Lead Business Specialist for the City of Eau Claire’s Economic Development Division Jake Wiensch Wins Young Professional of the Year Award

City of Eau Claire’s Economic Development Division employee Jake Wiensch was nominated and won Momentum West’s Young Professional award in 2022. As a lead business specialist, he assists with implementing the City’s Economic Development Strategy, serves as a point of contact for the City’s economic, downtown, and redevelopment programs, and conducts a proactive business attraction and retention program for the City. Additionally, he is a staff member for Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI), focusing on assisting small businesses in Eau Claire, specifically helping businesses navigate the DECI Jumpstart Competition and the Enhancement Grant Program.

“It is always positive to see the eagerness the young professionals like Jake bring to the table,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. “The next generation of leaders are willing to learn new skills and apply their knowledge to help communities like Eau Claire grow and flourish.”

“I do what I do to help grow the prosperity and quality of life of the residents within the City of Eau Claire and the Momentum West region/Chippewa Valley,” said Jake Wiensch. “I enjoy being able to help others, whether it be through assisting a new business start-up with our City Revolving Loans that I manage or through giving tips on the best places to eat in Eau Claire.”

Momentum West Provides An Abundance of Benefits for Economic Development in Wisconsin

“The 10-county region that makes up Momentum West provides small and medium-sized businesses with access to three University of Wisconsin System institutions and two other Technical Colleges,” said Wiensch. “These educational systems help supply the region with a highly skilled and well-educated workforce that meets the needs of local businesses. Also, the location and access to critical infrastructure help businesses share what is produced or manufactured within this region worldwide. Lastly, it is hard to beat this region’s quality of life. It is a great place to live with abundant outdoor attractions and amenities.”

For more information about economic development opportunities in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, visit: EauClaireWI.gov/Business