2012 | livability.com/marshfield/wi ®
Marshfield, wisconsin
YES, ‘TIL YOU DROP
Spruced-up downtown enhances shopping
Head of the Class Excellent schools draw families
Here’s To A Healthy Outlook Medical research, health-care thrive sponsored by the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• 91 standard guest rooms including 7 suites
• 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting space
• A sales staff with over 20 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry
• On-site catering
• Kids stay and eat free
• Holiday Oasis Water Park and Arcade
• Priority Club Rewards
Holiday inn Hotel & ConferenCe Center 750 S. Central Ave. • Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 486-1500 • (715) 486-1499 fax www.marshfieldwihotel.com
tHe Gondolier restaurant & lounGe (715) 384-3705 • www.marshfieldgondolier.com
®
What’s Online livability.com/marshfield/wi
Marshfield, Wisconsin editorial project Manager mitch Kline content Director Lisa battles Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editor Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Cary estes, Melanie hill, joe morris, jessica mozo, jessica walker, tiffany williams Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Rachael Gerringer, Taylor nunley Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier color imaging technician Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager Hurchel williams Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./business Development Scott Templeton senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing Kim HOlmberg V.P./business Development clay perry V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens v.p./Travel publishing Susan Chappell V.P./Sales rhonda graham, herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman sales support Coordinator alex marks sales support project manager sara quint system administrator daniel cantrell Database Manager/IT Support Chandra Bradshaw Web creative director allison davis Web Content Manager John Hood Web project manager noy fongnaly Web designer II Richard stevens Web development lead Yamel Hall Web developer i nels noseworthy
Photos & Videos See more great photos of Marshfield in our online photo and video galleries
Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Creative Services Director Christina Carden 2012 | LIvAbILITY.COM/MARSHfIELD/wI ®
Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake MARSHfIELD, wISCOnSIn
Spruced-up downtown enhances shopping
Excellent schools draw families
Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more
Living here Learn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health-care providers
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Receptionist Linda Bishop
YES, ‘TIL YOU DROP
HEAD Of THE CLASS
Facts
Creative Technology Analyst becca ary audience development Director deanna nelson
Here’s To A Healthy Outlook Medical research, health-care thrive SPOnSORED bY THE MARSHfIELD AREA CHAMbER Of COMMERCE & InDUSTRY
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Images Marshfield is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry 700 S. Central Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449 Phone: (715) 384-3454 • Fax: (715) 387-8925 www.marshfieldchamber.com Visit Images Marshfield online at livability.com/marshfield/wi ©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member
The Association of Magazine Media Member
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Member Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry
2012 edition | volume 5 ÂŽ
Marshfield, Wisconsin co nte nt s F e atu r e s
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8 Retail and hospitality thriving in Marshfield Spruced-up downtown has enhanced the shopping options
12 sand at attention Frac sand companies are booming new Marshfield industry
d e pa r tm e nt s 4 Almanac 14 Biz Briefs 16 Chamber Report 17 Economic Profile 18 Health & Wellness 20 Local Flavor 22 Arts & Culture 24 Sports & Recreation 26 Education 28 Community Profile 29 Through the Lens
on the cover The Marshfield Clinic includes research centers and labs where a variety of studies are preformed. The clinic’s goal is to improve the health and well being of people and communities through research and education. Staff Photo
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All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
Please recycle this magazine
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Almanac
Welcome to Marshfield An introduction to the area’s people, places and events
A Home for History Major William Henry Upham was a Civil War veteran who arrived in Marshfield in 1879 to settle down and lead a quieter life. His life was filled with excitement, however, as he prospered by developing a system of lumber operations and ultimately became Wisconsin’s 18th governor. His ingenuity played a key role in helping Marshfield’s industries recover after the 1887 great fire. To honor Major Upham’s achievements, the North Wood County Historical Society preserves the mansion he built in 1880 as the Upham Mansion Historical Museum. The mansion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, hosts numerous exhibits and activities including the annual Pie and Ice Cream Social. The home embraces visitors with bower-seated walkways, mid-Victorian styling and the Heritage Rose Garden, home to 30 historical rose plants, some of which date to the year 200.
Year-Round Fun In addition to the Central Wisconsin State Fair, Marshfield hosts several other festivities each year including Maple Fall Fest and the Hub City Days. Maple Fall Fest has been held since 1993 to offer the community arts and crafts, live music, dance and a maple syrup contest. Hub City Days is a two-day celebration on Main Street that includes an outdoor movie night, craft vendors, a beer garden, car and tractor show, pork and chicken cookoff and a duathlon. The duathlon is a multiphase race that transitions from a two-mile run to a 15-mile bicycle ride ending with an additional two-mile run. People of all athletic abilities are encouraged to take part. Proceeds from the event support the Marshfield Clinic’s Youth Net Program.
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Fast Facts
Putting Around Town When the weather warms up, Marshfield’s majestic golf courses offer a relaxing afternoon retreat. Among these, River Edge Golf Course, Marshfield Country Club and Mystique Meadows Golf Course stand distinct. River Edge Golf Course is a public 18-hole course open since 1990 that spans 6,514 yards. It offers bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways as well as equipment rentals and a driving range. Marshfield Country Club is a public 18-hole course that suits all golfers, from pros to weekend warriors. This course covers 6,042 yards and boasts rolling hills, thick woods and steady streams that provide relaxing scenery and challenging traps. Mystique Meadows Golf Course is a 9-hole executive-length course located near Rozellville. Mystique’s well-manicured course features water hazards and sand traps, and its staff complements the course’s inviting environment by providing a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
n Marshfield is the largest city in Wood County, but a small part of the city also extends into Marathon County. n Demographics Daily ranked Marshfield and Wood County No. 20 on its list of America’s Dreamtowns. n The Marshfield Middle School building is on the National Register of Historic Places. n Jurustic Park is an unusual Marshfield attraction featuring iron sculptures.
Marshfield At A Glance Marshfield
Population (2010 Census) Marshfield: 19,118 Marathon County: 134,063 Wood County: 74,749
64 97 13
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M A R AT H O N
Abbotsford
Location Marshfield is in the center of the state of Wisconsin at the intersection of state highways 97 and 13. The city is just north of where state Highway 13 meets U.S. Highway 10. Beginnings Marshfield was named after John J. Marsh of Haverhill, Mass. He was one of the original proprietors of the town site.
64
73
29
Greenwood
29
Stratford
153
Spencer
Neillsville
Granton
39
153
97
49
CLARK 73
Edgar
Colby
Junction City
Marshfield 10
P O R TAGE
Auburndale 13
Pittsville
Arpin
WO O D 13
Wisconsin Rapids 54
For More Information Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry 700 S. Central Ave., P.O. Box 868 Marshfield, WI 54449 Phone: (715) 384-3454 Fax: (715) 387-8925 www.marshfieldchamber.com
Nekoosa
What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Marshfield, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at livability.com/marshfield/wi.
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Cow Crazy In a state known for cheese, it is no wonder Marshfield is proud of its dairy industry. Each summer, the city hosts the locally beloved Dairyfest to recognize these producers’ contributions. The festival marks its 31st anniversary in Marshfield in 2012, and the city shows no signs of slowing down. Dairyfest regularly features thousands of spectators, various arts and crafts, and numerous activities including contests, a parade, and the Cheese Chase. The Cheese Chase is an activity that draws more than 500 volunteers together to participate in charity walks ranging from the Children’s Fun Run to the 10K Walk/Run. The proceeds from these treks support the Marshfield Area YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, which seeks to provide access to YMCA programs to indigent individuals.
Bringing the State Together The Central Wisconsin State Fair is a major annual event that draws attendees from around the state. The fair is held at the site of the world’s largest round barn, which was built in 1916 and is a National Register of Historic Places landmark. Among the fair’s attractions are performances by such toptier musicians as Neal McCoy and the band Little Big Town. A tractor pull and demolition derby make for exciting events at the fair, which also offers exhibits, a beauty and talent contest, carnival rides and delicious food. The Draft Horse Show, featuring teams of horses pulling wagons, is one of the more popular portions of the fair. For up to date information about the fair visit centralwisconsinstatefair.com.
Creating Revenue Through Renovation Marshfield appreciates that the appearance of a city’s downtown businesses defines that city’s character and can attract visitors. To continue enhancing its downtown, Marshfield has partnered with Main Street Marshfield to provide the Facade Improvement Matching Grant Program designed to encourage downtown businesses to renovate their properties according to prescribed specifications. Marshfield will match funds up to 50 percent depending on the business and the improvements involved. More than $1 million has been invested under this program, leading to the completion of 20 projects. Each of these projects delivers an increase in property value, creates a more pedestrian-friendly environment, and fosters business growth.
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RETAIL& HOSPITALITY Spruced-up downtown has enhanced the shopping options
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Story By Cary Estes | Photography By antony boshier
or a city with a population of approximately 19,000, Marshfield has an impressive array of retail and hospitality offerings. From stores that line the newly renovated downtown streets to the popular Shoppes at Woodridge mall to the spacious Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center, the retail and hospitality industries are thriving in Marshfield while still maintaining the city’s small-town friendliness and sense of community. “Because we are a small community, all the owners know each other and they work together and support each other,” says Denise Sonnemann, executive director of Main Street Marshfield. “If people can’t find something at one store, the owner will suggest another store they can go to, because the people here know their neighbors.” Downtown Shopping Several dozen shops and restaurants are located in the heart of Marshfield. Bows & Boards offers floral arrangements and gifts for occasions ranging from
traditional anniversaries and birthdays to special moments such as Parents Day and St. Patrick’s Day. Customers can find delicious gourmet foods – including free fudge samples – as well as home decor at Figi’s Outlet Store. And since 1950, Rae Baxter’s Fashions has been the place to go for contemporary, upscale clothing and jewelry. All the shops in the downtown area have benefited from recent renovations. Since 2009, the city has invested more than $1 million in the Downtown Facade Improvement Program, which helped businesses redo the front of their buildings. The city also gave downtown a new streetscape, adding bricks, benches and planters. “It really has given the city a facelift and changed the look of the downtown significantly,” Sonnemann says. “It helped give the entire downtown a new feel to it.”
What’s Online Visit livability.com/ marshfield/wi and click on shopping under the Things To Do tab to learn more about the city ‘s retail options.
Shoppes at Woodridge Retail options are also plentiful at the Shoppes at Woodridge, a 298,000-squarefoot mall that has been a staple in Marshfield
Left: A sales associate helps a customer at Furniture & ApplianceMart, located in the Shoppes at Woodridge.
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Fueling Our Growth … in Medicine, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Transportation and Livability. Few communities can match our rich mix of bio-related businesses, advanced technologies, natural and organizational resources, programs and professionals. Top-notch medical and research facilities are located here, employing more than 6,000 and attracting professionals and patients from all over the world. To grow a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, Marshfield boasts exceptional educational opportunities including a technical college and two-year university. We balance our business and industry side with low costs of living and doing business including low utility costs, low traffic, low crime and low stress levels. Centrally located in the state, easy access to other markets is provided by key rail lines, major highways including a newly expanded four-lane, local airport and close proximity to a major carrier passenger and cargo services airport.
Get to know the Marshfield area; find a natural fit for your business and your family here!
Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry 700 S. Central Ave. • Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 384-3454 • Fax: (715) 387-8925 info@marshfieldchamber.com • www.marshfieldchamber.com
Forbes magazine recently rated Marshfield as one of the “top five best small cities to live and raise a family.” This was based on the following criteria: average income, cost of living, educational opportunities, commute times and home ownership.
since 1979. The mall still retains two of its original anchor stores – JCPenney and Younkers. In November 2011, Furniture & ApplianceMart became the third anchor store, offering furniture, appliances and electronics at competitive prices. Headquartered in nearby Stevens Point, Furniture & ApplianceMart has nine locations throughout Wisconsin. The Marshfield location includes an Ashley HomeStore. “They’re a very pleasant addition to the mall,” says Shoppes at Woodridge general manager Terry Linduski. “They spent quite a lot of money on remodeling and made a big commitment to the mall.” All told, there are nearly 30 businesses in the mall, including the sprawling World Buffet Chinese restaurant, which can accommodate approximately 150 people. Linduski says there are plans to add a children’s play area in the middle of the mall. Where to Stay Among the most popular places to stay in Marshfield is the Holiday Inn and Conference Center. The center’s six meeting rooms offer a combined 6,000 square feet of space, making it ideal for a variety of social and corporate functions. The hotel has an aquatic center, complete with a three-story slide, pool and whirlpool. Marshfield offers several other lodging options, with a range of room sizes and amenities. Top: Younkers, which is one of the Shoppes at Woodridge’s anchor stores, offers a wide variety of merchandise including cosmetics, clothing, shoes and more. Bottom: Jenny Kilty, the owner of Circle The Date, located downtown, shows off a dress to a customer.
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Frac sand is processed at the Completion Industrial Minerals facility at Yellowstone Industrial Park.
Frac Sand Facts
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Discover why this sand is special
what is frac sand?
Where is frac sand found?
how is frac sand used?
Frac sand is quartz sand that is suspended in fluid and injected into oil and gas wells. The sand must be nearly pure quartz, well rounded, very hard and a specific size. Wisconsin’s frac sand meets each of the requirements, making it some of the best frac sand in the United States.
The sand is mined from sandstone formations in much of western and central Wisconsin, and can also be found in southeastern Minnesota. According to USA Today, approximately 75 percent of frac sand comes from these areas in the midwestern portion of the U.S.
Frac sand is used by drillers in oil and gas fields in Texas, Pennsylvania and North Dakota; it is mixed with water and chemicals and sent underground in order to fracture shale deposits, which contain gas and oil, that were unable to be accessed in a conventional or typical way.
Marshfield
Sand at
ATTENTION Frac sand companies are booming new Marshfield industry
Story By Joe Morris | Photography By antony boshier
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ny time a new industry comes to town, it’s good news for the local economy. In the case of Marshfield and Wood County’s new frac sand companies, that news is very good indeed. This area sets on top of vast reserves of sand that are the perfect size, shape, strength and purity for use in “fracking,” or hydraulic fracturing, the underground drilling process for natural gas and oil. Income, Tax Base Boost CARBO Ceramics, Completion Industrial Minerals and Panther Creek Sand are now in the area. Their combined investments in plant and transport facilities will be more than $161 million during the first seven years of operation, and new jobs should total more than 600 in the first year. Business Requires Buildout Marshfield and Wood County knew that some infrastructure improvements needed to be implemented in order to handle the frac sand companies. Cooperation between the city, county and state governments has accelerated that process, says Jason Angell, director of planning and economic development. “When we’re talking about jobs being created, along with existing businesses being supported by a major new industry like this, the faster the better,” says Angell of the permitting processes.
Infrastructure Needs Met U.S. Highway 10 connects the area to I-39, which will allow for greater truck and transport access. In addition, the city has funded a rail line expansion into Yellowstone Industrial Park, and Marshfield Utilities has added a $30 million generator that can produce 27.5 million kilowatt hours annually to ensure the area’s electrical supply continues to operate smoothly. “The Highway 10 work was going ahead before all this began, but having a short, fast route was a definite plus for these companies,” Angell says. “And having Marshfield Utilities be able to beef up their services to support an industry that is a heavy user of electricity was a major accomplishment. If they had not responded as rapidly as they did, who knows where we would be?” Sand Extraction Industry Has Multiple Players CARBO Ceramics is building a resin-coating facility that can handle up to 600 million pounds annually. Completion Industrial Minerals is building out its processing and distribution infrastructure to meet oil and gas companies’ needs, and Panther Creek is up and running. “All the companies have been great to work with, and they are very open with us about their needs,” Angell says. “Now we are working together as a community to see how we can maximize this success, and grow our other industries as well.” l i va b i l i t y. c o m / m a r s h f i e l d/ w i
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Business
Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define Marshfield’s economic climate
Scorecard Business At A Glance
$602 million Annual Retail Sales
$31,878 Retail Sales Per Capita
$40 million Annual Hotel and Food Sales
1,655 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
Tropical Smoothie Café Biz: Restaurant Buzz: Serving up smoothies, toasted wraps, bistro sandwiches, grilled flatbreads and gourmet salads, Tropical Smoothie Café couples fresh, flavorful ingredients with friendly hospitality to create a fun dining atmosphere. In addition to its expansive menu, the restaurant offers supplements that can be added to any smoothie including ground flax seed, whey or soy protein, ground whole grain oats and more. www.tropicalsmoothie.com 14
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PC Doctors Biz: Computer and cellular service company Buzz: PC Doctors troubleshoots and repairs desktop computers, laptops, printers and more. The company is equipped to work on Macintosh, Novell, Linux and Windows operating systems, and offers network design, installation, updating and maintenance. PC Doctors also provides cellular services and wireless Internet assistance. www.pcdrs.net Marshfield DoorSystems Inc. Biz: Door manufacturer Buzz: Creating doors for commercial buildings across the United States, Marshfield DoorSystems Inc. has been serving clients for more than 100 years. The manufacturer has crafted doors for schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, office buildings and a variety of additional structures, and offers hardware machining and factory finishing. Most doors come with a lifetime warranty that includes repairing, replacing, rehanging and refinishing. www.marshfielddoors.com Nasonville Dairy Biz: Dairy Buzz: Nasonville Dairy has been producing cheese for more than 125 years. Operated by president Ken Heiman, considered a Master Cheesemaker, the company uses milk from local farms to create more than 100,000 pounds of production each day. Customers can enjoy an expansive selection of cheeses in flavors such as garlic herb and chipotle cheddar, with gift boxes and summer sausage also available. www.nasonvilledairy.com ESE Inc. Biz: Engineering solution providers Buzz: Headquarted in Marshfield, ESE Inc. automates food ingredient, processed food and dairy plants across the United States. Recently, ESE announced the sale of its Plant Modification Solution design to a large producer of condiments for one of the largest fast-food chains in the world. www.ese1.com
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Business
Chamber Report Chamber assists expanding companies
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our local companies have expanded recently, and the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been there to help. Those expansions included Alliance Collection Agencies, ESE, Innovative Machine Specialists and PreventionGenetics. “If a company is thinking of
expanding, many times they will talk to us and we’ll provide them with important information,” says Scott Larson, Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry executive director. “For example, we can act as their liaison to communicate with city officials, or we can find out what tax incentives are available. This
allows a company to concentrate on their day-to-day operations, while we assist them by taking care of steps in the expansion process that aren’t part of their normal routine.”
serious Business Larson says all the aforementioned companies are locally owned, with their owners and employees involved in community activities. “These companies employ many individuals in well-paying positions, plus support many endeavors with their time, talent and treasures,” he says. “So it’s not only the job of this chamber to help these companies prosper, but it is also our pleasure.” Larson says the chamber was contacted often during the expansions. “We can assist with helping to find and screen new qualified employees as well as set up customized workforce training programs,” he says. “A main function of any chamber is to be pro-business, and we take that role seriously whenever the subject of progress arises for our community.”
Since 1946 The chamber has been building the foundation for a strong business community since 1946, and its more than 500 business and individual members represent fields such as medical, manufacturing, professional service firms and retail. “Infrastructure development and company expansion are a big part of our overall mission, and our door is always open on South Central Avenue,” he says. “Economic, industrial and community development are what we are all about.” – Kevin Litwin
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Economic profile ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Marshfield is home to the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, one of the nation’s leading medical care and research facilities that performs cutting-edge work in epidemiology, farm medicine, clinical research, human genetics and informatics.
income
$32,818
Marshfield Bus Service 1507 N. Anton Ave. Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 387-0101 (800) 380-1287 Marshfield Municipal Airport 400 W. 29th St. Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 384-9385
de Boer, Inc. (Blenker, WI) 405 employees
$53,641
TAXES
0.5%
education
County Sales Tax
31%
5%
Associate Degree
Greyhound Bus Lines 400 S. Central Ave. Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 387-4030 www.greyhound.com
570 employees
Per Capita Income
Average Annual Household Expenditure
TRANSPORTATION
Marshfield DoorSystems, Inc.
13%
Bachelor’s Degree
10%
State Sales Tax
5.5% Total Sales Tax
Graduate Degree
workforce
major employers
24,236
Marshfield Clinic (Marshfield Only) 4,148 employees Roehl Transport, Inc. 2,003 employees Saint Joseph’s Hospital 1,645 employees
Total Workforce
76% White Collar Jobs
24% Blue Collar Jobs
This section is sponsored by
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Health & Wellness
The Picture of Health Marshfield provides top-notch care to patients obust health-care and biomedical research systems keep Marshfield’s residents and economy in good shape. The Marshfield Clinic and Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital are the city’s top employers, collectively providing more than 5,600 jobs. High-tech healthcare and groundbreaking research are big reasons why Marshfield is ranked one of the Top 10 Best Places to Live in America by Bizjournals.com. The Marshfield Clinic provides health care for much of central Wisconsin. It was established in 1916 and includes several research centers and a soon-to-open dental school. The clinic is somewhat unusual because it has initiated programs that actually decrease its revenue, all for the purpose of supplying better medical care.
Help Lines Decrease Office Visits “For example, we have a 24-hour Nurse Line where if your child is running a fever at 3 a.m., instead of
bundling the child and taking them to the hospital emergency room, just call Nurse Line to first discuss the situation with a registered nurse,” says Dr. Brian Ewert of Marshfield Clinic. “The nurse will advise whether over-the-counter medicine will help, or if the child should indeed be brought to emergency. Nurse Line significantly decreases ER visits.” Another example is Marshfield’s Anti-Coagulation Clinic, which also allows patients to call and talk to experts about blood medication. Ewert says blood thinners are among the most dangerous medications and providing patients with a toll-free help line keeps them safer. The Anti-Coagulation Clinic follows specific protocols, and since phone services have been provided more patients are on-target with their blood thinner medications and don’t have complications. Ewert says that by employing these phone access services, office visits have decreased. “So our heart and our values are targeted to what
Interaction Lab of the Biomedical Informatics Research Center housed in the Laird Center for Medical Research on the campus of the Marshfield Clinic.
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Todd Bennett
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we can do to keep our population healthy, which is what the medical profession should be all about,” he says. Ewert adds that Marshfield Clinic has also opened its seventh dental practice in the region, and has secured more than $20 million for construction of a dental school. In addition, the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, which has conducted medical research since 1959, now has 450 technicians who perform more than 20 million medical experiments annually. Much of the clinic’s research is conducted at the Laird Center for Medical Research, which was expanded in 2008. Clinical and research laboratories share many resources, creating both operational efficiencies and an environment for the development of new ideas among multiple scientific disciplines.
Meanwhile, Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital is the only actual hospital in Marshfield with 524 beds and 40 specialties that include cardiology, oncology and obstetrics. It recently added hyperbaric medicine to provide oxygen therapy for patients with difficult wounds, crush injuries, acute burns and bone infections. The campus also houses Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, one of only three children’s hospitals in Wisconsin. Its specialties include pediatric trauma and cancer care along with a Ronald McDonald House for families of seriously ill patients. Saint Joseph’s offers the Child Life Program to all children who are treated at the hospital. This program helps to minimize the stress and potentially negative impacts of hospitalization by providing children with security, comfort, acceptance and affection. Working with the Marshfield Clinic, Saint Joseph’s doctors have developed a groundbreaking program to treat heart attack victims as quickly and efficiently as possible. Called “Rescue1,” the program unites the efforts of emergency medical technicians, medical transportation services and community hospitals to rapidly transfer patients to advanced care centers. Once a Rescue1 patient arrives at a center, a cardiology team begins immediate diagnosis and treatment. The combined efforts and communication between each team dramatically reduces the time between diagnosis and treatment. – Kevin Litwin
Todd Bennett
Saint Joseph’s
Assisted Living ApArtments Redefined Medication administration Assistance with showering, dressing, etc. Emergency response system Fine dining served tableside Scheduled transportation for medical appointments, social events and shopping trips Personal laundry and housekeeping Large sunroom and elegant community rooms Small pets welcome Social activities Hair salon
Kai Qi Zhang, senior research associate, works in the Human Genetics lab housed in the Laird Center for Medical Research
305 S. Chestnut Ave. • Marshfield, WI • (715) 384-6611
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Local Flavor
What’s Online
Ruth Elderbrook, owner of A Slice of Heaven Catering
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Marshfield
Antony Boshier
Read more about Marshfield’s food scene at livability.com/marshfield/wi. Click “Things To Do,” then “Food.”
Felker Brothers Corporation
It’s In Our Nature Fresh food options are abundant
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t’s not Heaven, it’s Marshfield. Though with the variety of dining and food choices here that’s an easy mistake to make. Fresh food options include the Main Street Marshfield Farmers Market, located in downtown on Central Avenue at the Pick ‘n Save parking lot. It is open Tuesday mornings from mid-June through September. The Marshfield Clinic hosts a farmers market in its parking lot on Thursdays throughout the summer months. Local farmers also bring their items to a market in the parking lot of Festival Foods on North Central Avenue that’s open every Saturday and Sunday from the first weekend in June to the last weekend in October. “It’s something we’ve done for several years, and it’s totally to support our local farmers and give them a chance to sell what they’ve grown,” says Corey Sullenger, Festival Foods assistant store director. “We’ll have between 60 and 70 vendors over the course of two days.”
Buy Local Marshfield Marshfield is also involved in a Buy Local Marshfield campaign that is helping to keep freshness locked into the community and its products, and gives restaurants more ways to enhance their menus. Buy Local window decals and posters are sported by many of the businesses involved in the program. One such business is West 14th, located in the historic Parkin Place. The restaurant strives to
provide a fresh dining experience that also expands and complements the menu of Blue Heron BrewPub, which is located downstairs. Opening at 5:00 p.m. each evening except Sunday, West 14th offers classic dining.
Fresh Fruit Cheesecakes Other restaurants in the Buy Local Marshfield program include Someplace Else Bar & Grill, which offers various options including homemade pizza; and World Buffet, which has a vast menu made up of Chinese and American cuisine. Figi’s Gifts in Good Taste specializes in cheeses, meats and fresh produce, while Market on Sixth is also a local healthyfood favorite. A Slice of Heaven Catering also uses farm fresh products native to the region. “I cater breakfasts, lunches, dinners, weddings and other events that range from eight to 100 people, and I use local vegetables and fruits for a lot of my meal items,” says Ruth Elderbrook, A Slice of Heaven owner. “I bake a lot of cheesecakes, and fresh fruit is ideal for those desserts.” Marshfield is also home to Food for Thought, an elegant evening of gourmet food tasting hosted by the The University Foundation to benefit the University of WisconsinMarshfield. Funds raised at the event go toward scholarships, professional development of faculty/staff and to offset administrative costs.
Bringing
Marshfield to the
World Standing strong as a family-owned, community-driven company for over 107 years Felker Brothers Corporation of Marshfield is a proud manufacturer of stainless steel piping products throughout the United States and the world. Over 200 highly skilled and dedicated employees provide a stable foundation for critical business and technological growth at both our Marshfield, WI and Glasgow, KY locations. Manufactured stainless steel piping products ship to job sites throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. The vision and accomplishments of Felker Brothers’ employees allow us to take Marshfield to the world’s marketplace. We remain proud to be part of Marshfield’s industrial community since 19 03.
22 N. Chestnut Ave. • Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 384-3121 • (800) 826-2304 www.felkerbrothers.com
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Arts & Culture
At the Art of It All
What’s Online Read more about Marshfield’s, arts and culture scene at livability.com/ marshfield/wi. Click “Things To Do,” then Attractions.”
City has interesting cultural attractions
M
arshfield is home to several imaginative, eye-pleasing attractions. One of them is New Visions Gallery, housed in a somewhat unusual location – Marshfield Clinic. The medical facility has hosted the art gallery in its lobby since 1975, with exhibits changing every 6-8 weeks. “We are independent of the clinic but they are nice enough to provide us space – plus they are art enthusiasts,” says Betsy Tanenbaum, New Visions Gallery director. Besides exhibits, the gallery is known for staging a juried Marshfield Art Fair each Mother’s Day. “Also this year, we’ll be hosting an Art Olympics photography exhibition to coincide with the 2012 Summer Olympics in London,” Tanenbaum says. “Our gallery always has a lot going on.” Also eye-catching in Marshfield is the Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts, situated in the downtown district. The building is home to performing, visual and literary arts, and is ideal for concerts, plays, art exhibits and more.
A collection of African wooden masks are part of the permanent collection of the New Visions Gallery, located in the Marshfield Clinic.
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Marshfield
Antony Boshier
Mind Your Manors Upham Mansion, the restored home of former Wisconsin governor William Henry Upham, was built in 1880. The mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places, and features vintage Victorian architecture and furnishings. Visitors can see more than 250 iron sculptures at Jurustic Park, where owner Clyde Wynia has been welding and sculpting iron
scrap metal into animal masterpieces since 1993. “I just couldn’t stop welding these critters together once I got started,” says Wynia, a former lawyer. Around 15,000 people from all 50 states and about 30 countries tour the attraction each year.
Marshfield is also home to the World’s Largest Round Barn, which measures 70 feet in height and 150 feet in diameter. The structure is the main attraction at Marshfield’s fairgrounds, especially during the Central Wisconsin State Fair. The barn was completed in 1916 and used to shelter purebred animals in 250 stanchions. It was constructed without the use of scaffolding. Crews who assembled this impressive structure simply started at the bottom and worked their way up. – Tiffany Williams
The World’s Largest Round Barn
visit our
advertisers Aster Retirement Community www.asterassistedliving.com Engineering Solutions Experts www.ese1.com Felker Brothers Corporation www.felkerbrothers.com Forward Financial Bank www.forwardbank.com High Street Salon Spa & Travel www.highstreetsalonandspa.com Holiday Inn Conference Center www.holidayinn.com/marshfield House of Heating Inc. www.lennoxdealer.com/ houseofheating Innovative Machine Specialists Inc. www.innmacspe.com
Staff Photo
Barn in the USA
Salon, Spa & Travel
Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry www.marshfieldchamber.com
A Full-Service Aveda Concept Salon 210 S. Central ave. Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 387-1477 or (715) 387-6977 Toll-free: (877) 880-8807 highstreet@tznet.com
Marshfield Clinic www.marshfieldclinic.org Marshfield School District www.marshfield.k12.wi.us
www.highstreetsalonandspa.com
Mid State Technical College www.mstc.edu Roehl Transport Inc. www.roehl.net Thimbleberry Books Wheelers Chevy – GMC www.wheelergm.com
Thimbleberry Books & Usedsual Unu
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
166 S. Central Ave. • Marshfield, WI • 715.387.3049
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By the Numbers
267 Number of species of birds found at George W. Mead Wildlife Area
750+ Number of creatures that can be spotted at Wildwood Park and Zoo
5.5 Miles the bicycle trail at McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area covers
15 Number of walking/jogging/cycling trails located in the Marshfield area
Wildwood Park and Zoo offers visitors an opportunity to see many different species. photo Antony Boshier
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Marshfield
Sports & Recreation
A Natural Paradise Marshfield’s outdoor offerings make recreation fun, easy to come by
H
ome to outdoor havens, green spaces and one of the largest municipal zoos in the state, Marshfield offers plenty of opportunities for recreation.
McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area Covering approximately 6,500 acres, McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area is a mix of wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. Visitors can hunt, hike and pick berries, and can enjoy a seasonal bicycle trail that is open from May 1 through August 31.
Wildwood Park and Zoo Mammals big and small reside at Wildwood Park and Zoo, along with raptors and other birds. For no charge, families can see Amber and Liberty, the zoo’s two bald eagles, or say hello to sister and brother mountain lions Star and Thunder. Spanning more than 60 acres, the zoo also features Sensory Gardens, which showcase a variety of flowering and nonflowering plants.
George W. Mead Wildlife Area
Hamus Nature Preserve and Recreation Area
Nature lovers can also explore George W. Mead Wildlife Area’s 33,000 acres and can see more than 267 species of birds. In addition to the recreational opportunities the area has to offer, guests can tour the Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center.
Comprising 32 acres on Marshfield’s north side, Hamus Nature Preserve and Recreation Area features hiking/walking/biking trails that allow outdoor enthusiasts to take in the scenic property and its accompanying wildlife. – Tiffany Williams
WHEELERS See why people are So happy with uS at wheelerS … “Wheelers is a personalized auto care dealership. They have an excellent staff and a friendly atmosphere. I always have a good experience when getting work done, parts or shopping for a vehicle. What a great bunch of people.” ~ J. Esser “We traded in two vehicles and got a certified Impala and were extremely happy with the total experience. Would recommend Wheelers to anyone who is looking for a good certified car at a reasonable price.” ~ waykay74
2012 Women’s Certified Award Winner Dealerrater.com Dealer of the Year for 2012 for GMC & Chevrolet
Top-rated service department open six days a week! Monday-Saturday 7:15 a.m.-6 p.m.
2701 S. Maple Ave. • Marshfield, WI 54449 • (715) 387-1204 • www.wheelergm.com
photos by Antony Boshier
Education
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Marshfield
Head of the Class Excellent schools are one of Marshfield’s biggest draws for families
T
here are lots of reasons families choose to put down roots in Marshfield, but one of the biggest is the community’s excellent schools.
Marshfield School District The Marshfield School District consists of four elementary schools within city limits, one rural elementary school, one middle school serving seventh and eighth grades, and one high school serving ninth through 12th grades. The district has approximately 4,053 students and employs more than 400 teachers and staff. Marshfield High School has a reputation for academics and was ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin in The Washington Post’s National High School Challenge Rankings.
University of WisconsinMarshfield/Wood County After high school, students don’t need to leave Marshfield to find higher education. The University of WisconsinMarshfield/Wood County is located just west of downtown Marshfield on a 114-acre campus. It offers flexible schedules and affordable tuition, and saw a record-breaking enrollment of 717 students in fall 2011.
Mid-State Technical College Mid-State Technical College also has a campus in Marshfield. It
is one of the 16 campuses within the Wisconsin Technical College System and offers more than 50 career opportunities through associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates. MSTC has led the development of central Wisconsin’s workforce for close to 100 years through the real-world instruction employers seek. – Jessica Mozo
What’s Online Read more articles about Marshfield’s diverse learning environments by going online to livability.com/marshfield/wi.
Columbus Catholic Schools Families seeking private education can find it in Columbus Catholic Schools, a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade system that includes St. John the Baptist Primary School (pre-kindergarten through second grade), Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School (third through fifth grade), Columbus Catholic Middle School (sixth through eighth grade) and Columbus Catholic High School (ninth through 12th grade). Students score high on the nationally administered Iowa Test of Basic Skills, and the Columbus system is the only school system in the area with a Spanish program for grades one through 12.
Top: University of WisconsinMarshfield/Wood County Bottom: Mid-State Technical College
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community profile SNAPSHOT Marshfield has all the benefits of small-town living with the educational and health-care facilities of a much larger city. It was ranked Best Place to Live in Wisconsin and 20th Best Place to Live in America by Demographics Daily.
household information
.29% Black
19,118 Total Population
41
.86% Hispanic
Median Resident Age
2.5%
58%
transportation
Other
Married
time zone
42% Single
Central
WEATHER
81° F July Average High
2° F January Average Low
Annual Rain Fall (vs. National Average Annual Rain Fall of 37”)
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Marshfield
Median Travel Time to Work
23%
cost of living
Age 19 and Under
$51,312
47% Age 20-54
30% Age 55 and Over
33”
11 minutes
96.35% White
Median Household Income
$107,000 Median Home Price
$625 Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment
Ad Index
19 Aster Retirement Community
17 Engineering Solutions Experts
C4 Marshfield Clinic
21 Felker Brothers Corporation
1 Marshfield School District
28 Forward Financial Bank
23 High Street Salon Spa and Travel
C2 Holiday Inn Conference Center
15 House of Heating Inc.
15 Innovative Machine Specialists Inc.
10 Marshfield Area Chamber of commerce & Industry
27 Mid State Technical College 7 Roehl Transport Inc.
23 Thimbleberry Books
25 Wheelers Chevy – GMC
Through the Lens
Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced Marshfield through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.
From Our Photo Blog: Marshfield During a snowy week in Marshfield, I spent a morning inside photographing carrot cake. This was not just any carrot cake, but the best I’ve ever had. My morning was also memorable because of the company. Ruth Elderbrook, owner of A Slice of Heaven Catering, was as nice as can be. For this photo, I wanted the ingredients in the shot behind the cake. Ruth handed me a butter knife, and I began to cut the butter. She asked me if I would like a sharper knife and I said, “No, this one is cutting through this like a knife through hot butter.” We both had a good laugh, and I took this picture that now reminds me of a great time with a great small business owner.
Posted by todd bennett
More Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.
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