For Amanda Spitz, the Chippewa County area could not be a better fit, both for her family or for her business, Smiles in Motion. Spitz specializes in pediatric dentistry, a dental practice focused on those patients who are ages 0 through 18. When she decided to open her own pediatric dental clinic, Spitz wanted to stay in the Chippewa Falls area. “We really liked the area for raising our children and enjoyed living near Lake Wissota,” said Spitz.

Amanda, along with her husband, Ross, decided to contact Chippewa County Economic Development Corportion for guidance when finding the perfect spot to build the practice. “The CCEDC really pointed us to the right direction of the land,” Amanda said. “We were able to ask them about various properties which were available and learn about the pros and cons of each,” said Ross Spitz. “They gave us the information we needed to make an informed decision,” Ross continued. Both Ross and Amanda were impressed with the information that Charlie Walker and the CCEDC provided to them. “It was nice to have an unbiased source to help us when finding land in the Chippewa Falls area,” Ross said.

When Amanda and Ross viewed the property in the Lake Wissota Business Park, they liked the proximity of Highway 29 and the other medical facilities that were already established in the area. Amanda especially enjoyed the view. “I loved this location; it’s absolutely beautiful,” she said. With this in mind, the Smiles in Motion dental office was constructed with many windows so patients and parents could enjoy the spectactular view.

The employees at Smiles in Motion also enjoy the view and the modern building that houses the office. Since locating to Chippewa Falls, Spitz has created seven jobs, which includes six full-time employees and one part-time employee. Spitz is proud of the economic impact her business has had on the community. “As more and more economic development takes place in this area, I know that it will impact my business and the surrounding businesses,” Amanda said.

Although she currently relies on word-of-mouth and some print advertising to gain patients, Spitz looks forward to further economic development in the Lake Wissota Business Park and the surrounding community. “As there is more to offer in this area, the economic growth will continue,” she said. More growth would result in a business boost for Smiles in Motion, as well as other entrepreneurial endeavors in the area.

While Smiles in Motion only opened in January 2009, both Amanda and Ross are grateful for the guidance they received from CCEDC. The Chippewa Falls area has proven to be a successful marketplace for Smiles in Motion. Spitz and her team have created a dynamic, child-centered pediatric dental clinic that serves the needs of the Chippewa Valley children and beyond. “We are proud of what we do and are pleased to offer our services to the area,” Spitz concluded.