Business - Pierce County Journal

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

The Maiden Rock Mercantile, located at 497 County Road S, celebrated its opening in June with a ribbon cutting.

Maiden Rock Mercantile aims to be community hub

MAIDEN ROCK – A place to gather, connect and celebrate community: That is what the Gerends brought to Maiden Rock with the opening of the Maiden Rock Mercantile in June. The … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/1/25

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity welcomes Carrie McNamara to board of directors

HUDSON – St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity (SCVHFH) welcomed Carrie McNamara to its Board of Directors at its September meeting. McNamara is a long-time volunteer with SCVHFH, building … more

10/1/25

Three generations of Langer men at the Big River Corn Maze on their family land (from left): Bailey Langer, Ken Langer Sr., and Ken Langer Jr.

Big River Corn Maze is a family affair, set to open Sept. 26

PRESCOTT – A new fall attraction is set to open for business on Friday, Sept. 26 along the Great River Road on a farm that’s been in the Langer family for four generations. Kenny … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/24/25

Ribbon cuttings, like the unveiling at the YB Urban? Aroma Bar, showcase how the Ellsworth Chamber celebrates business growth and community vitality.

Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce celebrates Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Month

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce is proud to join chambers across the state in celebrating Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Month this September. This annual observance shines a … more

9/10/25

The River Falls City Council Sept. 9 declared September as Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Month. Pictured are River Falls Chamber Director Rosa Magnus (left) and Mayor Dan Toland.

RF Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau celebrates Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Month

RIVER FALLS – The River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau is excited to announce that September is being celebrated as Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Month, officially recognized by … more

9/10/25

Melissa “Mei Mei” Abdouch, front, and a crew of volunteers assembled 200 meals and gifts to donate to patients, families and caregivers at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital last month.

A mission to give back: Mei Mei leads local businesses in donating 200 meals

RIVER FALLS – On Monday, Aug. 25, Melissa "Mei Mei" Abdouch of Mei Mei's Cookies & Creamery in River Falls delivered and served 200 meals and gifts to patients, families, and caregivers … more

9/10/25

Blane Huppert has been selected as the first director of the University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Blane Huppert named director of UW-River Falls University Business Collaboration Center

RIVER FALLS – Blane Huppert has been selected as the first director of the University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The newly created … more

9/10/25

A July 31 image of North Grant Street in Ellsworth during its reconstruction project.

PCEDC Municipal Survey results put emphasis on housing, business

The Pierce County Economic Development Corporation released results from the 2025 Municipal Survey, where community leaders were tasked with sharing their “vision for economic growth.” … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/10/25

Director Sheri Marnell stands in front of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls. The SCVBIC is now taking applications for micro-grants to support area businesses with growth expenses, supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center to help businesses grow with micro-grants supported by WEDC

RIVER FALLS –The St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls will use a $100,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to help area businesses … more

9/3/25

SV Chamber looking to regroup after mass board resignation

SPRING VALLEY – The Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce was left without a board in June when the entire board resigned, accusing village staff and the village board of being anti-business, a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/13/25

River Falls' Eli and Nolan Condon run "Bomb Squad," a professional pooper-scooper business in the area.

The Feculent Fighting Fish Bomb Squad

Fishmeal, by definition from Merriam-Webster, is partly made from fish waste and manure and used as fertilizer. River Falls Fighting Fish pitcher Eli Condon's stuff on the mound has been nothing … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/16/25

Dr. Greg Miller has opened Cascade Primary Care in River Falls.

Cascade Primary Care brings patient-centered direct primary care to RF

RIVER FALLS – Cascade Primary Care with Dr. Greg Miller is proud to announce the launch of its Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice in River Falls, offering a groundbreaking subscription-based … more

7/16/25

Dr. Amy Radunz, the 2025 Cattleman of the Year, with WCA President Tressa Lacy.

Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association honors Ellsworth woman

CLINTON – The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association (WCA) recognized outstanding leaders and contributors to the state’s beef industry during its 2025 Summer Tour in southeastern … more

7/9/25