25th Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
Wednesday, January 30, 2019

This one-day event is jointly sponsored by the Chippewa Falls, Menomonie and Eau Claire Chambers of Commerce.  We’ll be there to bring our region’s important economic, education and infrastructure issues to the attention of state government. You’ll participate in pre-scheduled small group meetings with legislators and their aides, an exclusive luncheon with the Governor (invited), meetings with top state officials, an informal closing reception, and more. Everything is taken care of, including charter bus transportation to and from Madison (or you can travel on your own if you prefer).

Click here to register or for more information>>>

Sponsorships are also available. Contact Scott Rogers at the Chamber.

Sponsorship Opportunities for Sales Conference

The Chamber is looking for a few business partners to help sponsor the annual Sales Conference. The event will feature four breakout sessions, a keynote address and a Progressive Power Networking Lunch. 

Sponsors at the $300 level will receive:

• Two complimentary tickets to the event.
• Recognition on all marketing materials.
• Recognition at the event.
• A free eight-foot display table at the conference.
• Opportunity to welcome attendees.
• Opportunity to include brochure or flyer in handout material.

If you are interested in being a sponsor for this event, please contact Jenna Ziegler at (715) 858-0615 by January 4. Thank you!
 

Lunch & Learn: Developing High-Functioning Leadership Teams
by Tina Nazier, Wipfli 

Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
PESI Conference Room
Cost to attend: $20 

Sponsored by: Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, PESI and Weld Riley, S.C.

This Lunch & Learn session takes a look at the five elements of highly effective leadership teams, provides methods for assessing the effectiveness of your team and shares tools to improve leadership team effectiveness. This workshop incorporates group and individual activities.

Following this workshop, attendees should be able to:

1. Identify the five elements of high-functioning teams.
2. Provide practical application of tools and group activities to learn how to master the five elements.

About the Presenter

Tina Nazier, MBA, CPC, is the director of strategic alignment for Wipfli’s Health Care Practice. Leaders within organizations are keenly aware there is always a higher level they can achieve.  Yet, answering the “how to” question may often elude them. As a leader within Wipfli’s health care practice, Tina provides specific answers to those questions and outlines the initiative, strategic thinking and ingenuity that executives need to propel them and their organizations to the next level. She draws upon more than 25 years of experience in leadership, executive coaching, organizational and cultural development, strategy and operational improvements to help executives and teams break through the barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Click here to register>>> 

Opportunity Zones Seminar

Tuesday, January 8, 2019
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Market & Johnson, Inc., 2350 Galloway Street
No cost to attend

Created as part of federal tax reform, the new Opportunity Zones program has the potential to be one of the most significant federal community development initiatives ever. Eligible for use in designated Census Tracts, investments by Qualified Opportunity Funds offer a way for investors to take their realized capital gains and re-invest them into businesses or real estate in designated Opportunity Zone regions across the country. In exchange, investors may receive a graduated series of federal tax incentives tied to long-term investments within Opportunity Zones.

Locally, there are eligible Opportunity Zones in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake and Menomonie.

Attend this workshop to learn more specifics on how Opportunity Zones are an innovative, flexible, solution for encouraging private sector-led economic growth and aim to connect targeted communities with much-needed capital. Learn exactly where Opportunity Zones are located, who should invest, the proper way to invest and the multiple tax advantages associated with investing in Opportunity Zones. This workshop will be of interest to accountants, bankers, builders, developers, and owners of property in the zones.

This program is hosted by Market & Johnson, Wipfli, and the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce. It will be led by Casey Kretz, CPA, and Tanya Malaney, CPA, senior tax managers at Wipfli’s Eau Claire office. 

There is no cost to attend this event but pre-registration is appreciated.  

Click here to register>>

Considering Running for Local Office or Know Someone Who Is?

Filing Deadline is January 2

Many of the most critical decisions that impact your business or daily life are made by individuals who serve on local city councils or school boards. If you’ve considered running for one of these non-partisan local offices, or know someone you’d like to see elected, right now is the time to make the decision because paperwork is due by January 2.

Among the local offices that will be on the ballot at the April 2 election include Eau Claire City Council President, City Council seats in Eau Claire and Altoona, and School Board seats in Altoona and Eau Claire.

For more information about these offices and what is required to get on the ballot, click here for the Chamber’s Candidate Information for the Spring 2019 Election.

Friday, January 18, 7 - 8:30 a.m.
Green Mill Conference and Banquet Facilities
2703 Craig Rd
Cost to Attend: $20

Sponsored by: Advocate Sponsors - Xcel Energy, Miron Construction; Supporter Sponsors - Banbury Place/Cigan Properties and Eau Claire Energy Cooperative. 

The Chamber's annual "State of the County" breakfast with remarks by Eau Claire County Board Vice Chair, Colleen Bates and Administrator, Kathryn Schauf.  Hear the highlights of the county's work over the past year and its priorities for 2019.  

Click here to register>>

Please join us for the monthly Business After Hours. Network with other business people in a social atmosphere. It is a great opportunity to make those important business connections.

This month's Business After Hours is sponsored by Bremer Bank, United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin and Lincoln Hospitality Group (Grizzly's, Milwaukee Burger, Northern Tap House).

Admission is $6 at the door for members. Passes may be purchased in advance for $5 each (minimum of four)  Registration is not required for this event.

Read More>>

Read the current Small Street Journal for updates and announcements from Chamber members. Please submit your updates to Jenna Ziegler.