|
{{CFirstName}}, you are receiving this e-newsletter because you have shown interest in public policy issues. Contact us if you don't want to receive future issues. |
|
|
Volume 8, Issue 45, March 30, 2026 |
|
|
|
In this issue of the Business Advocate • Candidate Forum Recap • UWEC Chancellor Search Update • Chippewa Falls Chamber to host event with speaker, President & CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Kurt Bauer, May 20 • Chippewa Valley Rally Issues update • Early voting: April 7 Election information
Note on article links: A subscription is required for those marked with "$" |
|
|
|
City Council President Candidate Forum Recap Last Wednesday, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with WEAU, the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, and the Realtors Association of Northwestern Wisconsin hosted a City Council President Candidate Forum. Candidates discussed topics related to seven key issues presented by the Chamber, moderated by Bob Gallaher of WEAU. The seven issues included workforce shortage and economic development, housing affordability and supply, homelessness, fiscal sustainability, business climate and infrastructure, public health and safety, and regional collaboration and education. We are grateful to Jeremy Gragert and Scott Rogers for their willingness to participate in this forum, and for those in attendance for their civic engagement with this crucial race. Additionally, your feedback is important to us as we build the framework for future candidate forums. If you attended the live event, watched the livestream, and/or saw clips of the event, please take a moment to let us know your thoughts, what you found valuable, and what we should plan to continue with future candidate forums. If you couldn't tune in, or would like to revisit the conversation, check out short clips of the forum, separated by topic on the Chamber website HERE. Take a short Candidate Forum feedback survey Check out the WEAU report on the forum here Find the entire recording here Two candidates vie for Eau Claire City Council president (Leader-Telegram $)
Attendance Request: UWEC Chancellor Search Finalist Interviews Finalists in the UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Search will have on-campus interviews the week of April 13, including public forums community members are encouraged to attend or view. While finalists will not be known until closer to interview week, preparations have been made for up to five finalists to engage in hourlong forums each day of the week from 4:30-5:30p.m. Attendees are encouraged to prepare questions in advance. Additional details, including forum locations and livestream links, will be updated on the Chancellor Search page once finalists have been announced. Questions can be forwarded to Jake Wrasse, Strategic Communications Manager and Legislation Liaison at UWEC, at jwrasse@uwec.edu.
Wisconsin Competitiveness Report: What Does it Mean for Your Business? Wednesday, May 20, 7:30-9:00a.m. Sleep Inn and Suites Conference Center (29 Pines Travel Center) Join us for a timely and high-impact event as Kurt Bauer, President & CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, presents the newly released Wisconsin Competitiveness Report—a data-driven blueprint for securing our state’s economic future. Wisconsin is at a crossroads. A shrinking workforce, rising costs, regulatory burdens, and other economic pressures are creating real challenges for employers, families, and communities across the state. For business leaders in the Chippewa Valley, these trends directly impact your ability to attract talent, manage expenses, and remain competitive in a regional economy that depends on growth and innovation. In this engaging presentation, Kurt Bauer will break down what’s holding Wisconsin back, why it matters to your business, and—most importantly—the practical, ready-to-enact solutions that can help move our state forward. Backed by real economic data and the collective voice of the business community, the report offers insights every Chippewa Valley business leader needs to help shape policies that keep our region—and our state—positioned for long-term success. Exclusively for Chamber members, connect with peers facing similar challenges, access unique insights to power your advocacy, and contribute to shaping policies that protect and grow your business – benefits that establish members as leaders in regional economic growth. Co-sponsored with the Eau Claire Area Chamber and the Menomonie Area Chamber and Visitor Center, members of all three Chambers are invited to attend. • Find the Wisconsin Competitiveness Report here |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apply Now: City Council Vacancy Applications open until 4/2 City Council has decided that they will proceed by appointment Following eight years of service, Eau Claire's District 2 Councilwoman Emily Anderson has decided to step down. Weeks ago, the City Council decided to proceed to fill the vacancy through an appointment process. The appointment would fill the role until the next election on April 6, 2027. The term itself runs through April 20, 2027. If you or someone you know is interested, applications are due to the City Clerk's office by 4:30pm on Thursday, April 2. Read more... Eau Claire City Council Votes to Appoint District 2 Rep., Applications Now Open (Volume One) Eau Claire City Council decides how to fill current vacancy (WQOW) Click here for more information on City Council vacancy application materials Click here to view the City of Eau Claire's Aldermanic Districts Emily Anderson stepping down from Eau Claire City Council (WEAU) Eau Claire City Council approves water rate increase, sets steps to fill council vacancy (Leader-Telegram)
Eau Claire Chamber's Candidate Questionnaire In preparation for the April 7 election, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce sent out candidate questionnaires to candidates running for Eau Claire School Board, Altoona School Board, Altoona City Council, and Eau Claire County Board. As part of the Chamber's commitment to nonpartisan voter education, these responses are shared exactly as submitted to provide transparent insight into where candidates stand on key community and business issues. By providing candidate perspectives in one accessible place, the Chamber helps foster a more informed and engaged community ahead of Election Day. Read more... Chamber Candidate Questionnaire Responses
Eau Claire City Council • City Council Special Meeting (review of innovation fund plan), Monday, March 30, 5p.m., agenda Click here to send an email to all City Council members Click here for individual contact information for each City Council member Link to videos of city meetings (City of Eau Claire, YouTube channel) City of Eau Claire Public Notices (City of Eau Claire) City News Updates -incl. City Manager's Weekly Update (City of Eau Claire) Comprehensive Plan website (City of Eau Claire) Housing Opportunities Commission (City of Eau Claire) Upcoming series of budget forums • April 12, 3p.m., The Plus at 208 S Barstow St. • April 19, 3p.m., The Plus at 208 S Barstow St. • April 26, 3p.m., The Plus at 208 S Barstow St. • May 3, 3p.m., The Plus at 208 S Barstow St.
Also meeting this week and next... |