Chamber, Home Builders, Realtors®, Young Professionals working together to provide voter and candidate education
Actions at every level of government can impact your business and the economy. So how do you make sure your voice is heard when decisions are made at your municipal hall, the county courthouse, the State Capitol, or by the Federal Government?
Part of that answer is being involved in civic and industry groups that match your interest and profession. Another is how you personally get involved as a voter, citizen, and perhaps even candidate. With local elections coming up in April 2024, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy Initiative, the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, REALTORS® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin, and Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley have teamed up to provide education this fall to help you learn more and be effective in your involvement. This initiative includes two workshops coming up in September and October. See the details and registration information below.

Making a Difference: Your Voice in Local Government
At this fast-paced, informative workshop, you’ll get the lowdown on how area local governments in Eau Claire County work. Learn about how city, county, and school districts are organized; how decisions get made; and how you can get involved.
• Thursday, Sep 14, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Chamber offices, WNB Conference Room
Click here for details and to register

Local Candidate Training Workshop
If you've ever considered running for a local elected office, or just wondered what's involved, make plans now to attend this workshop. You'll learn which offices will be on the ballot in the Spring 2024 election and the basic details of filing and running for office. You'll also have a chance to hear what it's really like to run and to serve from a panel of current and former city council, school board, and county board members.
To be on the ballot for the April 2, 2024, election, candidates must circulate petitions this December, with a filing deadline in early January and a possible Primary Election on February 20. This workshop is a timely opportunity to consider what's involved in order to make an informed decision.
• Wednesday, Oct 11, 8:30-11:30 a.m., REALTORS® Assn of NW Wisconsin
Click here for details and to register

ICYMI:
Chamber "Bravo to Business" Award finalists named
Winners to be announced at September 21 event
The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the highly anticipated 2023 Bravo to Business Awards, an annual event that recognizes and celebrates exceptional achievements in the local business community.
The awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at The Florian Gardens Conference Center, will highlight the remarkable contributions of businesses that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and a commitment to the growth and prosperity of Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley.
The finalists for the Bravo to Business Awards represent a diverse range of industries and sectors, each making a significant impact on the economic landscape of Eau Claire. These businesses have been selected based on their outstanding performance, community involvement, and commitment to ethical business practices.
The 2023 Bravo to Business finalists are the following:
Business of the Year: 50+ employees
• Minnesota Wire & Cable
• Royal Credit Union
Small Business of the Year: 1 – 50 employees
• Atmosphere Commercial Interiors
• Bauman Associates Ltd.
• Cowboy Jack’s
• Ferguson’s Orchards
• Natural Health and Allergy
Emerging Business of the Year
• Green Fleet
• Natural Health & Allergy
• Wisconsin Makers Market
Resilient Business of the Year
• Eau Claire Energy Cooperative
• REACH – Regional Enterprises for Adults & Children
Young Professionals Best Place to Work
• Ayres Associates
• Bauman Associates Ltd.
• Chippewa Valley Technical College
The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation by a panel of judges from diverse professional backgrounds. These judges carefully reviewed the nominations and conducted thorough assessments to determine the finalists in each category.
The winners of the 2023 Bravo to Business Awards will be unveiled during the awards ceremony on September 21st, where attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding businesses and connect with fellow business professionals. The event promises to be a memorable evening of networking, inspiration, and community support.
More information:
Bravo to Business Awards
• Thursday, Sep 21, 5:00-9:00 p.m., The Florian Gardens
Click here for details and to register

Mark your calendar:

Chamber & CVTC Business Community Breakfast
• Tuesday, Sep 12

Making a Difference: Your Voice in Local Government
• Thursday, Sep 14

Bravo to Business
• Thursday, Sep 21

Eggs & Issues: Legislative Breakfast
• Friday, Sep 29

Local Candidate Training Workshop
• Wednesday, Oct 11

Workforce Solutions Summit
• Wednesday, Nov 15

Eau What A Night: The Chamber's 109th Annual Meeting
• Wednesday, January 24, 2024

30th Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
• Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024

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