Chamber Blog

Chamber to host economy forum

The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce on Monday will host a special forum to address concerns about the current state of the economy.

The forum is designed to boost the confidence level of businesses in north central Wisconsin, not by offering "rah, rah motivational techniques" but by providing a realistic assessment of the business climate, said Paul Schroeder, a Chamber spokesman. In addition, it will provide information about resources available to help businesses succeed.

"Entrepreneurs and small-business owners often feel they don't need help until it's too late or are too proud to admit the need," Schroeder said. There are plenty of resources available to help businesses improve their practices, which, in turn, will help bolster the economy and local employment, he said.

The forum, "Surviving and Thriving in 2009," is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at John Muir Middle School, 1400 W. Stewart Ave., in Wausau. It is open to representatives from all businesses in the Wausau region. Chamber membership is not required, and there is no cost to attend.

Read full story [Wausau Daily Herald]

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Chamber closes Rockport satellite

ROCKPORT — The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce satellite office at Whistlestop Mall has closed its doors, and employees have been transferred to the Chamber's main office on Commercial Street in Gloucester.

The move is the culmination of a multi-year review by the Rockport Chamber of Commerce board of directors, chaired by Jay Smith, in an effort to consolidate administrative operations and reduce expenses, new Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Hastings said yesterday.

"When the (Rockport and Cape Ann chambers) merged three years ago, it was always the plan to consolidate," Hastings said, yesterday. "Rockport is important to us, it will remain a high priority as it has been."

Peter Webber, who will remain as Rockport division manager, said the move won't greatly affect Chamber members or visitors.

"In terms of services to members and visitors, it's really a minimal change," Webber said.

Read full story [Gloucester Times]