For Immediate Release – October 28, 2026

Contact:
Brian Otten, Marketing & Workforce Development Director
Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce
715-848-5947 | botten@wausauchamber.com

Small Businesses Can Take Control of Health Care Costs with Chamber Health Plan

WAUSAU — The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce will again offer current and prospective members an opportunity to learn more about a new health plan solution during a webinar to be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18. The ‘Chamber Health Plan: Real Savings, Smarter Benefits.’ event will be hosted in partnership with M3 Insurance and WPS Health Insurance. Registration is required for this complimentary event.

“This is a game-changer for small and midsize businesses in our region,” said Dave Eckmann, President and CEO of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to continue to provide our members with a tool that helps attract and retain talent while managing healthcare costs.”

The Chamber teamed up with M3 Insurance in 2025 to launch an exclusive health plan for member businesses with five to 99 employees. This initiative gives growing businesses access to competitive, customizable and cost-effective healthcare coverage. Members of the Chamber have already implemented cost-saving plans.

“At a time when most every business is experiencing double digit increases in health care costs, the Chamber Health Plan helped our organization decrease our total costs,” said Keith Ende, Executive Director of St Vincent De Paul - Cabrini Conference in Wausau. “I was prepared for this increase and was pleased to have the savings as more of our proceeds can then go to those in need.  What I was not prepared for was additional, uninsured employees to choose the plan as it now fit into their personal budgets.  St. Vincent’s ended up insuring more employees at a lower per person cost than we were able to provide previously.”

“Now, our staff are insured and able to access much needed and affordable care,” said Ende.

The Chamber Health Plan Initiative is not a co-op or association plan. Each participating business is individually underwritten, meaning rates and coverage are tailored to their actual group, not pooled risk. That means participants keep control and avoid the one-size-fits-all approach of association health plans.

“M3 is excited to continue collaborating with the Chamber on this effort to deliver flexible, smart solutions to members,” said Makenzie Loveland, Client Executive and Employee Benefits Lead at M3. “This approach gives employers control and confidence in their healthcare choices.”

For more information about becoming a member of the Chamber or to learn more about this health plan, visit WausauChamber.com or contact Tom Coleman, business development and sales manager, at 715-848-5951.

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The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is the source for business information in the Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The organization has earned a 5-Star Accreditation, one of only two chambers in the state with that designation. The Chamber strengthens member businesses and enhances the region by building business success. For more information on the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, visit us online at www.wausauchamber.com or call 715-845-6231.