Chamber Information

2011-2012 Business Plan
LETTER FROM THE NEW CHAIR   |   MISSION & VISION STATEMENTS   |   2010-2013 OBJECTIVES   |   COMMITTEES & TASK FORCES   |   PROGRAMS   |   NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES    |   EC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
 

LETTER FROM THE NEW CHAIR

Dear Chamber Members:

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Board Chair for the 2011 – 2012 Chamber year. It is indeed an honor and a privilege! We have a great Eau Claire Chamber organization and it all starts with our Chamber staff. Combine our great staff with a dedicated group of committee chairs and volunteers, a strong Board of Directors and you end up with a five star rating! Our commitment is to continue this standard of excellence as we work through the second year of our three-year Strategic Plan.

Two programs are particularly exciting this year: Leadership Eau Claire™ will be celebrating its 30th anniversary and the Business Expo is moving to a new location! As a 1993-94 LEC graduate, I know first hand what a great program we have and how it benefits the Eau Claire community and all our graduates. The Business Expo is moving to the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center and will be condensed to a single day. By changing locations, it allows all exhibitors to be on one floor, improves parking and expands the number of booths available. Finally, a “marketplace” where exhibitors will be able to sell their products will be added. We look forward to a great new Business Expo!

On behalf of the Chamber staff, the Board of Directors, and all the committee chairs and volunteers, we urge you to get involved in your Chamber’s programs and events. Attend a Business After Hours, reserve a booth at the Business Expo, participate in an educational program, and allow your younger leaders to participate in Leadership Eau Claire™ or join the Young Professionals. The opportunities to help your business grow and prosper are plentiful. Let’s make this the best year possible! Sincerely,

Tim Olson, Royal Construction
Chairman of the Board

MISSION & VISION STATEMENTS

MISSION STATEMENT
The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is the advocate of business striving to enhance and protect the business environment and the quality of life for the benefit of our members and the Chippewa Valley .

VISION STATEMENT
The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce will be the leader in the progressive development of the Chippewa Valley through the efforts of the business community.

2010-2013 OBJECTIVES

  • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS - Serve as the voice and policy advocate for business.
  • SMALL BUSINESS  - Empower small business members by providing programs and services.
  • BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - Support Chamber member businesses and organizations in their development.
  • EDUCATION - Advocate for and support a strong education system in the Chippewa Valley.
  • WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - Facilitate in the recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce.

COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

Advisory Council
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: To bring together a group of 30 small business representatives that will meet three to four times a year in order to provide input on Chamber programs and brainstorm ideas with the Chamber staff. Information will be shared with the Board of Directors.

Agri-Business
Chair: Mary Kay Brevig, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative
Staff Liaison: Katy Kiley
Goal: To recognize the vital role of agriculture in the local economy and promote positive relations between the business and farm communities.

  • Host the 15th anniversary Breakfast in the Valley on June 10 to promote agriculture in Eau Claire County and educate the public. Serve at least 3,000 people.
  • Present the Friend of Agriculture Award to a person/business who has contributed to agriculture, agri-business relations and/or agriculture economy in the Chippewa Valley.
  • Recognize the Eau Claire County Land Conservation award winners.
  • Recognize two Eau Claire County Farm families.
  • Support agriculture through educational and financial efforts in the Chippewa Valley.

Ambassadors
Chair: Dusty Hurtgen, Charter Bank Eau Claire
Staff Liaison: Cheri Weinke
Goal: To represent and promote the Chamber and retain Chamber members.

  • Assist the Chamber in the recruitment of a diverse membership base and in maintaining a retention rate that exceeds 90 percent over three years.
  • Assist in communicating the distinctions, services and achievements of the Chamber to the business community.
  • Host and maintain participation at 11 Business After Hours to an average attendance of 180 people each month.
  • Host ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremonies, open houses and special Chamber events.

Annual Meeting
Chair: Bonnie Feltz, Department of Interiors, Ltd.
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: To plan and execute the Chamber’s 97th Annual Meeting.

  • Create a program to recognize volunteers, highlight current year accomplishments and set the tone for 2011-2012.
  • Recognize outstanding volunteers, committee chairs, Small Businesses of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Top Membership Salesperson, winners of the Community Development, Volunteer of the Year, Public Employee of the Year, Outstanding Young Professional of the Year and Woman of Achievement awards.
  • Announce the inductees of the third class of the Business Hall of Fame.>/li>

Business Council
Chair: Jim Pinter
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To implement educational seminars and programs that will meet the needs of Chamber members.

  • Conduct seminars on business-related topics.
  • Facilitate the Lunch and Learn monthly seminar series featuring a variety of topics presented by Chamber members during the noon hour.
  • Facilitate the Chamber’s new Leadership Success Series, which offers a platform for executives of high profile companies to share their story of success as well as their vision and thoughts facing business today and in the future.
  • In conjunction with the Business Expo Committee, conduct seminars at the 2011 Business Expo.
  • Promote the Speakers Bureau, which features local speakers on business topics, to the community.

The Business Expo
Chair: Dan Everhart, Business Expo
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To plan and execute The 2011 Business Expo.

  • Along with sponsors, host the 2011 Business EXPO and VIP Reception. The Expo is an opportunity for exhibitors to expand their markets through a display of products and services while networking with other businesses and the community.
  • In conjunction with the Business Council, conduct a seminar series at the 2011 Business Expo.

Business Salutes Eau Claire
Chair: Jerry Shay, AnchorBank
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: Conduct an enjoyable golf outing that promotes networking for members.

  • Host the 26th Annual Business Salutes Eau Claire Golf Classic for 250 people on May 16 at the Eau Claire Golf & Country Club.
  • Structure the event as a source of non-dues revenue for the Chamber.

Business & Workforce Development
Chair: Janice Lemminger, Manpower
Staff Liaison: Brett Geboy
Goal: To support Chamber member businesses and organizations by promoting opportunities, programs and partnerships that foster business development.

  • Continue strong partnerships with educational institutions to address needs to retain and attract students, alumni and other talent.
  • Continue Chamber workforce development efforts that include employment job fairs, worker retention and recruitment, apprenticeships, internships, promotion of the Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley and other programs.
  • Work with regional economic development organizations to support efforts to attract and retain business in Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley. Encourage cooperation and alignment of economic development efforts.
  • Partner with businesses and organizations looking to diversify and develop talent by promoting the untapped workforce including people with disabilities, mature workers and youth.
  • Identify the training and development needs of the existing and future workforce and retain and develop programs to address those needs.
  • Promote resources available to businesses from sources outside the Chamber.
  • Continue to work with the city, as needed, to revitalize downtown.

Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance
[Limited to members of the Chamber Executive Committees]
Chair: Tim Olson, Royal Construction
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: To keep open lines of communication on regional issues between chambers in the Chippewa Valley.

  • Meet annually with the Chamber Executive Committees in Chippewa Falls and Menomonie.
  • Facilitate the 2012 Chippewa Valley Rally trip to Madison on January 25 to present issues that are important to the Chippewa Valley.
  • Explore opportunities to deal with emerging business issues using the combined resources in the Valley.
  • Explore the development of a Western Wisconsin Legislative Coalition comprised of the chambers and legislators from the region.
  • Host the Airport Open House on August 8.

Education Initiative
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: Meet over the next year with representatives of Pre-K-12 and post secondary educational institutions to look at issues that could impact quality educational systems.

  • Continue to highlight the quality in education by conducting the following programs: Community Breakfasts with CVTC & UW-Eau Claire, Excellence in Education Banquet, Real Life Academy, State of Education breakfasts, Youth Leadership Eau Claire, along with workforce initiatives.

Excellence in Education
Chair: Kayann Bock, Sylvan Learning Center
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To provide recognition for outstanding students and educators from 10 area high schools.

  • Plan and implement a quality Excellence in Education Banquet on May 4 honoring 60 area high school students and their educators.
  • Recognize outstanding commitment to education through the Unsung Hero, Contributor to Education and Innovation in Teaching awards.

Good Government Council (GGC)
Chair: Bill Eklund, Sharp Photo & Portrait
Staff Liaison: Brett Geboy
Goal: To inform and educate members on business issues and candidates’ stand on these issues. The GGC is independent of any political party, candidates or organization except the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.

  • Send out questionnaires to candidates for spring and fall elections for city, county and state races and share the results with members.

Green Business Initiative
Chair: Rick Beckler, Sacred Heart Hospital
Staff Liaison: Bob McCoy
Goal: To promote the interest of businesses that are committed and engaged in environmentally responsible operations and practices, also known as "green" business practices.

  • Businesses or organizations apply to be designated as a “Green” Business. The committee will determine those who have met the required criteria. Recognition will be given through the Chamber’s website and other marketing materials.
  • Sixty-two businesses have been recognized with the goal of 100.
  • The committee will conduct educational programs and identify best practices.

Health & Wellness Committee
Chair: Jackie Pavelski
Staff Liaison: Brett Geboy
Goal: To promote the benefits of workplace wellness as an effective healthcare cost containment measure and recognize businesses that implement wellness best practices.

  • Implement the Workplace Wellness Initiative for Chamber members.
  • Monitor healthcare and wellness-related policy that would affect the business community.
  • Promote the benefits of a healthy workforce and recognize businesses that implement wellness best practices.
  • Host health and wellness-related seminars.

Membership
Chair: Marianne Klinkhammer, Gator Garb Promotions
Staff Liaison: Katie O’Malley
Goal: To assist the Chamber in the recruitment of members.

  • Maintain incentive programs for both prospective and current members to encourage participation and continued membership in Chamber programs.
  • Assist the Chamber in the recruitment of a diverse membership base.

Public Affairs
Chair: Scott Rogers, Gloria Jean’s Coffees
Staff Liaison: Brett Geboy
Goal: Be a proactive voice for the business community, to facilitate communication between government and the business community and to encourage participation in public and government affairs.

  • Continue to update the Chamber legislative agenda to protect and promote business on a proactive basis.
  • Encourage involvement in Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Direct Givers Conduit as a mechanism for member involvement in the political process.
  • Facilitate and encourage development of a regional legislative coalition for Western Wisconsin.
  • Monitor issues that impact the Chippewa Valley.
  • Educate members on where political candidates stand on business related issues through sponsoring spring and fall candidate forums.
  • Involve members in grassroots political participation.
  • Promote favorable public policy and funding for economic development.
  • Obtain input from Chamber members through surveys to assist the Board on establishing positions.
  • Inform members and the community about issues and positions through various methods.

Social Media Task Force
Chair: Laurie Boettcher
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: Develop social communities that can support Chamber branding and strategic initiatives.

  • Develop programs and sessions that will educate our members on the importance of social media and new technologies that will enhance their business.
  • Assist the Chamber in implementing a broad strategy to incorporate social media into its business model.

SOHO (Small Office/Home Office)
Chair: Kelly Berry, ResourceAbility, LLC
Staff Liaison: Katy Kiley
Goal: Empower small business members by providing specialized programs and services.

  • Promote and facilitate roundtable discussions for small business owners.
  • Provide educational resources to assist in addressing issues of small business owners.
  • Promote and create awareness of the impact of buying local.

Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley
Chair: Charity Speich, Chippewa Valley Regional Airport
Staff Liaison: Katy Kiley
Goal: Engage and empower young professionals by providing relevant educational, networking and community events.

  • Provide opportunities for young professionals to enhance their professional and personal lives.
  • Encourage Young Professionals to become committed to the Chippewa Valley by providing volunteer and community service opportunities.
  • Continue strong partnerships with educational institutions to help retain young professionals in the community.
  • Maintain an online presence to encourage networking among members and reach additional young professionals in the area.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Business Hall of Fame Inductee Luncheon: An annual luncheon to recognize the 2011 inductees into the Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame on June 16.
Business Recognition Luncheons: Held two to three times a year to recognize a local industry and say thank you for being in Eau Claire.
Chamber/UW-Eau Claire Business Breakfast: Held annually in the spring to bring the university and business communities together for a better understanding of what each other is doing.
Chamber/CVTC Business Breakfast: Held annually in the fall to bring the technical college and business communities together for a better understanding of what each other is doing.
Chamber Buy Local Bucks Program: A program owned and operated completely by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce using a local financial institution. These are good only at Chamber member businesses as a “Buy Local” program. Sales in 2010 were over $558,000.
Community Communications Committee (CCC): The Chamber facilitates the CCC, which represents 20 CEOs of community organizations that meet bimonthly to have interactive discussions on important community issues.
Chamber Night at the Eau Claire Express: The Chamber will host a night at the Eau Claire Express sponsored by four Chamber member businesses on June 28.
Five O’clock on the Riverwalk: Conduct the 4th annual “Five O’clock on the Riverwalk” on July 14.
LEADS Groups: The Chamber facilitates the formation of LEADS Groups, which provide members the opportunity to further business interests through the exchange of tips, leads and information.
Member Round Tables: The Chamber will host members to listen and learn what is happening in their businesses.
Receptions: The Chamber Board of Directors will meet with the Eau Claire and Altoona City Councils, Eau Claire County Board and Eau Claire School Board to keep open lines of communication.
Small Business Breakfast: Held on May 25 during Small Business Month to recognize two Small Businesses of the Year that were named at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting.
UW-Eau Claire Welcome Bags: The Chamber assembles 2,200 welcome bags for new freshmen at UW-Eau Claire to acquaint them with the Eau Claire community and businesses.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Monthly Opportunities
Business After Hours: Monthly networking opportunity on the second Monday evening at a host business site with hors d’oeuvres and door prizes.
Business Connection: Monthly networking opportunity on the first Friday at the Chamber office. Each participant has the opportunity to share information on their business, learn about other businesses and meet other Chamber members.
Two Things to Know Networking Lunch: Monthly networking event. In addition to a featured speaker offering “Two Things to Know,” attendees have an opportunity to share with others over lunch.
Your Chamber Orientation: Held monthly at the Chamber office, for members to learn about Chamber programs and activities and to meet Chamber staff. Holiday Open House: Held December 8 at the Chamber office to allow members a time to network and celebrate the holidays.

EAU CLAIRE CHAMBER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Goal: To provide a vehicle for members to contribute charitable support to Chamber educational programs and projects including Leadership Eau Claire™, Real Life Academy and Youth Leadership Eau Claire. The Foundation has established an Endowment Fund, which has raised $70,000 towards the goal of $300,000 for youth leadership programs. A Youth Leadership Society of Founders has been formed. Society members have agreed to contribute a minimum of $2,500 over three years.

President: Mark Faanes, Wipfli
Vice President: Tom Mihajlov, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Secretary: Bob McCoy, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Treasurer: Bill Kaiser, M & I Marshall & Ilsley Bank
 
Board of Directors
John Dickey, Luther Midelfort-Mayo Health System
Bill Eklund , Sharp Photo & Portrait
Bob Forsberg, Walmart-Eau Claire
Jeff Halloin, Landmark Company
Dr. Lee Mayer , Luther Midelfort-Mayo Health System
Tim Olson, Royal Construction, Inc.
Jack Postlewaite, Spangler, Nodolf, Bruder & Klinkhammer, LLC
Hon. Lisa Stark.

Leadership Eau Claire™
Chair: Kent Adams, Hutchinson Technology, Inc.
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To increase participants’ community knowledge through skill building exercises and educational days that stimulate them to take an active leadership role in shaping our community.

  • Conduct the 30th annual Leadership Eau Claire™ program for 40 participants from a cross section of the community and graduate them prepared to volunteer their services to the community.
  • Instill in participants an understanding of volunteerism, citizenship and community trusteeship in an effort to build on Eau Claire’s quality of life.

Leadership Eau Claire™ Alumni
Chair: Stephanie Butero, Gold Cross Answering Service
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To provide ongoing leadership programs and networking opportunities for Leadership Eau Claire™ alumni.

  • Host the annual Leadership Eau Claire™ Alumni Luncheon in August for LEC alumni and to introduce the new class.
  • Conduct a celebration to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Leadership Eau Claire™.
  • Recruit new members for the Leadership Eau Claire™ program.
  • Encourage Leadership Eau Claire™ alumni to participate in the Curriculum, Executive and Alumni committees to create a well-rounded program

Real Life Academy
Chair: Kristan Motszko, Eau Claire Area School District
Staff Liaison: Katy Kiley
Goal: To plan and execute the Real Life Academy, an event for area high school students and business volunteers to bring the two groups together. The Academy is designed to provide "real life scenarios" with experienced volunteers that have met the day to day challenges of money management and built them into their lives successfully.

  • Coordinate the Real Life Academy in the fall and spring for students at Altoona, Augusta, Fall Creek, Memorial, North and Regis high schools. Current and long-term goal is to have 100 percent of all graduating seniors at the participating high schools attend the Academy before leaving school.
  • Recruit Chamber members to sponsor and volunteer at the two academies and maintain the partnership between the business community and the educational community.

Youth Leadership Eau Claire
Chair: Sara Antonson, Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley
Staff Liaison: Becky Seelen
Goal: To provide an opportunity for area high school juniors to enhance their knowledge and develop leadership skills that will empower and motivate them to become involved and committed to their community.

  • Conduct the ninth annual Youth Leadership Eau Claire program for 28 students from Altoona, Fall Creek, Memorial, North and Regis high schools.
  • Nurture young leaders and encourage them to remain in or return to Eau Claire’s workforce.
  • Recruit funding to continue to support the program.
  • Recruit funding to continue to support the program.