Business - Pierce County Journal

The new Kwik Trip at the corner of Overlook Drive and Highway 65/Maple Street in Ellsworth is coming along, with an anticipated opening date of Aug. 27.

ELLSWORTH – The new Kwik Trip in Ellsworth is set to open its doors Aug. 27, according to a presentation at the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce July members’ luncheon last week. Dave … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/29/26

Sporting World in River Falls is a non-profit used sporting goods store that aims to offer affordable equipment to the community.

Affordable sporting goods store using proceeds to back food pantry

RIVER FALLS — Sporting World, a used sporting goods store off of Main Street in River Falls, is a store aiming to make recreation affordable. That is not their only goal, though, as all the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/29/26

Raynee Farrell of CCFBank is celebrating 50 years in the banking industry this month with a celebration July 26 at Ellsworth Country Club. On the left is a photo taken her first day of work in 1976.

‘Bank Lady’ Raynee Farrell hits 50-year milestone

ELLSWORTH – “Bank Lady” Raynee Farrell shows no signs of slowing down, celebrating 50 years this month in the banking industry. She serves as a commercial banker at CCFBank in Ellsworth’s … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/22/26

Mike Semmann, president/CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, presents the Friend of Grocers award to Rep. Rob Kreibich.

Rep. Kreibich receives ‘Friend of Grocers’ award

MADISON – State Rep. Rob Kreibich (R-New Richmond) has been recognized by the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) with its “Friend of Grocers” award. The award was presented to Rep. Kreibich in … more

7/15/26

Afton Nelson, a May graduate of UW-River Falls, recently began a new job as an embryo export coordinator at GenOvations in Lodi. Nelson credits hands-on opportunities and on-campus work experience as key ingredients in her successful job search.

Falcon Futures: Hands-on opportunities, on-campus job experience help UWRF grad prepare for career in animal science

RIVER FALLS — Afton Nelson, a May graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, didn’t have long to wait to get started on her career after graduation. … more

7/8/26

This graphic from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism shows the impact or tourist spending in the state.

Pierce County tourism generates $67.3 million

ELLSWORTH – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2025 economic impact data showing Pierce County tourism generated $67.3 million in economic impact, an increase of 3.6 percent over the … more

6/28/26

Charlie Fiedler tries out some of the machinery on the Family Fresh lawn during Sunday’s Celebrate River Falls event hosted by River Falls Business Leaders.

GALLERY: Machines, motorcycles and a Main Street party make for fun Celebrate RF event

River Falls Business Leaders hosted "Celebrate River Falls," an event dedicated to showcasing businesses, groups, clubs and businesses based in the city, on Sunday, June 7. … more

6/10/26

From left: Ron Murphy, Jared Schmit, Steve Sizemore and Jay Stassen. Not pictured: Dustin Wing, Ryan Lucas, and Ed Lucas.

Cernohous Chevrolet partners with Coulee River Trails for Pine Coulee clean-up

PRESCOTT – Ron Murphy of Cernohous Chevrolet and Coulee River Trails volunteers recently removed 600 tires from Pine Coulee Nature Preserve, a 73-acre natural area located adjacent to Pine Glen … more

6/10/26

Brad Ristow (left) congratulates Chase Reeser (right) on becoming a state-certified journeymen linemen after completing his apprenticeship.

Reeser achieves Journeyman status

ELLSWORTH -- Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) is proud to announce that lineman apprentice, Chase Reeser, has successfully completed his apprenticeship through Northwestern Technical … more

6/10/26

Nestlé Purina employees participated in making outdoor spaces in Prescott and Hager City better for the 25th Annual Purina Cares Day.

Purina celebrates Annual Day of Service by volunteering

HAGER CITY – For more than 130 years, Purina has been committed to giving back in its communities and enriching the lives of pets and people. This year, team members from the Hager City factory … more

6/10/26

Family Friendly Workplaces and EDC Partners receive grant to support talent attraction

BALDWIN – Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW), in partnership with the Pierce, Polk, St. Croix, and Burnett county economic development corporations (EDCs), announced receipt of a $165,000 grant from … more

6/3/26

St. Croix EDC recently held the Second Annual Scale up Pitch Competition, which was a great success! They heard from seven local businesses and had a really tough time narrowing down the winners.

SCEDC announces winners of 2nd Annual Scale-Up Challenge

ST. CROIX COUNTY — St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) hosted the Second Annual SCEDC Scale-Up Challenge on May 21, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community … more

6/3/26

Give Big Valleys raises $349,751 to support nonprofits

Communities across western Wisconsin came together once again for Give Big Valleys 2026, raising $349,751 in support of local nonprofit organizations serving Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and … more

6/3/26

Charity Lubich, PPCS VP Member Relations & Human Resources (left) and SwiftCurrent Connect Customer Relations Representative Donna Taranto (right), present Marshall Skule and Norma Revels with an $800 check to assist with the cost of providing nutritious lunches for their participants.

Pierce Pepin Cares awards $6,250 in community grants

ELLSWORTH — Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) is pleased to announce the recipients of its Pierce Pepin Cares grants for the second quarter of 2026, awarding a total of $6,250 to seven local … more

5/27/26

Prescott Chamber Golf outing is June 10

The Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for our 2026 Chamber Golf Outing on Wednesday, June 10 at Clifton Highlands Golf Course. Spend the afternoon connecting with fellow … more

5/27/26

St. Croix EDC announces 20 first-round recipients of WEDC-Funded Small Business Development Grant

ST. CROIX COUNTY - St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is pleased to announce the first round of recipients of its Small Business Development Grant (SBDG), a program designed to … more

5/14/26

The late Jack Hines was awarded the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation's annual Cornerstone award, the organization’s highest honor for an individual who demonstrates "extraordinary leadership and long-standing dedication” toward Pierce County’s future. Hines’ family accepted the award on his behalf at the annual recognition breakfast, held May 7 in River Falls.

PCEDC honors business, community standouts of the year

RIVER FALLS - The annual Pierce County Economic Deveopment Corporation Awards Breakfast recognized the 2026 award winners Thursday, May 7 at Junior's Restaurant & Tap House in River Falls. … more

Staff report | 5/14/26

UW-River Falls Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director Katherine Fossler speaks at a small business clinic in May, 2025. The SBDC has received the 2026 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Wisconsin District.

UW-River Falls SBDC wins Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award during National Small Business Week

RIVER FALLS — The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has received the 2026 Small Business Development Center Excellence and … more

5/14/26

Ryan Leitch of Leitch Insurance Group has been named a 2026 Insurance Power Player by the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin.

Leitch named 2026 Insurance Power Player

RIVER FALLS – Ryan Leitch, of the Leitch Insurance Group, has been named a 2026 Insurance Power Player by the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (IIAW). This recognition … more

5/14/26

Leaders of Wisconsin’s dairy industry highlighted the value of their partnerships with UW-River Falls Wednesday as they participated in Universities of Wisconsin Business Day in the Capitol. Pictured (from left): Ken Heiman, co-owner of Nasonville Dairy; Trevor Wuethrich, president of Grassland Dairy Products, Inc.; Mat Bartkowiak, vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Development for Nelson Jameson; UWRF Chief of Staff Beth Schommer.

Businesses highlight collaboration with UW-River Falls at Universities of Wisconsin Business Day in the Capitol

RIVER FALLS — Business leaders representing Wisconsin’s dairy industry showed their support for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls at Universities of Wisconsin … more

5/14/26