FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
TUESDAY: As Holidays Approach, Eau Claire Small Businesses Hold Roundtable on Their Economic Challenges
Clara Serrano to join area small business owners and Opportunity Wisconsin to discuss tariffs and the war in Iran driving up costs
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – On Tuesday, Opportunity Wisconsin will host a roundtable with Eau Claire small business owners and local leaders to discuss the economic challenges they are facing heading into the holidays as tariffs and the war in Iran continue to drive up costs and make it harder for them to succeed.
For months, small business owners have struggled as costly tariffs and the war in Iran have driven up costs and threatened their bottom line. Congressman Derrick Van Orden voted in support of tariffs and the war in Iran. Tariffs aren't abstract policy — they're hitting local businesses hard. Not only that, the war in Iran is driving up gas and diesel prices, which is having ripple effects throughout the economy. Costs are up, and customers, squeezed by the same rising prices, are cutting back on everything from their holiday gift budgets to restaurant visits to travel.
Small business owners will share more about the challenges they're facing and be available to answer questions from the media following the discussion.
WHO:
Clara Serrano, Eau Claire City Council Member
Small business owners from the Eau Claire area, including representatives from Thai Orchid Restaurant, Eau Claire Outdoors, YASS Boutique
Opportunity Wisconsin
WHEN: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Eau Claire WI, exact location available upon RSVP
RSVP: Media interested in covering the event should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org.
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