WIN, CVTC inspire girls to explore STEM careers at Imagine Summit
More than 90 females took part in STEM-related, hands-on sessions Tuesday during the Imagine Summit, a half-day event created by WIN Technology designed to inspire middle and high school girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Hosted at Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Business Education Center, girls in grades seven through 10 took part in hands-on sessions led by industry experts, educators, and community partners, exploring topics such as robotics, architecture,
Wisconsin conservation departments have $44 million economic impact, UW-Stout students’ research
Undergraduate capstone explores hard-to-quantify impacts of conservation work on state’s land and water Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 28, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – When the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association needed a partner to help quantify the economic impact of environmental efforts its members were making across the state’s 72 counties, it found what it was looking for at University of Wisconsin-Stout. The resulting research conducted by UW-Stout undergraduates last
CVTC named semifinalist by Aspen Institute for $1 million Aspen Prize
CVTC named semifinalist by Aspen Institute for $1 million Aspen Prize EAU CLAIRE – Today, the Aspen Institute (Aspen) named Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Rooted in deep research and backed by $1 million in award money, the Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges that deliver value for their students. “Being named a semifinalist for the Aspen Prize is a powerful
Kintsugi 3D Viewer application
Kintsugi 3D Viewer application by UW-Stout computer science senior brings cultural heritage to users worldwide Kosharek’s is one of 10 UW-Stout projects presented at National Conference on Undergraduate Research Story Link Photos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Imagine being able to view the world’s cultural treasures from the comfort of your own home. To enter international museums from your computer screen and admire paintings, sculptures and artifacts as
WI apprentices gain new path to associate degree
WI apprentices gain new path to associate degree EAU CLAIRE – As part of National Apprenticeship Week (April 26–May 2), Chippewa Valley Technical College, in partnership with the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), is announcing an advancement that will help Wisconsin apprentices earn associate degrees more quickly and affordably. Individuals who have completed a Wisconsin-registered apprenticeship can now apply their knowledge directly toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Recent UW-Stout graphic design graduate helps alumni business rebrand, prepare for expansion
Recent UW-Stout graphic design graduate helps alumni business rebrand, prepare for expansion Polytechnic partnership empowers Minnesota company’s update Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout’s polytechnic approach gave industrial and product design alum Trevor James the skills to create his own business and carve out a niche in large-scale graphic installations. It’s also what prompted him to connect with his alma mater when he wanted to
Canon selects UW-Stout for exclusive Explorers of Light program
Canon selects UW-Stout for exclusive Explorers of Light program with award-winning cinematographer Shana Hagan, ASC, has worked on everything from Oscar-winning documentaries to hit sitcoms Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 23, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Cinematographer Shana Hagan, ASC, whose work ranges from Academy Award-winning documentaries to hit TV sitcoms, brought professional advice and hands-on inspiration to University of Wisconsin-Stout recently as part of Canon’s Explorers of
UW-Stout animation, video seniors' short films
UW-Stout animation, video seniors' short films featured alongside seasoned storytellers at Unspooled, May 9-10 Teen drama ‘Badge of the Dead’ and supernatural comedy ‘You Must Destroy’ among diverse lineup Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 21, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Girl Scouts and turkeys and zombies! Oh, my! Animation and digital media and video production seniors are busy wrapping up their capstone projects before setting their cinematic monsters loose at the 4th Annual Unspooled
UW-Stout professors reimagine philosophy, psychology classrooms
UW-Stout professors reimagine philosophy, psychology classrooms to amplify intentional student engagement Bozzo, Zhao named Universities of Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars Story Link Photos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Two University of Wisconsin-Stout professors will have a unique opportunity this year to collaborate with other exceptional Universities of Wisconsin educators, representing various disciplines of study. Selected as Universities of
Years in the Making: UW-Stout’s Fashion Without Fabric
Years in the Making: UW-Stout’s Fashion Without Fabric theme pays tribute to generations of international designers ‘Immerse Your Eyes, Preserve Your Mind’ and ‘A Fragile Wonder’ named winners of sold-out annual event Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – From the fashion houses of Versace, Gucci, and Betsey Johnson to the master artists Michelangelo and da Vinci. From the luxury automobiles of Porsche and Ferrari to game makers Rubik and a battle between the
UW-Stout industrial design seniors create cutting-edge models
UW-Stout industrial design seniors create cutting-edge models for music creation, home furnishings SOAD Senior Show on May 8, part of Stout’s Spring Showcase, celebrates nearly 120 graduating seniors’ creative works Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – A smart indoor herb propagation system; an intuitive commercial device to help bystanders in the event of a seizure; a robotic solution for transporting landscaping materials; a portable, easy to clean dish system for
Music to honor a master
Music to honor a master: Ukulele building kits by UW-Stout engineering students are in homage to alum Kuboyama Cross-disciplinary groups also design toolless furniture connections, learn valuable customer perceptions Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – A small black case rests atop a filing cabinet in Assistant Professor Kevin Dietsche’s office. He opens the case and begins strumming a ukulele. The soft music fills the office. Dietsche, an engineering
Plugging the Leaks: Financial and Operational Weak Points Menomonie Businesses Should Fix Now
The most common operational and financial weak points in small businesses fall into a few predictable categories: poor cash flow tracking, disorganized records, missed tax obligations, and the trap of doing everything yourself. According to SCORE's 2024 analysis of BLS, SBA, and CB Insights data, the biggest risks to small business survival are poor market fit, cash flow mismanagement, and weak teams — all internal issues that owners can proactively address. For businesses across the Eau Claire–Menomonie
CVTC apprentices receive $2k scholarships
EAU CLAIRE – Forty-one apprentices at Chippewa Valley Technical College have received Tools of the Trade Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year through a program funded by Ascendium Education Group. The scholarships, awarded to construction and industrial trade apprentices throughout Wisconsin, provide $2,000 to help offset training costs, including tools, equipment, clothing, tuition and other essential expenses. CVTC apprentice students receiving the scholarships are Rhett Buchholz, Nathan
John Deere will benefit from sustainable plastic research
John Deere will benefit from sustainable plastic research conducted by UW-Stout students, faculty Two-year project seeks to identify recycled polymers that can be used in manufacturing process Story LinkFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – John Deere machinery has been recognizable for its distinctive green color for more than a century. Student and faculty researchers at University of Wisconsin-Stout are working to ensure that John Deere is also known for a different kind of
Minnesota AdFed honors UW-Stout undergraduate with Best in Show
Minnesota AdFed honors UW-Stout undergraduate with Best in Show award for Red Cedar Trail branding project Graphic design majors receive regional awards, have work showcased on international website Story Link Photos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – A student-designed marketing campaign encouraging people to replace the digital din of contemporary life with the calming sounds of nature along the Red Cedar Trail was honored with the Best in Show for Students award
Equine therapy gives UW-Stout clinical mental health students skills
Equine therapy gives UW-Stout clinical mental health students skills to support clients’ growth Vance Creek Experiential Therapy internships add to clinical training for master’s students Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – There is something therapeutic to a slow, rhythmic trail ride on horseback. You begin to feel grounded in the quiet nature of the woods and in the calming company of horses. The calm can lead to new thoughts or the banishment of worries or a
Royal Credit Union Celebrates Credit Union Youth Month with “Ready, Set, Save!”
Royal Credit Union Celebrates Credit Union Youth Month with “Ready, Set, Save!” EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) is celebrating Credit Union Youth Month this April with the theme “Ready, Set, Save!”, encouraging children and families to build strong savings habits and start their financial journeys early. Credit Union Youth Month is a nationwide celebration focused on helping young people develop confidence and skills around money management. Throughout the month of April, Royal
Taking the Mic: Public Speaking as a Business Growth Strategy in Eau Claire-Menomonie
Research published in Harvard Business Review in August 2025, analyzing more than 5,300 investor pitches, found that how founders communicate can shift their funding acceptance rate from 2% to nearly 35% — a 17-fold difference driven entirely by presentation skill. That gap doesn't close at the investor meeting. For business owners in Eau Claire-Menomonie, public speaking is a lever that moves outcomes across every stage of growth: landing partnerships, winning clients, and building the kind of reputation
Building a Stress-Free Tax Routine for Your Small Business
Small business owners in Menomonie juggle operations, customers, and community commitments — and tax season can feel like another full-time job. The good news: a few simple habits can turn a stressful annual scramble into a predictable, well-organized process. Learn below about: How organized records lower your tax-time workload What deductions small businesses often overlook Tools that streamline document handling How to prep efficiently even during busy seasonsOrganizing Financial Records Before
Proven Ways to Navigate Business Challenges in Difficult Periods
Every business faces seasons of uncertainty—sales slump, supply chains falter, or unexpected costs rise. What sets resilient companies apart is not avoiding hardship, but how they respond when it arrives. From building partnerships to managing finances wisely, practical strategies can help you weather storms and position your business for growth once conditions improve. Focus on Financial Clarity The first step to regaining stability is knowing exactly where you stand. Review your cash flow in
Stretch Every Dollar: Creative Ways to Amplify Your Marketing Budget
In a world where advertising dollars seem to evaporate overnight, brands of all sizes are asking the same question: how do you make a tighter marketing budget go the distance? The easy answer is to cut costs—but slashing expenses alone often limits your reach and diminishes long-term value. What’s needed instead is a smarter approach that balances efficiency with ingenuity. This isn’t about doing less; it’s about making what you do count for more. Reimagine Value, Not Just Cost You can only stretch a
How Sharper Warehouse Operations Can Unlock Your Business’s Growth Potential
In the race to scale a business, it’s easy to overlook the hidden engine room where real momentum is built: the warehouse. Too often, warehouse operations are treated as back-end logistics rather than a frontline opportunity for growth. Yet behind every fast-shipping e-commerce giant and every nimble retailer is a warehouse system fine-tuned to balance speed, accuracy, and adaptability. When operations in this vital nerve center are optimized, they create ripple effects that can transform the entire
Outrunning Giants: How Small Businesses Use Agility and Tech to Carve Their Market Edge
It’s not about size anymore. The playing field may not be level, but the rules of the game have changed. Small businesses have found themselves in an unexpected sweet spot, able to adapt faster, personalize harder, and embrace tech tools that used to be exclusive to companies with sprawling campuses and infinite budgets. Competing with corporate titans still requires grit, but the path forward is more accessible than it’s ever been—with the right mix of strategy and savvy. Personalization Is the
Transform Your Event Marketing with Innovative Digital Techniques
Event marketing demands fresh approaches to capture attention and leave lasting impressions. Emerging technologies bring dynamic opportunities to engage participants in meaningful ways. Interactive platforms like virtual and augmented reality create unique experiences that draw people in. Safety-focused innovations, such as touchless systems, enhance convenience without sacrificing interaction. Real-time data insights empower marketers to refine strategies as events unfold.Transforming Event Engagement
Confused About the CTA, BOI and FinCEN? Answers for Business Owners in Menomonie, WI
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Cultivate Financial Awareness with Next-Gen Reporting Practices
Navigating the complexities of financial reporting poses a significant challenge for businesses in a rapidly changing economic environment. Mastering these intricacies is essential for gaining insights that inform decisions and foster growth. With financial accuracy as a vital element of regulatory compliance and strategic planning, efficient processes are increasingly necessary. Implementing effective strategies can simplify financial reporting while improving overall operational effectiveness.Revamp
Elevate Your Hustle: Adobe Tools to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
This Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the tools that are fueling the success of women entrepreneurs everywhere. Running a business requires balancing countless responsibilities, and Adobe Acrobat is here to help streamline the journey. From simplifying document workflows to enhancing team communication, Acrobat is designed to help entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder. These intuitive tools make day-to-day tasks seamless, allowing business owners to dedicate their time to what truly
Adapting in Adversity: Effective Tactics for Business Continuity in Uncertain Times
Unlock new business opportunities and strengthen community ties by joining the Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center. Gain access to exclusive member benefits, including group insurance plans, networking events, and promotional programs. When a business encounters difficult times, taking decisive and strategic actions is crucial for navigating through the challenges. It begins with a thorough assessment of the current situation to understand the underlying issues affecting the company's performance.
Winning Tactics for Persuasive Pitches and Strategic Marketing
Mastering persuasive sales pitches and winning marketing strategies is essential for business success. From standing out in a crowded market by using AI-created imagery to building trust with testimonials, every strategy plays a crucial role. Learn how to enhance your pitch with visual elements, understand your audience deeply, and tell engaging stories that solve customer problems with this helpful guide.Content with AI-Driven Imagery AI-generated images can elevate your sales pitches and marketing
