Business - Pierce County Journal

Ptacek's IGA is located at 1005 Eagle Ridge Drive, Prescott.

Ptaceks Family Market awarded IGA Five Star Honor

PRESCOTT – The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) announced that Prescott-based Ptacek’s Family Market has been awarded the IGA Five Star honor for achievement in IGA’s Assessment … more

4/3/24

Dave & Chery Dintemann celebrate 20 years of owning Johnnie's Bar in River Falls. The bar is a community gathering spot for many.

Luck O’ The Linehan: Dintemanns celebrate 20 years of owning Johnnie’s Bar

RIVER FALLS – According to American folklore, Thomas Jefferson was sitting at the Indian Queen Tavern in Philadelphia one June evening in 1776. With a pint of freshly poured ale resting in one … more

By Greg Peters | 3/20/24

The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is located at 232 N. Wallace St. in Ellsworth.

Creamery odor cause has been fixed, official says

ELLSWORTH – Driving through East Ellsworth about two weeks ago, one may have wished they’d lost their sense of smell. A membrane failure with the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery’s … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/20/24

Alexi Schommer followed her dream and opened Ooh Ahh Massage & Spa at 1380 North Acres Road in Prescott.

Ooh Ahh Massage & Spa owner persisted in chasing dreams

PRESCOTT — Alexi Schommer, owner of Ooh Ahh Massage and Spa, was born and raised in Prescott. "My dream was always to open something in Prescott, nowhere else, always something in … more

By Riley Dorau | 3/13/24

For Tucky Bandaranaike, The Arbor at Young Acres is more than just a business - it's a manifestation of a lifelong dream, a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the simple joys of sharing a meal with loved ones.

A nomadic family settles down at an orchard oasis

PRESCOTT – Tucky and Rachel Bandaranaike and their Wolfegang, now 4 years old, had been living an unconventional life, traveling the county in an RV. They moved from their home in Orange … more

By Riley Dorau | 3/13/24

Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen joins Main Street Dental in River Falls

RIVER FALLS– Hudson native Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen recently joined Dr. Michael McFarland’s Main Street Family Dental in River Falls. Dr. Jorgensen is a graduate from the University of … more

2/28/24

Ellsworth Chamber President Paul Bauer presented the Large Business of the Year Award to Nilssen’s Foods and store manager Shawn Eggen, who was joined by store staff at the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet.

Chamber hits home run with ‘Game Time’ gala

The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce showed that business can be a lot like sports at its Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, Feb. 19 at Kilkarney Hills in River Falls. The “Game … more

By John McLoone | 2/28/24

Schreiner elected to WEDA Board of Directors

MADISON –The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) has elected Keri Schreiner to its Board of Directors. Schreiner currently serves as the Economic Development Manager for the City … more

2/21/24

Pictured (from left) are WBA EVP/Chief of Staff Daryll Lund, Sue Langer, First National Bank of River Falls President/CEO Jeff Johnson, and First National Bank of River Falls Board Chair Sandra Smith Wurm.

Wisconsin Bankers Association announces 50- and 60-year club inductees

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) commends eight individuals on joining its 50-Year Club and two individuals on joining its 60-Year Club. These awards recognize exceptional dedication to … more

2/21/24

The Assistance and Resource Center (ARC) accepted a grant of $1,000 for general operating expenses. Pictured (from left): Judy Perkins, Sharon Shulze, PPCS Senior Accountant Barb Bee, Cindy Testa, and Peter Carr.

Pierce Pepin Cares awards grants to local non-profits

ELLSWORTH – First quarter grants were recently awarded by Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS), to four local non-profits. The Pierce Pepin … more

2/14/24

Gary Lubich accepting Citizen of the Year Thursday, Feb. 8 at the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau annual dinner.

RF Chamber talks tourism, honors award winners for 2023

RIVER FALLS – “Little did we know when we planned on the theme back in November that we’d actually be able to golf in February,” joked Executive Director Russ Korpela as he … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/14/24

Jeff Erickson is pictured with his wife Leah and their kids Lila, Blaise and Teddy.

Ellsworth piano tuner has found his calling

Not many people can say they know how to tune a piano, but rural Ellsworth resident Jeff Erickson can. His interest was piqued at a young age. “When I was a kid, I was playing piano and … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/7/24

Ellsworth Chamber Board Treasurer, Raynee Farrell, presents Jason Marks, Broz Bar, with Best Restaurant, Bar & Tavern Award at last year’s Awards Banquet. 2023’s poster design theme was Movin’ & Groovin’, which is what our local businesses do every day of the year to serve our community. 2024’s Award theme is “Ellsworth AllStars.”. Each award winner will receive a personalized and framed version for display at their business. The design was inspired by this year’s Ellsworth Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner theme, “Game Time!,” a play on the teamwork, discipline, and resilience it takes to be successful in business today.

Voting Now Open for Ellsworth’s ‘Best of 2024’ Awards

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce “Best of 2024’”Awards Competition is now underway. The community is invited to acknowledge favorite local businesses with … more

1/25/24

Canines and their handlers were thrilled with the new Overdale Kennel & Canine Sports facility on its first day open in the Spring Valley Business Park. Co-owners Hilary Boyer and Valerie Anderson say it’s a dream 20 years in the making.

Mother/daughter duo open dream canine facility

SPRING VALLEY – As Hilary Boyer and her mother Valerie Anderson hosted their first dog training class Wednesday, Jan. 17 in the new facility they built in the Spring Valley Business Park, they … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/24/24

Prescott Chiropractic, under the leadership of Dr. Carina Patnode, was named as Business of the Year at the Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. Patnode credited her staff for their dedication to helping patrons of the business with all aspects of healing.

Prescott Chiropractic is Business of the Year!

The Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce decked out the Old Ptacek’s Event Center for a big tailgate party. That was the theme of this year’s Annual Dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 17, and … more

By John McLoone | 1/24/24

Barbell is a small batch specialty coffee company that offers the key features of small batch; single origin; and roast to order. Barbell offers both signature series coffee and seasonal coffee throughout the year.

St. Croix EDC announces 2023 businesses of the year

Krista Paulus, president of St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC), announced the EDC’s selection of Barbell Coffee LLC (City of River Falls), Aves Studio (Town of Troy), and Ciranda … more

1/17/24

Liz Gunderson, PPCS communications coordinator, and Majority Leader Tyler August, author of Assembly Bill 741, both testified before the Assembly Committee on Children and Families in support of the bill authorizing a grant program for a national reading program on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Care for Community: PPCS lobbies for state support of reading program

MADISON – On Jan. 10, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) Communications Coordinator Liz Gunderson traveled to Madison to testify before the Assembly Committee on Children and Families in … more

1/17/24

From left: Volunteers Kallie Beissel and Allison Pazdernik with Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Retail Store Manager Olivia Girdeen.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery launches Ellsworth Cares

ELLSWORTH – In case you missed it, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is partnering with the United Way to give back to the local community through its Ellsworth Cares initiative aimed at supplying … more

1/17/24

Tiffany Dux of Blooms 4 Happiness celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Hudson Chamber of Commerce when she opened her flower shop at its new location in Rive Falls last October.

One year later: Blooms 4 Happiness finds new home

RIVER FALLS – When Tiffany Dux opened her flower shop last February at 123 W. Cascade Ave. in River Falls, she had no idea she’d outgrow the space in two short months. She made it work … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/17/24

River Falls business owner and resident Brianne Rehak “That Girl Brie” is amazed by how her charcuterie business has exploded since its founding. She works on a board in her new storefront, located at 123 W. Cascade Ave., River Falls.

Brie-lieving in a dream: Local charcuterie business ‘grate-ful’ for new space

Like many Americans, when the pandemic hit in 2020-21, River Falls resident Brianne “Brie” Rehak lost her job in the transportation industry. Home with her children, she needed something … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/11/24