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Awards showcase our great region

The economic news these days is filled with uncertainty about inflation, job shortages and the likelihood of a recession but there’s plenty of great things to celebrate as well.

Recently the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) held its Fall Best Practices Conference in La Crosse and also announced the finalists and winners of the 2022 Community and Economic Development Awards.  The CEDA Awards were established by WEDA to recognize and celebrate businesses, projects, and organizations that are making significant contributions to Wisconsin’s economy.

I’m pleased that the 7 Rivers Region was well-represented with five finalists in the four categories, including two winners: The Jackson County Childcare Network in the category of Economic Development Initiative and the Waterfront Hotel project in Prairie du Chien in the category of Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse. 

The other regional finalists were Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) Southwest Women’s Business Center in La Crosse in the Economic Development Initiative category, Trane Plant 6 and 5th Ward Residences in Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse and the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce Thrive Campaign in the Talent Attraction, Redevelopment and Retention category.

The projects were from nominations that were screened and selected by an impartial panel of judges comprised of WEDA members and partners. The independent panel reviewed many projects that were submitted for consideration, but the 12 finalists were ultimately selected based on the significant economic impact each project has on its respective community or region.

I have to confess that I have a particular affinity for the Jackson County Childcare Network. I was the executive director of the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce in 2016 when the first meeting of local business leaders was held in Jackson County to address a childcare crisis. I joined that group and continued even when I moved to 7 Rivers Alliance in 2017 because childcare was identified as one of the three major challenges to the workforce in our region. 

 

 When we did an employer and employee survey, I calculated that the economic impact to Jackson County businesses was at least $2.5 million annually in lost productivity. The Jackson County Childcare Network was formed in 2019 as a 501c3 business-led organization dedicated to increasing the availability of quality childcare in the county. Using local American Recovery Plan Act funds, the Network offers childcare provider retention bonuses, and plans are being developed to create 500 additional childcare slots in the community.

In full transparency, I nominated the network for this award because I wanted to draw attention to the innovative and bold way the network is trying to tackle the childcare shortage. I was pleasantly surprised when it was announced as a finalist and thrilled with the announcement that it won.

I am equally proud that our region had such a strong showing at this event. It demonstrates that we have many organizations and businesses stepping up with exceptional projects and meeting the challenges.

Here is information about the Waterfront Hotel Project:

In 2004, the City of Prairie du Chien adopted its Downtown Development Master Plan and worked together with the Redevelopment Authority and Prairie du Chien Main Street to acquire and remediate a contaminated property that was identified as a prime a location for redevelopment. The site attracted local entrepreneurs who brought to life their vision for the Waterfront Hotel and Backwater Bar & Grill . The 57-room, three-story hotel of approximately 30,000 square feet is positioned as a community hotel, serving local businesses and residents, as well as visitors. The project has resulted in over $2.3 million of new assessed value as well as 8 full-time and 37 part-time jobs. This project was supported by a WEDC Community Development Investment Grant.

Here is more information about the other finalists:

WWBIC Southwest Women’s Business Center –  For 35 years, the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) has provided direct lending and access to fair and responsible capital. In 2021, WWBIC extended its reach across the state with exceptional business assistance and entrepreneurial training offerings when they opened their Southwest Women’s Business Center in La Crosse. The new center serves a nine-county market in southwest Wisconsin, offering in-person and virtual training and counseling on issues ranging from financial management and technology to operations and marketing. Since opening its doors, the La Crosse office has provided over $828,000 in loan capital investments, which has created 113 jobs and retained 71 jobs. In addition, since beginning their work in the region, WBBIC has served 448 small business and entrepreneurs.

Trane Plant 6 and 5th Ward Residences –  In 2010, the La Crosse Industrial Park Corporation began redevelopment of the 12-acre former Trane Company Plant Six site into an exciting market-rate housing development. After completing demolition, contaminated soils were removed, and infrastructure improvements were completed. This 360 Real Estate Solutions project includes 144 new market rate rental housing units with cutting-edge amenities. Fourteen market rate owner occupied town homes will also be developed in a later phase. It’s estimated the project will increase local tax base by $18 million. The project, which was supported by tax increment financing, the Wisconsin DNR, and other financial support from the state of Wisconsin, will provide new housing opportunities in a difficult to develop area on La Crosse’s northside. 

La Crosse Chamber of Commerce Thrive Campaign –  In 2021, the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce launched Thrive in the Heart of the Driftless Region, an exciting digital talent attraction campaign that provides recruitment tools for area businesses and opportunities for job seekers to connect with employers. The campaign, spearheaded by the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, aims to meet the region’s growing workforce demands, which is critical to continued economic growth in the La Crosse County area. The campaign includes a two-pronged approach to local talent attraction and includes resources for businesses seeking employees and individuals looking for new employment opportunities. Both efforts focus on promoting the Driftless Region as an incredible place to work, live, play, and connect. To date, the campaign has reached 10 million people.

Congratulations to all!

Chris Hardie
CEO
 

 

Member of the month: First Supply

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

First Supply has a rich history of service to the building community. Originally incorporated in 1897 as a family owned supplier of pumps and windmills, this growing company has evolved into the single source supplier that most Midwestern contractors rely on for plumbing, HVAC, municipal, waterworks, well & septic, builder PVF and industrial supplies. Recognized nationally as a leader in the industry, we’re focused on maintaining the best support staff and most reliable products available to contractors today.

Recognized nationally as a leader in the industry, First Supply is focused on maintaining the best support staff and most reliable products available to contractors today. Our mission is to provide customers with quality products and services in a timely, accurate and cost-effective manner.

We will accomplish this by:

  • Providing creative solutions to customer needs
  • Employing skilled, motivated, and conscientious people
  • Committing to continuous improvement
  • Developing and maintaining strong supplier relationships

First Supply strives to meet the ever-growing needs of building contractors and industrial customers. Our unmatched coverage of the Upper Midwest includes twenty-eight First Supply distribution locations, four First Waterworks locations, fifteen Gerhard’s Kitchen, Bath and Lighting Stores, four Kohler Signature Stores by First Supply along with one Central Distribution Center located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Add in a support staff of 650+ you can rest assured that we’ve got what it takes to meet your supply needs.

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

Please consider becoming a supporting member of the 7 Rivers Alliance. We have various membership levels to select from. Membership support allows us to work collaboratively to improve the 7 Rivers Region! 
 

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.

State of the Region 2022

Wednesday, Nov. 16 
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lunda Center, Western Technical College


Registration is now underway for the 7 Rivers Alliance State of the Region event on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Hear presentations from WEDC, learn about Homes of Iowa, get an update on childcare, business retention and the future of Fastenal.

Tickets (which include lunch) are $30 for members; $40 for non-members. A virtual option will also be offered. 
   

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 (608) 784-5488 ext. 2.
 

Coulee Region Business Center, La Crosse, WI

Looking for entrepreneurs focused on manufacturing and/or light industrial! The Coulee Region Business Center (CRBC) has 2,100 square feet of manufacturing space at below-market rents and a well-round cast of entrepreneurial focused support organizations.

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.

316 2nd Avenue South -- Onalaska
 
Looking for a main thorough-way for your business to thrive and expand? Locations like this do not come by often. 6,704' Sq. feet of showroom, office, storage and shop/warehouse space along with 20+ parking spots, this property has many diverse uses. Large display windows make a great showcase for drive-by traffic viewing. Per DOT, average of 14,500-20,000 cars a day drive by this location. Stop spending large amounts of money on advertising to pull customers to you and put that money into a location that sells itself and grows your business! Located less than 1 mile to interstate access. Structurally built above building standards, well maintained by previous owners. $169 per squ. ft is the average sale price, which puts this property under value for other locations sold similarly. For more information, click HERE to view the listing.
 

Drugan’s Golf Course and Supper Club – 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.
 

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


 

Idea Fund of La Crosse forms new fund

 

The Idea Fund of La Crosse recently launched a second fund that has attracted more than $20 million dollars of investment capital according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing shows that investors have committed $20.075 million to the new fund.

The fund’s goal is to raise up to $25 million according to the filing. At $20+ million, Idea Fund II is the largest venture capital (VC) fund in Wisconsin focused on pre-revenue startups.

La Crosse native and former Wall Street businessman Jon Horne is the Managing Director of the fund. Horne moved back to La Crosse to start the Idea Fund I. Libby Weber, CEO at the Weber Group, joined him to manage the fund.

“Jon Horne and Libby Weber have done an incredible job managing the Idea Fund” said Ken Johnson, a Badger Fund partner. “Their focus on being the first investor in new startups with a geographic target of investment opportunities in north and west Wisconsin has been extremely successful.” Johnson continued by saying, “A key component of the Badger Fund vision is to build a new team of Wisconsin venture capital fund managers; Jon and Libby are part of the next generation Wisconsin VC managers.”

Idea Fund I made its first investment in Wisconsin-based Curate, Inc. in 2017. Curate was acquired in 2021 by FiscalNote, a publicly traded company. Along with Curate, the Fund invested in 10 additional Wisconsin-based startup companies. Fund I’s investment period concluded in July 2021 and its managers began seeking investors for Fund II. The Fund's first investments are expected to be announced later this year.

Idea Fund II expects to make investments in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Idea Fund of La Crosse invests in startups at the earliest stages including in investing in companies before a first sale or even before first product. The new $20 million venture investment is expected to increase the pipeline of high potential startups in the three-state region.

The Idea Fund is one of the five portfolio funds of the Badger Fund of Funds. The Badger Fund invested $5.2 million dollars in the Idea Fund I, with the requirement that all Idea Fund I investments be in the State of Wisconsin. The Badger Fund investors include private individuals, Wisconsin companies, and the State of Wisconsin.


Join Resilient Winona County on Oct. 12

 

You are invited to the fall gathering of Resilient Winona County!
Wednesday, October 12, 4-6 pm at Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr. Winona This gathering is an opportunity to connect, learn, and set goals for building resilience in our community this year. Participants will walk away with fresh connections and approachable action steps. Whether you've been involved with Resilient Winona County in the past or are interested in learning more, we'd love to see you there. Space is limited, so sign up today.


Register here


Sparta chamber to host cleanup event Oct. 22


The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce and is hosting a cleanup event in October. On Saturday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, local volunteers will be available to help out in the community for those that may need an extra hand.

We are asking that nominations include a name, address, and a phone number to arrange details of arrival and work that will need to be accomplished in the given time frame. Please send your nominations to: Dawn Poss info@bikesparta.com Any and all questions may be directed to the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce, 111 Milwaukee St., Sparta, Wisconsin or by calling 608-269-4123. You can also email at ceo@bikesparta.com.

 Volunteers will be picking up litter, removing debris, cleaning sidewalks, and raking green spaces for those that are nominated. Anyone wishing to help should meet at Mueller Square at 9 a.m. and bring gloves. All required equipment will be supplied the day of.

The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering community prosperity and improving the quality of life through cooperation, promotion, education and active leadership, as well as enhancing economic benefits and providing networking opportunities for members

Sunflower childcare center to break ground 

Decorah Newspapers

Sunflower Child Development Center, a non-profit organization that has been providing child care services to Northeast Iowa families since 1975, has announced the new Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center project will break ground in October, and will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in Decorah. 

The event organizers invite all current and former Sunflower families, donors and community members to celebrate at the ceremony.

The project first started in 2019, after a Community Child Care Needs Survey was conducted by Winneshiek County Development and Tourism. There was an overwhelming number of responses that were received expressing the drastic need for additional child care services in Decorah and the surrounding communities. After experiencing high bids last spring due to inflation, Sunflower’s Building Committee went to work redesigning the shell and layout of the building to be more affordable and efficient.

Stephanie Fromm, Executive Director of Winneshiek County Development and Tourism stated, “Child care can impact children, communities and businesses on so many levels. It’s part of the necessary infrastructure of our economy. Businesses need employees. Employees have families. Families need child care. Providing a safe place for children helps with productivity and can ease the stress of a working parent.”

“This project evolved from three community needs. First, a dire need for a new financially sustainable child care center that will support our working families. Second, a severe lack of indoor learning and play spaces for young children. Third, and maybe the least well known, a tourism catalyst that will draw young families to the community, first to visit and then to live and work in our businesses and attend our schools. This project helps make our county “family friendly”, said Lora Friest, WCDT Project Coordinator.

Sunflower has been supported by more than 250 private individuals. The Fundraising Committee consists of local champions, including Rita Friest, Barbara Wilkerson, Lora Friest, Merlene Brown, Larry Grimstad, John R. Schroeher, Mary Ann Thurmer, Dan Thurmer, Harlan Satrom, Mike Harman and Stephanie Fromm. 

The team is excited to share the news of the center’s achievements and hopes to close the gap on the remaining $900,000 during construction. 

Without the support from local donations, state and federal funding opportunities and private foundations, this project would not be possible. Construction is expected to last 18 months, and the facility will be open to the public in June of 2024.

For more information about donating towards the project or to learn more, please visit www.DecorahDiscovery.org.

 

 

Free QuickBooks workshops offered

QuickBooks is an outstanding management tool for small business owners but it can be confusing without the proper introduction or training.  There are two QuickBooks classes, offered on multiple dates, sponsored by the UW-La Crosse Small Business Development Center.  The QuickBooks classes will be held as webinars. The webinars are FREE but registration is required.  

QuickBooks - An Introduction to Accounting Software. This program will introduce you to QuickBooks, an accounting software system used by many small businesses. This program also will introduce options available for accounting software (online and desktop versions) as well as special features that are available.

November 1st, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 QuickBooks Online (2 part program). QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a training program that will demonstrate how to use this accounting software system to help manage the financial side of your business. This program will provide a general overview of the QBO accounting system and how to navigate it.  

November 15 & 17, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

 TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

 


 

Second round of Partner Up grants announced


The DCF announced the second cohort of Partner Up! grant recipients. The Partner Up! grant program was one of two grant programs under Project Growth. The other is the Dream Up! Supply-Building grant program, which was announced earlier this year and will have another round of competitive applications opening in early 2023.

This cohort awarded a total of $10 million in Partner Up! grants to 88 businesses statewide. This is in addition to the $10 million awarded in Cohort 1. The Partner Up! grant program, administered by our partner, Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA), focuses on supporting partnerships between businesses and child care providers by offering funding to businesses that purchase slots for employees’ children at existing regulated child care providers. Awarded businesses, ranging from child care and health care to retail and manufacturing, will receive funding based on the true cost of care, number of slots, and age group. 

Regional recipients of the second round of grants include Children’s Leaning Village Montessori Academy in Jackson County and Miles of Smiles Childcare Center and My First Adventure Child Care and Preschool in Vernon County.  
 


ORA Trails starts new Trempealeau bike park 

On Wednesday, September 7, ORA Trails broke ground on a new bike park in the village of Trempealeau. 

The project has been in the planning stages for the last year and came to fruition this weekend as the project officially kicked off with soil deliveries and excavation. ORA Trails has worked with a group of passionate local community members to bring this idea to life, acquiring permission from the village to build the bike park in the greenspace next to the Trempealeau Municipal Pool. 

The project has reached its first funding goal that will cover the costs of the natural surface pump track and flowy perimeter trail to be built this fall. Future goals include raising money to add skills features, more gathering spaces like tables and benches, and some landscaping and play area features to wrap the project up. If you’d like to learn more about the Trempealeau Bike Park Project or make a donation, please visit www.oratrails.org/, and click on the project. 
 


WEDC offers Vibrant Spaces Grants

Wisconsin communities can apply this fall for grants of up to $50,000 to turn vacant or under-used public spaces into attractive, busy hubs for community activities.

The Vibrant Spaces Grants are a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) pilot program that allows municipalities to apply for $25,000 to $50,000 grants to assist with local placemaking efforts.

The grant is intended to transform vacant or underused spaces into multi-purpose community gathering spaces.

Applications are due by January 31st and awards will be made by May 1st.

No more than 30 grants will be made statewide in this competitive application cycle.

More information can be found online at WEDC.org/Vibrant-Spaces.


Briefly speaking:

  • Join us for Viroqua Chamber Main Street's only fundraiser of the year at Pedretti’s Party Barn Thursday, Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.! Help us fund community events like the Viroqua Farmers Market, Viroqua SOUP, the Viroqua Night Market, and all of the ways we provide support and education opportunities for local businesses. Plus, enjoy a wonderful evening of good food, a silent auction with a great variety of items and gifts, and local business awards. Tickets are available at the Viroqua Chamber office, Viroqua Public Market, and Viroqua Food Co-op. Or email us to reserve tickets at promotions@viroqua-wisconsin.com.

  • The Federal Reserve Banks of Minneapolis and Kansas City are co-hosting a virtual symposium Friday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. to illuminate the factors that influence the cost of food and the short- and long-term outlook. Register here.
  • DMI's annual fundraising event & annual meeting is Friday, Oct. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cargill Room! Enjoy free samples from local restaurants, cocktails, live music, silent auction & more! Purchase tickets here. 
  •  Centergy, a regional economic development organization representing a five-county region in Central Wisconsin, has named Angel Whitehead as its new President & CEO following a competitive, national recruitment process. Whitehead, who currently serves as President of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin Rapids, follows Gordon Crow, who retired earlier this summer.
  • The Coon Creek Fire Commission (Coon Valley, Wis.) has been awarded a zero-percent loan from Vernon Electric Cooperative (Westby, Wis.) The loan is to be used toward the funding of the Commission’s new fire engine. Vernon Electric received a Rural Economic Development Grant in the amount of $296,500 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Those USDA funds were bolstered by Vernon Electric to provide an interest-free loan in the total amount of $356,086 to the Coon Creek Fire Commission.
  • Juneau County Economic Development Corporation, Juneau County, Mauston Area School District, City of Mauston and the Mauston Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a 2022 Business & Community Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from noon to 7 p.m. Please register for this event by sending an email to : chamber@mauston.com
  • Residents of the community of Harpers Ferry overwhelmingly passed a Public Measure imposing a 7% Hotel/Motel Tax in the community, effective January 1, 2023. Nearly 88% of the 66 voters who cast a ballot in the Tuesday, Sept.  13 special election voted in favor of the question. At least half of the tax revenue will be used for park and recreation and facilities in Harpers Ferry.
  • The Red Letter Grant is open to women throughout ten counties in western Wisconsin who want to start a NEW business. The committee will consider applications from existing women-owned businesses looking to expand, but preference is given to applicants in the start-up phase. Up to four $2,000 grants are awarded each spring and fall. Click here to learn more about this grant.

 

 


 

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