For the fourth year in a row, Polka Dot Powerhouse has been voted the area’s No. 1 networking group! A global organization, the Eau Claire chapter is very active (it has members from ages 22 to 88!) — and was actually the founding chapter of the wider org. In the runner-up slot is Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley, operated under the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce umbrella, connecting tons of local professionals with one another and resources, volunteer opportunities and more. Business After Hours, also a networking event from the E.C. chamber, continues to be popular for area professionals to connect in a casual space. —McKenna Scherer