Chamber Newsletter - January 2024 | |
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Chamber Chat with Amanda
We are thrilled to extend a cordial invitation to the 2024 Annual Chamber Dinner, set to take place on Monday, March 4th, 2024, at Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls in the Bingo Hall. Join us for an evening of celebration as we highlight achievements from 2023 and offer a preview of what’s to come in 2024.
The event will kick off with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m., and the program at 7:30 p.m. The price is $35 per person. The price for a corporate table of eight is discounted at $250.
Continuing our tradition, we will announce the recipients of the annual awards, recognizing excellence in various categories. These include Business of the Year (less than 20 employees), Business of the Year (more than 20 employees), Emerging Business of the Year (operating in our area for 5 years or less), and Service Organization of the Year. We welcome nominations in all categories and encourage you to submit online through our website. The deadline for submissions is February 16th, and we eagerly anticipate honoring the winners with pre-event announcements, media recognition, and special acknowledgments throughout the year. Self-nominations are not only accepted but highly encouraged!
As part of our evening's festivities, we are excited to host a Silent Auction, a 50/50 raffle, and the entertaining 'Heads or Tails' game, offering a chance to win a fabulous prize basket. Your support is crucial, and we kindly request donations for the Silent Auction, Heads or Tails Basket, as well as opportunities to sponsor dinner and royalty. This presents an excellent chance to showcase your business while aiding in covering the costs of this event.
Dinner reservations will be accepted until the day of the event. For your convenience, all necessary forms are available for download on our website. Please reach out if you have any questions!
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Black River Falls Outdoor Recreation Plan Survey | |
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The City of Black River Falls is developing an Outdoor Recreation Plan and your opinions, ideas, and input are important to us and key to a successful vision for our community.
Please take a few moments and provide us with 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.
Click on the poster below to take the survey!
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Family Friendly Workplace Certification Program | |
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New 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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2024 Black River Country Visitor Guide
The 2024 Black River Country Visitor Guide is in the process of being printed. We will let members know when we receive a supply of the new guide at our office. Below is a sneak peek at the cover!
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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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Member Job Postings
If your business or organization is hiring, send us information and we will get it added to the member job postings section on our website.
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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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There are three openings for Business After 5 in 2024! If you'd like to book one of the open dates, give us a call or send us an email.
March: No Business After 5
April 10: Black River Country Bank
May 8: OPEN
June 12: OPEN
July: No Business After 5
August 14: Interfaith Volunteers
September 11: Jane Tande - Keller Williams Realty
October 2: Co-op Credit Union
November 13: OPEN
December 4: Chamber Holiday Party
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Fern Helbling Scholarships | |
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Black River Area Chamber of Commerce seeks Scholarship Applicants
The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce (BRACC) is proud to announce the Fern Helbling Scholarships, a meaningful opportunity for deserving individuals to pursue their academic goals. These scholarships, established in memory of Fern Helbling, a local registered nurse with a passion for community betterment, aim to support and uplift local scholars.
The Fern Helbling Business Scholarship is available to both male and female students enrolled in a four-year college. Eligible applicants should be at least college sophomores in good standing, currently undertaking a business curriculum with a minimum of six credits. This scholarship presents a unique chance to receive financial assistance for your academic journey in the field of business.
For women aged 25 and older pursuing higher education, the Fern Helbling Women’s Scholarship offers a special opportunity. Whether enrolled in a two or four-year college and taking a minimum of six credits, this scholarship is designed to empower women seeking to further their education.
Both scholarships require a current degree audit or class schedule, along with an unofficial transcript reflecting GPA. Applicants must be residents of Jackson County, demonstrating good moral standards and an unquestionable reputation. Additionally, candidates are asked to provide three character references and submit an essay outlining their goals and plans for the future.
Excitingly, applicants have the chance to apply for and receive multiple scholarships during their undergraduate years. In 2024, the maximum scholarship amounts in each category will be $2,000.
Ready to apply? Click on the link below! You can apply online or download and print the application form. Applications are also available at the BRACC office located at 120 North Water Street, Black River Falls, or can be emailed to you upon request. Don't miss the opportunity to submit your application; the deadline is February 29, 2024. Take the first step towards realizing your educational aspirations with the Fern Helbling Scholarships.
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Scholarship Opportunities | |
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Black River Falls High School Alumni Association
The Black River Falls High School (BRFHS) Alumni Association is accepting applications for its annual $1,500 scholarships. Two scholarships will be awarded in May during the annual BRFHS Alumni Association Banquet, if the annual banquet is held. Scholarships will be awarded regardless of the banquet taking place. Updates about the banquet will be announced in February.
The scholarship is open to any BRFHS graduate who has completed the first year of post-secondary education at a college, university or technical college. The deadline for submitting applications is February 28.
Applications are available online at: https://www.brf.org/o/brfhs/page/scholarships
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Black River Memorial Hospital
Volunteers of BRMH Scholarship Applications – NOW AVAILABLE!
Application packets for Volunteers of Black River Memorial Hospital’s (BRMH) health career and Volunteen scholarships are now available on the hospital website and at area high schools, universities, and technical colleges. The deadline for submitting applications is April 15th.
The Volunteers of BRMH are accepting applications for four health career scholarships available: a $2,000 Health Career Scholarship to a third-year or above college student who has been accepted in a health-related program at a non-technical college or university; a $1,000 Technical College Scholarship to a student who has been accepted in a technical college and is pursuing a health career; the Mary Larkin Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 to a student who has been accepted in a healthcare program in a technical college or a university and is pursuing a patient care health career; and the $1,000 Volunteen scholarship is to be awarded to a qualified graduating high school
student who has been accepted into a two- or four- year college, university or technical school, and has served as a Black River Memorial Hospital Volunteen.
Applicants must be a resident of Jackson County, a graduate of a Jackson County High School or currently employed at a healthcare facility/agency in Jackson County for a minimum of one year, or has served as a BRMH Volunteen (for the Volunteen scholarship).
Selection of the scholarship recipients will be completed after the April 15th deadline, by a committee composed of volunteers from BRMH, a guidance counselor from a Jackson County High School and a health professional from the community. Scholarships will be awarded on or before August 15th or before the start of the program.
Application forms are available on the Black River Memorial Hospital website at https://www.brmh.net/scholarship-opportunities or by contacting Sarah Osegard at Black River Memorial Hospital by email osegards@brmh.net or by phone 715-284-3606.
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Hansen's IGA
Exciting news! The 2024 Hansen’s IGA Scholarship is now open, and we are offering scholarships to high school seniors and students continuing their education.
If you know a high school senior or college student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service, share the link below to apply for a scholarship. Applications are open now through April 15, 2024.
Apply today: https://ow.ly/aKsR50Qshq4
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Security Financial Bank
Security Financial Bank (SFB) is currently accepting applications for scholarships it awards to graduating high school students continuing their education.
Each year, SFB awards up to two $500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in each of its markets, including Alma Center/Black River Falls, Bloomer, Durand, Eau Claire, Ladysmith, and River Falls. Recipients are chosen based on involvement in school, youth organizations and community events with particular preference given to students pursuing a career in finance, accounting, or business administration. The applicant or parent/guardian of applicant must be an account holder of SFB.
For more information and complete guidelines, students are encouraged to download an application at scholarship_application.pdf (sfbank.com) Application deadline is March 1. Applications can be delivered to a branch location or emailed to bseelen@sfbank.com.
Contact Becky Seelen, SFB marketing & corporate communications director, at 715-930-7030 with any questions.
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Waumandee State Bank
Scholarship applications are now open for the class of 2024! Waumandee State Bank's annual scholarships are offered each year to high school seniors at nine area schools. Students have until April 12, 2024 at 5 p.m. to submit applications. If there's a high school senior you know looking for scholarships, be sure to share this information with them. For full details please visit:
www.waumandeebank.com/Scholarship-Application
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News Publishing Company Changing Hands
Story courtesy of Banner Journal
You probably know your local newspaper by the name on the front of it - Banner Journal. Behind that name is News Publishing Company, Inc., which has existed since Jan. 3, 1978 when Curtis Witte bought a group of publications in western Dane County and Green County from Bill and Dolores Griffith.
The company has been a family-owned corporation from its inception and has been managed by publishers Dan and Mark Witte over the past 45 years. During that time, News Publishing has purchased and sold a number of publications and is now comprised of 14 weekly community newspapers and multiple shoppers that still serve the original communities in addition to the counties of Jackson, Trempealeau, Clark, Sauk, Marquette, Outagamie, Calumet, Brown and Allamakee, IA.
The Witte family decided earlier this year that it was time to fully retire and sell the newspaper company, but they wanted to make sure it stayed intact and continued their vision of community journalism, which is to provide unbiased local coverage in each of our communities. We are excited to announce that our papers will continue to provide the best coverage of local news and events and an advertising medium that works for our local customers. The Wittes decided the best way to continue that vision was to sell the company to Tom Finger, who has been their chief financial officer (CFO) for the past 25 years.
“The Witte family wishes to thank all the employees over the decades as well as a special thank you to all our subscribers and advertisers,” said News Publishing CEO Mark Witte.
The new corporation behind the papers will be Finger Publishing, Inc. The readers and recipients of our papers and shoppers will not be impacted by the sale. All employees will be retained and continue in their current roles. Finger Publishing, Inc. will continue to run the publishing, printing, and delivery operation out of the Black Earth location.
“We are thankful to the entire Witte family for their support and unwavering commitment to the role of community journalism over the years,” said managing editor Matt Geiger. “And, we are both excited and comforted to know the publications we care so deeply about will be in the hands of a new owner who has vast experience overseeing the newspapers that chronicle the communities we call home. We know we will flourish under Tom’s leadership.”
“We are dedicated to continuing the vision of community journalism the Witte family strived to achieve,” said Tom Finger. “Community papers are vitally important to the communities they serve. As times change, we will adapt to those changes, but these papers will continue to serve our communities for the foreseeable future.”
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Local teacher and Co-op Credit Union honored with regional awards
Story courtesy of Banner Journal
Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan’s Middle/High School business teacher Bridgett Raine and Co-op Credit Union (CCU) were recently honored for their dedication to Junior Achievement (JA), a program that fosters financial literacy, work-readiness and entrepreneurship in youth.
CCU nominated Raine for the JA Educator Hero Award be-cause of her passion for financial literacy and finding opportunities for hands-on learning experiences for her students. She works diligently to develop a unique schedule that works for her classroom and the volunteers, ensuring JA continues in her classroom.
“Our CCU volunteers love being in Mrs. Raine’s classroom. It is clear she commands the classroom and elicits respect from her students,” said Rachel Risberg, CCU member experience specialist and JA of Northwest Wisconsin board member. “Her support of JA shines through, and we see that transfer to her students.”
CCU received the Volunteer Hero Award because of their ability to present the curriculum well to students, while being dependable and flexible with scheduling. The volunteers at CCU work as a team to bring energy and their own life experiences into the classroom to help the students understand the curriculum.
“I enjoy volunteering for JA because I believe it is so important to teach our youth about the real world prior to them graduating,” said Abby Nelson, CCU’s ACH specialist. “We are setting them up for success and shaping our future leaders.”
CCU employees volunteer to teach the JA program to the middle school students every quarter for four weeks through six sessions. The curriculum gets students thinking about their potential career paths and prepares them to find and maintain jobs, while also teaching about economics, budgeting, the value of a credit score and types of insurance.
Raine and CCU were honored at the JA Hero’s Gala held in Eau Claire Nov. 15.
JA is the world’s largest organization that inspires and pre-pares young people to succeed in a global economy. The organization provides in- and after-school programs that focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness. For more information on JA, visit www.jausa.ja.org.
|  | Pictured (l-r): business teacher Bridgett Raine with CCU representatives Rachel Risberg, Jared Smith, Abby Nelson, Dustin Zillmer, Amanda Passow, Mikayla Hurd, Stacy Brown, Jason Breining and Ali Gaier. | |
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Hixton/Alma Center campground receives award
Story by Andrea Kyser/Banner Journal
Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA), the world’s largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds, announced that the Hixton/Alma Center KOA Holiday campground has earned the KOA President’s Award. This prestigious award was presented at KOA’s annual international convention in Las Vegas, NV.
The KOA President’s Award is presented to those campgrounds meeting exceptional quality standards and who receive high customer service scores from their camping guests. KOA surveys hundreds of thousands of campers each year regarding their KOA camping experience.
John and Debbie Bierbach received news the Hixton/Alma Center KOA had been recognized for receiving the highest review score of more than 500 KOA campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, they received the KOA President’s Award, as well as their highest service recognition, the KOA Founder’s Award.
“We are honored to be recognized by KOA and our amazing camping community,” shared John.
Located between Eau Claire and Madison, three and a-half miles off
I-94 on SHW 95 between Alma Center and Hixton, the campground is conveniently located and allows easy access to activities in the surrounding area. The KOA offers camping cabins, both one and two room and one camping lodge with a bathroom. When you stay at the Hixton/Alma Center KOA campground, a person can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning as they take a peaceful stroll through the campground’s meadows and woodlands. Songbirds provide a cheerful serenade as a person keeps their eyes open for deer, opossums and raccoons. Accented with multiple flower variations, the campground includes an ancient Native American site called Silver Mound. The well-stocked fishing pond, heated swimming pool, giant jumping pillow and bike rentals are hits with kids of all ages. Wagon rides and ice cream socials are summer Saturday treats, plus a pancake breakfast on Sunday mornings (Memorial Day through Labor Day). The pavilion is the perfect location to hold anniversary parties, family reunions, rallies or meetings.
The Hixton/Alma Center KOA campground puts a person close to many outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking at Lake Arbutus and the Black River. The Trempeleau River offers great trout fishing and is just a mile away. Wazee Lake is the former site of an iron mine and is the deepest lake in Wisconsin, so it is ideal for scuba diving. Hiking, biking and ATV trails, Ho-Chunk Nation powwows, museums, antique stores and flea markets are also popular activities in the area.
“Our campground owners and thousands of dedicated employees are essential to providing the superior level of outdoor hospitality KOA guests expect, and it’s an honor to recognize this hard work,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Our President’s Awards are driven by camper feedback and an extensive annual review process. These award-winning KOA owners have made the right investments in their campgrounds and their staff to provide the best outdoor experience.”
To find out more about this KOA campground or the more than 500 KOAs across the U.S. or Canada, visit www.KOA.com.
|  | Pictured (center) are Debbie and John Bierbach at the Kampgrounds of America annual international convention in Las Vegas, NV. | The Hixton/Alma Center KOA's team! | |
With rising energy costs this winter, 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. | |
Wisconsin ATV Association Survey | |
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The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association (WATVA) is running a very important economic impact survey. They are seeking help on understanding the current economic impact of the sport to Wisconsin. The information gathered from this survey will be analyzed by a professional economist. The final report will be published for free and shared with industry partners.
This information helps support the need for the ATV / UTV industry in Wisconsin. Please, if you have some spare time, take the survey! It's anonymous and you won't end up on any mailing list. Already took the survey on paper? No need to retake it on the web, it's the same survey! Only one per household please.
For questions or more information, please contact WATVA at 920-694-0583 or info@watva.org.
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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 contact Emily Reitz, the Jackson County Dementia Specialist, to set up your training. She can be reached by phone at 715-284-3978. You can also email ADRCJC@co.jackson.wi.us.
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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7 Rivers Alliance Updates | |
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 Business After 5 Schedule | |
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February 7 (a week early because of Valentine's Day): Brianne Massman Health & Wellness Coaching and Consulting and #WillPProject - event will be held at the Chamber office
March: No Business After 5
April 10: Black River Country Bank
May 8: OPEN
June 12: OPEN
July: No Business After 5
August 14: OPEN
September 11: Jane Tande - Keller Williams Realty
October 9: Co-op Credit Union
November 13: OPEN
December 4: Chamber Holiday Party
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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, Keller Williams Realty
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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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