Royal Credit Union Introduces Small Business Grant to Support Chippewa Valley Businesses
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. –Royal Credit Union (Royal) has launched its Small Business Grant program to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Chippewa Valley. The program will award a $3,000 grant to one local businesslocated in one of the following Wisconsin counties: Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Trempealeau, or Taylor. Applications are now open and will be accepted through October 1, 2026. The winner will be announced in November. The program is designed to empower early-stage and growing
UW-Stout Polytechnic’s Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group
UW-Stout Polytechnic’s Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group trains next generation of water scientists Faculty, students work across universities in Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin’s longest-running programs Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Biology and environmental science faculty, university students and high school students ventured into the marshes, creeks and wetlands surrounding University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic and the Menomonie area this
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CVTC President’s List for spring 2026 term
Chippewa Valley Technical College announces that the following students have been named to the President’s List for the spring 2026 semester. To be eligible, students must complete a minimum of six credits with a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher. From Alma: Bella F. Brouillard, Tori L. Creighton, Holten J. Fernholz, Braiden C. Graner, Adrienne M. Heath, Macy J. Stewart, and Madalyn M. Wick From Alma Center: Brody A. DeHaven, Brittany L. Johnson, Axyle M. Kramas, Adam J. Massman, Samuel
UW-Stout Polytechnic students, staff help turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie
Muralists from around the U.S. and world join university artists and volunteers for public art event Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – From an artistic portrayal of the journey of Hmong refugees from Laos to Menomonie to an eye-catching image that captures the past, present and future of Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, students and staff members from University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic had key roles in a just-completed effort to create 15 pieces of
Michael Noone Named Royal Credit Union's Executive Vice President - Chief Commercial Banking Officer
Michael Noone Named Royal Credit Union's Executive Vice President - Chief Commercial Banking Officer EAU CLAIRE, Wis. –Royal Credit Union (Royal) has named Michael (Mickey) Noone Executive Vice President - Chief Commercial Banking Officer. In this role, Noone will oversee commercial lending, treasury management, and business deposits, helping deliver exceptional financial solutions for Royal's business Members. Noone joined Royal in 2020, bringing more than 30 years of commercial lending
High school students complete university-level project at UW-Stout Polytechnic
High school students complete university-level project at UW-Stout Polytechnic, creating spaces that inspire Interior design camp, industry-standard software introduces campers to career paths in residential, commercial design Story Link Photos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Every space has its own function, whether it’s an educational studio calling on students to advance their design skills and create a space optimal for learning, or a residential studio
UW-Stout Polytechnic students, staff create public artwork as part of Murals in Menomonie
Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic students and staff members will play key roles in Murals in Menomonie, a citywide artistic event expected to involve hundreds of artists from around the world collaborating to create 15 public murals in and around Menomonie. Two of the murals have particular relevance to UW-Stout Polytechnic and may be of interest to members of the media: Hmong Story Cloth in Wilson Park, 800 Wilson Ave. This mural was designed by two UW-Stout Polytechnic
UW-Stout Polytechnic video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin
UW-Stout Polytechnic video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub Students, alums assist in Deming’s unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 24, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Los Angeles-based Wisconsin filmmaker Nathan Deming believes that there is an immense, untapped wealth of authentic storytelling in his Midwestern home state, and his goal is to continue highlighting regional characters and communities that
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New experiences
CVTC ELL, nursing students develop skills, build confidence together By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College A collaboration between CVTC Nursing and English Language Learning (ELL) students gave both groups an opportunity to develop skills they will use long after they leave the classroom. During a recent mock clinical intake experience, nursing students worked one-on-one with ELL students, helping them navigate health care conversations while gaining firsthand experience
Royal Credit Union Named Among Forbes’ Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2026
Royal Credit Union Named Among Forbes’ Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2026 in Wisconsin and Minnesota EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) has been named to Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2026 list in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. The annual ranking, produced by Forbes and Statista, recognizes top-performing credit unions that deliver exceptional Member satisfaction, trust, and overall banking experiences. Serving more than 330,000 Members across Wisconsin and the Twin Cities
Contruction Camp at UW-Stout Polytechnic
Construction camp at UW-Stout Polytechnic introduces young students to careers, degree paths Tour led by Boldt Company in Chippewa Falls gives campers a behind-the-scenes look at construction site Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – On a cloudy Tuesday morning, eight middle school Construction Pathways campers with University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic’s summer STEAM experience watched a crane lift an air conditioning unit onto the new Aspirus Clinic that is
Ashley, Cadrex, Apogee among companies benefiting from UW-Stout Polytechnic
Ashley, Cadrex, Apogee among companies benefiting from UW-Stout Polytechnic engineering students’ prototypes Capstone projects demonstrate mechanical, manufacturing know-how, leadership skills Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic mechanical engineering student Dominick Marco faced several challenges when he became team leader for the second semester of a capstone project on behalf of Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions. In
Practical Content Creation with Adobe Firefly for Your Outdoor Services Business
What Is Adobe Firefly? Adobe Firefly is a generative artificial intelligence application focused on creating visual and creative content from simple text descriptions. It operates through your web browser to translate typed instructions into images, text effects, and vector graphics. The tool generates unique assets tailored to your business needs, and all features out of beta are fully cleared for commercial use. Running an outdoor services business in the Menomonie area requires managing many moving
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Chippewa County Farmer Appreciation Dinner Celebrates 56 Years
Chippewa County Farmer Appreciation Dinner Celebrates 56 YearsChippewa Falls, WI (June 1, 2026) – The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate local agriculture at the 56th Annual Farmer Appreciation Dinner, taking place Wednesday, June 24, from 4 to 8 pm at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.This long-standing community tradition brings together farmers, agribusinesses, agritourism partners, local businesses, and residents for an evening dedicated to recognizing
Plugging the Leaks: Financial and Operational Weak Points Menomonie Businesses Should Fix Now
The most common operational and financial weak points in small businesses fall into a few predictable categories: poor cash flow tracking, disorganized records, missed tax obligations, and the trap of doing everything yourself. According to SCORE's 2024 analysis of BLS, SBA, and CB Insights data, the biggest risks to small business survival are poor market fit, cash flow mismanagement, and weak teams — all internal issues that owners can proactively address. For businesses across the Eau Claire–Menomonie
Taking the Mic: Public Speaking as a Business Growth Strategy in Eau Claire-Menomonie
Research published in Harvard Business Review in August 2025, analyzing more than 5,300 investor pitches, found that how founders communicate can shift their funding acceptance rate from 2% to nearly 35% — a 17-fold difference driven entirely by presentation skill. That gap doesn't close at the investor meeting. For business owners in Eau Claire-Menomonie, public speaking is a lever that moves outcomes across every stage of growth: landing partnerships, winning clients, and building the kind of reputation
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
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.
