Eau Claire Hometown Media

Emilie welcomes a special guest, Jimmy Harvey, who has a remarkable and inspiring story. Growing up on a dairy farm and being a rebellious boy, Jimmy faced challenging choices imposed by a judge and ultimately chose to join the Navy. His journey in the Navy was transformative, leading him to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and pursue much more.

Jimmy is deeply committed to education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). He established the Boyceville Scholarship to support STEM education among students, and actively collaborates with schools to promote STEM and encourage military careers. His dedication to education and service is truly commendable. Listen to follow along on his sensational journey!

The ReforMedicine team has been growing and a new addition to the team is Brent Sarauer, a physician’s assistant. Dr. Usher takes this time to have Brent introduce to himself to current and future patients.  From Bloomer, after schooling at Wichita State, he returned to the area and has been practicing locally ever since. His passions include dermatology procedures and sports medicine.

Brit and Suzanne, a pair of proud UW-Eau Claire alums, chat with the long time Chancellor Jim Schmidt.  Not only is the university discussed, but specifically the connection between Feed My People and the campus community.  Feed My People is a hub for volunteer opportunities, but also a spot many students are able to use as a food resource.

A Student Transit driver is being charged for an accident from April...but is it really their fault entirely? Scott explains why he thinks the driver is being scapegoated.

Also, a long standing event returns to the area

The season is a month old for Bateaux FC and we get a look at how things have been shaping up for the lads. Where do they stand in the table and who have been some of the stand outs

They also talk with goalkeeper Enrique Torres

We meet Todd Johnson, a retired officer with the Eau Claire Police Department, who has done extensive research on the Omtvedt Flag, which at a glance looks like any United States flag. Named after Eau Claire’s Cliff Omtvedt,   what is this flag and what makes its unique and worthy of discussion as opposed to other American stars and stripes flags?

Todd takes us through this flags history and its chain of custody and do we know where the flag is now?

#history #usarmy #wwii #flagday #americanflag #passion #joy

Knelly and her team (Katherine, Alicia and Jess) discuss showing your home and making sure its presented in the best possible way. How realtors like them help sellers give their home that makeover that maximizes its value.

#entrepreneuers #femaleentreprenuers #realestate #realtors #makingmoney #livingbestlife #passion #fun #creative

A taste of America’s Heartland exists right here in Menomonie!  Chippewa Valley Bean is a large scale kidney bean producer with farming roots that date back to the 1850s. This remains a family agriculture business to this day. Cindy and Charles talk with Ashley about the history, impact and innovation of Chippewa Valley Bean.

They are the largest supplier of kidney beans in the entire world!  Their focus is on “keeping the bean beautiful” when it comes to their high standard of quality. The innovations at their plant and how automation didn’t cost any jobs at their facility.

#industry #womeninbusiness #agriculture #farminginnovation #feedingtheworld

The local health care task force breaks up...a local cop is honored...and why Scott is cautious (but still optimistic) over the new plans for one of the area's most embarrassing businesses.

Leslie Huntington – UWEC Softball Head Coach

Leslie is the legendary head coach of the Blugolds softball team and hops on the podcast to discuss adversity.  The importance of facing adversity and overcoming the challenges. Entering her 23rd season with the Blugolds, she provides an important perspective that comes from years of experience.

These podcasts are sponsored by Pillar Bank

#ncaa #coaching #softball #adversity #youthsports #eauclaire #podcast #westernwisconsin #blugolds

More Shows: echometownradio.com/vsa

A workplace is always evolving, and one local entrepreneur wants to help businesses evolve, improve and maximize what is happening with their team. Sarah Olson launched Learn Better a few months ago, where she helps business provide valuable and enjoyable learning experiences for their employees  She started as a public school educator in the area before moving into a tech and corporate setting before branching out this new endeavor.

How has life been since giving up a corporate job and embarking on this venture.

#corporate #learning #workplace #adulteducation

Dan dives into the recent Trump decision and its implications for the administrative system. Known for addressing the topics others shy away from, Dan offers his insights and perspectives. He also shares exciting news about his upcoming trip to Africa. Plus, Dan will be spending some time on Lake Wissota in the coming weeks, so feel free to stop by and enjoy a cold one with him!

Get motivated to do some financial housekeeping this season! Hosts Cooper, Alexis, Steve, and James talk about how to keep your finances on track by reviewing your goals, saving money, looking at your statements, checking for unneeded subscriptions, and more. #finances #savingmoney #personalwealth #income #funmoneytips #moneyplanning #wisconsin #happy #joy #passion

Jerry sits down with Northwestern Bank Marketing Intern Ashley Milletics, who's recent graduation from UW-Eau Claire provides an opportunity to reflect on her journey with the Blugolds, the bank, and the community at large.

Owning rental properties can be a great investment but like anything there are pitfalls and trapdoors.  Brian brings on his friend Bill Sparkes who has been investing properties for almost two decades. From rentals, to college housing to vacation rentals. The pair share stories of managing their properties and yes, it does include clogged drains but also how to manage people and treat renters the right way😊

The season one finale of The Roast explores why people come to visit our community

Our region is packed with events and Luke Alexopolous with Visit Eau Claire stops by to tell us what’s happening in the coming weeks and months. What are the area’s strong suits that make it appealing to visitors

#travel #travelinfluencers #tourismmarketing #thingstodo #placestosee #visiting #podcast #happy #joy #passion

Dogs can play a major role in the conservation of our environment, especially with expelling invasive species. Heather talks with Laura Holder with Conservation Dogs Collective, an organization that trains dogs and their handlers on searching out invasive plants, insects, animals and more.  This organization works throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

What are some examples of what they’ve done.

#dogs #invasivespecies; environment; dogtraining #puppies #conservingnature #nature #resources #podcast #joy #happy #passion

Mike assess the discussions from the first four episodes and recap the topics that were covered with the previous guests. How people can impact kid's development on a daily basis and the role adults play at every minute.

Gaining and keeping talent is a top concern for workplaces. We learn about Family Friendly Workplaces, a non-profit organization that is helping employers recruit and retain talent in Western Wisconsin. What does their organization do and how has Pillar Bank benefited?

Family Friendly Workplaces Executive Director Neil Kline and Pillar Bank's HR Director Kathy VandeBerg are the guests.

#localcents #pillarbank #wisconsin #workplace #retainingworkers #happyemployees #greatworkculture #podcast

A local man who has utilized his carpentry hobby to create spaces and materials that have benefited kids and families in the area.  Mike talks with Bob Fuller, who has used his woodworking skills to benefit kids in the area, from making items to being able to teach children how to.

Notably, Bob built the benches that are in the Eau Claire Children’s Museum, part of a longtime connection with the space that dates back many years.  Hear about all the different projects he has had a hand in.

Gaining and keeping talent is a top concern for workplaces. We learn about Family Friendly Workplaces, a non-profit organization that is helping employers recruit and retain talent in Western What does their organization do and how has Pillar Bank, and their partners, benefited?

#localcents #pillarbank #buildingbusiness #sales #businessfinancing #wisconsin #podcast

On this episode we meet Carol Breslin, who along with her husband, have been politically active since moving to Dunn County a decade ago. She gives us the perspective of someone active with the local Republican party and provides some knowledge on where things stand in Dunn County.   Concerns she has had, promoting various candidates and more.

Introducing two of the 2024 Altoona Valedictorians, Emma Swanstrom and Jayla Saewong!  Heidi talks to the two about their scholastic careers.  They describe how their path to their academic success and the support they received. When did they start to realize they could earn the valedictorian status?

Besides academics, what extracurriculars have they participated in? What career ambitions do they have. Their earliest school memories. Utilizing technology. Figuring out who they want to be. What they want their legacy to be.

Emma is headed to UC San Diego and Jayla Saewong will attend UW-Eau Claire and then Madison.

The ReforMedicine team has been growing and a new addition to the team is Lori Arndt, a physician’s assistant. Dr. Usher takes this time to have Lori introduce to herself to current and future patients. She has been working in the medical field for a while with a background helping practices with infectious diseases, and she details a bout of COVID-19 she battled briefly in the hospital, her career transition at the end of the pandemic and why she WANTED to come to ReforMedicine.

We head into Memorial Day weekend with Scott discussing the prospects for a new hospital for the area, and the future of downtown parking in Eau Claire

This week’s beverage of choice:  “Moon Man” New Glarus Brewing Company

Guest  Mike Farrow – AVP Business Banker w/ NW Bank

Electric vehicles are here but how much of a presence do they have in the Chippewa Valley? What type of realistic future do EV’s have in our area? Mike Farrow, an AVP Business Lending with Northwestern Bank with family ties to Nemtec Tuning, a performance car shop in Cadott, gives us the scoop.

Mike is also a competitive “rally racer”.

#tesla #environment #carindustry #economy #passion #joy

The owner of an eclectic shop in downtown Eau Claire shares his tale. In the Fall 2023 Seth Larson opened Abraxas Wax, a store that specializes in selling records but also cassette, CDs and various nostalgia.

We learn how Seth had to pivot from an original idea, the work that went into the first idea (business plans, loans) and how that initial set back put him on his current course.

Presented by Security Financial Bank

WHEDA, a program that assists low-to-middle income home buyers is benefitting people in our area. Dawn Malcolm, a lender with Nicolet Bank, comes back to the podcast to discuss how you can qualify.  Economic confidence is shaky nationally, but what is the outlook locally from a real estate perspective.

#loans #realestatemarket #buyerssellers #purchasingahome #realestateinvesting

Horse activities are a major part of the fairgrounds, especially with 4-H and the Wisconsin state champion dynasty CHI-HI Equestrian team.  To that end, the fair has worked hard at upgrading facilities and that includes the construction of a new Horse Arena.

Rusty takes us through the upgrades the fair is working to install and provide a facility that the horses and competitors deserve.

Finally...something happening with an Eau Claire eyesore? A major entertainment edition to the area and Scott's experience with a local healthcare providerAlso, Scott details how an EXCLUSIVE interview with the executive director and board president with the Mabel Tainter fell through at the last minute

We hear from a local expert who breaks down what property and casualty insurance is.  What it does  (and maybe more importantly doesn’t) cover and things to keep in mind. How does this figure into personal finances, especially with premiums on the rise.

Austin sits down with Amy Deruyter of Goosehead Insurance

Scott talks with the Eau Claire Express owner ahead of the 2024 opener and gets the lowdown on changes at Carson Park and more.

Also, his thoughts on the new indoor football team announced to be coming, and are the Milwaukee Bucks considering moving their G-League affiliate to the Sonnentag Center

This week’s beverage of choice:  Leinenkugels Northwoods Amber

Guest  Jeff Hallion w/  Gateway Business Park

Growth in the area is well documented and on this episode we explore one of the key incubators. Jeff Hallion, representing the Gateway Business/Industrial Parks discusses this unique private-public partnership. These developments were born from the closure of UniRoyal and have been a source for emerging business growth in the region over the last few decades. Both in retail in industrial.

This dream began during the area’s lowest economic point in the late 80s and early 90s and expectations for the area were nonexistent.

Dan recaps an event he attended that discussed suicides and the connection to guns and the takeaways he had.  How smart, sometimes common-sense gun safety can make all the difference and Dan is supportive of that education.  He shares his own personal battles he faced.

He also discusses the importance of watching local elected officials and holding them accountable to what they promised they would do (as opposed to making business deals)

#mentalhealth #veterans #gunsafety #passion #joy #happy

On the season finale, Derek gives a look at MLB and where things stand in mid May

The Executive Director of Stepping Stones in Dunn County, Padraig Gallagher stops by to discuss the partnership with Feed My People and its impact in the Menomonie area.  We learn what they deem as success and who is that measured?

He also details a spicy dish he likes to cook and why a certain Eau Claire restaurant is his favorite.

#volunteering #givingback #communityinvolvement #hunger #food #housing #wisconsin #podcast

Jamie Guiford, the owner of Service First Plumbing in Eau Claire, WI discusses his path from apprenticeship to ownership of his own company. How he goes about recruiting and retaining employees and his unique view of competition in the market.

#business #runningacompany #owningasmallbusiness #happy #joy #passion

Local author Patti See hops on the Chippewa Valley Museum's "Who, What, When Podcast", discussing her book “Here on Lake Hallie” and the history of Lake Hallie. We are also lucky to have Patti read some excerpts from her novel. Some nuggets discussed…

The Blue Mill

The “Electric” Park

The Hoot Beer Bar

Community rivalries

Mental well-being is rightfully so becoming more of a focus in society over the years.  Sophia Cree, a local mental health professional with Family Therapy Associates discusses what is a crisis of mental health in our area (and nationally).  What challenges does our population face and the reality that things such as suicide tendencies are presenting at alarmingly younger ages. What barriers exist?

#therapy #counseling #mentalhealth #behavorialhealth #seekinghelp #talking #joy #happy #passion #licensedtherapist

With years of medical social work background, Sarah North is the CEO and General Manager at Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire.  Coming from the provider world to the insurance sector gives her a unique perspective on health care coverage and access. 

#healthcare #insurancecosts #business #wisconsin #happy #joy #passion #coffee #podcast

Here come the Master Showmen!  Rusty and Cindy tell us about this new program for the Northern Wisconsin State Fair that is being developed with the help from professionals who have done it for years.

The natural resources of our region are well-known as a draw to our communities.  Tammy brings on Zaria and Sara from Landmark Conservancy to talk about the various programs they have to maintain our natural beauty, promote it and develop programs to people that highlight what we have.

We hear some fun stats as to how popular and utilize some of our natural destinations are!

What does the future hold for our area’s resources?

Eau Claire is set to have its first PRO SPORTS franchise since the 1960s introduced at a press conference this Friday! Also, a business with a unique concept has opened in Altoona and is looking to succeed in the face of skepticism. Scott discusses it all

We get the perspective of a youth sports parent, as Jackie Boos joins Chase and Phil.  Jackie’s daughter plays for one of the VSA Youth Soccer teams and sheds light on what it is like to support a child playing sports in the present day. The time, money and psychological needs and what lines up with cliché’s and what is overblown. The need to trust the coaches and administrators.

#youthsports #childpyschology #mentalhealth #confidence #sportsparents #happy #joy #passion #podcast

Get motivated to do some financial housekeeping this season! Hosts Cooper, Alexis, Steve, and James talk about how to keep your finances on track by reviewing your goals, saving money, looking at your statements, checking for unneeded subscriptions, and more. #finances #savingmoney #personalwealth #income #funmoneytips #moneyplanning #wisconsin #happy #joy #passion

Heather is telling you NOT to walk your dog!  What does she mean?  Of course, she encourages people to get their dog out and about as its good for both the animal and human.

That said, there are circumstances where she advises people to skip that walk depending on the dogs’ behavioral reactions to various stimuli.  Why urban vs. rural settings and time of day make a difference for different dogs.

#dogs #dogbehavior #dogtraining #puppytraining #wisconsin #podcast