Chamber Newsletter - July 2023 | |
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Chamber Chat with Amanda
The Jackson County Fair starts next week - August 1st to August 6th! The fair is a highly anticipated annual event that holds immense importance for exhibitors and participants alike. For exhibitors, the Fair offers a unique platform to showcase their hard work, talents, and achievements. Whether its livestock, agricultural produce, crafts, or other creative endeavors, participants get an opportunity to compete and be recognized for their efforts. The fair serves as a significant event for them to connect with the local community and even potential buyers, making it an essential part of their year-round activities.
Apart from the competitive aspect, the Jackson County Fair is also a great source of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Families and friends come together to enjoy a wide array of attractions and activities. From rides and carnival games to food vendors offering fair favorites, there's something for everyone.
One of the major highlights of the fair is the Grandstand Entertainment! The entertainment lineup includes various exciting events throughout the week. Wednesday at 7pm is the Jackson County Tractor Pull showcasing local competitors. Thursday at 7pm is the Wisconsin Pony Pullers and Wisconsin Midwest Horse Pullers. Friday at 7pm is the Western Wisconsin Truck Pullers at 7pm. Saturday at 6:30pm is the kid’s power wheels derby followed by the Demo Derby at 7pm. And Sunday at 11am is another kid’s power wheels derby followed by the Demo Derby with Combines at 11:30am. (Yes, you read that correctly, there are TWO derbies this year! :))
The Jackson County Fair is much more than just a community event; it is a cherished tradition that brings people together, celebrates talent and hard work, and provides an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Whether you're an exhibitor showcasing your best or a visitor seeking entertainment and a taste of classic fair fun, the Jackson County Fair promises a week of excitement and camaraderie that will be cherished for years to come.
For more information on the Jackson County Fair, visit:
https://www.jacksoncountyfairwi.com/
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Jackson County Tourism Posts Recording-Breaking Year in 2022
Tourism generated $63 million in total economic impact in 2022 in Jackson County helping Wisconsin break an economic impact record
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The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2022 economic impact data, showing the tourism industry generated a record-breaking $23.7 billion in total economic impact. The highest-ever overnight visitation helped fuel the growth, with Jackson County playing a pivotal role by contributing $63 million in total economic impact.
The 2022 total economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. Jackson County also surpassed the previous record of $59 million set in 2021. Additionally, last year, Jackson County tourism supported 477 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $4.3 million in local tax revenue. Statewide, tourism generated $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $620 to maintain the current level of government services.
“The importance of travel and tourism is clearer than ever - to both travelers and our local economy,” said Amanda Gunn, Executive Director of the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce. “The revenue generated from tourism supports many local businesses and enhances livelihoods within our area. Travel and tourism play a vital role in showcasing the unique heritage and natural beauty of Jackson County, preserving its charm and ensuring its prosperity for future generations.”
In 2022, there were 111.1 million visits in Wisconsin, which was up 8.8 million visits, or 8.7%, over the previous year. This includes a record 45.4 million overnight visits, or a 13.8% increase from 2021. Overnight visitors, on average, spent nearly three times as much as day trip visitors. To learn more about Wisconsin tourism’s record-breaking year, view the 2022 economic impact data, including a county-by-county breakdown, at industry.travelwisconsin.com/research.
“Tourism is both big fun and big business. I’m so grateful for the innovation and dedication of the folks who make up Wisconsin’s tourism industry. Each one of them played a role in setting this record,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “Aided by strategic marketing, Wisconsin convinced more visitors to stay longer so they could add more activities to their itinerary, delivering a deeper economic impact. I congratulate the entire industry on an incredible record-breaking year.”
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Take the 7 Rivers Alliance Speed Test | |
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One of the challenges we have in our region – particularly in our rural parts – is a lack of high speed or broadband internet access. That issue became very clear during the early months of the pandemic when students were unable to connect to schools from home.
The Federal Communications Commission in 2015 set the minimum broadband speed standard as 25 megabits per second for downloading files and 3 megabits per second for uploading. The FCC says 26.4% of rural American lack broadband access compared to 1% for urban Americans.
The 7 Rivers Alliance has partnered with the eight other Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Organizations and Regional Plan Commissions to form a strategic partnership to help bring reliable broadband to the most unserved and underserved parts of the state.
This collaborative effort will promote regional broadband speed testing, a crowdsourced internet speed test implemented by GEO Partners, a Minnesota-based company that focuses on enabling cost effective planning and deployment of broadband. Access to this technology was made possible through a grant from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), together with a pilot program supervised by New North's Region of Economic Development, funded in part by a grant from the Economic Development Authority (EDA).
Citizen’s National Broadband Map recently added Wisconsin to its expanding list of 16 state participants.
7 Rivers Alliance will work with our regional partners at the county and local level to provide training and access to the mapping data. We will also encourage as many folks as possible to take the speed test.
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Menu Guides Available
The 2023 Black River Area Menu Guides are now available! If you would like some for your business or lodging facility, stop in our office and pick them up or give us a call and we can drop them off for you!
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Karner Blue Fun Run/Walk
The Karner Blue Fun Run/Walk took place on Saturday, July 1st as part of Festival in the Park! Thank you to all of the sponsors, prize donors and goody bag donors:
Sponsors
Black River Chiropractic Clinic
BJ's Airport Bar & Grill
Community Dental
Co-op Credit Union
Gross Motors
Northern Family Farms
Northwood Vet Service
Regal Rexnord
Ripp Distributing
Security Financial Bank
Millston Area Museum
Walmart
Waumandee State Bank
Prize Donors
Gross Motors
Regal Rexnord
Walmart
Goody Bag Donors
#WillPProject
Jackson County Crime Stoppers
Kris Wrobel Magic
McDonalds (Courtesy Corporation)
Meadowbrook of BRF
Regal Rexnord
Republican Party of Wisconsin- Jackson County
Scholze Ace
| Kids had a blast at the fun run/walk and were leading the pack | Participants enjoyed a leisurely walk along the trail at Lunda Park | The outgoing Karner Blue Princesses helped out at the fun run/walk before the coronation of the new court | |
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The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce (BRACC) needs new local photos for the 2024 Black River Country Visitor’s Guide. We are looking for all types of photos from our area – scenery, wildlife, outdoor recreation, etc. One photo will be chosen as the main cover photo for our 2024 Guide!
Chamber Bucks will be given as prizes for the top three photo submissions:
1st Prize - $100 in Chamber Bucks
2nd Prize - $50 in Chamber Bucks
3rd Prize - $25 in Chamber Bucks
No purchase necessary to enter – contest is open to the public – 18 and older. Contest runs June 19 through August 31.
**Please note – photos must be taken somewhere in Jackson County, Wisconsin. Please submit high-resolution photos (MUST be at least 2MB to be considered) no later than August 31st to: chamber@blackrivercountry.net. Also include approximate location of where you took the photo with your submission. Winners will be contacted by e-mail later in September.
By submitting a photo, you are allowing BRACC to use the photo for advertising in the Black River Country Visitor’s Guide, on the website, and on social media.
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2023 Black River Country Visitor Guide
The 2023 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. 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 2023. We would like to help promote your business as much as we can in 2023 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 2023 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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Jackson County Residents Urged to Take Broadband Survey
Do you need better internet access? Can you spare 2 to 3 minutes to take a short survey?
The Jackson County Broadband Workgroup is collaborating with the Ho Chunk Nation to collect data that will be needed for future grant applications to improve internet service. This effort needs the help of all residents.
Visit the Jackson County website at https://www.co.jackson.wi.us/ From the top menu, click on “Broadband” and then click on “Broadband Survey.”
“This is an important step for preparing Jackson County to access future federal and state funds,” stated Jeffrey Amo, County Board Chairman. “Wisconsin will receive at least $100 million in federal funds, and we want to position the county to be successful in getting our share.”
Paper copies of the survey are available at the County Clerk’s office. Please call 715-284-0268 for information.
The Ho-Chunk Nation applied for and received funding through the USDA Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge Grant. The grant has authorized the Nation to partner with the townships of Komensky and Brockway within Jackson County to provide equitable broadband solutions to residents and businesses in these areas. Mark Leonard, Executive Director of Administration states, “The Ho-Chunk Nation is excited to work with our neighboring communities in advancing technology within these rural areas.”
Improved internet service and access to broadband is vital for the economic health and growth of our area. The Jackson County Broadband Workgroup is continuing to reach out to internet service providers and Town governments to plan for future rounds of grant funding to fill gaps in service.
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New Event - Walk to End Alzheimer's® | |
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The Alzheimer's Association is excited to announce a new venue for their area walk. Starting in 2023, Veterans Park (Black River Falls) will host the new Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in Black River Falls on Sunday, September 17.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, nearly 3,000 people in Jackson, Monroe and Clark counties will be living with Alzheimer’s or dementia by 2030. Save the date for this event to raise awareness and funds to #ENDALZ.
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Jackson County Childcare Network Fundraiser -
Kids Art Gala
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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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Wisconsin Help For Homeowners | |
Wisconsin Help for Homeowners (WHH) is a new statewide program that can help with overdue bills like mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and more. The program is open to individuals and families who live in Wisconsin with overdue housing-related bills, both with and without a mortgage, who meet income and other eligibility requirements, and have experienced a qualified economic hardship since January 21, 2020. | |
Western Wisconsin Women's Business Center | |
Are you thinking about starting your own child care business? Apply for our $2,500 start-up grant.
Right now, there are three children for every available child care opening in our communities. With uncertain school schedules and closures this academic year, families of essential workers are struggling to secure safe care for their children. You can help by opening your home to children in need and becoming a part-time or full-time child care provider today!
If you have any questions, please contact the Western Wisconsin Women's Business Center at 715-836-7511 or info@successfulbusiness.org for more information.
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Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission Revolving Loan Funds | |
The Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission with $1,050,00 in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Revolving Loan Funds (RLF). The RLF is designed to assist small businesses (under 10 employees) most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with short-term, fixed rate, low-interest working capital loans. | |
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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2023 Business After 5 Schedule | |
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August 9: Riverside Nutrition
September 13: Cell.Plus/US Cellular
October 11: Falls Florist
November 8: Reflections On Water
December 6: Chamber Holiday Party
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2023 Chamber Board of Directors | |
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President - Justin Dougherty, Dynamic Audio & Video LLC
Vice President - Jack Taylor, Taylor Media
Treasurer - Jordan Nortman, Coldwell Banker River Valley, Realtors®
Secretary - Brianne Massman, #WillPProject
Board Members
Casey Brown, Ho-Chunk Nation Representative
Keith Brown, Clearview Realty
Crystal Byrns, Wal-Mart
Miranda Chandler, Co-op Credit Union
Bill Laurent, Jackson County Board Rep
Melissa Lechner, Security Financial Bank
Laura Lindow, Reflections on Water
Dana Olson, Black River Country Bank
Veronica (Vee) Price, Norgaard Agency
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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