Recent News

Firefighter and Law Enforcement Training

Monday, June 25, 2018

  Have you dreamed of serving the community as a firefighter or law enforcement officer? These are noble professions and ones that require a great deal of passion and training. You can receive that training at Chippewa Valley Technical College. They have programs that are designed to give people the skills they need to apply for and enter these professions. With this training on your resume, you will stand apart from other candidates that are applying fresh out of school. While on the job or location-specific training may still be necessary, these programs provide the foundation anyone would need to start...
Unique Opportunity for Students

Monday, June 18, 2018

Students attending the University of Wisconsin-Stout have an incredible opportunity to expand their skills and test out their ideas using the Discovery Center FABLAB. For anyone who considers themselves a problem solver, innovator or inventor, this lab offers the ability to test out ideas and build real prototypes. Students no longer need to feel stifled by the typical barriers with prototype creation. Hiring a manufacturer and raising money is no longer an issue. They can create a prototype of most things using the FABLAB’s technology and equipment. If you know someone who is in the middle of choosing a college to...
Buy Fresh from the Farmer’s Market

Monday, June 11, 2018

Visit the Menomonie Farmer’s Market to buy farm-fresh eggs, meat, and produce. You can even buy a loaf of artisan bread or homemade preserves. This is where you can go to find the most flavorful and fresh ingredients for your supper or to find something incredibly unique and delicious for a family picnic. You won’t get this quality or freshness at the grocery store because everything here comes straight from the farm to your basket. Located at Wilson Park and Raw Deal, they also have kids’ activities, entertainment and hot lunches, making this an afternoon that everyone in the family will...
Visit Beautiful Red Cedar

Monday, May 28, 2018

A rural town surrounded by rolling hills and vast farmland, the town of Red Cedar is a beautiful destination. Cyclists can enjoy the gorgeous views in the spring, summer and fall, while snowmobilers regularly visit for winter adventure. The town has a rich history and connection to the environment, something that is still evident today. Red Cedar is close to Menomonie for anyone needing additional services or activities, yet far enough away to maintain its own rural charm and quiet living. They are also only one hour from Minneapolis, making it possible to commute in for meetings or business activities. Learn more...
Business Training for Today

Monday, May 21, 2018

Improve your skills and perform better at work by leveraging the resources found at Chippewa Valley Technical College. They offer a variety of training programs and seminars including Business and Leadership Training, Human Resource Certification Preparation, Workplace Safety & Compliance Training, and more. Consider how much value you could bring your company by enhancing your skills or how increasing learning something new could make you a better candidate for jobs you are applying for. Taking the steps to expand your knowledge is incredibly easy. You only need to visit Chippewa Valley Technical College and sign up. You can explore their business...
Fortune names Xcel Energy among World’s Most Admired Companies for fourth year

Monday, May 21, 2018

Xcel Energy, headquartered in Minneapolis, has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies, the fourth consecutive year that the company has earned this distinction, ranking fourth this year as most admired electric and gas utility. Xcel Energy, a national leader in wind energy for more than a decade, is ranked highly for its innovation, social responsibility and long-term value when evaluated by peers at other utilities. The magazine surveys executives, directors and industry analysts about companies in their industry then ranks companies based on nine attributes: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality...
Mayo Clinic Health System offers volunteer opportunities

Friday, May 18, 2018

April 15–21 was National Volunteer Week. It was a good opportunity to recognize the volunteers who perform countless valuable services within our community. In 2017, 696 volunteers served nearly 79,000 hours at Mayo Clinic Health System sites throughout northwest Wisconsin, saving nearly $1.9 million, according to Jennifer Loew, director of Volunteer Services. “We have volunteers from many backgrounds, including retired professionals, teachers, stay-at-home moms, students and others,” Loew says. “For anyone who is looking for more meaning in their life, to connect with others in our community, learn a new skill or looking for a sense of purpose, volunteering is a great...
State farmers showing strong interest in growing industrial hemp

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Wisconsin farmers stressed by stagnant dairy and grain markets are showing strong interest in growing industrial hemp this year, but a state agricultural official is warning them not to count on the niche crop to solve their financial problems. “I’d say interest from farmers is almost extreme,” said Brian Kuhn, who heads the plant industry bureau of the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “The calls we take every day about hemp are very high, and our website hits blows away numbers for almost anything we’ve put on our website in some time,” he said. “We’re getting distinctly higher numbers...
Building a STEM Community in Wisconsin

Monday, May 14, 2018

We are building a community of STEM professionals, educators and students across Wisconsin. Science, technology, engineering and math are growing fields that require innovators along with educated and skilled workers. Jobs in these sectors are growing and without the proper skills, Wisconsin workers will be left behind. To ensure this doesn’t happen, there is a movement in Wisconsin to promote STEM and to bring people together so that resources can be shared and everyone has access to the tools and information necessary to advance in the field. This requires collaboration and community support. Join the STEM community by clicking here and...
ExporTech™ An Export Acceleration System for Achieving Profitable Growth

Monday, May 14, 2018

ExporTech™ is the only national export assistance program that offers a structured, yet customizable, process that guides companies through every aspect of export growth. At the completion of the program, each company will have developed its own international growth plan and accelerated their export sales process. ExporTech™ was designed specifically for manufacturers who need innovative ways to grow, and see international sales as part of the answer. The program provides executive leaders with a systematic approach for entering or expanding in global markets.  What can ExporTech™ do for me? Provide your company with a systematic process for entering or expanding in global markets Connect you with the...
Wisconsin's Sizzling Economy Has Created a Crippling Labor Shortage. A Team of Productivity Experts Will Solve It

Friday, May 11, 2018

They are boosting the middle market's long-term profitability. And it's really smart economic policy. I have a thing for Wisconsin. If I'm not exactly in love with the state, I've been a pretty heavy flirt. Especially with its cultural mainstays: Madison's hockey team, rye cocktails and a comedy ode to the snowmobile suit. And a couple of weeks ago my old flame announced the best economic development news I have heard anywhere. No, not the Foxconn initiative--where, in exchange for state tax incentives, a Chinese manufacturer will open a flat-panel plant. That is the kind of tangible economic news that political folks find it easy to highlight, even as the...
2018’s Best & Worst States for Millennials

Monday, May 07, 2018

Loved by marketers yet vilified by media, millennials are at once the most popular and unpopular generation alive. They’re soon to be the largest, too, giving them a huge influence on American culture and consumption. Today, these early-20-to-early-30-somethings who are often depicted through negative stereotypes — entitled, parentally dependent, emotionally fragile — are responsible for 21 percent of all consumer discretionary spending in the U.S. And yet, despite their trillion-dollar purchasing power and higher educational attainment, millennials are economically worse off than their parents. Why? The financial crisis remains a big part of the reason. Millennials have come of age and entered the workforce in...
Visit the Discovery Center FABLAB

Monday, May 07, 2018

If you love to design furniture, unique parts or create solutions to everyday problems, you have to stop by the Discovery Center FABLAB at UW-Stout. This is a digital fabrication lab where designers can come to access the latest equipment and turn their ideas into a reality. Digital fabrication is amazing because it allows for unique designs to be created that may be otherwise difficult or impossible. The lab is here to remove barriers that would otherwise prevent inventors and innovators from moving their ideas forward. If you are in this category, you can use the FABLAB by paying a...
Wisconsin’s exports on the rise

Friday, May 04, 2018

WEDC is poised to help companies grow their exports further Wisconsin’s exports grew by 6 percent in 2017 compared to the prior year, reaching a total of $22.3 billion in goods and services exported to 202 countries around the world. The state’s top trading partners are Canada, Mexico and China, and all three of these destinations saw significant increases of Wisconsin exports in 2017. Exports to Canada grew by 4.3 percent, to $6.9 billion, driven by increases in the export of miscellaneous mineral products and electrical machinery. Exports to Mexico were up 4.8 percent to a record $3.2 billion, mostly because of...
Activities in Elk Mound

Monday, April 30, 2018

There is a new community center in Elk Mound. Community members can come together to enjoy the center as events and outreach activities are held here throughout the year. They will also be hosting a variety of educational events, activities and classes for all ages. The goal for the center is to provide a “vehicle for lifelong learning.” The community center is also available to rent out for family events or business meetings. This is just one reason that people love living in this small, hometown village. While it is close to major cities like Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, it...
Wisconsin’s cluster accelerators highlight innovative business development approach

Monday, April 30, 2018

Wisconsin’s cluster accelerators highlight innovative business development approach Supporters of Wisconsin’s statewide startup ecosystem understand the key to success is delivering the right resources to the right entrepreneurs at the right time and in the right place. Wisconsin’s industry development strategy leverages a versatile investment tool—the Targeted Industry Project Program administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)—to support catalytic initiatives in industry sectors with the greatest potential for significant job growth. Participants in such projects include private business, industry consortia organizations, educational institutions and economic development stakeholders. One example of such an industry-focused investment is the establishment of a center of excellence that...
Tainter is an Important Part of Dunn County

Monday, April 23, 2018

The Town of Tainter was established in 1869 and is an important part of our history. Located in a beautiful part of the county, this rural community is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. They put out an annual community newsletter where you can get important contact information for everything from animal control to how to apply for a fireworks permit. You can also see the town meeting schedule so that you don’t miss any important updates. This is all available on their website along with town resolutions, ordinances, and their comprehensive plan. Learn all you need to...
Where to Go in Rock Creek

Monday, April 16, 2018

Rock Creek is a charming town in Dunn County where it is easy to enjoy a quiet lifestyle and the natural beauty that is part of everyday life here. The town recently built a new Town Hall that is ideal for meetings, get togethers and a variety of social events. You can even rent it out for a family event or reunion. With a park across the street, this is a convenient destination in Dunn County. Local, Offutt Park has a ball field, swing set, playground and even playhouses for children to enjoy. Families like living here and it is easy...
CVTC to expand OSHA training services

Thursday, April 12, 2018

CHIPPEWA FALLS — Area business and industry will be able to obtain a higher level of training on Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) compliance issues because of new agreement that names Chippewa Valley Technical College as a host site for the National Safety Education Center (NSEC). CVTC will now offer OSHA-recognized training courses through their association with NSEC. The agreement, in partnership with the Northern Illinois University College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, which is the location of the NSEC offices, was announced Thursday, Feb. 8 at the start of the annual Safety Day, hosted by CVTC’s Business and Industry...
Bakke Norman announces new shareholder

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Bakke Norman Law Offices announces its newest shareholder (partner), Kathleen R. Avoles. Avoles is a 2007 graduate of William Mitchell College of Law. After five years as a criminal and civil litigator in Eau Claire, she joined Bakke Norman, practicing primarily in the areas of family law and criminal defense. She is a co-author of the Divorce and Actions Affecting the Family section of the Wisconsin Attorney’s Desk Reference and a voting member of the St. Croix County Community Justice Coordinating Council. She is also on the boards of the New Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce and the St. Croix Valley Bar...
And the winners are...

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Accompanied by videos of each honoree, an additional nine awards were presented at the 79th annual Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce banquet. The two who were not in attendance and not pictured are Honorary Lifetime Member Sandy Ott and Joe Holland who was named the Chamber’s Friend of Tourism. Ott has been a Chamber member since the 1970s. She first owned a shoe store in town with her late husband, then ran a successful ladies clothing store for 20 years prior to retiring. She has been an advocate for local commerce and given her time and talents for many years, one of which was serving as...
Employment rate for UW-Stout graduates hits 98.2 percent

Monday, April 09, 2018

New graduates of University of Wisconsin-Stout enjoyed even greater success in the job market than last year, according to a new employment report announced on Feb. 8, by Chancellor Bob Meyer. The 2016-17 Annual Employment Report prepared by the Career Services office showed 98.2 percent of the 1,593 graduates were employed or were furthering their education within six months of leaving campus. That compared to the 2015-16 rate of 97.4 percent and is the fourth year in a row the rate has increased. “Employers know that when they hire a UW-Stout graduate, they are getting an employee who is ready to make...
Train to Work for Xcel Energy

Monday, April 09, 2018

In the next ten years, half of Xcel Energy’s workforce will be retiring. This creates an incredible opportunity for those looking to earn a good wage, receive benefits and work for a stable and growing company. The challenge has been that being a lineworker requires significant training and skill. To prepare job applicants, Chippewa Valley Technical College and Xcel Energy have come together to expand their lineworker training program. Over the course of nine months, students learn things like how to climb and maneuver polls and operate large equipment. They also learn how to safely work with electricity. This can be...
Main Street recognizes special downtown supporters

Friday, April 06, 2018

Main Street of Menomonie hosted its 27th annual meeting and awards presentation at The Raw Deal on Jan. 25. The meeting covered accomplishments of 2017, upcoming 2018 goals for downtown, an awards ceremony, live music by Andy Hanson, with snacks provided by The Raw Deal, Eau Galle Cheese Factory and Menomonie Market Food Co-Op. To honor those who have been involved in strengthening the vitality of downtown Menomonie, awards were given to the following: Downtown Revitalization: The Cobblestone Inn & Suites Spirit of Giving: Bremer Bank  Spirit of Excellence: University of Wisconsin-Stout  Preserving Our Heritage: Vintage Sign Shop, with recognition of the restoration and transformation of the former...
Criminal Justice Training

Monday, April 02, 2018

There is a great need for dedicated law enforcement officers throughout the country. Baby boomers are retiring and new, skilled officers are needed. This is an essential profession to all our communities and entering it requires a certain level of training. If you are ready to apply your skills and passions to serving the community an excellent place to start is with the Criminal Justice Training offered by Chippewa Valley Technical College. This is a hands-on program that provides real-life skills, rather than a broad learning experience. It is designed to train people to enter the law enforcement profession and to...
Farm Center: We're here for WI farmers

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Falling prices, rising input costs and a never-ending stream of dreary commodity outlook reports only add to the stress of being a farmer nowadays. USDA's Economic Research Service on farm household income indicates that for the past 21 years, more than half of farm households are losing money from farming. So, what's a farm family to do? The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) wants farmers to know that Farm Center staff are available to help them navigate the ups and downs of agriculture. "We know that stress is high right now for dairy, livestock and crop farmers alike," said...
Have You Visited Grant Yet?

Monday, March 26, 2018

The town of Grant is located in Dunn County and a charming place to visit or live. Grant is a rural town with 92 percent of it being made up of agricultural or forest land. With the Red Cedar River flowing through the downtown, there is beautiful nature everywhere that you look. This, along with the friendly folks who live here, make Grant an excellent destination for those who are looking for a quieter lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. They have a new website that can help you to plan your visit. Click here to see it and to learn more...
Walker addresses the Wisconsin Economic Development Association Governor’s Conference

Monday, March 26, 2018

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker attended the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Governor’s Conference on Feb. 1 to discuss rural economic development, workforce development, and job creation. “We must continue to develop our workforce to meet the needs of the modern economy especially since we have more people working than ever before with record low unemployment,” said Governor Walker. “As part of our Ambitious Agenda for 2018, we are proposing investments in our rural communities through our Rural Economic Development Fund and in workforce development through our Career Creator Program. We are focused on developing our workforce in order to continue...
3 Reasons (Backed By Data) That 2018 Is A Great Year To Start A Startup In The Midwest

Friday, March 23, 2018

You likely already have plans for what you’ll be doing in 2018. Maybe you’ve already bought tickets for an epic trip or committed yourself to getting fit this year. Sounds like fun! But maybe 2018 is also the year that you should start the small business you’ve always been dreaming of. Whether you know exactly what kind of business you want to open, or if you just long to be your own boss someday, you should know that 2018 is a particularly good year for starting a business. Why is that? There are a lot of economic reasons that starting a business in 2018 will give...
UW-Madison To Offer Free Tuition For Families Making $56K Or Less A Year

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Bucky's Tuition Promise' Expected To Cover 800 Incoming Freshman Annually The University of Wisconsin-Madison has unveiled a plan to offer free tuition to students whose families make $56,000 or less a year. UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said her goal is to ensure anyone who is admitted to the state’s flagship university can afford to be a Badger. "Bucky’s Tuition Promise" is a UW-Madison pledge to cover four years of tuition and segregated fees for new, incoming freshman who come from households in Wisconsin with an annual adjusted gross income that is at or below the state’s median family income of $56,000. Transfer students...
Wisconsin exports up 6% in 2017

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

State sets new record in exports to Mexico and China as shipments of industrial machinery, electrical machinery, vehicles, and plastics are up worldwide MADISON, WI.  – Wisconsin businesses exported $22.3 billion in goods and services to 202 countries in 2017, a 6.1 percent increase over 2016. Wisconsin’s export growth in 2017 was generated by significant increases in shipments to Canada, Mexico, and China, the state’s three largest export destinations. Exports to Canada grew by 4.3 percent to $6.9 billion, driven by increases in the export of miscellaneous mineral products and electrical machinery. Exports to Mexico were up 4.8 percent to a record $3.2...
Get a Job in Manufacturing

Monday, March 19, 2018

Companies are realizing that there is great value in manufacturing goods in the U.S. With technology becoming prevalent in the manufacturing sector, many businesses are returning home and using the skills of employees who know how to operate high-tech machines and how to combine their labor skills and machine workmanship. These are not your standard manufacturing jobs but ones that require a greater level of skill and ability. You can learn those skills at Chippewa Valley Technical College. With a Manufacturing Training program, they are helping to prepare students for the manufacturing jobs of today and tomorrow. Even if you are...
Ideadvance Seed Fund pursues past and present UW System colleagues

Monday, March 19, 2018

Coleman Peiffer played key role in attracting Foxconn, HARIBO to Wisconsin MADISON, WI. – Coleman Peiffer, business and investment attraction director for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), has received the 2018 Young Professional Award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA). WEDA’s award programs, which were established in 1985, recognize the recipient’s exceptional contributions to the economic vitality of Wisconsin. Recipients are selected based on creativity, leadership and positive results toward economic development goals and objectives within Wisconsin. Peiffer, who has been with WEDC since June 2016, was selected in part because of his role in attracting the Foxconn Technology Group and...
WEDC business attraction director received Young Professional Award from Wisconsin Economic Development Association

Friday, March 16, 2018

Coleman Peiffer played key role in attracting Foxconn, HARIBO to Wisconsin MADISON, WI.  – Coleman Peiffer, business and investment attraction director for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), has received the 2018 Young Professional Award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA). WEDA’s award programs, which were established in 1985, recognize the recipient’s exceptional contributions to the economic vitality of Wisconsin. Recipients are selected based on creativity, leadership and positive results toward economic development goals and objectives within Wisconsin. Peiffer, who has been with WEDC since June 2016, was selected in part because of his role in attracting the Foxconn Technology Group and...
Wisconsin, facing a worker shortage, pitches its benefits

Thursday, March 15, 2018

The Badger State has an abundance of job openings, but not enough workers to fill them. Now, elected officials and businesses are hoping to woo residents from nearby states by pitching a low cost of living, short commute times and what they say is a high quality of life. “It’s great to have more people working in Wisconsin than ever before, but it creates a challenge,” said Tricia Braun, chief operating officer for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. “We just essentially need more people.” Continue to full article. 
Get a Good Paying Job

Monday, March 12, 2018

Do you want to make $40 to $45,000 without a four-year degree? It’s possible when you go to a technical school. The Chippewa Valley Technical College offers students the opportunity to learn tangible skills that can immediately be applied in their chosen profession. A technical education centers around applied, hands-on learning so that students can hit the ground running and immediately transition into a job where those exact skills are required. Regional employers know what the programs entail so seeing the two-year program on a resume gives them confidence that an employee will meet their performance standards. Anyone who wants to...
Bringing Science and Tech Together at UW-Stout

Monday, March 05, 2018

Do you love science, math and engineering? If so, check out the STEM+M programs offered at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. They bring together science, technology, engineering, math and management in a symbiotic way. Students can major in a variety of programs designed to provide real-world skills. Simultaneously, students can access the latest equipment to try out new ideas, design solutions and unlock their true potential. This is where opportunities and possibilities come together to create the future. Students can earn a B.S. degree in things like Computer Engineering or Environmental Science, earn their Master’s Degree or a certificate to help with...
Start Designing with the Latest Equipment

Monday, February 26, 2018

Do you have an idea for an amazing product, piece of furniture or artistic design? Is there a concept in your head but no real way to make it a reality? There may be at the Fab Lab. Dunn County is fortunate to have a Fab Lab at UW-Stout and it is open to community members. You don’t have to enroll in classes or be a fulltime student to use it. Simply pay for a membership, take a course on how to properly use the equipment and start designing. This is an amazing opportunity for inventors and designers or even someone...
Do You Need Tools for Your Team?

Monday, February 19, 2018

Collaboration is critical when working on a team project and so is the ability to share information, ideas, and status updates. UW-Stout understands this since both faculty and students require the ability to collaborate on a near-daily basis. Wiki Projects is a tool they have been using to do that and more. According to students, Wiki Projects allowed them to share their vision with the team, get information on the details and concept of the project, see what needs to be done, and get updates on project milestones. These benefits can help any project to be successful. You can get more...
Visit the Newly Renovated Harvey Hall

Monday, February 12, 2018

The University of Wisconsin-Stout has just completed a renovation of their Harvey Hall. This century-old building needed a facelift and $28.3 million went towards the renovation, paid for through a combination of funding sources and private donations. As a historic building, it was important to preserve the character of the hall. This was done through careful planning and the selection of materials to enhance the historic character, while modernizing it in the important ways. The Contractor, David Voss III said, “The 100 years of history held within these hallowed halls was not taken lightly. Great care was invested into preserving the...
Put Up a New Building in Half the Time

Monday, February 05, 2018

Is your business growing? Do you need more space for employees or equipment? We can help you to put up a new building in half the time it would normally take. The DCEDC has created a Virtual Spec Building and gone through the design, land acquisition and approval process for you. This means that you can close on the deal and start constructing the property right away. The Community is even open to providing GAP financing or structuring the deal as a lease-to-own so that you don’t have to come up with all the cash right away. This means more money...
Community Foundation of Dunn County announces grant deadline

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

The Community Foundation of Dunn County is now accepting grant applications from area nonprofits, government organizations and community groups seeking support for 2018 programs or projects that benefit Dunn County. Eligible areas of interest include the arts, culture, health, heritage, the environment, recreation, education, basic human needs and other civic initiatives. Community Impact Grants allow organizations in Dunn County to meet critical needs and opportunities, while setting measurable objectives to demonstrate impact. Grants are made possible by CFDC funds created by local families, philanthropists, corporations and private foundations for the charitable investment in the community, which include: The Elizabeth Fenton Fund...
Virtual feedback: HSHS hospitals open new simulation labs

Monday, January 29, 2018

What’s 5’8”, breathes, bleeds, blinks and talks? While it sounds like typical red-blooded human, it’s also a simulation mannequin named “Hal” that’s part of the latest addition to HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals’ clinical education departments. Two mannequins, in fact, and multi-faceted simulation labs that mimic the clinical setting. The technology in the “sim labs” enables the hospitals’ clinical educators to assign mannequins numerous real-life health situations for recently graduated nurses and nursing veterans alike to detect, troubleshoot and treat. Situations such as cardiac arrest, an open wound, a seizure, neurological issues, allergic reactions and more. Though not new,...
We Love Our Students

Monday, January 29, 2018

Knapp is a small, friendly community in rural Dunn County. The youth play a vital role in the community and Knapp Elementary School is here to serve them. They are dedicated to “preparing all students to become lifelong learners, caring individuals and responsible students.” Recently constructed, this is a fantastic facility for students to learn in. The school even overlooks a beautiful pond at the village park. Students who go to school here are always part of the Knapp Elementary community and can even apply for the Heian Scholarship as high school seniors. If you are looking for a community with...
Chancellor: Polytechnic designation adds great value to diploma

Friday, January 26, 2018

The University of Wisconsin-Stout’s designation as a polytechnic university has come to life over the past decade, and “it really has become an integral part of who we are as an institution,” Chancellor Bob Meyer told about 750 graduates at two commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 16. Meyer told the graduates that the designation as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, granted by the UW System Board of Regents in 2007, was intended to “better define the historical ‘special mission’ that the university had within the larger UW System. Now 10 years later, it would be hard to imagine UW-Stout without this important designation.” Three tenets...
Partnership boosts quality at Phillips-Medisize

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

When it comes to the manufacturing of medical devices, the need for quality control takes on critical significance. That’s why employees of Phillips-Medisize are filling classrooms at Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Menomonie campus. The quality technician workers enrolled in a 17-credit Manufacturing Quality program that leads to a technical diploma, all at company expense and on company time. For Phillips-Medisize, it’s an investment in hundreds of quality technician employees. For the workers, it’s a required step to advance. “We make complex life saving devices,” said Matt Jennings, Phillips-Medisize CEO and president. “Investing in our people to give them the tools to produce...
A Lot’s Happening in Colfax

Monday, January 22, 2018

Colfax is a beautiful rural town in Dunn County where citizens are actively involved in community activities. They have an incredible amount of civic organizations, including: Colfax Commercial Club, Kiwanis, Merry Mixers, Municipal Building Restoration Group, Woman’s Club, Colfax Snowmobilers, Red Cedar Pullers, FFA Alumni, American Legion Post 131, and the American Legion Auxiliary. If you want to live in a town where the community really cares about it and about each other, you should visit Colfax. Named the “Friendliest Little Town in Wisconsin”, Colfax is an excellent place to live or visit. Only eight miles from I-94, it is also...
USDA low interest rate commodity loans available

Monday, January 22, 2018

Farm Service Agency (FSA) has low-interest rate loans available to producers on their harvested production. Eligible producers may obtain a nine month commodity loan on their stored production using the crop as collateral. Commodity loans provide producers short-term financing while waiting to market or feed their crops. The December marketing assistance loan interest rate is 2.50 percent. Commodity loans are available to producers who share in the risk of producing a crop. Interested producers can still request a marketing assistance loan on their 2017 crops. Eligible crops include small grains (wheat, oats, barley), honey, coarse grains (corn, soybeans), and other oilseeds. To...
Hampton by Hilton in Menomonie now open

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Hampton by Hilton, the global mid-priced hotel opened its newest property in Menomonie on Dec. 11. “At Hampton Inn & Suites, Menomonie guests will have everything they need to ensure a happy and memorable stay,” said Nick Rodolosi general manager about the new hotel, located just off Interstate-94 and minutes from downtown and University of Wisconsin-Stout. Owned by Keystone Hills, LLC and developed by Hoeft Construction, Hampton by Hilton Menomonie offers guests amenities such as free hot breakfast featuring waffles or On the Run™ Breakfast Bags for the on-the-go traveler as well as complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center and JumpStart Fitness...
Don’t get in the whey of Wisconsin’s true identity

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Sometimes you have to acknowledge what you are and embrace it, even if part of you doesn’t like it. I might wish I were tall and famous and a candidate for People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive. You might wish you had invented Google and appeared on the cover of Forbes. But that doesn’t change the fact that we’re regular schmoes from Wisconsin whose appeal has, to date, gone unrecognized by national periodicals. What are we to do, attempt to pass ourselves as something we’re not in hopes of getting attention? I could spend my days strutting about in pantaloons, munching on baguettes...
Visit Historic New Haven

Monday, January 15, 2018

New Haven, Wisconsin has a rich and interesting history. Arriving around 1860, the first settlers were mostly lumbermen who had to float their logs downriver to Menomonie. Once the land was clear it was open for dairy farmers to settle in the region. The town as it exists today has its roots with these dairy farmers. New Haven has a historic town hall that has been used for nearly 100 years for the community to be entertained, for events to be hosted, meetings to be held, and the local 4H to meet. This is a friendly and beautiful community in Dunn...
Making Wisconsin a workforce destination

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Local business leaders talk attracting millennials, veterans With industries facing tough waters recruiting qualified employees, local business leaders gathered one morning at Country Springs Hotel and Conference Center to talk about how best to attract millennials and other talent pools. What they learned is that while there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the key is to get their story out to workers about what their workplace, and their community, has to offer. Organized by the Waukesha County Business Alliance, the event featured a panel discussion with industry experts, and was capped by a keynote address by Tricia Braun. The chief operating officer of the Wisconsin...
Snowmobile in Lucas

Monday, January 08, 2018

If you are looking for snowmobile trails, head to Lucas in Dunn County. This is an excellent place to plan your ride for the day and the Snowmobile Association has information on where to go, what trails are open and important facts on the town’s website. A popular destination in Wisconsin, Lucas is a winter hub of activity. Other recreation opportunities are also in Lucas, such as the Bjornson Education-Recreation Center. This is a 443-acre school forest, designed to allow students to enjoy nature the way that it should be enjoyed – wild and rustic. Students from all over the Menomonie...
UW–Madison retains 6th place in national research ranking

Wednesday, January 03, 2018

The National Science Foundation released its 2016 Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey data, showing that UW–Madison retained 6th place in the national research rankings. Data on UW–Madison’s 2016 expenditures for research show the university remains a research powerhouse with nearly $1.16 billion in annual expenditures for research across all fields, about half of which comes from federal awards. Federal expenditures represent a 6.3 percent increase from the previous fiscal year, or totaling nearly $34 million in new additional spending. “The increase in expenditures and maintaining our ranking is good news for UW–Madison, showing that the needle is moving in the right direction...
Advance Your Culinary Career

Monday, January 01, 2018

Have you dreamed of being a chef, baker or owning your own restaurant? Learn the skills you need to do so by enrolling in the Chippewa Valley Technical College. Their Culinary Program offers students the opportunity to enhance their culinary skills by working in an industrial kitchen under the tutelage of talented educators. The program also provides students with the business knowledge they need to run a kitchen or a business. Things like budgeting and forecasting, operations, nutrition, menu planning, team work, health sanitation and safety are all taught as part of this two-year program. If you are ready to realize...
2017’s Most Charitable States

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

’Tis the season for giving. And the latest World Giving Index shows that Americans are among the world’s most generous people, ranking No. 5 out of 140 countries. U.S. donors in 2016 gave more than $389 billion to charity, with 72 percent of the funds coming directly from individuals, according to the National Philanthropic Trust. But Americans do more than reach in their pockets to help others. They also contribute their time — and plenty of it. Nearly 63 million people volunteer in the U.S., serving a combined total of 7.9 billion hours per year, the equivalent of $184 billion of service. Not everyone is equally...
Take the Bus. It’s Easy!

Monday, December 25, 2017

Taking the bus is easier than you may think. We have an excellent bus service in Dunn County that goes to places like the Farmer’s Market in Menomonie. Now, through a transit partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Stout, more bus routes are opening. This is designed to give students more transportation options that do not involve driving a car. The new routes can help students and faculty to get around campus, head to the grocery or other stores, or even to get to Minneapolis. With so many options, students at UW Stout don’t need a car. Plus, some of these rides...
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