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In this issue:
• Rogers to retire from Chamber, run for City Council President;
Gragert also running
• Northwestern Bank's Jerry Jacobson to retire Dec 31, new leadership named
• Mandela Barnes jumps into Governor's race
• Federal and economic stories
• Food for thought
Note on article links: A subscription is required for those marked with "$"
Publications known to have article limits or other access restrictions for non-subscribers are marked with "+"
Holiday giving? Check out the new Eau Claire Chamber e-Bucks, a modern, digital way to shop local. Click here to learn more.
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Eggs & Issues: Holiday Legislative Breakfast
Get a preview of the key state legislative issues in 2026 from members of the State Senate and Assembly who represent the Chippewa Valley area. This is an excellent opportunity to hear the top priorities that our local lawmakers will be taking to Madison in the final weeks of the 2025-26 Legislative Session. The program will include moderated Q&A from questions submitted in advance by registrants. Legislators who have indicated plans to participate include Senators Jesse James (R-23), Romaine Quinn (R-25), and Jeff Smith (R-31); and Reps. Dave Armstrong (R-67), Jodi Emerson (D-91), Rob Kreibich (R-23), Karen Hurd (R-69), Clint Moses (R-92), Christian Phelps (D-93), and Rob Summerfield (R-68).
Event information:
• Friday, Dec 19, 7:00-9:00 a.m., CVTC Business Education Center
Click here for details and to register
32nd Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
Organized by the Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance representing
the Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire and Menomonie Chambers of Commerce
This annual event is a unique opportunity to bring a collective voice on regional and state economic priorities to Madison all at one time. At the Rally, we'll deliver to policymakers a shared consensus on issues important to the economy of the Chippewa Valley. Topics include healthcare, education, talent attraction & retention, childcare, the state's role in addressing homelessness, economic development & tax reform, transportation & infrastructure, and energy. This year's trip will be important to strengthen relationships with legislators, express thanks for accomplishments, and highlight issues that still need attention.
When you join us, you'll spend a productive day taking part in issue briefings, small group meetings at legislative offices, a keynote luncheon, and networking with others from our area who are interested in state government policy. You'll also be invited to online pre-event briefings to help you be prepared for a effective day in Madison. And don't worry if you've never participated before. Our legislative office meetings will be led by experienced previous attendees.
Event information:
• Thursday, February 19, Madison
Click here for details and to register
Also for your calendar...
• Business After Hours - Monday, Dec 8
• 2026 Human Resource Conference - Thursday, Jan 15
• Wisconsin National Civics Bee - Essays due by Feb 3
• Eau What A Night: Chamber Annual Meeting - Thursday, Feb 12
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Scott Rogers to retire from Chamber, announces run for Eau
Claire City Council President; Jeremy Gragert also running
Scott Rogers, the Chamber's Senior Director of Governmental Affairs, has announced that he is retiring in February and is running for the open position of Eau Claire City Council President in the April 7 election.
Former City Council Member Jeremy Gragert is also running, having announced his campaign last Thursday.
"In every role, Scott has led with purpose and a genuine passion for helping our region grow stronger," said Dave Minor, President and CEO of the Chamber, in a news release. "We are grateful for his service and excited for him as he begins a new chapter." A former small business owner, Rogers has been the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Director since 2013. He previously was a Chamber board member, chaired the Governmental Affairs Committee, and was Volunteer of the Year in 2012.
In his candidacy announcement, Rogers promised he will be fully non-partisan, and noted, "Local government plays a crucial role in maintaining a community’s momentum. The collaboration achieved through the creation and continuation of public-private partnerships is essential to meeting our shared goal of an Eau Claire that is thriving both economically and socially. I believe that my advocacy experience at the state and local levels over the past decade has given me the skill set and leadership tools necessary to make the goals of economic opportunity and affordability a reality in our city.”
Gragert, who served two terms on the City Council from 2018-2024, said in his announcement, “My goal as Council President will be to help bring the community together to solve problems, to take care of each other and our city, and efficiently meet the needs of residents on a tight budget. I will strive to make sure the city is part of the solution through collaboration and community engagement, finding new ways to welcome diverse perspectives to the table and be a part of decisions that will come before the City Council.” Gragert has worked full-time as a community organizer for Citizen Action of Wisconsin since 2022.
To be placed on the ballot, each candidate will need to submit 200-400 signatures from eligible city voters by January 6. If more than two candidates file, there would be a primary election on February 17 to narrow the field to two.
Rogers will stay on at the Chamber through the end of February, including completion of the annual Chippewa Valley Rally legislative day in Madison on February 19. He and the Chamber have agreed to maintain full separation between Chamber operations and his campaign.
More information:
Chamber release on Rogers' retirement (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
Rogers' Announcement (Scott Rogers for Eau Claire)
Gragert's Announcement (Gragert for City Council)
Meeting this week...
Eau Claire City Council
• Monday, Dec 8, 6 p.m., Public Hearing (Canceled)
• Tuesday, Dec 9, 4 p.m. Legislative Session Agenda Packet (126 pages)
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)
City of Eau Claire Public Notices (City of Eau Claire)
City News Updates -incl. City Manager's Weekly Update (City of Eau Claire)
Budget Process and Final Adopted 2026 Budget
Eau Claire County Committee on Administration | |
