Bloomer, WI – The Christmas Tree Farm, owned and operated by Mike and Lisa Stoffel, will welcome an international delegation of Polish mayors and local leaders on Saturday, November 1, 2025 as part of the Open World Program, a U.S. Congressional initiative fostering cultural and professional exchange.
The delegation — composed of mayors and deputy mayors from across Poland — is visiting Chippewa Falls and the greater Chippewa Valley region to explore economic development, small business growth, and sustainable rural leadership. The program is coordinated locally by the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club in partnership with Rotary International and the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL).
From 12:00 to 1:00 PM, the group will tour The Christmas Tree Farm in Bloomer (8513 120th Ave), where owner Mike and Lisa Stoffel, representing the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA), will share insights into Wisconsin’s vibrant Christmas tree industry — one rooted in generations of family farming, environmental stewardship, and seasonal community traditions.
Visitors will learn about the state’s role in supplying real Christmas trees, wreaths, and greenery nationwide, as well as Poland’s own prominence in the European Christmas tree market. The tour will feature demonstrations of tree-planting equipment, pruning tools, and discussions of sustainability practices. Guests will also experience The Christmas Tree Farm’s hallmark hospitality, including complimentary hot chocolate and cookies — a beloved family tradition continued by the Stoffels each season.
“This visit celebrates what connects us — family farming, community, and the universal joy of Christmas,” said Mike Stoffel, owner of The Christmas Tree Farm. “We’re honored to host the delegates from Poland and share how Wisconsin farmers grow and preserve a piece of holiday tradition.”
Delegates include:
- Anna Grygierek, Mayor of Strumie?
- Daria Wyzuj, Mayor of Pogorzela
- Dominika Kudlinska, Deputy Mayor of Reda
- Marcin Uchman, Mayor of Ceg?ów
- Pawe? Kownacki, Mayor of Wieliszew
and Agata Laziuk, facilitator with the American Councils for International Education.
Their visit marks part of an eight-day Wisconsin itinerary focused on building international collaboration in rural development, local governance, and sustainable agriculture, with stops that include the Chippewa Area History Center, local farms, wineries, and educational institutions such as UW–Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College.
The WCTPA will feature highlights from the visit in its upcoming Quarterly Journal and across its social media platforms. Local media are invited to attend the tour at noon on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at The Christmas Tree Farm in Bloomer.
Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA): Nonprofit organization representing Christmas tree growers across Wisconsin. The association promotes the Christmas tree industry, supports member farms, markets real Wisconsin-grown trees, and connects consumers with quality tree farms.
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who take action to create lasting change—locally and around the world. For more than 110 years, Rotarians have used their passion, energy, and commitment to work on sustainable projects, from education and peacebuilding to clean water, health, and community development.
The Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) administers the Open World program, a U.S. Congress–funded exchange initiative that builds lasting relationships between American communities and emerging leaders from partner countries. Delegates experience local governance, civic engagement, and cultural exchange while staying with American host families.