Chamber Newsletter - August 2024 | |
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Chamber Chat with Amanda
We are thrilled to announce the 3rd annual Trail of Terror, set for Saturday, October 26th, from 5 PM to 8 PM, beginning at the Chamber office. Participants will journey through the eerie Trail of Terror (Foundation Trail) and enjoy a frightfully fun experience! After the walk, a wagon or van will transport them from 8th Street back to the Chamber office, where a family-friendly Halloween movie will be shown on a big screen in the park. Food will be available for purchase, along with free activities for kids and more. Our goal is to involve as many Chamber Member businesses as possible. Here’s how you can participate:
Host a Scare Station: Your business can host a scare station, requiring volunteers from 4 PM to 9 PM to give participants a good scare on the Trail of Terror. If interested, please contact us to discuss ideas and details.
Event Sponsorship: Financial sponsorships will help cover the costs of decorations, grab bags, and other expenses.
Volunteer: We need volunteers for the ticket booth, start and finish of the trail, shuttle drivers, and at the grab bag table.
All sponsors and volunteers will receive recognition on our website and on the event poster. Additionally, we have openings for a few food vendors, with a fee of $50. If you’re interested in selling food, please contact us to confirm the menu and details.
We are excited to host the Trail of Terror again this year and look forward to your participation!
Click here to download the sponsorship form!
Please return the sponsorship form to our office by Friday, September 27th. For questions, ideas, or to offer assistance, please contact the Chamber at 715-284-4658 or email chamber@blackrivercountry.net. Thank you for your support!
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Submit a nomination for Rising Stars Under 40 | |
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7 Rivers Alliance is excited to partner with River Valley Media Group for our Rising Stars Under 40 event. We invite nominations from across the region to recognize outstanding young men and women making a difference in their communities.
Winners will be featured in special coverage by River Valley Media Group in print and online videos. They will also receive their awards at a reception on October 15th at the La Crescent Area Event Center.
Do you know a colleague, friend, neighbor, or co-worker who is a rising star? Submit your nominations by August 26th.
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City of Black River Falls Comprehensive Plan Survey | |
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The City of Black River Falls is updating the City's Comprehensive Plan and your opinions, ideas, and input are important and key to a successful vision for our community.
Please take a few minutes and provide your thoughts and feedback.
They want the end result to be the vision that guides the staff, elected officials, volunteers, and community for years to come!
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Family Friendly Workplace Certification Program | |
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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.
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Free Narcan Training for Businesses & Organizations | |
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Jackson County Public Health is now offering free NARCAN® Nasal Spray trainings for local businesses and organizations, with NARCAN® available at no cost for those who attend the trainings. NARCAN® training empowers communities to take a proactive role in addressing the opioid crisis.
Whether you use opioids, love someone who does, or just care about the people in your community, it’s important to be prepared if you encounter someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose. Carrying NARCAN® can save lives. This lifesaving medication blocks the harmful effects of opioids on the brain. It is specific to opioids. If opioids are not involved with the medical emergency, using NARCAN® does not cause any harm.
If you are interested in setting up a free 30-minute training for your business or organization, please contact Mollie with Jackson County Public Health at 715-284-4301 ext 353, or Mollie.Olson@jacksoncountywi.gov. Individuals wishing to receive the training are also able to set-up a one-on-one training at Jackson County DHHS.
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Photo Contest
Capture the beauty of the Black River Area and enter our Photo Contest! Whether it's stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, or thrilling outdoor adventures, we want to see it all! Your photo could even grace the cover of our 2025 Visitor’s Guide!
Get ready to snap away and showcase your talents! Here's what's up for grabs:
1st Prize - $100 in Chamber Bucks
2nd Prize - $50 in Chamber Bucks
3rd Prize - $25 in Chamber Bucks
Just ensure your photos are taken within the breathtaking landscapes of Jackson County, Wisconsin, and submit high-resolution images (at least 2MB) to chamber@blackrivercountry.net by August 31st.
Winners will be contacted directly at the end of September.
Rules and information can be found on our website:
https://www.blackrivercountry.net/photo-contest/
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Menu Guides Available
2024 Black River Area Menu Guides are now available! If you'd like copies for your business or lodging facility, swing by our office to pick them up or simply give us a call, and we'll be happy to drop them off for you.
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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.
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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!
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Events and Press Releases to Share
Please send us information on any upcoming events your business or organization is hosting. We will get them posted to the calendar on our website and in the printed calendar we distribute at our office. We also share many different events on our Facebook page!
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Brochures, Rack Cards and Business Cards
Make sure to drop off a supply of your brochures, rack cards and business cards at the Chamber office. Help us help your business by passing along information to both our out-of-town visitors and to local residents who come to the Chamber. If you can't make it to the office, give us a call at 715-284-4658 and we will gladly pick them up at your business!
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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.
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On Monday, August 12, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official launch of Family Promise in Jackson County at the Jackson County DHHS in Black River Falls. Jaida Decorah, Community Health Worker, had the honor of cutting the ribbon at her new office location.
Family Promise provides essential services to families with children under 18 who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. These services include homeless prevention, diversion, and stabilization case management for families in Jackson County. Their mission is to support homeless and low-income families in achieving sustainable independence through a community-based response. For further information, please contact 608-487-2745 ext 894.
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Photo by Joel Busse
On Tuesday, August 13th, SCS Black River Falls celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by numerous SCS staff members, project partners, and local community members, marking the debut of the area's newest apartment homes.
SCS Black River Falls offers a convenient and comfortable living experience, featuring a variety of amenities designed to elevate your lifestyle. Whether you're seeking a cozy one-bedroom or a spacious two- or three-bedroom apartment, SCS Black River Falls has the perfect home for you. To schedule a tour, please call 715-814-5856 today!
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August Business After 5
Many thanks to Interfaith Volunteers for hosting the August Business After 5 event on August 14th. Attendees enjoyed a delightful evening featuring a walking taco bar catered by Black River Memorial Hospital and freshly made churros from Tacos el Tapatio. The event also included building tours and door prize giveaways. It was a fantastic night for all who attended!
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Interfaith staff and board members (l-r) front row: Finance Coordinator Laura Hanson, Volunteer Coordinator Carol Jarrett, Board Member Maggie Rewald, Board Member Diane Aldach. Back row: Program Coordinator Bethany Sartor and Board Member Nicole Schweitzer. Staff not pictured include Time For You Coordinator Shawn Callisto and Time For You Support Staff Bev Zink | |
Join us for the next Business After 5 on Wednesday, September 11th at Love On Your Home | |
2024 Business After 5 Schedule | |
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October 2: Co-op Credit Union
November 13: Coldwell Banker River Valley, REALTORS,
River Valley Title Group & Generations Wealth Strategies
December 4: Chamber Holiday Party
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Local hospital earns national recognition as an employer of choice
Black River Memorial Hospital Recognized with 2024 Top Workplaces Healthcare Award
Black River Memorial Hospital received a 2024 Top Workplaces
Healthcare award winner. The Top Workplaces program by Energage has a 17-year history of celebrating people-first organizations nationally and across 60 regional markets.
The award recognizes Black River Memorial Hospital as a company with a people-first workplace culture and an employer of choice for those seeking employment in the industry. This distinction is given based on
feedback from a research-backed employee engagement survey. Details about how Black River Memorial Hospital builds a great workplace culture are available on Top Workplaces.
“While receiving the 2024 Top Workplaces for Healthcare award is an incredible honor, it’s not the reason why we come to work every day.” said Carl Selvick, CEO. “This award is a representation of the hard work of our employees and the culture of growth, excitement, and innovation we’ve created. We would like to thank our staff for their feedback and outstanding efforts this recognition represents.”
Black River Memorial Hospital is proud to showcase the drive and efforts its employees make to advance a healthier community by providing excellent care, close to home.
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Black River Memorial Hospital Keeps Cancer Care Local
Comprehensive Oncology services available for Jackson County & surrounding communities
Black River Memorial Hospital (BRMH) announces a collaborative initiative between BRMH and Krohn Clinic providers to keep Oncology services close to home. By partnering with Krohn Clinic providers, patients can receive top-tier medical expertise and cutting-edge technology for exceptional cancer treatment and support.
BRMH Oncology services, provided by Kurt Oettel, MD, Medical Oncologist from Gundersen Health System will be available at Krohn Clinic. Comprehensive services offered by BRMH and Krohn Clinic provide a full spectrum of cancer care, including early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. Our multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, nurses, and support staff are committed to delivering personalized and compassionate care to every patient.
Who is the doctor?
Dr. Oettel continues to be an integral part of cancer care in Jackson County and surrounding communities. Dr. Oettel brings extensive experience in Oncology and over a decade working within the community itself. His commitment to advancing cancer treatment and expertise in his field ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care.
What services will be available to patients?
With the combined efforts of Black River Memorial Hospital, Krohn Clinic providers, and Dr. Oettel, local patients will have access to everything they need to fight cancer effectively. Patients will have access to advanced diagnostic tools, innovative treatment methods, and comprehensive care plans tailored to their individual needs, including:
· PET CT Scan
· CT & MRI
· Infusion Center (Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy)
· Surgical Services
This Oncology service line is designed to support patients and their families throughout their cancer care journey.
A message from BRMH’s CEO
“This collaboration was designed with the understanding that a cancer diagnosis affects every aspect of a patient's life,” says Carl Selvick, CEO of BRMH. “By partnering with Krohn Clinic providers and Dr. Oettel, we aim to make advanced cancer care more accessible to our communities, ensuring that patients can spend more time on the connections that matter most.”
Oncology FAQs
There are multiple resources for patients to get more information about the Oncology services at Black River Memorial Hospital, including:
· Oncology FAQ sheet
· Calling 715-284-3355
· Visiting www.brmh.net/oncology
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Serene Clean is Looking for Local Businesses to Highlight | |
Alzheimer's Association 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's | |
2024 Concerts in the Park | |
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation - Entrepreneurship Partner Grant Program | |
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is happy to announce the first round of applications for the Entrepreneurship Partner Grant. This program is aimed at fostering entrepreneurship support programs and developing startup and emerging growth companies in Wisconsin. This initiative enhances the statewide startup ecosystem by providing high-quality financial and technical assistance to early-stage companies. Individual grant amounts will vary with a maximum of $200,000.
Find all important details about Entrepreneurship Partner Grants on the website.
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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.
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Dementia Friendly Community Initiatives of Jackson County | |
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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
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U.S. Small Business Administration | |
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
The SCORE chapter that services the western and north central region of WI has a number of different mentors that have expertise in certain areas of business (marketing, social media, bookkeeping, etc). Additionally, SCORE mentors can help a business owner update or create a business plan. Learn more at https://centralwisconsin.score.org/.
Area Contact -
Lisa Taylor
Outreach and Marketing Specialist
Wisconsin District Office
U.S. Small Business Administration
Cell: (202) 407-3299
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2024 Chamber Board of Directors | |
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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, Love On Your Home Real Estate & Boutique
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Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
120 N Water St
Black River Falls, WI 54615
715-284-4658
www.blackrivercountry.net
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