Episode 179

• How to Think about Health Care and its Financing
• Pivoting away from Employee Provided health Insurance
• Incentivizing Folks to Take Charge of their Own Health

Guest: Karen Hebert, Group Benefits Broker of Spectrum Benefits Solutions
Beer Enjoyed: Two Can Play at this Game, Tripping Animals Brewing, Doral, FL

Episode 178

• Operational Referendum
• Challenges of Socia Media
• Career Readiness
• Mental Health of Youth

Guest: Jeff Holm, Superintendent Chippewa Falls Unified School District
Beer Enjoyed: Sprecher Root Beer

Episode 177

• Moving from New Jersey (in a pandemic)
• An outsider’s view of the Chippewa Valley
• Why journalism?
• Relevancy of TV news in 2024

Guest: Leeann Stapleton, Morning News Anchor for WEAU
Beer Enjoyed: St. Hacker Pschorr Munich Gold

Episode 176

• The role trusts play in transferring wealth from one generation to the next
• Services offered by trust companies
• Supporting family members who are unable to support themselves
• End of Life Planning Issues

Guest: Jason Munz, Vice President of Trust Point
Beer Enjoyed: St. Fevillien Grand Cru

Episode 175

• 2023 Wisconsin Banker’s Association “Banker of the Year”
• Healthcare Task Force
• Economic Health of the Chippewa Valley
• Future of Community Banking

Guest: Jerry Jacobson, President and CEO of Northwestern Bank
Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss

Episode 174

• Coaching CEOs and Executives
• Stress in Leadership Positions
• Warning Signs of Stress
• Traits of a good CEO
• Suggestions for a healthy lifestyle for company leaders

Guest: Brent Hafele, CEO of Vibrancy Unlocked
Beer Enjoyed: Erdinger Dunkel, Erding Germany

Episode 173

• Current Information on the closing of Sacred Heart and St Joseph Hospitals
• History of the Hospital Sisters in the Chippewa Valley
• Likely impacts of the closures on the Chippewa Valley
• Benefits and Services being offered to existing patients and staff

Guest: Nick Berger, former Client Service Executive of HSHS (Hospital Sisters Health System)
Beer Enjoyed: Kwak Belgium Ale

Episode 172

• Trends in building construction
• Availability of materials and labor
• Working in the Chippewa Valley compared with the rest of the US
  Forecast for 2024

Guest: Peter Hoeft, Owner of Hoeft Construction
Beer Enjoyed: Montucky Cold Snack

Episode 171

• Trends in Chippewa Valley crime / security
• Effectiveness of security systems
• Monitoring a second home or your home when away
• Things everyone should do to protect their home / car

Guest: Chris Lokken Customer Service Manager, Tru Lock
Beer Enjoyed: Juneau Juice, Alaskan Brewing

Episode 170

• Types of products manufactured with a die
• Chippewa Valley position as epicenter of US die production
• Future improvements / trends

Guest: Doug Darrow, Owner of Allied Dies
Beer Enjoyed: Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Episode 169

• New school mascot
• Cyber Security Training Facility
• Record Enrollment
• Integration of programs with high schools and area universities
• Enhancing student extracurricular options

Guest: Dr. Sunem Beaton Garcia, President Chippewa Valley Technical College
Beer Enjoyed: Delirium Noel

Episode 168

• What is One Auto Group?
• Challenges / Benefits of selling vehicles of different manufactures.
• Role of a local dealership in the world of Tesla
• Are electric cars a good for the upper Midwest?
• Brands you would like to bring to the Chippewa Valley

Guest:Bill Bertrand, Co-Owner One Auto Group
Beer Enjoyed: Tweak, Avery Brewing Boulder CO

Episode 167

• The transition from CoLab to The Coven
• The role of entrepreneurship in the Pablo Group
• Colab’s place in the local entrepreneurial space
• Joining The Coven community

Guest: Elaine Coughlin, Director of Investment and Entrepreneurship, The Pablo Group
Beverage: Kul Mocks, NA Craft Mocktail

Episode 166

• Business Programs and services offered by Regional Planning
• What to prepare prior to meeting with WCWRP
• Favorite Start up Stories
• Advice for prospective entrepreneurs

Guest: Tobi Lemahiew, Fund Manager West Central WI Regional Planning
Beverage: Saranac Root Beer, Utica NY

Episode 165

• Turning your passion into your business
• Trends in youth sporting equipment
• Does spending more money for equipment yield better playing results?
• Will youth sports transition from school teams to club teams?
• The future of youth sports

Guest: Lance Gurney and Brian Stelle, Owners of Play It Again Sports
Beverage: Lazy Monk Scottish Ale

Episode 164

Chippewa Valley Growth:

• Opportunities and Challenges
• Retail
• Housing
• Transportation
• Career Opportunities

Guest:Tracey Smiskey, NB Eau Claire Area Market President
Beverage:Bourbon Barrel Stout, Central Waters Brewing Co. Amherst WI

Episode 163

• Status of elementary education post COVID
• Teaching students with learning gaps
• Falling ACT scores
• Advice for parents attempting to support their children academically

Guest: Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos, Superintendent Altoona School District
Beverage: Karmeliet Tripel, Belgium

Episode 162

• Role of Wisconsin Famers Union
• Kamp Kenwood
• Connecting consumers with the source of their food
• Development of Food Market in downtown Chippewa Falls
• Changing nature of farming

Guest: Jackie Boos, Facilities Director, Wisconsin Famers Union
Beverage: 3 Sheeps Pils (3 Sheeps Brewing Co - Sheyboygan) and Good City Pills (Milwaukee)

Episode 161

• Discussion on Mike’s new book ‘Forty Acres Deep”
• Prevalence of metal illness in the farming community
• Challenges / opportunities of self-publishing
• Wisconsin PBS Series:  ‘Michael Perry on the Road’
• Michael Perry and the Long Beds

Guest:  Michael Perry - Author, performer, musician, and occasional farmer
Beverage:  Guinness Non-Alcoholic Draught

Episode 160

• Project Updates
• Transit Center
• Block 7 (Menomonie Market Co Op & apartments)
• Cannery District
• Former Shopko Site
• Multi-family Housing
• Carson Park’s Future
• UWEC Projects

Guest: Aaron White, Community Development Director
Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Salvator Doppelbock

Episode 159

• Development at Chippewa Crossings
• Wisconsin Farmer’s Union downtown market / relocation
• City expansion / industrial needs
• New battery factory
• State land transfer

Guest: Brad Hentschel, City of Chippewa Falls Planner
Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Oktoberfest

Episode 158

• What is a food bank?
• Status of food security in western Wisconsin
• Newly expanded facility
• Volunteer status/opportunities

Guest: Suzanne Becker, Executive Director Feed My People Food Bank
Beer Enjoyed: Abita Amber Lager, Abita Brewing, Abita Springs, LA

Episode 157

• State of UWEC
• Value of a college education
• Impact of the new science building
• Sonnentag Center
• Simpson Field

Guest: Chancellor Jim Schmidt, UW Eau Claire
Beer Enjoyed: Gunpowder IPA The Brewing Projekt

Episode 156

• History of WWIB / WOG
• Operating a commercial Christian radio station
• Leaning into local
• Sports broadcasting
• Staying relevant

Guest: Greg and Sue Steward, Stewards of Sound WWIB / WOGO Radio
Beer Enjoyed: Fever Tree Ginger Beer

Episode 155

• The legacy of Olson's Ice Cream
• Working as a family team
• The Eau Claire location
• Culver's restaurants in Florida
• Advice to would be entrepreneurs

Guest: Dan and Jeremy Hunt, Olson's Ice Cream
Beer Enjoyed: Boddington's Pub ale, Manchester UK

Episode 154

• Transition from banking
• Relevancy of United Way
• Getting to root causes
• Identifying social needs and priorities
• Encouraging contributors and volunteers

Guest: Ryan Ludy, Executive Director United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley
Beer Enjoyed: Blood Orange Blonde, Brickfield Brewing Grantsburg, WI

Episode 153

• Evolution of Coffee Grounds
• Operating multiple businesses under one roof
• K-Point Brewery
• Keeping Coffee Grounds unique
• Future business plans

Guest: Eric Nelson, Owner of The Coffee Grounds
Beer Enjoyed: K Point Brewing Red Lager

Episode 152

• The history of Loopy's
• Developing the Loopy Dome
• Creating a venue out of the Chippewa River
• Giving back to the community
• Staying Relevant

Guest: Loopy (Bill Kleich), owner of Loopy's Grill and Saloon
Beer Enjoyed: Leinie's Summer Shandy

Episode 151

• Following Mike Jordan
• Retuning to Chamber work as the President
• New Chamber Initiatives
• Carving a unique space for Chippewa Falls in the Chippewa Valley

Guest: Eric Rygg, President Silver Springs Foods
Beer Enjoyed: Tangerine Space Machine Hazy IPA, New Holland Brewing Co.

Episode 150

• History of Huntsinger Farms
• Making horseradish, mustard, and sauces fun
• Keeping horseradish relevant for younger generations
• Hosting Farm Technology Days
• Future Plans

Guest: Eric Rygg, President Silver Springs Foods
Beer Enjoyed: Tangerine Space Machine Hazy IPA, New Holland Brewing Co.

Episode 149

• Role of the EC City Council President
• Proudest Accomplishment as city Council President
• Advice for governing in divisive times
• Best ways to get involved in city government
• Favorite Things / Places in Eau Claire

Guest: Kerry Kincaid, Leadership Scholar. Former EC City Council President
Beer Enjoyed: Trippel Belgian Style Ale, New Belgium Brewery

Episode 148

• Chippewa Valley commercial construction market
• Finding and maintaining workers
• Flooring supply chain
• Trends in commercial flooring
• Advice for new business owners

Guest: Jeff Stone, Co-Owner Swanson’s Flooring
Beer Enjoyed: DHacker Pschorr Weissbier, Munich Germany

Episode 147

• Impact of the pandemic on the growth of kubb
• U.S. Champion National Kubb Championship preparations
• Tips for spectators
• Where does kubb go from here?

Guest: Eric Anderson, Director US National Kubb Championship
Beer Enjoyed: Dare Mighty Things Hazy IPA, the Brewing Projekt

Episode 146

• Value in Working with a Marketing Firm
• Offices in San Francisco, New York, and Eau Claire. Why Eau Claire?
• Rediscovering the Chippewa Valley
• Growth Opportunities for the Community

Guest: Lee Caraher, President and CEO of Double Forte
Beer Enjoyed: Ending Machine Sour Ale, The Brewing Projekt

Episode 145

• Brewing Inspiration
• Differentiating Modicum from other Micro Breweries
• Path to Becoming an Entrepreneur
• Creating a Tasting Experience
• The Future of Craft Brewing

Guest:Eric Rykal, Owner/Brew Master Modicum Brewery
Beer Enjoyed:Modicum Original

Episode 144

• Safety of local financial institutions
• Competing in a tight labor market
• Matching employee life / work balance with customer’s service expectations
• Reaching out to Gen Z

Guest: Traci Holister, Partner and Financial Team Leader, Wipfli LLP
Beer Enjoyed:La Chouffe, Belgium Blond Ale

Episode 143

• History of Sand Mining in Wisconsin
• Protections put in place the help close the mines
• The ‘Gold Rush’ Days
• Current Sand Mining Status
• Legacy of Improved rail infrastructure

Guest: John Behling, President Weld Riley, S.C.
Beer Enjoyed: Tank 7 American Saison, Boulevard Brewing

Episode 142

• Homelessness statistics in Chippewa County
• The growth of housing insecurity
• Inspiration of Hope Village
• Tiny houses vs apartments
• First year results
• Future plans

Guest: Mike Cohoon, Executive Director Hope Village & Jessica Oleson Bue, Chippewa County Housing Authority
Beer Enjoyed: Reissdorf Kolsch Ale, Cologne German

Episode 141

• Cigan properties is more than Banbury Place
• History of Banbury Place Acquisition / Conversion
• Types of Businesses that operate out of the property
• On going building updates and tenant transitions

Guest: Jack and Max Kaiser, owners of Cigan Properties
Beer Enjoyed: Dupont Saison, Belgium

Episode 140

• What is podcasting?
• What makes a good podcast
• The importance of multiple revenue streams
• The importance of local media

Guest: Scott Montesano, Owner of Eau Claire Hometown Media and the Voice of the UWEC Blugolds
Beer Enjoyed: Le Chouffe, Belgian Blond

Episode 139

• How the Pablo Group encourages and supports start-up businesses
• Gauging the level of entrepreneurial activity in the Chippewa Valley
• The Chippewa Valley’s strengths as a business start-up community
• The impact of COVID on business start-up activity
• The impact of government support and tax policies

Guest: Elaine Coughlin, Director of Investments and Entrepreneurship at the Pablo Group
Beer Enjoyed: Sprecher orange and cream soda(s), Leinie’s Honey Weiss

Episode 138

• The evolution of office equipment
• Office of the future
• Digital storage vs Paper storage
• Coolest gadget in your office
• Pulse on the local economy

Guest: Dave Johnson, VP of Product Print and Strategic Accounts, EO Johnson Business Technologies
Beer Enjoyed: Smithwick’s Red Ale

Episode 137

• Current status of the Chippewa Valley housing market
• Need for a real estate agent despite tight home supply
• Selling your home yourself
• Impact of higher interest rates on demand / affordability
• Most desirable listings
• Home improvements that deliver the highest resale value
• Growth in the construction of apartments / twin homes

Guest: Scott Wolfe, Century 21 Metro Realty
Beer Enjoyed: Bell’s Robust Porter

Episode 136

• Crime in the Chippewa Valley
• Public’s attitude towards police
• Recruiting new officers
• Ways that citizens can protect themselves and assist law enforcement
• The value of home electronic surveillance equipment

Guest: Chief Matthew Kelm, Chippewa Falls Police Department
Beer Enjoyed: Conway’s Irish Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co

Episode 135

• Inspiration to start Village.com website
• Identifying activity providers
• Scaling up website for other communities
• Screening of activity providers
• Offering grants / scholarships for participants

Guest: Noah Plewa, Owner and CEO of Village.com
Beer Enjoyed: Tank 7 American Saison, Boulevard Brewing Company

Episode 134

• Pablo Attendance post-COVID
• Acts which draw well
• Pricing acts for the Eau Claire market
• Securing acts
• Staffing issues

Guest: Jason Jon Anderson, Executive Director Pablo Center for the Arts
Beer Enjoyed: Rodenbach Grand Cru, Beligium

Episode 133

• Keys to achieving financial security
• Good habits to start in 2023
• Ways to keep couples on the same financial page
• Advice for weathering a recession
• Joining a Dave Ramsey financial program

Guest: Chris and Annalie Thies, Instructors for Dave Ramsey Financial Planning
Beer Enjoyed: Leinies Northwoods Lager and New Glarus Moon Man

Episode 132

• Significant personal or business tax changes for 2023
• Preparation you (as the filer) can do that your accountant would greatly appreciate
• When do you need a CPA vs a bookkeeper / tax preparer?
• Encouraging young people to enter the accounting profession
• Advice for improving your tax filing experience.
• Moving to another state for tax considerations
• Most misunderstood or underutilized deductions.

Guest: Craig Olsen, Principal Accountant, Clifton Larson Allen
Beer Enjoyed: Carolus Imperial Dark

Episode 131

• Top Events coming to the Chippewa Valley in 2023
• Has Eau Claire retained its status as a tourist draw post COVID?
• Planning for the opening of the Sonnentag Center
• Expanding Eau Claire’s role as a Midwest music destination
• Attractions that locals take for granted that tourists flock to

Guest: Benny Anderson, Executive Director Visit Eau Claire
Beer Enjoyed: Baltic Porter, Lazy Monk Brewing

Episode 130

• Stability of Northwestern Bank
• Chippewa Valley Economic forecast for 2023
• Upcoming Changes for Northwestern Bank
• Fed Interest Rate Increase(s)
• Crypto Currencies

Guest: Jerry Jacobson, President and CEO of NB
Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss

Episode 129

• Moving from California
• Irvine Park Christmas Lights / Village
• Status of the Chippewa Falls public pool
• Erickson Park
• Public Park Support from the Community

Guest: John Jimenez, City of Chippewa Falls Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry
Beer Enjoyed: Modelo Especial

Episode 128

• New museum opening and important dates
• What spaces will be new and what ‘classic’ exhibits will be retained in the new museum?
• What will happen to the Play Spaces?
• Status of the day care and 4K classroom

Guest: Michael McHorney, Executive Director Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
Beer Enjoyed: Goose Island Bourbon Country Aged Stout

Episode 127

• The impact of the low unemployment rate of CVTC’s enrollment
• Most popular areas of study
• The impact of the new west campus facilities
• Long term need for degrees and certifications

Guest: Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, President Chippewa Valley Technical College
Beer Enjoyed: Delirium Noel

Episode 126

• Role of a municipal attorney
• Legal role in revitalizing downtown Eau Claire
• Eau Claire projects beyond downtown
• Jeffers Road Park Development

Guest: Steve Nick, Eau Claire City Attorney
Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Salvator Double Bock

Episode 125

• How did the red wave turn into a red ripple?
• What did the Wisconsin election results tell us about state politics?
• Donald Trump announces his campaign
• Wisconsin as a purple state

Guest: John Frank, Political Analyst
Beer Enjoyed: Orval Trappist Ale

Episode 124

• Coming projects to Chippewa Falls
• Housing options in the city
• Purchase of State owned land
• Potential areas of redevelopment
• Status of the Chippewa Falls sand plant

Guest: Brad Hentschel, City of Chippewa Falls Planner
Beer Enjoyed: Vanilla Porter, Breckenridge Brewery

Episode 123

• Current status of the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic
• Finding specialized care for those unable to afford it
• Rewarding aspects of volunteering
• Raise Spirits, Give Hope in a box fundraiser

Guest: Dr. Brent Wogahn, Chippewa Valley Free Clinic Volunteer
Beer Enjoyed: Fire Tire, New Belgium Brewery

Episode 122

• Growing up as an entrepreneur family
• Lessons learned in running a small business
• Selling a business
• Role as a NB Board of Director member
• What NB clients should know about our Board

Guest: Heidi Boxx, Entrepreneur and NB Board Member
Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Oktoberfest

Episode 121

• The evolution of Chippewa Falls in the past 25 years
• The relationship between Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire
• The Chamber as a driver of tourism
• Most rewarding project
• Vision of the Chippewa Valley in the next 10 years

Guest: Mike Jordan, President of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Beer Enjoyed: Golden Draak, Amber Quadruple Ale

Episode 120

• The Childcare Shortage Crisis
• Challenges Operating a Daycare
• Transitioning a Child into the Daycare Environment
• Advice to Parents Looking for Daycare Options

Guest: Garret Bresina, Owner Kids USA Learning Center
Beer Enjoyed: Leinie’s Oktoberfest

Episode 119

• What is the purpose of service clubs
• Unique role service clubs play in our community
• How does Rotary differ from other service clubs
• How is Rotary changing to meet the needs of younger members

Guest: Karen Hebert, Past District Governor Rotary International
Beer Enjoyed: Nitro Milk Stout, Left Hand Brewing Company

Episode 118

• Latest Trends in Brewing
• Creating an Experience at Leinie’s Lodge
• Types of folks who visit the Lodge
• The story behind Captain Jack Helles Bock

Guest: Lindsey Everson, Leinie Lodge Manager
Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel Juicy Peach and Captain Jack Helles Bock

Episode 117

• What is Fierce Freedom?
• Human trafficking vs sexual assault
• Trafficking in the Chippewa Valley
• What one can do to help

Guest: Jenny Almquist, Executive Director of Fierce Freedom
Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Oktoberfest

Episode 116

• Inspiration for Reboot Social
• Sourcing materials for an arcade bar in a pandemic
• Blazing One’s own trail in a family run business
• Advice to folks looking to buy a car today

Guest: Charlee Markquart, co-owner Reboot Social
Beer Enjoyed: Moon Man, New Glarus Brewing Company

Episode 115

• How students and staff have bounced back from COVID
• Will 2022-23 be a ‘normal’ school year?
• Managing a growing student population
• Transitioning to the Middle Border Conference

Guest: Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos, Superintendent Altoona Public Schools
Beer Enjoyed: Mango Farm Hazy IPA, Coronado Brewing Company CA

Episode 114

• The role of Congressional staffers
• How the work of Congressional staffs differs from Congressional committees
• Effective ways to connect with your member of Congress
• Living in DC vs living in the Chippewa Valley
• How your member can assist you and your family when you visit DC

Guest: Jeanne Kuehl, U.S. Congressional Staffer
Beer Enjoyed: Spencer Monk’s Reserve Ale

Episode 113

• What qualifies as a veterinarian emergency?
• Relationship with traditional vet clinics
• Caring for a pet owner as well as their pet
• Procedures developed for humans now available to animals

Guest: Dr. Kara Nelson, Founder of Allied Emergency Vet Services