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Volume 5, Issue 18, Sep 19, 2022 Published the first business day of each week |
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Last chance to register Eggs & Issues: Election Outlook with Bill McCoshen • Thursday, Sep 22, 7:00-8:30 a.m., Pablo Center or online via Perigon Click here for details and to register Registration deadline 12:00 noon on Wed, Sep 21 With the November 8 election approaching, join us to take a look at what's at stake for key offices at both the state and federal levels. For the third election season in a row, we'll hear from Bill McCoshen of Michael Best Strategies, one of the state's top political experts. He will assess Wisconsin's statewide and legislative contests to provide us with clues to watch for as the campaign unfolds. Bill is a former Secretary of Commerce, and served as Chief of Staff and campaign manager for former Governor Tommy Thompson.
Other upcoming Eggs & Issues breakfasts: • The Economic Impact of Tourism - Thursday, Oct 20 • Post-Election Analysis - Marquette Poll's Charles Franklin - Thursday, Nov 17 • Holiday Legislative Breakfast - Friday, Dec 16
New event Pints and Politics: What's at stake in the November 8 election • Tuesday, Oct 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Chamber offices
More Chamber election education to come As the election gets closer, the Chamber will be providing additional opportunities for investors to learn more about the what's on the ballot and the positions of candidates on business-related issues. (The Chamber does not endorse candidates.) There will also be a informational forum on the upcoming tax levy referendums by the City of Eau Claire and Eau Claire Area School District, which will be announced soon. The Chamber's Guide to the Fall Election (Eau Claire Chamber) |
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In this issue: • Plan Commission: Country Jam, Airport parking expansion • UWEC gets another top ranking • "Bravo to Business" Award winners named • Sheriff Ron Cramer dies unexpectedly • Marquette Poll shows tightening races for Governor, US Senate • National and economic news • COVID-19 updates • Mark your calendar |
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EC Plan Commission: Site plans for Country Jam, airport parking expansion, multi-family apartment projects The Eau Claire Plan Commission's agenda on Monday evening includes site plan approvals at Country Jam's new location on County T (see pages 23-51 of the Agenda Packet linked below), plans by the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport to expand its long-term parking capacity to accommodate Sun Country flights to begin in December (pages 52-59), the planned 60-unit Prairie Heights workforce housing development at the northeast corner of Birch, Galloway, and River Prairie Drive (pages 60-81), and four 20-unit apartment buildings by SC Swiderski LLC on six acres at Ashton Circle, south of North Crossing west of Kane Rd. (pages 82-104). The Commission will also make recommendations to the City Council regarding two annexations: A request by Clear Water Brand, Inc., to annex 31 acres on the west side of Black Ave. near the intersection of US 53 and North Crossing, and 90 acres consisting of the City-owned Kyes Park along Deerfield Road/County II south of the City. More information: Eau Claire Plan Commission • Monday, Sep 19, 7 p.m. Agenda Packet (113 pages) CVRA plans more parking to handle additional passengers from Sun Country flights (Leader-Telegram $)
UWEC gets another top ranking US News & World Report: Top regional public university in Wisconsin On the heels of a recent high ranking from Forbes, The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire learned last week that US News & World Report has named it the top regional public university in Wisconsin, and seventh overall among top public schools in the Midwest. “I’m proud that year after year U.S. News recognizes that UW-Eau Claire is among the very best of the colleges and universities in the Midwest,” Chancellor James Schmidt says. “This year’s overall and specialty rankings highlight the extraordinary work our faculty and staff do to ensure that every Blugold has the knowledge and experiences they need to excel in college and in their careers and lives after they graduate.” More information: Forbes Releases 2022 Top Colleges List (Forbes) U.S. News Best Colleges (US News & World Report) U.S. News UW-Eau Claire all rankings (US News & World Report) U.S. News & World Report ranks UW-Eau Claire as the top public regional university in Wisconsin (UWEC) UWEC Ranked Seventh Among Peers on Annual U.S. News List (Volume One)
EC County Board meets Tuesday At its meeting Tuesday, the Eau Claire County Board will consider a resolution to allocate $3.7 million of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a series of internal county projects, including addressing a backlog in criminal trials, several technology and radio equipment upgrades, and funds for the Fairchild Senior Living facility and equipment for Meals on Wheels (see page 55 of the Agenda Packet linked below). Overall, the County received $20.5 million in federal ARPA funds. It previously allocated $2 million to broadband and $2.3 million for non-profits and small businesses. It is also considering whether to allocate some funds to county capital projects, but is awaiting further budget deliberations. Tuesday's agenda also includes a resolution to extend its special committee on rural broadband, a resolution to create an Eau Claire County Opioid Task Force, and an update on the Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission's work to establish passenger rail service to the region. More information: Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors • Tuesday, Sep 20, 7 p.m. Agenda Packet (100 pages) County Board District Maps County continues ARPA fund discussion, potential opioid task force (Leader-Telegram $) County looking to fund $9 million in capital projects (Leader-Telegram $)
Eau Claire School Board meets Monday The agenda for the Eau Claire Board of Education's meeting on Monday evening includes a report on the results of Student and Family Climate Survey, as well as an update on meeting equity benchmarks related to students, faculty, staff and the community. More information: Eau Claire Board of Education • Monday, Sep 19, 7 p.m. Agenda EC school board revisits student progress reports (Leader-Telegram $) EC school board to hear survey results, student and family feedback (Leader-Telegram $)
"Bravo to Business" winners named Participants in the Chamber's "Bravo to Business" Awards program last Wednesday had an opportunity to recognize winners and finalists in four key categories: Small Business of the Year - 1-50 employees. Winner: ReforMedicine, S.C.; Finalists: Atmosphere Commercial Interiors, Cowboy Jack's Business of the Year – 50+ employees: Winner: Huebsch Services; Finalists: EO Johnson Business Technologies, Royal Credit Union. Emerging Business of the Year: Winner: Valley Sports Academy; Finalist: Visionary Eyecare. Young Professionals Best Place to Work: Winner: Royal Credit Union; Finalists: Bauman Associates, Security Financial Bank. "Bravo to Business" honors businesses that are setting the standards for excellence and innovation with their business practices and community involvement. More information: 2022 Bravo to Business Award Winners Announced (Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce) Chamber announces “Bravo to Business” winners (WEAU 13 News)
EC County Sheriff Ron Cramer dies unexpectedly Longtime Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer, 68, died unexpectedly last Tuesday. He began serving as a deputy in 1975 and was elected Sheriff in 1996. He had decided not to run for reelection this fall. Ron Cramer obituary (Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center) Sheriff Ron Cramer dies unexpectedly (Leader-Telegram $) Governor authorizes flags at half-staff to honor Sheriff Cramer (WQOW News 18) Video: Remembering the legacy of Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer (WEAU 13 News)
Employers needed for Middle School career tours Sign up: 2022-2023 Middle School Employer Tours (Eau Claire Chamber)
More local stories:
Eau Claire's new transit center opening is delayed (Leader-Telegram $)
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library now open (WEAU 13 News)
Secretary Hughes visits Children’s Museum of Eau Claire to see WEDC’s investment (WEDC)
Landfill negotiations come to a close, residents still have questions (Leader-Telegram $)
Emmanuelle Continues to Build Community in New UWEC Post (Volume One)
Farmers rely on SpaceX program to stay connected (Leader-Telegram $) |
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Fall General Election • Tuesday, November 8, polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Offices: US Senate, US Congress, Wisconsin Governor/Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer; State Senate (odd # districts), State Assembly, Eau Claire County Sheriff, Clerk of Courts Referendums: City of Eau Claire, Eau Claire Area School District More information: The Chamber's Guide to the Fall Election (Eau Claire Chamber) MyVoteWisconsin (Register, find your polling place, what's on your ballot) Wisconsin Legislative and Congressional District Maps (Wisconsin Legislature)
Mark your calendar: Eggs & Issues: Fall Election Outlook with Bill McCoshen • Thursday, Sep 22, 7:00-8:30 a.m., Pablo Center or via Perigon Click here for details and to register
Eau Claire Energy Co-op, Eau Claire EDC, CVHBA, EC Chamber • Tuesday, October 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m., The Florian Gardens
Pints and Politics: What's at stake in the November 8 election • Tuesday, Oct 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Chamber offices Click here for details and to register
Eggs & Issues: Election Analysis with Marquette Poll's Charles Franklin • Thursday, Nov 17, 7:00-8:30 a.m., Pablo Center or via Perigon Click here for details and to register
Marquette Poll shows tightening races for Governor, US Senate A new Marquette Law School Poll survey of Wisconsin voters finds close races for governor and for the U.S. Senate. Among likely voters, in his race for reelection, Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican, is supported by 49%, while his Democratic opponent, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, is the choice of 48%. In the governor’s race, 47% of likely voters support Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, while 44% favor Republican Tim Michels. More information: New Marquette Poll shows Johnson and Evers with slight leads (Marquette Law School Poll) Ron Johnson and Mandela Barnes race is a toss-up; Tony Evers holds narrow lead over Tim Michels in Marquette Poll (Journal-Sentinel +)
More election news:
Eau Claire City Council taking informational route — not advocacy — in referendum (Leader-Telegram $)
3rd District Congressional Race heating up (PBS Wisconsin)
Michels, Van Orden make EC campaign stop (Leader-Telegram $)
At Michels rally, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says Wisconsin can follow his state's conservative lead (WPR)
Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Milwaukee Thursday, talk to voters ahead of midterm elections (Journal-Sentinel +)
Johnson, Barnes agree to one televised debate (AP)
WEDA announces 2022 Community and Economic Development Award nominees Nominees for the 2022 Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA) have been announced by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA). The CEDA Awards were established by WEDA to recognize and celebrate businesses, projects, and organizations that are making significant contributions to Wisconsin’s economy. Regionally, Chippewa Valley Technical College's RESTORE Program is a finalist for the Talent Attraction, Development, and Retention Award; Mason Companies is a finalist for the Business Retention and Expansion Award; The Jackson County Child Care Network is a finalist for the Economic Development Initiative Award; and Tattersall Distilling in River Falls is a finalist for the Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse Award.
In Business: Recession? What Recession? With low unemployment, the question of whether we’re in an actual recession is in dispute. Should local employers take steps to prepare for one? Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce recently surveyed state businesses and found that businesses leaders have mixed views of the economy. WMC President and CEO Kurt R. Bauer says the two consecutive quarters of negative growth, and the Federal Reserve’s more aggressive interest rate hikes reflect what WMC’s members are saying both in the latest economic survey and via conversation. More information: Recession? What Recession? (In Business)
More state and regional stories:
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: Voting begins for coolest thing made in Wisconsin (WisBusiness.com)
Business Day in Madison Presentations on leadership, the economy, elections, policy, and announcement of the "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" winner. • Wednesday, Oct 19, Monona Terrace, Madison Click here for details and to register (earlybird registration deadline Sep 30) |
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National and economic stories:
Railroad strike averted after marathon talks reach tentative deal (CNN Business)
U.S. Chamber Commends Railroads and Unions for Reaching Agreement, Averting Shutdown (US Chamber of Commerce)
Wholesale prices fell 0.1% in August amid inflation fears (CNBC)
America Works Data Center: Capturing the current state of the U.S. workforce (US Chamber of Commerce)
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Symptoms & Testing (EC City-County Health Department)
Mark your calendar:
Eggs & Issues: Fall Election Outlook with Bill McCoshen • Thursday, Sep 22, Pablo Center or live stream on Perigon
Eau Claire Energy Co-op, Eau Claire EDC, CVHBA, EC Chamber • Tuesday, October 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m., The Florian Gardens
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce • Wednesday, October 19, Monona Terrace
Eggs & Issues: The Economic Impact of Tourism • Thursday, October 20, Pablo Center or live stream on Perigon
General Election • Tuesday, November 8, Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Chamber's Guide to the Election
• Wednesday, November 16, Pablo Center
Eggs & Issues: Election Analysis with Marquette Poll's Charles Franklin • Thursday, November 17, Pablo Center or live stream on Perigon
Eggs & Issues: Holiday Legislative Breakfast • Friday, Dec 16, Pablo Center or live stream on Perigon
"Eau What A Night:" The Chamber's 108th Annual Meeting • Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Pablo Center
29th Annual Chippewa Valley Rally • Wednesday, February 22, 2023, Madison
Business Salutes Eau Claire Annual Golf Outing • Monday, August 7, 2023
Click the link above for the our regularly updated schedule of public meetings.
Thanks for reading this issue of Business Advocate. If you have comments or questions, contact Scott Rogers, Vice President Governmental Affairs, at 715-858-0616 or rogers@eauclairechamber.org |
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