Chamber Newsletter - March 2024 | |
|
Chamber Chat with Amanda
As a member of the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce, it's important to recognize the benefits available to you. Your membership offers opportunities to enhance your business's visibility, network with others, and promote growth. Here are some of the benefits to take advantage of:
Amplify Your Presence Online - Our website, Blackrivercountry.net, serves as a vibrant hub attracting many visitors daily. As a member, you can link your business or organization to our site at no cost, expanding your online reach. Showcase your business or organization with an array of photos—simply email them to us, and we'll seamlessly integrate them into your listing.
Events Calendar - Promote your events effortlessly by submitting them to our online calendar. Not only is this service free of charge, but our calendar is also updated daily, ensuring extra exposure for your events.
Job Postings - Looking to expand your team? Utilize our platform to post job openings. We'll feature your vacancies on our website's Jobs page at no cost, connecting you with potential candidates in our community.
Newsletter & Facebook Posts - Share information, events, and job postings with us to feature in our weekly and monthly e-newsletters, or on our Facebook page, which boasts over 19,000 followers! Additionally, you can advertise in our weekly e-newsletter with a full-page ad. As a member, you'll receive one free full-page ad in the weekly e-newsletter. After that, advertising costs only $25 per week, and your ad will also be included in the monthly e-newsletter at no extra charge. Don't miss out on this simple, cost-effective opportunity to showcase your business or event.
Networking Opportunities - Join us for our Business After 5 events—a prime opportunity to network with fellow members and explore the diversity of our local business community. Chamber members are also encouraged to host these events, fostering stronger connections within our network.
Chamber Bucks Program - Support local businesses and drive sales by accepting Chamber Bucks. These dollars circulate within our community, contributing to our area's economic growth. Display the "Chamber Bucks Accepted Here" poster proudly at your establishment to signify your participation. There are currently 80 Chamber member businesses that accept Chamber Bucks!
Low Cost Printing - We offer faxing, copying and member address labels for a small fee. Your first set of member address labels is FREE!
Conference Room Availability - As members, you have the opportunity to utilize the Chamber’s conference room free of charge one time each year. Subsequent use requires a nominal rental fee of $25.00.
Ribbon Cutting - If your business is new or if you’ve made substantial changes to your business such as adding on or moving to a new location, the Chamber can provide a ribbon cutting service for you at no charge. We invite the local dignitaries, chamber board members, ambassadors and the media for a free advertising opportunity for you.
Ambassador Program - Become a Chamber Ambassador and play a pivotal role in welcoming new businesses to our community. Represent the collective voice of our business community and help facilitate meaningful connections.
Annual Directory and Promotional Materials - Ensure your business is prominently featured in our annual tourism guide, reaching thousands of locals and visitors alike. Drop off your brochures and business cards at our office, and we'll proudly display them on your behalf.
Your membership is more than just being part of a group—it's about seizing opportunities, forging relationships, and growing together. We encourage you to make the most of these benefits as we support the success of our lively business community.
| |
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 Annual Dinner & Awards
Three area businesses and a non-profit organization were honored with awards at the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Monday, March 4, 2024 at Ho-Chunk Gaming in Black River Falls.
Falls Meat Service received the 2023 Business of the Year Award (less than 20 employees), Scholze Ace Home Center received the 2023 Business of the Year Award (more than 20 employees), McSweet's Irish Pub received the 2023 Emerging Business of the Year Award (open in our area 5 years or less) and #WillPProject received the 2023 Service Organization Award. The winners were chosen by the Chamber Ambassadors group and the Chamber Annual Dinner Committee after a review of the nominations.
| |
|
Falls Meat Service
Business of the Year (less than 20 employees)
| |
|
Falls Meat Service, awarded for its exceptional contribution to the community, boasts over 45 years of experience as a full-service butcher. State-Inspected and recently remodeled, their impact extends beyond the storefront, with products in over 45 local stores and restaurants. The business, known for its culinary cornerstone status, has diversified its offerings with Sow Belly's BBQ Food Trailer and daily lunch specials.
Other nominees for the Business of the Year Award (less than 20 employees) were Coldwell Banker River Valley Realtors, Reflections on Water and
Cell.Plus.
| |
|
Scholze Ace Home Center
Business of the Year (more than 20 employees)
| |
|
Scholze Ace Home Center, started in 1976, and the product and service offerings of Scholze Ace Home Center are nothing short of extensive. As an Ace Hardware Store, they provide our community with a vast array of quality products. Their offerings include a complete lumber yard, rental department, garden center, bicycle repair, lock rekeying, pipe cutting and threading, glass and screen repair, and even serve as a UPS drop-off location. It's not just a hardware store; it's a hub for diverse needs, making them an indispensable asset to our community. Their 40-year legacy, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for their team and community make them not just worthy recipients of this award but an inspiration to us all. Their community contributions reflect a dedication to service, supporting local schools, events, and various fundraisers.
Other nominees for the Business of the Year Award (more than 20
employees) were Black River Memorial Hospital, Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls, Children’s Wisconsin and Land O’Lakes.
| |
McSweet's Irish Pub
Emerging Business of the Year
| |
McSweet's Irish Pub, Established in 2019, quickly became a beloved spot in the Black River area. Beyond the typical offerings of an Irish Pub, McSweet's has exceeded expectations in the most profound way during challenging times. The pub played an important role during the search for missing persons, offering a warm and welcoming space for search and rescue teams to regroup. In those difficult moments, McSweet's stood as a beacon of support and community strength. It's not just about the challenges; McSweet's has proven to be a place of joy and celebration. With frequent live entertainment, special events, and a unique space for various occasions, McSweet's has become a hub for creating memories and fostering connections. From class reunions to birthday parties and celebrations of life, McSweet's has become an integral part of our community's social tapestry.
Other nominees for the Emerging Business of the Year Award were
Beautiful You Make This.
| |
|
Service Organization Award
#WillPProject
| |
|
#WillPProject was formed in 2020 and stands as a beacon of hope, promoting mental health awareness with its impactful motto "Stop.Think.Live." #WillPProject has been a source of support for those facing mental health challenges and is a simple reminder to STOP before you do anything you can't take back. THINK reminds us to think about those who love us, to remember that there is always hope, and to think about tomorrow as being another day we can live. LIVE reminds us to choose life every time. Even when we feel despair, there is hope. Choose life. Beyond unique fundraisers, their Cancer Warrior Service, suicide prevention training, and community giveaways touch lives. Born from personal loss, #WillPProject's commitment to normalizing mental health conversations and offering support makes it a genuine force for good.
Other nominees for the Service Organization Award were Merrillan
Lion’s Club, Friends of the Black River, Black River Falls Figure Skating Club and the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley- Lunda Center.
| |
|
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!
| |
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.
| |
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!
| |
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!
| |
|
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.
| |
|
A ribbon cutting was held March 1 at Love on Your Home Boutique located at 131 Main Street in downtown Black River Falls. Discover home decor, furnishings and accessories handpicked with care.
Pictured (l-r) are Chamber Office Manager Kathy Kopp, Chamber Ambassador Kristin Franks, Cheryl Embretson, owners Travis and Jane Tande, and Chamber Board member Ginger Heath.
| |
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. | |
|
Boys & Girls Club Junior Youth of the Year Gala
The 2024 Youth of the Year Gala is an event to celebrate the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley’s Junior Youth of the Year. This event gives our youth a larger platform to share their story, create awareness of youth in the area, and raise funds to support our local Clubs in Altoona, Black River Falls, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Menomonie.
Join us for a delightful evening at the Florian Gardens from 5pm until 8pm, including a social hour, a delicious dinner, and a silent auction.
Get tickets today - visit this link: https://ow.ly/UIcM50QL3yl
| |
|
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!
| |
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 | |
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
| |
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
| |
Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
120 N Water St
Black River Falls, WI 54615
715-284-4658
www.blackrivercountry.net
| | | | |
