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
Episode 112
- How EAU came to be an Essential Service Airport and what that means
- The Sun Country’s proposed service schedule to EAU
- The challenges of servicing larger aircraft
- How buses may play a role in offering ticketing and screening passenger in route to MSP.
Guest: Charity Zich, Director Chippewa Valley Regional Airport
Beverage Enjoyed: Blu, by Grainbelt
Episode 111
- Is the Chippewa Valley attractive to young adults as a place to live?
- How the Chippewa Valley compares with larger communities for livability
- What the area lacks for young adults
- Favorite places to meet people
Guest: Sidney Gullickson and Mike Farrow
Beverage Enjoyed: Saison DuPont, Tourpes Belgium (Mike and Jerry), bottled water (Sidney)
Episode 110
- The history of John’s Auto Parts
- How the auto part business has changed in the past 50 years
- Services folks can perform on their own cars
- Electric vehicles
Guest: John Pederson, Owner of John’s Auto Parts
Beer Enjoyed: Leinie’s Honey Weiss
Episode 109
- Things that make the JAM experience unique
- What goes into putting on a music festival
- Signing talent for JAM
- Purchase of property for JAM relocation / expansion
Guest: Kathy wright, General Manager Country JAM USA
Beer Enjoyed: Sam Adams Summer Ale
Episode 108
- Updates on Downtown Projects
- Annexations to the City of Eau Claire
- Biggest Challenges facing Eau Claire in the next 5 years
- Impact of reduced air service to area growth
Guest: Aaron White, Economic Development Manager, City of Eau Claire
Episode 107
- Completion of River Prairie
- Working with Mayor Brendan Pratt
- City water restrictions
- Redeveloping ‘downtown’ Altoona
- Containers Up Project
Guest: Mike Golat, Altoona city Administrator
Beer Enjoyed: Palm Ale, Belgium
Episode 106
- Inflation, its cause and impact
- Stock Market and Bond Market Retreat
- Teaching Economic History to Students
- Interest in Economics as a Field of Study
Guest: Dr. Wayne Carroll, Professor of Economics UWEC
Beer Enjoyed: Three Philosophers, Ommegang Brewery Cooperstown, NY
Episode 105
- The goal with Pablo Group’s development projects
- Features tenants of downtown housing projects are looking for
- Is downtown Eau Claire reaching a housing saturation point?
- Managing the challenges of a tight labor market, sluggish supply chain, and rapidly raising costs
Guest: Jenny Fesenmaier, Director of Research and Development Pablo Group
Beer Enjoyed: Kwak, Belgian Ale
Episode 104
- A child’s interest in weather
- Moving around the country
- Preparing for extreme weather
- Climate change
Guest: Mike Dandrea, WEAU Meteorologist
Beer Enjoyed: Moonridge Brown Ale, Moon ridge Brewing Cornell, WI
Episode 103
- Why buy a baseball team?
- What changes (if any) should fans expect from your ownership of the Express?
- Carson Park improvements
- Balancing team ownership with operating a car dealership
Guest: Craig Toycen, Owner of the Eau Claire Express
Beer Enjoyed: The Farmer’s Daughter, Lucette Brewing Company
Episode 102
- Challenges of being an entrepreneur at a young age
- The role of family in a small business
- Impact of the army in forming Tommy
- Advice to others considering opening a small business
Guest: Thomas Rocque, Founder and CEO Rocque Ridge Guides and Outfitters, Lake Holcombe, WI
Beer Enjoyed: Badger Porter, Sand Creek Brewery Black River Falls, WI
Episode 101
- The differences between banks and credit unions
- Consolidation in the financial services industry
- Growing a career from an entry level employee to CEO
- Maintaining strong ties to the Chippewa Valley as RCU expands
Guest: Brandon Riechers, President and CEO of Royal Credit Union
Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel’s Northwoods Amber
Episode 100
- How top musicians are drawn to UWEC (Quentin’s personal story)
- Why UWEC is so success in teaching musicians to work past graduation
- The role of Robert Baca in the UWEC Jazz program
- The start and evolution of the Eau Claire Jazz Festival
Guest: Quentin Volk, Executive Director Eau Claire Jazz, Inc.
Beer Enjoyed: Anti-Resin Hazy IPA, Six Point Brewery, Brooklyn NY.
Episode 99
- Review of time as Alice in Dairyland
- Challenges of being Alice during COVID
- Future of the role of “Alice in Dairyland”
- Future plans of Julia
Guest: Julia Nunes, Alice in Dairyland
Beer Enjoyed: Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Episode 98
- The role of the Foundation and Blugold Real Estate
- Expanding the footprint of UWEC beyond its traditional campus
- Major project reviews: Priory, Haymarket, Pablo, Sonnentag Complex, Simpson Field
Guest: Kimera Way, President UW Eau Claire Foundation
Beer Enjoyed: Spotted Cow, New Glarus Brewery
Episode 97
- What does a chamber of commerce do?
- What unique role does Chippewa Falls play in the Chippewa Valley?
- How has the city of Chippewa Falls changed in the past 25 years?
- Thoughts on the future of the community.
Guest: Mike Jordan, Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President
Beer Enjoyed: Smithwick’s, Irish Red Ale
Episode 96
- Brewing your own beer
- How inflation is impacting the asphalt industry
- Need for self-sufficiently and product diversification
- The role of the Bank’s Board of Directors
- The role of the Chairman of the Board
Guest: Darrin Senn, Owner and CEO of Senn Blacktop and Northwestern Bank Board Chair
Beer Enjoyed: Snow Bank Hefeweizen – Jerry Kuehl’s home brew and Goose Island Bourbon Country Brand Classic Cola Stout
Episode 95
- Preparing your own taxes vs hiring a bookkeeper, an independent CPA, or a large firm
- Tax issues resulting from COVID
- Hiring folks to work in the Chippewa Valley
- Surviving the brutal tax season
- Changes to the CPA profession over time
Guest: Traci Hollister, CPA Partner Wipfli LLP
Beer Enjoyed: Lindeman Lambic
Episode 94
- Challenges of building a new home today
- Most popular housing choices
- Finding land for development
- Building materials and quality vs 30 years ago
- Advice for those looking to build
Guest: Adam Ashley, Owner Ashley Constructi
Guest Host: Greg Misfeldt
Beer Enjoyed: Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Episode 93
- Changing business of college athletics
- NCAA and its role with UWEC athletics
- New facilities
- Success of Blugold woman’s athletics
Guest: Dan Schumacher, Director of Athletics UWEC
Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel’s Sunshine Light Beer
Episode 92
- The Impact of COVID on the travel industry
- How a travel agent can help you navigate travel issues including COVID
- Current popular domestic and International travel destinations
- Travel outlook post-COVID
Guest: Denise Petricka, President of Higgins Travel Leaders
Beer Enjoyed: Sol Beer of Mexico
Episode 91
- Adding the Ken Vance dealerships to the Chippewa Valley Mazda’s umbrella
- The supply chain issues impact on the auto industry
- Transition to electric vehicles
- How COVID has changed the car buying experience
Guest: Jamie Leibrandt (guest host), SVP & Senior Lender NB & Bill Bertrand, President Chippewa Valley Mazda
Beer Enjoyed: Wolfe’s Neck IPA, Maine Beer Co.
Episode 90
- State of Northwestern Bank
- Why has NB remained independent?
- Biggest challenges facing community banks
- Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank
- 2022 Chippewa Valley Economic Forecast
Guest: Jerry Jacobson, President & CEO of Northwestern Bank
Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss & Toasted Bock
Episode 89
- What makes UWEC such a great environment for music students?
- How do you teach jazz?
- What is it like touring with a name orchestra?
- Do you have more fun performing or teaching?
Guest: Robert Becca, Professor of music and Director of Jazz Studies UWEC
Beer Enjoyed: Shugga, LaGunitas Brewing
Episode 88
- Has COVID had an impact on obesity?
- What works to prevent obesity?
- How does Wisconsin or the Chippewa Valley compare to the rest of the nation in Obesity statistics?
- Is there hope?
Guest: Dr. William Klish, Child Obesity Expert
Beer Enjoyed: Guinness Draught Stout
Episode 87
- What are Visit Eau Claire's target market?
- Eau Claire tourism success during COVID
- The impact of the Sonnentaq Center
- How does Visit Eau Claire market?
Guest: Benny Anderson, Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire
Beer Enjoyed: Lazy Hazy Ale, Lazy Monk Brewing
Episode 86
- What is Valley Sports Academy?
- How will VSA impact local youth athletes?
- The impact of VSAon the Chippewa Valley
Guest: Brian Seubert and Chase Hoople, Valley Sports Academy
Beer Enjoyed: Goose Island, Bourbon Country Brand Stout
Episode 85
- Navigation of COVID on campus
- Staffing challenges
- New building updates
- Future issues for UW-Eau Claire
Guest: UWEC Chancellor Jim Schmidt
Beer Enjoyed: Gunpowder IPA, The Brewing Projekt
Episode 84
- Transitioning from corporate employee to small business owner
- Operating a small business under COVID restrictions
- Balancing work and family
- Celebrating the Chippewa Valley as a great place to work and live
Guest: Adam Condit, Owner Blue Ox Running
Guest Host: Tracey Smiskey, NB Eau Claire Market President
Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel Chocolate Dunkel
Episode 83
- An Artistic Renaissance Man
- Working as both a rural farmer and a sophisticated media personality
- Would you even consider living anywhere other than Wisconsin?
- Thoughts on the role of internet influencers
Guest: Michael Perry, NY Times Bestselling Author, Humorist, Singer/Songwriter, and Intermittent Pig Farmer
Beer Enjoyed: Nanny State NA Happy Ale, Brewdog Winchester, OH
Episode 82
- Comparing technical school education in Florida vs Wisconsin
- Difficulty in finding students with a shrinking graduation pool and booming employment market
- Most popular programs at CVTC
- What is great about the Chippewa Valley and what is missed about Florida
Guest: Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, President Chippewa Valley Technical College
Beer Enjoyed: Spotted Cow, New Glarus Brewing Company
Episode 81
- What is the role of the Chamber of Commerce?
- How has COVID changed the way the Chamber conducts business?
- Keeping the Chamber politically neutral.
- Health of small businesses in the Chippewa Valley
Guest: Dave Minor, President, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Beer Enjoyed: Belhaven Black Scottish Stout
Episode 80
- Covid Update
- Impact of COVID delays on educational progress
- Stress of a growing student population
- Parent/School Board interaction
- School as a social service provider
Guest: Heidi Eliopoulus, Superintendent, Altoona Public Schools
Beer Enjoyed: Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen
Episode 79
- What does the Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest celebrate?
- What is the role of the Festmeister and Festmeistern?
- How do you mix traditional German tastes with local tastes?
- What is the future of the festival?
Guest: Tasha Weiss, Programs Director for the CF Area Chamber of Commerce
Beer Enjoyed: Glutenberg Blonde (Gluten-Free Beer), Glenberg Brewery Montreal Canada
Episode 78
- Project recap for Downtown Eau Claire
- Status Update on the Cannery District
- Managing the Community's Growth
- Directing the City in the Absence of a City Manager
Guest: Aaron White, Economic Development Manager, City of Eau Claire
Beer Enjoyed: Inner Sanctum, Potosi Brewing Company
Episode 77
- The story behind the Pablo's ability to stay solvent during COVID
- How has COVID changed the live performance industry
- Who determines the safety precautions for each show?
- What is the status of the local arts community outside of the Pablo?
Guest: Jason Jon Anderson, Executive Director Pablo Center
Beer Enjoyed: HackerPschorr Oktoberfest
Episode 76
- What is the role of the County's Public Health Director?
- What authority does the Health Department have and where does this authority come from?
- How do you speak about COVID with your family?
- What are health issues beyond COVID?
Guest: Angela Weideman, Chippewa County Health Director
Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Hefeweizen
Episode 75
- Current City Projects
- Growth of the Chippewa Valley as a Region
- Finding workers