WMC’s Kurt Bauer facilitated a roundtable with the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau earlier this week. Overall, Western Wisconsin business leaders believe the economy is at least stable, but there are some gathering storm clouds, particularly concerns over workforce, inflation, and interest rates. Other concerns expressed by participants won’t surprise WMC members. They include health care costs and access, housing, childcare, education, and the uncertainty caused by the fall elections. 

Special thanks to Hudson Chamber President Mary Claire Olson Potter (second from right), Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center CEO Ashley DeMuth (second from left), and retired CEO of OEM and WMC Board Member Mark Tyler (left).