Business - Pierce County Journal

More than 100 residents gathered in Hammond to discuss their concerns about a possible data center building in their community.

St. Croix County residents unite to demand data center protections

HAMMOND – On Sunday, April 26, over 100 residents of the Village of Hammond gathered in Memorial Park in layers and lawn chairs to discuss the risks around a possible large AI data center proposal … more

5/6/26

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Regional Economic Development Director Ray French speaking to local residents and business owners about development in the city and the state April 28 at City Hall.

The steps that allowed River Falls to become a ‘leader’ for development in the state

RIVER FALLS — Building the City of River Falls did not happen in a day, did not happen with one lone decision and has been a process. According to City Administrator Scot Simpson and Wisconsin … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/6/26

River Falls Rotary members presented Tattersall with the 2026 Burger Battle award. Pictured are (back row, from left): Tony Pedriana, Steve Schroeder, Jim DiPeso, Kellie Burrows, Elaine Baumann, Rick Wilson, Cheryl Maplethorpe; (front, from left): Roxanne Gavin, Chef Zack Hable, Chef Jessica Lacy, John Schienle and Terry McKay.

Tattersall wins 2026 Burger Battle

RIVER FALLS – The River Falls Rotary and six local restaurants completed another successful Burger Battle for 2026. The Rotary Burger Battle is a fundraiser for the organization, and the money is … more

4/30/26

Bark’s Spring Valley Bakery recently opened up at S323 McKay Ave., selling raised and cake donuts, cookies and bread.

Bark’s Bakery an instant hit in SV

SPRING VALLEY — Just weeks after Bark’s Spring Valley Bakery’s April 1 opening at S323 McKay Ave., the stop has already become a community favorite. The opening week was self-described as … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/29/26

Mei Mei’s Cookies and Creamery is a staple of the River Falls community, with owner Melissa “Mei Mei” Abdouch (right) making an appearance on Minnesota Live back in 2024.

Mei Mei’s Cookies and Creamery: one of many RF businesses zeroed in on sustainable practices

RIVER FALLS — President of the River Falls Business Leaders and recent River Falls City Council electee Melissa “Mei Mei” Abdouch has long focused on sustainable business practices, a message … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/26

Gov. Tony Evers (far left) presented First National Bank of River Falls with the Legacy Award in recognition of Financial Literacy Month. Pictured are Evers, Kaydi Sobottka (VP - Human Resources Officer), Jeff Johnson (President, CEO & Board Chairman), Amy Weiss (VP - Marketing Officer), First Lady Kathy Evers, Financial Literacy Ambassador.

First National Bank of River Falls received Legacy Award

RIVER FALLS – In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, First National Bank of River Falls has been named one of 11 organizations statewide to receive a 2025 Governor’s Financial Literacy … more

4/16/26

Ann Huppert (center) with Sticky Sweet employees Alexander Perez Rangel and Ava Acker.

Sticky Sweet aims to create smiles and happy memories

ELLSWORTH – One day while driving down Main Street, Ann Huppert looked at the building at 335 W. Main St. and wished she could turn it into a place for kids to visit and hang out. Little did she … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/16/26

Ruby's Pantry closed all its distribution sites, including Ellsworth's, citing unsustainable financial issues.

Ruby’s Pantry suddenly ceases operations, including Ellsworth site

ELLSWORTH – A nonprofit organization that has provided county residents with affordable food shares for the past four years has ceased operations. Ruby’s Pantry announced the sudden closure of … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/16/26

Poellinger named Development Director of St. Croix Valley Food Bank  

HUDSON – The St. Croix Valley Food Bank (SCVFB) announced April 9 that Brandi Poellinger has been hired as the organization’s development director. In her new role, Poellinger will … more

4/15/26

Author Michele Payn answers a question from the audience at the Farm to Table Food Connection Event March 21 at UW-River Falls; 100 people were in attendance.

Consumers and farmers connect at Farm to Table Food event

RIVER FALLS – Knowing that more than 200,000 marketing messages exist in your typical grocery store, it is no wonder that shoppers have questions about their food, where it came from, how it was … more

4/1/26

Thanks to community support, the Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce County was able to purchase a new mobile pantry van.

Hunger Prevention Council able to purchase new van

ELLSWORTH – On behalf of the Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce County, thank you for your extraordinary generosity toward our Mobile Pantry Van Campaign. Because of your commitment to ensure that … more

4/1/26

Wade and BobbieJo Olson have opened up BW’s Tavern on Broadway Street in Ellsworth, bringing a remodeled look with a friendly neighborhood feel.

BW’s Tavern opens doors to packed house of happy customers

ELLSWORTH — A long-time dream has come true for BobbieJo Olson and her husband Wade, purchasing a bar at 252 N. Broadway St. that they named BW’s Tavern, honoring each of their names. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/1/26

River Falls Municipal Utilities Director Kevin Westhuis to speak at UW-River Falls April 8

RIVER FALLS – The University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host the third guest speaker in the Innovators Speaker Series Wednesday, April 8. … more

3/25/26

The Ellsworth Fire Department received a donation of grain bin rescue equipment from Corteva Agriscience, the parent company of Pioneer Seed.

Corteva/Pioneer donates grain bin rescue equipment to EFD

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Fire Department recently received a donation of grain bin rescue equipment from Corteva Agriscience, a parent company of Pioneer seed. “Grain bin entrapments are an … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/25/26

Ellsworth’s Cheese Curd Festival has once again earned national recognition, ranking #4 in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Specialty Food Festival in the nation.

Cheese Curd Festival earns national recognition for 4th year in USA TODAY 10Best Awards

ELLSWORTH — Ellsworth’s Cheese Curd Festival has once again earned national recognition, ranking #4 in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Specialty Food Festival in the … more

3/18/26

St. Croix EDC launches $220,000 Small Business Development Grant Program

ST. CROIX COUNTY – St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) has launched a new Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) Program that will invest $220,000 directly into small businesses and … more

3/11/26

St. Croix EDC banquet glass awards lined up.

SCEDC celebrates 2025 Business of the Year award winners

NEW RICHMOND – St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) celebrated the winners of its Business of the Year awards, honoring outstanding businesses and organizations for their exceptional … more

3/11/26

Ready to take your business to the next level? The SCEDC Scale-Up Challenge is here, in partnership with SCEDC, the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center, and the UW-River Falls Small Business Development Center, and we’re looking for businesses with BIG potential!

2nd Annual SCEDC Scale-Up Challenge and Spring Networking Event returns

ST. CROIX COUNTY — St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is excited to announce the return of the SCEDC Scale-Up Challenge, a pitch competition and networking event designed to help … more

3/11/26

UW-River Falls student Bradley Arndorfer discusses his team’s plan for a cleaning business with industry judges during the networking portion at the 2026 Spark Tank! Innovation Challenge held Feb. 25. Arndorfer’s team won a $2,000 first-place prize and will advance to the WiSys Big Idea State Competition in April.

UW-River Falls students pitch original business ideas at Spark Tank! Innovation Challenge

RIVER FALLS – “One thing that people are scared of is their mom, their grandma, maybe their close family members showing up to a totally dirty house.” That was the … more

3/11/26

Twelve area businesses received micro-grants during a celebration March 4 at the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls. The micro-grants are being offered to support area businesses with growth expenses and are supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center awards $55,000 in micro-grants supported by WEDC

RIVER FALLS – The St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls has awarded a second and final round of micro-grants supported by the … more

3/11/26