Member of the month: LHI

This is part of a monthly series profiling the members and financial supporters of the 7 Rivers Alliance.

Since 1999, LHI has been simplifying the logistics of complex workforce health programs with cost-effective solutions and seamless distribution processes.

LHI was founded in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1999, to address critical military medical readiness concerns beginning with mass immunization of Service members against anthrax.

After numerous pilot programs with various federal agencies, the Federal Strategic Health Alliance (FEDS_HEAL) program was introduced, an alliance of the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services which was managed by Federal Occupational Health. The FEDS_HEAL program, which was awarded to LHI in the fall of 2001, brought members of the military reserve components up to acceptable health and dental readiness levels for deployment. FEDS_HEAL was the platform for much of LHI’s continued growth in government health programs. In 2007, FEDS_HEAL became the Reserve Health Readiness Program (RHRP) after being restructured and renamed by the Department of Defense.

LHI is a subsidiary of OptumServe, the federal health services business of Optum and UnitedHealth Group. OptumServe provides health services and proven expertise to help federal agencies tackle some of the biggest challenges in health care. We partner with the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs and other organizations to modernize the U.S. health system and improve the health and well-being of the people they serve.

Thanks to LHI for being a supporting member of the 7 Rivers Alliance.

Take the 7 Rivers Alliance speed test

One of the challenges we have in our region – particularly in our rural parts – is a lack of high speed or broadband internet access. That issue became very clear during the early months of the pandemic when students were unable to connect to schools from home.

The Federal Communications Commission in 2015 set the minimum broadband speed standard as 25 megabits per second for downloading files and 3 megabits per second for uploading. The FCC says 26.4% of rural American lack broadband access compared to 1% for urban Americans.

The 7 Rivers Alliance has partnered with the eight other Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Organizations and Regional Plan Commissions to form a strategic partnership to help bring reliable broadband to the most unserved and underserved parts of the state.

This collaborative effort will promote regional broadband speed testing, a crowdsourced internet speed test implemented by GEO Partners, a Minnesota-based company that focuses on enabling cost effective planning and deployment of broadband. Access to this technology was made possible through a grant from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), together with a pilot program supervised by New North's Region of Economic Development, funded in part by a grant from the Economic Development Authority (EDA).

Citizen’s National Broadband Map recently added Wisconsin to its expanding list of 16 state participants. 

7 Rivers Alliance will work with our regional partners at the county and local level to provide training and access to the mapping data. We will also encourage as many folks as possible to take the speed test.

Click here to take the speed test.

LADCO promoting development properties

The La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO) is a not-for-profit entity which has been operating for 50 years as an economic development agency for the greater La Crosse area. One of LADCO’s major roles is to facilitate the promotion real estate solutions within the La Crosse Coulee Region. Below are a few featured properties within the Coulee Region. If you’d like more information, please follow the links or contact Economic Development Coordinator, Sam Bachmeier, at sam@ladcolax.com or (715) 563-7100.
 

River Point District, La Crosse

Housing and Commercial Developers Wanted! Situated in Downtown La Crosse, adjacent to the La Crosse and Black rivers, bring your expertise, innovation and inspiration to an exciting, new neighborhood rich in opportunities. A development at River Point District gives you lasting impact in a progressive, sustainable neighborhood and a significant presence in a vibrant, forward-thinking city.

Your smart investment brings solid benefits

· The entire development is within an already-established Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) district.

· River Point District is located in a designated Opportunity Zone. You can receive special tax incentives including temporary tax deferral, step-up in basis and permanent exclusion from taxable income of capital gains.

· River Point District is a turnkey, shovel-ready property, with property engineering and infrastructure provided by the City of La Crosse. You can start your River Point District project immediately.

For more information, contact Sam Bachmeier, Associate Director with the La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO). sam@ladcolax.com or (608) 784-5488, ext. 2.

Drugan’s Golf Course and Supper Club – W7665 Sylvester Road, Holmen

Opportunity is calling! Here is your chance to own and operate a successful 18 hole golf course and supper club with over a 50 year reputation and customer following all located on a most picturesque golf course. Full kitchens, banquet rooms, bars, everything you ever dreamed of in having your own restaurant. These opportunities don't come often! All this situated in the Wisconsin’s beautiful Coulee region. For more information, contact Chuck Olson at Coldwell Banker River Valley Realtors, chuck@cbrivervalley.com or (608) 780-1666.

Grandview Estates Development – Onalaska

Located just off of Hwy 16 across from the La Crosse International Business Park, Grandview Estates Development hosts just under four acres primed for general commercial development. The MU-N Zoning (Mixed Use Neighborhood) uses include residential, office, retail, light industrial and others. Surrounding the site is a planned residential development featuring a mix of twin and single family homes. Electrical grid is being installed, designed to accommodate high electricity users, including supporting infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations. Fiber optics is in the process of being installed, expecting to provide speeds from 300MB to 2GB. City of Onalaska water and sewage. Roads and supporting infrastructure are scheduled to be developed by July 15, 2022. Site is shovel ready, a complete environmental analysis has been completed by licensed Architecture and engineering firm, ISG - report can be supplied upon request. For inquiries or more information, please reach out to site owners, Jason Oefstedahl and Chris Meyer at: grandviewestatesona@gmail.com

Lakeview Business Park – West Salem

The Lakeview Business Park is a unique high-end commercial and industrial development in West Salem, Wisconsin.
The park features low utility and tax rates, an attractive, professional design, and comprehensive transportation access, including Interstate Highway and rail service.
Also, fiber optic communications and three-phase electric infrastructure are available at this site.
In addition, the West Salem area boasts a high quality of life, with short commutes, affordable housing, and abundant recreation.
For more details, please view the Site Details.
Property Contact: Seth Hudson at Cedar Corporation

Extension entrepreneurial webinar June 9  Join us for a virtual webinar on entrepreneurial activity in Wisconsin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Tessa Conroy will discuss entrepreneurial activity in Wisconsin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Entrepreneurship is a key part of any healthy economy but ensuring that new business activity leads to significant economic impact by creating high quality jobs can be difficult. Join us to hear about entrepreneurial activity in the state and discuss what communities can do to take a lead role in helping entrepreneurs grow and be successful.

Thrive in La Crosse, a campaign sponsored by the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to recruiting talent by encouraging individuals within a 400-mile radius of Greater La Crosse to relocate here. This major marketing campaign features a website, videos, and fact sheets about the region (all FREE for your use!), as well as an option for newcomers to get connected to local businesses by providing their resume and professional information.  The campaign’s purpose is to bring these two groups together to ultimately help the La Crosse region thrive.  How does it work? Those considering relocation will utilize the Recruit Me button on the Thrive In La Crosse website to get connected with hiring and recruiting professionals like you! Candidates fill out their name, contact info, current city of residence, and have the option to submit their resume. That information is stored in a spreadsheet we’ll distribute to you every two weeks. Then, you can reach out to candidates who may be a great fit for your company!

Houston County gets co-working grant

Fillmore County Journal

The Houston County Economic Development Authority (EDA) in partnership with the La Crescent Chamber has been awarded a Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) grant to open Keep Company Co-Working Space in La Crescent.

Oftentimes it can be hard for start-ups and small businesses to afford working space and justify expenses on technical support. Additionally, many small businesses have a limited need for full-time offices but would instead benefit from a common space in which to meet existing and prospective clients.

To add value, the Houston County EDA is seeking Houston County businesses who offer technical support in the areas of advertising, technology, legal, and website design who are willing to offer their services out of the space through a class or other types of training to other businesses. One day per month a new business will be featured.  Businesses who participate will be offered a stipend while grant funds last. Houston County businesses will be prioritized on a first come, first served basis.

To learn more about Keep Company Co-Working Space or to offer your services out of the space, contact Allison Wagner, Houston County EDA Director at EDA@co.houston.mn.us or (507) 725-5836.
 

MSC Southeast finalist in grant competition

In February 2022, Lumina Foundation announced The Million Dollar Community College Challenge to support brand building and strategic marketing efforts at the nation's public two-year community colleges. Ten finalists will receive at least $100,000 to support brand building and strategic marketing efforts and will compete in a second round for a $1 million grant, to be announced in August. 

Hundreds of colleges from across the country applied by the March 15 deadline. The top 10 finalists were revealed on April 27 in a Facebook Live event. Eight minutes into the video, the team watching from Minnesota State College Southeast was stunned to hear its own name being announced!

"For our ninth finalist, we are headed to Red Wing, Minnesota, for Minnesota State College Southeast!" exclaimed Mary Laphen, strategy officer for participation for Lumina Foundation, in making the announcement. "They know that marketing doesn't stop once a prospect becomes a student. They see marketing as an important tool in motivating students to continue to graduation by building a sense of belonging within the college and pride in being part of the college community."

"We are overwhelmed and overjoyed to learn that MSC Southeast is a top 10 finalist in The Million Dollar Community College Challenge!" said MSC Southeast President Marsha Danielson. "This is giant news that will support our efforts to strengthen our brand and help us tell our story."

In round two of the competition, each of the finalists will submit a video narrative about their college's promise to adult students. The award recipients will be announced in August.

Nine runners-up will receive $100,000 grants that will start in August 2022 and run through August 2023. One institution will receive a $1 million dollar grant that will run from August 2022 through August 2024. In addition to financial support, all of the finalists will receive technical assistance to develop actionable brand building and marketing strategies. 
 

Local companies recipients of dairy grants

The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, announced 38 companies and cooperatives that have been selected to receive Dairy Business Builder grants totaling $1.7 million.

The Dairy Business Builder grant program aims to encourage small- to medium-sized dairy farmers, entrepreneurs, and processors in the Upper Midwest to pursue innovative projects such as dairy farm diversification, on-farm processing, value-added product creation, and efforts to market dairy products for export. Reimbursement grants of up to $50,000 each are awarded following a competitive review process.

“A strong and successful dairy industry depends in part on a robust, diverse community of individual dairy businesses. These grants will support the continued growth of these enterprises and the overall health of our dairy industry,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer.

“In these challenging times, these DBIA grants are even more important to creating a vibrant dairy industry as they support the growth of farmstead businesses and allow our small cheese and dairy plants to expand and diversify,” said CDR Director John Lucey.

Among the companies and cooperatives receiving Dairy Business Builder Grants are:

• CannonBelles Cheese – Cannon Falls, Minnesota

• Driftless Gold – Highland, Wisconsin

• Hansen’s Sugar Shack, LLC – Marshfield, Wisconsin

• Marieke Marketing, LLC/Holland’s Family Cheese, LLC – Thorp, Wisconsin

• Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery – Rushford, Minnesota

• Oxheart Farm, LLC – Hager City, Wisconsin

• Prairie Sky Ranch – Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin
 

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Main Street Lansing honored at state event

Waukon Standard
Main Street Iowa hosted the annual Main Street Iowa Development Awards celebration April 22 at Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines. The program honored the efforts of those who work to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns - the heart and soul of communities across the state. The awards honor outstanding accomplishments, activities, and people making a difference in the state’s Main Street districts.

Main Street Lansing received recognition for becoming a $3 Million Dollar District, which means that over $3 million of private funds have been invested in downtown Lansing since Main Street Lansing’s inception in 2012. Additionally, Main Street Lansing was recognized for reaching its tenth anniversary as a Main Street Iowa program.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority, presented the honors.

“The Main Street Iowa program is a powerful economic development tool that has stood the test of time since its introduction in 1985,” said Durham. “We continue to see significant growth in business, jobs, and investment in communities of all sizes because of the program. As a result, these districts serve as inspiring examples of what’s possible for Iowa’s downtowns.”

“Main Street is grassroots economic development,” said Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa State Coordinator. “It is inspiring to witness the impactful work of local Main Street program staff, volunteers, and community partners.”

In 1985, the Iowa Legislature adopted Main Street America’s Four Point Approach to district revitalization by establishing Main Street Iowa within the agency that is now the IEDA. Since then, local Main Street programs have made a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, including 5,237 new businesses, 15,759 jobs, and more than 13,000 building projects totaling more than $2.4 billion in private investment.

“Lansing has seen a remarkable amount of growth recently, and much of that momentum is due to the efforts of citizens who care about the community,” shared Andy Kelleher, Executive Director of Main Street Lansing. “Our volunteers make things happen and serve as true champions of Main Street. Since 2012, Main Street Lansing volunteers have spent over 27,000 hours working to make Lansing a better place to live, work, and play. These efforts have worked wonders. The year 2021 saw more new businesses and sales than any other year in Main Street Lansing’s history, and we look forward to maintaining this momentum during our next ten years!”

 To learn about Main Street Lansing and the projects that helped it reach the $3 million benchmark, visit lansingiowa.com, email director@lansingmatters.com, or call 563-538-9229.
 

Area downtowns recognized at state event

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2021 at the 31st Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held at the historic Hotel Retlaw in downtown Fond du Lac.

“Our Main Street businesses and communities are thriving thanks to the hard work and creativity of business owners, local Main Street professionals and dedicated volunteers,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “The projects, businesses and people recognized tonight should inspire us all to help make our own communities better.”

Among the local winners were:

Best Upper Floor Development

Winner: Newburg Flats on Pearl, La Crosse

Best Image Item/Campaign/Event

Winner: Downtown Decks, La Crosse

Diversity & Inclusion Award – Community

Winner: McIntosh Memorial Library, Viroqua

Best Creative Fundraising Effort

Co-Winner: Valentine’s Day Gift Packages, La Crosse

Connect Communities Award – Best Revitalization Initiative – Under 5,000 Population

Winner: Black River Falls Business Video Series

Best Façade Rehabilitation Over $20,000

Winner: Leithold Music, La Crosse

Best Historic Restoration Project

Winner: Fortney Building, Viroqua

2021 Wisconsin Main Street Volunteers of the Year

• Will Kratt – La Crosse

• Randy Skinner – Viroqua

SMIF and Winona chamber grant recipients

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced grantee partners for the second round of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program. This $80 million statewide economic redevelopment program, distributed through two rounds of funding, awards grants to partner organizations to establish programs within specific communities that will, in turn, fund economic development and redevelopment projects. The second round of grants awards over $40 million to organizations across Minnesota.

Two regional groups were program recipients.

• Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, $2,340,000
  Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) invests for economic growth in the 20 counties of south central and southeastern Minnesota. Their project will provide grants in the hospitality, retail, and childcare industries specifically in the commercial corridors of Northfield, Blooming Prairie and other Southern Minnesota regions to support economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak and natural disasters since March 15, 2020.

• Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, $1,000,000
  The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)3 that plans to provide grants to qualifying businesses/capital development projects in downtown Winona, with the goal of supporting the economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.

"I'm thrilled by the range of creative and dynamic development proposals we got from main streets across the state," said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. "These investments will help re-build business clusters hit hardest by the challenges of the last few years – and they'll create jobs and spark economic revitalization throughout Minnesota."

This program provides grants to nonprofit partner organizations – to fund 30% matching grants up to $750,000, and guaranteed loans up to $2,000,000 to eligible recipients for eligible projects – that are designed to address the greatest economic development and redevelopment needs that have arisen in communities across Minnesota since March 15, 2020. That includes hardship suffered due to the pandemic, civil unrest, and other challenges for commercial corridors since that date.
 

Child care report issued by Minnesota

Early care and education (ECE), a critical part of the economic infrastructure in Minnesota, is dealing with a long-standing crisis. Under the State’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), a working group charged by DEED’s Minnesota Business Vitality Council (MBVC) has released a final report and recommendations to support the creation and sustainability of child care businesses.

“The availability of child care is a business issue with deep ramifications for our economy, our workforce, and our communities,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “The lack of reliable child care has a massive impact on our workforce. This report brings innovative new solutions to how we can fix this market, and details new ways government and business can partner to make sure every working family has access to quality care.”

The report highlights key recommendations for ECE financing, cross-sector partnerships, state-level coordination, and workforce supports, including expansion of funding to bring multiple sectors together to plan for child care needs in local communities. Recommendations also include tax incentives for employers who invest in community child care capacity, plus dedicated funding and support for child care facility development.

The report builds on Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan’s One Minnesota vision that the Minnesota’s Children’s Cabinet – an interagency partnership – helps make Minnesota the best place for each and every child to grow up. Several of the recommendations align with the Governor’s budget proposals, including increased investments in the state’s child care subsidy and scholarship programs and direct supports to providers, as well as in scholarships and career development opportunities for the ECE workforce.
 

Dairyland completes Genoa site study

Dairyland’s Genoa Site Redevelopment & Reuse Study was recently completed by Ady Advantage (Madison, Wis.). The project sought to identify optimal reuses of Dairyland’s retired Genoa Site, focused on the overall vitality of the Genoa area community while aligning with Dairyland’s continued operational needs at the site.

The study identified approximately 45 acres of land at the Genoa Site that will be available for industrial redevelopment. Site assets include: Mississippi River access, highway access and well-maintained barge docking facilities. Following a thorough exploration of scenarios that aligned with project goals and site assets, barge transportation, transloading operations and light manufacturing/ assembly emerged as the top-three reuse options.  

To continue due diligence, Dairyland plans to issue a Request for Expression of Interest in the site to barge fleeting and transload operators from across the Midwest to gain further, non-binding, insights into potential interest in reuse of the site. This work will go forward in tandem with the continued decommissioning and dismantlement of the plant itself which will continue through 2023.

To inquire regarding site redevelopment opportunities, please contact Jenny Radcliffe, Senior Economic Development Specialist.
 

Briefly speaking:

• You are invited to a Summer 2022 Racial Justice Workshop, scheduled for June 6-8. Join local social justice educators and advocates,Tracy Littlejohn and Heather Quackenboss, for an in depth, interpersonal, and interactive learning experience. Participants will explore racial identity, the history and systemic nature of racism, intergenerational trauma, and the dynamics of power & privilege. Register  at: https://rjworkshopspring2022.swell.gives/
• The Wisconsin Public Service Commission received 194 applications requesting more than $495 million for the state's Broadband Expansion Grant Program. Funding for the grants was provided by the 2021 - 23 biennial budget, signed by Gov. Evers in July 2021. The Commission will make decisions in early summer.

• The Mauston School District received $25,000 as one of 21 school districts throughout the state awarded a total of more than $508,000 in grants to establish or expand local fabrication laboratory (fab lab) facilities through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

• Current or aspiring business owners are invited to request free one-on-one assistance from the Women's Business Center. We are dedicated to providing education, training, and business advising to small businesses that have experienced supply chain disruptions, staffing challenges, a decrease in gross receipts or customers, or a closure as a result of COVID-19. Click to register for FREE business counseling.
• The Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit is designed to give Wisconsin innovators a guide to resources available in Wisconsin and beyond. Resources include: Getting started, finding money, locating your business, education and tech transfer, regulations, networking and selling to government with a dedicated section for women, minorities, tribes and veterans. Click here to access our Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit.

• La Crosse was one of the communities that received some of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development (WHEDA)  $23.3 million in federal and state housing tax credits that will advance greater housing access and opportunity in Wisconsin through the creation of over 1,400 housing units. This year’s housing tax credits awards support 23 housing projects in 20 communities statewide and cap a highly competitive process that drew requests totaling more than $49 million.