Career Conference Week
Career Conference Week: UW-Stout students, alumni connect with hundreds of national recruiters, Feb. 23-26 Seven organizations share perspectives on meeting evolving industries, workforce needs Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 19, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, recognizes the importance of adapting degrees to evolving industries and workforce needs, with the university’s No. 1 enduring goal to “offer high quality, challenging
When One Door Closes
When one door closes RF woman’s health journey changes her education, perspective By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeContributed Photo At the age of 18, Elise Foley was driving home from volleyball practice when her life changed in an instant. The River Falls High School senior had a seizure, which began a two-year health descent. She found herself bedbound, struggling with seizures, cognitive decline, stuttering, and even kidney failure. “It was super weird,” she said. “I
UW-Stout announces Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs
Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan will advance strategic priorities, foster academic initiatives at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFeb. 18, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout has announced that a new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs will begin on Aug. 1. Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan, currently special assistant to the provost at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, will advance strategic priorities and foster academic initiatives that reflect
Board game renaissance: UW-Stout professor puts the pieces in place for successful game design
Board game renaissance: UW-Stout professor puts the pieces in place for successful game design business Dave Beck’s Paverson Games creates elaborate, concept-driven games with the help of other talented faculty Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 16, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – The gift of a board game, a visit to a historic distillery and a sleepless night during a sabbatical in Scotland combined to inspire University of Wisconsin-Stout Professor Dave Beck to create a successful game design
CVTC earns rare simulation center accreditation
EAU CLAIRE – Chippewa Valley Technical College is one of only 268 institutions in the world, including hospitals, colleges, and universities, to receive accreditation of the CVTC Clinical Simulation Center from the Society of Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). Only six institutions in Wisconsin have this accreditation, with CVTC as the only technical college. The CVTC Clinical Simulation Center has achieved a significant milestone by earning a five-year initial accreditation award from the SSH. “This
Year of Design celebration central to UW-Stout's spring 2026
Year of Design celebration central to UW-Stout's spring 2026 event schedule Community invited to exhibitions, civic and literary conversations, film screenings and performances Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 11, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – As University of Wisconsin-Stout steps into spring semester and continues its Year of Design, community members are invited to myriad civic talks, film screenings and literary conversations, art and design exhibitions, and performing arts events for
.png)
Alumni, business award recipients named ahead of CVTC Gala
EAU CLAIRE – Chippewa Valley Technical College trains the workers of tomorrow, often with help from business partners. Delta Dental of Wisconsin, announced CVTC’s Proven Business Partner for 2026, has been instrumental in partnering with CVTC to train and upskill the dental workforce. In 2023, CVTC was awarded a grant to construct the Delta Dental of Wisconsin Dental Simulation Lab, created to provide students with consistent learning experiences. It was the first of its kind in the Wisconsin
UW-Stout will create short-term programs
UW-Stout will create short-term programs to fill region’s high-demand jobs with help from $2 million federal grant Certificate courses in areas such as manufacturing, cybersecurity will train hundreds of workers over the next four years Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 10, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout will work closely with Wisconsin businesses to ensure a recently announced $2 million federal grant will provide hundreds of workers with the skills needed to fill the
Building a Stress-Free Tax Routine for Your Small Business
Small business owners in Menomonie juggle operations, customers, and community commitments — and tax season can feel like another full-time job. The good news: a few simple habits can turn a stressful annual scramble into a predictable, well-organized process. Learn below about: How organized records lower your tax-time workload What deductions small businesses often overlook Tools that streamline document handling How to prep efficiently even during busy seasonsOrganizing Financial Records Before
CVTC alumna overcomes setbacks to realize her dreams
By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College When Jessica Simon graduated from high school in 2007, she wasn’t sure where her path would lead. Growing up in a small town in upstate New York, she took the expected next step and enrolled at a university alongside her twin brother. But what looked right on paper didn’t feel right in practice. Academic pressure, mental health challenges, and financial strain made it difficult to pursue that path, she said. After switching majors, Simon
ROYAL CREDIT UNION NAMES DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL LOAN AND DEPOSIT OPERATIONS
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) has announced Ana Birtzer as Director of Commercial Loan and Deposit Operations. In this role, Birtzer will be responsible for leading the Business Operations Department, overseeing business lending processing, loan servicing, and enterprise-wide business services to ensure efficient, compliant operations. She will also provide strategic direction and system oversight to support organizational goals, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure secure, effective
Stepping Stones of Dunn County hosts first CNOY Walk to support vulnerable neighbors.
MENOMONIE, WI – February 5, 2026 – For the first time, Stepping Stones of Dunn County is hosting a Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising walk on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This family-friendly winter event invites people across Menomonie to walk together and raise funds for those experiencing hunger, hurt, and homelessness. CNOY is a nationwide movement held in more than 300 cities and towns across North America. On one night, tens of thousands of walkers will brave the cold together, raising
UW-Stout students discover the world of Shakespeare in study abroad experience
Students share the majesty of English Theater in a photo essay Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 5, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. Quick! How many Shakespeare plays can you name off the top of your head? Can you name all 38 of them? Probably not. And hey, that’s OK. (As long as you didn’t miss “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” and that Scottish play. Shhh… Don’t say its name.) For two weeks in January, 13 University of Wisconsin-Stout students step into the world of the Bard, experiencing city
Career-ready before graduation - IBM
Career-ready before graduation: UW-Stout computer science senior hired as IBM hardware developerKuhn shares about cooperative learning experiences in Q&A Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 4, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – IBM, the largest industrial research organization in the world, has been at the forefront of innovative technology and systems for more than a century. Advancing from its earliest electric accounting machines to partnerships in space travel and cloud computing, IBM is a leader
UW-Stout’s packaging program ranks among top 10 in national listings for its polytechnic approach
Applied learning, strong industry partnerships benefit students, create clear career pathways Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFeb. 3, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout’s B.S. packaging program has been recognized by three national ranking authorities in their annual listings:College Raptor: No. 3 for 2026Universities.com: No. 9 for 2026College Factual: No. 5 for 2025 “We are honored to be recognized as one of the top packaging programs in the nation,” said Associate
Colleges partner to provide new, free textbook
A new open textbook, “Oral/Interpersonal Communication,” is now available through WisTech Open. Developed by Darrel Farmer, PhD, Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), and Bridget Bell, MA, Gateway Technical College (GTC), the resource provides students with a practical, research-based guide to communication skills essential in personal, academic and professional settings. Developed collaboratively between CVTC and the Wisconsin Technical College System, the textbook emphasizes real-world application
UW-Stout Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World
Annual rankings recognize bachelor’s and master’s programs for helping students advance education, career goals Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 2, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Returning to school as an adult student balancing work, family or military responsibilities is a daunting challenge. University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Stout Online gives students the flexibility, affordability and support necessary to succeed in the face of this challenge, and in doing so has once again been ranked among the Best
.png)
Chippewa Valley Healthy Water Summit
Chippewa Valley Healthy Water Summit to Educate Community on Local Water QualityEau Claire, WI – March 20, 2026 – The UW–Madison Division of Extension is hosting the Chippewa Valley Healthy Water Summit, a one‑day educational event designed to increase water quality awareness by providing local information that enables community members to make informed decisions.The summit will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event will take place
Welding sparks lasting education
CVTC high school academy alumna set to earn associate degree By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College By the time Jenna Lawrence first struck an arc in the Welding Academy at Chippewa Valley Technical College, she already knew two things about herself: she loved working with her hands, and she wasn’t afraid of hard work. What she didn’t yet know was how far that combination would take her. Now 20, Lawrence splits her life between Wisconsin and Texas, between welding labs and rodeo arenas,
Royal Credit Union internship gives UW-Stout grad student opportunity to apply skills in data
M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 29, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – A yearlong business intelligence internship at Royal Credit Union, one of Wisconsin’s largest financial institutions, has helped a University of Wisconsin-Stout applied computer science graduate student gain confidence and skill in both data engineering and machine learning. “It’s been a fun experience. I’m really grateful,” said Justin George,
CVTC, state technical colleges lauded in new survey
EAU CLAIRE – A new statewide survey shows growing confidence in Wisconsin’s technical colleges, including Chippewa Valley Technical College, with two-thirds of Wisconsin residents holding a favorable opinion of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). The findings underscore the critical role technical colleges play in providing affordable, high-quality education that meets the needs of students and employers across the state. Key statewide highlights66% of Wisconsin residents have a favorable
UW-Stout professor brings aspects of grandfather’s experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’
Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 28, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – As an instructor of documentary filmmaking at University of Wisconsin-Stout, Assistant Professor Keif Oss’s professional interests in artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking center on tools that can meaningfully inform and streamline the creative process. Oss, program director of video production, is currently using AI to explore a conceptual
RCU FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The RCU Foundation (Foundation) has named Jennifer McHugh Executive Director. In her new role, McHugh will serve as the Foundation’s chief executive, responsible for strategy, grantmaking, programming, governance, and operations. She reports to the RCU Foundation Board of Directors and will serve as the Board’s primary liaison. “The Foundation Board is confident that Jennifer’s leadership will help us continue to build strong, trusted relationships with our donors, grant
Students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses use machine learning to solve problems
Students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses use machine learning to solve problems for Royal Credit Union Computer science students from UW-Stout, UWEC, UWRF exercise ‘exceptional’ AI acumen for leading financial institution Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJan. 26, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Computer science students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses leveraged their knowledge of machine learning to address real-world questions for one of the state’s largest credit unions in a unique
AI reshaping industry
AI reshaping industry: UW-Stout Advanced Machine Learning students develop impactful, competitive models Projects result in innovative way to search course bulletin, play digital Othello board game Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 22, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout’s 360-degree AI education approach prepares graduates to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce by embedding artificial intelligence training in all of its degree programs. For two groups of applied
Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: UW-Stout top story highlights of 2025
Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year’s notable headlines Story LinkPhotos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJan. 21, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – It was a year of big things at University of Wisconsin-Stout, from breaking ground for the biggest construction project in university history to posting some of the most notable enrollment growth in the Universities of Wisconsin to being chosen as Large Business of the Year. In 2025, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University
UW Stout Summer STEAM Camps
Hello Parents and Guardians, Thank you for being part of UW-Stout’s STEAM Summer Camps! We are excited to share that registration for the 2026 STEAM Summer Camps is now open! Important updates:Scholarships will replace coupon codes. If a student is awarded a scholarship, it will be applied directly to the student’s account. UW-Stout has more than 500 Wisconsin DPI-funded scholarships available for Wisconsin students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. ECASD, CFAUSD, and SDMA are funding a
Proven Ways to Navigate Business Challenges in Difficult Periods
Every business faces seasons of uncertainty—sales slump, supply chains falter, or unexpected costs rise. What sets resilient companies apart is not avoiding hardship, but how they respond when it arrives. From building partnerships to managing finances wisely, practical strategies can help you weather storms and position your business for growth once conditions improve. Focus on Financial Clarity The first step to regaining stability is knowing exactly where you stand. Review your cash flow in
Stretch Every Dollar: Creative Ways to Amplify Your Marketing Budget
In a world where advertising dollars seem to evaporate overnight, brands of all sizes are asking the same question: how do you make a tighter marketing budget go the distance? The easy answer is to cut costs—but slashing expenses alone often limits your reach and diminishes long-term value. What’s needed instead is a smarter approach that balances efficiency with ingenuity. This isn’t about doing less; it’s about making what you do count for more. Reimagine Value, Not Just Cost You can only stretch a
How Sharper Warehouse Operations Can Unlock Your Business’s Growth Potential
In the race to scale a business, it’s easy to overlook the hidden engine room where real momentum is built: the warehouse. Too often, warehouse operations are treated as back-end logistics rather than a frontline opportunity for growth. Yet behind every fast-shipping e-commerce giant and every nimble retailer is a warehouse system fine-tuned to balance speed, accuracy, and adaptability. When operations in this vital nerve center are optimized, they create ripple effects that can transform the entire
Outrunning Giants: How Small Businesses Use Agility and Tech to Carve Their Market Edge
It’s not about size anymore. The playing field may not be level, but the rules of the game have changed. Small businesses have found themselves in an unexpected sweet spot, able to adapt faster, personalize harder, and embrace tech tools that used to be exclusive to companies with sprawling campuses and infinite budgets. Competing with corporate titans still requires grit, but the path forward is more accessible than it’s ever been—with the right mix of strategy and savvy. Personalization Is the
Transform Your Event Marketing with Innovative Digital Techniques
Event marketing demands fresh approaches to capture attention and leave lasting impressions. Emerging technologies bring dynamic opportunities to engage participants in meaningful ways. Interactive platforms like virtual and augmented reality create unique experiences that draw people in. Safety-focused innovations, such as touchless systems, enhance convenience without sacrificing interaction. Real-time data insights empower marketers to refine strategies as events unfold.Transforming Event Engagement
Confused About the CTA, BOI and FinCEN? Answers for Business Owners in Menomonie, WI
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Cultivate Financial Awareness with Next-Gen Reporting Practices
Navigating the complexities of financial reporting poses a significant challenge for businesses in a rapidly changing economic environment. Mastering these intricacies is essential for gaining insights that inform decisions and foster growth. With financial accuracy as a vital element of regulatory compliance and strategic planning, efficient processes are increasingly necessary. Implementing effective strategies can simplify financial reporting while improving overall operational effectiveness.Revamp
Elevate Your Hustle: Adobe Tools to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
This Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the tools that are fueling the success of women entrepreneurs everywhere. Running a business requires balancing countless responsibilities, and Adobe Acrobat is here to help streamline the journey. From simplifying document workflows to enhancing team communication, Acrobat is designed to help entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder. These intuitive tools make day-to-day tasks seamless, allowing business owners to dedicate their time to what truly
Adapting in Adversity: Effective Tactics for Business Continuity in Uncertain Times
Unlock new business opportunities and strengthen community ties by joining the Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center. Gain access to exclusive member benefits, including group insurance plans, networking events, and promotional programs. When a business encounters difficult times, taking decisive and strategic actions is crucial for navigating through the challenges. It begins with a thorough assessment of the current situation to understand the underlying issues affecting the company's performance.
Winning Tactics for Persuasive Pitches and Strategic Marketing
Mastering persuasive sales pitches and winning marketing strategies is essential for business success. From standing out in a crowded market by using AI-created imagery to building trust with testimonials, every strategy plays a crucial role. Learn how to enhance your pitch with visual elements, understand your audience deeply, and tell engaging stories that solve customer problems with this helpful guide.Content with AI-Driven Imagery AI-generated images can elevate your sales pitches and marketing
