MissionOur

The River Falls Chamber of

Commerce amp Tourism Bureau

works together to connect

promote and support its

members to further enhance

the local economy and

cultivate a sense of

community

June 2016

Chamber NewsRiver Falls DaysldquoAdventures on the Kinnirdquo July 7-10

River Falls Days is just over one month away Donrsquot miss out on the fun and your opportunity to be involved

Live Music 10K2MKidrsquos Fun RunUncle Chunk Register today at RaceEntrycomTanya Dean Band Lost Highway Car Cruze-In Bring your classic car to this free event Fireworks

Promote Your Event Donrsquot miss your chance to have your event highlighted on the River Falls Days website Members also have the opportunity to put a promotional item in the River Falls Days race bags If interested please bring 500 items to the Chamber office by Thursday June 30th

Be a part of the largest parade in the areaWith thousands of spectators you wonrsquot want to miss out on a chance to promote your business We offer reduced rates for non-profits businesses as well as Chamber members Register before Friday June 17th to avoid a $20 late fee

Have fun and volunteer There are many volunteer opportunites available Spend a few hours volunteering and have a blast mingling and networking with others Contact Judy Berg at judyrfchambercom to sign up today

Danielle Campeau ChairUWRF

Jamie BensonRiver Falls School District

Janet BurnsUWRF

Kellie Burrows American Cancer Society

Jen LoeschRiver Falls Hospital

Scott Morrissette Bremer Bank

Dan NistlerRiverwalk Square

Greg Peters Greg Peters State Farm Agency

Bill RasmussenHammarback Law Offices S C

Matt RussellFirst National Bank

Kevin WesthuisRiver Falls Municipal Utilities

Monica WrightExpress Employment Professionals

Angel ZimmermanBelle Vinez Winery

Scot SimpsonEx-OfficioCity of River Falls

E-Mail Blast Sponsor Promote your business or event by sponsoring an e-mail blast Includes your logo and a brief message about your company $50

Event Sponsorship Each year the Chamber organizes numerous Chamber and community events These events include River Falls Days Bacon Bash Business After Hours Chamber Coffees and much more Sponsoring one of these events is a great way to get your business noticed Prices vary

Membership Mailing Labels Advertise special events or promotions to your fellow Chamber members by purchasing preprinted member mailing labels $50

Newsletter Inserts Promote your business or event with a newsletter insert Email an 85x11 pdf to be included $100insert

Website Links Connect your website to the Chamber website Upgrade your membership to include a web link $35 link $60 enhanced listing with link

To take advantage of any of these great market-ing opportunities please contact the Chamber at 715-425-2533

NEWSfrom the Chief Executive Officer

Chris Blasius

New Overtime Rule ChangesOn May 18 2016 the US Department of Labor announced monumental changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime rule that will make an estimated 42 million currently exempt employees eligible for overtime pay Among other things this rule has doubled the minimum salary threshold needed to qualify for these exemptions from the previous level of $455 a

week (or $23660 a year) to $913 a week (or $47476 a year) with automatic increases every three years thereafter All employers will

have to comply with the changes made to the overtime regulations by December 1 2016

To learn more about the overtime rule changes go to httpswwwdolgovovertime

Tourism plays a vital role in Pierce and St Croix Counties River Falls is home to the Class 1 designated trout streammdashthe Kinnickinnic River As a bronze-level biking community by the League of American Bicyclists River Falls is the third most bike-friendly community in Wisconsin And in just three years the Bacon Bash has grown to become the largest free bacon festival in the nation

Water and outdoor recreation along with trails parks golf courses historic sites and attractions all also work together to draw travelers to the area Local businesses including hotels campgrounds restaurants and retail stores all cater to and benefit from traveler spending According to an annual analysis released by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism traveler spending had the following impact last year

Business Sales bull Total business sales in Pierce and St Croix Counties were $2147M in 2015 an increase of 724 from 2014 Statewide lodging showed the strongest growth of 73 followed by food and beverage with an increase of 42 with retail shopping at 52 compared to 24 growth in 2014

Jobs bull Tourism directly and indirectly supports 190717 jobs in Wisconsin a five-year addition of more than 18700 jobs to the statersquos total employment

Tax Revenue bull Visitors to Pierce and St Croix Counties generated $157M in state and local taxes during 2015 and saw a 643 increase in room tax revenue

Last year traveler spending generated $15 billion in state and local revenue and $11 billion in federal taxes Tourism continues to be one of Wisconsinrsquos most important economic resources

What are some trends impacting the tourism industry and the outlook for 2016bull Americans are leaving 429 million unused vacation days on the table every year and with those days $160 billion in economic opportunity is lost bull Lower gas prices mean more travelers are hitting the road for their vacation and traveling further such as Wyoming South and North Dakota bull Meetings and conventions business and sports travel remain strong market segments for Wisconsin

The Department of Tourism worked with a national research firm Tourism Economics and Longwoods International to produce the reports To learn more visit httpindustrytravelwisconsincomresearcheconomic-impacteco-nomic-impact-2015

The Power of Tourism in Pierce and St Croix Counties

Danielle Campeau ChairUWRF

Jamie BensonRiver Falls School District

Janet BurnsUWRF

Kellie Burrows American Cancer Society

Jen LoeschRiver Falls Hospital

Scott Morrissette Bremer Bank

Dan NistlerRiverwalk Square

Greg Peters Greg Peters State Farm Agency

Bill RasmussenHammarback Law Offices S C

Matt RussellFirst National Bank

Kevin WesthuisRiver Falls Municipal Utilities

Monica WrightExpress Employment Professionals

Angel ZimmermanBelle Vinez Winery

Scot SimpsonEx-OfficioCity of River Falls

E-Mail Blast Sponsor Promote your business or event by sponsoring an e-mail blast Includes your logo and a brief message about your company $50

Event Sponsorship Each year the Chamber organizes numerous Chamber and community events These events include River Falls Days Bacon Bash Business After Hours Chamber Coffees and much more Sponsoring one of these events is a great way to get your business noticed Prices vary

Membership Mailing Labels Advertise special events or promotions to your fellow Chamber members by purchasing preprinted member mailing labels $50

Newsletter Inserts Promote your business or event with a newsletter insert Email an 85x11 pdf to be included $100insert

Website Links Connect your website to the Chamber website Upgrade your membership to include a web link $35 link $60 enhanced listing with link

To take advantage of any of these great market-ing opportunities please contact the Chamber at 715-425-2533

NEWSfrom the Chief Executive Officer

Chris Blasius

New Overtime Rule ChangesOn May 18 2016 the US Department of Labor announced monumental changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime rule that will make an estimated 42 million currently exempt employees eligible for overtime pay Among other things this rule has doubled the minimum salary threshold needed to qualify for these exemptions from the previous level of $455 a

week (or $23660 a year) to $913 a week (or $47476 a year) with automatic increases every three years thereafter All employers will

have to comply with the changes made to the overtime regulations by December 1 2016

To learn more about the overtime rule changes go to httpswwwdolgovovertime

Tourism plays a vital role in Pierce and St Croix Counties River Falls is home to the Class 1 designated trout streammdashthe Kinnickinnic River As a bronze-level biking community by the League of American Bicyclists River Falls is the third most bike-friendly community in Wisconsin And in just three years the Bacon Bash has grown to become the largest free bacon festival in the nation

Water and outdoor recreation along with trails parks golf courses historic sites and attractions all also work together to draw travelers to the area Local businesses including hotels campgrounds restaurants and retail stores all cater to and benefit from traveler spending According to an annual analysis released by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism traveler spending had the following impact last year

Business Sales bull Total business sales in Pierce and St Croix Counties were $2147M in 2015 an increase of 724 from 2014 Statewide lodging showed the strongest growth of 73 followed by food and beverage with an increase of 42 with retail shopping at 52 compared to 24 growth in 2014

Jobs bull Tourism directly and indirectly supports 190717 jobs in Wisconsin a five-year addition of more than 18700 jobs to the statersquos total employment

Tax Revenue bull Visitors to Pierce and St Croix Counties generated $157M in state and local taxes during 2015 and saw a 643 increase in room tax revenue

Last year traveler spending generated $15 billion in state and local revenue and $11 billion in federal taxes Tourism continues to be one of Wisconsinrsquos most important economic resources

What are some trends impacting the tourism industry and the outlook for 2016bull Americans are leaving 429 million unused vacation days on the table every year and with those days $160 billion in economic opportunity is lost bull Lower gas prices mean more travelers are hitting the road for their vacation and traveling further such as Wyoming South and North Dakota bull Meetings and conventions business and sports travel remain strong market segments for Wisconsin

The Department of Tourism worked with a national research firm Tourism Economics and Longwoods International to produce the reports To learn more visit httpindustrytravelwisconsincomresearcheconomic-impacteco-nomic-impact-2015

The Power of Tourism in Pierce and St Croix Counties

Leadership ldquoUrdquo - Session 4Tuesday June 28th 1130-1 pmRiverwalk Square

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

While times change and technology marches forward the principles of leadership are constant and stand the test of time There are four ideas to keep in mind as you explore The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership1 The laws can be learned Some are easier to understand to apply than others but every one of them can be mastered2 The laws can stand alone Each law complements all the others but you donrsquot need one in order to learn another3 The laws carry consequences If you ignore them you will be unable to lead well If you implement them people will follow you4 These laws are the foundation of leadership Once you learn the principles you have to apply them to your life to achieve your full potential as a leader

Join the team at Jill Ann Anderson to learn more about 3 of the top leadership laws Wersquoll discuss how to live each law and how to lead others to the law as well You wonrsquot want to miss this interactive session and discussion

The session cost is $15 and includes lunch Register at rfchambercom or email marandarfchambercom Attendance at previous sessions is not a prerequisite to attend subsequent sessions

EVENTSUpcoming

Ambassador Golf Outing Monday August 8th Kilkarney Hills Golf Club

Get your team together to enjoy a beautiful day outside at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club Lunch starts at 11 am shot gun start at 1230 pm Activities include door prizes 18 hole golf ball scramble and plenty of fun Members and member guests $95 and non-members $120 dinner-only is available for $20

Contact Maranda at 715-425-2533 or at marandarfchambercom

Premier Sponsor

Business After HoursTuesday June 21st 430-6 pm Belle Vinez Winery

Join the Chamber for fresh coffee and treats Share what is new with your business and learn what is new with other members This is a perfect event to promote your business to the community for free Sponsored by Belle Vinez Winery amp Jill Morrow American Family Insurance Agency

Event Sponsor

Congratulations to Brooke Ringdahl Photography on opening their new studio on Main Street

A successful groundbreaking for TurnKey Corrections amp Three Square Market and the offical

opening of the Sterling Ponds Corporate Park

From L-R Monica Robey Steiner Plumbing Electric Heating Inc Monica Wright Express Employment Bill Montgomery HOPE Lutheran Church Brooke Dusk WESTconsin Credit Union Brian Manion WESTconsin Credit Union Susie Rudesill HOPE Lutheran Church Scott Jones Royal Credit Union Karen Hamilton HOPE Lutheran Church Karen Brohaugh HOPE Lutheran Church Kay Montgomery HOPE Lutheran Church Karen Rode-wald Pr Sandy Johnson HOPE Lutheran Church Doug Rudesill Hope Lutheran Church Amanda Wright American Family Insurance - Jill Morrow Agency Jodi Pechacek CPR Wealth Advisors Kristin Weirsma First National Bank Joe Fischer Royal Credit Union Connie Ruppert First National Bank Toni Hinz Juniorrsquos Bar amp Restaurant Chris Blasius River Falls Chamber of Commerce

HOPE Lutheran Church has been serving the River Falls area for years and recently opened their new place of worship HOPE is new to the Sterling Ponds neighborhood having moved in during Lent just in time to prepare for Easter Sunday Pastor Sandra Johnson commented ldquoHOPE has been honored to be able to move into a new build that has been in the hopes dreams and plans of the people of HOPE for years Now with a door through which we can welcome people new and broader ministries can take place HOPE Lutheran is a community of faith that looks beyond ourselves in ways that we hope serve our neighbor We treasure all people and strive to demonstrate that whenever two or more gather We offer opportunities for worship faith conversations childrenrsquos education musical opportunities and fun fellowship rdquo Pastor Sandra continued

There are many ways to be involved with HOPErsquos missions and ministries Some of the areas of outreach where they are involved include Tuesday Banquet Grace Place The Backpack Program Our Neighborsrsquo Place Journey House and The Free Clinic HOPE Lutheran Church worships at 930 on Sunday mornings with fellowship following They also host several events throughout the week Visit their beautiful new place of worship located just outside of town at 3337 Kingsbarn Avenue For additional information visit hopelutheranchurchrfcom or call 715-425-9750

Ambassador VisitHOPE Lutheran Church

Become a Chamber AmbassadorNo one makes more connections than Chamber Ambassadors

Ambassadors are Chamber-partner volunteers that serve as the welcoming arms of our Chamber The Ambassador Club is a membership outreach and retention program of dedicated volunteers who introduce prospective members to the Chamber and provide support and mentorship to new members

Ambassadors have unparalleled opportunities to build great business relationships not only with each other but with new and prospective members You will see Ambassadors at ribbon cuttings grand openings networking events and volunteering at a number of community events and activities

The Chamber is extremely grateful for the work our Ambassadors provide and are always happy to welcome new members to the Ambassador Club The monthly Ambassador Club meets over the lunch hour the 2nd Thursday of each month followed by an on-site business visit If interested in getting involved as an Ambassador contact the Chamber office today

BUSINESSBriefs

WESTconsin Credit Union

2015 Business of the Year

River ReflectionsMedspa amp Salon2015 Small Business

of the Year

Jeff Johnson2015 Citizen of the Year

Toni Hinz Juniorrsquos Bar amp

Resturant2015 Ambassador

of the Year

2015 ChamberAnnual Award Winners

American Cancer Society - Relay For

Life2015 Non-Profit

of the Year

WESTconsin Credit Union is pleased to announce Pennie Peterson as Vice President WESTconsin Realty LLC Peterson previously worked as an agent for WESTconsin Realty since 2011 She replaces recently retired Dalene Crandall who held this position for the past eight years Peterson is an active member with the Hudson Chamber of Commerce and Tourism committee and has been a Chamber Ambassador since 2012 ldquoI am honored and thrilled that I have been selected for this challenging and exciting opportu-nityrdquo she states ldquoI am fortunate to have the privilege of working with 18 of the best agents in the businessrdquo Peterson is married to Todd and has two children Jason and Jordan She also has two rescue dogs Otis and Brynn In her free time she enjoys reading traveling boating on the St Croix River and live music Peterson can be reached by contacting the Hudson WESTconsin Office at (715) 386-2300 ext 7846 or ppetersonwestconsinrealtycom

Vibrant Health is joining Walk with a Doc a national campaign that gets doctors to host walks where people can ask them ques-tions and learn how to get moving in a friendly welcoming environment The mission of Walk with a Doc (WWAD) is to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and well-being of the country Doctors at Vibrant Health have taken it upon themselves to encourage people to get outside and walk for at least 30 minutes each day The ldquoWalk with a Docrdquo events will begin at 8 am at Glen Park the third Saturday of each month (June 18 July 16 August 20 September 17 October 15) Vibrant Health is also encouraging people to form their own walking groups

Are you or is someone you know looking for a fun active way to get outdoors socialize and be creative Please consider signing up for the River Falls Community Arts Basersquos ldquoHike amp Seekrdquo found art workshop The six-week series kicks off on Wed 622 from 10-noon and costs just $30 This workshop is sponsored by Allina Health through our Neighborhood Health Connection grant program providing support to organizations working to strengthen social connections through activities focused on physical activity and nutrition

You are invited to celebrate the agricultural heritage of River Falls and the surrounding communities by attending our annual Town lsquoN Country Day to be held on Sunday June 12 2016 Town lsquoN Country Day provides families with a wide variety of fun interactive activities throughout the day The day kicks off at 8am with a Free Pancake Breakfast served in the parking lot of Dickrsquos Fresh Market Pancakes Milk amp Coffee will be served until 11am while supplies last During this time attendees can also enjoy several fun free activities including a Heritage Tractor Display music from Tempo Z and - NEW THIS YEAR ndash the Kemps 53rsquo semi-trailer travelling Mooseum Happ-E Hill Farm will provide train rides for kids (for a small fee) Activities continue from 1-3pm outside of Security Financial Bank They will provide Free Root Beer Floats (while supplies last) There will be a petting zoo kiddie tractor pedal pull kids street dance and more

Congratulations to the River Falls School District on their successSue Schwartz High School Family and Consumer Science Teacher has been awarded a National Promising Practice award for the High School ldquoConnectionsrdquo program The program co-taught between Mrs Schwartz and CeCe Gillis pairs special education stu-dents with regular education students to work on various activities together Connections promotes acceptance of diversity and contributes to a decrease in stereotyping increases positive peer attitudes creates advocacy for individuals with special needs and provides a more harmonious school culture Students gain an appreciation for diversity and civil rights for all people

Westside Elementary received a Wisconsin Promising Practice award for Character Service Learning amp ldquoCirclesrdquo Teachers Missy Mur-phy Nancy Lindquist Nathan McReynolds and Amy Kraemer implemented this program which includes a focus on the participation of a vast circle of people to promote character education When parents become a partner in promoting character the benefits are high as they support character at home and this has brought about an increase in positive behavior from these students

Meyer Middle School was recently selected as a 2016 National School of Character for demonstrating a dedicated focus on character development and having a positive impact on academic achievement student behavior and school climate After selection as a Wisconsin School of Character consideration for the National Award ensued including a representative from Washington DC com-ing to the school to interview several students and staff

River Falls High School (RFHS) recently won a ldquoGoldrdquo award from St Croix Valley Technical College for having 14 different transcript-ed credits available to students In the past few years staff have worked diligently to afford greater opportunities for credit through CVTC There are currently 11 transcripted courses with CVTC two courses with Milwaukee School of Engineering and one course with Dakota County Technical College

From L-R Monica Robey Steiner Plumbing Electric Heating Inc Monica Wright Express Employment Bill Montgomery HOPE Lutheran Church Brooke Dusk WESTconsin Credit Union Brian Manion WESTconsin Credit Union Susie Rudesill HOPE Lutheran Church Scott Jones Royal Credit Union Karen Hamilton HOPE Lutheran Church Karen Brohaugh HOPE Lutheran Church Kay Montgomery HOPE Lutheran Church Karen Rode-wald Pr Sandy Johnson HOPE Lutheran Church Doug Rudesill Hope Lutheran Church Amanda Wright American Family Insurance - Jill Morrow Agency Jodi Pechacek CPR Wealth Advisors Kristin Weirsma First National Bank Joe Fischer Royal Credit Union Connie Ruppert First National Bank Toni Hinz Juniorrsquos Bar amp Restaurant Chris Blasius River Falls Chamber of Commerce

HOPE Lutheran Church has been serving the River Falls area for years and recently opened their new place of worship HOPE is new to the Sterling Ponds neighborhood having moved in during Lent just in time to prepare for Easter Sunday Pastor Sandra Johnson commented ldquoHOPE has been honored to be able to move into a new build that has been in the hopes dreams and plans of the people of HOPE for years Now with a door through which we can welcome people new and broader ministries can take place HOPE Lutheran is a community of faith that looks beyond ourselves in ways that we hope serve our neighbor We treasure all people and strive to demonstrate that whenever two or more gather We offer opportunities for worship faith conversations childrenrsquos education musical opportunities and fun fellowship rdquo Pastor Sandra continued

There are many ways to be involved with HOPErsquos missions and ministries Some of the areas of outreach where they are involved include Tuesday Banquet Grace Place The Backpack Program Our Neighborsrsquo Place Journey House and The Free Clinic HOPE Lutheran Church worships at 930 on Sunday mornings with fellowship following They also host several events throughout the week Visit their beautiful new place of worship located just outside of town at 3337 Kingsbarn Avenue For additional information visit hopelutheranchurchrfcom or call 715-425-9750

Ambassador VisitHOPE Lutheran Church

Become a Chamber AmbassadorNo one makes more connections than Chamber Ambassadors

Ambassadors are Chamber-partner volunteers that serve as the welcoming arms of our Chamber The Ambassador Club is a membership outreach and retention program of dedicated volunteers who introduce prospective members to the Chamber and provide support and mentorship to new members

Ambassadors have unparalleled opportunities to build great business relationships not only with each other but with new and prospective members You will see Ambassadors at ribbon cuttings grand openings networking events and volunteering at a number of community events and activities

The Chamber is extremely grateful for the work our Ambassadors provide and are always happy to welcome new members to the Ambassador Club The monthly Ambassador Club meets over the lunch hour the 2nd Thursday of each month followed by an on-site business visit If interested in getting involved as an Ambassador contact the Chamber office today

BUSINESSBriefs

WESTconsin Credit Union

2015 Business of the Year

River ReflectionsMedspa amp Salon2015 Small Business

of the Year

Jeff Johnson2015 Citizen of the Year

Toni Hinz Juniorrsquos Bar amp

Resturant2015 Ambassador

of the Year

2015 ChamberAnnual Award Winners

American Cancer Society - Relay For

Life2015 Non-Profit

of the Year

WESTconsin Credit Union is pleased to announce Pennie Peterson as Vice President WESTconsin Realty LLC Peterson previously worked as an agent for WESTconsin Realty since 2011 She replaces recently retired Dalene Crandall who held this position for the past eight years Peterson is an active member with the Hudson Chamber of Commerce and Tourism committee and has been a Chamber Ambassador since 2012 ldquoI am honored and thrilled that I have been selected for this challenging and exciting opportu-nityrdquo she states ldquoI am fortunate to have the privilege of working with 18 of the best agents in the businessrdquo Peterson is married to Todd and has two children Jason and Jordan She also has two rescue dogs Otis and Brynn In her free time she enjoys reading traveling boating on the St Croix River and live music Peterson can be reached by contacting the Hudson WESTconsin Office at (715) 386-2300 ext 7846 or ppetersonwestconsinrealtycom

Vibrant Health is joining Walk with a Doc a national campaign that gets doctors to host walks where people can ask them ques-tions and learn how to get moving in a friendly welcoming environment The mission of Walk with a Doc (WWAD) is to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and well-being of the country Doctors at Vibrant Health have taken it upon themselves to encourage people to get outside and walk for at least 30 minutes each day The ldquoWalk with a Docrdquo events will begin at 8 am at Glen Park the third Saturday of each month (June 18 July 16 August 20 September 17 October 15) Vibrant Health is also encouraging people to form their own walking groups

Are you or is someone you know looking for a fun active way to get outdoors socialize and be creative Please consider signing up for the River Falls Community Arts Basersquos ldquoHike amp Seekrdquo found art workshop The six-week series kicks off on Wed 622 from 10-noon and costs just $30 This workshop is sponsored by Allina Health through our Neighborhood Health Connection grant program providing support to organizations working to strengthen social connections through activities focused on physical activity and nutrition

You are invited to celebrate the agricultural heritage of River Falls and the surrounding communities by attending our annual Town lsquoN Country Day to be held on Sunday June 12 2016 Town lsquoN Country Day provides families with a wide variety of fun interactive activities throughout the day The day kicks off at 8am with a Free Pancake Breakfast served in the parking lot of Dickrsquos Fresh Market Pancakes Milk amp Coffee will be served until 11am while supplies last During this time attendees can also enjoy several fun free activities including a Heritage Tractor Display music from Tempo Z and - NEW THIS YEAR ndash the Kemps 53rsquo semi-trailer travelling Mooseum Happ-E Hill Farm will provide train rides for kids (for a small fee) Activities continue from 1-3pm outside of Security Financial Bank They will provide Free Root Beer Floats (while supplies last) There will be a petting zoo kiddie tractor pedal pull kids street dance and more

Congratulations to the River Falls School District on their successSue Schwartz High School Family and Consumer Science Teacher has been awarded a National Promising Practice award for the High School ldquoConnectionsrdquo program The program co-taught between Mrs Schwartz and CeCe Gillis pairs special education stu-dents with regular education students to work on various activities together Connections promotes acceptance of diversity and contributes to a decrease in stereotyping increases positive peer attitudes creates advocacy for individuals with special needs and provides a more harmonious school culture Students gain an appreciation for diversity and civil rights for all people

Westside Elementary received a Wisconsin Promising Practice award for Character Service Learning amp ldquoCirclesrdquo Teachers Missy Mur-phy Nancy Lindquist Nathan McReynolds and Amy Kraemer implemented this program which includes a focus on the participation of a vast circle of people to promote character education When parents become a partner in promoting character the benefits are high as they support character at home and this has brought about an increase in positive behavior from these students

Meyer Middle School was recently selected as a 2016 National School of Character for demonstrating a dedicated focus on character development and having a positive impact on academic achievement student behavior and school climate After selection as a Wisconsin School of Character consideration for the National Award ensued including a representative from Washington DC com-ing to the school to interview several students and staff

River Falls High School (RFHS) recently won a ldquoGoldrdquo award from St Croix Valley Technical College for having 14 different transcript-ed credits available to students In the past few years staff have worked diligently to afford greater opportunities for credit through CVTC There are currently 11 transcripted courses with CVTC two courses with Milwaukee School of Engineering and one course with Dakota County Technical College

BUSINESSBriefs

WESTconsin Credit Union

2015 Business of the Year

River ReflectionsMedspa amp Salon2015 Small Business

of the Year

Jeff Johnson2015 Citizen of the Year

Toni Hinz Juniorrsquos Bar amp

Resturant2015 Ambassador

of the Year

2015 ChamberAnnual Award Winners

American Cancer Society - Relay For

Life2015 Non-Profit

of the Year

WESTconsin Credit Union is pleased to announce Pennie Peterson as Vice President WESTconsin Realty LLC Peterson previously worked as an agent for WESTconsin Realty since 2011 She replaces recently retired Dalene Crandall who held this position for the past eight years Peterson is an active member with the Hudson Chamber of Commerce and Tourism committee and has been a Chamber Ambassador since 2012 ldquoI am honored and thrilled that I have been selected for this challenging and exciting opportu-nityrdquo she states ldquoI am fortunate to have the privilege of working with 18 of the best agents in the businessrdquo Peterson is married to Todd and has two children Jason and Jordan She also has two rescue dogs Otis and Brynn In her free time she enjoys reading traveling boating on the St Croix River and live music Peterson can be reached by contacting the Hudson WESTconsin Office at (715) 386-2300 ext 7846 or ppetersonwestconsinrealtycom

Vibrant Health is joining Walk with a Doc a national campaign that gets doctors to host walks where people can ask them ques-tions and learn how to get moving in a friendly welcoming environment The mission of Walk with a Doc (WWAD) is to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and well-being of the country Doctors at Vibrant Health have taken it upon themselves to encourage people to get outside and walk for at least 30 minutes each day The ldquoWalk with a Docrdquo events will begin at 8 am at Glen Park the third Saturday of each month (June 18 July 16 August 20 September 17 October 15) Vibrant Health is also encouraging people to form their own walking groups

Are you or is someone you know looking for a fun active way to get outdoors socialize and be creative Please consider signing up for the River Falls Community Arts Basersquos ldquoHike amp Seekrdquo found art workshop The six-week series kicks off on Wed 622 from 10-noon and costs just $30 This workshop is sponsored by Allina Health through our Neighborhood Health Connection grant program providing support to organizations working to strengthen social connections through activities focused on physical activity and nutrition

You are invited to celebrate the agricultural heritage of River Falls and the surrounding communities by attending our annual Town lsquoN Country Day to be held on Sunday June 12 2016 Town lsquoN Country Day provides families with a wide variety of fun interactive activities throughout the day The day kicks off at 8am with a Free Pancake Breakfast served in the parking lot of Dickrsquos Fresh Market Pancakes Milk amp Coffee will be served until 11am while supplies last During this time attendees can also enjoy several fun free activities including a Heritage Tractor Display music from Tempo Z and - NEW THIS YEAR ndash the Kemps 53rsquo semi-trailer travelling Mooseum Happ-E Hill Farm will provide train rides for kids (for a small fee) Activities continue from 1-3pm outside of Security Financial Bank They will provide Free Root Beer Floats (while supplies last) There will be a petting zoo kiddie tractor pedal pull kids street dance and more

Congratulations to the River Falls School District on their successSue Schwartz High School Family and Consumer Science Teacher has been awarded a National Promising Practice award for the High School ldquoConnectionsrdquo program The program co-taught between Mrs Schwartz and CeCe Gillis pairs special education stu-dents with regular education students to work on various activities together Connections promotes acceptance of diversity and contributes to a decrease in stereotyping increases positive peer attitudes creates advocacy for individuals with special needs and provides a more harmonious school culture Students gain an appreciation for diversity and civil rights for all people

Westside Elementary received a Wisconsin Promising Practice award for Character Service Learning amp ldquoCirclesrdquo Teachers Missy Mur-phy Nancy Lindquist Nathan McReynolds and Amy Kraemer implemented this program which includes a focus on the participation of a vast circle of people to promote character education When parents become a partner in promoting character the benefits are high as they support character at home and this has brought about an increase in positive behavior from these students

Meyer Middle School was recently selected as a 2016 National School of Character for demonstrating a dedicated focus on character development and having a positive impact on academic achievement student behavior and school climate After selection as a Wisconsin School of Character consideration for the National Award ensued including a representative from Washington DC com-ing to the school to interview several students and staff

River Falls High School (RFHS) recently won a ldquoGoldrdquo award from St Croix Valley Technical College for having 14 different transcript-ed credits available to students In the past few years staff have worked diligently to afford greater opportunities for credit through CVTC There are currently 11 transcripted courses with CVTC two courses with Milwaukee School of Engineering and one course with Dakota County Technical College

B U S I N E S S L O A N Samp S E R V I C E S

rcuorgProudly serving MN AND WI