In this issue . . .
FEBRUARY 2017
Calendar of Events Member News Ribbon Cuttings Volunteer Spotlight Economic Outlook
Opportunities abound in the face of adversity By David Eckmann, President/CEO
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n our shared vision to be the region’s indispensable resource for business connections, opportunities and solutions, the team of professionals at the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce aims to continually understand our member’s changing needs, to assess the current economic environment and to develop opportunities for members to engage and learn. A favorite part of my job is visiting with members. In recent meetings with large corporations, small family owned businesses, government stakeholders, not-for-profits and professionals in education, our conversation fill me with a sense of optimism, even amid turmoil and change. However, there are lingering questions. As a business and community enhancement organization, the primary goals that we work toward are to help you position your organization to leverage opportunities to enhance your competitive positions, to develop and access new revenue/funding streams and to navigate obstacles that are in front of you. We identify and assemble resources to serve you. On Tuesday, March 7, you have the opportunity to
participate in an event that will provide in-depth analysis of Wisconsin’s economy as it pertains to economic growth and the labor market. The resurgence of the state’s economy, strong sector growth and enhanced revenue collections present tremendous market opportunities for your organization. At the same time, the highly competitive labor market serves as a barrier to growth. The question is this: Is your organization positioned to take advantage of this growth opportunity while addressing your labor needs? Two senior economists from the State of Wisconsin, and cabinet secretaries from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will visit our community with an update on the status of the economy and what each department of government is developing to support a pro-growth business environment in Wisconsin. In our efforts to serve you effectively, the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce works closely with the WEDC and DWD on an ongoing basis to connect and align programs and resources that flow from the state to the region. Both WEDC and DWD have developed a robust set of programs that will help you to leverage business opportunities and address your demand for talent. I hope you can join us on the morning of March 7. This is an opportunity to connect, network and learn.
www.wausauchamber.com