Coulee Region Women Magazine by Coulee Region Communications LLC

2021 Business Resource Directory

www.crwmagazine.com

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Resilience

In 2021, we are coming off a year like no other. No matter how carefully you have planned, how much experience you bring to your business or what measures you have taken to protect it, 2020 threw everyone in the business community—owners and employees alike—into new and unpredictable circumstances. But now, businesswomen are taking a deep breath, assessing reality and adapting practices to help them rebuild and once again thrive in a new business climate. We call this resilience. Resilience is defined as “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change,” but let’s not pretend there’s anything easy about bouncing back from the impact of a pandemic. And yet, we don’t have to look far to find inspiration in local businesswomen who are doing just that. It requires determination and the ability to adapt—even to pivot, as our feature story points out—and the 20 women featured here, in our 2021 Coulee Region Women Business Resource Directory, have persevered to provide important services, products and connections to our community. In this issue, you’ll also read about three local businesswomen who have set an example of navigating adversity—keeping their businesses alive, finding new ways to do business and even starting a new business in this time. “Businesswomen Who Pivot” on p. 6 shares those inspiring stories. New this year is our “Our Towns” section, in which we highlight the treasures of the towns that make up our Coulee Region. Celebrating business, art and livability, these features remind us why the Coulee Region is a great place to live and do business. We hope you’ll find the Coulee Region Women Business Resource Directory a useful, easy way to find the services you need in the Coulee Region. You can also find the directory online at www.crwmagazine.com. At Coulee Region Women, we’re proud to highlight the positive work women are doing to build business, provide goods and serve our community.

BUSINESS RESOURCE DIRECTORY ISSUE 12, VOLUME 1 2021 publisher & Editor Betty Christiansen designer Jaclyn Berg Marketing Account Representative Carol Schank Photo Editor Diane Raaum web master Mader Web Design LLC photography Diane Raaum Photography Frontier Photography distribution Citywide Marketing Services LLC

Coulee Region Women Business Resource Directory is published annually by Coulee Region Communications LLC 816 2nd Avenue S., Suite 300, Onalaska, WI 54650. © 2021 Coulee Region Communications LLC All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Coulee Region Women magazine does not necessarily endorse the claims or contents of advertising or editorial materials.

Betty Christiansen, Publisher & Editor

Printed at Crescent Printing Company Onalaska, WI. Printed in the U.S.A.

For advertising information call 608-783-5395 www.crwmagazine.com info@crwmagazine.com

From left: Carol Schank, sales; Diane Raaum, photo editor; Betty Christiansen, publisher & editor; Jaclyn Berg, graphic design

Coulee Region Women is on ! Be sure to sign up as a fan at www.crwmagazine.com to share your thoughts on our stories and learn more about upcoming events.

Cover and advertorial photos by Ashley Kendall, Frontier Photography

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ADVERTORIAL INDEX

How to Use This Directory • Keep the Coulee Region Women Business

Resource Directory handy. Have a copy at home, at work and in your car so one is always at your fingertips.

• Familiarize yourself with each section. The Advertorials begin on page 7. The Business Listings are on page 15, and our new section, Our Towns, begins on page 17. • Locate specific companies or organizations by using the alphabetized categories. For example, businesses are categorized under headings such as Financial, Legal, etc.

• Patronize the businesses and organizations

featured here and tell them where you saw them. This free directory is made possible by our advertisers, who believe that reaching women through a resource directory of this type is important and effective. Please let them know you appreciate their support by patronizing them, recommending them to others and telling them you found them in the 2021 Coulee Region Women Business Resource Directory.

2021 BU SI

NE SS RE SO

BUSINESS RESOURCE DIRECTORY

If you’d like to be a part of next year’s directory call 608.783.5395

www.crw

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UR CE DI RE

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Ameriprise/Hanson & Associates Moriah A. Cody........................................7 Ayo Uko LLC Ayotunde Uko...........................................7 Belzer, Schroeder & Lough, SC Jennifer Lough..........................................8 Board Store Home Improvements, The Anna Krause..............................................8 Brandy Nohrenberg...................................8 Dahl Automotive Heather Ladwig.........................................9 Edward Jones Margaret A. Severson...............................10 Amy Stodola...........................................10 Eglash Law Office LLC Heidi Eglash..............................................9 Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik Margaret “Peggy” Herlitzka.....................11 Hidden Valley Designs, Inc. Nikki Benzing.........................................10 Naturally Unbridled Wellness Patti Bartsch, PhD..................................12 Om Yoga Studio & Tammy Z’s Yoga Teacher Training Tammy Zee.............................................12 Savvy Home Consignments Angela Bartow.........................................12 Trust Point Heather Jordan........................................13 DeeAnn Paulson......................................13 Kathy Reinolt..........................................13 Wieser Septic & Excavating/Outback Ranch, Inc./Outback Entertainment Holly Wieser...........................................14 WNB Financial Teresa (Terry) Crolius..............................14 Angela Czerwinski...................................14

AD INDEX Beyer Cabinets LTD........................................27 CPC Printing & Promotion............................27 Decker Design, Inc.........................................19 D. M. Harris Law LLC...................................22 Elevations by Wisconsin Building Supply..........3 Frontier Photography......................................11 Gundersen Health System...............................28 Home Maintenance Experts............................25 HouseWarmings..............................................22 Monogram Company, The..............................19 Nelson Flag and Display..................................22 Overhead Door of the 7 Rivers Region..............3 Royal Bank......................................................25 Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services...........................................................22 Solid Surface Specialist....................................22 Therapy Place, The..........................................27 Trust Point........................................................2 Vernon Memorial Healthcare..........................25 Viroqua Food Co-op.......................................22 Winona State University............................19, 27 2 0 2 1 Co u l e e Re g i o n Wo m e n Bu s i n e s s Re s o u rc e D i re c t o r y

Businesswomen who pivot Resilience, creativity and optimism help women business owners maneuver these times. By Julie Nelson Contributed photos

It was early December 2019, and Connie Peter felt like she was “floating on a feather, everything was so good.” Peter was moving forward with her gradual retirement plan. In order to downsize, she was preparing to close her Ultimate Salon & Spa in Onalaska; her salon and Urban Shoetique location in Winona was gaining ground; and she had set a date to add Ultimate Salon & Spa services to her Urban Shoetique location in the Landmark Center in La Crosse, a space she was excited about. But by the end of December, the situation started to “get weird.” “The manufacturers of the furniture I had purchased for the salon weren’t able to fill my Connie Peter, owner of The Ultimate order,” says Peter. “They Salon & Spa and Urban Shoetique were located in China 6

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and had to shut down their operations.” In March, she thought, “We have to close for two weeks? Not good, but no problem.” But by the 11th week, Peters had a huge inventory of spring shoes she couldn’t sell, employees she couldn’t pay and debt rising. “I was petrified,” she admits. But Peters regrouped and made a plan. She would stay with the practices that had built her brand while also turning in a new direction. The new Ultimate experience would include the absolute best in customer safety. Reservations were required, capacity was limited, temperatures were taken, sanitizing practices were everywhere and, of course, everyone wore a mask. She sold her spring line of shoes at a deep discount and began creating a website that allowed her to do online sales. The transformation has been a lot of work, but Peter focuses on the positive: “We needed to expand our website, and this forced us to do that,” she says. She adds that, in an effort to help her staff stay healthy during the regular cold and flu season, she may keep some safety protocols in place even once the pandemic is over.

Choosing opportunity

Opening a new business was part of Jen Barney’s business plan for spring 2020. The winner of two Food Network baking championship titles was planning to launch Meringue Bakery and Café in downtown La Crosse in mid-March. “The joke was on Continued on page 16 w w w. c r w m a g a z i n e . c o m

k n a h T you! We’d like to extend a special thank-you to all of the advertisers for another outstanding issue of Coulee Region Women Business Resource Directory.

Moriah A. Cody, CLTC®, ricp®

Financial Advisor Hanson & Associates

FINANCIAL

Moriah Cody, Financial Advisor, has served clients at Hanson & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, for the past 15 years. Many women are working, raising a family and caring for aging parents. The simple truth is financial planning far too often gets overlooked. Moriah can help you organize then develop a plan and investment strategy that is customized to meet your goals. She is dedicated to helping you make good financial decisions through all stages of life. Moriah belongs to several community organizations, including the Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse and Women’s Alliance of La Crosse. She enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and functional fitness. She is a proud supporter of the region’s many art and music festivals. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved

608-783-2639 500 Second Street S., Suite 101 La Crosse, WI 54601 moriah.a.cody@ampf.com www.hansonprivatewealth.com

Ayotunde Uko RES 2021 BUS INE SS

Founder/Creative Director Ayo Uko LLC—Luxury Hats and Accessories

RCE DIR ECTORY

Luxury Fashion

www.cr wmaga

“Embrace your unique style” is the mantra that characterizes the brand Ayo Uko. Creative director and founder Ayotunde Uko creates a fabulous opportunity for women to own headwear and accessories that are elegant, functional and sustainable. These stunning creations are made from exquisite textiles, including handwoven Așǫ Oke, in collaboration with artisans in Africa. Ethical partnerships and sustainable processes are vital to the Ayo Uko brand, which presents a global platform to offer clients here in the United States a unique opportunity to make meaningful purchases that are beautiful. Ayo is also a business strategy consultant and lives with her husband and son in La Crosse.

zine.com

Be sure to let the businesses know that you saw their ad here!

BUSINESS RESOURCE DIRECTORY

wwwww. w.ccr rwwmmaaggaazzi n i nee. c. coomm

608-799-6517 contact@ayouko.com www.ayouko.com Instagram: @ayo.uko Facebook: @ayoukohats

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Jennifer S. Lough

Attorney/Partner Belzer, Schroeder & Lough, SC Legal

608-784-8055 300 Second Street N., Suite 200 La Crosse, WI 54601 jennifer@laxdefenders.com www.lacrossecriminaldefense. com

Jennifer Lough has been practicing law for 14 years. Previously a prosecutor in the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office Sensitive Crimes Unit, Jennifer joined fellow attorneys Keith Belzer and Todd Schroeder in 2017 to form the law firm of Belzer, Schroeder & Lough. Jennifer now practices exclusively in the area of criminal defense. She recognizes that a good reputation is the most important quality an attorney can possess when practicing law. “When people trust what you say and your follow-through, you can be a successful advocate who achieves a result that is favorable for your client,” Jennifer says. She assists many individuals through difficult times in their lives with compassion, skill and zealous advocacy. Jennifer serves on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity and volunteers at the La Crosse County Free Legal Clinic. After being named a “Rising Star” by Milwaukee Magazine four years in a row, Jennifer was named a “Super Lawyer” in 2019 and again in 2020.

Anna Krause

Bath & Flooring Interior Designer The Board Store Home Improvements

Home Improvement

Interior designer Anna Krause specializes in bath and flooring at The Board Store Home Improvements in La Crosse. She studied philosophy at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated with a degree in Interior Design from Western Technical College. Anna has worked for the YMCA since 2001 in various roles including gymnastics director. She has done freelance designing and home staging since 2009. Anna joined The Board Store in early 2018 and has been a great asset ever since. The Board Store added flooring to its product line in 2017, and Anna is an integral part of that department. Anna can help you with a total bath remodel using a variety of products from acrylic to tile, including whatever flooring product you desire. Anna would love to help you plan your next project and make your remodel dreams come true. The Board Store can help to make your house a home for life!

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The Board Store Home Improvements 608-782-8877 524 Copeland Avenue La Crosse, WI 54603 inquire@theboardstoreonline. com www.theboardstoreonline.com

Brandy Nohrenberg CAPS Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer The Board Store Home Improvements Home Improvement

Brandy Nohrenberg, kitchen and bath designer at The Board Store Home Improvements, received her Interior Design degree in 2000 and her BA in Fine Arts Interior Design in 2002. She has been a kitchen and bath designer since 2003 and joined The Board Store in 2014, where she is also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). The Board Store offers products, services and technology in kitchens and baths, allowing you all the features you desire. Brandy can help you refine your options and design a plan that will meet your needs no matter what your stage of life. If you are interested in a CAPS assessment to propose suggestions that will provide safety, comfort and security in your home, Brandy can devise strategies, address current needs and allow for future modifications as you age in place. The Board Store can help to make your house a home for life!

The Board Store Home Improvements 608-782-8877 524 Copeland Avenue La Crosse, WI 54603 inquire@theboardstoreonline. com www.theboardstoreonline.com w w w. c r w m a g a z i n e . c o m

Heather Ladwig

Vice President, Human Resources Dahl Automotive Auto

Heather Ladwig has worked for Dahl Automotive for eight years (with a total of 22 years in the HR field) and feels fortunate to serve her team and organization as vice president of Human Resources. In this role, Heather is responsible for leading the human resources function for the organization, serving on the company’s executive leadership team and co-leading Dahl’s humility-based servant leadership culture with its president and fifth-generation owners. Dahl Automotive is committed to leadership development and to living its vision of transforming the automotive industry by creating an exceptional experience that values individuals and grows leaders while delivering profitable growth for all. Dahl is also proud to celebrate women in the workplace and in the automotive industry through various events like its annual Dahl Ladies Luncheon. Dahl recognizes the unique challenges that women in its industry and in the workplace face. Its strong focus and commitment to its culture makes Dahl a great place to work and do business. For more information on Dahl’s services, please visit www.dahlauto. com. Click on the careers tab to explore different opportunities to join Dahl’s team. Heather is also happy to connect with you via email: heather@dahlauto.com. 608-784-9601 3819 Creekside Lane Holmen, WI 54636 heather@dahlauto.com www.dahlauto.com

Heidi M. Eglash

Attorney Eglash Law Office LLC Legal

“Sometimes material desires have a spiritual aspect.” —Gretchen Rubin, Secrets of Adulthood Eglash Law Office is committed to providing clients with essential, highly customized and collaborative life and legacy planning services. The unique, dynamic life each one of us leads has a value that exceeds far beyond material possessions. Attorney Heidi Eglash recognizes this by meeting her clients with authenticity, empathy and a wide range of expertise, advice, strategies and tools designed to educate, encourage and empower. In having focused her practice on planning and the many facets involved—ensuring care for vulnerable beneficiaries, maximizing retirement savings, facing the costs of elder care with confidence and administering plans upon disability or death, to name a few— Eglash knows that an attorney’s value is so much more than the completion of form documents that are stored away to gather dust. Clients of Eglash Law Office find, instead, a personable counselor-at-law who takes genuine interest in their planning goals, who educates and encourages them to be active and engaged in planning endeavors and who empowers them to complete quality, comprehensive plans that can grow and change as their lives do the same. For more information on how to engage Heidi to assist with your planning, please visit www.eglashlawoffice.com. 608-782-6110 PO Box 189 La Crosse, WI 54602-0189 heidi@eglashlawoffice.com www.eglashlawoffice.com w w w. c r w m a g a z i n e . c o m

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Margaret A. Severson, AAMS Financial Advisor Edward Jones Financial

866-637-7233 520 N. Main Street, Suite A Viroqua, WI 54665 margaret.severson@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

Margaret Severson understands the financial circumstances unique to women in general—and to you in particular. When thinking about saving and investing, most people think about retirement. But the need to save and invest doesn't end there. At Edward Jones, Margaret can help you develop a financial strategy to make sure your money lasts. She understands this is especially key for women, who have longer life expectancies than men. Margaret has represented Edward Jones as a financial advisor in Viroqua since 1999. She attended University of Wisconsin-Stout and earned her AAMS designation from the College for Financial Planning in 2005. Margaret supports and enjoys her community through memberships in the Viroqua Lions Club, Vernon Women’s Alliance and Viroqua Chamber Main Street. Financial services firm Edward Jones ranks No. 4 on the newly released 2018 Best Workplaces for Women by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE. The firm is the highest-ranking financial services firm on the list.

Amy Stodola, AAMS

Financial Advisor Edward Jones

Financial

Amy Stodola began her career as an Edward Jones financial advisor in 2005, opening the firm’s third office in La Crosse. She became a limited partner of the firm in 2011, was named regional leader in 2017 and today is responsible for 57 branch teams in southwestern Wisconsin. In 2019, she became a general partner with Edward Jones. In 2020, she was named a principal with the firm. As a graduate of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Amy knew this was the place she wanted to own her business, raise her family and serve her community. Amy is a board member of P.S. I love you, Inc.; member of the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce; and past president of Horse Sense for Special Riders. She enjoys the La Crosse area with her husband of 16 years, Vince; sons Brody and Jack; and daughter Kennedy. At Edward Jones, we will partner with you throughout your life to help you make informed decisions to help you reach your goals and dreams.

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608-788-2668 1212 Horton Street, Suite 102 La Crosse, WI 54601 amy.stodola@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

Nikki Benzing

Owner Hidden Valley Designs, Inc. Interior design/ window treatments

Nikki Benzing, new owner of Hidden Valley Designs, Inc., recently took over the business from Sheryl Rupprecht, who retired in 2020. Having worked beside Sheryl for 13 years, Nikki knows the Hidden Valley Designs business inside and out. Hidden Valley Designs, Inc., is a home-based interior design company that specializes in the sales and installation of custom window treatments. Nikki and her associate Laura Kasinger work as a team. They come out to your home, help you pick the perfect treatment for your windows, and even come back to install. Hidden Valley Designs’ top product lines include Hunter Douglas, Graber and Kasmir Fabrics. Nikki’s busy work schedule is complemented with her busy lifestyle. Nikki and her husband, James (James Benzing Construction), spend their “spare” time raising their combined family of six sons ranging from 3 to 17 years old.

608-526-9870 Located inside Floorcrafters N5570 Frontage Road Onalaska, WI 54650 nikki@designlacrosse.com www.hiddenvalleydesigns.com w w w. c r w m a g a z i n e . c o m

Margaret "Peggy" Herlitzka

Attorney/Partner Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik

Legal

Since joining La Crosse’s largest law firm 31 years ago, Margaret “Peggy” Herlitzka’s primary focus at Hale Skemp has been in litigation with an emphasis on family law. As part of the firm’s family law team, Peggy has litigated hundreds of cases involving custody, placement, child and spousal support, and complex property division issues. Peggy also serves as a Supplemental Court Commissioner for La Crosse County. Peggy has been named 12 times as a Super Lawyer by Milwaukee Magazine and recognized as a Lifetime Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation. She has also been selected by U.S. News and World Report—Best Lawyers® for inclusion in the last nine editions of The Best Lawyers in America as a Best Lawyer and has twice been named by the publication as the Lawyer of the Year in her geographic area. Peggy was honored with the title of Mrs. Oktoberfest 2015 for her community contributions and professional accomplishments. In 2019, Peggy was recognized by the Gundersen Medical Foundation for her work as an advocate for breast cancer awareness and research with the Paula J. Tower Memorial Award. And as of 2020, Peggy serves as the President of the Wisconsin Law Foundation—the charitable arm of the State Bar of Wisconsin. 608-784-3540 505 King Street, Suite 300 La Crosse, WI 54601 mah@haleskemp.com www.haleskemp.com

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Patti Bartsch, PHD

Founder, Traditional Naturopath Naturally Unbridled Wellness Health & Wellness

608-799-8326 1285 Rudy Street, Suite 104 Onalaska, WI 54650 support@naturallyunbridled.com www.naturallyunbridled.com

Dr. Patti Bartsch opened Naturally Unbridled Wellness after relocating to the Coulee Region in 2011. Her passion for wellness was spurred by her experience as a researcher in an oncology lab, where the focus had changed from curing cancer to managing it with pharmaceuticals. She knew there was a better way. After adding two doctorates to her master’s degree, she started empowering people to take control of their health naturally. Renowned in her field, Dr. Patti trains other practitioners across the globe and is a popular speaker and trainer at wellness events. While she has a passion for breast health and fertility, Dr. Patti jokes that “if you have a human body, we can probably help.” Naturally Unbridled Wellness combines age-old therapies like homeopathy and herbs with cutting-edge wellness technology. Services such as Thermography, PEMF, cold laser, inhalation therapies, nutrition and more are provided by Dr. Patti and her team.

Tammy Zee, MS, C-Iayt, Ace, E-ryt 500

Owner/Instructor/Trainer Om Yoga Studio & Tammy Z's Yoga Teacher Training

yoga

Tammy Zee owns Om Yoga Studio and Tammy Z’s Yoga Teacher Training in Onalaska. A certified Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists, Tammy has her master’s degree in Exercise Sport Science/Human Performance from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She leads 200/300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings at Om Yoga Studio, a private post-secondary school through the State of Wisconsin Education Approval Program and accredited through Yoga Alliance. Tammy specializes in making yoga accessible to everyone and is a Trauma Sensitive Yoga teacher for La Crosse County Health & Human Services. For the past 31 years, Tammy has managed the UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Group Fitness program and is a continuing education provider for the American Aerobic Association/International Sports Medicine Association. She instructs yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, ZUMBA®, Barre Above, INSANITY®, Tabata, cycle, ZUMBA Strong and water exercise classes. Tammy and her husband, Dennis, have been married for 33 years, and the love of their lives is their daughter, Olivia. Tammy’s passion and joy is helping others on their health and yoga journey. 12

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608-386-1217 1288 Rudy Street, Suite 102 Onalaska, WI 54650 dztz@acegroup.cc www.tammyzyoga.com www.omyogaonalaska.com

Angela Bartow

Founder/Owner Savvy Home Consignments Home Décor

A lifelong passion for interior design, a love of thrifting and relocation back to the Coulee Region led Angela Bartow to found Savvy Home Consignments, an upscale furnishing and home décor resale boutique. “We offer a place for clients to sell their furniture and décor, and in turn offer an opportunity for customers to get first dibs on unique and fun pieces,” says Angela. The ever-changing array of furniture and home décor styles keeps the large boutique dynamic. “We have become very selective in what we sell, and our customers appreciate that.” Angela studied interior design at the Design Institute of San Diego before receiving her broker's license in real estate. Her experience in business, marketing and sales, along with knowledge of fine art, gave Angela the edge she needed to create her niche. Angela attributes the success of Savvy Home to a great staff, an excellent frontof-the-house manager, her faith, hard work and a very supportive husband and son.

608-779-3549 1215 Oak Forest Drive, Onalaska, WI 54650 savvyhomeconsignments@gmail.com www.savvyhome.net www.facebook.com/ SavvyHomeConsignments w w w. c r w m a g a z i n e . c o m

DeeAnn Paulson

Relationship Manager, Wealth Management Trust Point

financial

HEather Jordan

Regional Account Executive, Wealth Management Trust Point Financial

As a Regional Account Executive, Heather Jordan is responsible for new business development and the expansion of Trust Point’s services. She assists new and prospective clients with their investment, estate, financial and retirement planning needs and goals, while leveraging Trust Point’s team of experienced, credentialed professionals. She engages in proactive outreach not only to create awareness of Trust Point’s comprehensive services, but to educate on an extensive array of financial topics. Heather prides herself on helping individuals and families secure their financial future. Each client comes with their own unique situation, and Heather enjoys building relationships with each client so she can offer personalized solutions and a plan that provides financial peace of mind. Heather attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and her MBA in business management. Heather is a part of the Children’s Museum Board, is a member of the La Crosse Chamber’s Young Professionals Committee and is active in the Holmen Rotary.

608-782-1148 230 Front Street N. La Crosse, WI 54601 hjordan@trustpointinc.com www.trustpointinc.com w w w. c r w m a g a z i n e . c o m

DeeAnn Paulson works directly with Wealth Management clients, helping them with trust administration, investment goals and their personal and family needs and expectations. She provides clients with the experience they need and deserve by connecting them with the multitude of resources and services available at Trust Point. DeeAnn believes every family’s journey should be honored by taking special care of their finances to promote the well-being and care of each member. DeeAnn earned her bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Winona State University and studied Servant Leadership at Viterbo University. She spent over 20 years in the La Crosse legal community before making her way to Trust Point. DeeAnn is dedicated to her community. You will often find her and her family enjoying a fundraising walk, run or other event. She also offers her expertise and insights by being a part of the event planning committees for Steppin’ Out in Pink and the Women’s Fund.

608-782-1148 230 Front Street N. La Crosse, WI 54601 dpaulson@trustpointinc.com www.trustpointinc.com

Kathy Reinolt

Relationship Manager, Retirement Plan Services Trust Point Financial

608-782-1148 230 Front Street N. La Crosse, WI 54601 kreinolt@trustpointinc.com www.trustpointinc.com

A strong retirement package is a necessity in attracting and retaining the best employees in the market. As a relationship manager at Trust Point, Kathy Reinolt is part of the retirement plan services team that designs and manages retirement plans to help business owners create an optimal plan, one that is cost effective and efficient while also helping employees realize their retirement goals. She is the key contact for the business and its employees for the dayto-day activity of the plan, including compliance and audit support, proactive and ongoing communication, and employee education. As part of Trust Point’s all-inclusive retirement plan, Kathy delivers customized education on the importance of retirement savings to help employees feel more confident about their financial future. This education, done as a group presentation or in oneon-one meetings, can lead to increased participation and engagement. Kathy is passionate about helping employees dream about retirement and fulfill those dreams by having adequate savings for retirement.

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Holly Wieser

Vice President Wieser Septic & Excavating; Outback Ranch, Inc.; Outback Entertainment Septic/entertainment

507-896-3922, 507-896-5550 7750 TT Road Houston, MN 55943 holly@wieserseptic.com holly@outbackranch.net www.wieserseptic.com www.outbackranch.net www.outbackentertainment.com

Holly Wieser is co-owner and vice president of Wieser Septic & Excavating, Outback Ranch, Inc., and Outback Entertainment. Holly helps customers with any kind of septic, water or excavating project from inception to completion. She recently has become a licensed sewer installer and is going to school to become a licensed sewer designer. Holly also works with Outback customers to book a night’s stay in one of their beautiful cabins or campsites, plan a wedding at the ranch or stage a performance of a national or regional musician, complete with sound and light production. Holly serves as secretary/treasurer of the Houston County Sheriff’s Posse and was a school board member for four years. In 2017, Holly was awarded the Houston County Sheriff’s Posse Member of the Year, being the first female to ever receive this award. Holly and her husband, Jake, live in rural Houston on their ranch. They have six children, two sons-in-law and a 2-year-old grandson.

Teresa (Terry) Crolius

Vice President & Business Banking Officer WNB Financial

Financial

Through her entire career in banking, Terry Crolius has focused on growing long-term relationships and helping her clients. As an experienced business banker, she understands that a business owner needs to concentrate on running the business. At WNB Financial, Terry utilizes customized service, efficient solutions and local decision-making to keep business owners focused on their business and not on their banking. As a trusted financial advisor, Terry looks forward to personally helping your business succeed by offering quality advice and unparalleled service. Terry is involved in the community as an active member of the Valley View Rotary Club and former board member and current Finance Committee member of YWCA La Crosse. Terry and her husband, Jim, live in La Crosse, where they raised their two children, Zach and Mariel, and all four are proud University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni.

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608-399-3253 501 Empire Street, Suite 104 Holmen, WI 54636 terryc@wnbfinancial.com www.wnbfinancial.com

Angela Czerwinski Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 402403 WNB Financial financial

With over 14 years of comprehensive mortgage lending experience, Angela Czerwinski provides the trusted advice and innovative solutions you need to buy, build or refinance your home. She’s located in Holmen at the WNB Financial office on Empire Street. As your trusted financial advisor, Angela provides a consultative, client-first approach with personalized service and customized loan products to fit your family’s needs. Angela earned her degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2001. She is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club of La Crosse, the La Crosse Area Business Association, the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce and the La Crosse Area Realtors Association. She also volunteers her time with the Finance Council at the Roncalli Newman Catholic Parish. Angela and her husband, Curt, reside in Onalaska with their two young children, Adam and Sarah. She enjoys golfing, reading, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends.

608-399-3188 501 Empire Street, Suite 104 Holmen, WI 54636 angelac@wnbfinancial.com www.wnbfinancial.com w w w. c r w m a g a z i n e . c o m

Business Listings AUTO Dahl Automotive

608-784-9601 3819 Creekside Lane Holmen, WI 54636 www.dahlauto.com

EDUCATION Winona State University 507-457-5000 800-342-5978 PO Box 5838 175 W. Mark Street Winona, MN 55987 www.winona.edu

FINANCIAL Ameriprise Financial/Hanson & Associates A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 608-783-2639 500 Second Street S., Suite 101 La Crosse, WI 54601 www.hansonprivatewealth.com

Edward Jones

608-788-2668 1212 Horton Street, Suite 102 La Crosse, WI 54601 866-637-7233 520 N. Main Street, Suite A Viroqua, WI 54665 www.edwardjones.com

Royal Bank

608-637-3142 311 N. Main Street Viroqua, WI 54665 www.royalbank-usa.com

Trust Point

608-782-1148 230 Front Street N. La Crosse, WI 54601 www.trustpointinc.com

WNB Financial

608-498-0191 1491 W. Broadway Winona, MN 55987 501 Empire Street, Suite 104 Holmen, WI 54636 www.wnbfinancial.com

FOOD Viroqua Food Co-op 608-637-7511 609 Main Street N. Viroqua, WI 54665 www.viroquafood.coop

FUNERAL HOME Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home & Cremation Services 608-782-1252 200 West Avenue La Crosse, WI 54601 www.schumacher-kish.com

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HEALTH/WELLNESS Gundersen Health System 608-782-7300 1900 South Avenue La Crosse, WI 54601 www.gundersenhealth.org

Naturally Unbridled Wellness 608-799-8326 1285 Rudy Street, Suite 104 Onalaska, WI 54650 www.naturallyunbridled.com

Therapy Place, The

608-519-5546 600 Third Street N., Suite 206 La Crosse, WI 54601 www.thetherapyplacelax.com

Vernon Memorial Healthcare 608-637-2101 507 S. Main Street Viroqua, WI 54665 www.vmh.org

INTERIOR DESIGN/WINDOW TREATMENTS Hidden Valley Designs, Inc. 608-526-9870 N5570 Frontage Road Onalaska, WI 54650 www.hiddenvalleydesigns.com

D.M. Harris Law LLC

SEPTIC/ENTERTAINMENT Wieser Septic & Excavating Outback Ranch, Inc. Outback Entertainment

608-784-8055 300 Second Street N., Suite 200 La Crosse, WI 54601 www.lacrossecriminaldefense.com 608-782-4133 201 Main Street, Suite 620 La Crosse, WI 54601 www.dmharrislaw.com

Eglash Law Office LLC

Board Store Home Improvements, The

608-784-3540 505 King Street, Suite 300 La Crosse, WI 54601 www.haleskemp.com

Decker Design

608-783-5667 2946 Airport Road La Crosse, WI 54603 www.deckersgroup.com

Elevations by Wisconsin Building Supply 608-781-3900 N5566 Frontage Road Onalaska, WI 54650 www.wibuildingsupply.com

Home Maintenance Experts 608-385-1941 W6485 Schilling Road Onalaska, WI 54650 www.helpmyhomeplease.com

Overhead Door of the 7 Rivers Region, Inc. 608-783-6080 W6797 Abbey Road Onalaska, WI 54650 www.overheaddoor7riversregion.com

Solid Surface Specialist

608-783-7663 161 Mason Street Onalaska, WI 54650 www.solidsurfacespecialist.com

Savvy Home Consignments

LEGAL Belzer, Schroeder & Lough, SC

HOME IMPROVEMENT Beyer Cabinets

608-782-8877 524 Copeland Avenue La Crosse, WI 54603 www.theboardstoreonline.com

608-788-2990 2501 South Avenue La Crosse, WI 54601 www.nelsonflag.com

608-779-3549 1215 Oak Forest Drive Onalaska, WI 54650 www.savvyhome.net

608-782-6110 PO Box 189 La Crosse, WI 54602-0189 www.eglashlawoffice.com

608-786-2220 440 Commerce Street West Salem, WI 54669 www.beyercabinets.com

Nelson Flag and Display

Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik

507-896-3922 507-896-5550 7750 TT Road Houston, MN 55943 www.wieserseptic.com www.outbackranch.net www.outbackentertainment.com

YOGA Om Yoga Studio & Tammy Zâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yoga Teacher Training 608-386-1217 1288 Rudy Street, Suite 102 Onalaska, WI 54650 www.tammyzyoga.com www.omyogaonalaska.com

LUXURY FASHION Ayo Uko LLC 608-799-6517 www.ayouko.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Frontier Photography

608-571-5802 1501 St. Andrew Street, Suite A203 La Crosse, WI 54603 www.frontierphotographywi.com

PRINTING & PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS CPC Printing & Promotions 608-791-1050 1001 Commercial Court Onalaska, WI 54650 www.cpcprintpromo.com

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS The Monogram Company 608-784-9647 515 Division Street La Crosse, WI 54601 www.monogramco.com

RETAIL HouseWarmings

608-486-4046 1522 Commercial Street Bangor, WI 54614

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us,” says Barney of the shutdown prompted by Covid-19. “We didn’t fully open until June, by which time we had lost about 75 percent of our wedding business. The weddings either canceled or were pared way down.” To survive, Barney began to look for new opportunities. Curbside service: check. Deliveries—“something I thought I would never do”—check. Improve the website for online orders: getting better. Creative ideas: yes! “We created a new 4-inch cake, something I really didn’t think would go, Jen Barney, owner of Meringue Bakery but it’s our best seller,” and Café she says. The size is perfect for the family-only celebrations that have become part of the norm. “Another thing burning in my mind is a cake club,” says Barney. “Club members would buy four 4-inch cakes, one for each of the first four months of the year. The cakes would be chef ’s choice, with the only guarantee that each cake will be epic. “We are choosing to look at the situation as an opportunity,” says Barney. “We’ll call 2020 our ‘soft opening’ and will focus on getting the staff really well trained.” Then, with a steady base, Barney feels Meringue will be well positioned for expansion into more online services, cake clubs and whatever other creative ideas come her way. Barney acknowledges it’s a tough time to be a business owner, but she is confident optimism and tenacity will get her through. “Business isn’t great, but it’s 100 percent better than what I feared,” she says.

couldn’t see them, via a weekly email letter. When Newquist could no longer do art fairs, she knew she needed another way to connect with her customers. She started doing virtual jewelry shows via Facebook. Now she uses a software, Streamyard via Facebook, that allows her to do a split screen so she can show close-up photos of the jewelry and be live with her customers when doing her virtual shows. Newquist posts to Facebook and Instagram every day, she does Facebook Live events and she’s looking into Pinterest and LinkedIn. She says that any small business owner who doesn’t understand social media should learn it and get active on it. Newquist also PIVOT: A basketball likes to support the local community, and term. With one foot throughout the year she donates 20 percent of planted firmly in place, her sales to WAFER, the player turns in a New Horizons and new direction to seek other nonprofits. For community members new opportunities. who would like to support local businesses, Newquist says it’s easy, even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend. “You can like, comment and share a business’s post via Facebook and Instagram; that will go a long way in spreading the word to other potential customers.” For these and other Coulee Region business owners like them, 2020 has been a tough, tough year. But these three women are showing us what it takes to survive: It’s having the willingness to change and to learn new skills, possessing the tenacity to keep going and, above all, being optimistic and never giving up hope. crw

Julie Nelson grew up in a family that owned a small business, and she is grateful for the opportunity to write this article, as her small way of supporting local businesses.

Virtual artistry

When the pandemic brought an end to all the art fairs for 2020, Marcia Newquist worried about her custom jewelry sales. She quickly recognized that with one foot already in the virtual world, she was in a prime position to pivot. Jewelry making had been a hobby for Newquist for a couple of years before she made it a business in 2010. When she retired early from her job as a programmer analyst, her jewelry business, Creative Jewelry by Marcia, became her job. She knew jewelry and how to make it, and she knew what she was missing: an understanding of marketing and social media. To learn more, she enrolled in a jewelry business program, which taught her to set up a website (www.creativejewelrybymarcia. com) and to start writing blogs. Using the customer emails she had collected over the years, Newquist found The artist in her studio: Marcia Newquist, owner of Creative Jewelry new ways to connect with her customers, even when she by Marcia 16

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Our Towns

Celebrating life in the Coulee Region No matter where you live in the Coulee Region, you’re in or near a town—big or small—that’s a wonderful place to live, enjoy our beautiful environment and do business. Here, we’ll take you on a tour of the towns in the area we’re proud to call home, highlighting what each has to offer. We’re so grateful to all the businesses and organizations that make the Coulee Region a delightful place to live and that offer what community members need to thrive. Stories by Jessica Zen Photos by Diane Raaum Photography

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Our Towns

Cass Street Bridge, La Crosse

La Crosse Nestled between the mighty Mississippi River and the Driftless Area’s majestic rolling bluffs sits the city of La Crosse. This delightful city is the largest on Wisconsin’s western border. Known as a river paradise, it is also home to a historic downtown filled with shops, restaurants, museums, art galleries and more. There’s no shortage of outdoor recreation, arts and culture, food and fun in La Crosse. La Crosse is a fantastic community to live in. It is home to three regional colleges and universities, as well as two major medical health systems. The city is bustling with students, medical professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, business owners and everything in between. There’s certainly no shortage of well-educated personages in La Crosse making positive impacts on the city. Though the local river is often active, the city itself is making waves. La Crosse made the Forbes list of “Best Small Places for Business and Careers 2019,” placing 50 out of 203 cities. It also found a spot on the Business Insider list of “The 10 Most Exciting Small Cities in America,” landing the number two spot. The city is just begging people to get creative, grow some roots and see where their lives will take them in this expanding community. La Crosse isn’t just a great place to live or visit; it’s a great place for business. There are over 3,000 businesses here, and women make up a huge part of this community. Each woman brings a 18

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unique perspective to the business world and helps this community grow and thrive. You’ll find smart, successful, business-minded women all over this community—financial advisors, health and wellness gurus, retail managers, restaurant chefs and more. From your pocketbook to your toenails, there’s a businesswoman in La Crosse who can help you out. The city also has programs to help women grow their business and be successful. Women’s business groups like the Women’s Alliance of La Crosse, Coulee Region Professional Women and Women Empowering Women strive to allow women to network with other women in the Coulee Region. Their goals are to connect, grow and change. Community organizations such as the Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse and the La Crosse Community Foundation are women-led and offer grants that support local causes, including those supportive of women and girls. Downtown Mainstreet is a great resource for business owners in downtown La Crosse, which has been nationally recognized for its charm and historic restoration. La Crosse is a great place to support local women in business. Whether you are in need of a product, service or advice, there’s something here for you. Let the businesswomen of La Crosse help you with all of your needs. w w w. c r w m a g a z i n e . c o m

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Our Towns

Aerial view of Winona

La Crescent • Winona Just across the river from La Crosse is La Crescent,

the “Apple Capital of Minnesota.” Tucked in the southeast corner of the state, La Crescent is a delightful town with around a dozen orchards, a few local businesses and a small-town Midwestern vibe. This community boasts wonderful educational facilities, numerous parks and other outdoor opportunities, as well as proximity to the city of La Crosse for anything else your heart desires. If you’re in the area, be sure to hop on any one of the three scenic drives in the area—Apple Blossom Scenic Drive, Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway and the Great River Road—to experience just how lovely La Crescent and the surrounding area can be. Farther up the river, tucked away in the wooded bluffs, is a town whose quality of life for residents is second to none. Winona, Minnesota, is a small town with enough diversity to keep it interesting. Here you’ll find national and international industries, three institutions of higher education, a hospital and unique shopping opportunities in the historic downtown. Outdoor opportunities are in abundance here, both on land and on the water. Wander down a trail or boat and swim in the Mississippi for

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a perfect summer afternoon. If art is your appeal, don’t miss the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, with an impressive collection of works by masters. Enjoy the Great River Shakespeare Festival on a summer evening or the Frozen River Film Festival in February. There’s even a Beethoven festival for classical music lovers. Winona is no stranger to a women-filled workforce. In order to aid the women who are helping Winona stay strong, the Women in Business not-for-profit organization is lending a hand. This organization, which has been around for almost 30 years, aims to inspire women of all occupations and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. They do this through leadership, networking and education. Each month there is a networking luncheon where women gather together and learn from the keynote speaker. They also build lasting relationships that help grow their businesses. Both La Crescent and Winona are delightful towns that see women flourishing in their businesses. From financial aid advisors and professors to downtown business owners, there is no shortage of female presence in these communities.

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Our Towns

“Nature’s Backyard,” Great River Landing, Onalaska

ONalaska Just north of La Crosse on Lake Onalaska sits the city of Onalaska. Surrounded by beautiful bluffs and the roaring Mississippi River, it’s one of those places that is nearly perfect, as it is small enough to run into your neighbor at the grocery store, yet large enough to have enough public services to satisfy residents. Onalaska boasts ample outdoor activity opportunities as well as a plethora of booming businesses to meet all of your demands. One particularly beautiful spot to experience the great outdoors in Onalaska is at the Great River Landing, which ties the downtown to the waterfront. Here you’ll find the Great River State Trailhead, which connects you to 101 miles of trails for walking, running or biking. Yet there’s more to Onalaska than the scenic outdoors. This flourishing community has over 2,000 businesses, and women play a huge part in keeping this city on its feet. Their many local businesses, shops and restaurants contribute to the authentic cultural experience. From a French pastry shop to wine bars to a fabulous bike store and numerous health and wellness practices, women-owned businesses abound in this thriving community. Women are also important to the art scene in Onalaska, as

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evidenced by the Onalaska Arts Council, a group composed primarily of women business owners who led the fundraising campaign to create the “Nature’s Backyard” sculpture (above) that now graces Grand River Landing at Second Avenue and Main Street, now an area icon. Based in Onalaska, Women with Purpose in the Coulee Region also offers support and networking opportunities for business women through monthly lunch speakers whose goal is to encourage women to lead balanced, purposeful lives by discussing a variety of topics. They also bring women together with similar goals, which empowers, equips and encourages members. Onalaska women of all types are enriching the business, art and culture scenes in this Coulee Region town. These women, and many others, are making a difference in their community by getting involved, empowering other women and being active members of society. Onalaska is a great city to live in, or even just visit for the day. Explore the great outdoors or support local businesswomen while you spend some time here. If you’re lucky, you’ll have time to do both!

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Viroqua Food Co+op is a cooperatively owned market and deli with delicious natural, organic and local foods. Everyone is welcome to shop and anyone can become an owner!

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Our Towns

Galesville

Trempealeau

Holmen

Galesville • Trempealeau • Holmen In the western foot of La Crosse County lies the

family-friendly village of Holmen. Once a small rural community of just 2,400 residents, Holmen has become a fast-growing community with over 10,500 people today. Here you’ll find an incredible business community, fantastic schools, abundant outdoor activities and a sense of pride in the overall community that makes Holmen loved by residents, business owners and visitors alike. Add the rolling farmlands to the beautiful bluffs in this area, and you’re in for a real treat when it comes to the local landscape. If you have the pleasure of being in the area and are a nature lover, be sure to experience the McGilvray Seven Bridges Road and Van Loon Wildlife Area, where you can immerse yourself in the lush forest. There’s no better way to experience the great outdoors than to charge right into them! North of La Crosse about 20 miles in the Coulee Region of the Mississippi Valley is the city of Galesville. Boasting attractions like the Apple Affair, Lake Marinuka, A. A. Arnold House, Old Main Historical & Community Arts Center and the Swinging Suspension Bridge, this community is delight to all who have the pleasure of experiencing it. Galesville was awarded the Scenic Beauty Award from Citizens for a Scenic Wisconsin in 2008 and surely deserves the title.

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Galesville is an ideal place to support women in business. An incredible 98 percent of businesses in the charming downtown square are owned by women, whether bakeries, cafes, boutiques or florists. Additionally, women compose a significant proportion of the board of the Chamber of Commerce. The women of Galesville are doing an incredible job supporting each other and their community by bringing revenue into the city. Upriver from La Crosse and downriver from Winona is the small village of Trempealeau. Located off the scenic Great River Road, this village is surrounded by a marsh and seven lakes, which create natural scenic beauty and the perfect place for outdoor fun. Trempealeau is home to a vibrant community with a workforce that reflects what it means to truly have a Midwestern work ethic. Here the quality of life is bar none, and the historic downtown is the perfect place for businesses, restaurants and retailers to set up shop. With its proximity to several universities in both La Crosse and Winona, and the beauty of the natural environment, Trempealeau is a fabulous location for both the tourism industry and day-to-day businesses. Don’t miss the astounding views from Perrot State Park, then enjoy a wine picnic at a women-run winery. Entrepreneurial women are in all corners of the business world in these Wisconsin communities. From designing furniture to hosting support groups or harvesting crops, the women here are part of what makes Holmen, Galesville and Trempealeau such desirable locations to settle down.

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Our Towns

Viroqua Food Co-op

Coon Valley • Westby • Viroqua The Village of Coon Valley is located in the heart of the Driftless Area, replete with lovely rolling hills and spring-fed trout streams. It’s a great place to live from that perspective alone; fishing in Coon Creek and picnicking and spending time with family in Coon Valley Park are great ways to enjoy the local area. Coon Valley offers the best of small-town life in terms of businesses and amenities, too. Beloved restaurants and womenowned shops dot its Central Avenue, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to browse and dine. Business owners in the area can utilize the Coon Valley Business Association, which is continually growing. Members form long-lasting friendships that allow them to network and learn more about business. Together, the members of the association strive to work for the betterment of the community. The city of Westby also sits in the Driftless Area and is home to peaceful valleys, towering ridges, breathtaking vistas, tranquil

Coon Valley

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back roads and roaming rivers. Once just a village, Westby has since expanded into a city where you’ll find outdoor activities in abundance, art galleries, historical displays, antique shops and a rich local culture. The Westby Performing Arts Center was brought to life by the largely women-occupied board of the Fine Arts Foundation of the Westby Area, hosting student performances as well as performers from around the state and country. Women business owners run shops, guest houses and more in this town with such strong Norwegian roots that Syttende Mai is an annual celebration. And the Westby Cooperative Creamery—now with a cheese and gift shop on Main Street—celebrates the food item Wisconsin is best known for. Farther down the road is another great Dirftless town— Viroqua—which has put itself on the map as a destination for food in a different way. The innovative Driftless Café has received national recognition, the Viroqua Food Co-op boasts an impressive number of members for a town this size, Wonderstate Coffee caffeinates the region and the Viroqua Farmers Market, hosted by Viroqua Chamber Main Street, is a thriving market that serves both customers in the community and the farmers and vendors who sell their goods there. Viroqua’s delightful downtown has been named to the Wisconsin and National Register of Historic Places and is home to the historic Temple Theatre, which has been restored and is the perfect place to enjoy plays and musical performances. Its Main Street stores include artists’ galleries, coffee shops, a bookstore, a fair-trade goods shop, a yarn shop and boutiques, not to mention several booths of makers’ wares at the Viroqua Public Market. Many of these are women-owned. Coon Valley, Westby and Viroqua are all wonderful places to support local businesses. Whether you drop by the downtown area to enjoy a cup of coffee or explore some of the many trails in the area, you’re supporting the local culture and community. w w w. c r w m a g a z i n e . c o m

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Our Towns

West Salem

Sparta

West Salem • Bangor • Sparta Founded in 1851, the historic village of West Salem is the home to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hamlin Garland. Tucked in western Wisconsin and lovingly termed “God’s country,” here you’ll find forests, farmland and the Mississippi River. This delightful area is perfect for outdoor recreation, like boating and fishing at Lake Neshonoc or camping and picnicking at Veteran’s Memorial Park. You could even hop on the La Crosse River State Trail for a bike ride or a run. In conjunction with the fabulous outdoor opportunities, West Salem also has a thriving business community. Women in particular are doing great. Coulee Region Women has featured the “Ladies of Leonard Street,” celebrating the large number of womenowned businesses there. On Leonard Street, there’s no shortage of photography studios, coffee houses, yoga studios, tax services, beauty salons and more. There is also a West Salem Business Association that offers participants networking, informational resources and the opportunity to exchange ideas. East of West Salem is the small village of Bangor. Here residents enjoy the feeling of a small town while having all of the amenities of a big city nearby. The community has wonderful schools and friendly residents. Veterans Memorial Park offers the perfect place for residents to relax in the great outdoors and enjoy the beautiful

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surrounding scenery. Dragonfly Retreat is the perfect place for women to get together in a space that promotes community, friendship and laughter. Here there is space for both large and small groups of women who are looking to relax and recharge. Nestled in the rolling hills along the La Crosse River is the city of Sparta. It claims to be the “Bicycling Capital of America,” based on the fact that it has the first rail bed in Wisconsin to be converted to bike trails between Sparta and Elroy. Here you’ll find the world’s largest fiberglass bike, as well as access to several nationally recognized bike trails. Beyond biking, Sparta is also home to many international business headquarters. These include Century Foods International, Northern Engraving Corporation, Spartek, Mathews Incorporation, F.A.S.T. Corporation, Sparta Brush Company, McPherson Guitars, Multistack, Lake States Lumber, and Wesco Home Furnishings. There are also many local businesses in the downtown area. The women in Sparta are running many of them, including coffee shops, gift boutiques, clothing stores, bars and more. This progressive city is full of women entrepreneurs who support and encourage each other. They’re bringing diversity and a fresh new take on the business world.

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