Wauwatosa Chamber Of Commerce Expands To West Allis

Press release from the Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce:

July 16, 2020

Today the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce announced the immediate expansion into
West Allis to become The Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce, reported Joan Hansen,
Executive Director and CEO.

“This is a great opportunity for businesses in these two communities, whose borders
align, to join together to be a strong voice for business and industry.” According to the 2010
Census, the cities combined would represent the third largest in Wisconsin. “This expansion is a
perfect alignment because the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce currently has members from
West Allis and West Allis does not have a Chamber,” explained Hansen.

Hansen joined the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce in 2019 and has brought a strong
emphasis of business advocacy for small and large businesses. Outreach to – and events with –
local and state officials has been a new focus. Hansen stressed “this is important because it gets
back to the original purpose of Chambers. It allows businesspeople to have a very direct
connection with their elected officials to express their views or ask questions relating to business
issues.” Moving forward the Chamber will provide venues for members to have conversations
with their Mayors, State Representatives and Senators, Administration Officials, and
Congressional members. “Equally important to businesses knowing their elected officials is that
elected officials personally know and hear them,” Hansen said.

The Chamber has partnered with the City of Wauwatosa on many initiatives to support
the business community, most recently as it relates to COVID-19 and businesses reopening. The
expansion will represent an even broader Chamber partnership with the City of West Allis.
“Both cities are similarly situated in terms of business development and having unique restaurant and retail centers, “said Hansen.

The Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce will also continue their popular large
social events, networking gatherings, lunch and learns, and ribbon cuttings as reopening allows.
“I look forward to meeting more businessmen and women in West Allis and hearing their ideas,”
Hansen said.

If you wish to learn more about the Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce,
please contact Joan Hansen at joan@tosachamber.org.

This press release was produced by the Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author's own.