 CALL FOR YOUTH ART SUBMISSIONS
Manifest Mask Up Art Contest ***For those residents of Eau Claire County who are 18 and younger*** Prizes: $25 for first choice, $15 for second choice, $10 for third choice Deadline: A week from today - Sunday, Nov. 22nd, by noon. All visual media welcome (including digital). For more details and how to enter, click here. 8:30-9:30am Keynote Ted Abernathy9:30-11am Critical Thought and Crucial Conversations
11-Noon Telecommuting: Presentations and Resources
Congratulations to Green Fleet, LLC on their ribbon cutting and their investment with the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce!
April Election Date: April 6, 2021
Spring Primary (if a primary election is needed): February 16, 2021 * A primary is needed whenever the number of candidates filing nomination papers exceeds two times the number of seats needed to fill an elected office. Altoona School Board: School District of Altoona Election Information The Altoona School Board has 5 members each elected for 3-year terms. Seats up for election: 3-Year Term (Rick Risler-Incumbent) You must have a minimum of 20 signatures but no more than 100 signatures. Eau Claire School Board: ECASD Spring Election Information The Eau Claire School Board has 7 members. 6 are elected for 3-year terms. 1 is elected for a 1-year term. The 1-year seat will be given to the candidate who receives the third largest number of votes. Seats up for election: 3-Year Term (Joshua Clement-Incumbent) 3-Year Term (Marquell Johnson-Incumbent) 1-Year Term (Erica Zerr-Incumbent) You must have a minimum of 100 signatures but no more than 200 signatures. Additional School Board Information: School Board Members take office on April 26, 2021. Elected and Re-elected members of the School Board must take and file the official Oath of Office no later than April 26, 2021. Nomination papers may not be circulated before December 1, 2020. The deadline for declaring candidacy is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. For more information visit: Campaign Finance Checklist Campaign Finance Registration Statement Guide for Candidates Local Candidates – Non-Partisan School District Candidates Checklist Altoona City Council: City of Altoona Elected Officials Information The Altoona City Council is made up of 6 City Council members and 1 mayor. Each member is elected for a 2-year term. In even number years Aldermanic District 1, 2, 3, and the Mayor position are up for election. In odd number years Aldermanic District 4, 5, and 6 are up for election. Seats up for election: District 4 (Ward 6,7) - Matthew Biren (Incumbent) District 5 (Ward 8,9) -Tim Sexton (Incumbent) District 6 (Ward 10, 11, 15) -Susan Rowe (Incumbent) Altoona Ward Map Altoona Ward Locator You must have a minimum of 20 signatures but no more than 40 signatures. Note: Pay attention to the signatures obtained on Nomination Papers. Signers must be eligible voters who live in the City limits (and within the district if you are running for a district office). They do not have to be registered voters. Signers must give their complete address (house number, street, and municipality). They need to date their signature. You are strongly urged to obtain more than the minimum number of signatures required for ballot status in case a problem is found with some signatures. However, you cannot collect over the maximum number. Eau Claire City Council: City Council Candidate Information The Eau Claire City Council is made up of 10 City Council members and 1 City Council President. Each member is elected for a 3-year term. 5 members are elected from aldermanic districts and 5 members are elected at large. The City Council President is also elected at large. The aldermanic district seats are the only City Council positions up for election in spring 2021. Seats up for election: District 1- Emily Berge (Incumbent) District 2- Emily Anderson (Incumbent) District 3- Jeremy Gragert (Incumbent) District 4- Jill Christopherson (Incumbent) District 5- Andrew Werthmann (Incumbent) Eau Claire District Map You must have a minimum of 20 signatures but no more than 40 signatures. Note: Pay attention to the signatures obtained on Nomination Papers. Signers must be eligible voters who live in the City limits (and within the district if you are running for a district office). They do not have to be registered voters. Signers must give their complete address (house number, street, and municipality). They need to date their signature. You are strongly urged to obtain more than the minimum number of signatures required for ballot status in case a problem is found with some signatures. However, you cannot collect over the maximum number. Additional Information: Nomination papers may not be circulated before December 1, 2020. The deadline for declaring candidacy is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. For more information visit: Ballot Access Checklist Campaign Finance Registration Statement Local Candidates – Non-Partisan Wisconsin Elections Commission Wisconsin Ethics Commission Posted by: Grace Hanson, Governmental Affairs Intern hanson@eauclairechamber.org Also contact: Scott Rogers, Governmental Affairs Director rogers@eauclairechamber.org Free Covid-19 testing is now available for those who don't have symptoms. Details are available on the pdf below.
Alliance Plastics Local Company's Shields Protecting Workers, Patrons Alliance Plastics of Chippewa Falls is taking action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With the help of CVTC, Alliance Plastics is taking the lead in supplying the equipment to set up the protective plastic shields.
WESTconsin Credit UnionGive the Gift of Warmth this Winter with WESTconsin Credit Union This holiday season, WESTconsin Credit Union will host The Mitten Tree campaign - a Kindness Counts imitative. While the annual collection event will be a little different this year, the credit union is excited to collect cold weather apparel and accessories for those in need as the winter season's sub-zero temperatures set in. Last year, the credit union collected 3,019 items and $4,411.18 in support of this cause.
University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireRegional UW Campuses Announce Shift to Online Instruction After Thanksgiving Break Following the announcement of 100% capacity at area hospitals, along with the executive order issued by Gov. Tony Evers concerning the rise of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin, three western Wisconsin regional UW campuses have decided to move to remote instruction after Thanksgiving break.
Survey to measure UW-Eau Claire alumni satisfaction The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and other UW System schools will join in a national survey of alumni to measure graduates' satisfaction with their career paths. The National Alumni Career Mobility Survey, which will be administered from Nov. 14 - Dec. 31, will ask select groups of alumni about pathway factors. The survey will go to alumni who graduated in 2010 and 2015. Full story UW-Eau Claire professor to discuss community recognition of Tribal Nations and their land Dr. Heather Ann Moody, an associate professor of American Indian studies at UW-Eau Claire and an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, will present “What Do You Know About Your Neighbors? Recognizing the Native Land and People in Your Community” from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 19 for UW-Eau Claire – Barron County's “Thursdays from the U” livestreamed lecture series. Full story. Eau Claire City-County Health DepartmentHealth Department Updates COVID-19 Prevention and Control Community Expectations The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is releasing revised COVID-19 Community Expectations. These Community Expectations were first released on October 15, 2020. Since that time, Eau Claire County has unfortunately seen a dramatic and dangerous increase of COVID-19 spread in our community. This is negatively impacting our hospitals, our public health system, our businesses, our schools, and most importantly the individuals and families in our community who are becoming sick and dying from this disease.
Prevea HealthPrevea Welcomes Family Medicine Physicians, Drs. Danielle Helmick and Charles Steinmetz Altoona, WI - Prevea Health is pleased to welcome Dr. Danielle Helmick and Dr. Charles Steinmetz, family medicine providers serving the Altoona and Chippewa Falls areas.
L.E. Phillips Career Development Center L.E. Phillips Career Development Center Outreach Office Provides Emergency Shelter for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in Chippewa County With the cold weather quickly approaching, emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness is a great need as there if no homeless shelter in Chippewa County. The Outreach Office if reaching out to the community to raise money for motel vouchers to help those in need.
Pablo Center at the ConfluenceTen Area Nonprofit Arts Organizations Receive COVID-19 Cultural Grant Eau Claire, WI - Governor Tony Evers announced that $15 million in COVID-19 Cultural Organization Grants has been awarded to 385 cultural organizations across Wisconsin. Ten nonprofit organizations in Eau Claire, Chippewa, and Dunn counties have awarded a combined %531,065.91 in grants.
Chippewa Valley Technical College CVTC Referendum Projects Underway Eau Claire, WI - Construction work on the projects approved in the Chippewa Valley Technical College spring referendum began this week with a groundbreaking at the Manufacturing Education Center on Monday, Nov. 9. Now under construction is a 10,000 square-foot addition onto the southeast corner of the building to expand the existing Welding program facilities.
Free Covid-19 testing is now available through mid-December for those who don't have symptoms. Details are available on the pdf below.
Today, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department is releasing revised COVID-19 Community Expectations. These Community Expectations were first released on October 15, 2020. Since that time, Eau Claire County has unfortunately seen a dramatic and dangerous increase of COVID-19 spread in our community. This is negatively impacting our hospitals, our public health system, our businesses, our schools, and most importantly the individuals and families in our community who are becoming sick and dying from this disease. Click here to read the full press release.
For an updated list of community expectations, click here. Federal gridlock on Phase 4 relief: "The Cost of Inaction"
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has launched the “Cost of Inaction” campaign to quantify and bring to life the very real pain Americans are feeling every day that Congress and the administration fail to provide additional economic relief to individuals, families, businesses, and states impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “The inability of Congress and the administration to reach a compromise has a very real and very large human cost,” said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “For schools and businesses to get the resources they need to safely reopen, for small businesses to keep their doors open, and for those that have lost their jobs to continue to provide for their families, Congress must act. There is no excuse for inaction.” To launch the campaign, the Chamber is focusing first on the costs associated with safely reopening K-12 schools across the country. In the coming days, the campaign will illustrate how individuals and various industries are being impacted by Congress' inability to reach a compromise. Example: Costs Associated with K-12 Schools “Our nation’s schools face numerous challenges in safely reopening for in-person education, but lack of funding and the threat of lawsuits shouldn’t be among them. Yet, because of inaction on a phase IV package, that is the reality confronting our schools,” Bradley said. Click here for more specific information on needs for K-12 What you can do - US Chamber urges businesses to pressure Congress for action Given the gravity of the COVID-19 crisis, the US Chamber of Commerce is continuing to urge business people to contact their federal lawmakers to encourage action on key issues like liability protection and extension of PPP. Send a one-click e-mail to your representatives: Here's a link to an online tool provided by the US Chamber of Commerce that will send an email to your two Senators and your House member. It leads with the critical need for liability protection for businesses, universities and local schools, and you can customize the message to use your own words. Click here for the Congressional contact link Posted by Scott Rogers, Governmental Affairs Director rogers@eauclairechamber.org  Critical Business Updates COVID-19 must-know information for local businesses - check back for regular updates This page is updated as new information becomes available. If you have questions or additions, contact Scott Rogers, the Chamber's Governmental Affairs & Workforce Director: rogers@eauclairechamber.org Key links: Chippewa Valley Economic Recovery Task Force Eau Claire County COVID-19 Information Hub WEDC Reopen Guidelines [Aug 19] Eau Claire County Order extended through September 3 Eau Claire County has updated its order with no changes, with the new order in effect though September 3. Full order through September 3 Metrics Dashboard Respond Together Eau Claire - COVID-19 Progress Plan [Aug 5] Updated Eau Claire County Order through August 19 This order continues all provisions of the previous order, plus adding a mass transit requirement. For buses, if six-foot distancing cannot be maintained, they must operate at 50% capacity and riders must wear face coverings. Full order through August 19 Metrics Dashboard Respond Together Eau Claire - COVID-19 Progress Plan [July 30] Governor issues statewide mask order effective Aug 1 to Sep 28 Gov. Tony Evers on July 30 declared a Public Health Emergency and issued an Emergency Order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when indoors and not in a private residence, with some exceptions as clarified and defined in the order. The order is effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020, and will expire on September 28, 2020 or by a subsequent superseding order. Executive Order #82 declaring a public health emergency is available here and Emergency Order #1 requiring face coverings statewide is available here. News release (Office of the Governor) Executive Order #82 (declaring public health emergency) Emergency Order #1 (Mask wearing order) FAQs (Office of the Governor) “While our local health departments have been doing a heck of a job responding to this pandemic in our communities, the fact of the matter is, this virus doesn't care about any town, city, or county boundary, and we need a statewide approach to get Wisconsin back on track,” said Gov. Evers. “We’ve said all along that we’re going to let science and public health experts be our guide in responding to this pandemic, and we know that masks and face coverings will save lives. While I know emotions are high when it comes to wearing face coverings in public, my job as governor is to put people first and to do what's best for the people of our state, so that's what I am going to do.” Wisconsin is seeing new and significant community spread and increase in cases of COVID-19 which requires that we declare a new public health emergency and require face coverings. Wisconsin has experienced a drastic rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the entire state, with 61 of 72 counties (84 percent) representing 96 percent of the state’s population experiencing high COVID-19 activity. All regions of Wisconsin have high COVID-19 activity levels. This is a dramatic increase from where Wisconsin was in June, when only 19 of 72 counties (26%) were experiencing high COVID-19 activity. The average number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 has drastically increased throughout July, with an average of 556 new cases each day between July 1-7, an average of 764 new cases each day between July 8-14 (a 37% increase from the previous week), an average of 890 new cases each day between July 15-21 (a 16% increase from the previous week), and an average of 938 new cases each day between July 22-26 (a 5% increase from the previous week). Under this order, Wisconsin residents ages five and older are required to wear a face covering when they are indoors or in an enclosed space with anyone outside their household or living unit. Face coverings are strongly recommended if you are outdoors and maintaining physical distancing is not possible. The order also enumerates exceptions to the requirement, listing activities such as when an individual is eating, drinking, or swimming. Individuals with health conditions or disabilities that would preclude the wearing of a face covering safely are also exempt from the requirement. (From the Governor's Press Release) [July 22] No changes to Eau Claire County Order - current status extended to August 5 The Eau Claire City-County Health Department on July 22 issued a new health order effective through August 5. It continues all provisions of the previous order. Full order effective July 22-August 5 FAQs Metrics Dashboard Respond Together Eau Claire - COVID-19 Progress Plan [July 8] Updated Eau Claire County Health Order effective through July 22 The Eau Claire City-County Health Department on July 8 issued a new health order effective through July 22. According to a press release, modifications from the previous order include: • Public gatherings of over 50 people are strongly discouraged, though public gatherings of up to 100 people indoors and 250 people outdoors are still permitted, with physical distancing between households maintained • Public indoor or outdoor spaces or buildings should consider policies that require face mask use by all workers, customers, visitors, and guests. • Occupancy of public spaces and buildings must not exceed 50% of posted occupancy • For any business without a posted occupancy, consider reducing occupancy by 50% Click here to read the full press release Full updated order effective July 8-22 Updated FAQs Metrics Dashboard Respond Together Eau Claire - COVID-19 Progress Plan [July 7] Eau Claire Chamber urges use of masks In a letter to members and the public, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is urging people to to follow federal, state, and local guidelines about wearing face masks and social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. "Doing so now can keep us all safer and can prevent the need for more stringent limitations on business activities in the future," wrote Chamber Board Chair Scott Biederman and Chamber President & CEO Dave Minor. Chamber Mask Wearing Statement E.C. Chamber of Commerce: Please Wear Your Face Masks (Volume One) [June 24] New Eau Claire County Order: 100 indoor gatherings, 250 outdoor and other changes A new Eau Claire City-County Health Department order effective June 25 includes the following changes, according to a news release: • Public gatherings may have up to 100 people indoors and 250 people outdoors, with physical distancing between households maintained. • Door-to-door solicitation is discouraged, but not prohibited • Recommended occupancy is 50% • It is now recommended to limit the number of workers present on premises instead of required • Self-service food and beverage operations and self-dispensing unpackaged food are now discouraged, but not prohibited • This order requires physical distancing be regulated in smaller spaces where large groups may form, such as restrooms, coat closets, or other spaces. • Waiting areas at 1-on-1 personal services are now encouraged to remain closed, but not required to be closed. • Wearing a cloth face covering when physical distancing can not be maintained is strongly encouraged. More information: News release Full order (June 25-July 8) Respond Together Eau Claire - COVID-19 Progress Plan [June 10] New Eau Claire County Order allows 50 for indoor gatherings, 100 for outdoor The Eau Claire City-County Health Department issued a new local order, effective June 11 through June 24, which allows outdoor public gatherings of up to 100 attendees and indoor gatherings of up to 50. Organizers are also required to document attendee contact information and screen for symptoms. Full order effective June 11-24 (EC City-County Health Dept.) Updated FAQs (EC City-County Health Dept.) [May 27] Revised Eau Claire County Health Order goes into effect Friday, May 29 At its Wednesday media briefing, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department announced that an updated local order would go into effect on Friday May 29, through Thursday, June 11. It replaces the current order issued on May 18. The new order increases the number of participants who can attend an outdoor public gathering to 20. It also requires organizers of gatherings to obtain contact information for attendees in the event it is needed later for contact tracing. It's anticipated that local health officials will review and possibly update orders about every two weeks. More information: Eau Claire County COVID-19 Case and Local Health Order Updates (EC City-County Health Dept.) New order effective May 29-June 11 (Eau Claire City-County Health Dept., 8 pages) [May 21] Economic Recovery Task Force launches "Committed to Safety" business decal  The Chippewa Valley Economic Recovery Task Force has launched an imitative to help members of the public identify those businesses who have committed to safety by adhering to the local health order and follow WEDC guidelines. Those businesses can display a special "Committed to Safety" decal. As part of the application to participate, businesses promise: "As a local business we recognize the importance of protecting public health in the operation of our business. We recognize that public confidence in health and safety measures is critical. In order to foster that confidence, every business has a role to play." Click here for more information, including the application for businesses to participate in the program. [May 19] Evers Announces $1 Billion Statewide Effort to support COVID-19 Testing, Contact Tracing, Operations, and Resources for Local Communities Gov. Tony Evers Tuesday announced a robust $1 billion statewide effort to support COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, acquisition of needed supplies, emergency operations, and resources for local communities throughout Wisconsin. The effort is funded by $1.17 billion in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars. Click here for the Governor's news release with details [May 18 Update] Evers withdraws DHS rulemaking Scroll down for details... [May 18 UPDATE] Eau Claire County updates health order to address one-on-one businesses The Eau Claire City-County Health Department on Monday updated its COVID-19 Prevention and Control Order to address “those one-on-one personal services that by their very nature cannot maintain a six (6) foot physical distancing.” The new order, effective May 18, includes a list of requirements such as the number of people allowed as part of the service, face coverings and other components. “This update comes after public health experts reviewed evidence and best practices for how to protect the public and workers who provide personal services, and are in close proximity for a duration of time,” according the a news release accompanying the updated order. Health Department Director Lieske Giese also said some of the language in the overall order was revised to clarify recommendations vs. requirements. Like the previous order, it remains in effect through Thursday, May 28. More information: News release Full revised order (8 pages, replaces previous order) [May 14] Eau Claire County Issues Local Health Order to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 In light of the May 13 Wisconsin Supreme Court order that struck down the statewide Safer at Home Order, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department is issuing a COVID-19 Prevention and Control Order that focuses on mandating physical distancing and controlling the size of mass gatherings to 10 or less. "This order does not designate any specific type of business with any requirements around it, it is based only upon risk," City-County Health Director Lieske Giese said during a May 14 afternoon media briefing. "Our order is focused on risk. As long as someone can comply, they are allowed to be open." From a news release issued jointly by the City of Altoona, City of Eau Claire, Eau Claire City-County Health Department and Eau Claire County: The intent of the order is to provide a framework in which businesses can be open and community members can resume some normal activities, while protecting our community from the spread of this virus. The details of the order are based on data and best practices. Many of our individuals who tested positive are believed to have gotten sick due to travel outside of our community, mass gatherings, and lack of physical distancing in the work place or other settings. These situations are instances in which it is easy for disease to spread and as a result, much of the order requires a continuation of physical separation of six feet or more, and keeping the number of people gathered in a confined area small. Some details of the order include:
This order goes into effect immediately and will be in effect until 11:59 PM on May 28, 2020 More information: News release Full order WEDC Guidelines Chippewa Valley Economic Recovery Task Force Eau Claire County COVID-19 Information Hub [MAY 18] Evers withdraws DHS rulemaking, likely won't refile Gov. Tony Evers’ administration on Monday withdrew its outline for a new emergency rule to manage the coronavirus pandemic after it came under attack by Republicans. State Department of Health Services officials notified state Senate President Roger Roth and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos in a letter that they had withdrawn the rule’s scope statement from consideration. Evers told reporters he won’t pursue implementing a new statewide COVID-19 plan. "It just doesn’t make any sense spending a lot of time doing something we know isn’t going to be successful." He says he'll continue to talk with Republican lawmakers but won't pursue adopting a statewide COVID-19 rule for now because of their opposition to one. [May 14] Evers Approves DHS Statement of Scope, Begins Administrative Rule Making Process Following the Supreme Court of Wisconsin's ruling striking down Wisconsin's Safer at Home order, Gov. Tony Evers on May 14 approved a statement of scope developed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) beginning the administrative rule making process to enact protections for Wisconsinites during the COVID-19 pandemic. The framework for the proposed rule includes phased steps similar to the Administration's previous "Badger Bounce Back" plan, including limiting the number of persons in a confined space, social distancing requirements, limits on mass gatherings, and safeguards for businesses to protect employees and customers. The rule now goes through an approval process that includes legislative oversight. Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald met with the Governor on Thursday morning to discuss the rulemaking process and what a new order might look like. More information: Governor's letter (Office of the Governor) Scope Statement (Office of the Governor) Emergency Administrative Rulemaking Process (Wisconsin Legislature) Evers administration lays out framework for emergency rule as guv knocks Republicans over ‘confusion’ (WisPolitics.com) [May 13] Supreme Court Strikes down "Safer at Home" order On Wednesday evening, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the Evers Administration's latest Safer at Home Order. It ruled on a suit brought by the leadership of the Legislature that the Governor went beyond his statutory authority by not going through the rule making process that would have involved the legislature. Although the suit had asked for a six-day stay to provide time to work out new rules with the Administration, the Court did not grant the stay and the ruling becomes effective immediately. Some counties may issue their own orders. The following statement was issued late Wednesday evening by Lieske Giese, Director of the Eau Claire City-County Health Department: “In the wake of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling regarding the Safer-At-Home order, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department is consulting with state and local authorities about possible next steps. In the meantime, in the interests of preventing spread of COVID-19, we respectfully request that Eau Claire County residents voluntarily continue to follow safe social distancing practices.” The Incident Command Group has announced that it will hold a special media briefing at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Industry groups responding to the order have encouraged their members who open to follow the Reopen Guidelines published recently by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC): Click here to access WEDC's industry-specific reopening guidelines More information: Chippewa Valley Economic Recovery Task Force Eau Claire County COVID-19 Information Hub Link to the full Supreme Court decision (166 pages) State Supreme Court strikes down Safer at Home order (WisPolitics.com) Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down Gov. Evers' Safer at Home order (Milwaukee Business Journal) Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down stay-at-home order; Dane County institutes local order (Wisconsin State Journal) Statement by Governor Evers Joint Statement by Legislative Leaders Sen Fitzgerald and Speaker Vos WMC Statement on Supreme Court Decision Chamber to take key role in Chippewa Valley COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce will be taking a significant and active role in a new community-wide COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force. Click here for details Link to new Economic Recovery Task Force web site Link to Virtual Town Hall Update presentation on April 6 Click here for all Executive Orders (Office of Governor Tony Evers) Safer at Home FAQs Required Safe Business Practices (WEDC) [May 11] Evers announces opening guidelines for standalone retail stores, drive-in theatres Governor Evers announced Emergency Order #36, which allows all standalone or strip-mall based retail stores to offer in-person shopping for up to five customers at a time while maintaining required social distancing practices. Additionally, the Emergency Order signed today allows drive-in theaters to operate with some restrictions. More information: News release (Office of the Governor) Order #36 (Office of the Governor) [May 8] WEDC launches website with reopening guidelines Missy Hughes, CEO and Secretary of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, on May 8 announced a new website with reopening guidelines for each industry sector. "With input from national and state health and industry experts and in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and our regional economic development partners, WEDC has compiled a series of industry-specific documents to help you get back to business while taking the necessary precautions to maximize safety," according to WEDC's announcement of the site. Click here for the WEDC Reopening Guidelines web page [Apr 27] Gov. Evers Announces Expanded Opportunities for Certain Nonessential Businesses Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on April 27 announced another of what he called a “turn of the dial” in adding allowed operations for nonessential businesses. Emergency Order #34 goes into effect Wednesday, April 29, at 8:00 a.m. It allows nonessential businesses to do curbside drop-off of goods and animals. This will allow businesses like dog groomers, small engine repair shops, upholstery businesses, and others to safely open. The order also allows outdoor recreational rentals, such as boats, golf carts, kayaks, ATVs, and other similar recreational vehicles. Additionally, automatic or self-service car washes would be able to operate. All of these businesses must operate free of contact with customers by providing payment options online or over the phone, enact proper disinfecting practices, and operations must be able to be performed by one staff member. The order adds to other business options that were added last week when the Governor’s previous “Safer at Home” order was extended. Click the following for more complete details: News release Full Emergency Order #34 [April 20] Evers announces "Badger Bounce Back" plan to restart economy Gov. Tony Evers on Monday announced Wisconsin's "Badger Bounce Back" plan which outlines important criteria for Wisconsin to be able to reopen its economy in phases and includes steps to make sure workers and businesses are prepared to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. “The Badger Bounce Back plan is informed in part by the President's Guidelines for Opening Up America Again that was issued by the White House on April 16, 2020. Currently, Wisconsin does not meet the criteria the White House established to start reopening our state. The Badger Bounce Back plan takes important steps to get the state of Wisconsin there,” according to a news release from the Governor’s office. Click the following links for more complete details: News release Full Emergency DHS Order #31 (4 pages) Badger Bounce Back Plan (6 pages with tables) Plan in brief (2 pages) WEDC Wisconsin Ready Plan (WEDC: 3 pillars for business restarts) Evers announcement: Increased testing capacity More information: Evers outlines plan for phased reopening of Wisconsin (BizTimes Milwaukee) Tony Evers unveils criteria for eventually reopening Wisconsin businesses (Wisconsin State Journal) Video: Evers news conference (WEAU 13 News) [April 16] Governor Evers extends Safer At Home Order to May 26, with some changes MADISON -- Gov. Tony Evers today directed Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to extend the Safer at Home order from April 24, 2020 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2020, or until a superseding order is issued. The order implements some new measures to ensure safety and support the progress we've made in containing COVID-19, but also allows certain activities to start up again. The order is available here. “A few weeks ago, we had a pretty grim outlook for what COVID-19 could mean for our state, but because of the efforts of all of you, Safer at Home is working. That said, we aren't out of the woods just yet,” said Gov. Evers. “As I've said all along, we are going to rely on the science and public health experts to guide us through this challenge. So, as we extend Safer at Home, I need all of you to continue doing the good work you've been doing so we can keep our families, our neighbors, and our communities safe, and get through this storm together.” “Before we lift Safer at Home, the steps of testing and more robust public health measures must be in place,” explained Secretary-designee Palm. “These steps will help us reduce the risk of a second wave of the virus. If we open up too soon, we risk overwhelming our hospitals and requiring more drastic physical distancing measures again.” The extension of the Safer at Home order includes a few changes. Some changes allow more businesses and activities to open back up, while other changes help make businesses safer for employees and customers. The changes in this order include: Businesses and activities ramping up service and operations:
Other changes include:
Click here to read the full news release (Office of the Governor) Click here to read the order (Office of the Governor, 21 pages) Click here to dowlnoad FAQs on the new order (18 pages) Business community reaction: WMC Statement on Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home Extension (WMC) MMAC's Sheehy calls Gov. Evers' Safer at Home extension premature, seeks flexibility (Milwaukee Business Journal) Federal Action & Updates click here for news and practical guides on federal programs TOP STORY: Federal CARES Act provides $2 trillion, including funding for forgivable emergency loans for small business  President Trump on March 27 signed the sweeping $2 trillion relief bill, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act , designed to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19.
The bill allocates $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the “Paycheck Protection Program,” the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls quickly. The Act also includes direct payments of $1200 to individuals, a corporate relief fund, an extension and increase in unemployment benefits (including help for self-employed individuals), tax incentives for businesses to keep people on the payroll, aid to the health care system, and funding for state and local governments. Click here for full information on the CARES Act and other Federal Action and Updates Including a list of local lenders who will be offering PPP loans Stay on this page and scroll down for... * Link to scheduled live updates and recorded webinars * State of Wisconsin updates and resources - including Gubernatorial Orders * COVID-19 resources and links from state, national and industry groups See these Chamber-related pages... Eau Claire Chamber COVID-19 Community Resources Page Chippewa Valley Business Community COVID-19 Resource (Facebook Group for businesses) Eau Claire City-County Health Dept COVID-19 page Chamber Spring Election Guide (including absentee & early voting info) Scheduled live updates and webinars Click here for a regularly-updated list State of Wisconsin State of Wisconsin COVID-19 Update Page Link to all Gubernatorial orders (Office of the Governor) Safer At Home Order FAQs (Office of the Governor) WMC COVID-19 Employer Toolkit [April 16] Governor Evers signs bi-partisan COVID-19 legislation Governor Evers on April 15 signed bipartisan state legislation to address Wisconsin's response to COVID-19 as both a public health and economic crisis. The bill includes provisions to complement the federal CARES Act, such as temporarily waiving the waiting period for unemployment benefits, and other measures to assist businesses, health care, and to capture additional federal dollars. It passed the Assembly on April 14, 97-2, and the State Senate on April 15, 32-0. More information: Evers signs COVID-19 bill (WPR) Summary of bill provisions (Legislative Fiscal Bureau, 36 pages) As more information becomes available on how businesses are affected by this bill, we'll post additional details. Are you an employer facing layoffs or closing and need assistance with employees that will be dislocated from their jobs? Here's a link to resources for immediate help (Workforce Development Board and Workforce Resource) Are you an employer with immediate job openings available to laid off workers? Click this lick to share jobs open now More information: As Job Market Fluctuates, City of Eau Claire Wants to Connect Job-Seekers with Employers (Volume One) The Wisconsin Restaurant Association is also looking for sources of temporary work for laid-off restaurant employees. If your business is hiring temporary employees, please send any open positions directly to Kristine Hillmer (khillmer@wirestaurant.org), President & CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. Governor Issues Executive Order that Supports Increasing the Supply of Nurses [March 28] The Governor on Saturday issued an executive order which suspends Administrative Rules of Health Care Providers and Professional Services Credentialing which includes sections of the Administrative Code for Nursing. By suspending these rules the Governor has created a pathway for increasing the number of nurse available to support the COVID public health emergency. The Governor’s order accomplishes the follows:
More information: Read Order #16 (Office of the Governor) News release (Office of the Governor) WNA’s Advocacy Efforts Pay Off! (Wisconsin Nurses Assn) Evers issues order temporarily banning foreclosures and evictions [March 27] On Friday afternoon, Gov. Tony Evers issued Emergency Order #15, which temporarily bans foreclosures and evictions. The order is effective immediately and shall remain in place for 60 days. Under this order, landlords are prohibited from serving any notice terminating a tenancy for failure to pay rent. As detailed in the order, landlords are also prohibited from commencing a civil action of eviction unless certain conditions are met. More information: Read Order #15 (Office of the Governor) News release (Office of the Governor) FAQs for homeowners, renters, housing providers in response to COVID-19 (WHEDA) Evers Administration Issues Guidance related to business interruption insurance [March 26] The Evers administration has issued guidance for essential businesses during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The guidance includes information about business interruption insurance from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) and business loans and grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “This is an extremely difficult time for so many small business owners, restaurants, childcare centers, and others that have been hurt by this pandemic. Many are already making heartbreaking decisions about whether to lay off staff or close their doors for good," said Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable. “Every insurance policy is different, which is why our guidance includes several different steps. “We encourage folks to first check their business owners' policy to see what is covered. Second, they should talk to their insurance agent or insurance company about their coverage. And, third, if they are unsure whether or not losses related to COVID-19 are covered, they should file a claim with their insurer. Our team is also available to help with questions and insurance complaints." A Frequently Asked Questions document regarding business interruption insurance is available. More information: News release (Office of the Commissioner of Insurance) FAQs: Business Interruption Insurance (Office of the Commissioner of Insurance) Gov Evers Directs DHS to Issue Safer at Home Order (March 24) Click here to read the news release by the Governor's office Click here to read the actual full order (16 pages) Gov. Tony Evers today directed Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue a Safer at Home order that prohibits all nonessential travel, with some exceptions as clarified and defined in the order. The order is effective at 8 am on Weds., March 25, 2020 and will remain in effect until 8 am Fri., April 24, 2020, or until a superseding order is issued. “I know the COVID-19 outbreak has been difficult and has disrupted the lives of people across our state. Issuing a Safer at Home order isn’t something Ithought we’d have to do and it’s not something I take lightly, but here’s the bottom line: folks need to start taking this seriously,” said Gov. Evers. “Each and every one of us has to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 so we can flatten the curve to ensure our doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers have the opportunity to do their important work.Let’s all do our part and work together.” Individuals do not need special permission to leave their homes, but they must comply with this order as to when it is permissible to leave home. Similarly, if a business is an Essential Business or Operation as defined in this order, it does not need documentation or certification to continue its work that is done in compliance with this order. Under this order, Wisconsin residents are able to:
Follow up information and action: How to determine if your business is classified as essential or non-essential Pages 9-14 of the order have detailed definitions of "Essential Businesses and Operations." There is also a reference in that part of the order to guidance from the US Dept. of Homeland Security among the definitions. Click here to read the CISA guidance for those to whom this might apply. More information: Safer at Home FAQs (Office of the Governor) Q&A for Employers on Stay at Home Mandates (MRA) WEDC staff ‘working through the process’ of determining essential businesses (WisBusiness.com) Gov. Evers Announces Federal Approval of Disaster Loans for Small Businesses Gov. Tony Evers has announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Wisconsin’s request for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to access low-interest federal disaster loans. “With the SBA loans now available to our state, small businesses and their employees have a little more certainty over their financial futures. This is another step in providing much-needed assistance to Wisconsin's small businesses," he said. With unprecedented demand for the loans nationwide, processing of the applications may be delayed. “We are encouraging business owners to reach out to SBA’s partners [mentioned below] and to SBA’s offices with their questions to help the loan application process go as smoothly as possible,” said Wisconsin's SBA district director, Eric Ness. Under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, businesses and non-profits may qualify for up to $2 million in loans to cover losses resulting from the pandemic. The interest rate on the loans is 3.75% for for-profit businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits. Participants may be able to extend payments for up to 30 years. Businesses and non-profits can begin their loan applications at www.sba.gov/disaster. The Wisconsin Small Business Development (SBDC) Network and it partners are helping small businesses apply for federal disaster loans to mitigate the substantial economic injury as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wisconsin SBDC, a resource partner of the SBA, has created a web page to help business owners understand the qualifications and application process. That web page is available here. Consultants across the network’s 13 locations are working remotely via phone, email and virtual tools to assist clients. Updates: On Saturday March 21 the Small Business Administration (SBA) declared all of the counties in Wisconsin an SBA Economic Disaster. The SBA will be offering disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Disaster assistance loans will be offered up to $2M. These loans are working capital loans designed to sustain your business in the way it could have existed if the disaster had not occurred (assessing your ability to pay accounts payable, payroll, paying fixed debt, and other operating expenses). These loans are not intended to be for equipment, expansion or to cover past lost profits or make up for an already struggling business before the disaster. Applications and loans are made directly through the SBA…not through a bank. *Full information: Click here for details on how to apply from Luke Kempen at the Eau Claire SBDC Office *Webinars for Wisconsin Businesses to help Wisconsin businesses prepare and apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans Daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. through Friday, Mar 27 Register to attend a webinar this week at 10am here. Register to attend a webinar this week at 2pm here. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance Page (Wisconsin SBDC) Tony Evers order suspends utility late fees, stops disconnections for commercial and industrial accounts Gov. Tony Evers has authorized Wisconsin utility regulators to take special actions to protect consumers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In an executive order Sunday Evers, suspended several administrative rules, allowing the Public Service Commission to take temporary actions to protect public welfare. Tony Evers order suspends utility late fees, stops disconnections for commercial and industrial accounts (Wisconsin State Journal) Wis. Department of Revenue: Like the IRS, Wisconsin extends tax filing deadline to July 15 Both federal and Wisconsin income tax payment and return due dates are automatically extended to July 15, 2020. Wisconsin law will automatically extend time and waive interest and penalties for taxpayers due to a presidentially declared disaster. Governor Tony Evers said, “this is just one more thing we can do for Wisconsinites during this challenging time. Our main goal is to assist our citizens in any way that we can.” More information: Wisconsin Dept of Revenue announcement with details Updated Business Guidance from WEDC The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has issued a useful 18-page guide. Click the link to view or download it: NAVIGATING THROUGH COVID-19 IN WISCONSIN - Strategies and Resources for Small Businesses and Community Groups Grants for businesses with 20 and fewer employees A $5 million program targeting grants of up to $20,000 to small businesses of 20 or fewer employees and less than $2 million in annual revenues was announced March 18 by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The "Small Business 20/20" grant money can be used to cover rent and to meet payroll expenses, including paid leave (including sick, family and other leave related to COVID-19). The grants will be deployed by partnering with state’s 23 community development financial institutions. WEDC plans to identify the participating CDFIs within the next two weeks. More information: WEDC announces targeted grants to small businesses suffering losses due to coronavirus emergency (WEDC) Eligibility requirements and how it works (WEDC) COVID-19 Business Resources Page (WEDC) Governor Evers: Emergency Order waiving work search, modifying availability requirements for unemployment benefits Gov. Tony Evers Wednesday issued Emergency Order #7 waiving work search requirements and modifying the availability requirements for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19. It waives requirement that UI claimants conduct at least four weekly work search actions during the COVID-19 emergency. This section of the order is retroactively effective to March 12, 2020. This order also ensures that claimants who are otherwise eligible but out of work due to COVID-19 are considered available for work and therefore eligible for benefits. The order goes into effect immediately and will remain in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. “This emergency order follows the federal guidance related to administering unemployment insurance benefit claims during the pandemic period and allows the program to support our workers who have been affected,” said Gov. Evers. “Many Wisconsin workers are facing financial burden and stress due to the COVID-19 outbreak and this order will help them access some additional support. My Administration plans to continue to work with state legislators and our federal partners on initiatives to help impacted workers.” The Governor also said he is working with the Wisconsin State Legislature to quickly act to waive the one-week waiting period for benefits so that much-needed unemployment insurance funds make it to affected workers quickly. In a conference call on Wednesday organized by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Department of Workforce Development Secretary Caleb Frostman suggested that businesses who must reduce hours consider utilizing a "work share" arrangement where hours are uniformly reduced among employees, making them eligible for pro-rata unemployment insurance benefits, but keeping them associated with their employer to maintain access to benefits. He also noted that Job Centers are being kept open and have access to temporary jobs that employees may be able to utilize to add to their income. More information: Governor Evers to Issue Emergency Order (DWD) Evers Emergency Order #7 (Governor Evers) Unemployment Insurance Coronavirus FAQs and information (DWD) How to use work share (DWD) Employer and Employee rights and responsibilities The links below has useful information about employer and employee rights and responsibilities related to COVID-19, including answers to typical questions, such as infection control strategies, what to do if an employee is out sick with COVID-19, etc. Equal Rights COVID-19 Public Information (DWD) Wisconsin health-related resources Department of Health Services COVID-19 Page, including guidance for employers (DHS) Eau Claire County Coronavirus Resource Page (Eau Claire City-County Health Dept.) Local, State and National COVID-19 Business Resources Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp Downtown Eau Claire Inc (DECI) - scroll all the way down to "Resources for Business" Small Business Development Center (UW-Eau Claire) Employer Infographics from WMC To help spread awareness at your business, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) has put together a series of infographics for you to distribute and print. To view these, please click here:
COVID-19 Business Resource Pages from state and national organizations: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Wisconsin Restaurant Association COVID-19 Updates for employers (MRA) Coronavirus Q&A for Employers (MRA) US Chamber of Commerce Posted by Scott Rogers, Governmental Affairs & Workforce Director rogers@eauclairechamber.org |
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101 N. Farwell Street - Suite 101, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 834-1204 | Fax: (715) 834-1956 | information@eauclairechamber.org
Privacy Policy
101 N. Farwell Street - Suite 101, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 834-1204 | Fax: (715) 834-1956 | information@eauclairechamber.org