ABOVE: The results of a 2-year cultural survey funded by a $93,000 grant
and executed by the Chippewa Valley Museum.

The Good Life started a massive undertaking in 2010: To survey what Eau Claire County residents thought of culture here in the valley. The project took two years of online surveys, mailings, focus groups and targeted questioning, but the results are in, along with some suggestions for using this data to the benefit of the community.

The research was funded by a $93,000 grant to the Chippewa Valley Museum from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (or the IMLS if you're hip to that scene).

The organization is presenting their findings and suggestions in a 64-page book, which is available as a PDF on their website.

It's a heck of a good read and chock full of interesting information, but we'll highlight some of the big points here:

• One of the recurring themes stressed in the book is that there's no need for major initiatives to sustain and improve Eau Claire's culture. Instead, culture should be infused in plans already being laid.

• According to respondents, the biggest identifier of Eau Claire County is the waterways. The Good Life suggests Eau Claire should involve the rivers more, possibly with events and redevelopment.

• Besides the rivers, though, one major complaint was that Eau Claire isn't very identifiable and that it tries too hard to be other cities instead of embracing its own history and culture.

• Overwhelmingly, respondents declared downtown Eau Claire as the center of cultural life in the area. Suggestions to keep that area moving forward include, of course, infrastructure improvements but also to keep the public informed about the redevelopment process.

• Finally, another major section is the city's aesthetic and character. To improve the general look of the city, The Good Life suggests improving entrances to the city and respecting and protecting historic buildings.

These just scratch the surface of the full survey results , so dig in and see what you make of it. The Good Life hopes to continue to promote these results and work with local government and various organizations, including the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library, Clear Vision Eau Claire, the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center and the Children's Museum of Eau Claire to utilize the survey to make constant improvements to the area's culture.