three different ad sizes available, you can customize your message for maximum impact.

Our booth is a hotspot for visitors, stocked with essential guides, maps, and local information, attracting thousands of tourists each year. Located along a popular route for ATV/UTV riders and interstate travelers, your ad will be seen by a diverse audience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your visibility and grow your business!

Sizes & prices:

Small: 5” x 8.25” = $100

Single: 8.25” x 10.5” = $200

Double: 16.5” x 10.5” = $400

If you would like to purchase an ad, please contact our office by May 3rd!

Fern Helbling Scholarships Awarded

Each year the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce (BRACC) awards the Fern Helbling Scholarships. Fern Helbling was a local registered nurse who passed away December 21, 1999. It was her wish that the interest earned from part of her inheritance be used to benefit local scholars. 

This year, one $2,000 scholarship was awarded in the Women’s Scholarship category and two $2000 scholarships were awarded in the Business Scholarship category.

The Fern Helbling Women’s Scholarship is awarded to women 25 years of age or older, and enrolled in a two or four-year college and currently taking at least six credits.

The recipient selected for the 2024 Women’s Scholarship was Amber Jowett of Hixton. Amber is enrolled at Western Technical College pursuing a degree in Health Care Administration.

The Fern Helbling Business Scholarship is awarded to male or female student applicants enrolled in a four-year college of his or her choice. The student applicant must be at least a college sophomore in good standing, currently taking at least 6 credits, and enrolled in a business curriculum of his or her choice. 

The first recipient selected for the 2024 Business Scholarship was Lucas Cowles of Black River Falls. Lucas is enrolled at North Central University College of Business and Technology and is pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor in Accounting. The second recipient selected for the 2024 Business Scholarship was Summer Rufsholm of Black River Falls. Summer is enrolled at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse pursuing a degree in Business Management with a minor in Communication Studies.

Requirements for both scholarships state the student applicant must be a Jackson County resident. Student applicants may apply and receive up to three scholarships.

Congratulations to the recipients!

2024 Black River Country Visitor Guide

The 2024 Black River Country Visitor Guides are done and ready for distribution! Stop in at the Chamber office to pick them up or give us a call and we will deliver them to you.

Free Ad in the Weekly E-Newsletter for all Chamber Members

We are once again offering a free ad in the weekly e-newsletter to all Chamber Members in 2024. We would like to help promote your business as much as we can in 2024 with a free ad. We will insert the ad into the weekly e-newsletter and we will schedule a Facebook post on our page with your ad too. Just send your ad to: chamber@blackrivercountry.net and let us know when you'd like us to run it in the weekly e-newsletter. Ad sizes are 8.5x11. Please let us know if you have any questions!

Proud Member Logo

Being a part of the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce means being part of a thriving, innovative and collaborative business community. Your membership brings credibility to your business and increases positive perceptions among consumers and fellow business professionals. We welcome you to increase your visibility in the community with the Proud Member Logo!

You can save a copy of the digital 2024 Proud Member logo by clicking on the image below. You can place it on your website with a link to the Black River Area Chamber website www.blackrivercountry.net. You can also print a copy to display at your place of business. 

Ribbon Cutting

Church Hill Pet Company

Photo courtesy of Andrea Kyser/Banner Journal

A ribbon cutting was held March 29 at Church Hill Pet Company, located at 332 Main St, Black River Falls.

Those present included Chamber board member Jordan Nortman, River, Saylor, Katelyn & Lucas Johnson, Davis Kolve, Chamber director Amanda Gunn, Evelyn & Kristina Smith, Chamber Ambassador Chris Plaisance, Vincent Johnson, Chamber board member Jane Tande, Josie Kolve, owner Heather Johnson and Chamber Office Manager Kathy Kopp.

Church Hill Pet Company is committed to offering a wide range of high-quality, USA-made products and services aimed at enhancing the lives of pets and their owners. Their product line includes treats, food toppers, chews, and oils specially crafted for cats and dogs, ensuring both nutrition and taste are of the highest standard. They also provide unique home decor items celebrating the bond between pets and owners, along with solutions to eliminate pet odors in homes and vehicles. For pet essentials, they offer stylish and functional collars, leashes, and carriers. They also provide a full self-serve pet wash service featuring professional-grade equipment and premium shampoos, providing a convenient and enjoyable experience for maintaining pets' hygiene.

Business After 5

We extend our sincere appreciation to Black River Country Bank for graciously hosting the April Business After 5 gathering on Wednesday, April 10th. The turnout was fantastic! Attendees enjoyed food catered by Revolution and a selection of beverages from Sand Creek Brewery, Ripp Distributing, and local wineries. It was a delightful evening of networking and socializing!

Join us for the next Business After 5 on Wednesday, May 8th at

Johnson's Pine Creek Farms in Hixton!

2024 Business After 5 Schedule

June 12: Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls

July 10: Legacy Trees and Slaby & Associates

August 14: Interfaith Volunteers

September 11: Love On Your Home/Keller Williams Realty

October 2: Co-op Credit Union

November 13: OPEN

December 4: Chamber Holiday Party

We have one opening to host a Business After 5 in 2024! The date is Wednesday, November 13. If you'd like to book it, give us a call or send us an email.

Member News

Corner Store, It Is Awarded $25,000 Community First® Accelerate Grant through Black River Country Bank’s Partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

The Community First^® Accelerate Grants for Small Business (“Accelerate Grants”) provides grants to support the growth and development of small businesses and help in creating economic opportunity in communities served by Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago). “Small businesses in our members’ communities provide valuable products and services that contribute to local economies,” said Katie Naftzger, Community Investment Officer, FHLBank Chicago. “Accelerate Grants provide an opportunity for our members to strengthen their partnerships with local small businesses, thereby supporting economic growth and job opportunities and strengthening the fabric of the rural, urban, and small town communities served by our members.”

Black River Country Bank (BRCB) has been an FHLBank Chicago Member since 1994. As a member institution, BRCB was able to nominate one eligible local small business via an application to receive a grant up to $25,000. The small business needed to complete and submit an application, along with required supporting documentation in partnership with BRCB. To qualify, the small business must be a for-profit entity, be headquartered in either Illinois or Wisconsin, have been established under its current ownership for at least 12 months prior to application submission, have annual gross revenue of $1 million or less, and have had a business relationship with the FHLBank member institution for the prior 12 months or more prior to the application submission date.

Black River Country Bank nominated Corner Store, It Is. CSII is a neighborhood convenience store located at the corner of Main Street and North Tenth Street in Black River Falls, where they provide a longstanding tradition of personal service. They specialize in ‘serving the community’ by offering the best prices, fun customer service, and a laid back atmosphere. They pride themselves in helping out within the community through donations; making everyone feel welcome with a sense of camaraderie; and providing quality, local products … especially ‘the best deli meats around.’

Melissa Bue, Co-Owner of Corner Store, It Is, noted in their grant application that “the Accelerate Grant Funds would be used as down payment towards the purchasing of the building. This would grant us the opportunity to move forward with our ideas and minor changes to help promote business growth. Along with promoting growth, we would also continue to support our community with donations and sponsorships.” Bue went on to emphasize their business’ community commitment, “Being a very small store within a small community, we have to work hard and be community minded even harder …. we support 20 small businesses by carrying and selling their product.  We want to continue being supportive and grow to carry more local and small business products and achieve greater things.”

Recently Corner Store, It Is learned it was among the fortunate 172 businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin that would receive a $25,000 Accelerate Grant to support their business. The FHLBank Chicago awarded $4.3 million in total grants to deserving businesses to provide economic and community development throughout Illinois and Wisconsin – more than quadrupling their investment in Accelerate Grants year over year. Upon learning of their grant award, Bue remembers “I was SPEECHLESS, honestly!’” 

Justin Blaken, Vice President and Senior Loan Officer at Black River Country Bank nominated and assisted Corner Store, It Is with their Community First^® Accelerate Grant application process. Blaken stated “Melissa and Brandon have done an excellent job taking over this community staple in Black River Falls. Successful small businesses are so vital to small communities, and Melissa and Brandon are a great example of this. Not only do they offer great products, but their commitment to the community since taking over in January of 2022 has really been evident. We look forward to seeing their continued growth with the Corner Store, and we want to thank FHLBank Chicago for their support, not only in this grant award but past awards. Our partnership with FHLBank Chicago continues to provide value added direct impacts in our community. The $85K in FHLBank Chicago grant funds awarded in the past 3-years via Black River Country Bank have been and are being used at grass roots levels to better our diverse community of people, businesses, and organizations and for that we are so grateful to be a part of it. ”

Black River Country Bank is a Member FDIC financial institution and Equal Housing Lender. For more information see www.brcbank.com or call 715-284-9448/608-488-2411.

Pictured (l to r) Justin Blaken VP & Senior Loan Officer at Black River Country Bank, Melissa and Brandon Bue, Owners Corner Store It Is.

Serene Clean is Looking for Local Businesses to Highlight

Serene Clean is highlighting local businesses on social media and in their newsletter! Just visit the link below and submit your business to be highlighted!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SQQHQST

If you have questions, email office@serene-clean.com.

Black River Memorial Hospital Volunteen Program

Alzheimer's Association 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's

Save the date! The Walk to End Alzheimer's will be taking place on Sunday, September 22nd at the Lunda Community Park in Black River Falls!

WATVA Survey Results

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association(WATVA) 2023 economic impact report summary is available online! Data was gathered statewide in 2023 by WATVA volunteers.

Survey respondents were asked to provide detailed spending information by category, offering insights into their economic contributions.  While the survey excludes activity by minors, it includes spending made by adults on their behalf, providing a holistic view of economic impacts. Additionally, survey respondents comprise both in-state and out-of-state residents.

Focus On Energy

With rising energy costs, businesses can benefit from Focus On Energy's financial incentives and programs for energy efficiency/renewables by lowering their energy costs, supporting local contractors, and improving infrastructure all while promoting sustainability that customers value. 

Dementia Friendly Community Initiatives of Jackson County

Dear Community Member,

As the number of people living with dementia continues to rise, and is projected to grow exponentially over the next thirty years, the Department of Health Services (DHS) has developed a statewide initiative to make Wisconsin as Dementia Friendly as possible. A Dementia friendly community is one that builds infrastructure to support and take responsibility for enhancing the beneficial effect of services for those living with dementia and their caregivers. This can be accomplished through promoting the awareness that a dementia diagnosis does not mean the person affected can no longer continue with their daily activities. In fact, studies have shown that people with dementia want to continue to be a part of their community, enjoy their regular daily lives and maneuver around their community safely and conveniently.

Community members in Jackson County have joined forces to provide this education, support and outreach to area businesses to enhance the support of those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in our community. For the convenience and efficiency of your business, training takes approximately thirty minutes. The trainer will travel to the location of your choosing, provide all materials, conduct a verbal presentation and answer questions. The information provided will outline what Dementia is, how to recognize it, why being a dementia-friendly business fits into the larger picture of a dementia-friendly community and how to better serve a person who may be suffering a symptom associated with the disease. Our program can enhance your company’s policies and procedures.

We recommend that at least 50% of the staff are trained, which includes managers. Going forward, we request that new employees receive the training as part of their orientation process. After completion of initial training, you will receive the “Purple Angel” window cling (pictured above) and the Dementia Friendly Toolkit for use in the orientation process. The toolkit is provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and can be viewed at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dementia/communities.htm. We recommend applying the symbol to all entrances so that customers can identify the business as a safe and supportive environment.

Training is always FREE. There will be no cost to you or your business at any time. We also will not ask for money at any time. Please email ADRCJC@jacksoncountywi.gov to set up your training.

A dementia friendly community is a place where it is possible for the greatest number of people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to live a good, enriching life. Together we can make Jackson County that community!

We look forward to working with you in the future! 

The Jackson County Dementia Friendly Coalition

7 Rivers Alliance Updates

U.S. Small Business Administration

Security Financial Bank

2024 Chamber Board of Directors

President - Justin Dougherty, Dynamic Audio & Video LLC

Vice President - Nancy Stevens, Cell.Plus/US Cellular

Treasurer - Jordan Nortman, Coldwell Banker River Valley, Realtors®

Secretary - Brianne Massman, #WillPProject & Brianne Massman Health & Wellness Coaching and Consulting

Board Members

Amy Bloczynski, Waumandee State Bank

Keith Brown, Clearview Realty

Miranda Chandler, Co-op Credit Union

Ginger Heath, Regal Rexnord

Bill Laurent, Jackson County Board Representative

Melissa Lechner, Security Financial Bank

Laura Lindow, Reflections on Water

Dana Olson, Black River Country Bank

Melissa Porter, Ho-Chunk Nation Representative

Nichole Sullivan, School District of Black River Falls

Jane Tande, Keller Williams Realty

Chamber Staff

Amanda Gunn - Executive Director

Kathy Kopp - Office Manager

Nicole Bue - Office Assistant