At the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, we believe thriving businesses are built on a foundation of deeply connected people. This page brings together our signature workforce initiatives—First Friend, Bridge & Belong, and the Workforce Innovation Series—to bridge the gap between regional employers and the individuals who make our community vibrant.
Together, these programs help local businesses adapt to a modern workplace while providing newcomers and their families with the personal connections they need to truly feel at home. By offering everything from customized tours to collaborative professional workshops, we are ensuring the greater La Crosse area remains a place where both people and businesses can grow together.
Questions? Reach out to Lauren Harris, Director of Education & Workforce Development
A personal community concierge for your prospective hires and new employees, offering tours, customized resources and local connections to help them seamlessly transition.
Events put on for newcomers and their families to meet others in the community.
Employer-focused event series to explore workforce trends, challenges, and opportunties.
Workforce Innovation Series
The Workforce Innovation Series is an employer-focused event series, bringing together leaders, HR professionals, and industry experts to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of work in the Coulee Region. Each session is hosted by local and regional experts who provide conversation, data, and practical insights to help employers build resilient, forward-thinking workplaces where people and businesses thrive.
Bridge & Belong
Bridge & Belong is a premier series dedicated to helping relocating individuals and their families integrate into the region. The initiative provides vital opportunities to establish local networks, foster friendships, and explore the vibrant community life of greater La Crosse.
Upcoming series sessions include:
- Â Bridge Through Summer Traditions (Moon Tunes)
- Â Bridge Through History
- Â Bridge Through the Arts
- Â Bridge Through Winter Traditions
- Â Bridge Through Play
- Â Bridge Through Service
Want to help newcomers feel at home? Become a Bridge Builder!
Join Bridge Builders, a volunteer-led initiative by the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce’s Bridge and Belong program. As a Bridge Builder, you’ll help welcome newcomers to the La Crosse area by offering genuine connections, local insider tips, and an immediate sense of belonging. Help us make our community feel like home from day one!
First Friend
Finding your right new hire can be a daunting task. Likewise, moving to a new community for the perfect job can be just as overwhelming for your new hire. Introducing…First Friend!
With the help of our First Friend program, you can focus on finding the best candidate for your company and leave selling the community to us. We serve as the first friends to your potential employees and new hires. We learn what is important to them and their family and provide a customized experience showcasing our community.
Our concierge is knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to serving you and your candidates throughout the hiring process and beyond. We successfully transition new hires from all industries and roles, helping mitigate turnover.
First Friend Sponsored by Dahl Automotive
Questions?
Contact Lauren Harris at lauren@lacrossechamber.com.