JULY - AUGUST 2018
CHAMBER LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Ed Jaekel - Chair JRM CPAs, LLC Lynn Bruns, Chair-Elect ISG Bruce Friell Vice-Chair Elect (Secretary) Gundersen Health System Joe Poehling, Past Chair First Supply, LLC Randy Berg - Treasurer Trane
ADDRESSING OUR TALENT SHORTAGE For the past four years, I’ve been telling your story - with now the exception of three people - every business I speak to has a shortage of available workers. The demographers saw this coming. A shortage of babies and surplus of retirees created a shortage. Our millennials, while as large as the Baby Boomers, are not reaching working age fast enough. We need every able body we can get.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kerstin Boudreau Metre Chris Butler Verve, a Credit Union Jansen Dahl Dahl Automotive La Crosse Brad Dinsmoor Dinsmoor Strategies Anne Finch Logistics Health - LHI Wendy Franke, Board Advisor N2 Publishing A.J. Frels, Ex-Officio Explore La Crosse Spencer Hegenbarth, Board Advisor RE/MAX First Choice Scott Kish Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, Inc. Sue Kolve-Feehan The Salon Professional Academy Brian Koopman Trust Point, Inc. Steve Loehr Kwik Trip Robin Moses, Ex-Officio Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. Amy Noel Mayo Clinic Health System Tim Oliver, Board Advisor US Bank Brandon Prinsen Johns, Flaherty & Collins, SC JoAnn Steffes Steffes HR Advantage Glena Temple Viterbo University Jodi Widuch The Parenting Place Jeff Wieser Wieser Brothers General Contractor, Inc.
Without immigration of workforce (which is a political hotbed), this will continue for another 10 years. The 7 Rivers Alliance’s WISE (workforce) Plan identified we’ll be 15,000 bodies short ten years from now. As our Talent Development & Advocacy Director Chin-Chin Minniear highlights in this publication, our Chamber has new initiatives to more quickly onboard the talent we have, but also to develop more strategic efforts to attract talent. She’s helped by a great set of committee members from Kwik Trip, La Crosse School District, Gundersen, People First, ISG, Verve, RE/MAX First Choice, TrustPoint, and Western Technical College. Bottom line, our businesses that are attracting talent from outside our area are a lifeline for our community. New people generate purchases at and for our area businesses. We need the best set of tools for our talent-attracting businesses so they can grow their talent base. Our Relocation Guide, whose ads are on sale now, was a successful first launch of these efforts. We’re on to version two. In just minutes I have a meeting with your Young Professionals group to get their feedback on how we attract talent and have them review the Relocation guide. Our Concierge Service, which just launched a few weeks ago, will help connect our relocating individuals to their basic needs - shelter, schools, food, churches - and more. Our Talent Development Committee is looking at what people research and how we rank to ensure we’re moving the proper needles that people see. Cost
of living comparisons that are accurate are critical. Once we get people here, helping them identify traits within themselves needed to move into managerial positions through education and coaching/mentoring are being looked at. We’re investigating opportunities that cater to our large employers looking to train the trainers, and our small businesses by uniting them to create programs they could not otherwise provide. AND THEN WE HAVE OUR 150th The celebration of our 150th anniversary continues until the November 1st Business Expo. We are very excited to strategically have one of our long-time businesses present at the luncheon - Dahl Automotive. Think of the way transportation has changed in our 150 years - from boats and horses to trolleys and automobiles - soon to be automated cars, Dahl’s five generations of leaders has changed with them all. Come learn what has made them viable since 1911. An event yet to occur but that will be past-tense at the time of printing was a Pride of the North Side event to highlight the progress business leaders have made to the north side. There’s a state of retail event on July 31 at Valley View Mall, faith in leadership being planned, celebrating our La Crosse Center, and a possible trip to another community that is growing. We would not be 150 without you. Thank you. When you grow, we grow. Thank you for what you do.
Vicki Markussen Executive Director
COVER STORY MAYO HEALTH CARE SEVICES .................. PGS 3-4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Forum..........................................................................................................................................5 150th Anniversary Events................................................................................................................ 6 Talent Development......................................................................................................................... 6 Concierge Program........................................................................................................................... 6 Diversity Update................................................................................................................................7 Business After Hours....................................................................................................................... 8 Welcome New Board Members....................................................................................................... 8 Community Leadership Projects..................................................................................................... 9 Educational Training Opportunities..............................................................................................10 Maximize Your Membership...........................................................................................................11 Strengthening Our Airport..............................................................................................................11 Annual Golf Outing......................................................................................................................... 12 Hwy 53 Eagle Viewing Platform Update....................................................................................... 13 Young Professionals........................................................................................................................14 Ribbon Cuttings...............................................................................................................................16 Rockstars..........................................................................................................................................16 Connecting Members to Members.................................................................................................18
CONTACT THE CHAMBER VICKI MARKUSSEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
608-784-4880 ext. 226 vicki@lacrossechamber.com
ANGELA SEEGER, BUSINESS OUTREACH DIRECTOR 608-784-4880 ext. 225 angela@lacrossechamber.com
MAGGIE CHRISTIAN, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
608-784-4880 ext. 224 maggie@lacrossechamber.com
SARAH GANG, MARKETING DIRECTOR 608-784-4880 ext. 233 sarah@lacrossechamber.com
CHIN-CHIN MINNIEAR, MPP TALENT DEVELOPMENT & ADVOCACY DIRECTOR 608-784-4880 ext. 227 chin-chin@lacrossechamber.com
RANDY FISCHER, FINANCE DIRECTOR
608-784-4880 ext. 223 randy@lacrossechamber.com
JAMI REDENBAUGH, MEMBER RELATIONS
608-784-4880 jami@lacrossechamber.com
Add a few cents to your savings with every debit card purchase.
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MAGAZINE LAYOUT BY JACOB KLATTE
is good.
jmklattedesign@gmail.com
Change
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EMPLOYERS ARE
BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY
BY OFFERING HEALTH CARE SERVICES From contracting with nearby clinics for employee preventive services to hosting flu shot clinics to putting medical providers on-site, employers know that making health and wellness services accessible and convenient works. Healthy employees make for a happier and more productive team. In 2017, Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse took the lead in making employee health care more convenient by building a clinic in downtown La Crosse at Belle Square. Employees who work and live downtown have access to urgent care, preventive care and employee counseling services—for many, within walking distance. When employers contract with Belle Square for preventive and primary care services, employees have the most affordable access to the services that keep them healthy—and able to work.
CONTRACTED SERVICES INCLUDE • • • • • • • •
Treatment for injuries and illness Primary care visits Immunizations Employee Assistance Program services Onsite lab services Onsite radiology/imaging Counseling Wellness programming and coaching
Employers can offer their employees a selection of services at flat-fee pricing, or access to all services with priority daily appointment times for a set monthly fee.
HAVING HEALTH CARE AVAILABLE NEARBY MEANS: • • •
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Employees need less time away from work to get care for an illness or injury Employees can get their lab work done downtown for their annual exam elsewhere Employers can contract for employee health services such as flu shots, wellness services or counseling
ON-SITE HEALTH CARE Some businesses contract with providers to establish on-site services, which can be customized to fit the organization’s needs. Bringing an RN in for regular hours, creating a staffed health office or building an on-site clinic are among the choices becoming more common as businesses understand the value of providing convenient health care to their valuable team.
BUILDING A CUSTOM EMPLOYEE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLNESS PROGRAM Building a workplace health and wellness package should be simple and transparent. A new online proposal tool developed by Health Services to Business allows packages to be built three different ways: 1. Based on goals—businesses enter their goals and find services based on their organization’s needs 2. By featured package—choose from packages pre-selected by Mayo Clinic Health System employee health experts 3. Fully customized—choose from a full suite of services to create a program that’s tailor-made Once an organization has explored options and pricing to create a customized proposal, they can download, share or save it, or work with the Health Services to Business team to fine tune it. When organizations commit to supporting the well-being of their employees, everyone benefits. For information on Health Services to Business, call 877-458-4873 or visit healthservicestobusiness.com.
SERVICES AVAILABLE INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • •
Drug and alcohol testing Workers’ compensation management Training and education Ergonomics OSHA and DOT compliance Pre-placement exams Functional capacity evaluations Critical incident planning Employee counseling (EAP)
• • • • • •
A New Me lifestyle management WellMe Challenges Health and wellness coaching On-site clinics On-site health services Safety evaluations
The online tool will be launched this summer, in time for annual planning and budgeting.
Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare Clinic at Belle Square
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THE FORUM RECAP The Forum is a monthly breakfast focused on public policy issues. For a small fee, members and non-members can connect with public officials and guest speakers, including state legislators during even-numbered months. The Forum meets at 7:30 am every 2nd Monday of the month. We also occasionally host special Forums on hot topics of interest.
FORUM RECAP:
UPCOMING FORUMS
MAY 2018 [FEDERAL FOCUS]: The Chamber was
JULY 9TH [LOCAL FOCUS]:
honored to have Congressman
BUSINESSES - Leaders from our local higher education
Ron Kind (D-WI) at the Forum
institutions (Roger Stanford, President of Western Technical
this month to provide insights from Washington, DC. He
College; Betsy Morgan, Provost of the University of Wisconsin-
addressed various topics facing the nation, such as the growing
La Crosse; and Glena Temple, President of Viterbo University)
deficit, the opioid crisis, and the need for revenue sources
will highlight what their respective institutions are working
to fund infrastructure. Congressman Kind also responded to
on that intersects with local businesses, including the new
audience questions on topics including Medicaid, immigration,
bachelor’s degree program in engineering collaboration between
and workforce development. Ryan Cornett from U.S. Senator
Western and Viterbo. As with every Forum, you will have an
Tammy Baldwin’s (D-WI) office was also present to share about
opportunity to share how what they do impacts you.
“Buy America” legislation introduced by Sen. Baldwin in April to support the state’s manufacturing and shipbuilding industries. Mr. Cornett also brought up concerns around repeal of net neutrality. Finally, Chamber staff presented highlights from this year’s DC Fly-In, during which 12 people visited 12 offices. Thank
AUGUST 13 [FEDERAL FOCUS]: REVERSE FORUM MODEL - KEEPING OUR AIRPORT VIABLE - A trial format where we reverse the forum – our members present to elected officials and businesses in the audience about ways
you to all the delegates who participated in this year’s trip.
in which they are impacted by government and then explain
JUNE 2018 [STATE FOCUS]: Dr. Lee Rasch, Executive
representatives from the La Crosse Regional Airport and Colgan
how the business community can offer support. This month,
Director of a new grassroots organization LeaderEthics-
Air Services, as well as a sampling of frequent business flyers,
Wisconsin, talked about promoting integrity among elected
will be given the opportunity to dialogue with federal elected
officials. His presentation identified four qualities of ethical
officials about what can be done at the federal level to help grow
leaders: 1) honest and truthful, 2) transparent with public
our air service.
information, 3) unifiers rather than dividers, and 4) willing to represent the collective interests of their constituency. Dr. Rasch encouraged individuals to only propagate information that has been verified and to actually expect ethical leadership. Representative Steve Doyle agreed that a grassroots movement is the right approach, commenting that La Crosse is a good launching pad due to its reputation for elected officials working across the aisle. Rep. Doyle cautioned that full-time politicians may be more easily influenced by special interests and campaign donations.
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HOW HIGHER EDUCATION IS CONNECTING WITH LOCAL
DR. LEE RASCH (RIGHT), EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF A NEW GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION LEADERETHICS-WISCONSIN AND REPRESENTATIVE STEVE DOYLE (LEFT)
THE CHANGING FACE OF RETAIL
Anniversary Event
Come celebrate 38 years of Valley View Mall’s success and learn the ways in which they are adapting to the ever-evolving retail climate. Hear how technology has impacted retail from both the marketing and management side, as well as ways to modify a business to survive in today’s world. Coffee will be provided. We hope to see you there to educate and celebrate! When: Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 9am-10am Where: Valley View Mall Cost: FREE
INTRODUCING THE TALENT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE In January 2018, the Chamber formed a new committee to address the need for talent development in La Crosse County. This came about as a direct response to our members’ nearly-universal struggles to find an adequate supply of qualified employees. The Chamber also recognizes that preparing, attracting, and retaining a qualified workforce is a prerequisite for business growth. Chairperson Lynn Bruns of ISG has this to say about the importance of this committee: “As a community and committee, we are taking action to attract and retain talent to the area. When La Crosse thrives, our businesses thrive. This committee is energized, ready to connect people, and mobilizing Chamber members to further the region as a desirable place to live, work, and play. My family and I made this area our home when 4 others and I from ISG started up the office here in 2012. I am honored to serve as the inaugural chair for the committee and collectively seize opportunities that can make a difference in both the short- and long-term economic landscape of La Crosse.” The Talent Development Committee will focus on three priorities: Recruitment, Professional and Organizational Development, and Diversity. One major recruitment strategy is the new Community Concierge program (read more about this in the next section!), which focuses on growing the workforce by offering a more personalized welcome to those considering a job in the area or those who have recently accepted positions and relocated here. In addition to overseeing professional development opportunities, the Committee plans to offer workshops on topics such as improving workplace culture or establishing pathways for advancement in order to help develop the “employer-of-choice” reputation among employers. The Committee also plans to host twice-a-year diversity events and to partner with historically marginalized groups to increase community awareness.
LAUNCH OF THE COMMUNITY CONCIERGE PROGRAM The Chamber is proud to launch a key recruitment and retention strategy for the La Crosse area: the Community Concierge program. This program is designed to support new hires and entice job candidates referred by member companies. The idea behind the program is that a personalized welcome will help people acclimate more quickly and lead to better retention rates. How does the concierge program work? Upon request, the concierge will provide a highlights tour of the community and information of interest (about housing, schools, houses of worship, etc.) to program clients. The program features a “trailing spouse” component as well, which is a referral program to help the candidate’s partner find a job. In addition, newcomers will have opportunities to meet other newcomers in the area at events organized by the concierge. The Chamber will soon be hiring to fill the Community Concierge position! The ideal candidate has a robust knowledge of the La Crosse area, including a working knowledge of the local housing market. The concierge will develop and oversee the community-welcoming program. This will be a part-time position.
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DIVERSIFYING THE WORKFORCE DIVERSIFYING THE WORKFORCE On May 8, 2018, the Chamber co-sponsored an event with the Greater La Crosse Diversity Council (GLADC) titled “Develop Collective Strategies to Diversify Your Workforce”. During the event, we reviewed the changing demographic profile of La Crosse County, and we heard from Nizam Arain, Director of Equity & Affirmative Action at UW-L, about diversity: what it is, why it’s a good business strategy, and how our organizations can practice inclusive hiring. We also held a facilitated small group discussion about attracting a diverse workforce here in La Crosse County – suggestions for inclusive hiring included the following: ◊
Use UW-L Career Services as a resource for placement (for inclusive job opportunities)
◊
Encourage conversations between employers and colleges/universities
◊
Develop marketing strategies for inclusive hiring
◊
Engage in self-reflection before conducting organizational assessments (ask ourselves: What do we truly value? What are the barriers to accomplishing what we want?)
◊
Long-term goal: support programs to hire more teachers who reflect the diversity in schools
◊
Recruiting tips for employers: 1.
Network with Communities of Color and university contacts »» Establish credibility as an employer with these groups »» Promote job opportunities when they arise
2.
Employer tips for retaining diverse talent: »»
Celebrate diversity throughout the year (e.g., during holidays like MLK Jr.)
»»
Consider structural changes to your organization – are they needed? Will they allow us to better promote from within?
3. Leadership & Scaffolding are important The majority of attendees said they expect to use the material they learned from the presentation in their work places. Survey feedback included: ◊
“The biggest takeaway for me is that diversity sparks creativity. I also better understood invisible barriers to employment and promotion.”
◊
“The presentation reinforces my belief that diversity is not a problem to be dealt with but a strategic goal that affects the bottom line of any organization.”
◊
“I appreciated the broader use of the term diversity, beyond race and culture, to address a wider set of issues. Equal is not always equitable for employees.”
◊
“Thank you - one of the best professional development opportunities I’ve attended in years!”
By and large, the feedback told us that people want more events like this, and they want to learn about other cultures (including Hmong, Black, Latino, LGBT, Disability) from future events. Participants would like more opportunities to learn from each other and to have access to different best practices and lessons learned. For further reading, please see GLADC’s resource guide: https://www.glaxdiversitycouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/GLADC-MulticulturalGuide2018.pdf
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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS RECAP
JUNE 14
ROD’S RIDE-ON POWERSPORTS
Rod’s Ride On Powersports hosted the June Business After Hours on Thursday June 14th. Guests enjoyed complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages and met the owners Rod and Manette Hall. Members were able to tour the building, including the recently completed 7800 square foot addition. Rod’s is one of the largest dealerships in the area selling new and used cycles, UTV’s, ATV’s , watercraft, and snowmobiles. Thank you for hosting a wonderful event!
CHAMBER BOARD WELCOMES THREE IN 2018 The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed three new board members in the past two months. We look forward to the vision they bring in helping us connect, grow and advocate for businesses:
Anne Finch,
Amy Noel,
Glena Temple,
Logistics Health
Mayo Clinic Health System -
Viterbo University
Franciscan Healthcare
WANT TO HOST BUSINESS AFTER HOURS?
We’d love to help your business gain visibility in the business community - contact the Chamber today to find out more! Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with other business leaders at your location! Business After Hours events are hosted by a member business every 2nd Thursday of the month.
DON’T MISS OUR NEXT BUSINESS AFTER HOURS with Verve, a Credit Union on Thursday, August 9th 5:00pm-6:30pm!
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2017-18 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM CONCLUDES COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP GRADUATES Graduates from this Spring’s Community Leadership program shared their projects and the impact that they had on the community. Upon graduation, graduates become a members of our esteemed Alumni group that is equipped to help build the community’s future. Many graduates find this program uncovers something within that they didn’t know existed and transforms them into a more effective leader and citizen. They stay engaged in the community and contribute to vital improvement efforts including public office, business, arts, social services and community civic organizations.
more about what it’s like to experience food insecurity and how the current system can be difficult to navigate. Many don’t know the resources available until they are forced to learn. The stress and confusion of where to go with what documentation caused many miss details and not utilize the best solutions.
PROJECT: VOLUNTEERING AT GUNDERSEN’S MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION SERIES On May 10th we volunteered at Gundersen’s Mental Health Education Series which was a kickoff to their Mental Health Awareness Month.
our website to sign up for the 2018-19 session!
The two-part series, held over a two-hour lunch period, included a Ted
PROJECT: PREPARING SCHOOL GARDENS FOR GROW LA CROSSE
Talk by Max Silverman which discussed the “invisibleness” of mental
Program team (Blake, Dillon, Casey, Kurt, and Jami) worked with Jamie O’Neill, the executive director of GROW La Crosse, to prepare the new site for their gardening operation. This included sweeping the new site for old metal debris, measuring, marking, and digging post-holes for a new fence, and transferring soil from three large, raised garden beds from Hamilton/SOTA garden to the new location.
illness and the importance of understanding this disease as biological. In addition to the Ted Talk, a mindfulness and meditation video was shown which guided the audience through a short relaxation exercise. Kathy and I welcomed individuals and handed out snacks. In addition to the snack booth there were mental health materials available for
Our work contributed just a small
attendees to take with
piece of the much larger effort of
them. While the turn
moving the Hamilton/SOTA garden
out was lower than Gundersen’s Behavioral Health team had hoped,
to its new location. Overall, the
we still very much enjoyed learning more about mental health and
collective effort will expand GROW
connecting with the Gundersen team. It is evident there is value simply
La Crosse’s ability to offer quality
in making mental health a point of every day discussion and shining
programming for 300 students at the
light on the need that is so very prevalent.
school.
PROJECT: HUNGER SIMULATION EVENT BY THE HUNGER TASK FORCE
PROJECT: COLLABORATION WITH THE GOOD FIGHT The Good Fight, Be Prepared For Life is a non-profit organization located in downtown La Crosse. The center offers a safe environment
Participants got scenarios of people who needed to use the resources
for at-risk and disadvantaged youth, between
and a family profile. They were given little to no other direction.
the ages of 10 -18, to participate in activities that train them in boxing,
The participants had to manage 3 days of navigating the “system”.
to instill discipline,
Participants had to make healthy choices and follow the MyPlate
physical activity, fitness and mental sharpness. It also allows them
recommendations. The cost of goods changed from day to day. Many
a safe place to work out their aggression. The center also provides
did not think about meal planning for the food choices they were
tutoring as well as college and job preparation. DJ, Kevin and Carrie all
making. Another part of the simulation was that participants could only
had the opportunity to speak to the kids. They were asked to discuss
access the “Food Pantry” one time during 3-day period but were given
their professions, what they do, what it took to get where they are and
enough food for the day. They also had to have a referral card from
to share any advice they may have had for them.
211 to utilize the service. The food pantry had inconsistent hours and burned down on day 3.
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participants learned
Interested in being a part of the Community Leadership Program? Visit
On a Saturday afternoon in mid-April, 2018, our Community Leadership
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Through this simulation,
LEADERSHIP TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:
NEW DATES JUST ANNOUNCED!
Strengthening our community means strengthening our leaders - take advantage of this opportunity to grow as a leader! We are excited to welcome back Tom Thibodeau, Distinguished Prossessor of Servant Leadership and a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership for the Community and Servant Leadership sessions. We are also excited to announce the return of the Dale Carnegie Leadership training this fall. More information can be found at our website www.lacrossechamber.com/learn.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP (8AM-12PM)
SERVANT LEADERSHIP (8AM – 11:30AM)
The La Crosse Area Community Leadership Program is unlike any
Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the
other program you will experience and is guaranteed to provide greater
lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a
insight into the community in which you live, a better understanding
more just community and a caring world.
of how others think, how you handle differences and how other leaders work through those issues. Upon graduation, you become a member of our esteemed Alumni group that is equipped to help build the community’s future.
We’re proud to partner with Viterbo University to offer you a renowned two-part servant leadership program. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn servant leadership skills from nationally recognized, in-demand facilitator Tom Thibodeau. The takeaways from
This Leadership Program is best for people new to the community, leaders looking for a better understanding of the environment in which
each session are timely, practical and impactful.
they work, people serving on non-profit boards and those wanting
FALL DATES:
different approach to leadership development.
•
Thursday, September 20, 2018
•
Thursday, October 11, 2018
DATES:
•
Thursday, October 25, 2018
•
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
•
Thursday, November 8, 2018
•
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
•
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
SPRING DATES:
•
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
•
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
•
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
•
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
•
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
•
Thursday, March 7, 2019
•
Thursday, March 21, 2019
•
Thursday, April 4, 2019
•
Thursday, April 18, 2019
DALE CARNEGIE LEADERSHIP For over 100 years Dale Carnegie Training has been helping companies improve their most important asset, their people! Dale Carnegie Training is recognized the world over for its unique ability to coach men, women and organizations to higher levels of achievement. The Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to again be sponsoring the Dale Carnegie Leadership Program, which is now forming. Learn why leading area organizations, like Trane Company, Coulee Bank and Wieser Brothers General Contractor, as well as over 400 of the Fortune 500 use Dale Carnegie Training regularly. UPCOMING COURSES INCLUDE: DALE CARNEGIE COURSE - One meeting per week over 8 weeks beginning Monday, September 17th in Madison; Tuesday, September 18th in La Crosse. Evenings, 6pm-9:30pm STRICTLY BUSINESS: THE DALE CARNEGIE IMMERSION SEMINAR - Three full days,
HIGH IMPACT PRESENTATIONS - Two consecutive days in Madison, beginning
meeting three consecutive Tuesdays from 8:00am-5:00pm. Next class
Winter 2019.
beginning Tuesday, November 13th. WINNING WITH RELATIONSHIP SELLING - One meeting per week over 8 weeks beginning Thursday, September 27th in Madison. Evenings, 4pm-
“I once took a Dale Carnegie Course and it was equal to a college
7:30pm.
education.”
LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR MANAGERS - One meeting per week over 7 weeks beginning early 2019 in Madison. Evenings, 3pm-6:30pm.
-Warren Buffet
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MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS BACK! Join us on Wednesday, August 29th from 8:00am-9:00am to learn more about the Chamber and how to Maximize Your Membership! This quarterly program helps you understand what the Chamber offers your business and provides strategies for maximizing these benefits. •
Build connections with other Chamber members
•
Discover the potential within your Chamber membership
•
Learn about all of the perks of being a Chamber member
Please bring brochures and/or samples to share. Can’t make the next Maximize Your Membership on August 29th? We’ll also be hosting a session on November 28th. Don’t miss out on all the benefits that your Chamber membership has - register early online or by calling the Chamber to learn about how you can get the most out of your membership!
STRENGTHEN OUR AIRPORT
BY VICKI MARKUSSEN, Executive Director
As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, the airport has always been a top priority for our organization. From when it was Salzer Field (owned by the Salzer Seed magnate, what is now Erickson Park in La Crosse) to it being a strip in its current state, to us advocating for air-mail service and hangars to accompany mail. Our Chamber Board members were the first two years ago to help the La Crosse Regional Airport launch the LSE Leaders program. While the program continues to grow, we all need to be mindful of how our efforts to fly local position our airport as a valuable asset in our community.
DID YOU KNOW: •
We only need about seven (7) people per flight to make our airport more attractive to additional flights
•
American Airlines has added flights with larger planes, allowing for first-class service out of La Crosse
•
The airport is finding new ways to be valuable. They are undergoing a Master Plan (the Chamber has a seat at the table) to identify how the land around it could be a stronger economic driver, while also capturing our airport strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (i.e. SWOT analysis).
•
If you find a flight whose pricing does not make sense, let Clinton Torp know: torpc@lseairport.com. There’s a matrix that determines pricing. Clinton has been able to rework the matrix if flight pricing errors are caught.
•
The airport offers a Level 2 Electronic Vehicle Charging station. It’s at the far end of the short-term parking lot. It’s on the ChargePoint Network and is free to use.
DELTA AND AMERICAN What we’ve heard is that Delta has a strong following in La Crosse, but they are unlikely to add more flights. American Airlines is being more aggressive with markets our size. Their addition of a flight with a larger plane was a risk. It paid off this past month. The more our flyers are willing to take American flights, the more likely American is to keep adding.
BECOME AN LSE LEADER Your consideration of joining the LSE Leaders program makes a difference. Other communities, through the visible and strategic support of the business community, have been able to add flights, creating an upward spiral of possibilities. For more info: https:// www.lseairport.com/content/lse-leaders.
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GOLF OUTING & SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER
WAYS TO ENGAGE! GOLF
This event is a must-experience! Golf foursomes sold out last year and are on track to do so this year! At the time of writing, the afternoon flight is sold out, but there are still a few morning golf packages available. For updated information, please call 608-784-4880 or visit www. lacrossechamber.com
NETWORK AT THIS YEAR’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY PIG ROAST LUNCHEON Join us on Monday, August 27th to partake in our 150th anniversary pig roast luncheon reminiscing on the yearly picnics that were held for decades by the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce and the Pig Club. You won’t want to miss the delicious food, the stunning views of the La Crosse Country club, or the chance to connect with dozens of area businesses golfing in this year’s outing. To register, please visit www.lacrossechamber.com
SPONSOR THE EVENT Add credibility to your business by supporting this well-loved event which raises funds for the La Crosse Area Chamber’s advocacy efforts, impacting businesses of all sizes. Sponsorships vary based on contribution price, interaction with golfers, and visibility. With so many options, we’re sure to meet the goals of our business. For the list of available sponsor opportunities, please visit lacrossechamber.com/golf2018/
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER Support the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, on its mission to provide leadership, education and development opportunities to businesses within our community. The Foundation also hosts the Chamber’s annual Honor Student Banquet, a signature event honoring the academic success of the top five-percent of graduating high school seniors from eleven area high schools. If you are interested in contributing to the silent auction fundraiser, please reach out to maggie@lacrossechamber.com for guidelines and details.
PLACE AN ITEM IN OUR GOLFER GOODY BAG Contributing to the golfer goody bags allows businesses (Chamber members only, please!) to put interesting, memorable, useful and/or consumable items in front of our golfers. This is a great, low-cost way to increase visibility for your business. Please no paper products! Interested? Please contact chandra@lacrossechamber.com
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THIS PHOTO HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE CHAMBER BY VICKI MARKUSSEN, Executive Director It was a glorious summer day to hold a ribbon cutting for the Eagle Viewing Platform on La Crosse’s North Side. The celebration was the culmination of a conversation that began more than 10 years earlier when the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) and the City of La Crosse began conversations on the restructuring of the I-90 intersection. While the mood was appropriately positive at the event, it is an opportunity for our Chamber to take a little bragging rights. We hear too often from our members, “We know the Chamber is working on advocacy work, but we don’t know what.” About two years ago the DOT and the City were embroiled in a debate about the interchange, the details of which no longer matter with the project being done. The City was going to turn down $1 million of beautification dollars. These dollars are what created this Eagle Viewing Platform along with other cosmetic features to this portion of the roadway. The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce along with the North La Crosse Business Association (NLBA) spoke to the council and mayor, convincing them to take the dollars. Their arguments needed to be voiced when the project work began. The result is a much more enhanced gateway to the City. Many kudos go to the members of the NLBA, whose everyday knowledge of this corridor cast the vision for safer access to this natural location to view the eagles and other birds that grace our waterway. People no longer have to park around the busy roadway - having a parking lot, sun shade, platform with binoculars, and a beautiful place to take in our area’s greatest natural asset, the Mississippi River.
Views of the river from the Eagle Viewing Platform.
Mayor Kabat speaks at the Eagle Viewing Platform Ribbon Cutting.
Senator Jennifer Shilling speaking at the Eagle Viewing Platform Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
(Photo Credit: Shirley Hayes)
Likewise, many thanks to the City whose role will be to maintain this location.
CELEBRATING WITH THE CHAMBER’S 150 YEARS
CHANGES AT THE LA CROSSE CLUB TO WELCOME YOU IN 2018 Just 14 years after the Chamber formed, business men formed the La Crosse Club in 1882 to provide
“The La Crosse Club is
a comfortable locale for “intelligent conversation and relaxing pleasure”. The membership offering
where I schedule all of my
has evolved from socializing with fellow business men while smoking cigars and playing checkers to
working-lunch meetings.
enjoying a modern, yet elegant, setting with business guests, fellow business leaders, and family.
The quiet atmosphere
Offering a nearly unparalleled view on the Mississippi River on the southwest corner of the Radisson, its lounge, small meeting rooms, dining and cocktail bar settings offer a variety of lunch or dinner options or social gathering for guests 2-99.
NEW IN 2018: The Club is waiving its joining fee. They also are offering multiple employees, friends and relatives through one membership.
OFFERINGS:
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•
Day rental for private functions
•
Evening or weekend events rental
•
La Crosse Country Club reciprocity (up to three/year or one event)
•
Reciprocity with other clubs, many that include hotels (ex. New York City or Washington D.C.)
•
For more information go to www.lacrosseclub.org or call 608.784.0220.
makes it easy to discuss sensitive matters. The small conference room is great for board orientations. The staff is courteous and topnotch for business dinners. We also use the Club’s reciprocity agreement with the Army-Navy Club in Washington D.C. when our Chamber does our D.C. FlyIn, providing an elegant and convenient location with cost-saving rate.”
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS RECENT EVENTS THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF THE COULEE REGION STRIVES TO CREATE A VIBRANT, GROWING BUSINESS CLIMATE BY ATTRACTING, RETAINING AND PREPARING THE REGION’S NEXT-GENERATION OF BUSINESS LEADERS. THE GROUP HELD EVENTS IN MAY AND JUNE TO CONNECT MEMBERS AGES 21-40.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN LA CROSSE
LA CROSSE LOGGERS SOCIAL
On May 2nd, the Young
Region kicked off the summer on Friday, June 8 at the annual La
Professionals hosted New
Crosse Loggers summer outing! Members enjoyed a night of drinks,
Horizons Shelter & Outreach
all you can eat cookout and a private cabin for the group during the
Center to share the statistics
game, which included a fireworks display. Win or lose, attendees had
on human trafficking and
a lot of fun and were able to network with other young members of
discover the vast impact of
the Coulee region!
this hidden issue within our community. They shared their role as a
Don’t miss our next YP Luncheon on July 11 at the La Crosse Wellness Center! More details to come!
safe haven for victims of human trafficking, the assistance programs they offer and tips for what human trafficking looks like. Attendees learned how to empower themselves and their workplaces to help recognize, report and end human trafficking in our community.
The La Crosse Area Chamber’s Young Professionals of the Coulee
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS? CONTACT YP@LACROSSECHAMBER.COM TODAY TO LEARN MORE!
Minding your business is our business too The business bankers at Bremer Bank partner with clients to help their businesses run more efficiently to meet today’s objectives and achieve tomorrow’s aspirations. From cash flow solutions and merchant card processing to financing strategies that fuel growth, Bremer will bring a banker’s mind to your business day in and day out.
Choose a bank with your business in mind. Contact Bremer Bank today. Onalaska • 608-782-6711 Bremer.com Member FDIC. © 2018 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites La Crosse, WI
RIBBON CUTTINGS
YMCA Onalaska, WI
WTC Coleman Center La Crosse, WI
Organic Valley Office Building Cashton, WI
ROD’S RIDE ON POWERSPORTS April 26, 2018. Expansion of their space.
Allergy Choices Onalaska, WI
WATERSTONE MORTGAGE May 1, 2018. Opening of their new location.
A Partner on Your Next Building Project n
n
n
WISCONSIN LIFT TRUCK May 4, 2018. Groundbreaking at their new location.
MARCO June 7, 2018. Opening of their new location.
Kwik Trip Dairy La Crosse, WI
n
Expert craftsmanship and excellence in design/build project delivery
Creating relationships based on honesty and integrity Commitment to the highest standards of safety in the industry Innovation to meet our client’s future needs
TRUST n PARTNERSHIP n EXCELLENCE 200 Twilite Street, La Crescent MN 55947 www.wieserbrothers.com 507.895.8903
ROCK STARS EAGLE VIEWING PLATFORM June 13, 2018. Ribbon cutting at location.
CONNECT. GROW. ADVOCATE. IS THE BEDROCK OF THE CHAMBER. HERE WE SPOTLIGHT SOME PEOPLE WHO HELP US CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THAT FOUNDATION.
Thank you to AMY STUDDEN (State of Wisconsin, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) and GREG BRICKL (Brickl Bros., Inc.) for continuing to bring in new members to the Chamber! We are excited to welcome companies that they work with so that we can celebrate their expansions and contributions in our business 16 community!
Advertise your business in the 2018-2019 La Crosse Area Relocation Guide!
Purchase and ad and pick your spot for the best placement Distributed by area schools, realtors, top employers and the Chamber Over 5,000 print copies distributed annually + online Secure today: relocate@lacrossechamber.com or call 608.784.4880
GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH CONFIDENCE SBA Preferred Lender
La Crosse | Onalaska | Holmen | 608-784-9550 17
For a complete list of services, visit our website at www.couleebank.net/business
Member FDIC
CONNECTING MEMBERS TO MEMBERS ALTRA: Altra was recently honored as a Gold
HUNGER TASK FORCE: Celebrating 20 years, The SCHNEIDER HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING:
Level recipient by the Wellness Council of
recognitions.
Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, Your Free and Wisconsin Public Service honored Schneider Local Food Bank distributed 1.5 million pounds Heating and Air Conditioning company’s efforts to promote energy efficiency. Schneider of food last year. 34,000 Pounds of produce has been a partner since the beginning of were distributed from Kane Street Community Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program, which Garden. Learn more! Call Shelly 608-793provides technical support and financial 1002 incentives for resident s and businesses to JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF WISCONSIN COULEE lower their overall energy use. REGION: JRA welcomed incoming board members Sarah Danielson, Merchants Bank, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - LA CROSSE: Paul Jacobson, The Insurance Center, and The UW-La Crosse College of Business Randy Pretasky, US Bank. They are all excited Administration has once again received an to serve on the board with a passion for international seal of approval. The college education and reaching students with skills has maintained its business accreditation by on financial literacy, work readiness and AACSB International — The Association to entrepreneurship in collaboration with our Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the local schools.
DAIRYLAND POWER COOPERATIVE:
MERCHANTS BANK: Mortgage Lender Dawn
America (WELCOA). Altra’s wellness program promotes a healthy lifestyle by engaging employees and their spouses. Activities earn points and employees are rewarded when benchmarks are achieved.
CPC PRINTING & PROMOTIONS: (Crescent Printing) received highest honors in the Great Lakes Graphics Association 2018 Graphics Excellence Awards for Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. CPC received 3 “Best of Division”, 12 “Awards of Excellence”, and 12 “Certificates of Merit”
longest serving global accrediting body for
Approximately 600 electric cooperative leaders Garms Promoted at Merchants Bank in Onalaska - Mortgage Lender Dawn Garms has and guests attended Dairyland’s 77th annual meeting at the La Crosse Center on June
been promoted to Assistant Vice President at
6. The theme was Renewed Commitment,
Merchants Bank in Onalaska. Since joining
emphasizing the long-term commitment
Merchants organization in 2013, she’s
Dairyland has with its member distribution
consistently been a top producer. She has 18
business schools. The CBA has more than 2,000 undergraduate students with a highly qualified instructional staff of 68. The college maintains a local and global mindset with active collaborations within the region, as well as internationally.
cooperatives to serve co-op energy consumers. years of mortgage lending experience. Member VITERBO UNIVERSITY: Susan Cieslicki has been FDIC. named Viterbo University’s associate dean
FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION: FSPA Franciscan Spirituality Center looks
MUTUAL OF OMAHA: Mutual of Omaha
to help those affected by hosting a Retreat
congratulates the Upper Midwest Division
for Survivors of Human Trafficking and
office for finishing 2017 as the #1 office in the
Exploitation thanks to a grant from La Crosse
country. Managing Director Eric Guth’s office
Community Foundation. If you would like
finished with over 76 million in annual new
to find out more information please email
business premium, #1 in new financial adviser
fscenter@fspa.org .
growth and development and over 96%
GUNDERSEN HEALTH SYSTEM: Gundersen’s Sleep Challenge: Gundersen is challenging
persistency on business written.
PEOPLE FIRST HR SOLUTIONS: Looking to
enhance your Sales and Marketing Skills? you to improve your sleep by putting down You can improve your sales planning, your technology, getting at least 7 hours of sales presentations, strengthen business sleep each night and creating a sleep-friendly relationships, and sales results by signing environment. This free challenge runs through up for the Three Rivers Sales Academy. August. For more information and to register, For more, contact PeopleFirst!tbauer@ visit gundersenhealth.org/sleep-challenge or peoplefirsthrsolutions.com call (608) 775-3885 SCHMOCKER FINANCIAL SERVICES: Ken HEALTHY LIVING WITH DIABETES: This workshop Schmocker was recently recognized as one
of undergraduate programs in the School of Nursing, effective July 1. She has 22 years of nursing experience in public/community and mental health nursing. Viterbo University and Western Technical College entered into a formal agreement to provide a new engineering pathway program. Students will spend two years at Western and then transfer with junior standing, into Viterbo’s new engineering bachelor’s degree program.
WESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Western Technical College’s Law Enforcement 720 Academy was recently announced as one of the winners of the 2018 Law Enforcement/ DOC Polar Plunge Challenge in Wisconsin. The group raised $3,800 and was honored at the Special Olympics opening ceremony in Stevens
is for individuals with type 1, type 2, pre-
of the 2018 Best-In-State Wealth advisors by
diabetes or caregivers. Details: Mondays, July
Forbes. Advisors selected for the inaugural list
16 to August 20, People’s Food Co-op, La
were assessed on numerous criteria, including WISCONSIN LIFT TRUCK: Wisconsin Lift Truck, years of experience, community involvement, a leader in certified forklift training, expands
Crosse, 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more information and to register, call (608) 775-4717 or visit gundersenhealth.org/HLWD.
and client retention data.
Point.
its portfolio to include Virtual Reality Forklift Simulators for rent or purchase. Experience realistic controls, maneuverability and the challenges of moving pallets in a hazard-free environment with the use of VR googles.
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DIAMOND CONTRIBUTORS
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La Crosse, WI Permit No. 219 601 7TH STREET N. • LA CROSSE, WI 54601 PHONE: 608-784-4880 • FAX: 608-784-4919 INFO@LACROSSECHAMBER.COM WWW.LACROSSECHAMBER.COM
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PLATINUM CONTRIBUTORS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
GOLD CONTRIBUTORS
SILVER CONTRIBUTORS BMO HARRIS BANK BREMER BANK DBS GROUP GENSLER HAWKINS ASH CPAS ISG J.F. BRENNAN COMPANY/ BRENNAN MARINE INC. STATE BANK FINANCIAL THREE-SIXTY REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS WIPFLI
ADVACNED COMFORT SPECIALIST, LLC.
MIDWEST BITES
605 Second Avenue South
1747 Caroline St
Onalaska, WI 54650
La Crosse, WI 54603
608.783.2268
608.785.0888
Tom Lee
Hayden Schmidt
Heating and Air-Conditioning
Restaurants
CELL PLUS/U.S. CELLULAR - HOLMEN
PIGGY’S RESTAURANT
129 Hale Dr
501 Front Street S.
Holmen, WI 54636
La Crosse, WI 54601
608.399.3100
608.784.4877
Darren Hornby
Chris Roderique
Telecommunications
Caterers, Restaurants
CENTURY 21 AFFILIATED
PROPERTY RELIANCE LLC
700 3rd Street N., Suite 101
PO Box 1082
La Crosse, WI 54601
La Crosse, WI 54602
608.784.2121
608.790.6798
Gretchen Clements
Marty Walleser
Real Estate
Cleaning
COUNTRY BOOM
THRIVENT FINANCIAL – MELISSA KADRMAS
100 Harborview Plaza Suite C4
931 Riders Club Road
La Crosse, WI 54601
Onalaska, WI 54650
608.615.0023
608.433.9646
Jon Holthaus
Melissa Kadrmas
Festivals
Financial Planners & Investment Advisers
DAVID REAY’S
WATERSTONE MORTGAGE CORPORATION
MODERN DINER AND TAVERN
N25W23255 PAUL RD.
214 Main Street
PEWAUKEE, WI 53072
Onalaska, WI 54650
608.519.9491
608.519.9203
TINA ARTTUS
Matt Boshcka
MORTGAGE COMPANIES
Restaurants
WISCONSIN LIFT TRUCK CORP.
KICK MARKETING LLC
910 Industrial Drive
312 W South St
West Salem, WI 54669
Caledonia, MN 55921
262.781.1746
608.518.2400
Kristin Lelewicz
Dane Lamb
Wholesale Distributors
Marketing Consulting Services