Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce to Receive Diversity and Inclusion Award

The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and regional partners are being presented with the 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Momentum West Economic Development Award Ceremony on March 16th. “The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, their and partners have made significant contributions to our region by creating an opportunity for community leaders and stakeholders to better understand the importance of diversity and inclusion work and how to incorporate it into their daily lives,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. “We are proud to be presenting them with this well-earned award.”

In 2021, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and regional partners brought the T1W - Toward One Wisconsin conference to west central Wisconsin. “We were one of many organizations in the area to bring this statewide Diversity and Inclusion conference to Eau Claire,” said Kaylynn Winegar, Vice President, Workforce Initiatives for the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce. “We provided staff and volunteers to help make the conference a successful learning experience for all who attended. Chamber staff served and led efforts on the Workforce, Marketing and Steering committees as well.”

When asked why it is important for leaders and organizations to focus on diversity and inclusion (DEI),Winegar said, “Business leaders set themselves up for social and economic success by making these initiatives a top priority.” She added, “We hear from many business leaders in our area about ways to incorporate diversity and inclusive practices into their business. Providing an opportunity like the Toward One Wisconsin conference allowed folks from across the state to learn about best practices in DEI.” 

The conference itself supported the Chamber’s main DEI goals - to educate, inform and empower local business leaders and the general public. “The Chamber’s main DEI initiative is to share information and learn best practices about diversity, inclusion and minority business development to improve our workforce,” said Winegar. 

About the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce

The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is the advocate of business. We will be the champion of a strong economy. We will enhance the region's economic prosperity and represent the interests of the business community through thoughtful public policy. Through organizational excellence and bold leadership, the Chamber will deliver on its promise to be a mission-driven organization.

Learn more about the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and their DEI work here - https://www.eauclairechamber.org/diversity-equity--inclusion-dei.html 

Learn more about their regional partners at https://inclusivity-wi.org/2021-recap/ 

About Momentum West

MOMENTUM WEST is a regional economic development organization serving Barron, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, and St. Croix counties. By providing technical assistance and spearheading talent attraction and development initiatives, Momentum West is drawing attention to West Central Wisconsin and driving regional growth. Learn more at https://www.momentumwest.org.