2007

River Falls

Chamber Awards

River Falls Area Hospital/River Falls Medical Clinic
Business of the Year

St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice
Small Business

of the Year

Janna Carl
Citizen of the Year

Isaac Grover
Quality Computer Services

Ambassador

of the Year

Terry McKay

E.R.A. Muske Real

Estate Company

Chamber Champion

Rosanne Bump

Nick Carstens

Jill Dexheimer

Chief Executive Officer

Program & Event Coordinator

Communications Coordinator

rosanne@rfchamber.com

nick@rfchamber.com

jill@rfchamber.com

Kris Ainsworth, Chair                                           

River Falls Medical Clinic

kainsworth@rfmc.org

Kris has been active in our community since moving here in 1971. She has been working for River Falls Medical Clinic for the last 18 years.  Kris has a financial, HR and marketing background. After completing the River Falls Leadership Program, Kris found that community involvement, caring, awareness and pride became even more important to her. Kris has been married to Scott for over 26 years and they have two daughters - Sarah, 24, teaches in Florida and Katie, 22, in graduate school for Criminal Justice.

Rick Osterhaus, Vice Chair

River Falls School District

rick.osterhaus@rfsd.k12.wi.us

Rick’s previous work experience includes being the CEO for an Adaptive Educational Technology in Minneapolis. Rick has also worked in Brown Deer, WI as an Assistant Superintendent, and  has worked in New Berlin, WI as Director of Teaching and Learning. He is a current member of the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust. Rick is also on the UW– River Falls K-16 Educational  Steering Committee.  

Gretchen Link, Past Chair         

UW-RF  Health Services  

gretchen.a.link@uwrf.edu

Gretchen  has worked and lived in the area for almost 30 years. She attended the University of Minnesota where she received both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work.  Interested in children and the elderly, she initially worked for the YMCA in a Big Brother / Big Sister type program. After receiving her Master's degree, Gretchen began working in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services at the St. Croix Health Center in New Richmond. Since 1981, Gretchen has been a counselor at the University of Wisconsin— River Falls, where she sees students for individual counseling for issues ranging from low self esteem to suicidal ideation.

Bill Donais, Treasurer     

Bauman Associates 

billdonais@baumancpa.com

Bill  has served on the Board of Directors for the past two years as the Board’s Treasurer. He is a Certified Public Accountant and Tax Manager for Bauman and Associates, LTD. He has been with the firm for over 30 years. He Graduated from UW-Eau Claire and has lived in River Falls for more than 30 years. He truly enjoys being part of the River Falls community. In addition to his personal experiences, he has also enjoyed the areas growth and development through his work.  He looks to continue his work with the Chamber Board.

Patsy Linehan, Ambassador Chair 

Security Financial Bank 

plinehan@securityfinancialbank.com

Missy Wilson, LRF Alumni Liaison

UW-RF

melissa.wilson@uwrf.edu

Melissa became involved with the Chamber while participating in the 2006/2007 Leadership River Falls program.  As a new member to the River Falls community, having moved here in 2005, the Leadership River Falls program was a great way to learn more about the River Falls community and meet others in River Falls.  Melissa works at UWRF where she is the Assistant Director of Career Services and works with recruiters who wish to hire UWRF students and alumni and with students assisting them with their career development.  She also hosts one of the etiquette dinners each semester where proper dining and interviewing etiquette are discussed during a five-course meal.  Melissa graduated from UWRF and in between her time as a student and staff member, worked at UW-Platteville and UW-Oshkosh before returning home to her alma mater.

Leslie Bleskacheck                             

Chippewa Valley Technical College

lbleskachek@cvtc.edu

Aaron Davis                      

Aaron Davis -Country Insurance 

aaron.davis@countryfinancial.com 

Aaron is employed as an agent with Country Insurance & Financial Services since February 2005, Davis’ responsibilities include servicing and meeting his clients needs of River Falls and the surrounding areas.  He specialized in auto, home, life, commercial, and disability insurance.  He is licensed in Wisconsin and Minnesota.  He graduated from Bloomer High School in 1998 and from UW-Stout with a degree in Facilities Management in 2002.  Currently, he is a member of the Big Brother Big Sisters.  He has been active in the community on a number of different committees including River Falls Days, Golf Outing, the Annual Dinner and Bowl for Kids.  He truly enjoys being part of the River Falls community and looks forward to continuing his work with the Chamber.

Joleen D. Larson

Joleen D. Larson Agency     

joleenlarson@hotmail.com

Joleen is a current City Council member, sitting on the Historic Preservation Committee, Cable Advisory Committee, and was recently appointed to the Community Arts Base Board. She has served on the River Falls Planning Commission, served 2½ terms as Main street-BID president, past RF Chamber Board member, Town & Country Days committee member and has been active in a host of community events. She is an insurance agent by trade, now representing Sentry Insurance. Formerly an American Family agent in River Falls for seven years and during her non-compete years, (she likes to refer to this as her Hiatus) she worked along side Nancy Christensen in opening Treasure’s from the Heart, an on-going fund raiser ADOARY Home Health and Hospice programs. 

Paula Korbel

Interior Concepts/Custom Cuts, Inc.                

interiorconcepts1@sbcglobal.net

Paula has owned Interior Concepts/Custom Cut Inc, an interior design firm for 27 years with the last 20 years at the present Main Street location. Paula was integral part of the team that was able to transform the alley that runs along the Kinnikinnic River into Riverwalk Street, which provides a pleasant passage to the existing businesses. Paula is also a member of the River Falls Retail Committee. Their goal is to bring the business community together to work together to provide the atmosphere and elements that will provide a place and a reason to shop locally. Paula has lived in River Falls since 1969. She is married to Gary Korbel and they have a daughter Katrina, who is presently attending Rasmussen Business College.

Ron Thielen

Best Maid Cookie Co. Inc.                 

ronm@bestmaid.com

Bill Rasmussen

Hammerback, Murray & Jacobson, S.C.

wrasmussen@hammarback-law.com

Bill Rasmussen has been in business 18 years in River Falls. He does investigation, case evaluation, and case development, mostly on agricultural cases, for Hammarback, Murray & Jacobson S.C. since 1987. Previously, Bill was a police officer for the city of River Falls from 1975-2003, over 27 years. He has been closely involved with the River Falls Chamber since approximately 1991. He became a formal member in 2003 when Hammarback, Murray & Jacobson joined. Bill was instrumental in coordinating the Faster Pastor race at the last River Falls Days and is heavily involved in the parade planning. 

Jeff Schwab                        

AllTel Corporation

Jeff.Schwab@alltel.com

Jeffery Schwab was born in Bloomer, Wisconsin, where he attended  Bloomer High School.  After high school, he joined the United States Navy spending four years on the USS Ranger and an additional three years in military services.  After leaving the military, Jeff began his sales career and has been in the wireless Industry for the last 17 years working for several wireless companies in sales and in management positions.  He currently holds the position of Market Manager for Midwest Wireless (AllTel Corporation). Jeff has a Bachelor of Science in Business from Upper Iowa University, where he graduated with honors.