Workforce
Housing Affordability and Supply
The National Association of Realtors writes, “Indeed, according to basic economics, when the demand for housing exceeds the supply, housing costs rise. However, the current analysis indicates that, even with the existing level of homes available for sale, the housing affordability and shortage issues wouldn’t be so severe if there were enough homes for all…
Read MoreWorkforce Engagement & How to Measure
Workforce Engagement & How to Measure In a 2020 Gallup survey found that only 36% of workers are engaged in their work. This number changed to only 32% in Gallup’s follow up survey in 2022. Employee engagement remains both one of the most sought after and elusive workforce concepts for most businesses. Most employers understand…
Read MoreMeet Courtney Olsom, the Chamber’s new Workforce Initiatives Director
Meet Courtney Olsom, the Chamber’s new Workforce Initiatives Director Courtney Olsom became the newest member of the Chamber team on March 28. She grew up in Rochester, MN but made her home in Wisconsin. She received her BS in 2014 at UW-River Falls and MSED in 2019 at UW-La Crosse. Her professional experience is in…
Read More2023 Working Mothers Luncheon Panel
We are happy to introduce our fantastic panel of working mothers. This diverse panel has been carefully selected to give expert advice on how to manage motherhood while working a job. Stacey M. Jackson Ph.D. Dr. Stacey Jackson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She received her B.A. in Psychology from…
Read MoreK-12 Workforce Development
The Chamber works to develop our future workforce, through K-12 and post – secondary institutions, to expose students to career opportunities in Eau Claire County. We will continue to focus and support development opportunities for employees in this region’s industry leaders. This month we are taking time to highlight Chippewa Valley Technical College and the…
Read MoreSecure 2.0 Is (Finally) Here: Now What?
By Jon Marquet of Trust Point Inc. The Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 was enacted on December 29, 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Secure 2.0 is significant and sweeping legislation that addresses a long list of issues concerning tax-advantaged retirement savings, including retirement savings via 401 (k) retirement plans and…
Read More“Chippewa Valley Rally will be a Capitol Time” – Volume One
“One-hundred scarf-clad advocates of the Chippewa Valley will descend on the state Capitol in Madison on Feb. 22 in a citizen lobbying effort that will bring regional topics to the attention of as many policymakers as possible.” – Volume One Completion funding for the UW – Eau Claire Science and Health Sciences Building UW – Stout Heritage…
Read MoreHappy 2023! How are you planning for the year?
Do you take time to set intentions and plan for the new year? Identifying the intentions that will be meaningful and doable can make a huge difference in your work and personal life. The New York Times says your goals “should be smart – and SMART. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. Source Workplace resolutions…
Read MoreFocus on Your Employee’s Mental Health
Learn The Signs In the workplace, mental health problems manifest in a multitude of ways. Here are some employee behaviors that may be signs of a mental health problem: https://www.mranet.org/resource/what-do-when-employee-needs-mental-health-help Working slowly Missing deadlines Calling in sick frequently Increasing absenteeism Expressing irritability and anger Having difficulty concentrating and making decisions Appearing numb or emotionless Withdrawing from work activity Overworking Forgetting directives, procedures, and requests Having difficulty with work transitions or changes in routines These symptoms could also result when an employee has a family member suffering from a mental health problem or other serious health issues. Such situations can sometimes…
Read MoreThe Connector Editor Highlight – Deb Nichols
The members of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Committee take time to help curate and edit the monthly Connector. This month we are highlighting Deb Nichols. Deb Nichols is the Director of Business Services for West Center Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. She has worked in the field of advocacy and servant leadership for over 25 years.…
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