Business Leader | Fall 2019

FAFLALL2L0210916

PRSRT STD Rolling on
US Postage
Family-run Durand company
PAID marks 75th anniversary
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Eau Claire, WI Also

• Hotel industry

grows in area

• Housing crunch

affects workforce

• Honor Roll of Business

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2 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE

8 4 If Eau Claire area businesses are worried about a future CONTENTS
Bauer Built recession, they didn’t show it in a July survey.
Eau Claire area hotel marks 75 years
industry grows as in Durand. When the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce did
demand rises. its twice annual poll this summer, its members generally
12 replied that the economy is strong and they plan to
18 Area housing maintain or slightly increase their workforces.
shortage has
Veterinarian impacts on Of the businesses who took the survey, 84% felt the
leads animal workforce. national economy is strong to some degree — a slight
feed suppliment improvement on January’s survey, but a little lower than
business in Stanley. how they felt in 2018. Fall
2019
Those trends held for opinions on the local economy
as well, with 88% feeling the area is doing somewhere
between well to great. Even more encouraging is that no
respondents felt the local economy is getting worse, but
12% believe we’re staying the same.

Local firms also are very optimistic how well they will
do for the last half of this year. A full 58% feel their sales
will rise — higher than the prior dozen surveys. Only 1%
expect their sales to go down and the remaining 41%
foresee them to stay about the same.

At least one business did note the possibility of a
recession on the horizon in their survey response.

And about a month after the survey, a phenomenon
seen as a reliable indicator to a recession did emerge.

During August, news spread of an inverted yield curve,
seen as a sign investors are getting jittery about the
economy because demand is shrinking for short-term
Treasury notes and rising for long-term ones.

An Aug. 27 U.S. News & World Report noted the reversal
in demand between three-month and 10-year Treasuries
has preceded every recession in the last 50 years.

Financial markets were shook up when the curve went
askew, but some pundits were skeptical and hopeful it
won’t be the same reliable precursor to recession that it
had been historically.

Those naysayers/optimists pointed to the increasing
tendency of the federal government to intervene in the
economy, trying to stimulate it into avoiding a downturn.

To me that stirred memories of reading about John
Maynard Keynes and government intervention during
economics class in college. That same class also taught
the historic cycles of prosperity, recession and recovery.

But knowing exactly when each of those phases will
hit seems impossible until they actually arrive. So unless
you’ve got clairvoyance into the economy’s future, there’s
not much harm in being optimistic.

GUEST COLUMNS EDITOR - Andrew Dowd

11Steve Latham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
16Jeff West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @ADowd_LT • 715-833-9204
20Justin Vajko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT - John Balgaard
BOOK REVIEW
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING &
19Terri Schlichenmeyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . COORDINATOR - Alicia Rodgers
2292
BUSINESS HONOR ROLL . . . . . 31 [email protected] • 715-833-9237
CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BY THE NUMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cover photo by Dan Reiland

Published four times per year by the Leader-Telegram. Copyright 2019 Leader-Telegram, 701 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire, WI 54701. All rights reserved. 800-236-7077. leadertelegram.com

COVER STORY Rolling
on

Staff photos by Dan Reiland
Jerry Bauer became president in 1977 of the business his father started in Durand. He still is Bauer

Built’s CEO and chairman of the board, but passed along the presidency to his son, Tad, in 2013.

Family-run Bauer Built marks 75 years of growing the business from Durand

By Ryan Patterson, Leader-Telegram staff Leading the company

Driving into Durand from the east end of town, athletic Jerry Bauer has led the company for more than half of its
fields greet visitors. The modern sports venues were lifetime. He became president of Bauer Built on Jan. 1, 1977
constructed about two years ago and host Durand and now is CEO and chairman of the board.
High School football, soccer, baseball, and track and field
competitions. On the scoreboards and back of bleachers are The son of founder Sam Bauer, Jerry Bauer was the sixth
inscribed four words: “Bauer Built Sports Complex.” of eight children and the first boy. Growing up, he figured he
would be involved in the family business.
Bauer Built welcomes people to Durand, and the tire
retread company is one of the longest-lasting community “I think it was probably in my blood really early on that
cornerstones. Founded in 1944 as Bauer Oil Company, I’m going to be working in the family-owned business,” Jerry
Bauer Built celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. Bauer said.

The company has always made its headquarters in He took over as president at the age of 24, staying in that
Durand, a burg of just under 2,000 people. Bauer Built has role until 2013, when his son Tad Bauer took over the position.
evolved over the years, withstood challenges and grown
to have locations in 10 states, all while managing the Jerry Bauer said he learned everything about running a
dynamics that accompany a family business. business from his father. He figured out how to give firm
leadership with care and guidance and determined the

4 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

balance between work, life and leisure. tire,” Jerry Bauer said. “Finding people who are willing to do
“There’s not a lot that bothers me,” Jerry Bauer said. that is tough.”

Changing with the trends Moreover, drawing executives to a small town isn’t always
easy.
The company only had two tire centers when Jerry Bauer
became president about 42 years ago, but it now has around 40 “Although I can’t imagine living anywhere else, there’s a lot
centers throughout the Midwest. of people that can’t imagine living here,” Jerry Bauer said.

Bauer Built continues to grow, as evidenced by its April After a 1967 fire destroyed a retread plant in Durand, the
purchase of the commercial tire division of Allied Oil & Tire company considered offers to relocate some of its business
Company, which has locations in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, elsewhere, but Sam Bauer decided to rebuild and stay in
Nebraska and South Dakota. Durand. A year later, a new shop opened, and Jerry Bauer said
no serious discussions have ever occurred about relocating the
It all began with a bulk oil business Sam Bauer started in company.
Durand, which later grew with a retail gas station and tire
business. In 1954, Bauer Built started retreading tires and has “This is the home of Bauer Built,” Jerry Bauer said. “It’s our
shifted its focus to helping commercial trucking companies. home.”

According to Jerry Bauer, the retread industry was generally Community connections
growing until it plateaued a few years ago. To make up for
that, the company has focused on commercial trucking parts In recent years, Jerry Bauer has taken on more of a facilitating
and light mechanical services associated with tires, including role in shepherding his children and the other executives who
brakes, alignments and tractor trailer lights. are becoming increasingly involved in the daily operations of
Bauer Built.

Jerry Bauer is also chairman of the board at Security Financial
Bank, the institution where Paul Rudersdorf has spent the last
four years as president and CEO. Rudersdorf said Bauer has
served as a tremendous mentor to him, calling him an honest,
brilliant businessman who excels at solving problems.

Rudersdorf said it is hard to quantify the impact the company
has had on Durand and the nearby communities.

Contributed photo
Bauer Built began as Bauer Oil Company in 1944, delivering petroleum products to
farmers and residential customers. Though the company has grown through its
commercial tire services, bulk oil remains part of Bauer Built.

Finding good help Kirk Poeschel puts a new tread onto a commercial tire at the Bauer Built plant in Durand.

In his four-plus decades at the company, Jerry Bauer has See page 6
overseen business growth that exceeded his imagination. He September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 5
credited the expansion to the company’s excellent employees.
Of Bauer Built’s nearly 600 workers, more than 100 are
employed in Durand, many with lengthy histories at the
company.

While Bauer Built has many dedicated employees, Jerry
Bauer said great workers do not come easily considering some
of the rigors involved in the business.

“When it’s 25 degrees below zero and you got a semi truck
on an interstate in Indianapolis or Chicago or Minneapolis
and traffic’s going by at 65 miles per hour, it takes a unique
individual that will be out there in that kind of weather and
that kind of conditions and service a truck who’s got a flat

from Page 5
“It’s unbelievable,” Rudersdorf said. “… Jerry’s not the type

that is going to broadcast everything they do or every donation
that they make. I would characterize him as humbly generous.”

Durand Mayor Patrick Miligren knows many people who
previously worked or currently work at the company. He
attributed its longevity to Bauer Built’s emphasis on being a
family-run, hometown business.

Apart from the financial commitments, Miligren said
ownership and employees take an active role in volunteering
and spending time on community activities.

Bauer Built is “a great community partner, and there’s no
other way of looking at it,” Miligren said.

True to their roots Bauer Built has made its home in Durand for 75 years, currently employing more
than 100 in the Pepin County city.
Greg Doverspike, superintendent of the Durand-Arkansaw
School District, concurred. generous supporter and partner of the school district. In
addition to funding the sports complex, the company has helped
When Doverspike accepted the superintendent job eight with Junior Achievement, given tours to school employees and
years ago, Jerry Bauer led him on a tour of Bauer Built. Walking hosted celebrations for students after high school graduation.
around the different facilities, Doverspike was struck by
Bauer’s knowledge and personal interaction with employees. “I don’t know where we’d be without them,” Doverspike
The pride Bauer had in the business and its legacy was evident, said.
and memories of that tour have stayed with Doverspike.
From meager beginnings three quarters of a century ago,
“It’s amazing to me how they’ve stuck to their roots Bauer Built has expanded into a sustainable company, all while
considering a business of their size,” Doverspike said. “… It’s a holding onto its family-run, small-town roots.
testament to the family values they have.”
Contact: 715-830-5838, [email protected]
Doverspike called Bauer Built a community staple and

Milestones

1944 – S am Bauer founds Bauer Oil Company in Durand, delivering petroleum products to
farms and residential customers

1948 – T he company opens a retail gas station in Durand, which also has tire sales and service
1954 – T he company gets into the tire retreading business
1956 – Bauer Oil reaches $1 million in sales
1959 – Bauer Oil changes its name to Bauer Built Incorporated
1963 – S ales exceed $2 million
1967 – A retread shop in Durand is completely destroyed in a fire but a new building is

eventually rebuilt
1975 – B auer Built’s sales exceed $10 million as the company has grown to run two tire

centers, a retread manufacturing facility, wholesale distribution center, auto parts store
and convenience store in addition to still selling bulk oil
1976 – S am Bauer sells majority of his interest in company to his sons and sons-in-law
1977 – Jerry Bauer becomes president of the company
1980 – Founder Sam Bauer retires from full-time duty
2013 – Tad Bauer takes over as Bauer Built president

6 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

- Guest Article -

OPPORTUNITY

(ZONES) KNOCK
By Attorneys Paul Mirr and Andrew Raymonds

Wisconsin investors have started to take advantage of a relatively
new federal program that could drive new development into
areas of Wisconsin that need it most. Qualified Opportunity
Zones, enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of December
2017, could become one of the more impactful federal incentives
for equity capital investment in low-income and distressed
communities.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR INVESTORS. investment is held for at least ten years. • creating detailed investor proposals
While this is certainly a lucrative incentive, that showcase sound, investment-ready
The Opportunity Zone program targets a it is important to note that this exclusion projects.
massive untapped resource – the roughly only applies to the gains accrued from an
$6 trillion in unrealized capital gains investment in a QOF, and not the original • monitoring and tracking QOF
currently sitting dormant. It enables private gains invested into the QOF. investments.
and institutional investors to reduce taxes Wisconsin lawmakers incorporated the
on current capital gains and avoid taxes federal opportunity zone tax provisions • promoting vetted projects to local
on future capital gains—if they invest in into state law last session, applying the tax investors.
selected low-income and rural communities. benefits to state income taxes. While the
Under the Opportunity Zone program, value that this program brings to investors LOOKING AHEAD
individual and corporate taxpayers are is clear, the value and impact it can have
eligible for an array of tax incentives on gains on underserved communities is equally as Recently, a bipartisan group of Wisconsin
from the sale of stocks or assets by investing apparent. lawmakers circulated legislation for co-
the proceeds into a Qualified Opportunity sponsorship to expand the tax exclusion for
Fund (QOF). The QOF, in turn, must invest at THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVITALIZE investors in opportunity zones throughout
least 90% of its assets, directly or indirectly, COMMUNITIES. the state. The bill would double the tax
in businesses or property located in certain exclusion for those who invest in opportunity
low-income communities designated as The goal of the Opportunity Zone program zones. In the meantime, community leaders
Qualified Opportunity Zones. is to drive long-term investment into and economic developers should use this
economically distressed areas. These areas unique opportunity to get creative to draw
TAX BENEFIT TRIFECTA. are designated census tracts that have been the best mix of projects and investment
deemed “low income communities”. Each to rejuvenate their previously distressed
The path to tax benefits is relatively tract has a poverty rate of 20% and/or an communities.
straightforward. First, an investor realizes average family income falling below 80%
capital gains by selling stocks or assets. If the of the area’s median income. Each state’s Attorney Paul Mirr,
investor reinvests those capital gains into a governor nominated up to 25% of statewide Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C.
QOF within 180 days, the investor can earn low-income census tracts to be certified as
three key benefits: opportunity zones by the U.S. Department Attorney Andrew Raymonds,
1. Tax deferral: Investors can defer payment of Treasury. Wisconsin currently has 120 Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C.
designated opportunity zones spanning
of taxes on the capital gain until the across 40 counties.
earlier of the disposition of the interest in
the QOF or December 31, 2026. HOW COMMUNITIES CAN SPUR
2. Tax reduction: For capital gains INVESTMENT.
reinvested in a QOF, the basis is increased
by 10% if the investment in the QOF Investment is not guaranteed simply
is held for at least five years. The basis because an area has been designated as an
is increased by an additional 5% if the opportunity zone. Community leaders and
investment is held for at least seven economic developers can play a major role in
years, thereby excluding up to 15% of the capitalizing on this new opportunity by:
original gain from taxation. • educating investors on the availability
3. Permanent tax exclusion: An investor
can permanently exclude from taxable and benefits of opportunity zone
income capital gain from the sale or incentives.
exchange of an investment in a QOF, if the

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 7

FEATURE STORY Boom in beds

Staff photos by Dan Reiland
Construction of a Residence Inn by Fairfield began this summer on Eau Claire’s northeast

side. The new hotel will be next to a Fairfield Inn and Suites that opened in 2016.

Eau Claire hotel industry grows as demand climbs

By Andrew Dowd, Leader-Telegram staff area’s hotel occupancy has not been on the rise every
year and has seen dips and plateaus.
A fter somewhat cautiously emerging from the
Great Recession, the Eau Claire area lodging “It is important to note these things fluctuate,”
industry has experienced a boom in construction John said.
while the city is seeing more visitors.
Six hotels opened within the last six years — a mix Figures for the first half of 2019 have been down
of new properties and revived older ones — and 1.1% in terms of demand when compared to 2018,
demand for places to stay climbed as well. she said. With summer months a consistently high
part of the year for tourism, it is hard to grow there
“Over the last five to 10 years, we have been seeing but she is hopeful that a good autumn can help hotels
growing interest in Eau Claire as a destination,” said stay as busy as they were last year.
Linda John, executive director of Visit Eau Claire.
“When you have some strong years of growth,
Measured by rooms booked during a year versus inevitably you’re going to experience some plateaus,”
the total available, Eau Claire has seen 45% demand John said.
growth in the past 10 years, according to the local
convention and visitors bureau’s statistics. But the general trend for the area has been growth
since the last recession ended in 2009.
Even with the increased inventory, hotels were
fuller in 2018 than any year in recent history. The •••
Eau Claire area’s average occupancy rate last year — A good economy is commonly associated with
including everything from slow weekdays to busy leisure and travel spending as people feel confident
weekends — had reached 58%, the highest mark in they have disposable income to spend, but John
Visit Eau Claire statistics going back to 2007. believes local hotel growth also has been aided by
factors unique to the area.
John did temper enthusiasm with the fact that the

8 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

“I do feel part of it is the economy and part of it is Staybridge Suites opened in 2016 in Altoona’s River Prairie development. It is
something special going on in Eau Claire,” she said. among several hotels built in recent years as demand for rooms has been on
the rise in the Eau Claire area.
Two large summer events — Eaux Claires Music & Arts
Festival and Blue Ox Music Festival — both started here •••
in 2015 and bring in visitors needing a place to stay. Overall growth in Eau Claire’s hotel numbers does
belie the loss of an important piece of the local industry
“That was a huge driver of room nights,” John said. that was demolished to make way for a new hospital.
The number of smaller cultural and arts events have Four hotels came online in 2016 — two new ones and
also grown, she noted, and downtown’s revitalization two that underwent massive renovations — but the loss
also is aiding tourism to Eau Claire. of the Plaza Hotel & Suites left a hole in the local market.
“There’s a lot more event activity taking place,” she Closing in fall 2016, the Plaza not only had 233 guest
said. rooms, but also convention space unmatched in size by
A 2017 spike in occupancy — booking 12.4% more other area hotels.
overnight stays than the prior year — came as Eau Claire As a result, several conventions went to other
had gotten national media attention for its growing arts communities, John said. She attributes the loss of the
scene, John said. Plaza as a factor in the 4.3% dip in room demand during
Wisconsin as a whole is seeing growth in lodging — 2016.
accounting for $3.58 billion brought into the state last There are still hotels that accommodate large groups in
year, up 4.1% from 2017, according to Tourism Economics. the 50 to 500 people range, John said, but Eau Claire is
And Eau Claire isn’t the only area where hoteliers see still unable to meet demand for space to fit 800 to 1,200.
rising demand and are building new accommodations for The city does have large meeting spaces including UW-
visitors. Eau Claire’s Davies Center, the Chippewa Valley Expo
Kirsten Lee Villegas, president and CEO of the Center at Menards corporate headquarters and the Eau
Brookfield-based Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, Claire Indoor Sports Center, but John noted those don’t
sees the strong economy as the primary driver for recent have the advantage of being attached to a hotel. While
growth in the state’s lodging industry. There is high
confidence in the economy among innkeepers, she said See page 10
in an email, prompting them to move forward with
expansion plans they came up with during the prolonged
recovery after the Great Recession.
“After years of economic stagnation, there was a pent
up desire for hotel developers to expand and grow,”
Villegas said. “Expansion plans were put on hold. You are
now seeing those plans coming to fruition.”
Another factor is the addition of major destination
projects in the state that draw business and leisure travel.
“Projects such as the new Bucks arena and Brookfield
Conference Center and other major developments in the
state spur the need for expanded hotel room capacity,”
Villegas wrote in the email.

Hotel Occupancy Rate Room Tax Collections

70% $2,500,000
60%
50% $2,000,000
40%
30% $1,500,000
20%
10% $1,000,000
0%
$500,000
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
$0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 9

from Page 9 climbed past the $2 million mark in 2017.
those venues have attracted large events, John said While part of that growth is due to occupancy rates,
many organizers consider it a dealbreaker if they can’t
have convention space and lodging in the same spot John said much of it is due to newer hotels entering the
as transportation, booking multiple places and other market with higher prices.
logistics can add costs.
“A lot of our growth has been driven by rate,” she said.
But 2016 also brought in a renaissance to two older She views both contributing factors as good because
hotels, thoroughly changing them inside and out from they show more people coming to Eau Claire and hotel
downtrodden properties to trendy landmarks. companies investing in new, quality buildings here.
“There is something to be said in newer product versus
Downtown Eau Claire’s former Ramada Inn, which older product,” she said.
had lost the authority to use that branding and went
through foreclosure, was bought by a group of young •••
local investors who thoroughly remodeled it and turned The spate of new hotels began in fall 2013 with a
it into The Lismore Hotel. Holiday Inn opening and continued through last autumn
with Candlewood Suites, both of them owned by Larson
On a slightly smaller scale, the Green Tree Inn & Suites, Companies on Eau Claire’s southeast side.
another downtown hotel that had fallen on hard times, But there are even more lodging options planned or
was also revamped into a boutique hotel now known as already in progress.
The Oxbow. Construction of a Home2 by Hilton is well under way
on Eau Claire’s south side close to Oakwood Mall.
Staybridge Suites also opened in 2016 in Altoona’s A Residence Inn by Fairfield is already under
River Prairie development — the same year the Fairfield construction on the city’s northeast corner, next to a
Inn and Suites began receiving guests about a mile away Fairfield Inn and Suites that opened in 2016.
on Eau Claire’s northeast corner. A former Clarion hotel used for the past two years as
a UW-Eau Claire dormitory was razed this summer to
The infusion of new, high-end hotels has also been make way for two new hotels at the site on Craig Road.
apparent in the growth in room taxes collected in Eau Contact: 715-833-9204, [email protected],
Claire. @ADowd_LT on Twitter

The 8% charged on hotel stays, which goes toward
funding attractions and events that help boost tourism,

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10 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

Dealing with volatility GUEST COLUMN
near retirement
Steve Latham is a chartered financial analyst with a master’s
degree in investment management and financial analysis from
Creighton University and more than 12 years of experience in
the finance industry. He is an independent financial adviser,
CIO and a managing partner at River Prairie Wealth Partners,
2423 Rivers Edge Drive, Altoona. He can be reached at 715-
832-7715. River Prairie Wealth Partners is a private wealth
advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Set date, diversify, keep nest egg growing

By Steve Latham
River Prairie Wealth Partners

Retirement is an important milestone that often comes opinion, consider consulting a financial adviser for guidance.
after years (or decades) of careful planning. For those who’ve
saved diligently and are nearing the end of their careers, the Balance protection with growth
mere thought of market volatility can send shivers down Protecting your portfolio from current or future market
their spines. downturns becomes more important as you approach the
day when you start living off your savings.
Will a sudden drop in the value of their portfolios impact Consider investing the money you plan to use for income
their ability to retire? Will they really have enough money in the first few years of retirement more conservatively in
to live off of for the rest of their lives? Should they put their liquid vehicles that are easy to access. This can help give you
retirement plans on hold so they can maintain a steady peace of mind that you are prepared to handle upcoming
paycheck? expenses should the markets swing.
It’s also important to remember that your retirement
If you are in this situation, now is a good time to assess could last 20, 30 or even 40 years. Balance your need for
whether you have the right plan in place to help you protection with continuing
transition confidently into retirement, no matter what to grow your nest egg. OHUOR TSUHITESRAE!R!!E
happens in the broader market. Assets you won’t need for
some time could be more
Here are some tips to keep in mind. aggressively positioned.
To recreate your paycheck
Pick your retirement date in retirement, consider an
If you haven’t already, take time now to decide the year income-focused portfolio
and month when you (and potentially your spouse or that balances income
partner) want to retire. generation with risk
mitigation.
You may find it is closer than you think, just a few years At a minimum, ensure
away. Or you may decide you want to extend your time in your assets can keep on
the workforce – whether it’s continuing your current career pace with rising inflation.
or moving into a new full or part-time role. When the market moves,
it is an opportunity to
Either way, your answer can have a big impact on your compare your investment
investment decisions from this point forward. strategy to your goals. Are
you on track?
Ensure you are diversified No matter the answer,
Various parts of the market react to headlines and there are steps you can take
economic drivers differently. to feel more confident about
your ability to retire when
For those nearing retirement, the recent spike in volatility and how you want to.
is a reminder of how having a broadly diversified portfolio For additional help talk
can help reduce your investing risk. to a financial adviser who
is willing to discuss your
The goal of diversification is that if some of your personal circumstances and 1506 South Hastings Way,
investments lose value, those losses could be offset by gains provide guidance on how Eau Claire
with other investments. to manage your money for
today’s market. 715-832-3502
How do you know if you’re properly diversified? www.muldoons.com
The simplest answer is to check to see that your portfolio
contains a mix of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, short-term
cash investments, savings and other investing vehicles that
take into account your goals and comfort level with risk.
Going a step further, ensure you understand how each
asset or investment in your portfolio is helping you reach
your financial goals. If you’re unsure or want a second

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 11

COMMUNITY PROFILE A tight market

Staff photo by Dan Reiland
Altoona bought and is converting the former senior housing complex at 1511 Devney Drive into apartments to help address an affordable housing crunch in the area.

Chippewa Valley housing shortage impacting workforce

By Sarah Seifert, Leader-Telegram staff Chippewa Valley officials say.
With Wisconsin’s unemployment rate hitting a
C hippewa Valley residents need homes.
Affordable rental apartments, single- record low of 2.8% in April and hovering around
family starter homes, senior housing: 2.9% through the first eight months of 2019, job-
They’re all in need, Chippewa Valley economic seekers have had more options than ever in the
and housing officials say. Chippewa Valley.

As of late August, the Eau Claire-Altoona area But some local employers say after they’ve
had 169 active properties for sale under $500,000, found candidates, the workers couldn’t find places
said Stacey McKinney, president of the Realtors to live or couldn’t afford housing — and ended up
Association of Northwestern Wisconsin’s board of going elsewhere, said Joshua Clements, Altoona
directors and co-owner of McKinney Realty. city planner.

At the same time, Eau Claire and Altoona had “This is not a unique situation in Eau Claire. This
136 closings on residential properties scheduled is an issue in pretty much any area of the country
for the next 30-day period. where jobs are growing,” Clements said. “(It’s)
even more acute in our rural areas, because there’s
The area has little over a month’s supply of less flexibility in the housing market within a rural
housing stock: “That’s a shortage,” McKinney community.”
said.
With fewer houses available and local companies
Fewer housing options impact community seeking employees, some communities are facing
members from almost every demographic. the problem head-on.
Millennials stay in rental apartments longer if they
can’t find starter homes, and seniors do the same The city of Menomonie, partnering with over 20
in their larger homes if they can’t find affordable companies, began offering a home loan assistance
residences to downsize into, said McKinney and program in January to would-be workers. City
Scott Rogers, governmental affairs and workforce leaders said in August the program is meeting
director for the Eau Claire Area Chamber of with success and is set to invest $210,000 in loans
Commerce. for residents.

But a housing shortage isn’t only impacting Housing is on public officials’ minds too.
would-be residents of Eau Claire, Chippewa and Stakeholders and leaders from Eau Claire,
Dunn counties. It’s stifling employers in the area,

12 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

Altoona and Chippewa Falls in spring 2018 formed
the Chippewa Valley Housing Task Force, aiming to
find policies that would stem the housing shortage
and local affordability woes.

“While housing is the urgency we’re all talking
about, it’s our lens,” Clements said. “It touches labor,
international trade, trends in 10 years and longer of
construction. It touches public policy and it touches
how housing is financed at the state and federal level.”

Low on housing stock Staff photo by Sarah Seifert
Most in demand in the Eau Claire and Altoona
areas: Homes for first-time buyers with middle-level Menomonie Middle School health education teacher Shelly Misco, right, and
incomes, McKinney said. her fiancé Tyler Duex stand in front of Misco's home in Menomonie. Misco was
the first approved candidate for the city's Home Sweet Menomonie program,
Buyers aren’t bargaining as much, either. Of the 136 which offers zero-interest loans to area homebuyers who are employees of
Eau Claire-area home closings in August, the average over 20 participating companies.
home sold for 99.73% of its list price, according to
RANWW numbers. in backlash and slow economic expansion: “Housing
is a significant impediment to current and long-term
“Typically I’ve seen it more like 95% to 94% from the economic development in the region.”
list to sales price, but you can see there’s not a lot of
negotiating of price right now,” McKinney said. “That “We have the blessing of having a strong and
really is a telling statistic, in my opinion. It’s a sign we growing economy and growing population here, and
have a low inventory. It’s a seller’s market.” that means our housing inventory has been strained,”
Rogers said.
While housing price points for the middle-income
range sat between $150,000 and $250,000 ten years ago, A slowing of new construction after the recession
Chippewa Valley homes in that range now typically of the late 2000s is also contributing to the shortage,
start around $175,000, she said. Clements said.

(A middle-income household earns between 80% “In the depth of the recession, probably from 2009
and 150% of area median income — $50,538 in Eau to 2011, there wasn’t much getting built, period,”
Claire County in 2018. According to the housing Clements said. “There’s this backlog of demand,
task force’s 42-page report released in July, these because the population didn’t stop growing during
households are “generally the largest segment of the that time. Since then, construction hasn’t met historic
housing market.”) levels.”

Of the 136 local closings in late summer, the average Natural disasters in recent years — a deadly year
home price was $207,000, McKinney said. for California wildfires in 2018, and three of the five
costliest-ever hurricanes hitting the U.S. in 2017 —
Large real estate brokers also point to a shortage have spiked construction costs, Clements said.
of rentals, she said: “People are staying in their
apartments longer, because they’re (not) moving from See page 14
their apartment to their first home.”

The Chippewa Valley has “insufficient supply”
of housing for middle-income people, but other
demographics were at risk as well. The area has a
“critical lack” of housing for very low-income and
homeless people, and fewer higher-end housing
options make recruiting high-income professionals a
challenge, the task force report noted.

Isolating the cause
A root of the shortage is the Chippewa Valley’s
healthy economy, the task force found. But in a
boomerang effect, the shortage could eventually result

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 13

from Page 13 That doesn’t include utilities or transportation costs,
but just the cost of rent.
“You might not think it really impacts us in that
region,” Clements said. “But that drives up the cost of Looking at homeowners, closer to 25% are putting
construction nationally. Building materials cost about more than 30% of their income toward living costs,
the same in Minneapolis as they do in Fall Creek.” Clements said.

Fewer homes for workers isn’t isolated to the “There are needs across the board, at every price point,
Chippewa Valley. A Wisconsin Realtors Association but according to the data, households feeling the most
study released Sept. 3 found a “severe” workforce constraint are those who are renters,” Clements said.
housing shortage throughout the state, pointing to
declining homeownership and rising rents. Even if local workers are able to rent or own homes,
high rent prices or mortgage payments can pinch
“Without an adequate supply of workforce housing them — and their employers.
to meet the growing need, Wisconsin will not be
able to attract the workers necessary to help our “They may be coming to work with increased fiscal
economy prosper and will find itself at a competitive stress because of their housing conditions, or how
disadvantage,” said Tom Larson, WRA senior vice long their commute might be because of where they
president of legal and public affairs, in a statement can find housing,” Clements said.
about the study.
The Menomonie area has “a great influx” of
The report, written by UW-Madison professor of workers who live outside the county, said Eric Turner,
urban and regional planning Kurt Paulson, found Dunn County Economic Development Corporation
three causes of the shortage: Not enough newly-built executive director.
homes, construction costs rising faster than inflation
and outdated land use regulations. “We have a number of people living in Eau Claire,
Chippewa and the southern part of Barron County
Local leaders aren’t expecting the demand for local coming down to businesses in the north half of
housing to go away. Population projections from the Menomonie,” he said. “Some people can do that,
housing task force report suggest Eau Claire County but at the same time, it would be so much easier to
will need 2,690 new housing units in the next 12 years. be a four-minute drive from your home to where you
Chippewa County is projected to need an extra 2,100 work.”
units.
It’s hard for a community to precisely measure how
The numbers are based on state growth projections, a housing shortage is impacting local workers, since
the task force says, translating into an average of 224 data on the matter isn’t usually reported, Clements
new units needed per year in Eau Claire County. said. And companies often have no way of knowing
why someone didn’t apply to an open job.
Affordability a problem
Nearly half of Eau Claire County renters pay more Companies trying to expand in communities of 2,000
than 30% of their income on rent, the traditional to 3,000 people, including in Barron County, are often
target percentage for financially healthy living costs, running into problems because of low housing stock,
Clements said. Clements said.

“Their employers are trying to expand, but their
vacancy rate is next to zero,” he said. “There’s literally
no place to bring in more labor.”

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14 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

to be closer,” Misco said.
The city is pleased with the program’s progress

this year, said Menomonie mayor Randy Knaack in a
statement.

“We want to be proactive, not reactive when it comes
to dealing with workforce attraction and retention
issues we’ve seen in the past couple of years,” he said.

Staff photo by Sarah Seifert Finding solutions
A for sale sign hangs on an empty lot next to Hayden Avenue in Altoona. Chippewa Valley counties and cities are chasing
In a 30-day period in August, the Altoona and Eau Claire area had just over affordable housing solutions.
a month's worth of housing stock, said Stacey McKinney, president of the
Realtors Association of Northwestern Wisconsin’s board of directors. Eau Claire is pursuing a small affordable housing
development on the west side near Jeffers Road,
Attracting and retaining and Altoona has purchased a senior living complex
The city of Menomonie and local businesses are on Devney Drive destined to become affordable
offering a program they hope will attract workers to apartments, the Leader-Telegram reported in August.
the area permanently: a home loan program dubbed
Home Sweet Menomonie. But the housing task force is recommending several
other policies to make houses more affordable and
Employees of over 20 local businesses, including encourage new development.
the Menomonie school district, Mayo Clinic Health
System-Red Cedar in Menomonie and the city itself, Relax zoning requirements to allow more housing
can apply for a loan of up to $10,000 in down payment in certain areas, allow less vehicle parking to reduce
assistance if they’re in the process of buying a house. construction costs, encourage smaller unit sizes and
collaborate with other communities, the task force’s
Workers can pay off the zero-interest loan over report suggested.
several years, and the program may forgive the last
year’s payment if the homeowner makes certain For people hunting for homes, local buyers will have
improvements. to be flexible, McKinney said: “In this market you have
to be prepared, approved and look at everything.”
The program rolled out in January. The city has
processed 21 loan applications since then, investing The task force also suggested communities create
$210,000, it said in an Aug. 20 news release. Ten of and expand loan programs for home repairs and
those workers had closed on homes as of August, and improvements, and direct tax increment financing
11 were still searching for houses. district dollars to encourage new affordable
developments.
The program hopes to attract workers for Dunn
County — but also retain them, Turner said: "As far Similar to Home Sweet Menomonie, the local task
as really increasing your tax base, increasing schools force is studying employer-assisted housing programs
and benefiting downtown and businesses, you need in Wausau and La Crosse, Clements said.
people to set their roots down in the community.”
“Eau Claire and Altoona have been closely
The program's first recipient, Menomonie Middle collaborating on this. Chippewa Falls and Menomonie
School health education teacher Shelly Misco, closed officials are involved also,” Clements said. “I think if
on a north Menomonie home in January. She had been we are able to successfully launch a program, it’ll look
commuting to the city from Bloomer since August different than the other two or three, but exactly how
2018, after moving to the Chippewa Valley from that will work, we don’t know yet.”
southern Wisconsin.
Contact: 715-833-9206, [email protected],
Home Sweet Menomonie was the turning point @sxseifert on Twitter
in her home search, Misco said. Without the loan,
she would likely have waited about a year to begin Joshua Clements Scott Rogers Randy Knaack
looking.

“I knew I wanted to get much closer to Menomonie.
I knew I wanted to stay in that district, knew I wanted

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 15

CEO SPEAK Jeff West is the owner of Bear
Down (www.beardowninc.com),
Arguing with reality an executive and executive
team coaching company
Clinging to a belief brings downfall if facts, trends point the other way based in Eau Claire. Jeff was
formerly a founder and CEO of
Silicon Logic Engineering. He
also chairs Business Partners
peer groups in northwestern
Wisconsin. West can be
reached at 715-559-2195 or
[email protected].

“You’re free to argue with reality. Just know you’ll only lose 100% of the time.” CY WAKEMAN, AUTHOR, BUSINESS COACH

By Jeff West in the group. Many not only fell off the list, but cease to exist
at all anymore.
Question 1: Have you ever been in a situation like one or
more of the following? •••
So how do you, as the head of your business make sure
• A customer you feel you’ve gone the extra mile for, you’re reading reality’s tea leaves correctly?
maybe multiple times, switches to a competitor? The first thing to realize is it’s a very complex world out
there with a lot of moving parts. I know that sounds like a
• A formerly great product or service you’re emotionally simplistic statement, but it’s amazing how often we think we
tied to has shrinking sales for years? have a handle on what’s going on only to get blindsided. The
world is way too complex for any one person or even group
• U ngrateful employees who seem to complain more of people to completely get their arms around.
than they produce? Here are a few points that may help your thinking on this:

• A competitor with a new and improved twist on a Linear thinking: When we think in a linear fashion,
product or service that’s giving you fits? looking for cause and effect, we narrow our thinking to
a small set of variables. While we may have knowledge
• R egulations you see as unfair or just plain dumb? of some of the causes, often we miss others. Looking
• An economy that just won’t give you a break? at the world from a systems perspective can help.
• A product or service idea that isn’t clicking like you Knowing that we don’t know it all can be tough to admit.
Acknowledging that there might be things going on we
were sure it would? don’t fully understand is a step in the right direction.
• A merger or acquisition not working out as planned?
Question 2: What do you do when you run headlong into Open to insights: Finding others who have a different
situations like this? perspective or experiences can give us insights to a
The examples above and many more are instances where problem we may not have seen before. There’s never a
you can end up arguing with reality. The problem as so guarantee though that their visibility into the reality of a
eloquently stated by Ms. Wakeman above is that you’ll only situation is any better. Your job as the leader is to get as
lose 100% of the time. many perspectives as you need then separate the wheat
For many of us it’s normal to want to resist. It’s our will, from the chaff.
our ego, up against that nebulous “something” that thwarts
our best efforts at every turn. That “something” often turns Competent people: When asking for others’ thoughts,
out to be reality. know that you’re just getting their opinion on how they
see a situation. Making sure your people are as competent
••• as they can be in their respective jobs will give you more
Reality is the immovable object. We fight it at our peril. confidence in the opinions you’re receiving.
Companies, nations, even empires have fought it to the bitter
end convincing themselves all along their beliefs were right. •••
One doesn’t have to look far for examples of companies Ultimately you’ll never know all the variables at play.
who either ignored or intentionally fought the reality of All it takes is for one person or one company to challenge
their situation. Kodak invented the first digital camera in traditional thinking and whole industries can change.
1977. They saw where the world was heading but couldn’t Walmart figured out that distribution was key. Amazon
convince themselves to develop it at the expense of their makes ease-of-use their biggest competitive advantage.
film business. With roughly 70% market share and making What you want is to get as clear of picture of the “reality”
margins approaching 70% it was their film business they tried of any situation as you can knowing you’ll never know it all.
to protect to the very end. Then make a decision and move forward. If it looks like your
Companies like TWA, American Motors, Hostess, Lionel, decision isn’t working, have the courage to learn from what
Pan Am, Montgomery Ward to name just a few at one time reality is telling you, then kill it quick.
controlled resources and assets most of us can only imagine. When you know reality wins 100% of the time, why
Yet today they’re used as examples of companies that either challenge it? Let your competitors argue with it and use it as
fought or ignored reality to their ultimate detriment. your competitive advantage.
At last count there are only 57 of the original Fortune 500
companies still in the top 500. The span of 64 years since it
was first created seems like a long time. However when you
think about the assets a company has to be one of the top 500
in the world, it’s amazing that less than 12% of them are still

16 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

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September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 17

SupplementsCOMMUNITY PROFILE Veterinarian Vijay Sasi
in Stanley Staff photos stands next to equipment
by Chris Vetter used to make feed
supplements for a variety
of animals. Sasi bought
ABECS Global LLC less
than two years ago and
says the company is
growing with sales across
the U.S.

After achieving veterinary dream, man shifts to animal nutrition business

By Chris Vetter, Leader-Telegram staff
STANLEY

Dr. Vijay Sasi smiles as he proudly claims, “I’m living Sasi graduated from Madras Veterinary College in India,
the American Dream.” then attended Utah State University, where he earned a
master’s degree in dairy sciences. He moved to Wisconsin
Sasi, 56, was born in India. He said as a child, he dreamed in 1998, and he worked at a veterinary practice in Durand.
of becoming a veterinarian and living in the United States. He then decided he wanted to own his own business.
He has accomplished those goals.
“I was looking at a lot of places, and this opportunity
Sasi owns ABECS Global LLC, where he creates high- came up,” he said. “I’d never been in Stanley.”
quality feed supplements for animals. He personally
makes each batch and they are carefully packaged and ABECS was honored with an award during spring from the Chippewa County
shipped across the country. Economic Development Corporation for Sasi's entrepreneurship and the small
business' growth.
“We don’t make feed; we make feed supplements,” he
explained. “We started with gels and pastes and liquids, Sasi purchased ABECS Global in January 2018. The
then we went into powders.” business is located at 318 Development Drive in the
southwest corner of the city — Stanley Correctional
Sasi shows off a large vat where the supplements are Institution is directly across Highway 29 from ABECS'
made, but he doesn’t want to elaborate on the process, headquarters. Sasi wound up buying the 10,000-square-
calling it a trade secret. He developed most of the formulas foot multi-tenant building that ABECS has been in, which
himself. includes plenty of storage space, last November.

“It makes the animals healthier, and better performance,” The building has clean rooms, with workers required to
he said of his products. wear hair nets in those areas.

The supplements are usually packed into small tubes, Garrett Mesang is one of four employees working for
and farmers would pour the powders directly into an Sasi.
animal’s mouth, to make sure they ingest it, he said.
“I like seeing all the different things we make, seeing
“When you give a supplement to an animal, you see the what animals can have and can’t have,” Mesang said.
benefits they are getting,” he said. “It makes you feel so
good.” Sasi lives with his wife, Vasumathy. Their son graduated
from North High School in Eau Claire and now attends
ABECS Global LLC was named the Chippewa County college in Chicago. Sasi thanked the Stanley Business
“Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Chippewa County Association and the community for supporting his
Economic Development Corporation in an annual award company.
ceremony in May.
Contact: [email protected]
“The doctor has a great entrepreneurship spirit,” said
CCEDC executive director Charlie Walker. “He’s been
bootstrapping his product for a couple of years. Stanley
was a perfect fit (for him) because of the dairy out there.”

ABECS is an acronym for avian and aquatics, bovine,
equine and exotics, canine and cats, swine and sheep.
“ABECS Global is designed to be the home for all your
innovative animal health and nutritional solutions,” the
company website states.

While Sasi didn’t want to detail his sales figures or state
how much of the supplements he is producing, he boasts
he had double-digit growth in 2019 from a year ago.

“We do quite a bit of business in Minnesota and
Wisconsin, but also Texas, Kentucky, Vermont, North
Carolina and in Canada,” he said.

Some of the products assist the development and
performance of race horses, he added.

18 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

BOOK REVIEW

Bossy book

Trendy writing style can be annoying; Title: “Boss Up!”
advice for failing ventures omitted Author: Lindsay Teague Moreno
Pages: 256
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (c. 2019)

By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm

There’s more to life than this. Kids, job, bills, is a business. And finally, “be S.M.A.R.T.” (Specific,
repeat as necessary. Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely)
when you set goals, accept when mistakes are made
Didn’t you have dreams once? and don’t give yourself the option to fail. Refuse
If being an entrepreneur was one of them, read failure.
“Boss Up” by Lindsay Teague Moreno. Simply refuse it.
Says Moreno, this book is for women – mothers in Which is what readers may do with this book.
particular – who want to own their own businesses There’s no doubt that “Boss Up” may offer some
but lack the oomph, the stick-to-itiveness or the self- women a certain business boost, but others may be
confidence for it. It’s for women like her own mother, overwhelmed by the step-by-step process that looks
who was an awesome mom and a real estate agent. more like a polka than a path. Moreno offers great
Moreno recalled her mother didn’t blink when her advice that’s easy to grasp, but it seems to be all
8-year-old daughter said that she wanted to own a over the place, rather than basics first.
business when she grew up. Also missing: Some sort of option for a business
“Boss Up” is for women who know they need that’s just not working, an omission that could hurt
to put their energy into working for themselves in or discourage first-time entrepreneurs.
some way, but haven’t the first clue how to do that. The verbiage here is hip and trendy and perfect
To be an entrepreneur start by knowing the for its audience of young mothers, but it can also
difference between a hobby and a business. be annoying. “Mom” is used as a verb and mild
Reconnect with things you love and are good profanity used in the book might bother the Christian
at doing, identify your greatest strengths and audience this book seems to court. Readers should
weaknesses, and understand how you can work likewise beware that Moreno tells a rather lengthy
them. Then, read Moreno’s 10 “Success Philosophy” story about her husband and intestinal problems in
chapters she presents for entrepreneurs to read and a public place. Though it’s presented as hilarious,
absorb. it’s very much not.
Think long term and know how to differentiate Readers who still want to tackle this book, should.
your business from others who offer the same kind It has advice that’s
of product. There may be several hundred knitters usable, but be aware
on Etsy, so what makes yours different? of what you’re The Bookworm is
Be authentic and stop apologizing. You have a reading. Terri Schlichenmeyer.
story to tell, so use it to connect with customers – Terri has been
but tell it consistently by staying on track. Business Also know that reading since she
might wane now and then, but hold onto positivity when it comes to was 3 years old and
both inwardly and outwardly. Be teachable and “Boss Up,” there’s never goes anywhere
willing to embrace innovation. Never lose sight of without a book. She
“your why” and never forget that your business lives on a hill in

more to business Wisconsin with two
than this. dogs and 15,000
books.

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 19

GUEST COLUMN

Recession-proof your marketing Justin Vajko owns Dialog Design
Co., an Eau Claire-based marketing,
Three ways you can avoid sales drying up during economic downturns branding and website firm. Contact
him via email at [email protected]
By Justin Vajko or visit the firm's website at
Dialog Design Co. www.dialogwith.us.

I’ve been following a couple of financial news sources From first connection until the sale, you need to have
that are predicting when the next recession will happen. a plan to get them there. Without this sales funnel in
Some say it will still start this year. Others say within a place, you’re going to let ideal customers slip through
couple of years. the cracks and lose money.
While trying to predict an exact date is fruitless, the Create a clear “next step” for every interaction you
point that I’m understanding is that it’s going to be soon. have with potential customers. Your website is a great
Sooner than most business leaders would like. place to do this. When someone lands on your homepage,
But when I hear news of an impending recession, I’m for example, give them a way to sign up for emails that
not one bit worried about my own business income make their life easier or more fun.
drying up. Why? Because I have a reliable way to find If you have a salsa company, for example, you
leads and cultivate them using a marketing strategy that could send out recipes or fun party ideas. If you sell
works predictably. maintenance contracts, give facility managers a list of the
Unfortunately, I’m in the minority of business owners top five facility pitfalls that they can avoid with regular
who feel confident about their marketing. That’s because check-ups.
most businesses don’t have a predictable marketing Whether it’s through email, direct mail or social media,
system they can rely on when times get dry. stay in touch throughout the entire sales cycle in a way
Here are three ways I am recession-proofing my that demonstrates your authority and provides value to
business’s income: your potential customers so that they choose you when
they’re ready to buy.
Stop throwing spaghetti
Facebook! Direct mail! Radio ads! There sure are a lot of Find and cultivate champions
ways to put your marketing message out there. But that I used to work for a nonprofit organization that helps
doesn’t mean each one is right for your small business. homeless people. One of the biggest indicators for
You can’t afford to keep throwing spaghetti against someone becoming homeless wasn’t necessarily the
the wall, hoping something sticks. When the time comes money they were making, the place they lived or their
and you want to sit down and eat dinner, you’ll find that education. It was how strong their network of people
there isn’t anything to eat. was. Network-poor people were much more likely to
Just because an opportunity to advertise is in front of hit rock bottom than those who had family, friends or
you doesn’t mean it’s meant for you. trusted coworkers to lean on. I’ve found this to be the
Do this instead: Create an ideal customer persona. same with businesses.
What’s your customer’s name, age, family size? What Without a trusted network of business connections,
problems are you solving in their life? What does your your business will be alone in times of trouble. While
product or service buy them (peace of mind, status, time this is more a sales tip than a marketing tip, the result is
to do other things, etc.)? still the same.
When you’re talking to one person instead of a bunch Do this: Find people in your niche that can give you
of people with varying backgrounds, it helps your insights into who you should be talking to. Get to
marketing message be more compelling and helps you know their story and develop a relationship with them.
to determine where to find more people like them. Communicate with them regularly and show them what
you’re up to and how you’re helping people through
Have a watertight sales funnel your business.
Once you’ve created a customer persona and start Find a mentor, mastermind group and connections in
mingling with more of your ideal customers, they need your industry that complement what you do well.
to have a clear next step for how to engage with your When things hit the fan, you’ll be thankful that you
company. have a collection of smart people to lean on.

20 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

est. 2017
September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 21

Honoring Businesses in the Chippewa Valley for over 130 years.

Welcome

H to the
on20o19r Roll of Business
The businesses listed on the following pages are proud of the history they’ve formed with the
Chippewa Valley and they want to share it with you. They know first hand how difficult it is to open
and operate a successful business year after year. We salute these businesses for their years of
service to the Chippewa Valley. Some have been here a very long time and others are just beginning.
Years in business are provided by the businesses represented.
Want to include your successful
business next year?
Call Alicia at 715-833-9239 to find out how!

Congratulations to them all!

22 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

Honor Roll of Business

11601 years 1467 YyeEaArRsS 13490 YyEeAaRrSs

Connell’s Family (1872-20183) 207634 • 9-24-18
Orchard Est. 1858
U.S. Bank 128 years
HONEYCRISP - Apples, 65 area locations
Pumpkins & Squash, 715.839.6318

Apple Donuts & Bakery, usbank.com
Jams, Jellies and Pure
Member FDIC
Local Honey. Live, working
observation bee hive.

Raspberries, pick your own.

715-723-5889 208657_09-24-18
Open Daily 9-6
WWEAEGKEONND 19372 Cty Hwy OO,
RIDES Chippewa Falls

132 YEARS 131 YEARS

112 Railway St. • Augusta, WI 54722 Local & Family Owned
Since 1891
Bus: 715-286-2271
Uniforms. Floor Mats.
www.LampertLumber.com Towels. Mops.

Restroom Supplies.

715.835.3101
www.huebsch-services.com
3605 White Ave. | Eau Claire

1210 years 117 years 1089 years

208656 • 09-24-18 715-723-4649 207615 • 09-24-18 Established 1910
HVAC, Plumbing,
www.pedersonvolker.com
Temp Controls

715-835-3169

www.bartingalemechanical.com

208654_09-24-18

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER 8|4021231

Honor Roll of Business

1034 yYeEaArRsS 967 YEARS 834 YyeEaArRsS

fiAn3erSFddiGaaimnmeioclnynedTse1rsrai9andct1ietii15oo9n1ni5n “Serving the 24-HOUR SERVICE
3rd Generation Eau Claire area www.kurthheatingandcooling.com
Downtown Menomonie AUTO TOP SHOP LLC since 1922”
715-723-2211
715-235-2220 Automobile Upholstery, Automobile
Carpeting, Truck Cushions Rebuilt, Truck 208649 • 09-24-18
Downtown Menomonie
715-235-2220 Accessories, Zippers-Sales, Repairs,
Burn Damage Repairs, Convertible Tops,
208653 • 09-24-18
Boat Covers, Canvas Repairs

Leather Interiors
Seat Heaters

715-E8au3C5la-i3re388

208652 • 09-24-18

85 YEARS 77 years 75 YEARS

Serving Eau Claire FURNITURE Cars - Trucks - Farm Tires
Since 1934 Car - Truck Repairs
Since 1942
Conveniently located 16051 County Hwy J Durand 300 W Prospect St
in Putnam Heights. (715) 672-8300
Chippewa Falls
LIQUOR MART WI 54729 Eau Claire 3014 Mall Dr
301 E. Clairemont (715) 834-4106
www.economyfurniture.us
715-835-8737 715-723-1444

208650 • 09-24-18 207618 • 09-24-18

73 years 71 years 69 years

WWW.MARTEN.COM Thank you for trusting us Big, Tall, Short or Small...
with your real estate WE FIT THEM ALL
209085 • 09-24-18 needs for 71 years!
Thank you Western Wisconsin for
715-836-8080 making our 69 years so successful.
DonnellanOnline.com
www.muldoons.com

1506 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire

715-832-3502
1-800-942-0783

Quality Clothing Since 1950

208647 • 09-24-18

24 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

Honor Roll of Business

62 YEARS 61 YEARS 601 YEARS

PUB There’s no home like We have been doing commercial
the one you own painting and wall covering
2812 London Road for the past 60 years.
Wilbert Statz
715.831.1300 Home Builder LLC We appreciate your continued support.

More than pizza. Custom Builder • Remodeling HAGEN
We serve traditions.
Since 1958 DECORATORS, INC.
208662 Pleasant St. 715-835-4321
9-24-18 715-834-3362
www.hagendecorators.com
55 YEARS 1913 Skeels Avenue 208642 9-24-18
Eau Claire, WI 54701
51 YEARS
208661_09-24-18

545 YEARS

2625 Morningside Drive 1225 Truax Blvd Ruth E. Harris M.S., Director 208641 9-24-18
Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI 54703
CHILDREN • ADOLESCENTS • ADULTS 207629 • 09-24-18
715.832.5085 www.ervsmith.com One-on-One Educational
www.brotoloc.com Services for Reading,
• 715.836.8360 Learning Disabilities &
207633 • 09-24-18 • 1.800.472.8838 Attention Deficit Disorders

51 YEARS “Because we care, our customers 715-834-2754
become our friends” or call 1-800-773-2605
Julson’s Auto Service 2600 Stein Blvd., Eau Claire, WI
207610 09-24-18 northwestreadingcliniclimited.com
L.L.C.
4590 YEARS 478 YEARS
Jim & Steve Julson
An Experience That Will 301 N. Farwell St.
SINCE 1968 Leave You Smiling Eau Claire
Complete Auto and
715.834.6603 715-834-7707
LT. Truck Service Chippewa Valley’s
Hillsidedental.com
1505 Western Ave. Leader In
Eau Claire, WI 54703 William Hutchinson, DDS Collision Repair
Lonnette Breneman, DDS www.superiorautobodyinc.com
715-834-5832 Christopher Johnson, DDS

208659_09-24-18

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 25

Honor Roll of Business

445 YyEeAaRrSs 423 years 43 YEARS

Building Lasting Relationships, Full Service Tire & Mechanic Facility. 1018 E. Prospect St.
One Customer at a Time Tires, Brakes, Oil Changes
Durand, WI 54736
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM! Alignments & Wheel Polishing 715-672-5659
2309 W Cameron St , Eau Claire Commercial & Consumer Vehicles
Open April - mid September
888.GoAsher 1102 Menomonie Street
www.GoAsher.com Eau Claire, WI 54703 207621 09-24-18

208660_09-24-18 715-835-7555

208658_09-24-18

41 years 3367 years 36 years 207628 09-24-18

• Septic System INSURANCE BRENIZER, REALTORS®
Maintenance ASSOCIATES Thanks to all

• Holding Tanks HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE of OUR Customers,
• Commercial Service Clients & Family
“Your trusted independent for making us West
Tom Jakubowicz agency helping individuals
Owner/Operator Central Wisconsin’s
in the Chippewa Valley
715.828.2588 with their health and life #1 Homeseller
Coldwell Banker
countrysideseptic.com insurance needs since Brenizer, Realtors
1982.”
715-835-4344
715-832-1772 715-723-5521
715-235-8443
3413 Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701
[email protected] • www.insassoc.net

208664 9-24-18

345 years 35 YEARS 77 years

• Landscape Management Commercial, Industrial & Residential, FURNITURE
• Design & Installation electrical work, and control work.
• Irrigation Services 24 Hour Service Since 1942
16051 County Hwy J
www.ever-greenservices.com www.bandbelectric.com
1303 Western Avenue Chippewa Falls
Locally Owned and WI 54729
Operated Since 1984 Eau Claire, WI
www.economyfurniture.us
208766 9-24-18 715-832-1676 715-723-1444

207618 • 09-24-18

26 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

Honor Roll of Business

32 YEARS 22 YEARS 18 YEARS

John’s Sewing Transforming Business GENERAL CONTRACTOR • BUILDER
Center with Technology
715-829-0875
John L. Webber Network Information Enterprise IT
Janome-Elna Security 207623 • 09-24-18

Certified Dealer wintechnology.com

Service & Parts - All Makes Address Phone Email

419 E. Madison St. 4955 Bullis Farm Road Sales: sales@
Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI 54701 (877)946-6300 wintechnology.com
IT Support:
715-834-5252 (855)294-6044 support@
888-834-5252 Network Support: wintechnology.com
(866)206-2027
207626 09-24-18

156 YEARS 15 YEARS

General Contracting 208644_09-24-18
• Commercial
• Industrial

715-514-4172

www.rhomconstruction.com

209316 09-24-18

Congratulations
on your success.

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 27

“Guest Article”

BEST KEPT SECRET ON I-94

For four generations starting in 1927, Nels Gunderson We all know one of the most important keys to assisting
Chevrolet has been helping businesses with customizing you with your transportation needs is keeping your vehicle
their transportation needs. on the road, which brings us to our highly recommended
Our location on the corner of I-94 and Highway 10 in award winning service department. From diagnosing and
Osseo, WI allows us to serve multiple states. We offer a completing repairs in the most cost effective and timely
service center, expedited parts, heavy duty recovery/towing manner we can get you back on the road in no time.
and we are proud to be the only authorized Chevrolet
medium duty dealer in West Central Wisconsin. We know with your business and our business the most
We stock HD trucks such as 2500HD and 3500HD and important assets are the people that work there. When you
also offer the all new Medium Duty lineup consisting of come to Nels Gunderon Chevrolet and need assistance
4500, 5500 and 6500. The Medium Duties are offered in with your transportation needs you will be surrounded with
4WD or 2WD with gross combined weight ratings up to hundreds of years of experience. We are able to answer
37,000 pounds. Several different wheel bases and cab questions in regards to efficiency, safety, state regulations,
configurations are available for immediate delivery. Another DOT inspections and creative ways to show you how you
important model that Nels Gunderson Chevrolet offers for can afford the product that you need.
business needs is the all new fully customizable, very driver
friendly and superior maneuverability Chevrolet Low Cab Everyone has heard the statement, soup to nuts, once you
Forward that is available in 4500-6500 models in either make the decision on the vehicle the next decision is how
gasoline or diesel engines. to own it. We have a full suite of financing and leasing
We also need to mention the most versatile and most cost options as well as answering questions about bonus
effective perennial favorite Chevrolet Express Cargo van depreciation.
that is also available in a 3500 or 4500 Cutaway model and
these have virtually endless customizable possibilities. Every day we strive to uphold our mission statement that
We have an extensive relationship with numerous upfitters we are a dedicated knowledgeable family, committed
including Monroe Truck Equipment, Knapheide, Supreme, to delivering mobility to our customers and community
BayBridge, Morgan Bodies and American Cargo. Let’s not through lasting relationships built on trust and values.

forget, Nels Gunderson Chevrolet is also an upfitter After reading this article isn’t it hard to believe that we still
and we are fully capable of transferring talk to customers on a daily basis that say these words to
your current customized upfit to a new us, “we had no idea of the resources that we had available
updated chassis in our service center. to us at Nels Gunderson Chevrolet in regards to our
Don’t forget that Nels Gunderson business transportation needs.”
Chevrolet stocks a complete portfolio of
fuel efficient cars and SUV’s, light duty Hard to believe that this is the best kept secret on the
trucks and even have access to electric corner of I-94 and Highway 10 in Osseo, Wisconsin, we are
vehicles. Nels Gunderson Chevrolet.

Steve Schacht Jon Solie

28 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

October - December CALENDAR

Oct. 2: Compensation Trends & Forecast for 2020 presentation, South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court. Cost $600. Info/register: ce.uwec.edu.
noon-2 p.m., Main Street Cafe, 1418 Main St., Bloomer. Cost: $15. Nov. 13: Workforce Solutions Summit, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.,
Info/register: chippewa-wi.com. Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Ave. Info:
Oct. 3-4: Orientation, Time Management and Delegation seminar, EauClaireChamber.org.
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Holiday Inn South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court. Cost Nov. 13: Generations in the Workforce course, 9 a.m.-noon,
$600. Info/register: ce.uwec.edu. CVTC Manufacturing Education Center, 2320 Alpine Road.
Oct. 3: Conflict Resolution in the Workplace workshop, 9 a.m.- Cost: $89. Info/register: cvtc.edu.
noon, CVTC Chippewa Falls Campus, 770 Scheidler Road. Cost: Nov. 14: Train the Trainer course, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., CVTC
$89. Info/register: cvtc.edu. Chippewa Falls Campus, 770 Scheidler Road. Cost: $225. Info/
Oct. 8: Manufacturing Advantage Series: Smart Automation, register: cvtc.edu.
hands-on workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., UW-Stout Memorial Student Nov. 15: Success for Breakfast: Navigating Generations in
Center, 302 10th Ave. E., Menomonie. Cost: $169. Info/register: the Workplace presentation, 9-10 a.m., Chippewa Falls Area
uwstout.edu. Chamber of Commerce, 1 N. Bridge St. Cost: $15. Info/register:
Oct. 17: Hatch business pitch competition, 6-8 p.m., Cowboy Jack’s ChippewaChamber.org.
Saloon, 1432 Front Porch Place, Altoona. Info/register: chippewa- Nov. 20: Business Plan Basics, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Western
wi.com. Dairyland, 418 Wisconsin St. Cost: $29. Info/register:
Oct. 18: Safety Day conference for safety and health professionals, SuccessfulBusiness.org.
7:15 a.m.-3 p.m., CVTC Energy Education Center, 400 Campus Nov. 21: Strengths-Based Leadership class, 8 a.m.-noon, CVTC
Road. Cost: $99. Info/register: cvtc.edu. Business Education Center, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. Cost: $149.
Oct. 18-20: Startup48 business idea competition, Jamf, 215 Info/register: cvtc.edu.
Riverfront Terrace. Cost: $75, general ticket, $45, students or Nov. 21-22: Employee Evaluation and Performance
military. Info/register: startup48.co. Management seminar, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Holiday Inn South,
Oct. 22: Start a Small Business in Eight Steps workshop, 5:30- 4751 Owen Ayres Court. Cost: $600. Info/register: ce.uwec.edu.
8:30 p.m., Western Dairyland, 418 Wisconsin St. Cost: $29. Info/ Dec. 5-6: Process Mapping and Workflow Improvement
register: SuccessfulBusiness.org. seminar, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Citizens State Bank, 375 Stageline
Oct. 24-25: Business Writing seminar, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Holiday Inn Road, Hudson. Cost: $600. Info/register: ce.uwec.edu.

LS5oB0aA4ns occupational
health
Are you currently leasing space and ready to start building equity in a building
for your business? Is there machinery or large equipment that can help you be Caring for the health of your employees:
more efficient or productive? Employer Health Solutions
In partnership with the US Small Business Administration using the 504 Loan
Program, we are able to offer business members up to a 25 year low fixed Providing affordable healthcare and testing
rate with as little as 10% cash down. services for individuals and companies
mobile and throughout the U.S. Whether you
504 LOANS MAY BE USED FOR: have 10 employees or 10,000, Provisions
Purchase owner-occupied commercial Health can help keep your workers safe and
real estate and/or machinery/equipment
healthy on the job.
Refinance owner-occupied commercial real estate

Renovate or construct owner-occupied
commercial real estate

Projects in size from $350,000 to $20,000,000
WESTconsin Credit Union’s experienced Business Loan Officers are here to help
you take advantage of this great loan program available to small businesses.
Call (800) 924-0022 or visit your local WESTconsin office.

*The terms and conditions are subject to final approval and may change at any time.

Physical Exams Tests & Screenings Occupational Medicine

Clinics: 2522 Golf Road, Suite 2, Eau Claire, WI 54701
420 Fifth Avenue South, Suite C, La Crosse, WI 54601

Phone: (715) 797-0971

September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 29

Legacy StoneS

est. 2017

Order online at

www.ecveteransfoundation.com

Receive an american Flag and a commemorative

pin at the dedication ceremony as a special thank

you for ordering a Legacy Stone. Enclosed is my
tax-deductible
Custom-engraved stones are a $500, tax- donation of $500
deductible donation to the Eau Claire County for a 12” x 12”
Veterans Tribute Foundation. The proceeds go square x 2” Legacy
directly to the construction of the Veterans Stone inscribed
Tribute Park and the mission to educate the with the following
public about the cost of freedom. letters. (No
punctuation may
Legacy Stones are solid gray granite, 12”x 12” be used.) maximum
square x 2”thick. 5 lines with 16
characters per line.
Please make checks payable to You can also choose from these five branch emblems at no extra cost. Please X out one line of choice above for emblem.
Eau Claire County Veterans Tribute Foundation
and mail to PO Box 1422 Eau Claire, WI 54702 ArmY NAVY mArINES AIr FOrCE COAST GuArD mErChANT mArINES

Name_____________________________________________________________________Phone_________________________Date____________

Address______________________________________________________City___________________________State____________Zip___________

SuppoRt

Our HistOry. Our COmmunity. Our Veterans.

30 | BUSINESS LEADER • September 23, 2019

BY THE NUMBERS local.

$20 million Local Bank for Your Local Business.

Value of new Huffcutt Concrete Cody Filipczak
headquarters facility in Lake Hallie that
opened in early September. Featuring an - C&M Home Builders
automated production process for making
concrete wall panels, the building is “Charter Bank has all of our business accounts
expected to add 150 new jobs to the area and has done hundreds of loans for us over the
over the next five years.
years. Everyone we have worked with at the
22% bank is very qualified and always great to work

Of more than 11,500 U.S. employers with. I especially like the different financing
surveyed by ManpowerGroup plan to options they have for both short- and long-term
increase their workforces in the fourth
quarter. The majority — 72% — intend to loans. We will be working with Charter for
maintain current staffing while 5% expect many years to come.”
to downsize and just 1% were unsure of
their hiring plans. Locally Connected. Personally Invested.

96,000 localSee all these great stories
and many more!
Square footage of Hy-Vee grocery store Visit Charter Bank online at:
planned to replace a defunct Kmart on
East Clairemont Avenue in Eau Claire. bankcharterbank. /testimonials
The Kmart was in business from 1963
until early 2015. 800-471-4510

3.3% charterbank.bank/business

Unemployment rate in Eau Claire metropolitan September 23, 2019 • BUSINESS LEADER | 31
area as of July. While slightly down from the
month before, the jobless figure is 0.4%
higher than it was a year before.

130,000

Jobs added to the U.S. economy in August,
which is below the 158,000 per month
average established this year through July,
according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

2 season tickets. 3 children.

Around here this is a more common problem than you’d think. Our Trust eau claire | wausau | green bay ruderware.com
& Estates team deals with this type of thing and many other family matters visit our blogs at blueinklaw.com
like “who gets the summer cabin up north.” These aren’t easy decisions
to make and they’re not ones you should be making alone. We’ve been
around since 1920 and have learned a thing or two, so contact us today
and we’ll help you make the right decisions for you and your loved ones.

207120 9-24-18