C H A M B E RDecember 2017

Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

CONNECTION

IN THISISSUE:

NEW CHAMBER PROGRAMS PG. 2

EMPLOYEE RETENTION IN A SCARCE LABOR MARKET PG. 4

PG. 3SCHOOL2SKILLS

CALENDARMARK YOUR

BUSINESSAFTERHours

December 185pm-6:30pm

The Fill-Inn Station104 W. Columbia Street

Everyone is welcome!Dec. 13 | 4pm

The Hearth Shoppe1225 Truax Blvd

Eau Claire

MEMBER MILESTONESRIBBON CUTTINGS

Dec. 14 | 10amOakridge Engineering

220 1/2 N. Bridge StreetChippewa Falls

Dec. 15 | 12pmCollective Charm

16 W. Columbia StreetChippewa Falls

Dec. 14 | 4:30pmEO Johnson

Business Technologies1505 Prairie Lane

Eau Claire

annual meeting & luncheon

the 107th

The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to

Monday, January 15th 12pm Avalon Hotel & Conference Center

1009 W. Park Avenue, Chippewa Falls

Please join us to review the issues that shaped the year, highlight Chamber accomplishments, and discuss

upcoming priorities.

Featured Member: Machine Tool Camp

$25 per person | $200 for a table of 8

Call the Chamber office at 715-723-0331 or kelly@chippewachamber.org to reserve a seat! *No reimbursement after cancellation.

2 Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

MEMBERS OF THEMONTH

Advertising SpecialtiesA to Z Embroidery & Screen PrintingBig Buck SaversBlue Ribbon Awards, Signs & EngravingDanielle Pilkin Promotions, LLCEMA DesignFairway Outdoor AdvertisingGator Garb PromotionsImpact Advertising

Legacy One Publications, LLCLitho SpecialistsMid-West Digital MarketingScreenprinting DirectAgricultureChippewa Valley Grain TransportCuster Farms Inc.Darrow FarmsWisconsin Farmers Union

chippewachamber.org

715-723-03311 N. Bridge Street

Visitor Packets 141

Visitor Walk-Ins 497

Tourism Website Views 19,844

Chamber Website Views10,708

BY THE NUMBERS

OCTOBER2017

2017 Festmeister, Darrin Senn and Festmeisterin, Kim Senn presented over $20,000 in donations to the community on Tuesday, November 14, 2017.

Since the beginning of Oktoberfest in 2003, the Planning Committee has donated over $329,000 to local community groups and non-profits

including service, civic, religious, social, educational and recreational organizations.

2017 OKTOBERFEST VOLUNTEER CHECK PRESENTATION

2018NEW CHAMBERPROGRAMS

COFFEE & COMMERCECoffee & Commerce will be held on the second Friday every other month from 8-9 a.m. starting on February 9th. At this free networking event, members will have the opportunity to share contacts, discuss upcoming community projects, and build relationships with fellow business leaders over complimentary coffee and treats.Sponsorships are now available for this upcoming series. For only $100 you will have the option to speak on behalf of your business/organization and will be included in all promotional materials pertaining to the event (newsletter, enews, Facebook, website, etc). In addition to the fee, sponsors will be asked to provide a $50 door prize.

SUCCESS FOR BREAKFAST

Members will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge in the new Success for Breakfast. Each month an area professional will share their expertise to help you succeed in the workplace. A light breakfast will be provided.

$15 Members/$20 Non-Members

Contact Maranda atmaranda@chippewachamber.org

or 715-723-0331 for details.

3Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

Ayres AssociatesMichael Stoffel

3433 Oakwood Hills Parkway, Eau Claire715-834-3161

Bernicke Wealth ManagementErin Trowbridge

1565 Bluestem Blvd, Altoona 715-832-1173

C&M Cornerstone FlooringChris Acker

16862 Cty Hwy X, Chippewa Falls715-861-2100

Wissota DockJosh Sedlacek

10363 Cty Hwy S, Chippewa Falls715-579-1991

Fairway Outdoor AdvertisingEric Grundin

1329 Interchange Place, LaCrosse608-784-8200

Chase Recruiting LLCAmanda Schindler

1319 Main Street, Ste 9, Bloomer715-933-1682

Ambassador Sponsor: Carrie Nielsen

Max’s Bistro and BarFactor Rivera

213 N. Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls715-861-2500

SCORETom Bauer

500 S. Barstow Street, Eau Claire715-834-1573

2018 Businessafter hoursJan22

TOYCEN FORDCO-SPONSORS- BMO HARRIS BANK AND BAUMAN CONSTRUCTION

Find the full 2018 Business After Hours schedule at chippewachamber.org

The Chamber Ambassadors made a donation to the St. Francesca Resource Center after a friendly competition

during the recent membership drive. Rolly Enderes presented Matt and Rhonda Elstran, a check for $190.

Thank you to the Chamber Ambassadors for working so hard throughout the year to welcome businesses and organizations

to the Chamber!

2017 MEMBERSHIP DRIVECHAMBER AMBASSADOR NON-PROFIT

DONATION

Ugly Sweater Happy HourThursday, December 14th

4:30 - 6:30 PM Sammy's Pizza

2812 London RoadEau Claire

ACE (Advocate, Collaborate, Educate)

Professional Development: 3 Session Event: Dec 13th, Jan 10th, Jan 24th

Times VaryEau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce

101 North Farwell StreetEau Claire

Contact Maranda Mahrmaranda@chippewachamber.org

715.723.0331

Mark your calendar for January 31 and help us bring the Chippewa Valley’s voice to Madison in January.

This one-day event is jointly sponsored by the Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, and Eau Claire

Chambers of Commerce. We’ll be there to bring our region’s important economic, education and infrastructure issues to the attention of state

government. You’ll participate in pre-scheduled small group meetings with legislators and their aides, an exclusive luncheon with the Governor (invited), meetings with top state officials, an informal closing

reception, and more. Everything is taken care of, including charter bus transportation to

and from Madison (or you can travel on your own if you prefer).

For registration or sponsorship information, contact Scott Rogers 715-858-0616.

CHIPPEWA VALLEY RALLY24TH ANNUAL

4 Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

EMPLOYEE RENTIONIN A SCARCE LABOR MARKETDeb Marshall, Senior ManagerHuman Resource ConsultingWipfli LLPIt is no surprise that employers are struggling with finding enough employees to meet the needs of their customers. Demographics are working against all of us, regardless of industry, and unfortunately statistics indicate it will only get worse for the next several years. It is imperative for employers to retain good employees, as trying to replace them can be a real challenge. Compensation is your ticket into the ballgame, but it doesn’t necessarily win it for you. So, first thing, be in the game! Review your compensation structure and make sure it’s meeting your needs. There is a growing problem with wage compression – where new employees make close to, or even more than, your more experienced people. If not managed, it will likely result in good employees leaving (people DO talk). It may be necessary to address pricing for your products or services to cover rising employment costs. This is especially true in the construction industry with skilled labor. A few non-monetary ideas are:•Define your EVP (Employee Value Proposition)- why should someone work for YOU and not your competitor? Branding is critical - update your website and social media to reflect this. •Supervisor accountability – track and talk about retention (vs. turnover), live it every day! •Career pathing – Identify your high potentials with a 9-box assessment process. Manage expectations with realistic time frames. Discuss and plan how you will work with them to better prepare and improve their prospects for advancement. •Conduct “stay interviews” with individual employees. Do you know why someone might leave? Have they been contacted by a recruiter? Why do they stay? What can you do that is within your control to build a more trusting and respectful relationship with your employees? Google’s research on Building a Better Boss has shown that “What employees value most are even-keeled bosses who make time for one-on-one meetings, who help people puzzle through problems by asking questions, not dictating answers, and who take an interest in employees’ lives and careers.” When it comes to retention, being a good boss matters!

R I B B O N C U T T I N G SCONGRATULATIONS TO COURTNEY & JENNIFER ANDERS, OWNERS OFTHE BIRD NEST.THE BIRD NEST

116 N. BRIDGE STREET, CHIPPEWA FALLS

CHAMBER AMBASSADORSCELEBRATING MEMBER MILESTONES

EARTH BLINDS, LLC11863 30TH AVENUE, CHIPPEWA FALLS

CONGRATULATIONSTO NEIL MATHWIG, SCOTT MAES,DANE HANNUSCH, OWNERS OFEARTH BLINDS, LLC.

V I S I T S

BECKY ZIMMERMAN, OFCOLLECTIVE CHARM

STACI ALTUZAR OFMOUSE TREKKER

WELCOME TO CHIPPEWA FALLS

CONGRATULATIONSTTM TECHNOLOGIESON THEIR NEW ON-SITE EMPLOYEE HEALTH CLINIC.TTM TECHNOLOGIES

234 CASHMAN DRIVE, CHIPPEWA FALLS

CONGRATULATIONSTO LACEY ASHWELL, OWNER OFLACEY’S LINGERIE.

LACEY’S LINGERIE101 N. BRIDGE STREET, CHIPPEWA FALLS

5Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

MEET U

S

Chair Rolly Enderes, ChemCeed, LLC

Chair ElectNeil Mathwig, Earth Blinds, LLC

First Vice ChairBen Lane, Wiley Law S.C.

Treasurer Jamie Leibrandt, Northwestern Bank Immediate Past ChairJanice Lemminger, C4 Solutions LLC

Mark Broses, Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.

Lindsey Everson, Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

Amy Forcier Pabst, Royal Credit Union

Tim Fries, Fries Financial Group-Raymond James

Tom Hubbard, Cedar Falls Building Systems

Sue Kern, Mason Companies, Inc.

Erin Lorberter, Country Inn & Suites

John Lynn, TTM Technologies

Mike Olson, Micon Cinemas

Mayor Greg Hoffman, Ex-OfficioDIR

ECTO

RS

Mike JordanPresidentKelly KuechenmeisterAdministrative Assistant

CHAMBER STAFFMichelle FarrowMembership CoordinatorMaranda MahrPrograms Director

Jackie BoosTourism DirectorAlly McCulloughMarketing Design Coordinator

BOARD

AL BAUER BENEFIT ALTOONA GRADUATING CLASS 2017 ALTOONA LIONS CLUB - CINDER CITY DAYS ALTOONA PARKS AND RECREATION ALTOONA SCHOOL DISTRICT American Cancer Society

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 53 BEAVER CREEK RESERVE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS BOB'S HOUSE FOR DOGS BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE GREATER CHIPPEWA VALLEY CAVALIERS

BASEBALL CHILDREN'S DYSLEXIA CENTER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF EAU CLAIRE CHIPPEWA VALLEY COUNCIL Chippewa Valley Free Clinic CHIPPEWA VALLEY INNOVATION CENTER CHIPPEWA

VALLEY MUSEUM CHIPPEWA VALLEY SPIRIT ALL STARS CHIPPEWA VALLEY YOUNG LIFE CHIPPEWA VALLEY YOUTH SYMPHONY COMMUNITY PARKS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY TABLE

CONFLUENCE COUNCIL CVTC FOUNDATION RIVER LIGHTS BRIDGE PROJECT DJ POPHAL BENEFIT DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE EAU CLAIRE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EAU CLAIRE AREA

CHAPTER OF WHITETAILS UNLIMITED Eau Claire Area EDC EAU CLAIRE AREA SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL EAU CLAIRE BABE RUTH BASEBALL EAU CLAIRE CHAMBER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

EAU CLAIRE CHILDREN'S THEATRE 389 CONFLUENCE EVENT EAU CLAIRE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS EAU CLAIRE COUNTY HUMANE ASSOCIATION EAU CLAIRE EXPRESS EAU CLAIRE

FIREFIGHTER'S COMMUNITY CHARITY Eau Claire Humane Association EAU CLAIRE INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK EAU CLAIRE JAZZ EAU CLAIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION EAU

CLAIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS EAU CLAIRE REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL EAU CLAIRE SKI STRIDERS EAU CLAIRE YMCA FAMILY PROMISE OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY AMILY RESOURCE CENTER FEED

MY PEOPLE FLYING EAGLES SKI CLUB BEACON HOUSE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE NORTHWESTERN GREAT LAKES GIRLS ON THE RUN OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY GOODWILL NCW-THE MIRACLE

LEAGUE HOPE GOSPEL MISSION HSHS SACRED HEART HOSPITAL FOUNDATION HUSKY FEST IAOA EC Rotary Pink Out JUNIOR ACHIEVMENT EVENT-NORTHWEST DISTRICT L.E. PHILLIPS

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER LITERACY CHIPPEWA VALLEY LITERACY VOLUNTEERS CHIPPEWA VALLEY MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM MID-WEST FAMILY BROADCASTING MINI MODEL T'S

MN BLIZZARD MOMENTUM BASEBALL ACADEMY NORTH HIGH BOOSTER CLUB NORTH HIGH SCHOOL ART DEPARTMENT ALTOONA FIRE DEPARTMENT NORTHWEST WISCONSIN BOYS PRO

BOWL ONCE UPON A PROM PAUL BUNYAN LOGGING CAMP MUSEUM PUTNAM HALL LOVESTOCK REGIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS REGIS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2017 REGIS TRACK & FIELD OF

DREAMS ROTARY CLUB OF EAU CLAIRE ROTARY DISTRICT 6250 SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ALTOONA SCULPTURE TOUR EAU CLAIRE SKI SPRITES SPECIAL OLYMPICS ST. JUDE'S CHILDREN HOSPITAL

ST. MARY'S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH THE COMMUNITY TABLETILT, INC AN EVENING IN AFRICA UNITED WAY OF THE GREATER CHIPPEWA VALLEY BLUGOLD

BEGINNINGSUW-EAU CLAIRE FOUNDATION UW-EAU CLAIRE FOUNDATION VFW Post 305 AMERICAN LEGION POST 353 ADRC ANGEL WINGS CADOTT CLASS OF 2016 CADOTT CLASS OF 2017

CADOTT LIONS CFYF KNIGHTS CORNELL/HOLCOMBE YOUTH FOOTBALL

Per Mar Security Services was recognized by Security Sales & Integration as a Top Market Leader for delivering customized security solutions in the Retail & Entertainment, Utilities, Heathcare and Education Sectors.

Weld Riley elected two of its attorneys to become shareholders in the firm, Grant A. Bearsdley and Walker J.J. Stutzman.

Falls Bowl- After 33 bowling seasons, owners Steve Radke and Jim Altman are retiring. They are welcoming new owners Maggie and Joe Minke as of December 1.

Dove Healthcare – Wissota Health & Regional Vent Center was recently chosen as a “Best Nursing Home for 2017-18” by U.S. News & World and designated with an overall 5 Star Rating by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Lakeland University, Chippewa Valley Center, has now extended its Corporate Partnership discount (20% off undergraduate tuition and 10% off graduate tuition) to immediate family members.

MEMBER2MEMBER

The mission of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is to improve the quality of life in our community by providing leadership to coordinate, support,

and promote the business interest of our membership.

1 N. Bridge Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

EAU CLAIRE, WIPERMIT NO. 1557

Proud to Support Our

Local Chamber and

Our Community

1010 W. Clairemont Ave Eau Claire, WI 715.832.4254 • charterbank.bank

MON-FRI 7:30AM-5PM925 W. RIVER ST, STE 9

CHIPPEWA FALLS