MissionOur

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.

March 2016Chamber News

St. Patrick’s Day CelebrationThursday, March 17th 1-8 p.m.Downtown

POT O’ GOLD MEDALLION HUNT - 1 p.m. Try your Irish luck and hunt for the Pot O’ Gold. Clues will be posted every half hour starting at 1 p.m. in Veteran’s Park. The winner of the medallion hunt will receive a $50 Chamber Check!

POTATO SOUP COOK-OFF - 1-5 p.m. Be a part of deciding the title of best potato soup this side of Ireland. Sample potato soup from over 15 participating businesses.

POKER WALK - 1-5 p.m. Grab a poker card at any participating location, and continue drawing a card at each participating business to form the best poker hand.

7th ANNUAL BED RACES - 6 p.m. Teams of five will race makeshift beds down Main Street! Create a team of your own or cheer on your friends for this year’s Bed Races. Registration information at rfchamber.com.

Danielle Campeau ChairUWRF

Jamie BensonRiver Falls School District

Janet BurnsUWRF

Kellie Burrows American Cancer Society

Jen LoeschRiver Falls Hospital

Scott Morrissette Bremer Bank

Dan NistlerRiverwalk Square

Greg Peters Greg Peters State Farm Agency

Bill RasmussenHammarback Law Offices, S. C

Matt RussellFirst National Bank

Kevin WesthuisRiver Falls Municipal Utilities

Monica WrightExpress Employment Professionals

Angel ZimmermanBelle Vinez Winery

Scot SimpsonEx-OfficioCity of River Falls

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, Bacon Bash, 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. Email an 8.5x11 pdf to be included. $100/insert

Website Links: Connect your website to the Chamber website. Upgrade your membership to include a web link. $35 link, $60 enhanced listing with link.

To take advantage of any of these great market-ing opportunities, please contact the Chamber at 715-425-2533.

NEWSfrom the Chief Executive Officer

Chris Blasius

Save the Date

Fly Fishing Expo & FestivalMarch 11-12 UW-River Falls - University CenterBallroom

Don’t miss this year’s event featuring great films, tying demos, food & drink, and tons of raffles & auctions. Last year’s event was our sold out with over 450 attendees and over $12,000 was raised for the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust! The genre of “fly fishing” films has grown steadily over the past decade. Using fly fishing as the metaphor, the films address themes such as conservation, culture, family, travel and the joy of nature/fish-ing in a manner that is entertaining for everyone, not just those who fly fish. Featuring unique story lines from Bolivia, the Seychelles, British Columbia, Virginia, Saskatch-ewan, Zambia and Montana, this year’s films will raise the pulse of anyone who has dreamed of traveling the world in search of adventure and the challenge of bringing a trophy to hand. $15 Tickets are available at Lund’s Fly Shop. For more information, visit rfflyfishingfestival.com.

Bowls for HopeTuesday, March 8, 5-7 p.m.UWRF-University Center

Each year, UWRF works with the community to raise funds for a local non-profit. This year, Assistance Resource Center (ARC) was selected as this year’s recipient. Buy your tickets today to sample soups from local restaurants and receive a bowl handmade by local artists. Tickets are available at the Chamber office and UWRF Chancellor’s office. Adults tickets are $25, children 12 and under $5.

St. Croix Young Professionals Group Networking EventTuesday, March 8th 4-6 p.m. Junior’s Bar & Restaurant

Looking to expand your network in the St. Croix Valley? Don’t miss their next event at Junior’s Bar & Restaurant. This free, networking group for young professionals (35 and younger) meets monthly throughout the St. Croix Valley. Email scvypg@gmail.com to RSVP or for more information.

Each year we survey our membership in regard to overall satisfaction, educational topics, communication tools, events and programing, as well as a chance for members to provide feedback in regard to opportunities for improvement. In 2015, 43% of respondents stated “Developing Leadership Skills” is an education topic of interest. As a result, we are excited to present a new program, called Leadership U. In partnership with nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and coach, Jill Ann Anderson, this six month session will focus on all things leadership, beginning with Core Values on March 22. For

additional information regarding Jill Ann Anderson, Leadership U or more specifically the first Core Values session, see the supplemental informational enclosed. We hope to see you there!

Chamber CoffeeFriday, March 18th 8:30-9:30 a.m. City Hall Training Room

Join the Chamber for fresh coffee and treats. Share what is new with your business and learn what is new with other members. This is a perfect event to promote your business to the community for free. Sponsored by: Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Business Breakfast Thursday, March 24th 7:30-9:00 A.M.West Wind Supper Club

Train Your Brain for Success! When it comes to breaking records, Roger Seip walks the walk. Freedom Personal Development has consistently grown and broken records for more than 15 years.  Roger is the author of Train Your Brain for Success, a national best-seller on how individuals can remember more, read smarter and break records in their lives. Equally important, Roger is a master at teaching what works. He’s delivered more than 2000 presentations for organizations with audiences giving raving reviews for the improvement they immediately see, both professionally and personally. Roger also spent eight years as a professional stand-up comic, so you know there’s guaranteed laughter and fun with his presentation! Sponsored & hosted by: Kinnickinnic River Land Trust

Register online at rfchamber.com.

EVENTSUpcoming ChamberEvent Sponsor

Event Sponsor

River Falls Roots & Bluegrass Music Festival April 8-10 - Downtown

Join us for the 6th Annual River Falls Roots and Bluegrass Music Festival. Attendees will enjoyover a dozen venues filled with free live music, free workshops and jam sessions. The weekend will kick off with our 3rd Annual Beer & Wine Tasting at Junior’s Bar & Restaurant on Friday, April 8 from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Consider supporting the festival by becoming an event sponsor! Sponsorships details can be found at rfchamber.com.

“Like” River Falls Roots & Bluegrass on Facebook! Visit riverfallsbluegrass.com for additional festival information.

St. Croix County Business After 5Thursday, April 14th 5-7 p.m.Ready Randy’s (New Richmond)

Meet and network with other professionals in the St. Croix Valley at the annual all Chamber Business After 5. Looking to gain more visibility for your business? Become an event sponsor! For only $100 you will receive program recognition, signage, and an oppor-tunity to set a promotional booth. The cost for this event is $10 payable at the door. RSVP to chris@rfchamber.com for this event by Friday, April 8th.

Leadership U - Core ValuesMarch 22nd 11:30-1 p.m.Riverwalk Square

Why are some companies, relationships, people, etc. successful? The answer lies in one clear simple message: Core Values, the definition of who they are as people. When your Core Values are clear, you’ll find they attract like-minded people to you. In this first session of Leadership U, Jill Ann Anderson will identify what Core Values are and why we need them and how to incorporate them into your daily life.

The cost to attend is $15 with lunch provided to all attendees. Mark your calendars for our future session dates: April 26, May 24, June 28, and July 26. Attend one session or all! Registration available online at rfchamber.com.

From L-R Vince Seidling, Edward Jones Investments; Kristin Wiersma, First National Bank of River Falls; Kellie Burrows, American Cancer Society - Re-lay For Life; Kaari Naughton, Hope Lutheran Church; Toni Hinz, Junior’s Bar & Restaurant; Jodi Pechacek, CPR Wealth Advisors; Monica Wright; Express Employment Professionals; Monica Robey, Steiner Plumbing, Electric & Heating; Betsy Koepke, Betsy Koepke Coaching, LLC; Deb Schwisow, Our House Senior Living; Jeff Schwab, B Wireless; Jordan Lubich, Security Financial Bank; Brooke Dusk, WESTconsin Credit Union; Beth Hein, Chippewa Valley Technical College; Connie Ruppert, First National Bank of River Falls

Betsy Koepke joined the River Falls Chamber in August of 2016. Thus far her business has benefited from being a member by being provided with opportunities for networking, expanding her knowledge base about what is going on in the community, connecting with people in leadership positions and with similar mindsets, and providing resources and supports as a new business owner. Betsy is a huge fan of River Falls. “I find there to be something extremely special about this community and the people in it. Joining the small business community here has only expanded that viewpoint. I love the forward thinking of so many of the leaders of this community…” Betsy expressed.

Currently, Betsy Koepke Coaching has many exciting collaborations in the works. “My husband and I both have vast experience working in the field of education (both K-12 and higher education). We are in negotiations with a school district in Minnesota to provide executive coaching and consulting services for 5-10 members of their leadership team. We are also in the design phase of partnering with Peek-a-Boo boxing and Turning Point to provide life coaching services for women paired with boxing sessions. The idea is to be able to support and empower women physically, mentally, and emotionally as they prepare to make major changes for themselves and their families,” said Betsy. Previously, Betsy worked as an Educational Psychologist for the past decade and has been doing coaching with people for years, but her entrepreneurial journey officially began this year. Betsy specializes in providing life management strategies for busy people. She helps people learn how to maximize their time, money, relationships, and resources to get the results they are looking for in their personal and professional lives. Betsy Koepke Coaching, LLC offers 3, 6, and 12 month Executive Coaching Packages for individuals in leadership positions (educational leaders, small business own-ers, CEO’s, & household CEO’s) and anyone who is interested in taking their lives to the next level. She also provides personal and professional leadership seminars, workshops, and/or group coaching for businesses, non-profits, schools, and other organizations. Betsy Koepke Coaching, is 100% committed to supporting anyone who is willing and ready to engage in life at a level that is more rewarding, fulfilling, and exciting and that allows them to find their passion and reach their highest potential. When working with local clients, the sessions can be in person, or a mix of both in person and over the phone. For more information, visit betsykoepkecoaching.com.

Ambassador VisitBetsy Koepke Coaching, LLC

BUSINESSBriefs

WESTconsin Credit Union

2015 Business of the Year

River ReflectionsMedspa & Salon2015 Small Business

of the Year

Jeff Johnson2015 Citizen of the Year

Toni Hinz, Junior’s Bar &

Resturant2015 Ambassador

of the Year

2015 ChamberAnnual Award Winners

American Cancer Society - Relay For

Life2015 Non-Profit

of the Year

Congressman Kind will in River Falls on Monday, March 7th for a Pierce County Listening Session from 3-4 p.m. at the River Falls City Hall (222 Lewis Street) Council Chambers Room.

The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is a flexible source of loan funds for commercial and industrial projects. The purpose is to encour-age the creation of quality jobs and to increase the tax base. The Downtown Facade Loan Program provides financial assistance to encourage property and business owners in core downtowns to revitalize downtown commercial buildings within the towns, cities, and villages of West Central Wisconsin. The Micro Loan Fund Program provides small loans to startup, newly established, or grow-ing small businesses. The key objective is to assist business owners, who have traditionally had difficulty accessing debt financing, by affording them another alternative to obtain credit. For more information, contact the Pierce County Economic Development Corportation at 715-425-3881.

JA Counter is excited to announce a number of Medicare 101 presentations throughout Western Wisconsin. The sixty minute-long seminars will be purely educational and will not include any sales presentations. Missy Bender, JA Counter’s Medicare Specialist, will be moderating each session. These sessions will assist Medicare beneficiaries (and their families) to understand the health insurance program that is Medicare. Missy will go over applying for benefits, how the program works and other considerations that should be made when becoming eligible for Medicare. Please contact Missy at JA Counter (715-246-8063) to obtain a list of times and loca-tions.

Since early 2014, local businesses have had the opportunity to promote themselves in commercials on the movie screen at the Falls Theater as part of a pre-show entertainment segment. These commercials are featured before every movie in the same high-defini-tion digital video format as the movies in front of a captive audience. As partners with the River Falls Chamber of Commerce, 1Better Advertising is offering chamber members FREE high-def video production and 20% off the rate of any advertising package. 3, 6, or 12-month advertising packages are available. A complimentary copy of the commercial can be requested upon completion. The next round of ads will start playing on May 1st, just in time for the summer blockbuster movies including Captain America, X-Men, Finding Dory, Star Trek, and Ghostbusters just to name a few. Spots are very limited and the deadline for a signed contract is March 11 or more likely until all the spots are gone. To see some examples of movie commercials visit them at http://1better.net/ad_samples/. For more information, call Craig Takalo at 952-239-3080 or email him at craig@1better.net.

The second Youth Apprenticeship Job Fair is open to sophomores through seniors from Baldwin-Woodville, Hudson, St. Croix Central, New Richmond, and River Falls. We are looking for companies that are willing to hire students either just for the summer or year-round. This year we will be charging a $50 fee that will go directly towards busing costs for the school districts. Please be specif-ic on your registration form as we will be creating a hand out for students to learn about your company and the positions you have open. The Job Fair will be held at St. Croix Central High School on April 14. This will start at 9 a.m. and go until 11 a.m. We ask you to be set up by 8:30 a.m. Please consider giving students in our area an opportunity to start their career in high school or right out of high school. To register for the event or for more information contact Liz Pizzi, Workforce Resource at 715-426-0394x 1717.

Since 2010, Character Education has been making a positive impact in the School District of River Falls. By embedding character education in our school culture and by providing opportunities for moral action, our students demonstrate their understanding of true character in our schools and in the community. As the result of the dedicated character work of our staff, administration, stu-dents, parents, and community, our district has been recognized with numerous state and national Promising Practices Awards. As a result of our strategic plan, the School District of River Falls had established a new mission statement that included, in part, a com-mitment to “be an innovative leader … to develop responsible, productive citizens … in a collaborative environment.” Without a district-level and community-developed mission that supports character education, our success with character development would be limited. In 2010, we obtained a grant through our area hospital foundation. With this money, we sent our newly formed district character education steering committee to the Wisconsin Character Education Conference and the 11 Principles training put on by facilitators from Character.org. The 11 Principles has served as our guide and framework for implementing character education throughout our district. Next, with the feedback from more than 40 community members we identified the positive character traits we wished to grow throughout our school community: courage, citizenship, compassion, cooperation, perseverance, positive atti-tude, respect, responsibility, and honesty. In order to promote character, we created posters with our nine positive character traits and displayed these posters in every classroom. We embedded our nine positive character traits throughout our school culture. As we continue to seek ways to grow character throughout our community, we recently hosted a character education breakfast and forum for business leaders, community members and civic organizations. The ideas shared at this forum have been brought forward to our newly formed character education community committee for action. Please take a few minutes to visit the River Falls School District Character Education website and see for yourself the positive impact character education is making in our schools and com-munity: http://riverfallscharactereducation.weebly.com. For more information, contact Mark Chapin at mark.chapin@rfsd.k12.wi.us.

Melissa Wilson

In my role at UWRF, I serve as the Director of Career Services. Two questions that I am often asked when talking about my job are:

1. Do you assist all students at UWRF?2. Do you help alumni?

The answer to both of these questions is yes. The Career Services office works with all students and although there are some specialized offices that only work with internships related to certain majors, we are many times the one-stop-shop for employers when looking to connect with UW-River Falls. Career Services also helps UWRF alumni with all facets of their career development. With 1,930 alumni who have a River Falls mailing address, we partner with alumni in the area and assist those alumni in their career

development.

When networking in the community, two questions are frequently asked related to talent acquisition:

1. Can I advertise openings within my company at UWRF?2. I’m thinking about hiring an intern. Can you help me with that?

The answer to both of those questions is yes. Career Services hosts an on-line job posting system called Hire-a-Falcon that can be used by employers to post jobs, internships, summer jobs, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities. If you are looking for a summer nanny to watch your children, you can post that position on Hire-a-Falcon. If you wish to hire a CPA, this position can be advertised on Hire-a-Falcon. And, if you are planning to hire a customer service associate, you can use Hire-a-Falcon to find candi-dates. Hire-a-Falcon is free for employers, students, and alumni and hosts 10,000 plus jobs each year! Visit Hire-a-Falcon at https://www.uwrf.edu/CareerServices/HireAFalconLogin.cfm

If your organization has heard about the benefits of having an intern on staff and you aren’t sure where to begin, Career Services can assist with the development of an internship program and provide assistance to find interested candidates.

Another question fielded from employers is:• What can I do to brand my company/organization with UWRF students so they apply for jobs and internship with me?

Career Services and others at UWRF offer multiple ways to bring awareness to your company such as participating in mock inter-views, attending the opportunity or career fair, tabling in the University Center, visiting a classroom, or serving on an employer panel.

More information about employer engagement opportunities can be found at https://www.uwrf.edu/CareerServices/Employers/Index.cfm

Talent acquisition can be made simple by partnering with UWRF Career Services. I welcome your call at 715-425-3572 to discuss your plans for the future and how UWRF students or alumni may be able to assist you in reaching your goals.

Guest Author Finding Talent at UW-River Falls

Business After HoursHosted by the West Wind Supper Club & River Valley Catering

A special thanks to our Corporate Sponsor

Citizen of the Year - Jeff Johnson Non-Profit of the Year - American Cancer Society, Relay for Life

Ambassador of the Year - Toni Hinz Chamber Champion - Terry McKay

Large Business of the Year - WESTconsin Credit Union Small Business of the Year - River Reflections Medspa & Salon

Hudson New Richmond RSVP to Vanessa LaFleur RSVP to Rob Kreibich info@hudsonwi.org director@newrichmondchamber.com

Hammond/Roberts Somerset RSVP to David Lindquist RSVP to Beckah Whitlock dllindquistdvm@hotmail.com somerset.wi.chamber@gmail.com

River Falls Baldwin-Woodville RSVP to Chris Blasius RSVP to Sarah Weiske chris@rfchamber.com bwchamber@baldwin-telecom.net

Glenwood City Area RSVP to Joan Bartz gcchambercoordinator@gmail.com

Your Local Chambers of St. Croix County Invite You To Our All Chamber

BUSINESS after 5 $10/person Payable at The Door

Thursday, April 14, 5-7 p.m. at R & D Catering Banquet

Corner of Highway 65 & County Road G New Richmond, WI

Join us for this amazing opportunity to meet and network with chamber members from all over St. Croix County, including:

Be an Event Sponsor

For $100. Receive 4 entries to

this event, booth opportunity, plus lots

of recognition and signage!

Contact your local chamber if you are interested in

this sponsorship opportunity!

Networking Appetizers Cash Bar Fun

Please RSVP by April 8th

LEADERSHIP Helping You to Never Stop Growing Dear Chamber Member, Every day people ask me how they can make their world better. They want to know what they need to do to improve their career, their family, their business or non-profit organization, their neighborhood or community, and even their country. No matter what kind of environment the question is being asked about, my answer is always the same. Start by improving yourself! If I want the world to be a better place, I need to become a better person. We need to be the change we want to see. We do that by becoming intentional about our own growth. When we do that, then we put ourselves in a place where we can add value to others because we have something to offer them. Personal growth and transformation aren’t always easy. They take time and effort. But they are some of the most rewarding things you can do in life. When you intentionally grow yourself, then you are in a better position to help others grow themselves, too. That’s why I’m starting Leadership U - Helping You to Never Stop Growing. I personally want to invite you into this exciting growth opportunity. Each month you will be welcomed into a leadership learning time along with conversation at our “transformational round tables.” During this time, you will be discussing how to use what you have learned to help you to become a better person. This is key to making a difference in yourself, your business, community, etc. and living a life of significance. If you are open to talking honestly about these subjects and are willing to take action to change, you will be amazed at the positive impact this experience will have on your life. You also will be encouraged by the positive impact you will be able to make on others. And you will begin to see that one person really can change his/her world. Thank you for making an investment in yourself and others. Yours in leadership, Jill Ann Anderson

LEADERSHIP Helping You to Never Stop Growing

Session One: Core Values Why are some companies, relationships, people, etc. successful? The answer lies in one clear simple message = Core Values = the definition of who they are as people. When your Core Values are clear, you’ll find they attract like-minded people to you. You will also find that when they are applied to your organization and/or life, they will weed out the people that don’t fit, i.e. the “Blessed Subtractions.”

Unfortunately, most organizations have not defined their core values. Or, worse yet, they are defined but nobody knows what they mean or in some cases what they are! Poorly implemented values can poison a company’s culture. When people don’t embrace your core values, their actions hurt your cause more than to help it. By not defining what your values are, you have no way of knowing who believes them and who doesn’t.

In this session you will:

Identify what Core Values really are and why we need them. Identify what Aspirational Values are and why they need to be carefully managed. Identify Permission-to-Play Values and why they don’t really help distinguish a company from its

competitors. Learn how to be aggressively authentic without sounding like a Hallmark card. Find out what to do with Core Values once you’ve identified them.

Cost: $15, lunch provided. Where: Riverwalk Square, 127 N Main Street Public parking is available on W. Maple Street or Heritage Park Parking Lot. When: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sign up today at www.rfchamber.com Mark your calendar! Future Leadership U session dates are as follows: April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, and August 23.

Your Facilitator: Hi! I’m Jill Ann Anderson and I am a nationally recognized speaker, trainer and coach. I am the founder of Jill Ann Anderson & Associates, LLC. a personal and professional development company where I help the overwhelmed high achiever take action to win at work and succeed in life. Every year I am a speaker for Fortune 500 companies, government leaders, and many other diverse audiences throughout the world. I am also a member of the elite John Maxwell Team and a certified coach with the esteemed Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). As a former forensic psychologist and corporate trainer I have taken my education and experience along with the best resources, assessments and learning models from the top positive psychologists and leadership experts to give you a simple, measurable, and proven road map to help you thrive!