Pictured Left Benjamin Ludeman, Right Sven Strutz

Eau Claire, WI - The law firm of Weld Riley, S.C. is pleased to announce Attorneys Benjamin D. Ludeman and Sven W. Strutz have been elected shareholders of the firm.

“I am truly humbled that my colleagues recently elected me as a shareholder. I look forward to continuing to provide legal services for new and existing clients and being a part of this wonderful community,” Ludeman said.

Ludeman is a member of the firm’s Business, Probate and Estate Planning, and Municipal Law Sections. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law, where he graduated with honors. While in law school, Ludeman worked for Hennepin County in its Child Support and Civil Divisions..

Strutz is a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Section, working primarily in the area of school law.  He  advises and represents numerous school districts throughout the State of Wisconsin. Strutz graduated with a degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School.

“It is an honor to be asked to join the shareholders at Weld Riley.  I look forward to future opportunities to provide clients, particularly school districts throughout Wisconsin, with the superior legal advice and service they have come to expect from our firm,” Strutz added.

Weld Riley, S.C. has offices in Eau Claire, Black River Falls, Wausau, and Menomonie and serves families, private sector businesses, and public sector clients, including school districts, county governments, and many municipalities around western Wisconsin.

WINONA, Minn. – Merchants Financial Group, Inc. (MFGI) has announced financial results for the second quarter and details about COVID-19 assistance provided to its customers, according to MFGI President & CEO Gregory M. Evans.
 
Second quarter earnings of $8,442,992 were behind MFGI’s 2020 plan by $346,298 and behind 2019 mid-year results by $484,989. June earnings were profitable for MFGI even though the Company reversed $4 million out of income in the form of additional Allowance for Loan/Lease Loss Reserves as a precautionary measure to cover potential loan risk as the challenging economic situation continues to unfold.
 
“Our profitable performance through two quarters is a source of pride for our extraordinary employee team, which has been intensely focused on assisting our customers and communities experiencing hardship due to the COVID pandemic,” said Evans. “Most gratifying is the feedback I’ve received from clients who are appreciative of how our bankers have been available to them in serving as trusted advisors at this difficult time.”
 
Since March, Merchants has provided relief to more than 1,300 consumer and business loan customers in good standing in the form of loan payment deferment programs across all product categories. The Bank continues to assist business customers across its footprint with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) financing through the Small Business Administration and will be accepting applications through the August 8, 2020 deadline. Merchants has been one of Minnesota’s PPP banking leaders, originating more than 1,500 loans with total volume of approximately $200 million. In addition, Merchants reported a 16.1% increase in deposits and origination volume of $478 million of residential mortgage loans through the first half of the year, as customers take advantage of the current interest rate environment.
 
“We want our customers and communities to know that Merchants will continue to be a source of assistance for those hit hardest by the pandemic and that we take our responsibility as a community bank seriously. We’re here to be your financial partner as you navigate challenges in the coming months,” Evans noted.

Eau Claire, WI – Cassie Fisher has joined Royal Credit Union (Royal) as Corporate Risk Manager.  In her role, Fisher leads the Risk Analyst and Compliance-Risk Management teams, and leads the development and implementation of the Compliance, Risk Management, Fraud, Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity, and Vendor Management functions. Within her role, Fisher will also serve as a member of the Cybersecurity Committee and as the Compliance Officer, Bank Secrecy Act and OFAC Officer, and Security Officer.
 
Prior to joining Royal’s team, Fisher accumulated 13 years of experience in the fields of risk management, regulatory examination, and audit. Fisher holds a Bachelor’s degree of Business Economics which she obtained from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
 
Fisher currently resides in Eau Claire with her husband Greg and two children, Taylor and Camden. Fisher has volunteered with Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Feed My People, and Bolton Refuge House along with helping at her children’s schools as a way give back to the community.

Congratulations to Coulee Tech - Eau Claire Office, on investing in the Chamber and a celebratory ribbon cutting!

Local voters who want to take advantage of in-person early voting before the August 11 Primary will have the chance to do so on weekdays between July 28 and August 7.

In-person early voting: For residents of the City of Eau Claire, drive-through (or walk-through) voting will be available behind City Hall weekdays through August 7, the Friday before the election. Altoona, the Town of Washington, and other municipalities are also offering early voting options. See the links below.

Absentee voting by mail: The other option for voters who don't want to vote in person on election day is to request an absentee ballot by mail at myvotewi.gov
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Election information links for your municipality:
City of Eau Claire (behind City Hall, weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug 7)
​City of Altoona (City Hall, weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  through Aug 7)
​Town of Washington (Town Municipal Building, 5750 Old Town Hall Road, Mon-Thu, 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug 7)
List of municipal clerks for other locations in Eau Claire County (contact the clerk in your town or village for early voting information)

​Information about your voter registration, your polling place, and absentee voting:
myvotewi.gov

More information about local races and candidates:
The Chamber's Guide to the 2020 Election

Posted by Scott Rogers, Governmental Affairs & Workforce Director
rogers@eauclairechamber.org

Congratulations to new Chamber Investor, Harmony Wellness on the ribbon cutting for their location at 2115 E. Clairemont Ave.

The Reach, Inc. Board of Directors have hired a new CEO. Todd Breaker was named the new CEO for Reach, Inc. and will begin his duties on July 20, 2020.  This marks an end to a six month search to find Stacy Wigfield’s replacement. Mr. Wigfield retired on March 31st, 2020 after 34 years of service.
Mr. Breaker has been working in public programs that serve child and adults with varying abilities, multiple chronic conditions, and frailties of aging for over 30 years. Mr. Breaker has been active with public programs that have changed services in the State of Wisconsin for the past 20 years such as Self-Directed Services, Aging & Disability Resource Centers, Family Care and IRIS. His focus is on quality, strategic planning, program development, management, data analysis and business operations. Mr. Breaker loves to build up programs, create solutions in the most difficult situations, work in complex systems, and stay focused on the customer.
 
On being hired to lead Reach, Inc., Mr. Breaker said, “Reach’s impact on each person and families is amazing. I am very excited to be part of the future that Reach has to offer the Chippewa Valley.”
 
Mr. Breaker has his BS from UW-Oshkosh in Human Services and a minor in Wellness Promotion. He earned his MS in Organizational Leadership and Quality from Marian College in Fond du Lac.  Mr. Breaker lives with his family in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 

Eau Claire, WI – In the fall of 2019 The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) awarded 8 grants totaling $75,000 to help credit unions document and measure the impact of their products and services on member and employee financial health. Royal Credit Union (Royal) was selected to receive $7,500 in funding and partnered with UW-Stout’s Applied Research Center (ARC) to measure the effectiveness of the credit union’s financial education program in correctional facilities.

Royal offers educational programs in county jail facilities in Rice Lake, Menomonie and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Royal also has a program in the WI Department of Correction’s Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility in Chippewa Falls. Royal used the grant funds to develop a tool to measure skill development, attitude changes and predictive behaviors upon completion of the financial education course. Data collection started in January 2020 and had planned to continue for 5 months. Unfortunately, the correctional facility financial education program had to be suspend in early March as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Preliminary analyses of the survey data that was collected in January and February of 2020 showed statistically significant gains in attitudes and confidence levels regarding financial literacy. Identifying predatory lending behaviors, understanding there are different ways to pay down debt, and comprehensive awareness of the impact of credit scores/reports were a few of the topics where students showed gains. In addition, course participants were asked to rate their satisfaction with the course and instructor. Overall, the responses indicated high levels of satisfaction in both areas.
​
Royal remains committed to its correctional facility financial education program and will resume providing in person courses as soon as it is safe while also looking into the possibility of offering virtual lessons. “We look forward to collecting and publishing data that will show the impact of the program on a much larger scale.” said Jennifer McHugh, Royal’s Vice President of Community Engagement.  In light of the recent events and increased awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, this program offers an opportunity to support a marginalized population. We believe it can play a small role in creating the systemic change that is required in our society and commend NCUF for being early supporters of this unique credit union program.”

Eau Claire, WI – The RCU Foundation announced that local charities will receive over $27,000 following the 2020 Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic, held virtually for the first time in 26 years. Participants were able to complete their race anytime and anywhere between June 27-July 13. Course maps were available on rcu.org/race for those that were interested in running the traditional 2 mile or 10K routes. The virtual race attracted nearly 400 participants.
 
The proceeds are being donated to three partner charities: Family Support Center of Chippewa Falls, National Alliance on Mental Illness Chippewa Valley and New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers in Whitehall. Mental health and domestic violence have emerged as two prevalent issues during the global pandemic and the event is providing support to these organizations at a critical time.  Registered participants received one free vote at the time of registration; additional votes were available to be purchased online at $2 each. Family Support Center of Chippewa Falls earned 49% of the votes and will be awarded a $15,000 donation, National Alliance on Mental Illness Chippewa Valley earned 40% of the votes and will receive $7,500, and New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers in Whitehall will receive $5,000 after earning 11% of the vote.
 
The RCU Foundation’s Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic included a 10K and 2 mile walk/run, a youth race, virtual adult and kid’s challenges, the increasingly popular Rock Hunt and lots of prizes. Save the date for next year’s Rock the Riverfront on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

Eau Claire, WI – Royal Credit Union is donating $20,000 plus an additional $10,000 for a match campaign to the Frogtown & Rondo Community Business Recovery Fund in Minnesota. The fund supports local businesses, many owned by people of color, which experienced damage during recent unrest in St. Paul, MN.
 
Three community groups work together to manage the fund—Summit-University Planning Council, Frogtown Neighborhood Association, and Victoria Arts Theater Center. An executive committee is making award decisions and going door-to-door to talk with local business owners and see the needs firsthand.  "These businesses hold down the community and we want to support and rebuild to prevent the domino effect of loss of community,” said Jens Werner, Executive Director of Summit-University Planning Council. “Receiving this level of support from Royal Credit Union is a powerful message of hope and love for our community, and a reminder of brighter days to come."
 
Some of the most common needs include replacing large-pane windows on storefronts and removing graffiti. A local daycare got a bill for $4,000 to replace glass in their facility. With help from the Community Business Recovery Fund they are working to make these important repairs.
 
The Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods in St. Paul are a half mile south of Royal’s Rice St. location and were an epicenter of property damage, particularly along University Ave. W. It is served by the Summit-University Planning Council and the Frogtown Neighborhood Association, which work to create opportunities for residents to learn about what is happening in their neighborhood and collaborate to improve the quality of life.
 
“Royal Credit Union is proud to be a member of the St. Paul business community and we have been deeply saddened that the neighbors we serve have experienced such hardship and loss.  Royal’s core purpose is to make a positive impact in the lives we touch and, by supporting this fund, we hope to make a difference as the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods rebuild and recover,” shared Brandon Riechers, President of Royal Credit Union.
 
To support this vital recovery work, a portion of Royal’s donation will be used for a match campaign. Donations made to the fund from July 23 through August 6 will be matched, up to $10,000. Donations can be made at https://www.givemn.org/story/Uf3tsf.

​Philanthropic alumnus quietly gave back to community
UW-Eau Claire was a primary benefactor of Don and Leatrice Mathison's generosity. Since Don first gave his alma mater $100 in 1979, the couple’s accelerated giving rose to more than $1 million. Full story.

Grad builds career using her passion for political science and public health
Aimee Gillespie graduated in 2019 with a major in political science and a minor in public health. She's using her expertise in and passion for both fields as she pursues a career in public health. Full story.

Gen 2 Blugold Beginnings: Cousins join the program
When brothers Adrian and Juan Wilson attended UW-Eau Claire as math and science campers in the 1990s, then later as undergrads, they had no idea that someday their own children might also find a home in UWEC programs and classrooms. Full story.

Current and future Blugolds show interest in new public health major
UW-Eau Claire's new public health major already is drawing interest from current and future Blugolds who want to study and solve the many problems threatening the health and well-being of populations around the world, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story.

​July 17 Eggs & Issues: Sen Johnson, Rep Kind, US Chamber weigh in on next federal relief bill
 •  Congress back in session on Monday with negotiations starting in earnest
 •  Johnson, Kind both earn US Chamber Awards

Several critical recovery issues are on the table in Washington with Congress gong back into session on Monday,  July 20. Businesses are increasingly concerned about COVID-19 related liability, and programs like enhanced unemployment benefits about to expire, Congress goes back into session under pressure to negotiate the next federal relief package.

At the Eau Claire Chamber's Friday, July 17, Virtual Eggs & Issues program, US Senator Ron Johnson, Congressman Ron Kind, and US Chamber Vice President of Congressional Affairs Ron Eidschaug joined us to discuss what might be coming, and what's most important to the business community.

Above left: US Senator Ron Johnson recognized for US Chamber's "Spirit of Enterprise" Award
Pictured: Scott Rogers, Jennifer McHugh, Senator Johnson, Ron Eidshaug, Ethan Hellier (presenting 2018 Award)
Above right: Rep. Ron Kind recognized for US Chamber's "Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship"
Pictured: Scott Rogers, Jennifer McHugh, Rep. Kind, Ron Eidshaug

Pictured l to r: Scott Rogers, Jennifer McHugh, Ron Eidshaug
​

​US Chamber Awards to Johnson, Kind
Eidshaug also joined our Eggs & Issues hosts, Jennifer McHugh (Vice President of Community Engagement for Royal Credit Union and Chair of the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee) and Scott Rogers (the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Director), in presenting voting record awards to both Johnson and Kind for their support of business. 

Senator Johnson - Spirit of Enterprise Award
Recognized for his voting record supporting policies that strengthen our economy and provide good jobs for American workers. (Overall Annual Score 77%, Legislative 89%, Leadership 21%, Bipartisanship 40%)

"Senator Johnson is someone we have worked with for a long time in terms of getting things done," said Eidshaug, "We've had a long history of working with some of the cyber issues and particularly the regulatory reform issues that are really important."

Congressman Kind - Jefferson-Hamilton Bipartisanship Award
Recognizes those members of Congress who in their actions have demonstrated a willingness to work across the aisle in support of common objectives. ​​(Overall Annual Score 63%, Legislative 56%, Leadership 94%, Bipartisanship 96%)

Eidshaug particularly credited Rep. Kind with a key role in the passage of the US Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA),  a top 2019 legislative accomplishment for the business community.

“USMCA would not have gotten done without the work of Ron Kind. Full stop,” said Eidshaug. “He was leading that effort on trade, on this agreement, on other agreements for years.”

Click here for more information about the US Chamber's awards including full scorecards for the Wisconsin delegation and all members of Congress.

Additional resources:
Wisconsin politicians discuss keeping the economy afloat as pandemic continues (WEAU 13 News)
Kind & Johnson discuss coronavirus relief at Eau Claire event (WQOW News 18)
Johnson, Kind talk COVID-19 aid (Eau Claire Leader-Telegram$)
Sen. Ron Johnson and Scott Walker: COVID-19 is not a partisan issue. Let's do what we can to stop the spread (Cap Times)
​Mnuchin gives hints of PPP changes in next COVID-19 relief bill (Roll Call)
Battle over Covid aid consumes Congress' final sprint to recess (Politico)
Note on article links: A subscription is required for those marked with "$"

Posted by Scott Rogers, Governmental Affairs and Workforce Director
rogers@eauclairechamber.org

WPR Hosts Live Debates For Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District Primary Candidates
On July 31 and August 6
 
Eau Claire, Wis. - As part of its 2020 election coverage, Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) is hosting two, live broadcast debates featuring primary candidates for Wisconsin’s 3rd District seat in the House of Representatives.
 
The first debate will air on Friday, July 31 at 10 a.m. and feature the Republican primary candidates Jessi Ebben of Eau Claire and Derrick Van Orden of Hager City. The second debate will air on Thursday, August 6 at 10 a.m. and feature the Democratic primary candidates Ron Kind, the incumbent, and Mark Neumann; both are from La Crosse.  Ezra Wall, host of WPR’s “Newsmakers,” will moderate the discussions. The primary election is on August 11.
 
WPR’s The Ideas Network stations will broadcast the one-hour debates live on the following stations: 90.3 La Crosse, 88.3 Menomonie-Eau Claire, 99.1 Stevens Point, 89.1 Adams-Wisconsin Rapids, 88.7 River Falls, 91.3 Highland, AM 930 Auburndale, 100.9 Marshfield, 91.9 and 101.3 Wausau, 90.3 Park Falls, and 89.9 Rhinelander.
 
The debates will also be streamed on wpr.org through a partnership with the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and WIN Technology of Eau Claire.
 
Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District includes all or parts of 18 counties in western and central Wisconsin, including the cities of Eau Claire, La Crosse, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Menomonie, River Falls, Chippewa Falls, Plover, Platteville, Sparta, Tomah and New Richmond.

Economic Need in Western Wisconsin in the Midst of COVID-19 on “The West Side” July 17
 
The surge in unemployment because of the pandemic’s effect on the economy has mobilized non-profit organizations to help those in need. That response will be the focus of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17 on The Ideas Network Stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. 
 
Host Dean Kallenbach will welcome Nancy Renkes, the executive director of Feed My People Food Bank, which supplies food to more than 200 hunger relief programs in its 14-county service area in western Wisconsin; and Jessica Neuman, community impact director for United Way St. Croix Valley, which serves five western Wisconsin counties in the areas of financial stability, education and health.
 
Brian Kaczmarski, Polk County public health director and chair of the Northwest Wisconsin Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition, will join the show at the beginning to provide an update and analysis of the current state of the coronavirus in western Wisconsin.
 
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM Menomonie/Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM River Falls and via an online live stream on 88.7 WRFW-FM via wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at (800) 228-5615. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin – Royal Credit Union in Eau Claire, Wisconsin was recently honored with a Diamond Award, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry.

The award was presented by the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council, a national network comprised of over 1,200 credit union marketing and business development professionals. Awards are given in each of 35 categories ranging from advertising to community events and beyond.
​
Royal won the Website category for its entry, entitled Redesign for rcu.org. The objective of Royal Credit Union’s rcu.org redesign was to increase lead generation, improve search engine optimization, improve in-site search, and improve accessibility. These key elements were identified to help drive growth and retention for the credit union.

​Blugold Beginnings coding camp goes virtual this summer
This week, middle and high school students from three states are learning how to code thanks to a popular UW-Eau Claire summer camp that has moved to a virtual format because of COVID-19. Full story.

Award-winning instructor shares passion for mathematics
The national Council on Undergraduate Research has announced Dr. Carolyn Otto, associate professor of mathematics at UW-Eau Claire, as the winner of its math and computer science division’s 2020 Mid-Career Mentoring Award. Full story.

​Eau Claire, WI – Royal Credit Union is ranked as the #1 credit union in Wisconsin by Forbes in the 2020 “America’s Best-in-State Credit Unions” publication. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to produce the third annual best credit union by state ranking. Nearly 25,000 consumers in the US were surveyed for their opinions on their financial relationships. Credit unions were evaluated on overall recommendations and satisfaction in five key areas: trust, terms and conditions, branch services, digital services and financial advice.
 
“We are honored to be named by Forbes as one of the best credit unions in America and #1 in Wisconsin,” said Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union president and CEO. “The key evaluation factors used by Forbes including creating trustworthy relationships and offering sound financial advice are cornerstones of our commitment to our Members. In addition, we recently launched an updated, award-winning website and consistently offer Members access to digital products to provide them easy access to financial services. Credit unions are known in the marketplace for offering highly competitive rates and exceptional service. We are proud to rank among the best credit unions in the nation and will continue to use our values to guide our decisions as we work to make a positive impact in the communities we serve in Minnesota and Wisconsin.”

ADA anniversary exhibition goes digital
Like so many activities disrupted by COVID-19, an exhibition to honor the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act has transitioned to a digital format. “ADA30: Accessibility in the Chippewa Valley” will remain online through December 2020. Full story.