Lake Hallie, WI — The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) hosted a successful Legislative Speed Dating event today at the Egg Break Café in Lake Hallie, bringing together more than 45 local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to engage directly with elected officials on key economic development priorities.

Participating legislators included  State Senators Jesse James, Romaine Quinn, Jeff Smith- State Representatives Dave Armstrong, Karen Hurd, Christian Phelps, and Clint Moses. Legislative staff aids in attendance included Anna Ringstad and Brian Westrate, representing Tammy Baldwin and Derrick Van Orden, respectively.

The event is part of CEDC’s ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure that public policy supports—not hinders—entrepreneurial growth and business success across Chippewa County and the broader Chippewa Valley region.

“Economic development doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” said CEDC Vice Chair Chad Oster. “The states policy environment often determines how easy or difficult for businesses to start, grow, and remain in our communities. Advocacy events like this ensure our local voices are heard  and we are all working together when these policy decisions are made.”

Connecting Policy to Real-World Business Needs

CEDC’s Legislative Speed Dating format creates structured, face-to-face conversations between legislators and local employers. These discussions provide a platform for business leaders to:

  • Share real-time challenges impacting operations and growth
  • Highlight barriers related to workforce, housing, and infrastructure
  • Offer practical, experience-driven policy solutions

For policymakers, the event delivers firsthand insight into how legislative decisions at the state and federal levels directly affect small businesses and entrepreneurs on the ground. The event reflects CEDC’s broader commitment to advocacy as a core component of it’s economic development strategy.

Key Issues Discussed

During today’s event, legislators rotated amongst participants engaging in dialogue that centered around several pressing state and federal priorities, including:

  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) flexibility and reform
  • Workforce housing development and supply challenges
  • Business tax incentives, including housing and childcare credits
  • Youth Apprenticeship program funding
  • Redevelopment of the Northern Center in Chippewa Falls
  • Behavioral health and treatment facility investments
  • Healthcare affordability
  • Federal funding priorities concerning bridges, wastewater treatment, and transportation

Building a Stronger Business Climate

CEDC’s advocacy work is grounded in direct engagement with the business community—ensuring that policy priorities reflect real-world needs. By creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, programs like Legislative Speed Dating help remove barriers, strengthen partnerships, and build momentum for policies that support long-term economic growth.

About Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC)
CEDC is dedicated to fostering economic growth and resilience in Chippewa County by supporting business development, workforce initiatives, and strategic advocacy efforts that strengthen the regional economy.

Media Contact:
Casey Hedrington
Economic Development Specialist
Chippewa Economic Development Corporation
Staff@chippewa-wi.com