Mid-State Technical College’s spring 2026 graduates were recognized during the College’s biannual commencement ceremony on the Wisconsin Rapids Campus, Saturday, May 16. Out of a class of 780 graduates across the College's campuses, over 250 crossed the stage to receive their diploma. “Now you stand at the threshold of a new chapter,” said Mid-State President Dr. Shelly Mondeik in her address to the graduating class. “My hope is simple for all of you. Use everything that you’ve gained here—the skills
Effective financial management for beauty salons means doing more than filling the appointment calendar — it means controlling expenses, diversifying revenue, and planning for the months when business slows. According to 2025 industry research, the U.S. beauty salon industry reached $48.0 billion in revenue across 121,144 companies, with average sales of $0.3 million per location. For salon owners in Wisconsin Rapids, the gap between strong revenue and genuine financial stability is where most of the real
The Big Picture Every small business in Central Wisconsin faces a common truth — risk isn’t optional, but good preparation is. From contracts to insurance, proactive legal planning is not about paranoia; it’s about stability and credibility.TL;DR Use clear written contracts to define expectations and reduce disputes. Maintain the right insurance coverage — liability, property, cyber, and more. Create employee and operations policies that prevent legal missteps. Understand tools like hold
In today’s digital economy, smaller companies face the same expectations as enterprise players — instant responses, professional systems, and seamless customer experiences. The good news? You don’t need corporate budgets to perform like one. The right combination of strategy, technology, and visibility can level the field faster than ever. TL;DR Small businesses can compete with larger competitors by focusing on speed, personalization, and professionalism.Key moves include: Automating repetitive