June 2015
Chamber
News
Mission
Our
The River Falls Chamber of
Commerce & Tourism Bureau
works together to connect,
promote, and support its
members to further enhance
the local economy and
cultivate a sense of
community.
Town ‘N Country Day
Corporate Sponsor
Sunday, June 14 8-3:00 p.m.
Dick’s Fresh Market & Security Financial Bank
th
Don’t miss this year’s Town ‘N Country Day! Start your
day with a FREE pancake breakfast brought to you by Dick’s Fresh Market. Later in
the afternoon, our corporate sponsor, Security Financial Bank, will be providing
FREE root beer floats. Your family won’t want to miss the petting zoo, the street
dance and more.
Your business has an opportunity to provide a booth at the event for only $50.
Since this is a family friendly event, it is strongly recommended that you offer a
children’s activity at your booth space.
River Falls Days
“Viva la Kinni” July 10-12
River Falls Days is just over one month away!
Don’t miss out on the fun and your opportunity
to be involved!
Upcoming Events:
June 14 - Town ‘N Country Day
July 10-12 - River Falls Days
July 17 - Maximize Your Membership
August 10 - Golf Outing
September 18 - Chamber Coffee
September 19-20 - Bacon Bash
September 29 - Business After Hours
Please pass this newsletter on to
additional employees or put in
your lobby. Thank You!
Live Music Sushi Roll
Rural Route 5
Lost Highway
10K/2M/1K Fun Run
Register today!
Car Cruze-In
Bring your classic car to this free event!
Fireworks!
Promote Your Event!
Don’t miss your chance to have your event highlighted on the River Falls Days
website. Members also have the opportunity to put a promotional item in the River
Falls Days race bags. If interested, please bring 500 items to the Chamber office by
Friday, June 26th.
Be a part of the largest parade in the area!
With thousands of spectators, you won’t want to miss out on a chance to promote
your business. We offer reduced rates for non-profits businesses as well as Chamber
members. Register before Friday, June 19th to avoid a $20 late fee.
Have fun and volunteer!
There are many volunteer opportunites available! Spend a few hours volunteering
and have a blast mingling and networking with others! Contact Amanda Linehan at
[email protected] to sign up today!
Chamber News - Page 2
Chief Executive Officer
NEWS
from the
E-Mail Blast Sponsor: Promote your business or
event by sponsoring an e-mail blast. Includes
your logo and a brief message about your
company. $50
Event Sponsorship: Each year the Chamber
organizes numerous Chamber and community
events. These events include: River Falls Days,
Town N’ Country Day, Business After Hours,
Chamber Coffees and much more. Sponsoring
one of these events is a great way to get your
business noticed. Prices vary.
Membership Mailing Labels: Advertise special
events or promotions to your fellow Chamber
members by purchasing preprinted member
mailing labels. $50
Newsletter Inserts: Promote your business or
event with a newsletter insert. $100
Website Links: Connect your website to the
Chamber website. Upgrade your membership
to include a web link. $35 link, $60 enhanced
listing with link.
Chamber Provides Partnership
Each spring and summer, the Chamber partners with the
University of Wisconsin – River Falls to provide internship
opportunities to three students seeking real-world workplace
experience and exposure to career opportunities. Focusing on
public relations, event planning, and social media marketing,
these interns work closely with staff to promote, organize, and
execute summer events by creating promotional material, and
Chris Blasius
press releases. These student interns are an investment in our
future and will soon be entering our local workforce, so next time you give us a call and
hear a new voice the other line or whether you bump into them at the office or next
Chamber event, introduce yourself and thank them for bringing fresh, new ideas to the
Chamber. Please let us introduce our summer interns, Kayla and Auodette.
To take advantage of any of these great
marketing opportunities, please contact the
Chamber at 715-425-2533.
My name is Auodette and I am a student at the University of
Wisconsin-River Falls. My major is Marketing Communications
with a minor in Graphic Designs. I enjoy working with both
fields because I like the serious and creativity sides put together; I believe it’s a good balance. I look forward to work more
within my fields of studies and hope to gain more knowledge
as the years come.
Auodette Yang
Matt Russell - Chair
First National Bank
Dan Nistler
Riverwalk Art &
Antiques
Jamie Benson
River Falls School District Bill Rasmussen
Hammarback Law
Kellie Burrows
Offices, S.C
American Cancer Society
Jeff Schwab
Cedric Ellingson
B Wireless
Bo’s ‘N Mine
Monica Steiner
Pat Lapekas
Steiner Plumbing,
Lapekas & Associates
Heating & Electric
Jen Loesch
River Falls Hospital
Scott Morrissette
Associated Bank
Danielle Campeau
UWRF
I am a student at the University of Wisconsin- River Falls. Aside
from being a full time student, I enjoy many different hobbies.
I love to hunt, sew, dance and laugh. I could hunt every single
day, if life would let me. My current plans include traveling as
much as possible while I am still young because I am inspired
to see as much of this beautiful world as possible.
Scot Simpson
Ex-Officio
City of River Falls
Kayla Java
Upcoming Chamber
EVENTS
Chamber News - Page 3
Car Cruze-In
Sundays, July 12 & September 20
Main Street 11-4 p.m.
Get ready for another summer with the Chamber’s classic Car Cruze-In’s. Spend the
afternoon transcended back to the 50’s with classic cars and cycles. Stroll down Main
Street and enjoy local vendors and the atmosphere. There will be music, great food,
beverages and plenty to see! All cars and cycles welcome.
Maximize Your Membership
Raise the “Woof”
Friday, July 17th 12-1 p.m.
Chamber Office
Saturday, June 13
Lakefront Park, Hudson WI
The Chamber is committed to making sure you are getting the most of your membership
dollars. These fast-paced, informal, FREE workshops are open to all current and potential
members. Topics will include: website opportunities, sponsorships, hot deals, networking
options, marketing ideas, and more. Contact [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
Ambassador Golf Outing
Community
Events!
Event Sponsor
Monday, August 10th
River Falls Golf Club
Get your team together to enjoy a beautiful day outside at River Falls Golf Club. Lunch
starts at 11 a.m., shot gun start at 12:30 p.m. Activities include door prizes, 18 hole golf
ball scramble, and plenty of fun. Members and member guests $95 and non-members
$120, dinner-only is available for $20. Registration now open at rfchamber.com.
Bacon Bash
Saturday & Sunday, September 19-20
Heritage Park
The Bacon Bash, now the second largest bacon festival in the Midwest is a free event that
features all things bacon, cook-offs and pig-themed activities for the entire family. The
Bacon Bash will feature bacon-themed foods from 16 vendors, live music, microbrews and
more.
The third annual Bacon Bash has been selected as a Super Qualifier elite event for the
World Food Championships, the largest and richest food competition in the world of Food
Sport. Culinary craftsman—from professional chefs to home cooks—will have a chance
to compete in 1 of 4 culinary competitions: Bacon, Chili, Sandwich or Dessert. This year’s
competition, to be held on Saturday, September 19, will feature up to 100 competitors
facing off, where 12 competitors will earn their way into the 2015 World Food Championship main event in Kissimmee, Florida, to compete against the world’s best and a piece of
the $300,000 prize purse.
Become an event sponsor and put your brand in front of 15,000-20,000 attendees!
Sponsorship information available at rfchamber.com.
Raise the “Woof” is Hudson’s premier
outdoor pet-friendly event presented
St. Croix Animal Friends. Runners,
walkers and their pets participate in
a 5K run/walk. The event is open to
participating with or without your
furry or feathered companion! More
than just an athletic event, Raise the
“Woof” will showcase many festivities
for the entire family! Stop by their
vendor and demonstration shows.
Raise the “Woof” 5K is for runners and
walkers. Attending and participating
dogs MUST be leashed at all times
while at the event and must be up
to date on their vaccinations. Visit
scafshelter.org or 715-529-4429.
Pierce County
Dairy Breakfast
Saturday, June 20, 8-12 p.m.
W10322 State Road 29
Peterson Family Dairy, Inc. is hosting a Pierce County Dairy Breakfast
complete with Dad’s Belgian Waffles,
sausage, deep fried cheese curds,
and Flat Pennies Ice Cream. The
breakfast will feature an educational
farm tour, hands-on kid’s activities,
and an antique tractor display. Bring
your whole family down to support
our local dairy industry. $6 adults,
$4 ages 6-12 and free for kids 5 and
under.
715.425.2533
Chamber News - Page 4
www.rfchamber.com
Ambassadors Visits
CHAMBER
In Balance Yoga & Fitness
From L-R: Kristin Wiersma, First National Bank; Toni Hinz, Junior’s Bar & Restaurant; Monica Wright, Express Employment Professionals; Monica Steiner, Steiner
Plumbing Electric & Heating; Kaari Naughton, Associated Bank; Stacey Solberg, In
Balance Yoga & Fitness; Vince Seidling, Edward Jones Investments; Jeff Schwab,
B Wireless; Chris Blasius, River Falls Chamber; Amanda Wright, American Family
Insurance
In Balance Yoga & Fitness is here to help you stretch,
strengthen and workout. Owner Stacey Solberg commented that the mission of her business is to help you
keep your mind, body, and spirit “In Balance.”
In Balance Yoga & Fitness offers all types of yoga, kettlebells, corebar, core classes, zumba, and active elder,
and adult classes, personal training and massage
therapy. Stacey opened the business nearly one year
ago and commented on how she enjoys the people
finds them kind and sincere. In Balance makes it easy
for everyone to find time in their day to work out in
offering morning, day, and evening classes, as well as
weekend classes and your first class is free! In Balance
is located in the same building as the Chamber office
at 216 N. Main St. For more information call 715-3070543 or www.inbalanceyogafitness.com.
C&R Guns
C & R Guns is a full service gun shop that works with
and for their customer when it comes to everything
in the fire arms industry. Owner Craig Rogaczwski
commented, that they are here for the community
and help keep people in it safe with an honest and
legal gun shop. C & R Guns joined the Chamber one
year ago after opening their doors in August of 2014.
Craig has lived in the area for over 20 years and enjoys
the small town atmosphere and likes the people as a
whole who he believes to be honest and kind. C & R
Guns is located at 115 E. Maple Street and are open
Monday-Friday from 8-6 p.m. and Saturday
from 8- 3p.m. Visit their website
candrgunsriverfalls.com or 715-426-4867.
From L-R: Vince Seidling, Edward Jones Investments; Monica Wright, Express
Employment Professionals; Toni Hinz, Junior’s Bar & Restaurant; Kaari Naughton,
Associated Bank; Kristen Wiersma, First National Bank; Amanda Wright, American
Family Insurance; Craig Rogaczewski, C&R Guns; Jeff Schwab, B Wireless; Chris
Blasius, River Falls Chamber; Monica Steiner, Steiner Plumbing, Electric & Heating
Chamber News - Page 5
Dick’s Fresh Market
2014 Chamber
Annual Award Winners
2014 Business
of the Year
BUSINESSBriefs
Bo’s ‘N Mine
2014 Small Business
of the Year
www.rfchamber.com
Cedric Ellingson Monica Steiner
River Falls
Baseball Council
Steiner
2014 Citizen
of the Year
Plumbing,
2014 Non-Profit
of the Year
Heating &Electric
2014 Ambassador
of the Year
The University of Wisconsin Colleges and UW-Extension are producing a series of brief videos to help business leaders, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders learn about the work of UW Colleges and UW-Extension. In the May video, Chancellor Cathy Sandeen talks about the UW Flexible Option, a program designed to let busy adults start work on a University
of Wisconsin degree or certificate when they want, advance at their own pace, test when they’re ready and earn credit for what
they already know.
WESTconsin Credit Union offices are collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for those less fortunate from
June 8-20. Donations can be made at any WESTconsin location including Amery, Baldwin, Barron, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hudson, Menomonie (North, Downtown and East), New Richmond, Prescott, River Falls and Spring Valley. All proceeds will
be delivered by the credit union to local food pantries for distribution. Inventory supply needs for food pantries are especially high
during summer months, largely due to students being out of school. Many area students receive reduced or free lunches while
schools are in session and without the support of the food pantries, these children may not receive adequate nutrition over summer break. Monetary donations are especially valuable because for every $1 in cash, food pantries can purchase up to $10 worth
of food. According to the 2010 Poverty and Population estimates from the US Census Bureau, 69,950 people in the 14 counties of
west central Wisconsin live in poverty including more than one of every five children.
River Falls Ranks Among the Best!
Residents and business employees have always enjoyed their experience in River Falls with great local eateries, shops, entertainment and places to explore. Now River Falls is being ranked among the best!
#2 Swinging Bridge - Travel Wisconsin’s “11 Unique Wisconsin Bridges You Have to See”
#8 River Falls - Local Niche’s “Best Towns in Wisconsin”
#8 Kinnickinnic River - Only in Your State’s “9 of Wisconsin’s Most Hidden Yet Awesome Gems”
“Like” the River Falls Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and share your local experience!
Leadership River Falls
Class of 2014-15
The 2014-15 Leadership River Falls class
successfully completed their 9-month course
after spending a day each month learning
about different River Falls’ community topics
such as heritage, education, and natural
resources. This year the class voted Julie Hove
as this year’s Mover and Shaker, one who
exemplifies the assets of a true community
leader. Inspired from learning about all of the
local organizations that were in need of assistance, this year’s class decided to dedicate
one day each month to volunteer in the community for their class project. Applications for
the 2015-2016 Leadership River Falls class are
now available at rfchamber.com.
Second Row: Mike Huth, City of River Falls; Debbie Eastman, River Falls State Bank; Tami
Langer, Security Financial Bank; David Schmidt, First National Bank; Julie Hove, Royal Credit
Union; Danielle Campeau, UWRF Bottom Row: Chris Cernohous, City of River Falls; Amber
Pechacek, WESTconsin Credit Union; Monica Steiner, Steiner Plumbing, Electric & Heating;
Bridget Heib, City of River Falls
17th
aNNual
RiveR Falls ChambeR
aMbassaDor Golf outiNG
MoNDay, auGust 10 th, 2015 ■ river falls Golf Club
spoNsoreD
by:
On Monday, August 10th, the River Falls Area Chamber of
Commerce & Tourism Bureau Ambassadors will host their
17th Annual Golf Outing at River Falls Golf Club.
Treat your employees, preferred customers and/or
clients to an afternoon of fun and camaraderie!
$95.00/Golfer
Chamber Member
& Member Guests
Golfer reGistratioN iNCluDes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
18 Hole Best Ball Scramble
1/2 Golf Cart
Boxed Lunch
Drink Ticket
19th Hole Dinner & Cash Bar
Great Networking Opportunities
$120.00/Golfer
Non-Members
$200.00/Guest
Dinner Only
Register Online
www.rfchamber.com
luNCh 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
shot GuN start 12:30 p.m.
DiNNer Approx. 5:00 p.m.
or immediatley following last golfer
“Rain or Shine Event”
17th
aMbassaDor Golf outiNG
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JULY 24, 2015*
Register online at www.rfchamber.com
*Space limited to 144 golfers. Teams accepted on a first-come basis.
Please list names and company of golfers as it should be listed on the name tag
Name:
Team Contact:
_________________________
Company: _____________________________
Address: _______________________________
Phone: ________________________________
E-mail: ________________________________
please
returN CoMpleteD forM aND payMeNt to:
aNNual
RiveR Falls ChambeR
__________________________________
Company: ________________________________
MeMber
NoN-MeMber
DiNNer oNly
$95
$120
$20
$95
$120
$20
Company: ________________________________
$95
$120
$20
__________________________________
Company: ________________________________
$95
$120
$20
__________________________________
Company: ________________________________
Name:
Name:
__________________________________
Name:
River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau · 214 North Main Street, River Falls, WI 54022
(715) 425-2533 · [email protected] · Fax: (715) 425-2305 · www.rfchamber.com