Chippewa Valley Leaders Prepare to Advocate for Needs in Capitol

Local business owners and community leaders are preparing to travel to Madison this month for the 32nd annual Chippewa Valley Rally event.

Each year, Chambers of Commerce officials from Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie organize teams to travel to Madison and meet with state lawmakers. Scott Rogers is the Senior Director of Governmental Affairs for the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, and explained the goal of the event.

“The Chippewa Valley Rally is a trip to Madison to talk about economic issues with our lawmakers and other policymakers that’s been put on now for 32 years by the Chambers of Commerce in Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, and Eau Claire,” he said. “And what we do is we bring about 100, 120 business and community leaders to Madison, visit with legislative offices, and talk about the economic issues in state government that affect the economy in our area.”

Rogers also highlighted some pending legislation that would specifically address issues facing the Chippewa Valley, like healthcare access and a shortage of affordable housing.

“One of the unusual things about this year is even though the legislature is getting close to adjournment, there are a lot of bills in a few key areas that are still pending,” he said. “Including several that would help improve housing supply and affordability, some bills that relate to EMS services and making hospital beds available.”

The Chippewa Valley Rally will take place on February 19th. Interested residents can register online with a $99 fee until February 4th, or a $110 fee after February 4th.

For an additional $35 fee they can take a round trip charter bus to Madison and back for the one day event. Residents who decide to stay in Madison can also get a discounted hotel rate if they reserve by February 8th.