Chamber Insights: Support Your Team With Confidence in Today’s Workplace
At the risk of starting the year off with doom and gloom, this is a topic that’s becoming increasingly important. Whether it’s personal uncertainties leaking into the workplace or your employees have concerns about the business or their place in it, many of them are feeling like they’re operating on unstable ground. This topic, while uncomfortable, is not something to be ignored or swept under the business welcome mat.Yet for business owners, this can feel like one more thing on an exhaustive to-do list.
Businesses highlight collaboration with UW-River Falls at Universities of Wisconsin Business Day in the Capitol
Business leaders representing Wisconsin’s dairy industry showed their support for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls at Universities of Wisconsin Business Day in the Capitol Wednesday in Madison. The event, held during Small Business Week, brought together businesses from across the state to highlight their partnerships with the Universities of Wisconsin and to showcase local businesses supported by the UWs Small Business Development Centers. Mat Bartkowiak, vice president of Corporate
Banks receives 2026 Lydecker Student Research Award
Hayden Banks, a senior chemistry major from River Falls, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Drs. Ann and William Lydecker Student Research Award at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Each year since 2011, the Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity (URSCA) Office has recognized an outstanding undergraduate’s research efforts coupled with service to and/or involvement at UW-River Falls. The award was created by William (Bill) Lydecker, now deceased, to honor his late
Falcon Futures: Student Gabby Huitema one of three Alice in Dairyland finalists with UW-River Falls ties
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will be well represented when Wisconsin’s next Alice in Dairyland finals are held May 14-16 in Marathon County. Half of this year’s finalists are current or past students. Gabby Huitema, a senior from Markesan majoring in animal science with a meat animal emphasis, will join UWRF alums Michelle Stangler and Jessica Moor along with three other finalists as they vie to become the 79th Alice to represent Wisconsin’s agriculture industry on behalf of the Department
UW-River Falls Commencement set for May 9
679 students will receive their degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls during three spring Commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 9. All three ceremonies will be held at Page Arena inside the Falcon Center, 185 Emogene Nelson Ave. 589 students will receive bachelor’s degrees, 80 will receive master’s degrees, six will receive doctorate degrees and four will receive associate’s degrees. Spring Commencement is divided into three separate ceremonies: 9 a.m. – College of Education,
DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski honored with Wisconsin Distinguished Agriculturalist Award at UW-River Falls
Randy Romanski, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), has been named the 2026 Wisconsin Distinguished Agriculturalist by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The award was presented to Romanski, a 1989 UWRF alum, at the 60th Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet April 16. “As secretary of DATCP since 2019, Mr. Romanski has worked on important issues to Wisconsin
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2026 Chancellor Award
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls presented its highest non-academic honor to 11 students during the annual Chancellor’s Award for Students reception Wednesday. “Our 2026 Chancellor Award honorees exemplify excellence through their leadership in the classroom, engagement in campus life and service beyond the university,” Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth said. “We are proud to recognize these students for their outstanding achievements in research and for their meaningful contributions to the
For the love of horses: UW-River Falls celebrates 50th anniversary of Colts in Training Sale May 2
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host its 50th annual Colts in Training Sale May 2 at the Campus Farm,1475 S. Wasson Ln., River Falls. Preview rides will begin at 11 a.m. A live auction with both in-person and online bidding will begin at 2 p.m. The colt sale has only been held virtually since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The model proved to be efficient, but the landmark anniversary called for a special event. “We’re going back to the big in-person event for the 50th,” said
New Nonprofit Aims to Make River Falls Residents Healthier, Hosts Free Keynote Event April 29
RIVER FALLS, WI — April 20, 2026 Northwest Wisconsin is taking a major step toward improving long-term community health. TrueWellness, a new community-based nonprofit, headquartered in the Chippewa Valley, is launching a regional initiative to transform the environments where residents live, work, learn and play. The goal is simple, to make it easier for everyone to choose healthier habits every day. TrueWellness, established in April 2025, was created to address the root causes of chronic disease
River Falls Rotary Launching Crutches4Africa
River Falls Rotary Launching Crutches4Africa The River Falls Rotary Club is launching its second annual Crutches4Africa drive. Instead of storing or disposing of mobility devices after use, you can donate them! The River Falls Rotary Club is collecting crutches and other mobility devices for people in Africa who desperately need them but cannot afford them. Rotary is collecting the devices to fill a shipping container that will be sent to Africa to help people in need. In addition to crutches, the
UW-River Falls announces Giving Days April 23-24
Fundraiser offers opportunities to support the next generation of campus leaders and champions April 16, 2026 — The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host its annual Giving Days fundraiser April 23 and 24, inviting alums, friends and community members to come together in support of students and programs that define the Falcon experience. This year’s Giving Days comes amid a wave of extraordinary momentum for UWRF. From the grand opening of the state-of-the-art Science and Technology Innovation
UW-River Falls hosts 93rd annual Mathematical Association of America-Wisconsin Sectional meeting
Event featured mathematics competitions, presentations and awards April 16, 2026 — The University of Wisconsin-River Falls hosted the 93rd annual Mathematical Association of America-Wisconsin Sectional Meeting April 10 and 11. The event marked the first time the sectional meeting was held at UWRF since 1997 and drew nearly 200 students, educators and mathematicians from across the Midwest. The meeting kicked off the morning of April 10 with the inaugural Math Modeling Showcase Event. Eleven middle
Exhibition features work of UW-River Falls BFA candidates April 13-May 1
Senior BFA candidates at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will showcase their Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibitions April 13 to May 1 in Kleinpell Fine Arts Gallery 101, 420 E. Cascade Ave., River Falls. The free exhibition will feature ceramics, paintings and new media. An exhibition reception will be held April 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday noon-8 p.m. and Sundays 2-4 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays. Delaney Erb of Berlin is a BFA candidate focusing in
UW-River Falls to host screening of documentary, “The Librarians,” April 15
April 9, 2026 — Chalmer Davee Library at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host a screening of the documentary film, “The Librarians,” Wednesday, April 15, at 6 p.m. in the Kinnickinnic River Theater in the University Center, 501 Wild Rose Ave. The event is free and open to the public. In the film, librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and First Amendment rights in response to efforts to ban books in cities and states across the country. A panel discussion
Chamber Insights: How to Stop Being the Best-Kept Secret in Town
If you ask a small business owner where most of their opportunities come from, you’ll usually hear some version of the same answer: referrals, word of mouth, “someone who knew someone.”Behind nearly every thriving local business is an invisible network of relationships quietly moving opportunities from one person to another. No big announcements. No flashy campaigns. Just a steady flow of trust being passed along behind the scenes.This is how local economies work.Not just through marketing. Not just through
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UWRF to host SciTech Grand Opening Celebration March 31
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls invites the community to tour the new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) at a Grand Opening Celebration March 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. SciTech is located on the UWRF campus at 262 E. Cascade Ave. SciTech opened to students on Jan. 26 for the first day of spring semester classes. In addition to cutting-edge technology, the new building offers collaborative work and study spaces. Karl Peterson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the student
Chancellor John Chenoweth marks one-year anniversary
Reflecting on my first year as interim chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, I would like to express my gratitude for the extraordinary community support that I have witnessed. I have been truly moved by the enthusiastic participation of the people of River Falls and our surrounding communities in campus life. I am struck by how truly special this region is. UWRF is a unique campus, but its strength is drawn directly from the people who show up for us time and again. I have been
Chamber Insights: The Best Creativity Tool for Your Small Business
The Best Creativity Tool for Your Small BusinessA beginner-friendly guide to thinking bigger without working longer If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen trying to write a social post…Or struggled to come up with a new promotion that doesn’t feel recycled…Or wished you had a brainstorming partner who didn’t need coffee breaks…Your life is about to get easier.You probably already know the capabilities of AI as a writing tool, but it’s also a creative accelerator. And for small business owners who do
Through a cow’s eyes: Humane Handling Institute first in U.S. to use augmented reality goggles for animal handling training
Have you ever wondered what the world looks like through the eyes of a cow? When your job is handling livestock, that information could be useful to know. That is the idea behind the augmented reality goggles being used to train animal handlers at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Humane Handling Institute (HHI), the first organization in North America to put the technology to use. Ashlynn Kirk, program manager of HHI and a UWRF alum, learned about the goggles, called the Animal Eye
Chamber Insights: For Business Owners - A Smart QR Code Playbook
QR codes have faded in and out of popularity over the past decade, but they’ve finally surpassed trend status and they’re here to stay. They are convenient ways to drive traffic to desired information or action platforms. When used with intention, QR codes quietly remove friction and move customers exactly where you want them to go. QR codes are great for information that could change such as daily specials. QR code stickers can also update old info on printed materials (perfect for the extremely
Chamber Insights: Is Your Business Owner-Dependent?
It’s a simple question. Slightly uncomfortable. Surprisingly revealing.If you stepped away from your business for two weeks starting tomorrow, no email, no Slack, no “just checking in,” what would fall apart?Most business owners don’t love this thought experiment. Not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because many small businesses are built on proximity. You are the system. You are the memory. You are the fixer of last resort.That works. Until it doesn’t.We’re not suggesting this asking this
Chamber Insights:One Easy Revenue Stream Most Small Businesses Don’t Know About
Unless you’ve been on the show Survivor’s island for the last six months, you probably have gotten wind of the notion that AI can help you save time, but did you know it can also help you make money? I’m not talking about becoming an AI expert and training the masses. That would take time you probably don’t have. In this case, I’m referring to creating a digital product for your business that you can sell and make money even when your business isn’t open. And best of all you can likely create it
Chamber Insights: The Hidden Cash Sitting In Your Business (And How to Find It)
A Guide to Recovering Revenue You Didn't Know You Were LosingWhen was the last time you reviewed your business subscriptions? From software to streaming services, you could have hundreds of dollars out there that you had forgotten about. That’s money that’s been quietly slipping through the cracks.Most business owners are so focused on bringing money in the front door that they don't notice it leaking out the back. But this "hidden cash" is actually easier to find than new customers, and the returns are
Chamber Insights: Keeping Up With Tech
If you’re a busy professional, “keeping up with tech” can feel like a second full-time job you did not apply for. New tools launch daily. Your inbox is full of “game-changing” software. Meanwhile, you still have customers to serve, a team to lead, and probably at least 47 open browser tabs. Right? While there’s enormous pressure to keep up with innovation these days (it’ll make you more efficient), you can’t be on top of everything. And you don’t need to be. You just need a simple system that keeps you
Chamber Insights: How to Protect Your Peace During the Busiest Season in Business
With the holiday season approaching with the speed of a bullet train (holiday prep, year-end sales pushes, family gatherings, budget reviews, etc.), it’s no surprise many of us feel our blood pressure and tension rise, while our patience comes crashing down. While this season is one of the most exciting of the year, it brings lots of extra stress. But what if some of that stress was unavoidable? Maybe we can’t keep that troublesome relative away but we can borrow wisdom from the minimalist movement and
