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 marketing and business education students apply learning to make DECA conference succeed
Future teachers organize on-campus competition for high schoolers Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJan. 20, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – While the 2026 DECA District I Career Development Conference was held just over a week ago, students in University of Wisconsin-Stout’s marketing and business education program are already planning next year’s event. For 54 years, UW-Stout has hosted the conference, which prepares high school marketing students for future careers by challenging them to apply critical
UW-Stout accelerates grads toward careers in public policy, neuroscience, education, and beyond
Inspiring graduates from College of Arts & Human Sciences share experiences in Q&As Inspiring Graduate Q&As FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 16, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of nearly 400 undergraduate students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout’s most recent ceremony on Dec. 20, five College of Arts and Human Sciences students were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud. These
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
Andersen Windows, Hewlett Packard among companies hiring UW-Stout engineering, cybersecurity student
Five inspiring STEM graduates share experiences in Q&As Inspiring Graduate Q&As FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJan 15, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of nearly 400 undergraduate students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Dec. 20 ceremony, five College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management students were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud. They shared their
WFU - Farm and Rural Lobby Day
Over eighty family farmers and rural advocates gathered in Madison on January 14 for Wisconsin Farmers Union's annual Farm & Rural Lobby Day. Participants advocated for policy priorities set by the grassroots membership at the family farm organization’s state convention in Wisconsin Dells in December 2025. They spoke with legislators on issues related to dairy, agricultural concentration and rural development, immigration, healthcare, and conservation.Members shared their support for a Beginning Farmer
UW-Stout master’s students accelerate careers
Four inspiring graduate students share their experiences in Q&As Inspiring Graduate Q&As FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 14, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of nearly 130 Graduate Studies students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Dec. 20 ceremony, four were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud. The graduates shared their university experiences, setbacks and successes in
2026 CVTC seeks board applicants
EAU CLAIRE – Applications are being accepted for three positions on the Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) Board of Trustees. Successful candidates will serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026. The three-year term open positions include two additional members and one elected official member. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, February 13. Send applications to Lauren Sullivan, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 620 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701, or
Big Brothers Big Sisters, CVTC partner on $239K grant
By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin is launching a new partnership with Chippewa Valley Technical College, supported by a $239,000 grant, aimed at enhancing youth mental health while introducing young people to postsecondary education opportunities. Funding was awarded through the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s Wisconsin Partnership Program and will support a three-year initiative called Learning and
On the vanguard: An artificial intelligence filmmaking course emerges at UW-Stout
AI-Assisted Film and Video Production class to open summer 2026 Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 12, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assisted Film and Video Production course will launch at University of Wisconsin-Stout in summer 2026. The course, possibly a first-of-its-kind in the Universities of Wisconsin, was developed by a video production faculty trio – Keif Oss, Jonny Wheeler and Co O’Neill. Students in the course will produce a short narrative film, using
CVTC President’s List for fall 2025 term
Chippewa Valley Technical College announces that the following students have been named to the President’s List for the fall 2025 semester. To be eligible, students must complete a minimum of six credits with a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher. From Abbotsford: Emilio Escalera From Alma Center: Macie Casper, Jacqueline Gill, Brittany Johnson, Carrie Jones, and Samuel Speckien From Alma: Bella Brouillard, Tori Creighton, Braiden Graner, Adrienne Heath, Addison Johnson,
Career EXCELerate
During Gov. Evers visit, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin announces workforce training program “Career EXCELerate” will expandMENASHA — During a visit with Wisconsin state Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsin Representative Lee Snodgrass, and City of Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) announced the continuation and expansion of their newest innovative workforce development program, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin. The program provides training to those with barriers to employment,
Doctoral student’s AI-enhanced artwork featured on chancellor’s seasonal greeting card
Like her artwork, educator’s dissertation explores using AI to supplement student creativity Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 8, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – For more than 125 years, University of Wisconsin-Stout’s stately Bowman Hall and its distinctive clock tower have served as landmarks for the campus and the community. This holiday season, they provided artistic inspiration for a doctoral student who designed an annual greeting card sent by UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank to hundreds of
‘Good design is invisible’: UW-Stout industrial design students combine engineer-thinking, artistic
Students’ products inspired by Crate & Barrel, Room & Board, more; share final project experience in photo essay Story Link Photos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 7, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – The warm, sweet, earthy smell of fresh sawdust, the roaring sound of bandsaws and ventilation hoses, and the shush-shush-shush rhythm of sandpaper on wood grain greet you as you walk down the long ramp tucked away on the first floor of the Applied Arts Building. Tie your hair back and put on your
All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by UW-Stout
Student team builds functional nonstandard pallet stacker to be implemented, replicated in company’s facilities Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 5, 2025 Menomonie, Wis. – A team of engineering students at University of Wisconsin-Stout designed an innovative nonstandard pallet stacker for Arcadia-based Ashley Furniture, which plans to quickly implement the machine in its facilities. Within their Senior Design Experience II capstone course, the team was tasked with building a machine that
Invitation to Know Your Candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court
Dear Friends and Colleagues, Please share this invitation with your members and constituents. In April, Wisconsin will elect a new Supreme Court Justice. The League of Women Voters of Greater Chippewa Valley invites all voters to join us to meet the candidates in person.Interview with candidate Chris TaylorSaturday, December 6, 2026 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Interview with candidate Maria LazarWednesday, February 4, 20265:00 to 6:30 p.m. Both events will be in the Harvey Hall Theater on the UW Stout
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
