Local Students Explore Career Pathways
Local Students Explore Career Pathways Through Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Schools2Skills™ ProgramChippewa Falls, WI (May 13, 2026) - The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating another successful year of its Schools2Skills™ program, connecting students with real-world career opportunities across the Chippewa Valley.Schools2Skills™ provides students with the chance to explore and better understand the wide range of careers available in the community, helping to align local
Answering the call: CVTC student to graduate with position as officer at RFPD
Answering the call: CVTC student to graduate with position as officer at RFPD By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College RIVER FALLS – At 20 years old, Destany Pedersen is wiser than her years let on. Since the age of 14, she has honed her law enforcement skills through the Hudson Police Department’s Police Explorers, a hands-on program for young people interested in law enforcement. That experience changed everything. Through the program, now called cadets, Pedersen trained alongside
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Western Wisconsin 4-H Golf Classic set for June 8 in River Falls
Proceeds benefit 4-H Positive Youth Development programs across Dunn, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix countiesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPierce County, Wis. — The Western Wisconsin 4-H Golf Classic will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club in River Falls.The annual event raises funds to support 4-H youth in Dunn, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties. Proceeds provide scholarships for higher education, trips and experiences, and support programming in agriculture, STEM, arts and natural sciences.
Xcel Energy Cedar Falls Hydro project supports UW-Stout construction students’ industry experiences
Collaboration encourages students to consider impacts of infrastructure on greater community Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Donning hard hats and safety vests, construction management and risk control students from University of Wisconsin-Stout recently stood at the base of the Cedar Falls Hydroelectric plant and peered up at the 60-foot-tall dam that creates the 1,800-acre Tainter Lake, north of Menomonie. Cedar Falls Hydro is one of 19 hydroelectric
Wisconsin Farmers Union Statement on House Passage of Farm Bill
Wisconsin Farmers Union responded to the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, calling it a step forward while raising concerns about whether the bill goes far enough to meet the needs of family farmers and rural communities. “Farmers have waited far too long for a new farm bill while dealing with rising input costs, market volatility, and shrinking margins,” said Darin Von Ruden. “Moving a bill through the House matters, but there are real
Royal Credit Union Hosts Diaper Drive to Support Growing Community Need
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) is teaming up with three local non-profits, Feed My People Food Bank, St. Croix Valley Food Bank, and Diaper Bank of Minnesota, to host its second annual Diaper Drive. Between May 1 and May 31, both unopened and opened packages of disposable diapers and wipes can be donated at any Royal office. Monetary donations will also be accepted at any office or online at rcu.org/DiaperDrive to assist the non-profit partners in purchasing additional supplies to
UW-Stout breaks ground
UW-Stout breaks ground on transformative $32 million project to enhance athletics, fitness facilities Renovation, addition funded in part by record-breaking alumni gift Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – A $31.7 million renovation of University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Recreation Complex will transform the facility and provide more than 39,000 square feet of new and remodeled space for student health, fitness and wellbeing. Campus leaders, alumni, legislators and
Wisconsin conservation departments have $44 million economic impact, UW-Stout students’ research
Undergraduate capstone explores hard-to-quantify impacts of conservation work on state’s land and water Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 28, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – When the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association needed a partner to help quantify the economic impact of environmental efforts its members were making across the state’s 72 counties, it found what it was looking for at University of Wisconsin-Stout. The resulting research conducted by UW-Stout undergraduates last
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.
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
