It stands to reason that the region’s biggest business group —  the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce —  would be central to forging stronger ties among businesspeople and their communities. Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley is a Chamber-led program drawing together 400 professionals in the 21-to-40 age range for professional development, community service, and fun. Likewise, Business After Hours is a monthly Chamber mixer held at a different business each month. Finally, HER Happy Hour is a monthly, female-focused meet-up created by the Red Letter Grant that is billed at “the least-stuffy networking event out there.” — Tom Giffey