Business - Pierce County Journal

West Wind and Free Clinic partner for annual free-will Christmas breakfast

RIVER FALLS — The West Wind Supper Club and the Free Clinic of Pierce & St. Croix Counties are once again partnering to bring the community together for the Annual Free-Will Christmas Buffet … more

12/17/25

(From left) Jill McNamee, Our Neighbors’ Place Executive Director Shelly Smith, and Norwex consultant Kim Zahradka. McNamee and Zahradka presented the donation check to Smith last week.

Norwex party turns into donation for ONP

'Tis the season for giving! Recently ladies in the community came together for a purpose. Norwex consultant, Kim Zahradka, alongside event host Jill McNamee turned host rewards and commission into a … more

12/17/25

Wisconsin Farm Bureau delegates set policy for 2026

On Dec. 8, more than 270 delegates at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 106th Annual Meeting established new policy directives. This was part of Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting where … more

12/17/25

Santa Claus will visit Mei Mei's Cookies & Creamery Dec. 13 and is hoping people will help him collect hygiene products for elves in need.

Santa is asking for your help, will visit Mei Mei’s

RIVER FALLS – Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit Mei Mei’s Cookies & Creamery from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and they are asking for the community’s help. Santa is … more

12/12/25

Erin Powers, owner of Bo Jon’s Flowers and Gifts, is facing health issues that put the family on a different path.

Bo Jon’s family thanks community as they set to close due to owner’s health

RIVER FALLS — Bo Jon’s Flowers and Gifts in River Falls has closed indefinitely and is for sale due to the health journey owner Erin Powers is on. The business has meant a lot to the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/3/25

Staff and leadership of TurnKey Corrections in River Falls pose for a photo with Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, Regent Timothy Nixon and UW-River Falls Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth after the company was presented with the Regents Business Partnership Award on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Staff wearing UWRF t-shirts are among the many alumni who work for the company.

Regents Business Partnership Award presented to TurnKey Corrections

RIVER FALLS – The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents presented the Regents Business Partnership Award to TurnKey Corrections, a River Falls technology solutions company, at a … more

11/26/25

Gregg Wavrunek (middle), a representative from U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s office, toured TCLAD in Prescott on Nov. 13, checking out the processes and hearing a pitch for future collaboration.

TCLAD to continue connecting with Sen. Baldwin office to grow Prescott job opportunities

PRESCOTT — TCLAD Inc., a Prescott manufacturer that specializes in advanced thermal materials and printed circuit boards, welcomed Gregg Wavrunek of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s office to … more

By Andrew Harrington | 11/26/25

Ryma Lindquist (right), Western Wisconsin Health Community Relations Director and Kristie Smith, St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.

Western Wisconsin Health donates land to St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity

BALDWIN – Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) and St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity (SCV Habitat) are proud to announce a meaningful partnership aimed at improving community health by expanding … more

11/26/25

Dr. Greg Miller is making a push to bring Direct Primary Care to the Pierce County community.

RF doctor shining a light on a different system for health care

Dr. Greg Miller, who opened Cascade Primary Care in River Falls over the summer, has since gone to speak to school districts, curious community members and, most recently, the Ellsworth Area Chamber … more

By Andrew Harrington | 11/25/25

Representatives of six area businesses pose for a photo after receiving micro-grants during a celebration on Nov. 12 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 $45,000 in micro-grants supported by WEDC

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

11/19/25

The Pierce County Tavern League recently donated $500 to the Pierce County Food Pantry, accepted by Coordinator Heidi Albarado. Monetary donations are helping the pantry fill the growing need for groceries in the community.

Food pantries recovering after government reopens

The 43-day government shutdown from Oct. 1-Nov. 12 came to an end, marking the longest shutdown in the nation’s history. Through the shutdown, funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance … more

By Andrew Harrington | 11/19/25

Michael Orth, dean of the UW-River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, and Matt Winsand, CEO of Burnett Dairy Cooperative, are pictured on the UWRF campus in October. The two organizations began a new strategic partnership on Nov. 1 that aims to advance dairy innovation and education.

UWRF and Burnett Dairy Cooperative announce strategic partnership to advance dairy innovation and education

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Burnett Dairy Cooperative are proud to announce a new partnership that will strengthen Wisconsin’s dairy industry through … more

11/12/25

Many Pierce County area businesses teamed up to hand out hundreds of boxes of groceries outside of Waltz Ace Hardware in Ellsworth last week.

Groceries handed out to 200 families affected by SNAP pause

ELLSWORTH — With the lengthy government shutdown leading to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits being delayed, Colten Sothman, the owner of Down to Earth Tree Service, was … more

By Andrew Harrington | 11/12/25

Ellsworth Village President Becky Beissel read an official proclamation recognizing Small Business Season at the November Village Board meeting. The proclamation celebrates the contributions of small businesses and encourages residents to “Celebrate Small, Support Local” throughout the holiday season. Pictured (from left): Becky Beissel, Josie and James Erlandson with sons Boone and Axl of Marlee’s Bake Shop (formerly Frosted Haven); and Jarod and Katie Traynor with son Roger of Common Man Tap & Table. Together, they represent just a few of the families behind the small businesses that keep our community vibrant and strong.

Ellsworth Chamber kicks off Small Business Season

ELLSWORTH – As the holiday season begins, the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce is once again encouraging residents to shop small and local throughout Small Business Season, Nov. 1 through … more

11/5/25

Harley Hotchkiss of Diamond Bluff owns and operates Premium Plots LLC, which specializes in growing strong food plots, tree removal, stump grinding, lawn services and snow removal.

Diamond Bluff veteran turns love of hunting into a career

DIAMOND BLUFF – Diamond Bluff native and Prescott High School Class of 1999 graduate Harley Hotchkiss comes from a long line of veterans, which inspired his path to join the service at age 17. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/5/25

Elmwood veteran Dean Marsh rides in the ring at Lost Creek Ranch in Beldenville

Lost Creek Ranch gives veterans chance to connect with horses

BELDENVILLE – A couple of weeks after the Pierce County Fair, Dean Marsh took his first horse ride at Lost Creek Ranch. He was hooked. The Elmwood veteran went to the ranch’s Beer, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/5/25

Eagle Eye Farm in rural River Falls is home to multiple alpacas, known for their gentle nature, curiosity and hypoallergenic fleece.

Eagle Eye Farm set to host ‘Pasture Palooza’

RIVER FALLS – The countdown is on for a new fall tradition: Pasture Palooza at Eagle Eye Farm, an all-day celebration of community, agriculture, and family fun, set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/22/25

Mother daughter due Linda Parenteau (left) and Melissa Persico have opened Margaret Rose Afternoon Tea at 367 W. Kinne St. in Ellsworth.

Margaret Rose Afternoon Tea opens in Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH – “New careers can start at any age, especially if done for fun.” This quote kept Linda Parenteau going throughout her years in the manufacturing industry. She … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/15/25

Knoke's Chocolate and Nuts was the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation 2024 Small Business of the Year. Nominations are now open for 2025.

Nominations open for the 2025 St. Croix County Business of the Year Awards

ST. CROIX COUNTY – St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) announced that nominations for 2025 Business of the Year Awards are now open. These awards celebrate excellence, … more

10/8/25

Kwik Trip adopts penny-free cash rounding policy following U.S. Mint changes

LA CROSSE – Kwik Trip announced a new cash transaction policy in response to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s decision to end production of the penny. As stores run out of pennies by … more

10/8/25