From where I’m sitting it’s looking like 2014 is going to be a very interesting year in the Chippewa Valley. This is the year we’ll likely find out if the Confluence Project is really coming to life or not, and it could get kinda messy between here and there. We may or may not see a referendum vote, and we’ll see whether the support continues to roll in (as it has been) from governmental bodies including the county on up to the state, as well as from private donations by both businesses and citizens. But there’s more than just the Confluence Project. There’s major development happening elsewhere in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Altoona, and Menomonie as everyone tries to take advantage of an improving economy. Aside from new buildings, streets, and jobs, there are many other initiatives, events, and ideas likely to keep things interesting this year – too many to list here. One of them, as you may have heard, is from a group I’m a part of attempting to bring new life to the Green Tree Inn & Suites downtown. If all goes well it will become a creative “boutique” hotel. Yes, that will be a challenge, but somebody’s got to do it. Hopefully by about this time next year you’ll be hearing about the grand opening and all the exciting details. So as I said, from where I’m sitting 2014 is looking to be one heck of a ride for everybody. Let’s do what we can to make it a good one.