Each December, the Eau Claire Area’s monthly Eggs and Issues program brings the business community and local representatives together to offer a glimpse of what the upcoming legislative session will bring. Despite the challenges this year has brought with the pandemic, this December is no different. While in a slightly different format, the Eau Claire Chamber invited members of the State Senate and Assembly who represent the Chippewa Valley to join virtually for a preview of the session and a discussion of top priorities that will impact the region. Among those participating include Senators Kathy Bernier (R-Lake Hallie) and Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire); Representatives Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire), Jesse James (R-Altoona), Warren Petryk (R-Eleva) and Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer); and Representatives-elect Clint Moses (R-Menomonie), Dave Armstrong (R-Rice Lake) and Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield). Hosting the discussion were the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee Chair, Jennifer McHugh, VP of Public Engagement for Royal Credit Union, and the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Director, Scott Rogers.

Top priorities of Senators
The program began with Senators Kathy Bernier and Jeff Smith explaining their top priorities as they enter the new legislative session scheduled to begin in January. Senator Bernier has just been appointed to the Joint Finance Committee. She explained that her top priorities will be deeply involved in the budget process. The senator also plans to meet with the elections commission to discuss fine tuning election laws. Senator Bernier also considers mental healthcare to be front and center and hopes to get the behavior center up and running in HSHS sooner rather than later.

Senator Jeff Smith explained that this year has illustrated the deep need for broadband expansion. He recognizes this requires government cooperation with private industries and desires to see this cooperation take place. Non-partisan redistricting reform is also a priority of the senator. He hopes the Democratic governor and Republican legislature will work together to draw district lines fairly. 

The UW-Eau Claire Science Building
The two senators also discussed the current status of the UW-Eau Claire science building. The building is a critical part of developing the Eau Claire area economy, and the partnership with Mayo would make Western Wisconsin a top leader in rural health and research. Senator Smith explained that funding and finalizing the development plans was his top budget request when he met with Governor Tony Evers. Although Senator Smith is concerned that COVID-related pressures could affect the state budget, he asserted that this is a pressing issue and will continue to fight for it to move forward. Senator Bernier considers the project a top priority and will work for it when the Joint Finance Committee deals with the state budget.  She recognized the challenges presented by the UW System not including the project in its current budget request, but intends to "fight the system" if necessary. 

How can we see more bipartisanship in the legislature?
The Senators were also asked how they might encourage bipartisanship in the Legislature as this past year has been long and difficult for all Wisconsinites. Senator Bernier recognized the philosophical differences that come from working in a two-party system. However, despite parting ways on these philosophical issues, legislators are united by the needs of constituents. Senator Smith also recognized the importance of developing relationships outside of their own region or committee group. He explained that having conversations outside of the sometimes bitter and partisan environment could improve relationships in the legislature.

How does the legislature intend to address the pandemic?
Senator Smith explained that both sides desire to help address this public health and economic crisis that the current pandemic has created. However, all legislators are at the mercy of the Majority Leader in the Senate, the Speaker in the Assembly, and the Governor’s office. While Senator Smith hopes everyone is on the same page and providing aid can be a bipartisan effort, these leaders may not be in as much of a hurry as the rest of the Legislature. Senator Bernier agreed, saying that although they have freed up extra dollars in the budget for the Governor to utilize for COVID relief, when it comes to calling a session, that is completely up to the Speaker and the Majority leader. Both are anxious for the pandemic to go away so that they can begin to work on things they are more familiar with and passionate about.

Newly elected members of the Assembly 
The newly elected members of the assembly provided a brief introduction of themselves and explained any specific things they would like to see in Madison. Representative-elect Dave Armstrong has lived in the Rice Lake area since 2005. As Director of the Barron County Economic Development Corporation, he has experience working on housing bills and workforce issues and decided he would like to do that work in Madison, as well.  At the time of the event, Assembly committee assignments had not yet been confirmed by Speaker Robin Vos. Armstrong has requested to be on the Workforce, Economic Development, Rural Development, or Community Development committees. Representative-elect Clint Moses has served on many local boards and is currently on the School Board in Menomonie. He has always been interested in politics and has been involved with his county party for some time. Moses has requested to be on the Rural Development, Agriculture and Environment, Healthcare, or Education committees. Representative-elect Donna Rozar is a small business owner, Registered Nurse and retired RN instructor. She chose to run because of retiring Representative Kulp called asking her because he believed she had a number of experiences that would be beneficial to the Assembly.

When the new Assembly members arrive in Madison, Armstrong explained that he hopes to see more done for affordable housing. Moses wants to make sure the environment is good for both small and large businesses and welcoming for new businesses. Rozar hopes to address workforce shortages and public partnerships.

Top priorities of Assembly Members
Returning members of the Assembly also look forward to beginning the new legislative session this January. Representative Jodi Emerson explained that her top priorities are to get COVID under control and then help the state and local communities rebound. After the new census data is received, she also intends to draw the maps in the fairest, most equitable way possible. Representative Warren Petryk said that overall, investing and encouraging economic development would be his top priorities. Using attraction, retention, and training, he hopes to attract people to the state, retain them through a good business environment, and train them with good business training. Representative Jesse James said his top priority was to get out of his comfort zone. Now that he is entering his second term in office, he hopes to build new relationships and have conversations with new people. Representative Rob Summerfield wants to see businesses open fully once again. He knows many of his constituents are struggling to get by, and he would like to minimize the fear of the unknown.

Mental health initiatives
Representative James has been very concerned with the mental health of both the children in Wisconsin and the public safety officers. He shared ideas such as making mental health services available online and having social workers available at schools to create relationships with students. Representative Emerson was also excited that both sides have come together for the HSHS agreement but notes that while this helps those who are severely suffering, there is still a shortage of mental healthcare professionals. As a result, it is important they find ways to prevent mental health problems from starting in the first place.

Workforce shortages
According to Representative Petryk, workforce development is his number one concern. In order to see good economic recovery after the events of this year, wise decisions and being prudent with the budget is crucial. Petryk also explained he wants to see recovery and further development of the workforce without increasing the tax burden and creating additional bureaucratic regulations on businesses.
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Representative Summerfield has been focusing on workforce housing and also considers broadband expansion to be an issue. Both Representatives Petryk and Summerfield recognize the importance of furthering and developing skills in the workforce and believe keeping the education system strong will provide opportunities for students to discover new areas where they might like to work one day.

Additional Information:
Local legislators want UWEC building money in next state budget (Leader-Telegram$)​
Mental health, COVID relief among top priorities for local lawmakers (WQOW News 18)
Meet the Freshman Assembly Representatives (Hamilton Consulting)
Wisconsin Legislature website

$ - media site with subscription required

Posted by Grace Hanson, Governmental Affairs Intern
hanson@eauclairechamber.org 

Congratulations to our newest Chamber investor, Kahvi Coffee House + Cafe, on their ribbon cutting!  

On Tuesday, December 8, the Eau Claire City Council voted to accept the City of Eau Claire Comprehensive Parking Study. The report passed unanimously in a 10-0 vote with Councilman John Lor absent from the meeting. The parking study focused on three areas within Eau Claire and analyzed the current use of parking in the city, the city’s parking operations, parking restrictions and rates, and the city’s parking supply and demand. While Councilman Jeremy Gragert did raise some concerns about the study, he also acknowledged some recommendations would prove helpful to the city.

The study provided short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations for Eau Claire's parking management. For the short-term, the study recommends the city dedicate a full-time parking manager, revamp their parking policies and procedures, conduct a market rate study, and create a dedicating parking web page and a branding and marketing campaign. For the mid-term, the study recommends the city establish a parking leadership structure to combine parking and enforcement, strategic planning for the Gibson/Farewell Garage Removal, web-based mapping utilizing GIS, updates of ordinances to include residential parking programs, and a Downtown parking asset inventory. Finally, for the long-term, the study recommends the city put together a strategic plan for 5+ years out that includes establishing ordinance updates and construction phasing and parker impact assessment for the Gibson/Farewell Garage Demolition.

WGI began the study in March of 2019. It was noted that the parking study was conducted when the City Hall was being remodeled, and therefore, not fully occupied. It focused on three areas within Eau Claire. Area 1 is the Downtown/Riverfront District, Area 2 is the Third Ward Neighborhood District, and Area 3 is the Water Street, Historic Randall Park, and Cannery District. WGI also conducted public listening sessions for each of the three areas studied in Eau Claire and an online survey.

Using the guidelines provided by WGI, the City of Eau Claire took inventory of the total weekday parking available in the three study areas. Morning, afternoon, and evening were the three observation times of the study. Industry standards consider parking to be effectively full when parking is above 85% capacity. In all three areas, the average peak occurred during the morning hours. In the Downtown/Riverfront District area parking was considered low, or 0-50% occupied. In the Third Ward Neighborhood District, however, parking was effectively full near the university but low in the north and east parts of the neighborhood. Finally, in the Water Street, Historic Randall Park, and Cannery District, parking occupancy was clustered. Parking lots were considered medium, or 51-75% occupied, but were effectively full near the County Courthouse. There was also a low occupancy for on-street parking in this area while being effectively full near the University, County Government Center, and the Mayo Clinic Health Systems.

The three public listening studies found a common concern of the lack of parking enforcement for on-street parking. The Downtown/Riverfront District had several questions about the future of the Gibson/Farewell Garage and the impact it would have on the parking supply. Institutional parking enforcement into Third Ward and Historical Randall Park Neighborhood was also a concern.

The online survey had a notable 1,542 respondents. The survey found that 30% of visitors visiting the downtown area were customers or employees, 83% of the respondents own a vehicle, and less than 15% used public transportation. 60% of respondents were also affiliated with UWEC with 50% of these respondents parking on‐street. Finally, 70% of the respondents were okay with walking three blocks to arrive at their destination.

The study found that parking communication and online presence is focused on enforcement and citations. While enforcement is needed for compliance, parking meters are often out of service, and parking policies do not target the specific zones where parking enforcement is desired. In addition, the current parking technology is outdated and unreliable, and necessary data is not available to aid in business decision making and planning. A parking marketing campaign should be developed to communicate the location and availability of parking. With the lack of branding, marketing, and wayfinding, drivers are unaware of available parking throughout Eau Claire. However, Third Ward on-street parking is dominated by University associated parking. As a result, parking policies and decisions should evolve to the changing demands of the three areas.

Councilman Jeremy Gragert raised a few concerns he had about the study at Tuesday’s City Council Meeting. Gragert felt that not much was learned from the study and was disappointed because additional studies would still need to be conducted. In addition, Gragert believed the parking study failed to address the primary needs of the city such as the parking ramps downtown. Leah Ness, the deputy city engineer addressed this concern saying the study provided ideas for other potential locations for parking structures Downtown. Despite these concerns, however, Gragert voted to accept the report.

Additional information:
Comprehensive Parking Study Update (City of Eau Claire, WGI, 34 pages)
Monday agenda packet (Dec 7, 7 p.m., Public Hearing, 93 pages)
Tuesday agenda packet (Dec 8, 4 p.m. Legislative Session, 172 pages)
Eau Claire City Council Meeting - December 7 and 8 (Video Recording: Valley Media Works)


Posted by Grace Hanson, Governmental Affairs Intern
hanson@eauclairechamber.org

​Posted by Grace Hanson, Governmental Affairs Intern
hanson@eauclairechamber.org

For more info from the Eau Claire City-County Health Department, click here.

Gerald Jacobson and Paul Williams have been elected to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’ board of directors, for terms beginning Jan. 1, 2021.
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Gerald Jacobson, president of Northwestern Bank in Chippewa Falls, Wis., was elected by the member banks as a Class A (banker) director and will serve a three-year term. Jacobson joined Northwestern Bank in 1978 as an auditor. Prior to becoming president of Northwestern Bank, Jacobson served as chief operating officer.

Planning Moves Forward for Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2021
295 Exhibitors Already Committed To Wisconsin’s Largest Outdoor Agricultural Event

EAU CLAIRE, WI (December 3, 2020) –– Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2021, now scheduled for July 20-22, 2021, will take place at Huntsinger Farms, the largest grower and processor of Horseradish in the United States.  Originally scheduled for July 2020, the Eau Claire show moved to 2021 given safety protocols required because of COVID-19.

The Executive Committee and its sub-committees have been meeting virtually since late summer 2020 and are moving forward with extensive planning for a safe and successful show in July 2021. 295 exhibitors from across the Midwest and Canada have already committed to the 2021 show, and based on inquiries, attendee anticipation is high for next year’s show.

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days has more than a 65-year history of bringing producers and service providers together to share what is new and innovative in agriculture.

“We are optimistic and excited about the 2021 show,” said Mike Gintner, Executive Chair Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, Eau Claire. “We are grateful to the Rygg family for their generosity in hosting the show on their Huntsinger Farm Eau Claire property, which has taken important acreage out of commission for an extra year.

“The Committee is excited to produce an outstanding show for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees alike,” added Gintner. “Everyone has doubled-down on their commitments, extending their volunteer service by an extra year, and working to improve on our already-exciting plans.”

The show has launched a new, robust website at https://www.wifarmtechdays.org which features a real-time map showing exhibitor and exhibit locations, as well as a visitor “My Show Planner” feature that visitors can use to get the most out of the three-day show.

Companies are invited to reserve their spots for the July 2021 show on the website. Available spaces appear in blue. Website users can also click on the Agribusiness Tents and view the exhibitors and available spaces inside. Reserved spaces appear in gray and show the exhibitor’s name; by clicking on any exhibitors’ space, a window opens showing contact information and a link to that company’s website. 
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Companies interested in participating in the show, should  contact the Marketing Team at 920-644-3551 or by emailing info@wifarmtechnologydays.com.

 
About Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a three-day outdoor event showcasing the latest developments in production agriculture, including practical applications and recent research and technological developments. This is the only farm show of its size in the United States that is organized and run entirely by volunteers. As the largest outdoor agricultural event in the state, it welcomes more than 45,000 attendees, with more than 600 commercial and educational vendors. The first WFTD show was named Farm Progress Days and was held in Waupaca County in 1954.
 
 
About Agriculture in Eau Claire County
Agriculture works hard for Eau Claire County every day. Family-owned farms, food processors and agriculture-related businesses generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity while contributing to local income and tax revenues. Eau Claire County, though dominated by the dairy industry, raises everything from meat goats to milking sheep to apples, grapes and vegetables. The county has seen farm numbers rise, while farm acreage has declined to an average farm size of 155 acres. Migration from the city to rural areas has resulted in smaller farms producing a variety of products. A diverse population has created opportunities to fill ethnic and specialty food niches. Meanwhile, county institutions and farmers have joined forces to produce fresh, healthy products to meet a growing demand for local food.

HSHS hospitals’ board member receives 2020 Trustee Award from the Wisconsin Hospital Association ​
Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, WI – HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are proud to announce that board member, Jeff Halloin, has received the 2020 Trustee Award from the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA).  
 
“I am honored to receive this award, but it is reflective of the work done by members of both boards,” said Halloin. “Without all their good work through the years, this recognition would not have happened.” 
 
The Trustee Award has been in existence for more than 60 years and recognizes individuals who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to his or her hospital(s) and community. 
 
“With more than a decade of service to the HSHS hospital boards and numerous committee and board assignments within the hospital and throughout the community, Jeff Halloin is well deserving of this award,” said Eric Borgerding, WHA President and CEO.  
 
Halloin has served as a voluntary board member for HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital for a total of 12 years with an additional 5 years on the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital board of directors. He currently serves as chair of the boards of directors for both HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals, a role he has held since 2018. He also leads the Board Executive Committee and the Governance Committee for each hospital. 
 
“The board members have had a front row seat to the hard work the HSHS colleagues are doing during the pandemic,” said Halloin. “They are the folks who really embody the hospital Sisters’ mission to care for all people, so while this award may have my name on it, they are the ones we should celebrate.”   
 
Halloin was nominated for the WHA 2020 Trustee Award by Andrew Bagnall, president and CEO of HSHS Wisconsin, which includes 6 hospitals across the state, and Mary Starmann-Harrison, president and CEO of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) based in Springfield, Illinois. 
 
In her nomination letter, Starmann-Harrison said Halloin has not deterred in his dedication to the hospitals during this extremely challenging year.  
 
“He has helped us make some major decisions to overcome many unforeseen challenges,” she said. “Jeff is a true leader who is passionate about improving health care and helping our communities.” 
 
Besides his commitment to the hospitals, Halloin serves on numerous community boards, including the newly formed Steering Committee of the Greater Chippewa Valley COVID-19 Task Force, which collaborates with the hospitals. 
 
For more information about the HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital boards of directors, visit www.hshs.org. 

​Prevea welcomes Dr. Samuel Durham
Cardiothoracic surgeon at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire
 
Eau Claire – Prevea Health is pleased to welcome Samuel Durham, MD, FACS, FACC, a board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiothoracic surgeon, to its family of care in the Chippewa Valley.
 
Dr. Durham specializes in coronary artery bypass surgery; repair of thoracic aneurysm and aortic dissections; carotid artery surgery; heart valve repair and replacement; minimally invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair; minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement; flexible bronchoscopy; and surgery for lung cancer. He practices at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 W. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire, and appointments can be made by calling (715) 717-6600.
 
Dr. Durham is a graduate of Harvard Medical School, completed residencies in surgery and cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, and completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

Marshfield Clinic Health System offering free adult flu shot clinics
Marshfield Clinic Health System is offering free flu vaccine clinics for adults age 19 and older in December at its medical offices throughout central and western Wisconsin. Adults who qualify for this vaccine program do not need to show proof of insurance. Flu vaccination clinics will be held at the following locations and dates:

Marshfield Clinic Wausau Center – Main Entrance
2727 Plaza Drive, Wausau
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5

Marshfield Clinic Lake Hallie Center
112961 27th Ave., Chippewa Falls
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12

Marshfield Clinic Rice Lake Center
1700 West Stout St., Rice Lake
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13

Marshfield Clinic Stratford Center
212800 Stainless Ave., Stratford,
5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8

Marshfield Clinic Colby/Abbotsford Center
111 Dehne Drive, Colby
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12

Marshfield Clinic Neillsville Center
216 Sunset Place, Neillsville
5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, and 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10

No appointment is needed at any of these flu clinics; walk-ins only.

Flu vaccinations are strongly recommended this season, particularly with the continued COVID-19 pandemic. The body needs at least two weeks to develop an immune response. Flu season ranges from December to February. Continuing to wear a mask, washing hands frequently, sneezing into your arm, and staying home when you are sick are important to halt the spread of both COVID-19 and influenza.

The Clinic also may be participating in community events or extend hours specifically for flu shot clinics. Those dates and times, along with other flu resources, can be found at www.marshfieldclinic.org/flu.

Interested in running for a local city council or school board seat?
Among the topics covered in the event was the importance of having business-oriented candidates for local offices like school board, city council and county board. 

Jan 5 filing deadline for the Spring election
If you or someone you know is interested in running, the filing deadline is January 5 and signatures to be placed on the ballot must be gathered between Dec 1 and Jan 5. Seats on the ballot for the April 6 nonpartisan election include one on the Altoona School Board, three district seats on the Altoona City Council, three seats on the Eau Claire School Board, and the five district seats on the Eau Claire City Council. 
Click here for more information on open offices, including signature requirements and filing deadlines​

Additional resources and information:
PowerPoint visuals (click to download)
Public Officials & Government Links
Eau Claire County Board interactive map
City of Eau Claire Boards & Commissions (with link to Citizen Resource Bank)
Eau Claire County Boards, Commissions, and Councils
Pew Research Political Typology Quiz
YL Political Ideology Survey
All Sides media bias chart
Adfontesmedia interactive media bias chart
Realclearpolitics.com
Politico newsletters sign up
WisPolitics.com
The Wheeler Report (Wisconsin political news releases, etc.)

The "Making a Difference" event was presented by the Chamber's Business Advocacy Initiative in partnership with Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley. The Chamber's Advocacy sponsors include Xcel Energy (Partner Level, Miron Construction (Advocate Level), Banbury Place/Cigan Properties (Supporter Level) Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (Supporter Level) and HSHS Sacred Heart and St Joseph's Hospitals (Supporter Level). 

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

WEDC continues to push their "We're All In" initiatives by encouraging communities to support local businesses during the holidays. Small businesses have faced difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic, but many of them continue to find creative ways to keep their doors open for customers. 

Missy Hughes, the Secretary and CEO of WEDC, explained, “The holiday shopping season is a great time to remember how important our local businesses are, whether it’s that special bakery, gift shop or restaurant, and what they mean to our communities...” She is encouraging communities to remember what local businesses provide for their towns, and how we, as consumers, can support them when they need it the most. 

Many businesses are offering curbside pickup, online sales, delivery, and other ways to keep their workers and customers safe. WEDC’s Main Street Marketplace website features hundreds of local businesses around Wisconsin.

As COVID cases increase in the Eau Claire Area, overwhelming local hospitals, this survey was sent out to customer-facing businesses to gauge their sentiments on taking safety measures and potential local health orders through direct legislation. Of the 291 emails sent out, there were 63 responses to the survey. 

From the survey, the most common current measures the respondents are taking include: 

• 95% - Frequent cleaning and disinfecting 
• 87% - Posted signs and safety practices (mask wearing, distancing, etc.) 
• 84% - Providing supplies: Masks if needed, hand sanitizer stations, etc. 
• 76% - Mandatory facemask to enter 

If a health order was enacted, the most common mandated measures the respondents believed should be included are as follows: 

• 74% - Mandatory wearing of face masks 
• 67% - Distancing requirements 
• 62% - Capacity restrictions 
• 56% - Gathering size restrictions 

These are just two of the questions from the survey along with a summary of the statistics.
​Click the PDF to view the full report. 

Through the new "Explore Eau Claire" program, a personal concierge acts as a connection to your job candidates and new hires as they make the choice to call Eau Claire home and begin the process of relocation. We ask what's important to them in a community, then research, communicate, and make connections for them in areas such as:

• Schools
• Housing
• Places of worship
• Community involvement
• Childcare
• Diversity

• Pet care
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Hobbies/Interests
• Outdoor and indoor recreation

Our "Explore Eau Claire" program will save you time and money. Our concierge is knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to serving candidates who are relocating. Whether you have a general employee, manager, or executive, our program helps decrease turnover and increase employee satisfaction. ​

​The Paragon Economic Impact Award, sponsored by Royal Credit Union, is presented annually to a winner at the Eau Claire Area EDC's Annual Luncheon in February. We invite your nominations for local businesses that are a model of economic development excellence - through business expansion and development, job creation, innovation, etc. Deadline for nominations for 2020 Paragon Award is January 10, 2021.
Selection Process
Submissions will be evaluated on the information provided on the nomination forms and the knowledge of the committee. Additional information will not be presented to the committee for review unless specifically requested. Businesses can be nominated based on one or more of the following factors:

• Impact on the community in terms of creation of new, quality job opportunities
• Recent or current expansion of an existing facility, the construction of a new facility, or substantial investment in capital equipment
• Impact on the community in terms of increasing the overall tax base
• Commitment to the continued education and training of their workforce
• Support or involvement in a broad range of community economic development activities
• Innovations in the development of new technologies and products

Nominations are confidential, can be submitted online in a few minutes, and only requires basic information.

As the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and many employees continue to work remotely, finding motivation can be difficult.  

The Five Tips that Brian Tracy suggests include: 

1. Establish a morning routine 
2. Create a designated work space 
3. Stay connected 
4. Take breaks 
5. Work your normal hours 

It is time for the Chamber's annual Social Media and Marketing conference. We are excited to host HOMEPAGE: a THREE DAY digital experience. Join us December 8-10, from the comfort of your own home, as social media experts share their knowledge with all of you. 

Over the course of the three days, you will hear from keynote speakers, join breakout sessions, and participate in a live Q and A panel. Learn about videography, SEO tips, data-driven segmentation, social media strategies, and so much more. In a digital age where consumers and businesses alike rely heavily on technological resources, this is a conference you won't want to miss!

Coming out of the challenges marked by the pandemic year of 2020, the Wisconsin State Legislature is scheduled to convene in January. With many new members after the election - and a new majority leader in the State Senate - lawmakers will take on the task of fashioning the critical two-year state budget. 

We've invited members of the State Senate and Assembly who represent the Chippewa Valley to join us for a preview of the session, including a discussion of policy priorities that will be important to our region.

The program will be recorded. A link will be sent to all registrants when the recording becomes available. If you can't participate during the "live" broadcast, register anyway and you'll receive the recording.
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Registration closes at 12:00 noon on Thursday, December 17.  An email address and mailing address is required for each attendee to register. A link to login to this session will be emailed to you about 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 17.  ***PLEASE NOTE: If you do not receive the email containing the link to log in to the meeting, please be sure to check your spam folder.