Networking and Young Professionals

Networking with the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a vital hub for local businesses, offering numerous networking opportunities throughout the year. These events are designed to foster connections, encouraging business partnerships and development leading to a stronger local economy.

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Well, how does someone new to an area, industry, business, or a career really get to know anyone? The Chippewa Falls Chamber prides itself in being a great resource and connector for local businesses to partner with one another, expanding their business community network.

The Chamber hosts a variety of signature events that are designed to encourage networking among members:

• Annual Meeting: Our largest event attracts more than 300 members annually, providing a platform for recognizing community achievements and discussing future priorities.
• Business After Hours (BAH): Held monthly, these casual after-work gatherings allow hosts to showcase their business while offering a relaxed networking environment.
• Coffee & Commerce: These morning events provide an opportunity for professionals to connect over coffee, typically occurring on the second Friday of each month.
• Chamber Golf Outing: This nine-hole scramble combines networking with recreation, featuring sponsor highlights and prizes. 

Through these diverse events, the Chamber creates an environment where businesses can forge valuable connections, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations. The organization's commitment to being a "great resource and connector" for local businesses is evident in its approach to networking.

Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley

The Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley (YPCV) is a collaborative initiative between the Chippewa Falls Area and Eau Claire Area Chambers of Commerce. This program is tailored for individuals aged 21 to 41, offering a unique blend of personal and professional development opportunities.

Key aspects of the YPCV program include:

• Diverse Activities: The organization hosts various events throughout the year, designed to help young leaders engage socially, exchange ideas, and share common interests.
• Professional Growth: Members have access to numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Community Impact: YP offers members multiple opportunities to volunteer within Chippewa Falls or Eau Claire. This allows members the opportunity to give their time and talent back to the local communities.
• Discounted Membership: To encourage participation, membership fees are reduced for professionals whose company’s are members of either the Chippewa Falls Area or Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.

The YPCV program recognizes the unique needs of young professionals, providing them with a platform to network, volunteer, and build relationships with peers at similar life stages. By fostering these connections, the program contributes to the development of future community leaders and strengthens the local professional landscape.

Pro Tips when going to an event:

• Bring Business Cards or Contact Info
• Bring a friend or coworker if you’re nervous
• Follow up with people you meet via email or…
• Add them on LinkedIn to stay up to date

If you’re nervous to get involved, don’t worry! We’ve all been there. At all of our Chamber events we have our Chamber Ambassadors wearing red. These extra friendly faces are more than happy to take you under their wing and would love to learn more about you and what you do. Trying to get involved and don’t know where to start? Feel free to email info@chippewachamber.org and we will get back to you with all the information you’ll need!