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
CVTC alumna overcomes setbacks to realize her dreams
By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College When Jessica Simon graduated from high school in 2007, she wasn’t sure where her path would lead. Growing up in a small town in upstate New York, she took the expected next step and enrolled at a university alongside her twin brother. But what looked right on paper didn’t feel right in practice. Academic pressure, mental health challenges, and financial strain made it difficult to pursue that path, she said. After switching majors, Simon
ROYAL CREDIT UNION NAMES DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL LOAN AND DEPOSIT OPERATIONS
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) has announced Ana Birtzer as Director of Commercial Loan and Deposit Operations. In this role, Birtzer will be responsible for leading the Business Operations Department, overseeing business lending processing, loan servicing, and enterprise-wide business services to ensure efficient, compliant operations. She will also provide strategic direction and system oversight to support organizational goals, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure secure, effective
Stepping Stones of Dunn County hosts first CNOY Walk to support vulnerable neighbors.
MENOMONIE, WI – February 5, 2026 – For the first time, Stepping Stones of Dunn County is hosting a Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising walk on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This family-friendly winter event invites people across Menomonie to walk together and raise funds for those experiencing hunger, hurt, and homelessness. CNOY is a nationwide movement held in more than 300 cities and towns across North America. On one night, tens of thousands of walkers will brave the cold together, raising
UW-Stout students discover the world of Shakespeare in study abroad experience
Students share the majesty of English Theater in a photo essay Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 5, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. Quick! How many Shakespeare plays can you name off the top of your head? Can you name all 38 of them? Probably not. And hey, that’s OK. (As long as you didn’t miss “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” and that Scottish play. Shhh… Don’t say its name.) For two weeks in January, 13 University of Wisconsin-Stout students step into the world of the Bard, experiencing city
Career-ready before graduation - IBM
Career-ready before graduation: UW-Stout computer science senior hired as IBM hardware developerKuhn shares about cooperative learning experiences in Q&A Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 4, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – IBM, the largest industrial research organization in the world, has been at the forefront of innovative technology and systems for more than a century. Advancing from its earliest electric accounting machines to partnerships in space travel and cloud computing, IBM is a leader
UW-Stout’s packaging program ranks among top 10 in national listings for its polytechnic approach
Applied learning, strong industry partnerships benefit students, create clear career pathways Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFeb. 3, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout’s B.S. packaging program has been recognized by three national ranking authorities in their annual listings:College Raptor: No. 3 for 2026Universities.com: No. 9 for 2026College Factual: No. 5 for 2025 “We are honored to be recognized as one of the top packaging programs in the nation,” said Associate
Colleges partner to provide new, free textbook
A new open textbook, “Oral/Interpersonal Communication,” is now available through WisTech Open. Developed by Darrel Farmer, PhD, Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), and Bridget Bell, MA, Gateway Technical College (GTC), the resource provides students with a practical, research-based guide to communication skills essential in personal, academic and professional settings. Developed collaboratively between CVTC and the Wisconsin Technical College System, the textbook emphasizes real-world application
UW-Stout Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World
Annual rankings recognize bachelor’s and master’s programs for helping students advance education, career goals Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 2, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Returning to school as an adult student balancing work, family or military responsibilities is a daunting challenge. University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Stout Online gives students the flexibility, affordability and support necessary to succeed in the face of this challenge, and in doing so has once again been ranked among the Best
.png)
Chippewa Valley Healthy Water Summit
Chippewa Valley Healthy Water Summit to Educate Community on Local Water QualityEau Claire, WI – March 20, 2026 – The UW–Madison Division of Extension is hosting the Chippewa Valley Healthy Water Summit, a one‑day educational event designed to increase water quality awareness by providing local information that enables community members to make informed decisions.The summit will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event will take place
Welding sparks lasting education
CVTC high school academy alumna set to earn associate degree By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College By the time Jenna Lawrence first struck an arc in the Welding Academy at Chippewa Valley Technical College, she already knew two things about herself: she loved working with her hands, and she wasn’t afraid of hard work. What she didn’t yet know was how far that combination would take her. Now 20, Lawrence splits her life between Wisconsin and Texas, between welding labs and rodeo arenas,
Royal Credit Union internship gives UW-Stout grad student opportunity to apply skills in data
M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 29, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – A yearlong business intelligence internship at Royal Credit Union, one of Wisconsin’s largest financial institutions, has helped a University of Wisconsin-Stout applied computer science graduate student gain confidence and skill in both data engineering and machine learning. “It’s been a fun experience. I’m really grateful,” said Justin George,
CVTC, state technical colleges lauded in new survey
EAU CLAIRE – A new statewide survey shows growing confidence in Wisconsin’s technical colleges, including Chippewa Valley Technical College, with two-thirds of Wisconsin residents holding a favorable opinion of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). The findings underscore the critical role technical colleges play in providing affordable, high-quality education that meets the needs of students and employers across the state. Key statewide highlights66% of Wisconsin residents have a favorable
UW-Stout professor brings aspects of grandfather’s experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’
Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 28, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – As an instructor of documentary filmmaking at University of Wisconsin-Stout, Assistant Professor Keif Oss’s professional interests in artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking center on tools that can meaningfully inform and streamline the creative process. Oss, program director of video production, is currently using AI to explore a conceptual
RCU FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The RCU Foundation (Foundation) has named Jennifer McHugh Executive Director. In her new role, McHugh will serve as the Foundation’s chief executive, responsible for strategy, grantmaking, programming, governance, and operations. She reports to the RCU Foundation Board of Directors and will serve as the Board’s primary liaison. “The Foundation Board is confident that Jennifer’s leadership will help us continue to build strong, trusted relationships with our donors, grant
Students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses use machine learning to solve problems
Students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses use machine learning to solve problems for Royal Credit Union Computer science students from UW-Stout, UWEC, UWRF exercise ‘exceptional’ AI acumen for leading financial institution Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJan. 26, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Computer science students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses leveraged their knowledge of machine learning to address real-world questions for one of the state’s largest credit unions in a unique
AI reshaping industry
AI reshaping industry: UW-Stout Advanced Machine Learning students develop impactful, competitive models Projects result in innovative way to search course bulletin, play digital Othello board game Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 22, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout’s 360-degree AI education approach prepares graduates to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce by embedding artificial intelligence training in all of its degree programs. For two groups of applied
Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: UW-Stout top story highlights of 2025
Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year’s notable headlines Story LinkPhotos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJan. 21, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – It was a year of big things at University of Wisconsin-Stout, from breaking ground for the biggest construction project in university history to posting some of the most notable enrollment growth in the Universities of Wisconsin to being chosen as Large Business of the Year. In 2025, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University
UW-Stout marketing and business education students apply learning to make DECA conference succeed
Future teachers organize on-campus competition for high schoolers Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJan. 20, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – While the 2026 DECA District I Career Development Conference was held just over a week ago, students in University of Wisconsin-Stout’s marketing and business education program are already planning next year’s event. For 54 years, UW-Stout has hosted the conference, which prepares high school marketing students for future careers by challenging them to apply critical
UW-Stout accelerates grads toward careers in public policy, neuroscience, education, and beyond
Inspiring graduates from College of Arts & Human Sciences share experiences in Q&As Inspiring Graduate Q&As FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 16, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of nearly 400 undergraduate students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout’s most recent ceremony on Dec. 20, five College of Arts and Human Sciences students were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud. These
UW Stout Summer STEAM Camps
Hello Parents and Guardians, Thank you for being part of UW-Stout’s STEAM Summer Camps! We are excited to share that registration for the 2026 STEAM Summer Camps is now open! Important updates:Scholarships will replace coupon codes. If a student is awarded a scholarship, it will be applied directly to the student’s account. UW-Stout has more than 500 Wisconsin DPI-funded scholarships available for Wisconsin students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. ECASD, CFAUSD, and SDMA are funding a
Andersen Windows, Hewlett Packard among companies hiring UW-Stout engineering, cybersecurity student
Five inspiring STEM graduates share experiences in Q&As Inspiring Graduate Q&As FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJan 15, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of nearly 400 undergraduate students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Dec. 20 ceremony, five College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management students were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud. They shared their
WFU - Farm and Rural Lobby Day
Over eighty family farmers and rural advocates gathered in Madison on January 14 for Wisconsin Farmers Union's annual Farm & Rural Lobby Day. Participants advocated for policy priorities set by the grassroots membership at the family farm organization’s state convention in Wisconsin Dells in December 2025. They spoke with legislators on issues related to dairy, agricultural concentration and rural development, immigration, healthcare, and conservation.Members shared their support for a Beginning Farmer
UW-Stout master’s students accelerate careers
Four inspiring graduate students share their experiences in Q&As Inspiring Graduate Q&As FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 14, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of nearly 130 Graduate Studies students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Dec. 20 ceremony, four were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud. The graduates shared their university experiences, setbacks and successes in
2026 CVTC seeks board applicants
EAU CLAIRE – Applications are being accepted for three positions on the Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) Board of Trustees. Successful candidates will serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026. The three-year term open positions include two additional members and one elected official member. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, February 13. Send applications to Lauren Sullivan, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 620 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701, or
Big Brothers Big Sisters, CVTC partner on $239K grant
By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin is launching a new partnership with Chippewa Valley Technical College, supported by a $239,000 grant, aimed at enhancing youth mental health while introducing young people to postsecondary education opportunities. Funding was awarded through the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s Wisconsin Partnership Program and will support a three-year initiative called Learning and
On the vanguard: An artificial intelligence filmmaking course emerges at UW-Stout
AI-Assisted Film and Video Production class to open summer 2026 Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 12, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assisted Film and Video Production course will launch at University of Wisconsin-Stout in summer 2026. The course, possibly a first-of-its-kind in the Universities of Wisconsin, was developed by a video production faculty trio – Keif Oss, Jonny Wheeler and Co O’Neill. Students in the course will produce a short narrative film, using
CVTC President’s List for fall 2025 term
Chippewa Valley Technical College announces that the following students have been named to the President’s List for the fall 2025 semester. To be eligible, students must complete a minimum of six credits with a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher. From Abbotsford: Emilio Escalera From Alma Center: Macie Casper, Jacqueline Gill, Brittany Johnson, Carrie Jones, and Samuel Speckien From Alma: Bella Brouillard, Tori Creighton, Braiden Graner, Adrienne Heath, Addison Johnson,
Career EXCELerate
During Gov. Evers visit, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin announces workforce training program “Career EXCELerate” will expandMENASHA — During a visit with Wisconsin state Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsin Representative Lee Snodgrass, and City of Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) announced the continuation and expansion of their newest innovative workforce development program, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin. The program provides training to those with barriers to employment,
Doctoral student’s AI-enhanced artwork featured on chancellor’s seasonal greeting card
Like her artwork, educator’s dissertation explores using AI to supplement student creativity Story Link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 8, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – For more than 125 years, University of Wisconsin-Stout’s stately Bowman Hall and its distinctive clock tower have served as landmarks for the campus and the community. This holiday season, they provided artistic inspiration for a doctoral student who designed an annual greeting card sent by UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank to hundreds of
‘Good design is invisible’: UW-Stout industrial design students combine engineer-thinking, artistic
Students’ products inspired by Crate & Barrel, Room & Board, more; share final project experience in photo essay Story Link Photos attached FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 7, 2026 Menomonie, Wis. – The warm, sweet, earthy smell of fresh sawdust, the roaring sound of bandsaws and ventilation hoses, and the shush-shush-shush rhythm of sandpaper on wood grain greet you as you walk down the long ramp tucked away on the first floor of the Applied Arts Building. Tie your hair back and put on your
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
