Northwestern Bank market president's Jamie Leibrandt and Tracey Smiskey were excited to present the Chippewa Area Ice Arena and the Chippewa Youth Hockey Association with $100,000 towards their Keeping it Cool capital campaign. The group is raising funds to replace an outdated chiller system and other much needed improvements to save energy. 

"The ice arena is a one hundred percent volunteer run organization benefitting the Chippewa area. Kids from all over can come here to learn to skate, play hockey and have fun. Providing spaces such as this brings the community together." Jamie Leibrandt, Market President. 

The Chippewa Youth Hockey Association is a not for profit orgranization with quality programs for ice skating related activities. They support teamwork and cooperation through mutual respect, sharing of skills, knowledge, and responsibilities. According to the organization members develop character, commitment, confidence, lifelong friendships, and become future leaders in the community. Other organizations that utilize the space are area high schools, figure skating, girls hockey, and Chippewa Steel. 

The current chiller system is the original system for the building. It requires significant and costly maintenance and training, and relies on a refrigerant that is no longer manufactured because it is unsafe for the environment. The campaign is raising $1.1 million to replace the chiller system. Updating the system now will ensure the Chippewa Area Ice Arena can continue to provide fun, safe programing for area youth for years to come. Back