In this issue . . .
APRIL 2020
Coronavirus Resources New Podcast Member News New Members Ribbon cuttings
A more balanced approach is needed
By David Eckmann, President/CEO he mission of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is to strengthen our member businesses and enhance our community by building business success. We are an organization that is committed to build and sustain an economically competitive community through free enterprise, competition, capitalism and by promoting our rich American way of life.
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Today, as our region faces the menace of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the collective voice of business and commerce has never been more important especially in Wausau, Wisconsin. With federal and state directives to ‘shelter in place’ or remain ‘Safer at Home,’ in order to ‘flatten the curve’ or reduce community spread, nonessential businesses have been directed to close their doors. This has been economically devastating to hundreds of businesses and thousands of families in central Wisconsin, not to mention the entire country. While the policies have been placed to ensure public health, there will certainly be long term, multi-generational, adverse economic impacts. In an effort to protect the general population, there are governmental institutions throughout the country which have gone further to place restrictions on individual liberties we have faithfully accepted, despite the tremendous associated burden. Moving forward, there must be consideration for the health and well being of a community in balance with the economic wellbeing of the individual and families. Without the semblance of a strong economic foundation, that being vibrant and thriving business sectors,
families and communities will suffer greatly. We are already seeing this take place throughout the country. A balance must be struck – a well thought approach to provide safety and to allow commerce to take place, gradually. Earlier this month, Governor Evers extended the Safer at Home directive until May 26th, adding five weeks of non-essential business closures – another five weeks of incredible challenges on families, businesses and communities. Additionally, the Governor’s Badger Bounce Back (BBB) Program outlines an elongated, months-long ‘gating’ process to open the Wisconsin economy. The BBB takes a statewide comprehensive approach to re-opening the economy rather than considering a regional or countyby-county approach, like that of the Back to Business program developed by state business and health care leaders. Milwaukee and Madison do not compare to our county. Marathon County has a population of 135,000 people. To date, Marathon County has had 17 cases of Covid-19. 523 people have been tested. 506 of those tests were found negative. Regretfully, one person has died from the virus. While no one should have to deal with the virus, the reality is that as a region, we are well positioned to successfully combat it. Governor Evers, we respectfully ask that you take a more balanced approach to opening the Wisconsin economy. Our Wisconsin economy is diverse from north to south and our citizens, in a Bucky fashion, will commit to the call for mitigation measures while getting the Wisconsin economic engine moving forward. You must place your trust in us. At the heart of an economically viable community are strong and thriving business sectors. Together, in a balanced approach, we must re-ignite the local and state economy.