.png)
Budget-strapped back-to-school shoppers can find value at Goodwill NCW
Budget-strapped back-to-school shoppers can find value at Goodwill NCW Consumers can stay on budget year-round at Goodwill NCW NORTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN – Getting an early jump on back-to-school shopping continues to be a trend in north central Wisconsin and nationwide. According to an annual survey from the National Retail Federation and Proper Insights, 62% of back-to-school shoppers started their shopping in early July. Still, many consumers (46%) are still waiting for the “best deals” as
.png)
A Blast From the Past: Leinie Fridays are Back
Contact: Ellie Peabody, Tourism Director, GO Chippewa Countyellie@chippewachamber.org or 715-723-0331 A Blast From the Past: Leinie Fridays are BackChippewa Falls, WI (7/31/2026) – For the first time in over 7 years, Leinie Fridays are back at the Leinie Lodge. Experience live music, food trucks, Brewers ticket giveaways, and, of course, beer every Friday from July 31 through September 4. Each week, the Leinie Lodge will feature a new seasonal or limited-release beer straight from their Pilot Brewery,
No. 1 ranked M.S. marriage & family therapy is one of longest-accredited programs in United States
No. 1 ranked M.S. marriage & family therapy is one of longest-accredited programs in United States UW-Stout Polytechnic’s COAMFTE-accredited program offers on-campus and online degree options Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 30, 2026 UW-Stout Polytechnic’s M.S. in marriage and family therapy (MFT) has been recognized as the No. 1 program in Wisconsin for 2026 by MarriageFamilyTherapist. The MFT program is one of the longest continuously COAMFTE-accredited programs for relational therapy
CVTC Clinical Simulation Center extends learning beyond classroom
By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College Deb Kjelstad held a toddler in her arms as the emergency sirens grew louder. An all-terrain vehicle sat idle nearby. As the ambulance came to a stop near Kjelstad, fire medics rushed out of the vehicle to tend to the child while asking Kjelstad questions as they assessed. Thankfully, Kjelstad, a former Chippewa Valley Technical College Radiography Program director, was just an actor in this scenario; the child was a manikin, and the event was a
Goodwill NCW Workplace Culture Recognized on a Local and National Level
Goodwill NCW Workplace Culture Recognized on a Local and National Level Earns third straight Northeast Wisconsin Top Workplace award Menasha, Wisconsin–Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) has been awarded the 2026 Northeast Wisconsin Top Workplaces honor by Gannett Satellite Information Network — the third consecutive year receiving this recognition based on team member feedback. The honor follows Goodwill NCW's recent selection as a 2026 New North Workplace Excellence Award winner, which
UW-Stout Polytechnic receives gold designation Military Friendly School
UW-Stout Polytechnic receives gold designation Military Friendly School for service members, veterans, spouses For 17th consecutive year, university honored for programs that create ‘direct connection between education and career success’ Story Link Photos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic has been named a Military Friendly® School for the 17th consecutive year, continuing its long tradition of serving the military
Creek restoration, data center viewpoints, sustainability researched by LAKES REU students
Creek restoration, data center viewpoints, sustainability researched by LAKES REU students at UW-Stout Polytechnic Nine undergraduates from around U.S. invite conversations on challenges, opportunities at community presentation Aug. 6 Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Early in the morning on one of the hottest days of the summer, University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic biology Associate Professor Keith Gilland and students Abi Cherry and Norah Shires trekked
‘Polytechnic at its finest’: Miron Construction campus projects
‘Polytechnic at its finest’: Miron Construction campus projects give students unique internship, class opportunities Construction management majors get up-close experience on multimillion-dollar Heritage Hall, Recreation Complex upgrades Story Link Photos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 22, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Two major ongoing construction projects have provided University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic students with exceptional applied learning opportunities without having to leave
UW-Stout Polytechnic students support Sierra Space’s lunar testing system
UW-Stout Polytechnic students support Sierra Space’s lunar testing system Alum works with engineering students to improve lunar dust testing, bolstering NASA’s return to the moon Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Through a collaboration with Sierra Space, a leading defense-tech space company, University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic students are validating critical systems that may be part of missions that return humanity to the moon. Under the mentorship of
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
.png)
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
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
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.
