Advocacy

Advocacy Principles

The Eau Claire Chamber's motto - "Together for Business • Together for Community" - points to our commitment to representing the local business community to build a strong area economy for all of us.

Our Mission: we are…

A Catalyst for Growth

A Champion for Business

A Convener for the Community

Vision

The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce envisions a vibrant Chippewa Valley where all businesses succeed, people want to live and work, and partnerships fuel long-term growth and resilience.

The Role of Advocacy

Decisions made at every level of government – whether locally at city hall, school boards, the county courthouse, or in Madison and Washington – have a profound impact on our local businesses and the economy. That is why the Chamber is committed to being your eyes and ears – and, when needed, a non-partisan voice for the business community.

The Chamber accomplishes this through:

Advocacy on business-related issues at the local, state and federal levels
Connections and relationships with policy makers
Timely information and education for Chamber members
Equipping investors for effective involvement and influence

The Chamber's specific Advocacy activities include:

Actively monitoring key issues at all levels of government.
Maintaining a regularly updated Business Issues Agenda, with the Chamber's positions on key economic issues.
Publishing the weekly Business Advocate e-newsletter, a need-to-know digest of relevant business-related issues, as well as updates on Chamber positions.
Organizing Advocacy events like Eggs & Issues policy breakfasts, Lawmaker Luncheons, Virtual Town Halls, and other online and in-person events to connect Chamber members with policy makers.
Educational opportunities where investors can learn more about how government works, how to get involved, and to make their voices heard most effectively.
Candidate Questionnaires, debates, forums and other election information. (The Chamber does not endorse candidates.)
Dedicated Governmental Affairs staff and volunteer-led Governmental Affairs Committee to maintain relationships with governmental officials, monitor issues, and recommend action when needed.
The annual Chippewa Valley Rally, in cooperation with the Chippewa Falls and Menomonie Chambers, bringing the business community’s voice to the State Capitol in Madison.
Cooperative efforts and information with like-minded organizations, including other local chambers, the state and national chambers, and other business-related groups.

Adopting Policies and Positions

The Chamber will publish an annual Business Issues Agenda, drafted by the Governmental Affairs Committee, adopted by Board of Directors, and updated as needed. Its purpose is to guide the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy activities as specific policy issues are considered at each level of government. Issues that arise that are not included in the agenda may be added upon recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee and approved by the Board. If the issue is time sensitive, the Executive Committee may act to determine the Chamber’s official position.

It is recognized that businesses and industry sectors may have different priorities and viewpoints. A key part of the Chamber’s role is to bring varying interests together, consider relevant viewpoints, and achieve a better understanding of the implications of public policy decisions. Whenever possible, the Chamber’s positions will be advanced through consensus regarding the overall best interests of the business community.

Voting Records: The Chamber will publish for educational purposes the recorded votes of elected officials on actions on which the Chamber has taken a position.

Business Participation in Public Policy

As the Advocate of Business, it is a core pillar of the Chamber to act on behalf of the business community. The Chamber also encourages and equips its investors to individually participate in policy deliberations, including exercising their rights as citizens. The Chamber supports the free speech rights for business people, who should not be subjected to discrimination or economic penalties by government or elected officials based upon their viewpoints.

Alliances With Other Organizations

The Chamber maintains relationships with other local, state, and national Chambers of Commerce, as well as trade groups and other organizations interested in business-related public policy. We will work with those organizations to share information and advocate for policy positions when complementary to our own.

The Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance with the Chippewa Falls and Menomonie Chambers represents a core public policy activity for the Eau Claire Area Chamber. This includes conducting the annual Chippewa Valley Rally legislative day in Madison, as well as cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

Collaboration and Cooperation

Election and Voting Information

For the latest on upcoming elections and other advocacy-related information, check our regularly updated Advocacy blog.

Good Government Council
The Good Government Council (GGC), a committee of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, was formed to act as a focal point for voluntary political involvement by the business community and other interested individuals in the Eau Claire area. One of the main objectives of the GGC is to learn about candidates’ positions on various issues and inform and educate our members.

The Chamber does not endorse candidates for public office, but encourages its investors and all citizens to vote and actively participate in the political process. The Chamber will provide election education, including questionnaires, forums, and other opportunities for voters to meet and learn about the positions of candidates on economic issues.

For each election, the Good Government Council sends out questionnaires for contested races for City Council in Altoona and Eau Claire; School Board in Altoona and Eau Claire; Eau Claire County Board, and local Wisconsin Assembly and Senate races.

Election Dates

Spring
3rd Tuesday in February

Nonpartisan Primary Election, if necessitated by the number of candidates for an office in Spring Election
Referendum (a), if any

1st Tuesday in April

Presidential Preference Election (every four years)
Eau Claire City Council
Council President: 2020 and every 3 years
District Seats: 2021 and every 3 years
At Large: 2022 and every 3 years
Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors: even years
Referendum, if any

Fall
2nd Tuesday in August

Fall Partisan Primary
Referendum, if any

Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November

Partisan General Election
US President every four years
US Senators every six years
US Representatives’ seats elected Fall of even years
WI Governor every four years
Odd State Senate Districts with WI Governor
Even State Senate Districts with US President
State Assembly: even years.
Referendum, if any

Voting Information Links
List of offices on the upcoming ballot located on the Wisconsin Elections and Ethics Commissions website .

Information on the City of Eau Claire Elections Office.

Information on voting in Eau Claire including where to vote and absentee voting.

View a map from the City of Eau Claire of the five aldermanic districts.

View a map of the City of Eau Claire voting wards.

For more information on your registration, your polling place, or the status of a provisional vote you recently cast go to Voter Public Access.

Public Officials & Government Link

It is important to communicate with your elected officials. The Eau Claire Area Chamber encourages you to write, call or e-mail your local, federal and state lawmakers about the issues of relevance to your business.

Eau Claire City Council

Altoona Mayor and City Council

Eau Claire County Board

Eau Claire School Board

Altoona School Board

Your State Legislators (enter your voting address in the "Find my Legislators" box)

Wisconsin's Governor and Statewide Office Holders

Your US Congressman

Your US Senator

The White House

Are you interested in serving?
Our system of representative government depends upon citizens being involved at all levels. If you’re interested in running for office in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Elections Commission oversees the nomination and election process, and has resources on their website about qualifications, timelines, filing requirements, etc.

If you’re not sure where to start, contact the Scott Rogers, Vice President Government Affairs.

Citizen Boards & Commissions
Another aspect of government at both the state and local level are appointed boards and commissions that typically cover specific topic areas. It’s important to have business people on these boards to provide special expertise and perspective as part of the decision making process.

City of Eau Claire
The City has 21 boards, commissions and committees that are appointed by the City Council in areas like the Public Library, Waterways & Parks, Plan Commission, Transit, Board of Health and more. The City maintains a Citizen Resource Bank where you can enter your qualifications and interests to be considered for an appointment.

State of Wisconsin
The Governor appoints Wisconsin citizens to over 200 boards, commissions, councils, and task forces. The Governor’s Office as an Apply to Serve website where you can learn more and express your specific interests.

Government Links
City of Eau Claire

Wisconsin Legislature

Wisconsin Elections Commission

Wisconsin DOT

State of Wisconsin-Dept of Administration

Federal Government

White House

U.S. Senate