Chamber Newsletter - April 2025

Dear Chamber Members,

After 15 incredible years with the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to step down as Executive Director to pursue a new career opportunity. My last day at the Chamber will be May 9.

I joined the Chamber in August 2009 as Office Manager and became Executive Director in 2017. Leading this organization has been an honor, and I’m grateful for the support of our board, my amazing team, and each of you—our valued members. Together, we’ve made unforgettable memories and strengthened our community.

I know this announcement is surprising to some but I’ve been ready for a change for a while. When an exciting opportunity arose, I knew it was time to take the leap. I’ll still be in the area and will assist the board during the transition as they search for a new Executive Director.

The Chamber is in a strong position, and I’m confident it will continue to thrive under new leadership. Thank you for trusting me with this role and for your unwavering support.

Sincerely,

Amanda Gunn

Executive Director

Chamber News

SEASON 38 OF DISCOVER WISCONSIN KICKS OFF WITH ATV ADVENTURES IN RICE LAKE, BLACK RIVER FALLS, MAUSTON, & GREEN COUNTY

Four off-road destinations await in Discover Wisconsin’s newest episode, ‘ATV Adventure Lands — Rice Lake, Black River Falls, Mauston, & Green County,’ streaming NOW!

Discover Wisconsin, the nation’s longest-running travel & tourism TV series, explores four off-road destinations in their newest episode, “ATV Adventure Lands — Rice Lake, Black River Falls, Mauston, & Green County,” now streaming.

Host Lindsey Hayes embarks on an exhilarating ATV adventure through Rice Lake, Black River Falls, Mauston, and Green County. Viewers will experience a wild ride across scenic hills, rugged landscapes, and rolling countryside, showcasing the best off-road destinations Wisconsin has to offer. These four destinations promise thrilling trails and breathtaking views that will leave ATV enthusiasts craving more.

“Who doesn't love a little throttle therapy?! Riding UTVS is one of my favorite ways to explore. From Rice Lake to Black River Falls, Mauston, and Green County, fall offered up a colorful display on the trails,” said Discover Wisconsin Host and Producer Lindsey Hayes. “For me, the best part is meeting the people who are passionate about the sport. We also rode near my family farm, so some of my favorite cows made their TV debut.”

In Rice Lake, Lindsey begins her adventure on the renowned Wild Rivers Trail, a 104-mile former railroad corridor. She also features Trailhead Adventures, a convenient stop for ATV rentals and trail information. The journey continues in Black River Falls, where Lindsey partners with Bear Bogging Adventure Tours to navigate Sand Country, which offers hundreds of miles of diverse trails that cater to all skill levels.

Meanwhile, Mauston welcomes ATV enthusiasts with accessible accommodations and local attractions. Lindsey recommends stops at Riverside Park, Carr Valley Cheese, and Jay's of Mauston. To experience the scenic beauty of the area, Lindsey teams up with Adrenaline Rush Sports to explore the Castle Rock Lake Area, including Buckhorn Bridge. The day concludes with a classic Wisconsin Friday fish fry.

Finally, Lindsey travels to Green County, known as the Gateway to Cheese Country. There, she rides the Cheese Country Trail with the Green County ATV Club, showcasing the historic Browntown Bridge, Bennett's Junction House, and Monroe's Alp & Dell Cheese Store. The episode also highlights the community’s festive Halloween Ride.

View the episode below!

Tourism Booth Advertising

Elevate your visibility with our exclusive ad space opportunity! Showcase your business or organization on one of the panels nestled within our high-traffic tourism/information booth. With three different ad sizes available, you can customize your message for maximum impact.

Our booth is a hotspot for visitors, stocked with guides, maps, and local information, attracting thousands of tourists each year. Located along a popular route for ATV/UTV riders and interstate travelers, your ad will be seen by a diverse audience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your visibility and grow your business!

Available ad sizes:

Small: 5” x 8.25” - $100

Single: 8.25” x 10.5” - $200

Double: 16.875” x 10.5” - $400

If you would like to purchase an ad or if you have questions, please contact our office at 715-284-4658 or email chamber@blackrivercountry.net

Deadline to purchase ads is May 2, 2025.

Tourism/Information Booth is located on Oasis Road near

Sure Stay Plus by Best Western

Black River Area Chamber of Commerce Awards 2025 Fern Helbling Scholarships

The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce (BRACC) is honored to continue the legacy of Fern Helbling by awarding scholarships in her name. A compassionate and dedicated local nurse, Fern Helbling cared deeply about her community and believed in the value of education. Upon her passing in 1999, a portion of her estate was set aside to support local students, ensuring her commitment to learning and opportunity would live on for generations.

This year, BRACC awarded four scholarships - one in the Women’s Scholarship category and three in the Business Scholarship category.

Fern Helbling Women’s Scholarship Recipient

The 2025 Women’s Scholarship has been awarded to Renee Stoker of Hixton. Renee is currently enrolled at Chippewa Valley Technical College, working toward a degree in Early Childhood Education. This scholarship is specifically designed to support women aged 25 and older who are enrolled in a two- or four-year college and taking at least six credits.

Fern Helbling Business Scholarship Recipients

Three outstanding students have been selected to receive the 2025 Business Scholarship:

Lucas Cowles of Black River Falls – Studying Marketing at North Central University.
Asher Guenther of Black River Falls – Pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management & Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, Cofrin School of Business.
Summer Rufsholm of Black River Falls – Enrolled at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, majoring in Business Management.

The Business Scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in a four-year college who are at least sophomores in good academic standing and pursuing a degree in a business-related field.

BRACC congratulates all of this year’s scholarship recipients on their achievements and wishes them continued success in their academic and professional journeys.

2025 Black River Country Visitor Guides

2025 Black River Country Visitor Guides are available! Pick up your copy at the Chamber office, or contact us to arrange delivery.

2025 Menu Guides

The 2025 Black River Area Menu Guides are now available!

If you'd like copies for your business or lodging facility, swing by our office to pick them up or simply give us a call, and we'll be happy to drop them off for you.

Feature Fridays

We’re excited to offer member businesses and organizations the chance to use our parking lot and/or conference room free of charge on select Fridays throughout the summer. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase and sell your products or services in a new location or to host a fundraiser.

Benefits:

We will promote your event on social media, your event will be listed on the calendar of events on our website, and we will advertise your event during our weekly radio spot.

Available Dates:

July: 11, 18, 25

August: 8, 15, 22

Time: 11 AM - 2 PM

Amenities:

Conference Room: Tables, chairs, TV, and WiFi.

Kitchen: Refrigerator, sink, microwave, and coffee maker.

Additional Equipment: Extra folding chairs and two tables for outdoor use.

Requirements:

Your business or organization must handle setup, teardown, and cleanup.

Liability insurance is required. Please provide a copy of the certificate.

Fundraisers or benefits for individuals are not permitted.

Information Needed:

Name of your business or organization, contact person and phone number, details about what you plan to showcase or sell (merchandise, food, etc.), and a copy of your liability insurance certificate.

How to Book:

If you have questions or would like to book a date call 715-284-4658 or email us at chamber@blackrivercountry.net. Dates are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait! Join us for Feature Fridays and take advantage of this exclusive member benefit!

Free Ad in the Weekly E-Newsletter for All Chamber Members

We are once again offering a free ad in the weekly e-newsletter to all Chamber Members in 2025! We want to help promote your business as much as we can, so your ad will not only be included in the weekly e-newsletter but also featured in a scheduled Facebook post on our page.

To take advantage of this opportunity, simply send your ad to chamber@blackrivercountry.net and let us know when you’d like it to run. Ad sizes should be 8.5x11.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Events and Press Releases to Share

Please send us information on any upcoming events your business or organization is hosting. We will get them posted to the calendar on our website and in the printed calendar we distribute at our office. We also share many different events on our Facebook page!

We will also share press releases in the Member News section of the monthly e-newsletter! Please send any press releases to amandagunn@blackrivercountry.net.

Click here to visit our calendar of events

Brochures, Rack Cards and Business Cards

Make sure to drop off a supply of your brochures, rack cards and business cards at the Chamber office. Help us help your business by passing along information to both our out-of-town visitors and to local residents who come to the Chamber. If you can't make it to the office, give us a call at 715-284-4658 and we will gladly pick them up at your business!

Proud Member Logo

Thank you for being a Member of the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce - we appreciate your membership. Being part of the Chamber means being part of a thriving, innovative and collaborative business community. Your membership brings credibility to your business and increases positive perceptions among consumers and fellow business professionals. We welcome you to increase your visibility in the community with the Proud Member Logo!

You can save a copy of the digital 2025 Proud Member logo by clicking on the image below. You can place it on your website with a link to the Black River Area Chamber website www.blackrivercountry.net. You can also print a copy to display at your place of business.

Business After 5

April Business After 5

Big thanks to Creekside Winery, LLC for hosting the April Business After 5 event on April 9th! Everyone had a great time enjoying the tasty wines, good food, and beautiful setting. It was a fun night of networking and connecting with the community.

Located above Trout Run in Black River Falls, WI, Creekside Winery is a cozy spot for wine fans and first-timers alike. Enjoy a glass of their fine wines while taking in the gorgeous views. They offer a variety of dry reds, crisp whites, and sweet wines, served with friendly hospitality. You’re sure to find something you love, no matter your taste.

Check out their Facebook page for hours and upcoming events: Creekside Winery on Facebook

Join us for the next Business After 5 event on May 14th at Waumandee State Bank!

2025 Business After 5 Schedule

May 14: Waumandee State Bank

June 11: Dilly's Hatfield Resort

July 9: Three Bears Resort

August 13: Black River Falls United Methodist Church

September 10: Ho-Chunk Gaming

October 8: Security Financial Bank

November 12: Republican Party of Jackson County

December 3: Chamber Holiday Party

If you're interested in hosting a Business After 5 event in 2026, give us a call!

Member News

Work Based Learning Programs - Black River Falls High School

A message from Ryan Johnson, Career Coordinator at BRFHS

Hello, my name is Ryan Johnson, and I am the Career Coordinator at Black River Falls High School. I would like to take a minute to explain to you a little about our Work Based Learning Programs. I think you will find that these are great opportunities for the student, but also a way for an employer to have a pipeline to future employees.

Within our WBL program, we have two different options for students to gain career experience. The first is the Youth Apprenticeship program. The YA program is run through the Department of Workforce Development and focuses on industry specific career skills. For example, a student working for a plumber, would have to be able to show that he/she is capable of using tools needed for plumbing and be able to perform jobs directly related to plumbing.

The YA Program benefits students, as they walk away with experience and a certification that directly relates to the career field they would like to work in. YA also benefits employers, as they are able to have a part time employee work and train in their business. Oftentimes, if the student impresses, an employer offers full-time work after graduation. This can be an excellent way for an employer to strengthen their future employee pipeline!

For further information on the YA program, please click on this link, that will take you to the program areas offered through YA. You can click on any of the program areas that relate to your industry, and it will take you to the career areas focused on in Youth Apprenticeship.

The second option for students is to work towards an Employability Skills Certificate, which is run through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. This program allows students to work in fields that may not be covered within the YA program. In this program, students are paid or unpaid and gain career skills that are applicable to all work fields. At the end of their placement, they can earn a certificate by demonstrating that they are sufficient in career skills such as communication, team work, handling pressure, etc.

For more information on the Wisconsin Employability Skills Certification, please click on this link. The rubric begins on page 14 of the document.

Lastly, if you have jobs available that students could work in (even if they are seasonal jobs), feel free to send me a job posting promoting the job. I have a large board in the school promoting local jobs to students. Just send the posting to me at ryan.johnson@brf.org, and I will print it and get it up on my board.

If you have any questions or would like to contact me for any reason, please feel free to email me at ryan.johnson@brf.org or call me at 715-284-4324 extension 2715.

Thank you for your time and your interest in partnering with the School District of Black River Falls.

Info sheet from Wisconsin DWD - YA for Employers

Ryan Johnson

Business and Information Technology Teacher

Career Coordinator

School District of Black River Falls

Black River Falls Launches Community Branding Campaign

The City of Black River Falls is excited to announce the development of a new logo and branding campaign, designed to capture the unique spirit and vibrant qualities that make our community a remarkable place to live, work, and visit. This initiative will highlight the city's rich history, natural beauty, and the many assets that make Black River Falls truly special.

To ensure the campaign reflects the authentic voice of the community, city officials are seeking input from local residents. Community perspectives and insights are vital to shaping a successful and inclusive vision. As part of this effort, the city is encouraging residents to participate in a brief online survey and to encourage their neighbors, family, and friends to do the same. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and is a valuable opportunity for citizens to share their thoughts on what makes Black River Falls stand out.

"We know how much pride our residents take in our city, and we want to hear directly from them," said City Administrator Brad Chown. "Your feedback will help us create a brand that truly represents the spirit of Black River Falls."

Residents can access the survey by visiting the City’s website or Facebook page. To participate, simply scan the QR code on the posted flyer or follow this link: https://bit.ly/brfcitysurvey.

Making Tough Choices - Simulation Event

The Jackson County Homeless Coalition will be hosting a poverty simulation open to the community on May 16 at D1CC. If you (or your organization/group) are interested in participating in this impactful experience, RSVP to Vicki Michalski at vicki.michalski@brf.org. Please note: participants must be present for the full 3 hour simulation and must RSVP to reserve a spot.

Click here to visit the Facebook event page

Bruce Mound Ski Patrol Fundraiser - Music Festival!

Annual BRF High School Alumni Association Banquet Information

When: Saturday, May 24, 2025

Where: Commons Area of BRF High School

Cost: The event is sponsored by David and Judith Lund, John and Sharon Lund, and Gerald Schunke.

Schedule:

•Social hour: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

•Dinner: 6 p.m.

•Anniversary-year photos (25-year, 30-year, etc.): 5:30 p.m. in designated meeting rooms

Additional Information:

•The event is open to all BRFHS alumni and their guests.

•Reservations must be made by May 15, 2025.

•Please include your name, class year, mailing and e-mail address, name of guest (class year if applicable), and phone number.

•Email your reservation to brfalumni2025@yahoo.com, call 715-284-4072, or mail your reservation to Clarice Hanson Franke, BRF Alumni Assn. Secretary/Treasurer, W11552 Spaulding Rd, Black River Falls WI 54615.

•Confirmation of your reservation will be made by phone call or email.

•The alumni association awards $2,000 scholarships to BRFHS graduates. Donations are appreciated to help support the scholarship program. Donations can be made at the banquet, mailed to Franke (checks should be made payable to the BRF Area Foundation), or made directly online at brfareafoundation.org (click on “Donate” and then the “Tiger wearing a graduation hat”).

Contact Information:

• Steve Peterson, President: 715-299-7383

• Grace Hanson Nordahl, Vice President/Scholarship Committee Advisor: 715-963-2151

• Clarice Hanson Franke, Secretary/Treasurer: 715-284-4072

Walk to End Alzheimer's - September 21

Schedule of Events:

8:30 AM Event Opens

9:40 AM Opening Ceremony

10:00 AM Walk Begins

Click here for more information!

7 Rivers Alliance

Click here to read the newsletter!

Dementia Friendly Training

With dementia cases rising, Wisconsin's DHS promotes "Dementia Friendly" communities, enabling those affected to maintain daily life.

Jackson County ADRC offers free, 30-minute training for businesses to recognize and support individuals with dementia. Training covers symptom recognition and best practices, aiming to train at least 50% of staff. Participating businesses receive a "Purple Angel" window cling and toolkit from the DHS. Contact ADRCJC@jacksoncountywi.gov for free training.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Entrepreneurship Partner Grant - The goal of the Entrepreneurship Partner Grant is to encourage the formation of entrepreneurship support programs and to develop startup and emerging growth companies in the state of Wisconsin. View more information.

Opportunity Attraction Fund - This program is designed to attract major opportunities and events to Wisconsin, enhancing our state's reputation as a prime destination for travel, business, and living. View program details.

Small Business Development Grant - This program is designed to assist communities and their economic development partners to expand or create new and innovative locally-managed programs that will directly support small businesses. These programs should provide greater access to capital and other resources to small businesses throughout the state. View more information.

Other Programs - Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation continues to offer several longstanding programs aimed at Downtowns including the Idle Sites Redevelopment Program, Community Development Investment Grant, Historic Tax Credit Program, and their Brownfields programs. For more information on these, visit https://wedc.org/programs/

There is a new resource available for certain Wisconsin businesses. Qualifying companies can receive free expert guidance on legal, financial and accounting matters.

The available services include:

Legal services - Assistance with forming a business and developing corporate governance; support with licenses, registrations, and certifications; contract preparation and negotiation guidance; and legal support for funding, including term sheets, purchase agreements, and employee stock ownership plan development

Financial advisory services - Establishing relationships with banks and other financial institutions; guidance for applying to government business programs, including creating financial analyses; identifying funding opportunities like grants, credit, or venture capital; and developing financial presentations, models, and business plans

Accounting services - Preparing audits, financial statements, and other business records; digitizing financial records for better management; and training on accounting practices, tools, and software

To learn more or apply, visit the UW Office of Business & Entrepreneurship SSBCI Technical Assistance Center webpage.