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Volume 8, Issue 47, April 20, 2026
 Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, Eau Claire, Wis.
Business Advocate Past Issues
Public Meetings Calendar
Chamber Events Calendar
The Chamber's Advocacy Principles
The Chamber's Business Issues Agenda
"Talking Po!nt" Podcast
How to become a Chamber investor
Contact: Erica Bodden, Director of Advocacy bodden@eauclairechamber.org
Chamber Business Hours: Mon-Thu 7:30a-4:30p, Friday 7:30a-1:30p 
 

In this issue of the Business Advocate

• April 24 Eggs & Issues CANCELED
• Chancellor search update
• You're invited: Conversation with Regional Developers: How do you build homes affordably?
• Eau Claire Chamber to host 2026 Statewide National Civics Bee
• City Council vacancy update and upcoming budget forum series
• Election season: What to know
• Chippewa Falls Chamber to host event with speaker, President & CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Kurt Bauer, May 20 
• Bravo 2 Business: Nominations are now open!

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 "+"
 

CANCELED: HeartWorks in the Chippewa Valley Eggs & Issues

   Unfortunately, the Eggs & Issue originally scheduled for Friday, April 24th will be canceled due to timing and scheduling considerations. Those who registered will receive refunds. We look forward to future collaboration with HeartWorks. 

Upcoming Eggs and Issues dates:

• Friday, May 28, 7:30-9:00a.m., CVTC Business Education Center

• Thursday, June 18, 7:30-9:00a.m., CVTC Business Education Center

• Thursday, July 30, 7:30-9:00a.m., CVTC Business Education Center

• Friday, August 28, 7:30-9:00a.m., CVTC Business Education Center

Chancellor search update: Four candidates visited the UWEC campus last week

   Finalists in the UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Search had on-campus interviews last week. Each day, the candidates attended three forums, each open to the public.  Additional details, including candidate bios and CVs can be found on the UWEC Chancellor Search page.

   Next, the Acting Executive-in-Charge, Chriss Patton, and Special Regent Committee will review the candidates and reach a decision. Click here for the Universities of Wisconsin news release with more details. 

Check out WEAU's coverage of the visits...

Edwin Martini

Raj Dakshinamurthy

Matt Cecil

Diana Rogers-Adkinson

 

Conversation with regional developers: How do you build homes affordably?

May 14 panel discussion, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, first of a three part series on affordable housing efforts in the Chippewa Valley

   Hosted by the JONAH Affordable Housing Task Force, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Chippewa Valley Home Builders, and the Eau Claire Tenant-Landlord Resource Center, join us for a panel discussion detailing affordable housing in the Chippewa Valley. Struggles to find affordable housing marks a significant issue for our region, especially for nearly 40% of households that earn $50,000 or less per year. To address this issue, local developers and others who provide housing will discuss what they need to build more affordably at the first part of a three-event series, "Keys to Unlocking Affordable Housing."

   The event will feature discussion by developers and others about their ideas for building homes more affordably, thereby increasing access to more people. Discussion will also include information about how to keep people in housing. 

   Event panelists include Cody Filipczak, co-owner of C&M Home Builders and Real Estate, Justin Held, owner of Rocket Construction and Property Minds, Tim Mather, executive director of West CAP, James Rolbiecki, property owner, and Christina Thrun, executive officer of Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association.

   This session is focused on multi-family rentals, since low-income households most often can't afford a single-family home in the current housing market. Local housing leaders and the general public are encouraged to attend.

Click here for the full press release

5-7:00p.m. on Thursday, May 14, Riverfront Room of L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire

Attendance is free

Eau Claire Chamber to host the State Competition for the National Civics Bee® , May 9

   The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 2026 National Civics Bee Statewide Competition on May 9 from 9-12p.m. at South Middle School. This exciting event will bring together some of the top student scholars from across Wisconsin, each selected as a statewide finalist for their outstanding civics knowledge and essay submissions.

   From across the state, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students submitted essays regarding complex issues their communities face, how they propose to fix those issues, and who they would work with. Organized through the U.S. Chamber Foundation, judges from across the nation reviewed the submissions and selected the top 20 to advance to our Statewide Bee. 

   During the live competition, students will test their understanding of civics through 20 quiz questions, followed by presentations of their essay ideas to a panel of judges. The event celebrates civic engagement, critical thinking, and the next generation of community leaders. 

   We invite the public to attend this free event to join us in recognizing and supporting these exceptional students as they showcase their knowledge and passion for civics!

Learn more about the National Civics Bee®

Click here for a short video about the Bee

City Council to reveiw applications for vacancy at tonight's Special Session
Three applicants will be reviewed
   This evening at the City Council meeting Councilmembers will decide who will fill the District 8 vacancy for the next year. Each candidate made a video message to be reviewed by the council, which can be found here. At the Special Session at 6:00p.m. there will be a discussion regarding which appointee to select to move forward. 
   Application materials from each candidate can be found linked below:

• Shelley Janke

• Joyce Orth

• Brian Trowbridge

Check out WQOW's reporting on the open seat

 

Upcoming meetings:
Eau Claire City Council

•  City Council Special Meeting, Monday April 20, 6p.m., Agenda

•  City Council Organizational Meeting, Tuesday, April 21, 4p.m., Agenda

•  City Council Public Hearing, Monday, April 27, 6:00p.m.

•  City Council Legislative Session, Tuesday, April 28, 4:00p.m.

   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)

 

Altoona Meetings

•  City Council Public Hearing, Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Tuesday, April 21, 5:00p.m., Agenda

Altoona Meeting Archives

 

Upcoming Budget Forums
Hosted by Council Member Aaron Brewster
   On Sunday, April 19, Councilmember Aaron Brewster hosted his second in a series of discussion-based events regarding the city budget. His goal for this series is to make the Council more accessible to citizens who have input, but might be less likely to attend Council meetings or speak before the Council. He wants to encourage crucial conversations to take place in the hopes that this provides a welcoming and transparent environment for Eau Claire residents to voice their concerns.

• Sunday, April 26, Sunday, May 3

•3PM at The Plus, 208 S Barstow St. Downtown Eau Claire

Check out WEAU Reporting on this series

 

Election Season: What to know 

Using input from Ruder Ware's John Jacobson

   Candidates have begun circulating nomination papers for the November General Election. By May 22, district with competitive races will be known as that marks the deadline for incumbent office-holders to declare whether they plan to seek re-election. The field will be finalized by June 1, with a June 2 deadline for finalized referendum questions to both appear on the ballot on August 11. 

   All of this leads to the General Election on November 3. For businesses and community leaders, these timelines are worth keeping on the radar, as election outcomes can influence everything from workforce and tax policy to infrastructure and economic development priorities. 

Other candidate coverage...

Senator Jesse James to retire, Michele Magadance Skinner seeking election to the 31st Senate District (WEAU)

Senator Jesse James to retire as Michele Skinner announces Senate campaign (Leader-Telegram $)

Emily Berge begins collecting nomination signatures in congressional district race (WQOW)

Sara Rodriguez questions electability of rivals running for governor (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Where the candidates for governor stand on data center construction (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Van Orden opens campaign "Battle Station" in LaCrosse (News 8 Now)

Democrat Rebecca Cooke posts fundraising edge over Derrick Van Orden (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Clark County Judge Lynsey Brunette announces Wisconsin Supreme Court candidacy ($ Leader Telegram)
Augusta schools prepare for cuts after failed referendum (Leader-Telegram $)
 
 
 
 

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

2026 Bravo to Business Awards: nominations are now open!

   Do you know a business that goes above and beyond in the Eau Claire Area? Nominate them for the 2026 Bravo to Business Awards and help us recognize local businesses that demonstrate leadership, growth, and a strong commitment to our community.
Submit nominations for:

 Emerging Business of the Year - For businesses under 3 years old, with up to 25 employees. Open to both investors and non-investors.

 Resilient Business of the Year - Celebrating adaptability and perseverance among our investors. Open to any Chamber investors.

 Young Professionals Best Place to Work - Recognizing businesses with at least 5 employees that provide exceptional environments for young professionals.

 Small Business of the Year - For businesses with under 50 full-time employees, in operation for at least 3 years.

 Business of the Year - For businesses with over 50 full-time employees, in operation for at least 3 years.
Nomination Deadline: Sunday, June 7, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
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