When you think of “veterans,” what comes to mind?

For many, it’s the uniform, the discipline, the service. But what happens when that chapter ends and a veteran hangs up their uniform? The transition to civilian life isn’t just about finding a job, it’s about connection, support, purpose, and community.

This is why the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce (WVCC) has officially launched in Northwest Wisconsin, and it’s already making waves. With statewide reach with local impact the WVCC offers a statewide platform while staying rooted in local initiatives, giving members in the Chippewa Valley direct access to partnerships, visibility, and collaborative events that expand their business footprint.

Led by local ambassadors Georgia Lee Arts of Menomonie and Joe Maier of Eau Claire, the Chamber’s expansion is designed to connect veteran-owned businesses and veteran-friendly businesses with the wider community, building bridges that benefit everyone.

A Launch Rooted in Collaboration

At the inaugural event, veterans, business owners, and civic leaders gathered not just to celebrate but to envision something bigger: a thriving ecosystem where veterans can leverage their skills, leadership, and resilience in the private sector while helping local businesses grow.

“Veterans bring discipline, innovation, and teamwork into every workplace,” says Georgia Lee Arts. “But many face hurdles when transitioning out of service. This Chamber exists to level the playing field, by fostering mentorship, networking, and economic opportunity.”

Why This Matters for the Chippewa Valley

Northwest Wisconsin has long been home to a vibrant veteran community. Yet, until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated organization focused on connecting veteran-owned businesses and veteran-friendly businesses with regional development initiatives.

The WVCC offers a unique win-win:

• Veterans gain mentorship, support, and a business network that understands their transition journey.
• Access to premier programming and resources: members gain exclusive access to expert-led webinars, workforce development workshops, and veteran entrepreneurship training, tools built to help veteran-owned and veteran-friendly businesses thrive in competitive markets.
• Civilian businesses access a pipeline of highly skilled leaders and team members with unmatched resilience.
• The community thrives as collaboration drives economic growth, job creation, and stronger local ties.
•  Built-in networking power: with over 60 chamber partnerships and a collective reach of more than 42,000 businesses, WVCC membership opens the door to high-quality B2B networking, mentorship, and joint marketing across sectors and regions.
• Amplified visibility through signature events: members get opportunities to showcase their business at signature events like the Annual Business Conference at Lambeau Field, regional expos, and multi-chamber mixers, all designed to connect you to clients, partners, and talent pipelines.
•  Advocacy that Works for You: WVCC doesn’t just network, it advocates at the local, state, and federal levels on issues that matter to veterans and small businesses, ensuring your voice is heard and your needs are represented in economic and workforce policy.

Veterans in Business: More Than Service

Joe Maier, an ambassador and veteran business advocate, sees this as a transformational moment: “Veterans don’t just want handshakes on Veterans Day, they want a seat at the table. This Chamber ensures they get it while supporting businesses that value their contributions.”

From startups launched in home offices to established veteran-owned firms seeking federal contracts, the Chamber is set to provide resources, education, and advocacy.

What’s Next

Following its successful launch, the Chamber will host ongoing networking events, training sessions, and collaborative programs. The mission is clear: empower veterans, strengthen businesses, and fuel economic growth in the Chippewa Valley.

If you’re a veteran, veteran-owned business, or veteran-friendly employer, or simply someone who believes in supporting those who served, this is your invitation to get involved.

Want to connect or learn more?
Visit www.wiveteranschamber.org or reach out to ambassadors Georgia Lee Arts and Joe Maier to join the movement.

“When veterans succeed, our whole community rises. We are STRONGER TOGETHER.”

Georgia Lee Arts is a Menomonie resident, an entrepreneur and an ambassador for WI Veterans Chamber of Commerce. She may be contacted at [email protected]