VolumeOne and Founder Nick Meyer Honored with Altoona's 2024 Champion of the Arts Award

Monday, May 13, 2024
Roy Atkinson | Assistant City Administrator | City of Altoona WI

Altoona, WI - In a festive gathering at the River Prairie Festival Celebration of Arts, Volume One and its founder, Nick Meyer, were honored with the prestigious Champion of the Arts Award. This accolade recognizes their significant contributions to the cultural landscape of the Chippewa Valley.

Founded in the spring of 2002 by Nick Meyer and Dale Karls, Volume One started as a modest 24-page publication aimed at spotlighting the burgeoning arts scene in Eau Claire. Over theyears, it has blossomed into the region's leading independently owned media outlet, with 13,000copies distributed biweekly across multiple cities and amassing millions of online interactions.Volume One has been at the forefront of promoting and celebrating the arts and culture of the Chippewa Valley through innovative community-driven events. Initiatives such as the SoundsLike Summer Concert Series, Chalkfest, Food Truck Friday, Chippewa Valley Restaurant Week,and the Best Night celebration with its Vanguard Awards, have made substantial impacts,drawing thousands to appreciate and participate in the community's cultural offerings. Moreover,the expansion of Volume One into related ventures such as The Local Store & Volume OneGallery, Electric Bike Rental, and the Chippewa River Trolley Co., underscores theircommitment to enhancing local arts and culture.

"Volume One and Nick Meyer have played a pivotal role in transforming the Chippewa Valley into a vibrant hub for arts and culture. Their relentless dedication and innovative spirit have not only enhanced our community's cultural landscape but also fostered a sense of unity and pride among our residents. We are thrilled to honor them with the Champion of the Arts Award, recognizing their substantial contributions and their unwavering commitment to making our region a better place for all. Nick and his team's vision and leadership have indeed made a lasting impact, and we look forward to seeing what he and Volume One will inspire next," said Mike Golat, City Administrator for the City of Altoona.

The award was presented during a special ceremony at the River Prairie Festival, an annual event that celebrates the rich tapestry of artistic talent within the region. Nick Meyer's acceptance of the award was met with enthusiastic applause, a testament to the deep appreciation and support from the community he has helped cultivate.

As Volume One moves forward, its commitment to the Chippewa Valley remains unwavering, with plans to keep fostering creativity and community engagement through its coverage and events. This accolade serves not only as recognition of past achievements but also as inspiration for future endeavors in the arts.

For more information about Volume One and their upcoming events, please visit their website: https://volumeone.org/home