UW-River Falls to open innovative learning center in Hudson

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will open a new Hudson-based educational facility in fall 2010.
The UWRF Hudson Center will serve the St. Croix Valley with a focus on undergraduate courses for non-traditional and working adults seeking to complete a baccalaureate degree or enroll in select graduate and certificate programs.

“We are excited about establishing a facility to serve the St. Croix Valley in new ways, and to further strengthen our partnerships with the community,” Chancellor Dean Van Galen says.

The Hudson Center will include several technology-enabled classrooms and meeting spaces to serve a range of educational and community needs. The university is also partnering with the Hudson School District to provide learning opportunities for local high school students.

This new partnership with UW-River Falls aligns well with the district’s long-range strategic plan. The UW-River Falls Hudson Center is a logical partnership in preparing Hudson graduates for post-secondary success and providing them with opportunities to expand their 21st century learning skills.”

The center will also serve as a base for UWRF to strengthen relationships with the area business community to meet economic development and work force needs.

“I have received very positive feedback on this concept from Hudson community leaders as well as our own campus community, and we look forward to ‘planting the UWRF flag’ in Hudson later this summer,” says Van Galen.

The actual location of the Hudson Center is yet to be determined, but will provide easy I-94 access. The Hudson Center will also support the University of Wisconsin System’s “More Graduates for Wisconsin” initiative, and the UW System will provide start-up funding for the center.

“As part of the UW System’s Growth Agenda for Wisconsin, we’re asking campuses to serve more students in new and creative ways, with a goal of stimulating a more vibrant state economy,” says UW System President Kevin Reilly “The Hudson Center is a great example of how UW-River Falls is embracing this challenge and improving the university’s service to the entire region. I applaud Chancellor Van Galen and his team for their leadership and forward thinking.

MOVERS

>> Hudson-based RESCO has added Mike Brueske as vice president of marketing & sales.

>> John Boldt, P.E. has been named president of Clark Dietz Inc., succeeding Ken Nelson.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

HUDSON: Valley Cartage, a third generation trucking company, will celebrate its 75th anniversary this month. In 1935, Norman R. Gilbert launched Gilbert Truck Line and used a team of horses from Hudson to Trempealeau, a distance of 120 miles. The fare was $1.50. The company has remained in the family and is owned and operated by Norman’s son, Jerry, and grandson, Todd. For more than 50 years, Valley Cartage operated out of a small facility with a handful of trucks. Hudson grew up around the terminal. In 2000, the company completed a new terminal and corporate office complex in the St. Croix Business Park. This facility was doubled in 2005 to accommodate the rapid growth of their customer base and strategic acquisitions. Valley Cartage now operates six terminals, along with truckload logistics, guaranteed service and a freezable option.

>> J&L Steel & Electrical Services has received national re-certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Development Center - MN, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

SUPERIOR: Superior Light & Water has received approval from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to construct a 1.5 million-gallon reservoir on the east side of the city. The new $4.95 million reservoir is expected to improve water quality and system reliability, and will incorporate ultraviolet technology to kill any pathogens found in the drinking water. The reservoir will replace an existing million-gallon reservoir currently used by the city. As of press time, the project was awaiting local and DNR approval.

EAU CLAIRE: National Presto Industries Inc. announced in late March that AMTEC Corp., its wholly owned subsidiary, received a $99.36 million add-on award to its new five-year 40mm systems contract with the Department of the Army. Deliveries under the add-on are scheduled primarily in 2012. The add-on brings the amount under the new 40mm contract to $133.03 million. There may be a further add-on later this year.