Fitness Center Takes Title in Downtown Business Contest

Tom Giffey |

A fitness center, a skin care studio, and the Chippewa Valley’s first pedal pub are the winners of the 15th Annual Jump-Start Downtown Business Competition. The contest, hosted annually by Downtown Eau Claire Inc., seeks business plans from entrepreneurs hoping to hang up their shingles downtown. Winners were announced in October. This year’s Grand Prize Winner is The Well, a fitness studio at 40 S. Barstow St. (in the Haymarket Landing Building) created by Amy Erickson, who also owns the Latitude 44 Yoga Studio. Honorable Mention went to Grace Skin Studio, owned by medical esthetician Jordan Jeffreys, which “aims to make high-quality, affordable skin care accessible to everyone” when it opens downtown this fall. Finally, the Innovative Idea Winner is Eau Claire Rolling Tap, owned by Alex Bauchle, which gives groups of pedal-pushing patrons a chance to explore downtown sites while sipping adult beverages. Prizes include start-up capital, brand-development advice, and advertising credit with the Leader-Telegram and Volume One. Learn more about the Jump-Start program and DECI at downtowneauclaire.org.