In economic development, you don’t always learn the value of an asset by having it. Sometimes you learn by watching others lose it. Across the Midwest, communities without reliable commercial air service are discovering—often the hard way—that air access is not a luxury. It is one of the core infrastructure requirements for a growing community. Once it’s gone, rebuilding it is costly, slow, and uncertain. However- here in the Chippewa Valley we are fortunate. We have the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (CVRA) that connects us to a major hub (Chicago), one that supports business growth, and one that keeps us competitive. There are many communities our size that would trade places with us in a heartbeat! It’s easy to overlook something that’s always been there. But when you step back and really think about it, the CVRA is one of the most important economic engines we have—and we are incredibly fortunate to call it ours. So, we need to remember that our local airport isn’t just a place where planes take off and land. It’s a front door to our community, a connector to opportunity, and it is one quiet but powerful reason the Chippewa Valley continues to grow and compete.
Dubuque, Iowa is a cautionary tale that economic developers across the Midwest know all too well. After losing commercial air service, Dubuque saw nearly 200 jobs disappear and more than $26 million in economic output vanish, according to a local economic impact analysis cited by the national rural development association. At the time business travelers and visitors were suddenly forced to drive 80 miles or more just to board a flight, adding time, cost, and friction to every trip. Those area local leaders were blunt about the consequences: isolation, lost competitiveness, and long‑term economic risk. This was not unique to Dubuque. Federal analysis also shows that small and mid‑sized communities without air service experience reduced connectivity, higher travel costs, and weaker access to national markets—all of which directly affect business growth and job creation. Regions without air service often struggle to recruit executives, professionals, and specialized workers.
Without air service, communities are often passed over quietly. Not because they lack workforce, land, or leadership—but because access matters. Site selectors, investors, and growing companies factor connectivity into every decision, whether it’s said out loud or not. At CED we talk to local leaders throughout the Midwest regions without air service and their list of needs is remarkably consistent. Many wish they had same‑day business travel instead of two‑day trips that require overnight stays. They wish they could recruit executives, engineers, and healthcare professionals without hearing, “It’s just too hard to get there.” They wish visiting customers didn’t have to rent a car in another city and drive hours to reach them. Most of all, they wish they still had control over their economic narrative and are actively lobbying for federal programs like Essential Air Service or Small Community Air Service Development grants because they see air access as foundational infrastructure—not a luxury.
The CVRA serves as the primary commercial airport for a large portion of western Wisconsin. From business travelers heading to meetings, to visitors coming for college tours, healthcare, or family events, the airport makes our region accessible to the rest of the country. With Daily connections to the major hub of Chicago-local businesses can reach customers, partners, and suppliers without losing a full day to travel. That kind of access matters—especially for many of our local growing companies that need to move fast and do business in person. Beyond flights, the airport supports jobs—both directly and indirectly. From airport operations and airline staff to maintenance, hospitality, and rental car services, it creates steady employment and local spending. Travelers flying into the Chippewa Valley eat at local restaurants, stay in local hotels, attend events, and support local shops. That ripple effect touches nearly every corner of our economy, even if it’s not always visible day to day.
One of CVRA’s biggest advantages is convenience. Short lines, easy parking, and a stress‑free experience make flying local an attractive option for residents and businesses alike. When people choose to fly from the Chippewa Valley instead of driving hours to a larger airport, they save time—and they keep their dollars closer to home. That choice strengthens the airport, which in turn strengthens the entire region. The CVRA has grown and adapted over decades to meet the needs of our region. It continues to invest in facilities, safety, and service so it can support future growth and new opportunities. Not every community our size has an airport like this. Many regions wish they did.
Nonstop service from Eau Claire to Las Vegas is officially back this fall, offering travelers a convenient, nonstop option to one of the country’s top leisure and entertainment destinations. Sun Country Airlines will operate this nonstop seasonal route from September 4 through December 7. Local travelers can once again skip the long drive and connect directly to the energy, events, and experiences Las Vegas has to offer. Whether you’re planning an adults-only getaway, a long weekend with friends, or a unique adventure, Las Vegas offers something for everyone. Beyond the famous Strip, visitors can explore incredible sights like the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, and more. More importantly, this nonstop option also supports local economic growth by enhancing connectivity for both leisure and business travel. Community support plays a key role in sustaining and expanding air service like this. Book your trip today at suncountry.com and take advantage of this exciting opportunity.
As the Chippewa Valley looks toward the future—growing our workforce, attracting new investment, and supporting existing employers—our airport will play a central role. The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport isn’t just a transportation facility. It’s an economic asset that quietly supports jobs, growth, and opportunity every single day.
#FlyEAU