WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes and Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers joined municipal leaders at outdoor events throughout Wisconsin on Aug. 5 and 6 to launch the We’re All In public information campaign, highlighting best practices aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 and getting Wisconsin’s economy back on track.

The We’re All In initiative is an effort by WEDC and its partners to create a “community of communities” in support of public health and safety measures. The initiative aims to reach every person in every corner of Wisconsin through social media, advertising and other outreach efforts and give them opportunities to actively participate in the state’s recovery effort.

The events in La Crosse, Beloit, Stevens Point, Tomah, Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, Rhinelander, Green Bay and Ashland also included visits to local businesses that have made the necessary changes to their operations to keep employees, customers and their communities safe.

“If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s that the health of our people and the health of our economy are intertwined,” said Secretary Hughes. “That’s why WEDC is encouraging Wisconsin businesses and citizens to adopt the necessary practices and behaviors for our state to continue its progress toward reopening with confidence.”

Jackson Kysar, owner of the Burger Barn in Ashland, was one of the small business owners that shared their stories with WEDC and community leaders and media. When COVID-19 first hit his community, Kysar promised his employees that he would not lay any of them off. And he promised his customers that he would continue to serve them great food as he was able. “We need to put our personal feelings aside and ask ourselves what we can do as a community to get through this,” Kysar said.

Citizens and businesses can show their support for and participate in the We’re All In initiative by following the campaign on social media:

Wisconsinites are encouraged to capture and share images of themselves social distancing with friends or family, wearing masks and doing other things that reflect how they are keeping their communities safe from COVID-19 and to share these photos on social media with the hashtag #WeAreAllIn. Likewise, businesses are invited to take and share pictures of their safe practices aimed at helping customers, clients and employees stay healthy.

Equally important to what campaign participants are doing to maintain their own health and the well-being of their neighbors and communities is why they are doing it. These images and messages will be captured at WeAreAllInWI.com as a running tally of the commitment Wisconsin citizens are making to each other and to the state’s economic strength.

WeAreAllInWI.com also includes businesses resources, including printable signage designed to protect customers and employees by encouraging safe COVID-19 practices.