Welcome to the Eau Claire Chamber Blog

The Covid-19 crisis has thrown us all a very big curve ball, and I wanted to bring you up to speed on how Sculpture Tour is adapting.  

First, thank you for your support.  Sculpture Tour is the ideal project for times like this--free entertainment, outdoors, easy to social distance and get some sunshine and exercise at the same time!  Our new exhibit also gives people a reason to come explore downtown, and hopefully assists our business community as we reopen our doors.   Your support has been instrumental in allowing Sculpture Tour to serve this community and celebrate our 10th season this year!  

Several aspects of Covid-19 have impacted the tour, and our exhibit this year is a hybrid.  By April we knew we could not compromise the safety of our volunteers or artists and could not operate as usual.     

Due to the Safer at Home orders, we were unable to do our usual  exchange of sculptures in Sioux Falls.  We work with 5 other markets to procure sculptures.  One dropped out altogether and another closed their tour for this year.  Many tours around the country have been discontinued.  Sculptures that are here from the Partners Network will remain with us for a second year.  Some of them will be moved from one area to another, to help keep things fresh.  

Fortunately, we've been building our base of local artists and they are going to take the spotlight for the 2020 Tour.   New local artwork represents about 1/3 of our rotating sculptures, and they will be installed on June 10th.  We have some amazing local work coming in--we hope you'll get downtown to enjoy it!  

We were also unable to host our usual Artists' Reception, and we missed seeing all of you.   Here's hoping we can gather soon.  - Julie P. Executive Director, Sculpture Tour of Eau Claire

Virtual learning in action: Collaborative project results in pandemic-inspired music videos
Blugolds are combining their talents and the practical application of newly learned skills to create musical reflections of their university’s response in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Full story.

​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

[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)
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[May 21] Economic Recovery Task Force launches "Committed to Safety" business decal

[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)
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[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: 

• Individuals are strongly encouraged to stay at home or their place of residence, minimize travel outside of the county, and keep their number of connections small
• Restrictions for both public spaces and public buildings, such as physical distancing and limitations on the number of people present at one time
• Mass gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted
• Use of the WEDC guidance for business reopening
• Elderly and vulnerable people are encouraged to take additional precautions
• Under this order, all businesses, facilities, playgrounds, campgrounds and other amenities may open and operate unless they are unable to meet and maintain the safety and protection measures outlined in the order
• All people are strongly encouraged to continue maintaining physical distancing, good hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning high-touch surfaces, not shaking hands, and follow other WI DHS and CDC recommendations

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
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[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:

• Public libraries: Public libraries may now provide curb-side pick-up of books and other library materials. 
• Golf Courses: Golf courses may open again, with restrictions including scheduling and paying for tee times online or by phone only. Clubhouses and pro shops must remain closed.
• Non-essential Businesses: Non-essential businesses will now be able to do more things as Minimum Basic Operations, including deliveries, mailings, and curb-side pick-up. Non-essential businesses must notify workers of whether they are necessary for the Minimum Basic Operations.
• Arts and Crafts Stores: Arts and craft stores may offer expanded curb-side pick-up of materials necessary to make face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Aesthetic or Optional Exterior Work: Aesthetic or optional exterior law care or construction is now allowed under the extended order, so long as it can be done by one person.
  
  

Safe Business Practices:

• Safe Business Practices for Essential Businesses and Operations: Essential Businesses and Operations must increase cleaning and disinfection practices, ensure that only necessary workers are present, and adopt policies to prevent workers exposed to COVID-19 or symptomatic workers from coming to work.
• Safe Business Practices for Retailers that Essential Businesses and Operations: Retail stores that remain open to the public as Essential Businesses and Operations must limit the number of people in the store at one time, must provide proper spacing for people waiting to enter, and large stores must offer at least two hours per week of dedicated shopping time for vulnerable populations.
• Supply Chain: Essential Businesses and Operations that are essential because they supply, manufacture, or distribute goods and services to other Essential Businesses and Operations can only continue operations that are necessary to those businesses they supply. All other operations must continue as Minimum Basic Operations.

 Other changes include:

• Schools: Public and private K-12 schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
• Local parks and open space: Local health officials may close public parks and open spaces if it becomes too difficult to ensure social distancing or the areas are being mistreated.
• Travel: People are strongly encourage to stay close to home, not travel to second homes or cabins, and not to travel out-of-state if it is not necessary. 
• Tribal Nations: Tribal Nations are sovereign over their territory and can impose their own restrictions. Non-tribal members should be respectful of and avoid non-essential travel to Tribal territory. Local government must coordinate, collaborate, and share information with Tribal Nations.
• Duration: The changes in this order go into effect on April 24, 2020. The order will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on May 26, 2020.

More information:
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:

1. Allows Wisconsin Schools of Nursing to increase clinical education via simulation. The 50% threshold has been expanded.
2. Allows for Graduate Nurse temporary licensure. The temporary license is valid until the end of the emergency or six months after availability of NCLEX.
3. Allows for renewal of license for applicants that have been out of the workforce beyond five years without having to complete the five year refresher course. Applicants must be free of any disciplinary sanctions. Payment of licensure application fees are not required.
4. Allows Advanced Practice Nurses to practice nursing care management without a collaborative agreement. This allows Wisconsin to be in congruence with 22 other states that provide for full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses. This in turn supports increased patient access to timely and quality care.
5. Allows for nurses from other states who are good standing with their Board of Nursing to practice in Wisconsin without applying for a temporary license.

The Wisconsin Nurses Association, which advocated for the changes, said it was "very appreciative of the Governor’s support for the need to increase the supply of nurses during this crisis."
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: 

• Perform tasks essential to maintain health and safety, such as obtaining medicine or seeing a doctor;
• Get necessary services or supplies for themselves or their family or household members, such as getting food and supplies, pet food and supplies necessary for staying at home;
• Care for a family member in another household; and
• Care for older adults, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or other vulnerable persons.

Businesses allowed to operate under the Safer at Home order include, but are not limited to: 

• Health care operations, including home health workers;
• Critical infrastructure;
• Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise vulnerable individuals;
• Fresh and non-perishable food retailers, including convenience stores, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and food banks;
• Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food and goods directly to residences;
• Pharmacies, health care supply stores and health care facilities;
• Child care facilities, with some limitations; 
• Gas stations and auto repair facilities;
• Banks;
• Laundry businesses, dry cleaners and services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of a residence, including garbage collection;
• Hardware stores, plumbers, and electricians;
• Educational institutions, for the purposes of facilitating distance learning;
• Roles required for any business to maintain minimum basic operations, which includes security, and payroll; and  
• Law and safety, and essential government functions will continue under the recommended action.

Note: The list above is directly from the Governor's news release. A closer reading of the 5-page list in the order reveals that others are also includes such as restaurants (carry out and delivery), hotels and others. Be sure to read the full list linked below under "How to determine if your business is classified as essential or non-essential."

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:

• Infographic #1: Keeping the Workplace Safe
• infographic #2: Keeping Commercial Establishments Safe
• Infographic #3: Stop Germs! Wash Your Hands

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

There is a nationwide shortage of medical isolation gowns. Gowns are personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by nurses and caregivers to help protect them from the potential spread of infection or illness. Dove Healthcare has launched “Gowns for Good” in hopes of finding individuals able to donate fabric/sheets and or make gowns.
 
“While there are no known cases of COVID-19 at Dove Healthcare’s 11 locations, we always need to be prepared and those preparations include having adequate PPE supply. Our continuous efforts with vendors to locate gowns have come up short. We recognize the significant impact the community made with producing homemade masks, and we’re hoping this challenge of making homemade gowns for our healthcare heroes will be met with the same enthusiasm,”  stated Regional Director of Operations Jeremy Kiley.
 
To make a donation of fabric or sheets or to sign up to make gowns, email info@dovehealthcare.com or call 715-930-6004. For more information, visit dovehealthcare.com/events or facebook.com/dovehealthcare.

Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, WI - HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are calling on community members to keep sewing and donating cloth face coverings. The overwhelming generosity in the past two months is appreciated by our hospital colleagues, leaders, board members and patients. Before use the masks are professional cleaned.
Cloth masks are being given to non-patient care colleagues, and patients when they are moving throughout the hospital and upon discharge. Those working in direct patient care areas will continue wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
Current inventory of cloth masks is good, however the requirement for masking will continue within our hospitals, as per the CDC guidelines, for the foreseeable future. This will result in a need for additional donations.
Cloth masks can be dropped off in collection containers at Festival Foods in Eau Claire and Family Fare grocery stores in Chippewa Falls.

• Festival Foods, 3007 Mall Dr., Eau Claire
• Festival Foods, 2717 Birch St., Eau Claire
• Festival Foods, 2615 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire

• Family Fare, 212 Bay St., Chippewa Falls
• Family Fare, 17158 County Hwy J, Chippewa Falls

EAU CLAIRE – Area food pantries will be able to buy more food for those in need in five area communities thanks to a donation from Security Financial Bank (SFB). Through a partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, SFB recently donated a total of $20,000 to local food pantries.

“We are committed to supporting our customers and communities, now more than ever. Through our partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, we are happy to help support area food pantries as they help feed so many in need during this uncertain time,” said Paul Rudersdorf, SFB president & CEO.
 
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago is offering a COVID-19 Relief Program consisting of zero-rate advances and grants to support all of its member institutions and the communities they serve in Illinois and Wisconsin directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this program, SFB received a $20,000 grant, of which they donated $4,000 to food pantries in each of their five markets including Durand, Bloomer, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and River Falls.

Food pantries receiving funds included:

• Bloomer – Bloomer/New Auburn Area Food Pantry
• Durand – Durand Area Food Pantry
• Eau Claire – Feed My People
• Ladysmith – Hope Lutheran Food Pantry
• River Falls – River Falls Community Food Pantry

At the beginning of the year, SFB unveiled a year-long campaign entitled “Helping to Feed Our Communities” in an effort to try to help end hunger. The campaign involves bank donations and employee volunteer efforts to support local organizations that help those who are experiencing food insecurity. The Federal Home Loan Bank grant was a perfect opportunity to assist in those efforts.
 
“We are grateful to have local food pantries and food banks in the communities we serve,” Rudersdorf said. “At Security Financial Bank, we pride ourselves on helping our communities, and we were thrilled that we were able to help such worthwhile causes.”

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union has announced Jeff Marty as Regional Director of Branch Operations. In this role, he is responsible for leading and supporting Royal Branch Managers in the Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Rice Lake communities to meet the needs of our Members while providing an exceptional experience.
 
Marty began working for Royal in 2005 as a Teller Supervisor and progressed to Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, and most recently Branch Manager II. He is currently working towards completing his Bachelor degree in Business Management.
 
Marty has been involved in many Royal committees including Young Professionals, Exploring Leadership Mentoring, Online Banking Conversion Committee, and the Accuracy Committee. He is also heavily involved in the community through his volunteer work at the Feed my People Food Bank, the Community Table, Eau Claire Humane Association, Adopt a Highway, and serving on the board for the Community Beautification Association. He currently resides in Eau Claire with his wife and two children.

MADISON — Following the Supreme Court of Wisconsin's ruling striking down Wisconsin's Safer at Home order, Gov. Tony Evers today 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 governor's approval letter is available here and the scope statement is available here. 

The governor's statement on the Supreme Court of Wisconsin's ruling is available here. ​

Eau Claire, WI – The RCU Foundation has transitioned the 2020 Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic, planned for June 27, to a Virtual Race. This will be a first in the 26-year history of the event. The decision was made with the safety of the community in mind as a result of the current environment created by COVID 19.  Proceeds from the Virtual Race will benefit three partner charities: Family Support Center of Chippewa Falls, National Alliance on Mental Illness Chippewa Valley, and New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Center. 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.
 
Registration is now open through June 27. Participants will be able to complete their race anytime and anywhere between June 27-July 12. Course maps will be available on rcu.org for those interested in running the traditional 2 mile or 10K routes. Racers will be given the option to record their time online through July 13 and qualify to win cool prizes.

The Virtual Race will be offered at a special price of $30 for either the 10K or the 2 mile through June 14. All registered participants will receive a t-shirt, medal, and one free charity vote. Additional votes can be purchased at $2 each. The charity with the most votes will receive $15,000, second place will receive $7,500, and third will receive $5,000.

Those who registered prior to the transition to a Virtual Race will receive additional details via email.
​
Virtual Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic offers a safe way to “run or walk for a reason” and give back to three organizations that are making a positive impact in our communities during these difficult times.

​(May 14, 2020 - EAU CLAIRE, WIS) Pablo Center at the Confluence’s Literary Arts Committee is pleased to announce that Ken Szymanski will serve as the 2020-2022 Eau Claire Writer-in-Residence.  The committee’s recommendation was approved by the Eau Claire City Council on May 5.  Szymanski will take the role most recently held by outgoing Eau Claire Writer-in-Residence Karen Loeb.

Szymanski has been writing about Eau Claire since the 1980s, when he was the editor of his junior high school newspaper. In the 1990s, he served as a freelance music journalist with the Leader-Telegram, covering area music festivals—a dream gig that combined live music, writing, and road trips.  In the early 2000s, he turned to spoken word performances, earning two Grand Slam titles in the Eau Claire Running Water Poetry Slam. Around the same time, he started writing for a then-brand-new arts and culture magazine, Volume One, who in 2014 bestowed upon him their Lifetime Achievement Award. Recently, Szymanski has focused his creative energies on audio storytelling, including writing and performing for Bend in the River, Oddly Enough, and WPR’s Wisconsin Life.  Szymanski lives with his wife and two sons in Eau Claire and teaches English at DeLong Middle School. Literary Arts Committee member B.J. Hollars said, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Ken serving in this important role.  His commitment and enthusiasm for supporting all writers of all levels will do much to ensure that our city’s literary community continues to thrive.”

Visual and Literary Arts Manager, Rose Dolan-Neill said, “We at Pablo Center are honored to support the efforts of all artists in our community and to further engage the public in the literary arts through the good work of Ken Szymanski. We are proud to provide a home base to our Literary Arts Committee who work so diligently to provide an outlet for the literary arts.”

“Ken’s passion for writing, music and collaboration is genuine and sincere,” says Director of Artistic Programming Evan Middlesworth.  “These attributes will motivate our artistic community and continue to build creative relationships.  

Szymanski has outlined several collaborative projects to be implemented throughout his tenure, from Eau Claire-based story collections to live shows featuring writers, musicians, and photographers.  “All in all,” Szymanski said, “I will measure my success by how many people I collaborated with, and how many new voices are brought to the microphone.”

Charter Bank Welcomes Deposit Operations Specialist 
Eau Claire, WI – Charter Bank is proud to announce and welcome Shelley Schemenauer as our new Deposit Operations Specialist. She will be working in the Deposit Operations Department and her role will include the management Tax Reporting. 
 
Schemenauer brings a great deal of experience to Charter Bank.  She spent the last 21 years working at Royal Credit Union with her most recent position being IRS Reporting Specialist. Prior to her years at RCU, Schemenauer worked at H&R Block as a tax preparer.  “I am so looking forward to getting to know all the wonderful people who work at Charter! I look forward to learning new techniques, skills, and building my knowledge. I cannot wait to be able to dig in and be useful,” states Schemenauer.
 
Chris Olson, Deposit Operations Officer for Charter Bank, says “Shelley is already proving to be such an asset to our team!  She brings over 20 years of knowledge of tax reporting and finance. She is positive and approachable, and takes a sincere interest in the financial well-being of our customers. She’ll be a great addition to the team and I’m glad that she decided to join the Charter Bank family!”
 
Schemenauer is originally from Oakdale, MN but moved to Chippewa Falls in 1990. She resides there with her husband Tony, children Dylan and Dakota, and Toy Poodle Foxy - the true baby of the family! Schemenauer loves to Travel, especially cruising in the Caribbean with her favorite island being Aruba.  “Family is also very important to me; I spend most of my weekends helping my mom, Rose, who just turned 90 and still lives at her home,” says Schemenauer.

Charter Bank Grants Donation to Together Chippewa Valley
Eau Claire, WI – Charter Bank is pleased to announce a $20,000 donation to Together Chippewa Valley. Through their partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank, they have allowed Charter Bank to provide funds to small businesses or nonprofits in our community. Charter Bank decided to grant the entire $20,000 to the Together Chippewa Valley Fund.
 
Together Chippewa Valley spokesperson Kerry Kincaid said, “The 19 non-profit organizations who belong to Together Chippewa Valley are very grateful to Charter Bank for their generous donation. We are a broad coalition of services that works hard to help over 270,000 people in our area - from nurturing children and sheltering animals, to supporting healthy living, to lifting up the arts. We are proud to be part of a community that works together. Thank you Charter Bank.” 
 
“We continue to see first-hand how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting so many nonprofits in our area,” states Paul Kohler, Charter Bank’s President and CEO. “When we heard about this grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank, we knew exactly how it could make a huge difference to our local nonprofit organizations.”
 
Together Chippewa Valley is a coalition of nonprofits formed to coordinate response efforts to address community needs during the COVID-19 crisis, raise funds through a first-of-its-kind community-wide fundraising initiative, and support one another’s missions to survive and thrive. 
 
“Many of our staff are on these board of directors and having the difficult conversations of how these organizations move forward. We could think of no better way to stay true to our values during a time of need in our communities than to support this cause,” said Carla Leuck, Charter Bank AVP-Marketing Officer.

[EAU CLAIRE, WI]  PESI, Inc. is helping to jumpstart the second phase of granting from the Quick Response Community Fund with a $40,000 donation.
 
In Phase 1, the Quick Response Community Fund, established by the Eau Claire Community Foundation and United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley, supported Eau Claire area nonprofits that serve community members suffering due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It also addressed urgent operational needs caused by the pandemic.  Phase 2 will continue supporting local nonprofits in their service to community members impacted by the ongoing crisis.
 
“As a company, we feel that giving back to our community is important,” stated Mike Conner, PESI’s Executive Director. “These are unprecedented times, and we need to pull together as a community to begin the building and healing from this economic crisis.”  
​
Phase 1 of the Quick Response grant cycle distributed $274,491 to 42 Eau Claire area nonprofits. For a complete list of grantees, visit the News Tab of the Eau Claire Community Foundation’s website.

In addition to PESI’s generous gift, Phase 2 is being supported by a matching campaign whose goal was exceeded thanks to a large donation from Charter Bank. Additional gifts to the Quick Response Community Fund are always appreciated. Because the Eau Claire Community Foundation is covering administrative fees, 100% of donations will support local nonprofits. If you would like to make a gift, please visit www.eccfwi.org.
 
United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley fights for the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in every community we serve.  www.uwgcv.org
 
Eau Claire Community Foundation strengthens our community by offering donors opportunities to establish charitable legacies, by making grants, and by serving as a catalyst to address community needs. www.eccfwi.org

The Chippewa Valley Book Festival announced today that we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2020 festival. In light of the global pandemic, and due to probable social distancing restrictions, along with weighing countless scenarios and alternatives, including the uncertainty of holding any large gatherings this fall, we felt canceling was the most responsible and prudent course of action.  
 
We greatly appreciate our community’s support over our 20-year existence and are confident that our 2021 festival will be a grand celebration of coming together as a community around the written word–more than ever before. Stay tuned for more information and be sure to follow the Chippewa Valley Book Festival on Facebook for interesting content until we can gather together.

Trish Cummins & Judy Dekan
Chippewa Valley Book Festival Co-Chairs

History And Music Of The Ukulele On “Spectrum West” May 14, 2020
Host Al Ross will talk with Bill Fink, a California based writer, and Gordy Bischoff, an Eau Claire stringed instrument maker, about ukuleles on “Spectrum West,” which airs at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2020 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. The program will also feature  efforts to build a COVID-19 archive in Eau Claire, the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minn. and new ways the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire is serving patrons.
 
Gordy Bischoff, luthier (maker of stringed instruments) and initiator of the Ukulele Klub of Eau Claire (U.K.E.) and Bill Fink, a travel writer based in California who traveled to Hawaii to research the history of the ukulele, will both be joining host Al Ross on the show this week to talk about the history and music of the ukulele.
 
Cheryl Jimenez-Frei, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire assistant professor of history, and Greg Kocken, UWEC McIntyre Library archivist, will be talking with Ross this week about a new project that they are working on in tandem with the Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire. Jodi Kiffmeyer, archivist at the museum, will join in as they outline the project, a COVID-19 archive.
 
Correspondent Katharine Thomas will be interviewing Eileen Moeller, marketing and sales director of the Great River Shakespeare festival in Winona, Minn. about the changes that they are making to their events in face of the conditions needed due to COVID-19 precautions.
 
Isa Small, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library’s programming and communications services manager, will be talking with Ross about the library’s evolution to social distancing practices, including new pick-up and drop-off procedures.
 
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show includes in-depth behind-the-scenes interviews and stories about area writers, musicians, theater, visual arts and much more. The show is broadcast at 10 a.m. Thursdays 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 University of Wisconsin River Falls via wrfw887.com/listen-live.html.  A repeat broadcast plays at 7 p.m. Fridays on 89.7 WUEC-FM Eau Claire and 90.7 WVSS-FM/ Menomonie. Archives of “Spectrum West” are available at wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.

Pandemic Update and Impact on Western Wisconsin Schools on “The West Side” May 15
Adjustments by public schools to teaching students virtually, and the impacts of the pandemic on the future of public education in Wisconsin will be the primary topic of discussion on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 15 on The Ideas Network Stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. 
 
The program will also feature an update on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to western Wisconsin from WPR reporter Rich Kremer.

Host Dean Kallenbach will be joined by Linda Flottum, a member of the Turtle Lake School District Board of Education and a member of the board for directors for the Wisconsin Association of School Boards; Anne Haase, a fifth grade teacher at Wakanda Elementary School in Menomonie and former Wisconsin Elementary Teacher of the Year; and Jon Griffith, director of the Cameron Academy of Virtual Education operated by the School District of Cameron. 
 
K-12 school buildings in western Wisconsin closed their doors to students in March, and Governor Evers has ordered them not to reopen this school year. Teachers have had to quickly shift their teaching methods, and students have had to figure out how to do school from home. Kallenbach and his guests will talk about those challenges, and how the pandemic will change things in schools for the fall and beyond.
 
“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.

Faculty mentors help new grad succeed despite health challenges and pandemic
Amelia Montie credits a team of faculty mentors for helping her thrive at UW-Eau Claire, including during her final semester of college as she is managing a new diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes as well as a global pandemic that moved all classes online. Full story.

New grad built connections, embraced opportunities to make most of college
As Monica Dickson prepares to graduate this spring with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry, she says UW-Eau Claire’s supportive campus community is a big part of the reason she can pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Full story.

History class in England inspires Blugold to pursue new major, career
LeeAnn Przybylski has had many fabulous classes taught by exceptional professors during her years as a Blugold, but it was an experience far from UW-Eau Claire’s campus that helped her find her future career path. Full story.

Intercultural journey, continued: Fulbright award to enrich teaching of Chinese language, culture
Dr. Kaishan Kong, assistant professor of Chinese in the department of languages at UW-Eau Claire, has received a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to teach in China. Full story.

ST. CLOUD, MINN., MAY 11, 2020 – Marco announces that Dale Evens, Vice President of Copier Services, has received the ENX Difference Makers Award, a distinction that honors individuals who have made a notable impact on the document technology industry.

Evens won the award for his efforts over the past 30 years implementing best practices and standard procedures that have improved both Marco and the copier industry. Evens played a key role in bringing Marco’s copier service department from lower performing to high performing by helping the company establish what “good” looks like. This was done by implementing policies that decreased waste and increased technician accountability. As a result, Marco saw a dramatic improvement in copier performance and the amount of copies generated between service calls.

​Specializing in family medicine at the Prevea Mondovi Health Center
Mondovi – Prevea Health is pleased to welcome Carly Scherz, PA-C, to its family of care at the Prevea Mondovi Health Center located at 250 State Road 37.
 
Carly is a physician assistant specializing in routine medical care for children and adults, preventive medicine, medication management, acute care, chronic disease management and DOT physical exams. She holds a Master of Health Sciences from Duke University School of Medicine and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
 
“It is important to me that my patients know I am here to listen to their story and be an advocate for their best interests,” said Carly. “Taking into account what is important to them, we develop a treatment plan that meets their individual needs while applying the latest evidence-based care.”
 
Appointments with Carly can be made by calling (715) 926-6230. The Prevea Mondovi Health Center is currently open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

​Huebsch Services Donates 8,000 N95 Face Masks.
 
Eau Claire, Wisconsin (April 30, 2020) – Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment has been a needed resource that is in short supply. Huebsch Services recognized this need early on and made a commitment to use the company’s connections throughout the world to source N95 masks. This week, Huebsch Services donated 8,000 N95 face masks to the communities Huebsch calls home – Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties in Wisconsin and Dakota County in Minnesota.  The emergency management teams in these counties can identify the areas of greatest need for this personal protective equipment and distribute the N95 face masks to medical personnel and first responders throughout the local communities.
 
“Helping others is at the core of what we do at Huebsch,” says Fourth Generation President and CEO Jim Vaudreuil. “Thank you to all the first responders and medical personnel in our communities. We hope this donation helps you to be protected as you continue to care for our communities.”
 
In addition to the donation of 8,000 N95 face masks, Huebsch has also been producing fabric face masks for its employees and continues to support the Mask Beez community face mask initiative in the Eau Claire area. To date, Huebsch has picked up, laundered, and then delivered 11,429 new fabric face masks back to the medical community through the Mask Beez program.
 
About Huebsch Services
Huebsch Services serves over 6,000 customers in the West Central Wisconsin and the metropolitan areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN with offices in Eau Claire, WI and Eagan, MN. Huebsch is dedicated to helping others be successful. The company specializes in the sales and service of work uniforms, floor matting, and facility supplies.

​Eau Claire Express Baseball on “Spectrum West” May 7, 2020
 
Host Al Ross will talk with Dale Varsho, director of operations and field manager the Eau Claire Express baseball team on “Spectrum West,” which airs at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2020 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. The program will also feature interviews with the organizers of Creative Economy Week in Eau Claire, and the directors of the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild of Eau Claire and the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson.
 
Dale Varsho, director of operations and field manager of the Eau Claire Express baseball club will meet with Ross this week to talk about the club’s preparation for a potential 2020 season. The Express are members of the Great Plains Division of the Northwoods League.
 
Sara Larsen and Kyle Lehman will visit the show to talk about Creative Economy Week, an annual project of Arts Wisconsin and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. This year’s version will feature virtual exhibits, visual presentation and panel discussions online.
 
Correspondent Jim Oliver will welcome Ann Sessions, executive director of the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, for a look inside its deliberations in the face of the current pandemic shutdown. Jim will also outline decisions already being made by other western Wisconsin theater companies in the current climate.
 
John Potter, executive director of the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, will talk with Ross about his organization’s approach and adjustments to their 2020-21 season.

Health care administration grads lead long-term care facilities through COVID-19 crisis
A dedicated group of Blugold alumni, including Kendall Rosemeyer, administrator at Dove Healthcare – West Eau Claire, are charged with overseeing the care of some of the Chippewa Valley’s most vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story.

Healthcare Provider Implements New Training Hours at Reduced Rate
Goal to Increase Class Frequency and CNA Graduates
 
In April 2020, Governor Evers signed Assembly Bill 1038 into law, which included permanently establishing the nurse aide training hours requirement at the federal 75-hour standard. Local skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and assisted living provider Dove Healthcare hosts multiple classes every year and in 2019, graduated 250 certified nursing assistants (CNA) from their state-approved classroom and clinical sites.
 
Historically, prospective students have faced barriers with waiting lists and the cost of tuition, which is counterproductive to the constant demand for CNAs across northwestern WI. Assembly Bill 1038 allows program sites like Dove Healthcare the flexibility to adjust their training programs in order to help meet the needs of the community.
 
Dove Healthcare’s Regional Director of Operations Jeremy Kiley commented, “Our long-standing mission has been to increase the number of quality healthcare workers in the Chippewa Valley. While about half of the students go on to apply for employment with us, the rest are pursuing other goals, such as employment at a local hospital or application requirements for nursing school. Dove Healthcare is proud to be a community partner in this way, and the new training requirement is instrumental to increasing our class frequency, reducing the tuition fee, and thus expanding our healthcare workforce.”
 
Students going on to work for Dove Healthcare complete an additional 16 hours of hands-on training upon hire. They are also eligible for 100% reimbursement of the $475 class fee.
 
For more information about the nurse aide training program, visit dovehealthcare.com/cnaclass, call 715-720-2283, or email info@dovehealthcare.com.
 
About Dove Healthcare
Dove Healthcare consists of six skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and five assisted living residences in northwest Wisconsin. Core services include rehabilitation, post-hospital care, ventilator care, skilled nursing, long-term and end-of-life care, as well as assisted living and memory care. For more information, visit the website dovehealthcare.com

More than 300 Blugolds already receive funding from emergency fund
The UW-Eau Claire Foundation already has distributed emergency funds to more than 320 current students who need help paying for things like rent, groceries and internet access during the COVID-19 crisis. Full story.
​
Biology grad reflects on her unconventional college success story
A journey that began at UW-Eau Claire – Barron County and is ending amid a global pandemic and online learning, Carolyn Bauer's college experience has been unique and highly successful, and her lessons for future Blugolds are golden. Full story.

Twin sisters to earn nursing degrees from UW-Eau Claire
Twin sisters Brooke and Chelsea Scholbe are among the Blugolds earning their nursing degrees this month from UW-Eau Claire. They are eager to begin their professional nursing careers even though they will be joining the health care field during COVID-19. Full story.

​Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month celebration kicks off May 1
The Office of Multicultural Affairs at UW-Eau Claire will host online events and provide a number of relevant, educational resources for the university community and the public. Full story.

Eau Claire, Wis. – Prevea Health and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals in Wisconsin are now resuming some non-COVID-19-related services and procedures that were placed on hold beginning in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
“We are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, and with carefully-designed infection prevention protocols in place, we are able to resume many of our essential health care services and provide our patients the care they need in the safest way possible,” said Dr. Ashok Rai, President and CEO at Prevea Health.
 
Prevea Health provides primary and specialty health care in locations across Eastern and Western Wisconsin. Prevea Health providers also see patients and perform procedures at all six HSHS hospitals in Wisconsin: HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls; HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls.
 
“We want to assure all patients who come through our doors we have taken every step possible to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of our colleagues and medical providers as we resume non-COVID-19 related procedures,” said Andy Bagnall, President and CEO of HSHS Wisconsin. “All facilities in HSHS hospitals across Wisconsin – from our emergency rooms to our operating rooms – are safe and we are well-prepared to serve your health care needs.”
 
Prevea Health patients who were notified their procedures were being delayed, and who are now able to receive their procedure, will be contacted by their health care provider. Any patient or community member who would like to schedule an appointment at Prevea Health, or who has questions about their care, may contact Prevea Health at (888) 277-3832 or visit www.prevea.com to learn which services may be available to them including in-person, video and/or telephone visits.
 
Prevea Health also offers care for common conditions such as cold, flu, bladder infections, pink eye and more, online through Prevea Virtual Care: www.prevea.com/virtualcare. Screening and evaluation for COVID-19 is also available through Prevea Virtual Care at no cost.

EAU CLAIRE AND CHIPPEWA FALLS – It’s an exciting time in western Wisconsin as the forecast predicts a warm and sunny weekend, but health officials are reminding communities that COVID-19 and other viruses do not take a break during nice weather.
 
State parks opened today and HSHS Dr. Rich Cooley encourages park-goers to allow for social distancing even outdoors. “Fresh air is good for the soul, but make sure to enjoy the outdoors safely – either alone or with people from your household,” Dr. Cooley said. “Continue to stay more than 6 feet away from others for your safety and theirs.”
 
Dr. Cooley also says it’s a good idea to bring hand sanitizer with you during outings since soap and water may not be accessible everywhere.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viruses, like those that cause the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months, however there is no evidence to determine if that also applies to COVID-19. Regardless, the CDC recommends proactive outdoor safety measures during this uncertain time.
 
Because parks are expected to be busier this weekend, it’s also recommended by the CDC that you bring a cloth face covering in the event you are near others outside of your household.

Click here to view the Virtual Town Hall (60:00)
US Senator Tammy Baldwin joined us for the first 30 minutes on federal economic relief
Dale Peters and Scott Biederman talked about the Task Force in the second segment​
Thank you to WIN Technology and its Perigon system for making these Town Halls possible

​Here is more information about the objectives and guiding principles for the Task Force:

Chippewa Valley COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force​
In order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our healthcare systems from being overwhelmed, physical distancing practices and closures were required. These measures have significantly impacted our economy at the national, state and local level.  As we prepare to reopen our economy, it should be done with a strategic, data driven approach to make sure we do not reopen the economy so quickly that we overwhelm our ability to contain disease spread and the healthcare systems to handle it.  We do not want to undo all that we have done and we do not want to start over.
 
Reopening our economy in a way the minimizes the impact of disease and protects employers, employees, residents and visitors will be challenging and require coordination and cooperation.  The formation of the Chippewa Valley COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force is an effort to pull together resources, organizations and talent from across the Chippewa Valley to help us emerge from this crisis in an orderly, successful, safe and stronger position than other regions.

Objectives of the Task Force include:

• Provide consistent, evidence-based guidance for businesses to incrementally return to work- and work-related activities
• Facilitate financial resources for local businesses
• Successfully promote the community and communicate the recovery plans
• Connect employers and employees
• Assure the health and safety of residents, employees and visitors engaging in local commerce.  
• Minimize the impact of disease

Deliverables:

• Establish one central location where businesses can receive knowledge and help in applying for financial assistance at the local, state and federal level
• Timely, accurate, practical and relevant health guidance is developed and communicated to each identified business sector
• Develop specific business sector support for reopening
• Develop and implement an effective communication plan for energizing and promoting the Chippewa Valley business climate and communicate the work of the task force
• Effectively connect employers with trained and skilled employees

 
Guiding Principles  
 
1. The physical distancing and closure orders are a direct response to pleas from our healthcare providers to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our healthcare system from being overwhelmed, thereby preventing widespread loss of life and economic loss. 

2. Physical distancing and closure policies have slowed the spread of COVID-19, however, they come at a heavy financial price for our local economy, including our healthcare systems, and economically these policies cannot be sustained indefinitely. 

3. In order to relax the social distancing and closure orders and reopen the economy, it should be done with a strategic, data driven approach to make sure we do not reopen the economy so quickly that we overwhelm our ability to contain disease spread and the healthcare system.  We do not want to undo all that we have done and we do not want to start over. 

4. The State and Federal government are providing parameters on when and what can and cannot be done at the local level.  These parameters are largely out of our control and not the focus of this task force.  Rather, the task force will focus on how to best re-establish our local economy using best practices, cooperation and collaboration within the parameters provided.

See the organization chart below for a top level view of how the Task Force will be organized:

Recorded webinars
This page will be regularly updated as new updates are scheduled and recordings become available.

Eau Claire Chamber Virtual Town Halls
​Produced in cooperation with WIN Technology and Perigon
​

Click here to view our Apr 30 Virtual Town Hall
With WMC President & CEO Kurt Bauer​

WMC Back to Business Plan
• Virtual Town Hall: Thursday, Apr 30, 1:00 p.m.
​WMC President & CEO Kurt Bauer joined us to talk about WMC's "Back to Business" Plan to reopen the Wisconsin economy. 
Video recording (50:40, Perigon)
Chats (Perigon)
WMC Back to Business Plan (WMC)

COVID-19: Federal & Local Responses
• Virtual Town Hall: Thursday, Apr 23, 10:00 a.m.
​
US Senator Tammy Baldwin will join us to focus on federal help for businesses as they navigate the current crisis. The discussion will center on the status of replenishing funding for key programs like PPP and EIDL loans, reforms to SBA, guidance to ensure access loan programs, and what's coming in the next major relief bill. 
COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force: Chamber Board Chair Scott Biederman of Musky Tank & VES Environmental Services, and Eau Claire City Manager Dale Peters, will discuss plans to build a local/regional plan to reopen our economy.
Video recording (60:00, Perigon)
Chats (Perigon)
Chippewa Valley COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force
​
Wisconsin's COVID-19 Support For Businesses
• Virtual Town Hall: Thursday, Apr 16, 11:30 a.m.
This week's Virtual Town Hall Meeting will focus on the State of Wisconsin's response to help businesses navigate COVID-19. Guests include Sam Rikkers, Deputy Secretary and COO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and Kurt Bauer, President and CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. They'll discuss and answer questions about Gubernatorial orders, legislative action and economic support for businesses and employees. 
Video recording (50:13 Perigon)
Chats (Perigon)
WEDC COVID-19 Resource Page (WEDC)
​WMC COVID-19 Employer Tool Kit (WMC)

Caring for your employees
• Virtual Town Hall: Thursday, Apr 9, 1:00 p.m.
A focus on employee relationships and management within today's new realities.  Topics of discussion will include what to do now to comply with new rules, what you can do to take care of your team and what resources you can draw upon.  
Video recording (58:35 Perigon)
Chats (Perigon)
​MRA Covid-19 Updates (MRA)
CARES UC Summary

Federal CARES Act update and Q&A
• Virtual Town Hall: Thursday, Apr 2, 4:30 p.m.
3rd District Congressman Ron Kind and John Kirchner from the US Chamber discuss what's in the CARES Act for businesses and answer questions.  
This event was recorded. Click the following links to view it and access resources:
Video recording (58:17 Perigon)
Chats (Perigon)
Federal CARES Act Summary PowerPoint (John Kirchner, US Chamber of Commerce)

Business Resources to respond to COVID-19
​​​​• Virtual Town Hall: Thursday, Mar 26, 10:00 a.m.
An online opportunity to hear about business resources available to deal with COVID-19 and ask questions. Guests included Luke Hanson, Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp.; Heather Smith, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., and Aaron White, Economic Development Director, City of Eau Claire.
This event was recorded. Click the following links to view it and access resources:
Video recording (60:46, Perigon)
Chats (Perigon)
Resource Guide (Eau Claire Chamber)


Eau Claire City-County Health Department
briefings (Mo, We, Fr) at 3:30 p.m. (Facebook live)

 
BrightTalk/Manpower

COVID-19: Everything Employers Need to Know and Do Right Now
(Recorded April 1) BrightTalk/Manpower 
COVID-19’s impacts are being felt across the globe and in nearly every aspect of life. Employers and employees are feeling the effects of the pandemic in new and uncertain ways that could change the way we do business forever. If you have questions about how all the new (and even the old) laws apply in this strange new world of work, you won’t want to miss this important presentation by ManpowerGroup North America Chief Legal & Public Affairs Officer Mark Toth.
Click here to access the webinar and visuals

MRA - HR Resources
https://www.mranet.org/covid-19-updates

MRA: ​"Families First Coronavirus Response Act" Livestream Recordings:

• Briefing PowerPoint Presentation
• Briefing Recording Part I: Attorney-led Briefing
• Briefing Recording Part II: HR Hotline and Participant Q&A
• CEO's Q&A on COVID-19 Recording

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

For all recently-recorded WMC webinars for businesses (as listed below)
 https://www.wmc.org/covid-19-update-webinars/

WMC COVID-19 UPDATE WEBINAR: Featuring U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), its trade association partners and local chambers invite you to a business coalition update call. The webinar will feature U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and an economic update from University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Noah Williams. 
​(Wednesday, April 15, 10:00AM CDT)

WMC COVID-19 Update: Featuring Wisconsin DWD Secretary Caleb Frostman
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), its trade association partners and local chambers invite you to a business coalition update call. The webinar will feature Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Caleb Frostman. Additionally, Eric Ness and Tammie Clendenning from the Small Business Administration will provide an update. 
(Friday, April 10 at 10:00 AM CDT)

WMC COVID-19 Update: Featuring Wisconsin DHS Secretary Andrea Palm 
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), its trade association partners and local chambers invite you to a business coalition update call. The webinar will feature Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm. Additionally, law firm Godfrey & Kahn will provide businesses with an employment law update. 
​(Wednesday, April 8 at 10:00 AM CDT)
Click here to listen to the webinar


WMC COVID-19 Update: Featuring White House Advisor Kellyanne Conway (April 3)
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), its trade association partners and local chambers invite you to a business coalition update call. The webinar will feature Kellyanne Conway, Counselor to President Donald Trump. Conway will provide details about what the Trump Administration is doing to combat the COVID-19 virus from both a health and economic standpoint. In addition, the call will feature state updates from industry leaders including Scott Suder, Wisconsin Paper Council President, and Scott VanderSanden, AT&T President - Plains States.

• Click here to listen to the webinar

​
WMC COVID-19 Update: Featuring U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (April 1)
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), its trade association partners and local chambers hosted a business coalition update call. The webinar featured a federal update from U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-1st). Additionally, attendees heard from Marcus Corporation President & CEO Greg Marcus, University of Wisconsin Professor and Director of the Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy Noah Williams, and Wisconsin Medical Society CEO Dr. Clyde "Bud" Chumbley.

• Click here to listen to the full webinar

WMC COVID-19 Webinar - Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (March 25)
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), its trade association partners and local chambers hosted an update call with Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. The call detailed the state government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and updated how the business community is being impacted. The call featured updates from numerous industry-specific trade associations as to how COVID-19 is impacting their sectors of the business community.

• Click here to listen to the full webinar.

"Safer at Home" Order (March 24) - Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), its trade association partners and local chambers hosted a business coalition update call with WEDC Secretary & CEO Missy Hughes. Sec. Hughes detailed Gov. Evers "Safer at Home" order and explained how it applies to the business community.
·     Click here to listen to the full webinar.
·     Click here for the full order.

WMC/WCCE Recorded Webinar with SBA and a policy update (March 24)

• Click here to listen to this webinar and view the slides

WMC COVID-19 Webinar - Gov. Evers Addresses Business Community (March 18) WMC, its trade association partners and local chambers hosted an update call with Gov. Tony Evers and members of his cabinet. The call detailed state government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and updated how the business community is being impacted.

• Click here to listen to the webinar

WMC COVID-19 Update Webinar (March 18) This webinar provided critical business updates relating to COVID-19, including HR policies, employment law, Congressional action relating to the pandemic and an economic update.

• Click here to listen to the webinar
• Click here to view the powerpoint slides

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

How will you restart your business after the threat posed by the coronavirus is diminished? As part of the local COVID-19 Recovery Task Force efforts related to business financial assistance, the Small Business Development Center and UWEC Continuing Education are offering a free interactive webinar for small business owners. The program is designed to provide tools to help you forecast and plan your business cash flow.

 • Recovery After COVID-19: Planning and Managing Cash Flow
   Choose one: Tue May 12, 2 p.m. or 6 p.m., or Thu May 14, 2 p.m.   ​

Get the same great MRA training for you and your team … without leaving your home office!Our Live Remote Training is available through May 31, 2020.

The variety of courses will help you upskill your team and sharpen your own set of business tools—so you can hit the ground running as we emerge from this unprecedented time.

EAU CLAIRE, WI — The Board of Education has selected Mr. Michael Johnson to serve as the next Superintendent of the Eau Claire Area School District. Mr. Johnson is currently the Assistant Superintendent of South Washington County Schools, a Twin Cities-metro district with an enrollment of 18,900 students.
 
From Dr. Eric Torres, Board President: “The Eau Claire Area School District is very excited to welcome Mr. Michael Johnson. He has the knowledge base, work ethic, and skills necessary to support our mission and vision as a learning community. The Board has set very high expectations for him and is committed to supporting his leadership to close the achievement gap, advocate for equitable public education, and achieve the goals of our strategic plan.”
 
From Mr. Michael Johnson: “I’m extremely honored, humbled, and thrilled to be offered the ECASD superintendency. I was impressed with the flexibility and dedication of all stakeholders involved in the search process, and enjoyed the opportunity to present in front of a variety of staff and community groups. My wife and I have had strong connections to Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley for over 30 years. Eau Claire has provided so much for me: my education, the foundation of my teaching career, and the start to my family. It is now my time to serve this community and its students, and I am excited for the chance to reconnect and introduce myself to all stakeholders in order to lead the ECASD with one collective, inclusive vision.”
 
From Dr. Lori Bica, Search Committee Chair: “Even with social distancing, we were able to offer everything one could hope for from a traditional, thorough, in-person interview schedule. Full district and community engagement in three days of virtual interviews with finalists would not have been possible without the monumental efforts of many ECASD employees, especially the tremendous behind-the-scenes work of our Technology Department.”
 
Mr. Johnson will start in his new position with the ECASD on July 1, 2020. For more information about the superintendent search, please see the district website at http://www.ecasd.us/District/About/Superintendent-Search.

​Continuing Education announces program changes amid COVID-19 pandemic
The health, safety and well-being of our customers remain the top priority for UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education. COVID-19 continues to be a risk across our communities, and we want to share the actions we've taken to keep our customers and employees safe and healthy. Full story.
 
Continuing Education develops timely webinar and hybrid leadership programming
UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education has worked to develop two new high-quality online leadership trainings: "Building Resilient Virtual Teams: a Webinar Series" and "Change Leadership Hybrid Series." Full story.
 
Career Services supporting Blugolds in their search for internships and jobs
Career Services is supporting Blugolds — current students and alumni — as they search for internships and jobs during the pandemic. It's a tough time to be looking for an internship or a job, but Blugolds have reasons to be optimistic. Full story.
 
UW-Eau Claire to be site of NCUR 2023, bringing thousands to community
In the spring of 2023, UW-Eau Claire will be a focal point for undergraduate research worldwide when it hosts more than 4,000 students and their faculty mentors for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Full story.

Vaselaar Named President, Chief Operating Officer of WNB Financial
WNB Financial is pleased to announce the promotion of David Vaselaar to President and Chief Operating Officer. The promotion was made at a recent meeting of the Bank’s Board of Directors. In his new role, Vaselaar will assume the responsibility of managing and directing the day-to-day leadership of the Bank and its various business lines.
 
“Dave has been working toward this position for a number of years and is uniquely qualified and blessed with the technical skills, experience, and leadership qualities that will ensure future success,” said Jack Richter, Chief Executive Officer of WNB Financial. “I’m confident that under Dave’s leadership, the Bank will continue to experience strong growth and continue to contribute to the success of our clients, coworkers, and the communities we serve.”
 
Richter will continue in his role as the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer and also President of WNB Holding Company, parent company of WNB Financial. Richter’s role will focus on the growth of the Holding Company, the Bank’s culture, capital planning, shareholder communications, and community relationships.
 
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead such a great organization and team of people,” Vaselaar said. “I look forward to continuing WNB Financial’s long-standing tradition of being a premier regional financial partner and trusted advisor to our clients and the communities we serve.”
 
Vaselaar holds 32 years of banking experience, most recently serving as WNB Financial’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He also held the roles of Chief Credit Officer and Business Banking Manager. Prior to joining WNB in 2004, Vaselaar served as Market President of Community First Bank (Windom, Minn.), Vice President of Citizens State Bank (Arlington, S.D.), and Loan Officer at First Interstate Bank (Phoenix, Ariz.). He currently serves on the Winona Health Board of Directors and Habitat for Humanity Faith Relations Committee, and formerly served as Board Chair for Cotter Schools and various roles with the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce.
 
WNB Employees Donate Gift Cards to Sauer Health Care Staff
WNB Financial employees were pleased to donate $10 Midtown Foods gift cards to all 88 staff members at Sauer Health Care today. The donation was made possible from “Jeans Day” collections, where WNB employees choose to pay $2 each Friday to wear casual jeans during the work day, with the proceeds benefitting organizations in the communities we serve.
 
Sauer Health Care has provided nursing care, respite care, therapy services, and hospice services for 50 years in Winona. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, all Sauer staff members have put in tireless hours to keep residents and the entire community safe. WNB Financial appreciates the courage, dedication, and sacrifice.
 
WNB Financial employees understand the importance of giving back to the community they serve. In 2019, 45 WNB Financial employees donated 2,110 hours of service to 97 organizations. WNB gifted over $375,000 to the community in the areas of education and youth programs, fine arts and culture, health and wellness, economic development, and community service.
 
WNB Financial Elects Fatima Said to Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of WNB Financial is pleased to announce the election of Fatima Said to serve on the Bank’s Board of Directors.
 
Said is the Executive Director of Project FINE and has been with the organization for 15 years. Project FINE is a nonprofit that helps newcomers integrate into the community by providing foreign language interpreters and translators as well as opportunities for education, information, referral, and empowerment for immigrants and refugees.
 
“Fatima is an incredible leader and has grown Project FINE into an important and integral part of the Winona community and Southeastern Minnesota,” said Jack Richter, Chief Executive Officer of WNB Financial. “She will bring an important perspective to the board through her own experiences and the work that she and Project FINE do with our newest community members.”
 
Said is an active member of the Winona community and has served on numerous advisory boards, currently serving as a board member for Winona Health, Cotter Schools, Winona Rotary Club, Minnesota State College Southeast Foundation, and the Winona Human Rights Commission. She also volunteers her time as a committee member for the Cotter Schools Governance Committee, the University of Minnesota Extension Advisory Committee, and the Winona County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
 
WNB Financial would like to thank both Jim Schneider and Sandra Burke, who have reached the end of their terms and are now retired from the Board of Directors. During their time as directors and Chairs of the Board, both have provided great leadership, direction, and support of the Bank’s strategic goals and growth.
 
WNB Financial Lobbies Remain Temporarily Closed
For the health and safety of all, WNB Financial lobbies will continue to remain temporarily closed until further notice. The team continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation and safely meet community banking needs in the following ways:

• All Drive-Ups remain open during regular business hours. Customers can also use the night drop boxes for deposits, loan payments, and other documents.
• WNB offers many convenient services that allow for remote access to accounts rather than in person, including 24-hour ATMs, Telephone Banking, Internet Banking, and Mobile Banking with Remote Deposit capabilities.
• If absolutely necessary, customers can call 507-454-8800 or toll free 800-546-4392 to schedule an appointment for urgent business only. This includes access to a safe deposit box. WNB Financial understands that emergency situations may arise and will discuss each situation to determine if an in-person appointment is necessary.

 
WNB Financial offers insurance of funds through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which covers up to $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category. Customer funds remain safe, secure, and insured. Visit WNBFinancial.com/coronavirus-update for timely updates and announcements.

​NEW PABLO CENTER ENDOWMENT HONORS JANET CARSON’S LEGACY OF ART EDUCATION
Gift from Janet Carson’s estate allows for creation of the Janet Carson Art Education Fund
 
(April 24, 2020 - EAU CLAIRE, WIS)  Pablo Center at the Confluence is pleased to announce the creation of the Janet Carson Art Education Fund, made possible by a generous gift of $50,000 from Janet Carson’s estate. This endowment fund has been created to honor Carson’s artistic contributions as well as her dedicated service to the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and the community as an  educator. The endowment will fund existing art outreach programs such as ARTmobile - Pablo Center’s free mobile, art education program delivered in-person and digitally - while also providing resources to create opportunities such as the addition of a youth, plein air art competition to the 2020 GO Paint! Chippewa Valley.  
 
“Pablo Center is honored to receive Janet Carson’s gift,” said Monica Frederick, Director of Development at Pablo Center.  “With this gift, Janet has ensured that her legacy of education in the arts lives on in our community. This gift will enable us to create educational opportunities for everyone in the region. We are incredibly thankful for Janet’s passion for
the arts.”
 
The late Janet Carson was known for her decades-long career as a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire emeritus professor of art education, as well as for her contributions as a local artist.  
 
Pablo Center’s Visual and Literary Arts Manager, Rose Dolan-Neill reflected on Carson’s life saying, “Janet Carson was a painter, an educator, a person of deep faith, and consummate contributor to her community. Known for her sharp wit and enthusiasm for painting outdoors, Janet frequently combined the two in the style of her watercolor paintings. As an educator, Janet Carson was well-known for her sharp and honest critique of university students’ work and the work of her colleagues. One point of pride for Janet was the naming of the gallery space at the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center and State Theatre in her honor. The Janet Carson Gallery became synonymous with high achievements in the visual arts and as a premier gallery space. ” 
 
Director of Artistic Programming Evan Middlesworth reflected on the gift saying, “We are very grateful for this gift to help us continue to motivate, educate and support visual artists of all ages and abilities. Our current situation has challenged our team to create new ways of bringing visual arts into the homes of our community and Janet’s contribution has made this possible.  Her legacy will continue to shine as we remember the impact she has had on our community and artists past, present and future.”
 
Pablo Center has transitioned their in-person ARTmobile program to a weekly digital release in response to the Safer at Home order.  ARTmobile@home’s art education videos are just one way that Pablo Center is supporting the community during this time. There are also preliminary plans to create free art kits for families to complete the projects which is being supported by the Janet Carson Art Education Fund.
 
Pablo Center currently has eight of Carson’s works in its Laurie Bieze Permanent Art Collection. These pieces along with the Janet Carson Art Education Fund will ensure that Janet’s legacy continues to live on by both delighting and educating the community.
 
For more information, please contact Stephanie LaBair, Marketing and Communications Manager at Pablo Center at the Confluence, at 715-471-6138 or by emailing stephanie@pablocenter.org.  

​Charter Bank Welcomes Senior Credit Analyst
Eau Claire, WI – Charter Bank is proud to announce and welcome Sam Caswell as our new Senior Credit Analyst. He will be working in the Credit Department and his role will include assisting the Credit Officer with loan reviews on credit relationships. He will also conduct financial analysis and risk ratings on internally developed computer spreadsheet programs, as well as assisting with the coordination of department tasks.
 
Lynda LaCasse, Vice-President Credit Officer for Charter Bank, says “Sam joins the team with a wealth of knowledge as a credit analyst as well as business lending. He has such a positive energy, learns quickly and takes a sincere interest in the financial well-being of our customers. He’ll be a great addition to the team and I’m glad that he decided to join the Charter Bank family!”
 
Caswell is no stranger to Charter Bank! He worked at Charter Bank for almost 4 years as a Credit Analyst as well as a Business Banker at our Minnesota offices. “All in all I have been in commercial banking for over 7 years; working in a small state bank with assets of $50 Million all the way to a multinational bank with $850 Billion in assets globally,” States Caswell. “When I heard Charter Bank had an opportunity in Eau Claire, I jumped at the chance to come back to the organization.  I’m looking forward to rejoining a great organization with amazing people.”
 
Caswell is originally from Red Wing, MN and was living downtown Minneapolis when he decided to pursue this opportunity at Charter Bank. He purchased a home in Chippewa Falls and is looking forward to exploring the area with his 6-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, Maddie. Caswell is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout. “It’s a beautiful area and I am looking forward to moving out of the big city into a smaller community.  Eau Claire is the perfect size for me.  I get to work at a great organization in a great city,” states Caswell.
 
Charter Bank Announces Major Gift to Quick Response Community Fund
Eau Claire, WI – Charter Bank is pleased to announce a $25,000 donation to the Quick Response Community Fund. The grants awarded through this fund support nonprofits in their work to provide vital services for community members in need. Funds will be granted on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the crisis, making it possible to adapt to evolving needs.
 
“Now, more than ever, we knew we needed to step up and do our part to support non-profit organizations throughout the Chippewa Valley,” states Paul Kohler, Charter Bank’s President and CEO. “And when we heard that this could be part of the Community Matching Grant Challenge, we knew this impact would double the people it could reach.”
 
The Community Matching Grant Challenge will kick off the Phase II of the Quick Response Emergency Grant Cycle and will help Eau Claire area nonprofits address the basic needs of community members whose financial security has been jeopardized by the COVID-19 crisis.  “Our thoughts are with those individuals, families, organizations and businesses most affected,” said Sue Bornick, Executive Director of ECCF. “Despite the uncertainly we are all facing, we embrace the fact that we live in a caring and compassionate community where good continually grows. We will continue to navigate this unprecedented time together and be stronger for all we have endured.”
 
A core value of Charter Bank is Community Partnership. “We could think of no better way to stay true to our values during a time of need in our communities than to support this cause,” said Carla Leuck, Charter Bank AVP-Marketing Officer. “These nonprofits are the lifeblood of so many individuals and we hope to show that we care, that we’ll do what we can to keep these important community resources thriving.”

​#GivingTuesdayNow to support the COVID-19 fight at Marshfield Clinic Health System
MARSHFIELD – We need your help to fight COVID-19 in our rural Wisconsin communities. Donate to Marshfield Clinic Health System's COVID-19 Impact Fund for #GivingTuesdayNow.
 
#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving that takes place May 5, 2020, as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. By donating to the MCHS COVID-19 Impact Fund, you'll bring this global movement to our communities where COVID-19 relief is needed most.
 
“Marshfield Clinic Health System cares about our rural communities,” said Teri Wilczek, chief philanthropy officer, Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation. “Our caregivers, researchers and employees are fighting to protect you and the people you care about from the COVID-19 pandemic. But we cannot fight without your help.”
 
Marshfield Clinic Health System is directing all available resources to prepare for COVID-19, but our needs continue to grow. That’s why we've established the MCHS COVID-19 Impact Fund to support our most urgent needs.
 
Your donation will help us:
 

• Convert hospital and clinic areas into COVID-19 units to prepare for a surge of patients.
• Train health care providers in triaging and treating COVID-19 patients.
• Increase availability of COVID-19 testing for Marshfield Clinic Health System patients.
• Protect health care providers and patients by funding essential equipment to fight COVID-19 during the national shortage.
• Invest in telehealth services to continue providing essential care to patients from the safety of their homes.

 
We’re doing all we can to fight COVID-19, but we have to do more. Our goal is to raise $300,000 for the MCHS COVID-19 Impact Fund by #GivingTuesdayNow. Your support will help jump start the millions of dollars needed to combat the pandemic locally. The Pablo Foundation in Eau Claire is generously matching the first $50,000 donated to this fund, so your gifts will be doubled for a limited time.
 
To support the MCHS COVID-19 Impact Fund, visit justgiving.com/campaign/COVID19ImpactMCHS or call (715) 389-3249.
 
Thank you for standing together to help us fight COVID-19 in the communities we serve.

Local Musicians on “Spectrum West” March 30, 2020
Tulio Rondón, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire cello professor, and Sue Orfield, Eau Claire saxophonist, will be joining host Al Ross to discuss how musicians are faring during the current pandemic shutdown on “Spectrum West,” which airs at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2020 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. The program will include interviews with
 
Rondón, an associate professor of music at UW-Eau Claire, and Orfield, who fronts the popular local blues/jazz/rock group The Sue Orfield Band, will be joining host Al Ross to discuss how musicians are faring during the current pandemic shutdown.
 
Deb Johnson, executive director of the Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls joins the show to talk about how her organization is adjusting to their current shutdown.
 
Correspondent Katharine Thomas will be sharing a conversation she had with Rachel Meyer, development manager for the Chippewa Valley Museum. They discuss the museum’s Dear Diary Project in which residents of the area are encouraged to keep a diary recounting life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
LaMoine McLaughlin, poet laureate of Amery and minstrel, will join the show as the last guest in honor of national poetry month. McLaughlin is co-director of the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts in Amery and has published five books of poetry.
 
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show includes in-depth behind-the-scenes interviews and stories about area writers, musicians, theater, visual arts and much more. The show is broadcast at 10 a.m. Thursdays 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 University of Wisconsin River Falls via wrfw887.com/listen-live.html.  A repeat broadcast plays at 7 p.m. Fridays on 89.7 WUEC-FM Eau Claire and 90.7 WVSS-FM/ Menomonie. Archives of “Spectrum West” are available at wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.
 
Response by Business and Non-Profit Groups in
Western Wisconsin to COVID-19 Pandemic on “The West Side” May 1
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on western Wisconsin businesses and non-profits, and community response to those challenges will be the primary topic of discussion on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 1 on The Ideas Network Stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. 
 
The program will also feature an update on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to western Wisconsin from WPR reporter Elizabeth Dohms-Harter.
 
Host Dean Kallenbach will be joined by Dave Minor, president of the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce, which is taking a leadership role in a new Chippewa Valley Economic Recovery Task Force; Kerry Kincaid, spokesperson for the new organization Together Chippewa Valley, which is a coalition of non-profits formed to address community needs; and Elaine Coughlin, community manager for CoLab, a co-working space in downtown Eau Claire which will house its first group of six new startup businesses under WiSys VentureHome-Eau Claire, a new startup hub that combines statewide resources with community initiatives to help local entrepreneurs.
 
The program will also include an interview with Sue Bornick, the executive director of the Eau Claire Community Foundation, and Karen Hebert, interim executive director of the United Way of the Chippewa Valley, which teamed up to create the COVID-10 Quick Response Community Fund, which has provided grants to local non-profits in the past few weeks.
 
 “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.

WPR Special Election Coverage Features Virtual May 4 Wisconsin 7th Congressional District Debate
On Monday, May 4, at 7 p.m., Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) will host a debate between the candidates for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, Republican Tom Tiffany, Minocqua, and Democrat Tricia Zunker, Wausau. 
 
Co-moderated by Shereen Siewert, host of WPR’s Wausau-based regional news and talk show “Route 51,” and Robin Washington, host of WPR’s Superior-based regional issues show "Simply Superior," the hour-long debate will air live on Wisconsin Public Radio’s western and northern stations, and online at wpr.org. 
 
The event will be WPR’s first completely virtual debate. The format gives voters the opportunity to participate via a digital platform made possible through a partnership with the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. 
 
The virtual platform will give participants the opportunity to engage in real-time moderated chat as they watch the debate. The chat room will also allow people to pose questions to the candidates that may be used in the debate. Details are available at wpr.org.
 
“WPR's coverage of the 7th Congressional District reflects our commitment to providing voters the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates on issues facing the district,” said Dean Kallenbach, WPR’s western regional manager. “Considering the nature of our current physical-distancing environment, we want to make the debate available to as many as possible. We are grateful to the Wausau Chamber for their partnership.”
 
Tiffany and Zunker are on the ballot for a special election Tuesday, May 12 to replace Sean Duffy, the Republican who resigned his seat in the House of Representatives for family reasons last fall.  Zunker is an Associate Justice of the Ho-Chunk Nation Supreme Court and president of the Wausau School Board.  Tiffany was elected as State Senator for Wisconsin’s 12th District in 2012 and has served two terms. He previously served one term in the State Assembly.
 
In western Wisconsin, the debate will be broadcast at 7 p.m. on 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire, 88.7/River Falls, 89.7/Eau Claire and 90.7/Menomonie. It will be re-broadcast on May 8 at 10 a.m. on 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District includes Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Clark, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Vilas, and Washburn Counties. It also includes portions of Chippewa, Jackson, Juneau, Monroe and Wood Counties.

DIGICOPY OFFERS SAFER AT HOME CELEBRATION SIGNS & BANNERS
(Stevens Point, WI – April 28, 2020) – Bring graduation, birthdays, anniversaries and tributes to our frontline heroes to the front yard.  DigiCOPY, with eight locations across Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, announces a full line of Safer at Home celebration signage on our e-store estore.dcopy.net
​
“We have been providing essential print services for our customers across Wisconsin since the Safer at Home orders were initiated,” said Craig Shuler, President & Founder of DigiCOPY. “This newest line of graduation, birthday and anniversary signs and banners is our way of helping families celebrate, while staying safe,” he adds.
 
Go to estore.dcopy.net to learn more about:

• Personalized graduation yard signs and banners

With Wisconsin high school and university students completing their school year from home, the class of 2020 will have to forgo the traditional graduation ceremony. Order a custom graduation celebration sign or banner with personalized photo, school color and name.  

• Personalized birthday and anniversary yard signs and banners

Social distancing and Safer at Home have made it difficult for families to connect to celebrate the milestones that haven’t stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Order a custom birthday or anniversary yard sign or banner with personalized information.

•  “Heroes Live Here" and “Heroes Work Here” signs and banners

Life for essential employees on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic isn't easy right now, but DigiCOPY is offering a way to help you give them a public shout-out.
 
Log on to the DigiCOPY e-store (estore.dcopy.net) for step-by-step instructions on creating an account, personalizing your sign/banner, ordering, payment and shipping. Orders will be shipped directly to your door, the door of the one celebrating, or by utilizing curbside pick-up at the DigiCOPY location in Eau Claire.  Go to dcopy.net for more information on print solutions during the pandemic and store locations.

Local Companies Partner to Help Hauling Heroes to Keep on Trucking
(April 29, 2020 – Eau Claire, WI) Larson Companies, Indianhead Foodservice Distributor (IFD) and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse have partnered to provide meals for local semi-truck drivers. The program, Meals for 18 Wheelers delivered the first 400 meals on April 28. For many the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way business is done yet for the essential worker, like truck drivers, the work cannot stop.
 
Almost all parts of everyday life are possible because of the hard work of truck drivers who help companies deliver goods and help people get the items they need. During this unprecedented time, our truck drivers are putting in many miles and hours to ensure we are all safe and have the supplies that we need. Todd Nordlund, CEO of IFD stated, “Imagine if the work of our truck drivers stopped at this time: our supply chain would stop. At IFD we feel it is our responsibility to support this important project and these essential workers so that they can keep on truckin’.”
 
IFD provides the food product and packaging for the Meals for 18 Wheelers program and Larson Companies and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse creates and prepares the innovative food menus. The beneficiaries are Marten Transport semi-drivers.
 
“During these challenging times we wanted to do something that would benefit those that are doing critical work. We saw an opportunity to recognize an unmet need of providing meals to truck drivers. We are honored to support our hauling heroes in a meaningful way,” shared Tom Larson, President of Larson Companies Inc.

This following information was provided by Luke Kempen, Director of the Eau Claire SBDC office. 
 715-836-5902 or kempenls@uwec.edu

Update on SBA Disaster Program Funding
Congress passed and the President signed a new PPP Loan and SBA EIDL Loan bill that extends funding for the two programs.  

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The bill includes more than $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, PPP, created by the CARES Act, which was passed late last month. The program, which quickly ran out of money because of heavy demand, provides forgivable loans to small businesses that keep their employees on the payroll.
About $60 billion of the additional PPP funding will be set aside for businesses that do not have established banking relationships, such as rural and minority-owned companies. Expanding access to the aid was a priority over concerns that some businesses were being shut out of the fund. According to an SBA press release on late Friday, April 24, the SBA will begin processing PPP loans again starting at 9:30 am on Monday, April 27.  Many banks continued to take PPP loan applications right through the shut down and this backlog will likely go into the pipeline starting at 9:30AM on Monday.  I recommend that if you have not already applied for PPP loan and want the loan that you take action immediately as indications are that the new funding will go fast too.
Also we are getting a lot of questions on how to calculate the PPP loan amount for small businesses that are LLC, Sole Proprietors and Partnerships.  My email sent on April 15 walks through this for individual owners.  Partnerships are a little more complex.  I include a discussion on Partnerships applying for PPP loans below.
 
Additional $60 Billion For Economic Injury Disaster Loans 
The new funding also includes an additional $60 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. EIDLs are typically issued in the aftermath of natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires or earthquakes and provide a $10,000 immediate grant to small businesses that have been financially impacted, as well as low-interest loans up to $2 million. Given the overwhelming demand for the $10,000 grant and EIDL loan, the SBA last week limited the $10,000 grant to be paid to businesses based on a $1,000-per-employee formula up to 10 employees.
By moving to a per-employee calculation, the SBA left out many small landlords and rental-property owners from the grant portion of the EIDL program who do not have payroll and could not participate in PPP and were counting on some assistance from an EIDL. However, it does appear they are eligible for an EIDL loan.   It is unclear at this point how the SBA will use the additional $60 billion for the EIDL program… will it be grants only or will they also continue to offer the EIDL loan too.  Presumably, they will use it under the same $1,000-per-employee methodology put into place last week for the Grant, but there have been no announcements yet.
The bill also provides loans and grants from the Small Business Administration's disaster relief fund with  $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for coronavirus testing.
According to an SBA press release on late Friday April 24, the SBA will begin processing PPP loans again starting at 9:30 am on Monday April 27.    However the announcement did not mention the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) at all.   A check on the SBA website at 8 am on Saturday showed the SBA had not yet opened the EIDL loan application portal. However the site stated, “With the additional funding provided by the new COVID-19 relief package, SBA will resume processing EIDL Loan and Advance applications that are already in the queue on a first come, first-served basis.  We will provide further information on the availability of the EIDL portal to receive new applications (including those from agricultural enterprises) as soon as possible. “  If you want to apply for the EDIL grant and loan I recommend you check the SBA sight on Monday after 9:30 AM and see if they are accepting applications.    I will continue to monitor any information provided by the SBA in that regards.    You can access the SBA application and other detail information on the EIDL Loan program at our SBDC website  
https://wisconsinsbdc.org/services/covid-19/

Also you can call or email me if you have questions at 715-836-5902 or kempenls@uwec.edu

Applied for the SBA Grant Already, But I Have Not Heard Anything. Should I Apply Again?
If you applied for an EIDL loan on March 30 or after and received a confirmation # upon submitting your application the SBA says you do not need to apply again so you should be good.   I continue to get many emails and calls about the status of the caller’s application.   Unfortunately, I do not know the status nor can I check for you .   The SBA continues to ask for patience.   The SBA website says applications are processed on a first come first serve basis.   I do not know what the SBA’s process is for approving applications.  The SBA has provided the following to check on status… Contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or by e-mail at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov  .   Every day this past week I have had clients report that they have received the EIDL grant so I know the process was still moving forward.
 
“Big” Companies and Businesses that Don’t’ Need PPP Loans”
We all heard the stories last week about large companies getting huge PPP loans.  One other item of interest is the Treasury came out with a new guidance statement as of April 23, 2020 regarding the PPP loan. This appears to be to address the issue of large companies getting the PPP loans.    Here is the statement…
31.Question: Do businesses owned by large companies with adequate sources of liquidity to support the business’s ongoing operations qualify for a PPP loan?
Answer:  In addition to reviewing applicable affiliation rules to determine eligibility, all borrowers must assess their economic need for a PPP loan under the standard established by the CARES Act and the PPP regulations at the time of the loan application. Although the CARES Act suspends the ordinary requirement that borrowers must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere (as defined in section 3(h) of the Small Business Act), borrowers still must certify in good faith that their PPP loan request is necessary.
Specifically, before submitting a PPP application, all borrowers should review carefully the required certification that “[c]urrent economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Applicant.” Borrowers must make this certification in good faith, taking into account their current business activity and their ability to access other sources of liquidity sufficient to support their ongoing operations in a manner that is not significantly detrimental to the business. For example, it is unlikely that a public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets will be able to make the required certification in good faith, and such a company should be prepared to demonstrate to SBA, upon request, the basis for its certification.
Lenders may rely on a borrower’s certification regarding the necessity of the loan request. Any borrower that applied for a PPP loan prior to the issuance of this guidance and repays the loan in full by May 7, 2020 will be deemed by SBA to have made the required certification in good faith.
It appears this “guidance” has already had an effect as several large companies have decided to repay or not take the PPP loans that were offered to them given the SBA May 7 deadline for “no questions asked …mulligan”.
Calculating the PPP Loan Amount for Partnerships
First, for the record….. I am not a practicing CPA for hire in public accounting.   Your choice to make decisions based on the information presented in this email is at your discretion and neither I nor the Small Business Development Center attests to its accuracy or completeness.    
 
On April 14 the SBA provided details on how to calculate PPP for self employed LLC’s and Partnerships both with and without employees.   However, the guidance for partnerships only states that one PPP loan is available one per partnership.  It does not mention nor provide any explanation on how to calculate  the PPP loan for partnerships. 
 
Given we do have guidance for Schedule C filers, It would seem the proper way to calculate PPP for the partnership would be to take and “equate” the amount to its equivalent on the Form Schedule C line 31 business net profit or loss which is used for single member LLC’s and sole proprietors.    Therefore, using “Guaranteed Partner Payments” may not be accurate because frequently the amount of the partner guaranteed payments is less than partnership net income.
 
From what I have read about how to calculate this is to take the amount on the partnership return Form 1065 Schedule K page 4 line 14a Net Earnings From Self Employment and subtract from it the amount if any on Line 12 “Section 179 deduction” from this same form.  This calculation would give you the “equivalent” of the Form Schedule C line 31 Net profit or loss from and LLC or sole proprietor business.  Also remember the $100,000 limit per partner.
 
 
For those of you who like to analyze, love tax rules or need more details on this read on….others you got what you need above…Another way to confirm this on your part is to look at each partner’s Form 1040 Schedule SE line 2.     Assuming this partnership is the only business activity the partners have, then the total of each partner’s line 2 added together should give you the same amount you calculated above.   You will also note when you look at the form SE, that any partnership K-1 Line 14 (a) information (after subtracting Line 12 mentioned above) goes on the same line as a Schedule C  ( line 31 amount…the amount used for PPP for Schedule C filers). This seems to validate this approach as being the proper calculation for partnership PPP.
 
I discussed this approach with a local CPA and they concurred that this would seem to be the way to calculate the amount.     However, please note on the internet there seems to be some people saying online to use the amount from Line 14 a and they do not mention the subtraction of Line 12.  Often there is no amount in line 12 so then their explanation yields the same amount.  However if there is an amount on line 12 such an approach would seem to be overstating the self employed earnings because the amount on line 14 a is before Section 179 depreciation.   Subtracting arrives at a smaller more conservative number that seems to mirror how this is reported for a regular Schedule C business with Section 179 Depreciation being part of the expenses considered in arriving at the Schedule C Line 31 net profit.  
 
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April 15 update:

Summary of How to Calculate the PPP Loan Amount for Self- Employed Business Owners filing Form 1040 Schedule C or Schedule F (farmers).
 
Late yesterday the Treasury and SBA issued an update on PPP loans for the self-employed.  The update clarified how self-employed business owners who file a Form 1040 Schedule C return are to calculate the Average Monthly Payroll amount for the PPP loan application.  It also spelled out the expenses allowed for the PPP loan to be forgiven.   Yesterday I sent out my understanding of how to do this calculation and fortunately what the Treasury/SBA stated in their update yesterday is consistent with what I presented regarding business owners filing form Schedule C.
 
Unfortunately, the Treasury/SBA update made no mention of farmers and Schedule F.  However, it appears highly probable that the Schedule F filers (Farmers) should follow the very same process and guidance provided for self-employed Schedule C filers when completing the application for the PPP.   If you are a Schedule F farmer you can read the Summary below and literally substitute the letter “F”  for the letter “C” and you will have what for right now appears to be the PPP loan calculation process for Schedule F filers.  In a couple spots in the summary below, I added the specific line number for Schedule F since it is different than Schedule C.  (Note …the process spelled out below for Schedule C filers does NOT allow a Depreciation expense addback so it appears a Depreciation addback is NOT allowed for Schedule F farmers either.)
 
Also, while health insurance and retirement plan expenses for employees are to be included in calculating payroll costs for employees and are forgivable amounts for the PPP loan,  the Treasury/SBA update specifically states that owner health insurance and retirement plan benefits are not forgivable amounts for PPP loans.
 
The update from the Treasury/SBA is 19 pages long.  I took the key sections of the update and summarized below.  If you want to see the full text of the update go to the link below:
 
https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Interim-Final-Rule-Additional-Eligibility-Criteria-and-Requirements-for-Certain-Pledges-of-Loans.pdf
 
 
Individuals with Self-Employment Income who File a Form 1040, Schedule C.
You are eligible for a PPP loan if: (i) you were in operation on February 15, 2020; (ii) you are an individual with self-employment income (such as an independent contractor or a sole proprietor); (iii) your principal place of residence is in the United States; and (iv) you filed or will file a Form 1040 Schedule C for 2019.  However, if you are a partner in a partnership, you may not submit a separate PPP loan application for yourself as a self-employed individual. Instead, the self-employment income of general active partners would be reported together combined as one partnership PPP application.
 
In addition, you should be aware that participation in the PPP may affect your eligibility for state administered unemployment compensation or unemployment assistance programs… (Wisconsin PUA unemployment Assistance Program).
 
SBA will issue additional guidance for those individuals with self-employment income who: (i) were not in operation in 2019 but who were in operation on February 15, 2020, and (ii) will file a Form 1040 Schedule C for 2020.
 
If you have no employees, the following methodology should be used to calculate your maximum PPP loan amount:
Step 1: Find your 2019 IRS Form 1040 Schedule C line 31 (Schedule F line 34) net profit amount (if you have not yet filed a 2019 return, fill it out and compute the value). If this amount is over $100,000, reduce it to $100,000. If this amount is zero or less, you are not eligible for a PPP loan. 
 
Step 2: Calculate the average monthly net profit amount (divide the amount from Step 1 by 12).
 
Step 3: Multiply the average monthly net profit amount from Step 2 by 2.5.
 
Regardless of whether you have filed a 2019 tax return with the IRS, you must provide the 2019 Form 1040 Schedule C with your PPP loan application to substantiate the applied-for PPP loan amount and a 2019 IRS Form 1099-MISC detailing nonemployee compensation received (box 7), invoice, bank statement, or book of record that establishes you are self-employed. You must provide a 2020 invoice, bank statement, or book of record to establish you were in operation on or around February 15, 2020.
 
If you have employees, the following methodology should be used to calculate your maximum PPP loan amount:
Step 1: Compute 2019 payroll by adding the following:
 
a. Your 2019 Form 1040 Schedule C line 31 net profit amount (if you have not yet filed a 2019 return, fill it out and compute the value), up to $100,000 annualized, if this amount is over $100,000, reduce it to $100,000, if this amount is less than zero, set this amount at zero;
 
b. 2019 gross wages and tips paid to your employees whose principal place of residence is in the United States computed using 2019 IRS Form 941 Taxable Medicare wages & tips (line 5c- column 1) from each quarter plus any pre-tax employee contributions for health insurance or other fringe benefits excluded from Taxable Medicare wages & tips; subtract any amounts paid to any individual employee in excess of $100,000 annualized and any amounts paid to any employee whose principal place of residence is outside the United States; and
 
c. 2019 employer health insurance contributions (health insurance component of Form 1040 Schedule C line 14…Schedule F line 15), retirement contributions (Form 1040 Schedule C line 19…Schedule F line 23), and state and local taxes assessed on employee compensation (primarily under state laws commonly referred to as the State Unemployment Tax Act or SUTA from state quarterly wage reporting forms).
 
Step 2: Calculate the average monthly amount (divide the amount from Step 1 by 12).
 
Step 3: Multiply the average monthly amount from Step 2 by 2.5.
 
You must supply your 2019 Form 1040 Schedule C, Form 941 (or other tax forms or equivalent payroll processor records containing similar information) and state quarterly wage unemployment insurance tax reporting forms from each quarter in 2019 or equivalent payroll processor records, along with evidence of any retirement and health insurance contributions, if applicable. A payroll statement or similar documentation from the pay period that covered February 15, 2020 must be provided to establish you were in operation on February 15, 2020.
 
How can PPP loans be used by individuals with income from self-employment who file a 2019 Form 1040, Schedule C?
The proceeds of a PPP loan are to be used for the following:
 
i. Owner compensation replacement, calculated based on 2019 net profit from 1040 Form Schedule C as described above.
 
ii. Employee payroll costs (as defined in the First PPP Interim Final Rule) for
employees whose principal place of residence is in the United States, if you have employees.
 
iii. Mortgage interest payments (but not mortgage prepayments or principal
payments) on any business mortgage obligation on real or personal property (e.g., the interest on your mortgage for the warehouse you purchased to store business equipment or the interest on an auto loan for a vehicle you use to perform your business), business rent payments (e.g., the warehouse where you store business equipment or the vehicle you use to perform your business), and business utility payments (e.g., the cost of electricity in the warehouse you rent or gas you use driving your business vehicle). You must have claimed or be entitled to claim a deduction for such expenses on your 2019 Form 1040 Schedule C for them to be a permissible use during the eight-week period following the first disbursement of the loan (the “covered period”). For example, if you did not claim or are not entitled to claim utilities expenses on your 2019 Form 1040 Schedule C, you cannot use the proceeds for utilities during the covered period.
 
iv. Interest payments on any other debt obligations that were incurred before
February 15, 2020 (such amounts are not eligible for PPP loan forgiveness).
 
Proceeds from any advance up to $10,000 on the EIDL loan will be deducted from the loan forgiveness amount on the PPP loan.
 
What amounts shall be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness?
The amount of loan forgiveness can be up to the full principal amount of the loan plus accrued interest. The actual amount of loan forgiveness will depend, in part, on the total amount spent over the covered period on:
 

1. payroll costs including salary, wages, and tips, up to $100,000 of annualized pay per employee (for eight weeks, a maximum of $15,385 per individual), as well as covered benefits for employees (but not owners), including health care expenses, retirement contributions, and state taxes imposed on employee payroll paid by the employer (such as unemployment insurance premiums);

 

1. owner compensation replacement, calculated based on 2019 net profit as described above with forgiveness of such amounts limited to eight weeks’ worth (8/52) of 2019 net profit…

 

1. payments of interest on mortgage obligations on real or personal property incurred before February 15, 2020, to the extent they are deductible on Form 1040 Schedule C (business mortgage payments);

 

1. rent payments on lease agreements in force before February 15, 2020, to the extent they are deductible on Form 1040 Schedule C (business rent payments); and

 

1. utility payments under service agreements dated before February 15, 2020 to the extent they are deductible on Form 1040 Schedule C (business utility payments).

 
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March 23 update:

The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been receiving many questions regarding assistance to small business owners.   I am sure you too have been inundated with emails about Covid 19 and things to do.  While I have purposefully not sent out a lot of “stuff”  I now want to provide you with a couple things I think you may be able to take advantage of based on the questions I have been getting.   
 
Small Business Administration SBA Disaster Loans
On Saturday March 21 the Small Business Administration (SBA) declares 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.  

To Learn More
Below is a link to more detail description and FAQs about these SBA disaster loans on the Wisconsin SBDC website.   I recommend you read through the information at this link first.  Once you understand the loan program you can assess whether it will fit your business and you want to apply for the loan.    (Note: when you go to the link below you will also see on that website page a link to WEDC Small Business Grant program…WEDC’s program sounds good on paper but few if any of you are eligible to participate in this program unless you have an existing loan from a “Community Development Financial Institution” (CDFI).   In our area Royal Credit Union, Hayward Community Credit Union,  WWBIC and Impact Seven are CDFI’s.  These are the only CDFI’s that are on the list provided to the SBDC.    I recommend you focus on the SBA Disaster Loan info unless you have a loan with a CDFI.) 
 
https://wisconsinsbdc.org/services/covid-19/
 
To Apply and/or Get Assistance From SBDC
Many of you will be able to work through the application on your own.  However, if you need assistance or have questions the SBDC is here to help. The SBA has asked the SBDC to focus efforts on this disaster loan program and to be the SBA’s boots on the ground locally to provide technical assistance to applicants and businesses.   To apply for the loan and/or request SBDC assistance you need to go to the link below.  At this link if you want to try to complete the application on your own, find and click on the blue button “Apply Online”.   This button takes you to the SBA application portal and you work to complete the application.    If you want SBDC assistance with the application, find and click on the blue button “Loan Inquiries”.  This will take you to a short online form to gather your contact information and the SBDC will contact you in the order we receive the inquiries and work with you to complete the application.  While we cannot meet in person for safety and social distancing reasons, we can assist by phone meetings and through online meetings.   Also see the “List of Materials to Gather Now” below and work on that.
 
 https://wisconsinsbdc.org/services/covid-19/disasterloans/
  
List of Materials to Gather Now
While no one can apply for a loan until the declaration for Wisconsin Counties is approved by the SBA, you can get started right now with forms you'll need and be ready to go when the portal opens. These are all links to the forms online in PDF forms that you can edit and save.  When you apply for the loan you will need to attach these completed forms to the application.
 
·         Tax Information Authorization (IRS Form 4506T) for the applicant, principals and affiliates.
·         Complete copies of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return.
·         Schedule of Liabilities (SBA Form 2202).
·         Personal Financial Statement (SBA Form 413).
·         Profit and loss statements
·         Monthly sales figures (SBA Form 1368)

• Contact information and social security numbers for all applicant/ 20% or more owners.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) for business applicants

  
Other Considerations
Like any downturn in business, your goal is to maximize cash inflow and minimize cash outflow.  Here are things to consider:
 
Grow Cash Availability
 ·     Consider Drawing on your available business or home equity line of credit.  Even if you do not plan to use this credit, it can provide you with additional options in the future. Draw on it and put the proceeds into a savings account at a bank for now.  Be aware that for most lines of credit from a bank, the bank can stop you from accessing the available credit on the line at anytime before you draw it out of the line.  Consider that in your decision to access the line now even if you do not need it now.   If you do not have a line of credit you can seek that from your bank now but be aware the bank may not be willing to extend more credit to you now given the economic uncertainty.  Credit cards are also a potential short term tool, but be mindful of the high interest rates associated with this action.
 ·     Explore your ability to enter a short term loan arrangement with friends or family. Carefully document the terms of any such agreement, and make sure all parties sign off on those terms.
 ·     Check with your insurance agent to see if you have Business Interruption insurance and if some benefit is available to you on that insurance.
  
Minimize Cash Outflow
Minimizing cash outflow may be your best or only option.  In order to preserve as much money as possible within the business, start by determining where you have the opportunity to reduce your expenses.
 ·     If you have existing bank loan(s), reach out to your banker to explore what options may be available to you for temporary relief. Potential relief may include interest-only loan payments for the short term, or extending the term of the loan to reduce monthly payments.   I recommend you consider drawing on your bank line of credit before reaching out to the bank to discuss your desire to modify existing debt payments because you are having cash shortfall. 
 ·     If you have any debt through a private lender(s), like family or friends, or a land contract seller financed loan,  reach out to discuss potential available relief. Private lenders may have more flexibility than a bank to defer payments short term, lower an interest rate, etc.
 ·     If you are renting space, reach out to your landlord to request a short-term rent deferral or a temporary reduction of rental costs.
 ·     Carefully consider your staffing plan. Potential options include:
·     Reducing business hours in order to decrease payroll costs.
·     Staff layoffs. These are really difficult decisions.   However, remember if you can’t pay your employees then I think your next goal is to work to be there when the downturn is over so your employees have a place to come back to work.   Also, it appears the Government may provide additional disaster relief to the unemployed so laying employees off and having them file for unemployment may give employees access to these additional benefits should they occur.
 ·     Cut Operating Expenses:  Carefully review your past monthly expenditures, and project those for the upcoming few months. Note mission-critical expenditures and defer or eliminate those that are not.  
 ·     Reduce inventory, including selling off current inventory - even at a discounted rate - and/or cancelling orders for inventory that has not yet been received
 ·     Slow or stop payment to vendors.   While no one wants this as the vendor is likely struggling too, contacting your vendors and seeing what they may be willing to do may help.
 
I know what we are seeing now is unprecedented.  While I know that it is hard to swallow taking on more debt, I think the SBA Disaster Loan program should be considered if your business is viable and you feel with the loan you can come out on the other side of this downturn and thrive again.  This is one opportunity to take a working capital cash infusion and stretch the payback over a very long period of years.   This loan can take the effects of today’s unprecedented downturn and spread it over time.   However, if before the downturn your business was already struggling taking on the SBA Disaster Loan may not be a good decision and fit. 
 
I encourage you to read the information here and online before contacting me.  If after you read the information and you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me if you think I can be of some assistance to you or if you want to discuss your own situation.   Also, I will provide you with email updates on SBA Disaster loan and any other SBA initiatives and other things that I think are of value, relevant and important as we move forward.  I do not plan to send you the “same thing everyone else has sent to you five times over”.   You can also monitor the Wisconsin SBDC website at https://wisconsinsbdc.org/  .   The SBDC is purposefully trying to keep our website focused and on point.
 
Take care and good luck.
Luke      
 
Luke Kempen
Director
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Eau Claire
7 South Dewey Street,  PO Box 4004
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
Email:  kempenls@uwec.edu
Phone:  715-836-5902
http://www.wisconsinsbdc.org/eauclaire
 
Working to support your success!
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