Every part of society could use an infusion of new blood now and again, and that’s the role the Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley plays for the region’s business community. This personal and professional development program of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce has more than 400 members in the 21-to-40-year-old range, all eager to improve the Valley’s future. The Eau Claire chapter of Polka Dot Powerhouse provides a positive approach to personal and business networking to its female memberships. Likewise, 100 Women Who Care in Eau Claire connects local women, with the goal of boosting the community through “fast philanthropy.” – Tom Giffey