10 Reasons to RelyLocal

1. Local Character and Prosperity
In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character have an economic advantage.

2. Community Well-Being
Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining vibrant town centers, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships, and contributing to local causes.

3. Local Decision-Making
Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.

4. Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy
Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.

5. Job and Wages
Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than chains do.

6. Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship fuels America’s economic innovation and prosperity, and serves as a key means for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class.

7. Public Benefits and Costs
Local stores in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services relative to big box stores and strip shopping malls.

8. Environmental Sustainability
Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers-which in turn are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution.

9. Competition
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

10. Product Diversity
A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based, not on a national sales plan, but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

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This list comes from Stacy Mitchell, a senior researcher with the New Rules Project (www.newrules.org), a national nonprofit initiative that advises communities on strategies and policies to strengthen independent businesses.

Camille’s Sidewalk Café

Written by Shelly Cedarblade    shellycedarblade@relylocal.com

Scrumptious food anytime of the day…breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anytime in between! …Friendly, courteous staff!…”Sidewalk cafe” dining feel!

Camille’s Sidewalk Café in conveniently located off of Hwy 53 in Chippewa Falls, WI.

Camille’s exemplifies the type of locally owned business that RelyLocal is all about!  When the owner, Linda Stelter, and the manager, Debbra Cobb, were in the process of designing and building the café they realized the importance of utilizing locally made fixtures and equipment.  Not only did they save a little money, they also supported the local economy!

Friendly Staff!

In an industry that is known for a high turnover rate, most of the staff that started with Camille’s when the café opened are still employed with them!  Debbra and Linda followed the rule of hiring for personality, train for skill!  All of the staff at Camille’s have a friendly, positive and accommodating personality!  The number one comment received by customers is the “nice staff”!

Delicious Chow!

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Camille’s is known for their gourmet wraps and sandwiches, and they also offer fresh salads, soups,  fruit smoothies and fresh squeezed orange juice, and a wide variety of desserts, including Eli’s Cheesecakes, baked goods, a full coffee bar, wine, and beer.

The “Afternoon Chill”

Come into Camille’s between 2:00 and 4:00 PM Monday – Friday to enjoy complimentary chips and fresh salsa.   Ask about the flavor of the day to receive 15% off smoothies or specialty drinks.

Relaxing Atmosphere!

Camille’s sunny interior evokes an outdoor “sidewalk cafe” dining feel.  When you come to Camille’s you can “eat, relax, and enjoy”.  Patrons can also enjoy outdoor seating.  If the temperatures drop, customers can enjoy the relaxing fireplace or sit under the warmth of a patio heater.

If you are having a meeting, Camille’s has two meeting rooms.  The smaller room of the two can accommodate up to 9 guests, and the larger room can fit up to 50.

“Insider Secret”

Go to www.camillescafe.com and click on “Join the eCafe”.  You will receive gifts and other fun stuff delivered to your email!

The Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe offers their patrons great food, better service, and an atmosphere where one can eat, relax, and enjoy.

Contact Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe for questions or catering at:

Phone:  (715) 833-2233

Email:  camillessidewalkcafe@hotmail.com

Website:  www.camillescafe.com

RelyLocal: www.relylocal.com

 

 

RainMaster

By Shelly Cedarblade        shellycedarblade@relylocal.com

Envious of your neighbor’s lush, green lawn?

Spending hours fighting the weeds and mowing your lawn?                                                                                        

Tired of moving the sprinklers around your yard?

RainMaster Lawn Services can help!  They design and install irrigation systems and provide a 5-Step Lawn Care Service which will keep your landscape healthy and eye appealing!

RainMaster was founded in 1999 by Paul Madsen.  Established first in his basement, the business quickly grew into his home and garage.  By 2004, RainMaster began construction on new facilities that could house an ever-expanding team and equipment. 

Paul has always been interested in being an entrepreneur.  When he was 20, his grandmother gave him a business book that re-ignited the drive and from there, he started his lawn care business.

The tiny business that started in his basement now offers irrigation system design, installation & service, lawn care, and snow & ice removal.  Paul acknowledges that the result of his success is due a lot of hard work, his team, and an investment in state-of-the-art equipment and products.   

Trained & Certified Staff

RainMaster has dedicated, experienced technicians ready to get your work done. They dedicate themselves to continued training and having earned many certifications and licenses to make sure they are the best they can be. Not only do their certified irrigation technicians install proven, dependable lawn sprinkler systems, but the entire RainMaster team is dedicated to long-term service, always at a reasonable cost to their customers.

Big on Conservation

 At RainMaster, they are continually looking for new ways to reduce their impact on the environment.  They were recently designated as a “Green Business” by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce! To earn this designation, a company must show their dedication to green practices in all of the following areas: energy conservation, purchasing, recycling, transportation, social capital, waste prevention and water conservation.  RainMaster is also pleased to offer the following options for RainMaster customers to “Go Green”: online bill payment, e-invoices, and products such as:

• Smart controllers
• Drip irrigation
• Weather controls
• Rain sensors

All of these products help conserve water.  RainMaster is proud to be a “Green Business”.

At RainMaster they strive to continue to build their reputation as honest, professional experts by providing top quality service.

If you love a beautiful lawn, contact RainMaster and get the yard you’ve always wanted.  Make your lawn greener, thicker and healthier with RainMaster Lawn Systems.

Phone:  (715) 839-8484

Email:  rainmaster@rainmasterlawn.com

Website:  www.rainmasterlawn.com

RelyLocal:  www.relylocal.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com

 

Xcel Energy Kid’s Expo

By Shelly Cedarblade         shellycedarblade@relylocal.com

The Xcel Energy Kid’s Expo is a great way to jump-start to your family’s summer! Come and visit over 70 exhibitor’s booths to get great information for tons of child and family activities.

The event will take place on Sunday, April 10th, 2011 from 11AM – 4PM at the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center. For more information check out the website at www.ecsportscenter.com.

Admission is only $5, and kids 12 and under are FREE!

Not only can you get the information you may be looking for,  but you can also experience local businesses in person. The event will feature dance, gymnastics, and karate performances, DJ entertainment, large inflatables, games, prizes, indoor recess, and much more family fun! The Kid’s Expo is a great event to get out of the house, shake off winter, and start your spring the way it should be started!

RelyLocal will be located at Booth#  93 – next to Xcel Energy and Beaver Creek Reserve.  We will be selling the RelyLocal Rewards card for $20.  40% of the proceeds will go towards the RelyLocal Scholarship fund.

RelyLocal Rewards is a new and exciting program to help support our local businesses and save money at the same time!  Simply purchase a card, show it at participating businesses, and be REWARDED for keeping your money local!  For more information regarding participating businesses go to www.relylocal.com.

Check out the WEAU Sunrise Edition segment (www.weau.com) with Meghan Kulig, Rick Suydam from RelyLocal, and Angela Deutschlander from IdeaSigns.  They discuss the RelyLocal Rewards program and how it supports the local community and provides savings to consumers!

Sylvan Learning Center of Eau Claire

Written by Shelly Cedarblade    shellycedarblade@relylocal.com

 

 

Just sound it out.
You’re not trying hard enough.
You know this word, you just read it.

These are the comments that were shared between my daughter Hannah and me on a daily basis before she started at Sylvan Learning Center.

In second grade Hannah was having a very difficult time in school.  She was struggling with her spelling words and reading well below average.  She was very frustrated with her inability to read.

Her teachers at school were wonderful.  They modified her curriculum and she was given extra support in the Title I program.  Unfortunately, it was not making a significant impact and she was slipping further and further behind.  The teachers kept telling me that she will catch up, but between the nightly battles and my “motherly instinct”, I knew it was imperative to get her the help she needed.

Financially, it was not an easy decision.  It was not in our budget, but when you believe in a solution you will find the money.  We decided to take money out of her college account.  We figured if she kept on struggling and doing poorly, she wouldn’t even make it to college!

We immediately saw results!

She loved going to Sylvan.  She especially loved her Sylvan teachers.  They were kind, supportive, and truly cared about helping the students succeed.  One thing that really motivated her was earning points that she could redeem at the Sylvan store.

Today, Hannah is a 5th grader and doing exceptionally well in school.  She still struggles with spelling, but she loves reading!  She devours books and has a passion for learning!

Would she have caught up without Sylvan?  I don’t know, but I am glad that I didn’t wait around to find out!

If you have a child who is struggling, I would strongly encourage you to contact Sylvan Learning Center of Eau Claire.  Not only do they provide assessments and tutoring, they provide numerous free resources!

You can contact Sylvan Learning Center at:

Phone:  715-858-1234

Email:  eauclaire@sylvancenter.org

Website:  http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/eauclairetutoring/index.cfm

Simple Office Solutions

By Shelly Cedarblade          shellycedarblade@relylocal.com

Evlyn Carlile is the owner of Simple Office Solutions in Eau Claire, WI.  She has owned and operated S.O.S. since 2004 and she has over 20 years experience and education in the field of bookkeeping.

Simple Office Solutions is dedicated to helping small business owners improve the organization and accuracy of their record keeping system.  Many new and existing businesses struggle with the task of keeping the books.  In fact, for many business owners it is their least favorite task!

S.O.S. provides the answers and the systems that allow the business owner to get and stay organized!  She provides consulting, system setup, one-on-one training, bookkeeping and payroll services.

Evlyn works with new and established small businesses.  As a new business owner, Evlyn will provide the start up information to establish a system that is effective and helps you stay up to date with all of your record keeping.

She really enjoys working with the new business owner to ensure that their bookkeeping system is efficient and easy to use.  This is often one of the most difficult areas for the new business owner and Evyln tries to ease this burden.

Simple Office Solutions knows that at tax time, going in prepared will increase the accuracy and decrease the stress of tax preparation. Statistics show that by staying up to date during the year, you gain the power of financial reporting to help you make important business decisions, giving your business a better chance of survival.

25% OFF ANNUAL BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

Through RelyLocal, Simple Office Solutions is offering 25% off annual bookkeeping services.  See the coupon at www.RelyLocal.com.

Simple Office Solutions has the experience and expertise to provide professional consulting and bookkeeping services for your small businesses.

Contact Evyln today to see how she can help your business!

Phone: (715) 379-0116

Email: carlilesos@yahoo.com

Website: http://eauclairebookkeeping.com

RelyLocal:  www.relylocal.com

Abby’s Custom Woodworking

By Shelly Cedarblade shellycedarblade@relylocal.com

Abby’s Custom Woodworking is one of our new RelyLocal-Chippewa Valley members.

Mark Abramowicz, the owner, has over 25 years experience in cabinetry and furniture design and production.  Some of the custom work they design, produce, and install are:

• Custom cabinets for the kitchen, laundry, or bath
• Custom furniture for the home or office
• Entertainment centers
• Fireplace mantels
• Garage storage cabinets
• Storage lockers

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What makes their work unique is that all of their pieces are truly custom made.  Abby’s builds each order to meet their customer’s exact specifications.  They are able to design whatever their client’s have in mind, whether a common style or a unique masterpiece, including replicas of heirloom pieces.  They use the best materials and offer a wide variety of wood species, color choices and specialty finish selections.

Abby’s Custom Woodworking has displays at Amundson’s Appliance Center in Eau Claire, WI and Northwood’s Stove & Fireplace in Hayward, WI.

10% off Custom Wood Locker Storage Systems and Garage Cabinets

View the coupon at www.relylocal.com.

Wood Locker Storage
Custom wood locker storage systems help the home run more efficiently by keeping everything in its place.  Lockers can be installed in the garage, utility room, basement or mud room. At Abby’s Custom Woodworking, each locker is custom fit, designed, and built to suit.  They are made of the highest quality and are designed to last a lifetime.

Garage Cabinets
Custom cabinets are the best way to utilize the space in a garage.  Abby’s will evaluate your space and design custom cabinets that will help organize your garage space.  Another benefit of garage cabinets is that you won’t have to worry about moisture or pests damaging your possessions.  Each cabinet is built with quality materials and include stainless steel legs on the bottom which allow you to sweep and clean underneath.

Whether you’re building, remodeling, or creating that one-of-a-kind piece…contact Abby’s Custom Woodworking where they pride themselves on making your dream a reality!

You may contact Abby’s Custom Woodworking via:

Phone:  715-874-6370

Email:  abbys@wwt.net

Website:  www.abbyscustomwoodworking.com

RelyLocal:  www.relylocal.com

Solomon Learning Center

By Shelly Cedarblade     shellycedarblade@relylocal.com

 

• Does the thought of filling out an application or updating your resume scare you?
• Do you dread the thought of having an interview?
• Do you want to advance in your career?
• Trouble keeping jobs?

Solomon Learning Center Can Help!

Solomon Learning Center opened its doors in August of 2010.  They offer employment readiness training, leadership and personal development curricula.

According to the Director of Education, Chris Hedlund, Solomon was opened to expand their employment readiness and leadership development classes to non-residents of the Hope Gospel Mission.  They wanted to make their material available to assist more people.

Solomon Learning Center gives job seekers an advantage in a competitive employment market.  They provide personalized attention, one on one, if needed, with an individual tutor.

Three Reasons Why Solomon Learning Center is Successful…they:

1. Address the root cause, not the symptoms of an issue.
2. Provide resources and assistance to those who want to overcome and be successful.
3. Serve, without enabling, by giving a hand up, not a hand out.

You may contact Solomon Learning Center via:

Phone:  715-514-4291
Email:  info@solomonleariningcenter.org
Website:  http://www.solomonlearningcenter.org
RelyLocal: www.relylocal.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com
LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com
Twitter:  http://twitter.com

Enhance your options, advance your career!

Taste of Mo

By Shelly Cedarblade     shellycedarblade@relylocal.com

I experienced a “Taste of MO” workout today with Luke “Bru” Bruflat today.  I can honestly say I have never had so much fun working out!

Let me back up and clarify a few things.  I am a 40-year mother of two, totally out of shape, and an ex-athlete who hated working out in high school!

Prior to coming to Momentum Sport Fitness, the owner Kurt Mattison and Luke were sharing stories with me on how ex-athletes often come to work out at their facility and end up “losing their lunch” because they push themselves too hard.  I assured Kurt and Luke that this would not be me, as I was the girl in grade school who purposely tripped herself while running the mile so I wouldn’t have to finish.  Little did I know that I would have to make it up at a later date!  The point is…I don’t like to work out!

I showed up right on time for my 10:00 appointment.  I think Luke thought I was going to chicken out and not show up.  I proved him wrong.  I also proved myself wrong!

Luke moved me through a variety of exercises which challenged me, but I found myself pushing myself to achieve that last rep.  I was doing lunges, curls, and ab crunches like I was training for the Olympics…okay maybe I am exaggerating a little!

The hour just flew by!  The diverse training was great!  I was never bored and I actually enjoyed working out!  The only down fall was that I couldn’t walk for five days afterward.  Luke assured me that as I continue to train my pain will lessen.  He also said that I will even look forward and enjoy the pain!  Seriously?

Thank you Luke for going easy on me and sharing with me how things are done at Momentum! I would encourage anyone who is thinking about working out to try Momentum Sport Fitness!

For more information, call 715-955-4319, visit their website at www.momentumsport.com or at RelyLocal  www.relylocal.com.

Better yet, stop in and check out the facility.  Momentum Sport Fitness is located at 2615 London Road in Eau Claire.

Dream Vacations, LLC

Are you dreaming of a “dream vacation“?  Do you dread the thought of spending 17 hours online searching all the major travel sites to find the perfect trip at the least expensive price?  Do you hate it when you find a “good deal” and you try to book it and the price is no longer available?

Dream Vacations to the Rescue!

Stephanie Homann has been the owner of Dream Vacations, LLC since January, 2007.   In 2006, she wanted to have the flexibility to set her own hours and be available to her family.  She took her passion for planning, organizing, and traveling and started her own agency!

Dream Vacations is a full service travel agency with a focus on leisure travel, but she does have a few corporate accounts.  Stephanie saves her clients money, time,  and the hassle of researching travel by using her experience and knowledge to plan and book great vacations, business trips and miscellaneous travel.

The Travel Agency that Comes to Your Door

Stephanie will go to her client’s homes, offices, or out for coffee to help them plan their vacation in the most stress free way.  She is available 24/7 to help with issues during travel and provides many extras like personalized travel documents in a wallet with luggage tags and much more!

Stephanie’s three keys to success:

1.     Treat her customers the way she would like to be treated.
2.    Be honest with all of her clients.
3.    Follow through with my all her commitments and business obligations.

You may contact Stephanie Homann via:

Email:  dreamvacations@bloomer.net
Phone:  715-568-5927
Website:  www.DreamVacationsTravel.net
RelyLocal: www.relylocal.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com
LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com
Twitter:  http://twitter.com

Dream Vacations specializes in “Making Your Vacation Dreams Come True”!

Article written by Shelly Cedarblade.  You can reach Shelly at 715-577-8745 or shellycedarblade@relylocal.com if you would like your business featured in the RelyLocal Word-of-Mouse Blog.