La Crosse Local: A source for connection

August 21, 2025

By La Crosse Community Foundation

La Crosse Local is an online hub that connects people with the events, businesses, and stories shaping the Coulee Region. Part of a broader network of hyperlocal sites, it offers a steady stream of timely, relevant content to strengthen community ties and highlight what makes the places here distinct.

At the center of this effort is Becky Montpetit, a communications strategist whose passion for community-building transcends geography.  Based in Rochester, Minnesota, Montpetit is a lifelong Midwesterner who owns La Crosse Local and Rochester Local and co-owns Twin Cities Mom.

Though she doesn’t live in La Crosse, her work reflects a deep belief in the community strength that comes from local connections — and a commitment to making space for it online.

What inspired you to create La Crosse Local for a community you don’t live in?

I may not live in La Crosse, but I’m a natural connector who believes in the power of strong, connected communities. La Crosse is a vibrant town full of energy, potential, and diverse voices — and it deserves a resource that helps people discover, connect, and thrive. My passion extends beyond individual cities to entire regions, and I’m driven by the belief that when people know what’s happening around them, they feel more rooted and engaged.

La Crosse Local was created to provide that bridge, offering timely, local information that helps foster relationships, highlight small businesses, and build community pride. It’s about giving people the tools to fully experience where they live. Even from outside the city, I’m energized by the opportunity to support and celebrate everything that makes La Crosse unique.

Why is bridging community important?

Bridging community matters because it creates belonging in a world where people often feel disconnected, even while sharing space. When people are informed and engaged, they’re more likely to show up — for local businesses, events, and each other.

La Crosse Local exists to make that easier. We provide something we all want more of but can’t buy: time. By curating timely, relevant information, we help people cut through the noise and quickly find what matters, giving them more time to enjoy life in La Crosse.

That matters because La Crosse is a vibrant, diverse community full of potential. When people feel connected to where they live, they build stronger relationships and take pride in their hometown.

Have you ever faced challenges getting involved in your community? If not, what motivates your work to help others connect?

For me, “joining” was never a barrier; it’s something that’s always come naturally. I’m a connector by nature, and I’ve always found energy and purpose in bringing people together. I was born and raised in the community I now live in, and I see that as both a privilege and a responsibility. I’ve had the benefit of knowing where to go, who to ask, and how to get involved, and I know not everyone has that.

What burdens me is the thought of people in any community, including La Crosse, feeling isolated or unsure of how to start building those connections. That’s what drives my work. I’m passionate about finding solutions that help people plug in more easily, whether that’s through a local event guide, highlighting small businesses, or simply sharing a story that resonates.