CV Airport Commission to meet Monday afternoon to
consider recommendation on air service contract
Current federal EAS contract up for renewal
The Chippewa Valley Airport Commission will hold a Special Meeting Monday, July 8, at 3:00 p.m. regarding its recommendation on which airline to support for the renewal of the airport's federal Essential Air Service (EAS) subsidy contract.
According to the Commission, the meeting will begin with a closed session to further discussions with Sun Country and SkyWest, the two airlines who have submitted proposals. The Commission will then "return to Open Session to make a decision on which airline proposal to support to the US DOT."
The EAS contract is currently held by Sun Country Airlines, who took over the contract in December 2022 after the previous carrier, SkyWest (operating as United Express), announced it was pulling out of 29 EAS markets because of the pilot shortage. The two-year contract ends later this year, so the USDOT opened the opportunity for proposals for the service.
The EAS program was created under airline deregulation to provide federal subsidies, with some cost limits, to guarantee passenger air service to communities who would otherwise lose it.
At the Commission's June 26 meeting, Mike Mooney from Volaire Aviation, the airport's consultant, outlined and compared the proposals received by Sun Country, who wants to continuing serving the airport into 2028, and SkyWest, who wants to come back and has proposed a 3-year contract.
Sun Country provides several weekly flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul, and seasonal direct flights to Ft. Myers, Orlando, and Las Vegas, all using Boeing 737 jet aircraft. The proposal from SkyWest is for 12 round trips per week between Eau Claire and United's hub at Chicago O'Hare, utilizing 50 passenger regional jets. Under Sun Country's current contract, the airport has fewer weekly departures, but its ridership surpassed 50,000 passengers in 2023 for the first time since 2004. SkyWest said the pilot shortage has run its course and availability of pilots for its flights has stabilized.
Comparing each airline's first-year forecast, Sun Country estimates a total of 50,027 passengers on 512 total flights, with a subsidy per passenger of $135 and a total subsidy of $6.7 million. SkyWest estimates a total of 34,944 passengers on 1,211 flights, with a subsidy per passenger of $169 and a total subsidy of $5.9 million.
According to the consultant, the bottom line is that the Commission has two good proposals from strong airlines, but can select only one under the federal subsidy program. Although the decision on which carrier will be made by US DOT, the consultant said the airport's recommendation is likely to be accepted. The airport's deadline is July 23 to provide a letter to US DOT.
Public input invited
In information provided about Monday's meeting, the Commission invited feedback via written public comment, which must be received by 2:00 p.m. (an hour before the meeting), via email at: admin@chippewavalleyairport.com
More information:
Chippewa Valley Airport Commission
• Monday, July 8, 3:00 p.m. Agenda (includes Webex link to join online)
Essential Air Service Frequently Asked Questions (Chippewa Valley Regional Airport)
About the Chippewa Valley Airport (Chippewa Valley Airport)
SkyWest proposal (SkyWest)
Sun Country proposal (Sun Country)

Eau Claire City Council: Gateway West apartments rezoning, Capital Improvement Plan
The Eau Claire City Council's agenda this week begins with Monday's Public Hearing, which includes a rezoning and general development plan for a 40-unit apartment development at 4808 Hamilton Ave., and the City's 2025-29 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
The Gateway West site plan from Wurzer Builders calls for five 8-unit buildings on two acres, with a total of 40 units and 60 bedrooms. At its meeting on July 1, the Plan Commission voted 6-1 to recommend approval after the developer met with neighbors and revised the plan to include a larger buffer between the site and existing single-family homes to the west. (See pages 4-31 of the Monday Agenda Packet linked below, and pages 133-134 on the Tuesday Agenda Packet for the draft Plan Commission minutes.)
Five-year Capital Improvement Plan
According to the City Manager's message at the beginning of the CIP document:
"The 2025-2029 Proposed Capital Improvement Plan contains projects totaling $258 million. The majority of capital projects focus on maintaining, repairing, and renovating existing City assets such as roads, parks, trails, wastewater, stormwater, and water infrastructure. Some of the largest planned infrastructure projects in the five year plan include the demolition and construction of new parking in the downtown area, as the Gibson Parking Ramp and the Graham Riverside Parking Deck are both nearing the end of their useful life."
"For 2025 the proposed capital budget is $50 million. The largest share of 2025 capital funding is dedicated to transportation improvements, totaling about 25% of the 2025 capital budget. These transportation projects are largely focused on city-wide reconstruction of streets and repair of sidewalks, curbs, and gutters."
New UWEC transit agreement and route changes
At its Legislative Session on Tuesday, the Council is scheduled to act on both of Monday's items, as well as a new Transit Service Agreement with UWEC and changes related to UWEC-supported routes (see pages 62-72 of the Tuesday Agenda Packet).
More information:
Eau Claire City Council
• Monday, July 8, 6 p.m. Public Hearing Agenda Packet (32 pages)
• Tuesday, July 9, 4 p.m. Legislative Session Agenda Packet (134 pages)
  Link to videos of city meetings (City of Eau Claire)
  City Council Online Comment Form (City of Eau Claire)
  Contact information: City Council members (City of Eau Claire)
Proposed 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan (178 pages)
City of Eau Claire News Updates (including weekly City Manager's Update)

Also meeting this week...
Full public meetings schedule

Altoona Plan Commission
Includes public hearing for the preliminary plat, Whitetail Woods
• Tuesday, July 9, 5:30 p.m. Links to agenda and info
Altoona City Council
• Thursday, July 11, 6 p.m. Links to agenda and info

Western Dairyland seeks public input on potential
Day Resource Center
Survey open through July 20
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council has opened a new survey for public input as it works with partners to detail plans for a potential Day Resource Center in downtown Eau Claire to help individuals experiencing homelessness.
More information:
Resource Center planning information page (Wisconsin Dairyland)
Community input survey (Western DairyLand)
Readiness Planning Study Case Summary (Western Dairyland)
Video: June 18 Day Resource Information Meeting (Western Dairyland, YouTube, 1 hr, 16 mins)
Partners Searching for Day Center Site to Serve the Homeless (Volume One)

More local stories...

Program’s Mission is Connecting Military Veterans with Civilian Jobs (Volume One)
E.C. Area Chamber of Commerce partners with statewide initiative

Gov. Evers visits Eau Claire in PFAS-focused trip (WQOW News 18)

Point-In-Time homeless count begins July 24 (WEAU 13 News)

Eau Claire vending machine dispenses over 800 boxes of Narcan in first year (WQOW News 18)

Phoenix Taproom and Kitchen opens up doors to largest self-pour taproom in the Midwest (Leader-Telegram $)
With 72 Taps, Midwest’s Largest Self-Pour Taproom Opens in Eau Claire (Volume One)
Midwest’s largest self-pour taproom opens in Eau Claire (WEAU 13 News)

Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival underway for second year at Pablo Center (WQOW News 18)

ECCHA keeps their recognition of being a no-kill shelter (Leader-Telegram $)

‘People's Choice’ Voting Now Open for Sculpture Tour E.C. (Volume One)

Fuller Moves to Center Director Position at Boys & Girls Club (Volume One)

Eau Claire outdoor recreation survey
Visit Eau Claire and City of Eau Claire Economic Development
Eau Claire Economic Development and Visit Eau Claire are conducting a study to understand the economic impact of the trails and free public art exhibitions in and around Eau Claire. Whether you are a visitor enjoying a day of outdoor recreation or a resident who regularly uses the trails, your feedback is invaluable.
Click here to take the survey
This Quick Survey Can Help Make Eau Claire Even More Outdoorsy (Volume One)

The Chamber's Leadership 2.0 application deadline is July 12
The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the Leadership 2.0 Class of 2025. Leadership 2.0 is the next step in developing and strengthening your leadership skills and is especially relevant for individuals who have graduated from Leadership Eau Claire or other similar programs. The sessions are tailored to elevate participants' leadership capabilities to unprecedented heights. Monthly meetings will begin in September 2024.
More information:
Leadership 2.0 (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
Or contact Kaitlyn Molis at molis@eauclairechamber.org

State and regional stories...

Wisconsin Supreme Court 6-1 Limits Legislature’s Authority To Block Governor (Urban Milwaukee)
Wisconsin Republicans are improperly blocking conservation work, court says (AP)
Member of the JFC says state Supreme Court set an important precedent with Evers v Marklein decision (WKOW)

Dane County judge rules to strike down parts of Act 10 (WKBT News 8000)

After DEI feud, Legislative Study Committee will scrutinize University of Wisconsin’s future (The Cap Times)

Gov. Evers, WHEDA Announce Six Developments to Receive Funding for Affordable Housing (Office of the Governor)

UW-Milwaukee chancellor to step down (WPR)

Closed Kenosha schools targeted for affordable housing (WPR)

Election updates...
Primary Election: Tuesday, Aug 13
General Election: Tuesday, Nov 5
Register to vote, find what's on your ballot: MyVoteWisconsin

Wisconsin Supreme Court changes course, will allow expanded use of ballot drop boxes this fall (AP)
Wisconsin Supreme Court restores ballot drop box access (WPR)

Wisconsin Elections Commission rejects recall attempt against Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (AP)

Wisconsin democrats raise concerns about a pair of ballot questions in upcoming election. (WEAU 13 News)

‘I’m staying in the race’: President Joe Biden seeks to reassure his party with Madison rally (WPR)
'I'm focused on my own campaign right now': Baldwin skips Biden visit in Madison Friday (WKBT News 8000)
Biden dismisses age questions in Stephanopoulos interview as he tries to salvage reelection effort (AP)
Several top House Democrats say Biden should step aside during leadership call (CNN)
Biden Tells Democrats He Is ‘Running This Race to the End’ (Wall Street Journal)
Democratic power players are circulating a proposal for Biden to exit, launch ‘blitz primary’ (CNBC)

Marquette Law School Poll: Biden and Trump tied among registered Wisconsin voters, Baldwin leads Hovde in US Senate race (Marquette Law School Poll)
Marquette Law School Poll: 54% think jury was correct in finding Trump guilty in New York state trial (Marquette Law School Poll)
Biden, Trump tied in Wisconsin in latest Marquette poll (WPR)

Bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers join pro-democracy effort (Journal-Sentinel +)

Program looks at AI's impact on politics in La Crosse (WQOW News 18)

Days ahead of RNC in Milwaukee, organizers preparing for ‘global spotlight’ (WPR)
Q&A: Peggy Williams-Smith on What the RNC Means for Milwaukee (Milwaukee Magazine)

2024 Wisconsin Legislative Elections
Has your district changed? All new maps now in place.
To see what district in which you now vote, see the link below to access the interactive map on the Wisconsin Legislature's web site. Check the boxes at the upper left to select Assembly, Senate, and/or Congressional Districts. Zoom in to find your location and your district.
Link to 2024 legislative maps (Wisconsin Legislature)
Register to vote, find what's on your ballot: MyVoteWisconsin

Local Assembly candidates
Here are the candidates who have filed for local seats. I = Incumbent. Where there are two candidates from the same party, the August 13 Primary will determine who appears on the November 5 ballot for that party.
District 67. Republicans: Dave Armstrong, Rice Lake (I-drawn in by new maps), Jimmy Swenson, Barron; Democrat: Jeffrey Foster, Colfax.
District 68. Republicans: Rob Summerfield, Bloomer (I-drawn in by new maps), Clifford Taylor, Ladysmith; Democrat: Richard Pulcher, Lublin
District 69. Republicans: Karen Hurd (I-moved in from former 68), Lori Voss, Abbotsford; Democrat: Roger Hills, Stanley; Independent: Joshua Kelley, Greenwood
District 91. Democrat: Jodi Emerson, Eau Claire (I); Republican: Michele Skinner, Altoona
District 92. Republican: Clint Moses (I-drawn in by new maps); Democrats: Caden Berg, Chippewa Falls; Joseph Plouff, Menomonie
District 93. Democrats: Nickolas Butler, Fall Creek; Christian Phelps, Eau Claire; Republican: James Rolbiecki, Town of Washington (Incumbent Republican Warren Petryk is not seeking reelection after serving seven terms.)

Legislative races across the state
Wispolitics.com has been tracking the new districts and candidate filings. To see who has filed in other parts of Wisconsin, see the links below:
2024 Wisconsin Assembly races (WisPolitics.com, with maps)
2024 Wisconsin State Senate races (WisPolitics.com, with maps)
Assembly members facing primary challenges (WisPolitics.com)
Incumbent lawmakers facing no major party opposition (WisPolitics.com)
Who’s running in Wisconsin’s 2024 legislative primaries (Wisconsin Examiner)

Congressional Primary
In the 3rd Congressional District, three Democrats, Rebecca Cooke, Eau Claire, State Rep. Katrina Shankland, Stevens Point, and Eric Wilson, Eau Claire, are seeking the opportunity to challenge incumbent Republican Derrick Van Orden, Prairie du Chien.
Here's who is running for Congress in Wisconsin (The Cap Times)

National and economic stories...

U.S. economy added 206,000 jobs in June, unemployment rate rises to 4.1% (CNBC)

Powell says Fed has made ‘quite a bit of progress’ on inflation but needs more confidence before cutting (CNBC)

Texas Federal Court Stays Effective Date of Federal Trade Commission’s Non-Compete Rule But Declines to Issue Nationwide Injunction (The National Law Review)

Justices rule Trump has some immunity from prosecution (SCOTUS Blog)
What's next for Trump's criminal cases after SCOTUS immunity ruling (Axios)
Making Sense of the Supreme Court’s Presidential Immunity Ruling (The Dispatch)

Keir Starmer becomes U.K. prime minister after his Labour Party wins huge majority in general election (CBS News)

French vote gives leftists most seats over far right, but leaves hung parliament and deadlock (AP)

Food for thought...

Remembering George Washington’s Legacy on Independence Day (David O. Stewart, The Dispatch) He stands as a reminder of the importance of honesty and knowing when it’s time to leave the stage.

COVID-19 Resources:
Eau Claire County COVID-19 Information Hub (Eau Claire City-County Health Department)
Eau Claire City County Health Department seeing slight uptick in Covid cases (WQOW News 18)

Mark your calendar:

Eggs & Issues
• Friday, July 19
• Friday, Aug 23

Golf Day in Eau Claire
• Monday, Aug 5

Business After Hours
• Monday, Aug 12

Partisan Primary Election
• Tuesday, Aug 13

"Bravo to Business" Awards
• Wednesday, Oct 23

31st Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
• Wednesday, Mar 5, 2025

Public Meetings Calendar
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