Chamber Newsletter - March 2025

Chamber Chat with Amanda

Your membership in the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce unlocks valuable opportunities to grow your business, expand your network, and increase visibility. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

✅ Boost Your Online Presence – Check your directory listing on our website and make sure the information we have is still current. You can enhance your listing with multiple photos. Email us any updates you would like for your listing.

📅 Promote Your Events – Submit events to be added to the calendar of events online for added exposure at no cost.

💼 Find the Right Talent – Send us your job openings and we will get them added on our Jobs page for free.

📢 Get Your Business Noticed - Maximize your reach with our e-newsletters and Facebook (19,000+ followers!). Share your news, events, and job postings for inclusion. Plus, claim your one complimentary full-page ad in our weekly e-newsletter. Want more? Weekly ads are only $25.

🤝 Network & Connect – Attend Business After 5 events or host one to showcase your business.

💲 Chamber Bucks Program – Join 80+ local businesses in accepting Chamber Bucks and help keep dollars in our community.

🌟 Feature Fridays – Use our parking lot or conference room for free on select Fridays in July and August to promote your business or host a fundraiser.

📖 Get Noticed in the Annual Directory – Be featured in our tourism guide and display your brochures at our office.

🖨️ Affordable Printing Services – Enjoy low-cost copying and mailing labels—your first set of member labels is FREE!

🏢 Conference Room Access – Use our conference room free once per year—additional rentals are just $25.

✂️ Ribbon Cuttings – Celebrate new openings, expansions, or relocations with a Chamber-hosted ribbon cutting.

🎉 Become an Ambassador – Help welcome new members and strengthen our local connections.

Your membership is more than just joining - it’s about leveraging opportunities, building relationships, and growing together. We’re here to help you succeed—take advantage of these benefits today! Let us know if you have any questions!

Chamber News

The Black River Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a successful Annual Dinner, Meeting, & Awards on Monday, March 3rd, at Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls. With over 200 attendees, the evening was a vibrant showcase of community spirit, honoring our annual award recipients and highlighting the Chamber's achievements in 2024, while also looking ahead to the rest of 2025. Guests enjoyed a buffet meal, entertainment by Corey Rae White, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and an engaging game of Heads or Tails. It was a truly celebratory occasion, highlighting the collective successes of our Chamber community.

View Awards Press Release

2024 Business of the Year (less than 20 employees) -

UScellular Agent/Cell.Plus

Cell.Plus staff: Store Manager Nancy Stevens, Sara Baker, ASM Chris Casey, Elyjah Sackett, Mackenzie Borek, and Ashlee Koebler

2024 Business of the Year (more than 20 employees) -

Walmart #1277 of Black River Falls

Walmart Staff: Tyler Barton, Hans Markgren, Jordan Parker, Store Manager Juliana Cayer, Ally Boerger, Missy Smothers, Crystal Byrns, Sarina Nitzsche, Nash Voge, Lilly Mock, Stephanie Moses, and Aime Arndt

2024 Emerging Business of the Year - The Yoga Studio Black River Falls

Owner of The Yoga Studio Black River Falls: Judy Brauner

2024 Service Organization - Merrillan Lions Club

Merrillan Lions Club members: Bill Laurent, Anita Laurent, Amber Sonsalla, and Arnet Holty Not pictured - Heather Sonsalla, Nette Stainbrook, and Kevin Thomas

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.

A huge thank you to The Print Shop for their fantastic work on this year's guide.

Kayak/water photo - Diana Laufenberg, photo of the dam - Melissa Bue, deer photo - Brian Thompson, UTV photo - Bob Novak

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.

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.

April Business After 5

2025 Business After 5 Schedule

April 9: Creekside Winery

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

Black River Memorial Hospital Named one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the U.S. for 2025

Black River Health (BRH) is excited to announce that Black River Memorial Hospital has been named one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States for 2025. This award comes from the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, which is known as the most comprehensive and objective way to measure how rural hospitals are performing across the United States.

This award means The Chartis Group determined Black River Memorial Hospital to be a top performer in key areas such as risk management, patient care, safety, patient satisfaction, and keeping costs lower than its peers.

Dr. Michelle Clark-Forsting, Chief Physician Executive, highlights the patient-first mindset that made this possible. “Our patients and community are at the center of everything we do. Receiving national recognition for the care we provide is a true honor.”

“While this award recognizes the hospital, it truly reflects the commitment of all our staff members,” Carl Selvick, Black River Health Chief Executive Officer, added. “Our team’s hard work has put us among the top 100 critical access hospitals in the U.S., and that’s something we all can be proud of.”

As healthcare continues to change, BRH is committed to maintaining high standards and serving as a leader in rural healthcare for years to come.

For more information about Black River Health, please visit: blackriverhealth.com.

US DAYS at Cell.Plus/UScellular Agent

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

Scholarship Opportunities

Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Gala

The 2025 Youth of the Year Gala is taking place April 3rd at the Floridian Gardens in Eau Claire from 5:00pm - 8:00pm and includes a social hour, a delicious dinner, and a silent auction.

Youth of the Year features inspiring stories from members about how the Club has impacted their lives and formed relationships that inspire greatness. Celebrating their leadership potential and community impact!

Get tickets today - visit this link: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2025yoy

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!

Stubborn Fool Adventure Race

The Stubborn Fool Adventure Race is taking place on Saturday, April 5!

It’s the perfect challenge for your team whether this is your first adventure race or your 101st! Register for this choose-your-own-adventure style race to find hidden checkpoints in the beautiful forests near Black River Falls.

https://180adventure.com/sf-race-info

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.

Monroe County Economic Development & Tourism Spring Conference

The Monroe County Economic Development & Tourism conference is scheduled for April 10-11 at Three Bears Resort in Warrens, WI.

The event will feature inspiring startup stories from local businesses, presentations, and keynote addresses from leaders in Economic Development, Hospitality, and Tourism.

Click here for more information & to register

Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant Program

Employer Grants Now Available to Train Skilled Workers

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has extended the deadline for employers to apply for Wisconsin Fast Forward worker training grants from March 11 until Wednesday, April 2, 2025, by 3 p.m. Employers of all types and sizes across Wisconsin are encouraged to apply for this funding that helps address the critical demand for skilled workers.

The WFF program supports innovative local and regional solutions to help employers meet workforce needs in their areas. The Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants reimburse the costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 – and higher for consortium applicants – can cover training that qualifies workers for full-time positions, higher-level roles, or increased wages.

"These grants benefit employers and workers, and strengthen Wisconsin's workforce for the future," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "Through this strategic investment by Governor Tony Evers, we are addressing the workforce quantity challenges employers across the state have been facing and offering workers the skills they need to succeed."

Eligible applicants include:

Public agencies
Private organizations in all industry sectors
A consortium of placement partners with the lead public or private organization serving as the applicant
Tribal governing bodies of a federally recognized tribe or band of Native Americans, or an organization appointed by the tribal governing body

Find additional details about the grant program announcement. Learn more about the Wisconsin Fast Forward Standard Grant program.

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.

U.S. Small Business Administration

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

The SCORE chapter that services the western and north central region of WI has a number of different mentors that have expertise in certain areas of business (marketing, social media, bookkeeping, etc). Additionally, SCORE mentors can help a business owner update or create a business plan. Learn more at https://centralwisconsin.score.org/.

For information on the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) that services Jackson County visit: https://wisconsinsbdc.org/centers/lacrosse/.

Area Contact -

Lisa Taylor

Outreach and Marketing Specialist

Wisconsin District Office

U.S. Small Business Administration

lisa.taylor@sba.gov

Cell: (202) 407-3299

Click here to view SBA Information Sheets