Talk about working hard and playing hard! Ashley DeMuth, Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce CEO, has served several local organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of the Chippewa Valley and the United Way of Dunn County, and still carves out time for activities such as snowshoeing, caring for her family’s hobby farm raising beef, attending local concerts and shows, and enjoying local food (she recommends Thai Orchid’s green curry).

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I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WE MUST INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY. WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE! SHOP LOCAL, EAT LOCAL, ENTERTAIN LOCAL!

How long have you lived in the area?

For the majority of 30 years. I did live in both Menomonie and Chetek for a few years. I went to Colfax High School, moved to Chetek for awhile, and then went to UW-Stout.

What is your favorite piece of local trivia?

Chippewa Valley Bean, located outside of Menomonie, is the largest processor and exporter of kidney beans in all of North America!

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be?

Fish fry with a Jameson Orange Old Fashioned from either Jake’s Supper Club or Wilson Creek Inn.  I’m a sucker for a classic fish fry and an Old Fashioned!

What frustrates you about the Chippewa Valley?

When businesses/people/organizations silo themselves and refuse to work together.  We are all in this for the same end goal – a great place to live, work and play. Let’s work together and make things AMAZING! Also, Menomonie tends to get left out of regional things due to proximity.  We still consider ourselves part of the Chippewa Valley.

What place in town considers you a “regular”?

Viking Bowl & Lounge, Jake’s Supper Club, the Mabel Tainter for the Arts, Fleet Farm and many more!

What sort of economic development would you like to see in our area?

More ethnic food options in Menomonie, an increase in affordable housing, and filling the vacant spaces in the downtown areas. It would be great to drive more large workforce developments, but they need more housing to place their people! If you build it, they will come. 

Ashley's Shoutouts

Viking Bowl & Lounge in Colfax. “It’s worth the drive, trust me. Check out the happy hour drinks and daily specials! It’s also a great location for families and for catering or hosting an event on-site.”

Brewery Nonic. “If you are a dark beer drinker, their Little King is a delightful treat. They also have a great outdoor space where you can enjoy your beverage.”

Cardinal Glass. “One of the most fascinating area business tours you can go on, in my opinion. It’s incredible to see the ‘river of glass’ and learn about the continuous running of operations – literally 24/7.”

If you or someone you know would make a good candidate for Questioning the Locals, send us a message with their contact info and a little bit about them!