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So far Staff has created 62 blog entries.

Showcasing Chippewa County’s Progress with WEDC

Chippewa’s economic development inertia is not built on a single project or a single conversation. It comes from the steady work of businesses, developers, local leaders, and community partners who are helping create the kind of places where people want to live, work, and invest. That spirit was on display recently when CEDC welcomed John W. Miller, Cabinet Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and Ray French, WEDC Regional Economic Development Director, for a visit focused on the projects and partnerships shaping the future of our county. Led by Charlie , the morning offered more than a tour. It told the story of a community investing in its future through thoughtful development, strong collaboration, and a clear understanding of what drives long-term growth. Building for what comes next At Lake [...]

Showcasing Chippewa County’s Progress with WEDC2026-07-30T15:02:41-05:00

Where Big Ideas Take Root: BEAR at the Orchard & the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Ask almost any successful business owner in the Chippewa Valley how they got where they are, and you'll rarely hear a story about doing it alone. Behind nearly every thriving local company is a network of mentors, lenders, investors, educators, fellow founders, and community members who showed up at the right moment. That network is the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and strengthening it is at the heart of what we do at CEDC. An entrepreneurial ecosystem is the network of people, organizations, and resources that help businesses launch, grow, and succeed. It includes access to capital, mentorship, technical assistance, and training—plus the relationships that help founders keep moving forward when challenges arise. Think of it like an orchard: a single tree can survive on its own, but a healthy orchard—with good soil, pollinators, and careful [...]

Where Big Ideas Take Root: BEAR at the Orchard & the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem2026-07-30T12:50:27-05:00

Brewing Opportunity: Coffee with APEX Connects Chippewa Manufacturers to the Defense Supply Chain

How can local manufacturers better understand opportunities within the Department of Defense supply chain? What resources are available to help businesses navigate government contracting? Every year, the Department of Defense (sometimes referred to as the Department of War, DOW) awards hundreds of billions of dollars in contracts, and a significant portion supports the manufacturing sector — machined components, electronics, castings, textiles, packaging, and countless other supplies that keep military operations moving. For manufacturers looking to diversify their customer base, create more stable demand, and explore new markets, the defense industrial base represents a significant opportunity. The path to becoming a government supplier, however, can seem complex, with unique requirements, regulations, and procurement processes. That is where partnerships and resources like the Wisconsin APEX Accelerator and the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) play an important [...]

Brewing Opportunity: Coffee with APEX Connects Chippewa Manufacturers to the Defense Supply Chain2026-07-21T13:42:03-05:00

Dream to Destination: How 6Four Accord is Creating the Chippewa Valley’s Newest Agritourism Experience

What began as an entrepreneurial vision and opened it's doors in October 2025 -6Four Accord is quickly becoming one of the Chippewa Valley's most unique destinations. Nestled just outside Cameron, Wisconsin, 6Four Accord is redefining what it means to visit a unique gathering place. More than a reindeer farm, it is a place where agriculture, entertainment, local food, and community come together to create an experience unlike any other in the United States. During a recent CEDC Business Expansion And Retention (BEAR) Visit, our team had the opportunity to explore the growing property, learn about the journey of owners De Anna and Tyler Westphal, and record an upcoming episode of the BEAR Discussions Podcast. Walking the grounds, it quickly became clear that this isn't simply another business—it's the realization of a dream that [...]

Dream to Destination: How 6Four Accord is Creating the Chippewa Valley’s Newest Agritourism Experience2026-07-08T17:06:53-05:00

Rail, Logistics, and Redevelopment: A Vision for Future Growth

Recently, CEDC hosted Wisconsin State Representative Rob Summerfield for a Business Expansion, Attraction, and Retention (BEAR) visit at B&L Transport to discuss the company's continued investment at the former frac sand processing facility and explore opportunities to strengthen the site's long-term economic potential. During the visit, B&L Transport provided an update on the significant progress made since acquiring the property. Company leadership highlighted ongoing improvements to the facility, current operations, and future plans to expand transportation, logistics, rail, and industrial capabilities at the site. The discussion underscored the importance of revitalizing formerly underutilized industrial assets while preserving family-supporting jobs and supporting continued private-sector investment in Chippewa County. A major focus of the discussion was Wisconsin’s newly enacted rail infrastructure modernization tax credit, created by 2025 Wisconsin Assembly Bill 219 (AB 219), which was [...]

Rail, Logistics, and Redevelopment: A Vision for Future Growth2026-07-06T16:42:03-05:00

Opening Doors, Sharing Stories, Building Opportunity

Sometimes the most valuable economic development happens not in a boardroom, but on a shop floor. Recently, CEDC, in partnership with the New Auburn Area Development Corporation (NAADC), hosted a Collaborative Showcase that brought together more than twenty business owners and community leaders for a day centered on connection, collaboration, and conversation. The day featured tours of New Auburn Cheese Company and Auburn Rod and Custom, each offering a unique look at the innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship that help drive our regional economy. By opening their doors, both businesses offered far more than a tour. They shared their stories, their experiences, and the passion behind what they do every day. Attendees had the opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to build and operate successful businesses in rural Wisconsin. From the entrepreneurial vision [...]

Opening Doors, Sharing Stories, Building Opportunity2026-07-30T12:45:44-05:00

Bringing Educators Behind the Scenes of Local Manufacturing

At CEDC, one of our core missions is strengthening the connection between education and industry and this summer, that mission came to life in a meaningful new way. We are thrilled to celebrate and be a small part of the launch of the Teacher Externship Program (TEP), a pilot initiative spearheaded by Laura Bushendorf, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District (CFAUSD) and valued CEDC Board member. Laura has been working tirelessly to build a bridge between local classrooms and the manufacturing facilities that are the backbone of our regional economy - and the results are already inspiring. What Is the TEP? TEP connects CFAUSD teachers directly with local manufacturers for four days of immersive, real-world learning experiences. Rather than reading about industry in a textbook, [...]

Bringing Educators Behind the Scenes of Local Manufacturing2026-06-22T16:32:04-05:00

Mahalo for Business Inspiration: What Hawaii Taught Me

Ten days in Hawaii. White sand beaches, sea turtles, shave ice, and sunsets that reinforce that God is Great and Grand. By any measure, it was a perfect vacation. And yes — out of those ten glorious days, I spent one of them touring local entrepreneurs. My family was not surprised. I tried. I really did. But somewhere between the snorkeling and the Mai tais, I spotted a small roadside stand with a line of locals wrapped around the corner, and the economic developer in me woke right up. Why does this work? What's the story here? Who is behind this? Before I knew it, I had introduced myself and was asking the owner how they got started. It's not a problem. It's a calling. One Day I made the most of my self-imposed "workday" [...]

Mahalo for Business Inspiration: What Hawaii Taught Me2026-06-22T16:00:09-05:00

Built Here, Growing Here: Celebrating Local Investment in Chippewa County

CEDC projects rarely happen overnight, they are often measured in milestones. A groundbreaking marks the beginning of the vision, while a ribbon cutting celebrates the successful completion of the project that took planning, partnership, and perseverance to bring to life. So, for us, the ribbon cutting is more than a celebration, it is the visible result of months of collaboration, commitment, and confidence in a community. That reality was on full display as CEDC joined community leaders, business partners, and members of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Water’s Edge Cheese Curds' new production facility in the Lake Wissota Business Park. The celebration was especially meaningful considering where the project began. As winter blanketed the Chippewa Valley in frost, CEDC continued its work alongside Chippewa County [...]

Built Here, Growing Here: Celebrating Local Investment in Chippewa County2026-06-22T13:22:29-05:00

Rogers Groundbreaking More than Turning Dirt!

CEDC was proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Rogers Behavioral Health hospital in Chippewa Falls—a project that represents a major accomplishment for our organization, our partners, and the entire Chippewa Valley. The groundbreaking event was more than just turning dirt. It was in part about a gathering in a field to witness a shared belief that strong communities don’t happen by accident — they believe in economic development and are built on purpose. One of the things we talk about a lot in economic development is speed to market. Communities that move quickly — and thoughtfully — are the ones that win. This project is a great example of that. From vision to action, Rogers Behavioral Health, the city, the County, the State (From the Senate, Governor, and agencies)- all working [...]

Rogers Groundbreaking More than Turning Dirt!2026-05-01T16:04:03-05:00
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