Workforce

In today’s dynamic and ever-changing business landscape, the importance of offering workplace flexibility cannot be overstated. As a business owner, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact it can have on employee retention and engagement. Let’s explore this crucial topic through the lens of two current statistics and a personal example. 1. **The Current Landscape:**…

This month, we explore two vital K-12 programs that service the Chippewa Valley, Junior Achievement and CVTC’s Dual Credit Opportunities! Career Exploration Partnership Opens Up Opportunities to area Middle School Students by Susan Peterson Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Northwest and the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce partner with middle schools in the greater Eau…

Youth Apprenticeship (YA) is a nationally recognized program that offers junior & senior high school students with dual experiences in academia and the workforce. Established in 1991, the Wisconsin YA program has grown from 21 students to over 5,000 annually. The Eau Claire Area Youth Apprenticeship program has over 95 employer partners that support roughly…

In the bustling world of business, we often forget the unsung hero that keeps the engine running smoothly – childcare. Childcare is the foundation that nurtures a healthy, thriving economy while supporting families’ economic stability. We all know that businesses can’t do their thing without the dedication of their employees. But you know what? Parents…

The National Association of Realtors writes, “Indeed, according to basic economics, when the demand for housing exceeds the supply, housing costs rise.  However, the current analysis indicates that, even with the existing level of homes available for sale, the housing affordability and shortage issues wouldn’t be so severe if there were enough homes for all…

Workforce Engagement & How to Measure In a 2020 Gallup survey found that only 36% of workers are engaged in their work.  This number changed to only 32% in Gallup’s follow up survey in 2022. Employee engagement remains both one of the most sought after and elusive workforce concepts for most businesses.  Most employers understand…

Meet Courtney Olsom, the Chamber’s new Workforce Initiatives Director Courtney Olsom became the newest member of the Chamber team on March 28.  She grew up in Rochester, MN but made her home in Wisconsin.  She received her BS in 2014 at UW-River Falls and MSED in 2019 at UW-La Crosse.  Her professional experience is in…

The Chamber works to develop our future workforce, through K-12 and post – secondary institutions, to expose students to career opportunities in Eau Claire County. We will continue to focus and support development opportunities for employees in this region’s industry leaders. This month we are taking time to highlight Chippewa Valley Technical College and the…

By Jon Marquet of Trust Point Inc. The Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 was enacted on December 29, 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Secure 2.0 is significant and sweeping legislation that addresses a long list of issues concerning tax-advantaged retirement savings, including retirement savings via 401 (k) retirement plans and…