About Charlie Walker

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Charlie Walker has created 261 blog entries.

Chippewa Valley Legislative “Speed Dating”

Over 40 CEDC Investors representing banking, heath care, agriculture, manufacturing, education, and  construction attended the 2nd Chippewa Economic Development Corporation's (CEDC) legislative "speed dating" event.  Organized by CEDC and the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), legislative speed dating was designed as a way for economic development stakeholders to meet Chippewa Valley's multiple legislators in a short amount of time. It allowed for focused discussions on various topics of interest. All of the Chippewa Valley's state representatives in the Assembly and Senate were invited as well as Congressman Derrick Van Orden to jump from table to table every 8 minutes to listen to issues of concern. Congressman Van Orden was represented, and State Senator Jesse James, State Senator Quinn, Rep. Dave Armstrong, Rep. Karen Hurd, and Rep. Moses all attended. WEDA has been working [...]

Chippewa Valley Legislative “Speed Dating”2024-03-08T14:25:42-06:00

FTD -Tradition, Technology, and Ag Advancement

Thanks to North Country Enterprises for hosting the 60th Annual Farm Show at the Chippewa Valley Expo Center! The Eau Claire Farm Show showcased exhibitor's ag related products and services. This event brought together farmers, exhibitors, and community members from around central Wisconsin to share their insights on the latest farming equipment and products. There were over 150 vendors,  families, farmers, and small businesses that utilized the event to learn more about what is currently happening in the local agricultural scene. CEDC took advantage of the opportunity to chat with show vendors as they gave attendees a chance to win small prizes at their booths. CEDC informed them of the sponsorship and vendor opportunities that the 2024 Farm Technology Days (FTD) will offer. CEDC staff and local FTD volunteers  proudly represented and promoted [...]

FTD -Tradition, Technology, and Ag Advancement2024-03-08T14:21:48-06:00

STEAM NIGHT: Igniting Potential!

In today's rapidly evolving world, preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow requires a multifaceted approach to education. That's where S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs shine. Recently, Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) partnered with the Chippewa Falls Senior High School (Chi-Hi) to organize and host a remarkable event – S.T.E.A.M. Night! These CEDC STEM events are activities, conferences, workshops, or showcases focusing on science, technology, engineering,  and mathematics. The STEAM Night  was a showcase open house style event that incorporated an additional element of arts into the mix, emphasizing creativity and design alongside the traditional STEM disciplines. Over 1,000 students from the Chippewa area attended visited  over 40 employer's booths. These regional companies highlighted and promoted career opportunities that centered around science, technology, engineering, arts,  and math fields. Each company [...]

STEAM NIGHT: Igniting Potential!2024-03-07T12:28:05-06:00

The Nuts And Bolts Of ESOP

CEDC organized another Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) lunch and learn hosted by our strategic partner Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC). These BEAR lunch and learns offer our local companies the advantages of networking and connecting with other businesses and community members while providing them access to valuable information and resources. Local companies can not underestimate the potential for business growth that they can get through learning and collaboration. Our BEAR lunch event programs are designed for professional development, knowledge sharing, team building, and connecting while also discussing important topics that impact business growth. The topic of this most recent lunch event was understanding ESOP, or Employee Stock Ownership Plan. CEDC utilized Business Consultant Matt Middendorp of ESOP Partners to lead the discussion. ESOP is a retirement plan where a company contributes its [...]

The Nuts And Bolts Of ESOP2024-02-29T10:25:51-06:00

CEDC & CFAUSD HOST SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, MATH (STEAM) EVENT

CEDC & CFAUSD HOST SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, MATH (STEAM) EVENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chippewa Falls, WI – February 19th, 2024 STEAM NIGHT is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 5pm – 8pm at Chippewa Falls Senior High School. STEAM Night is a family friendly science fair style event with booths set up throughout the high school featuring regional companies and their operations that focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. These companies host a booth/exploration station that will provide a STEAM based activity or demonstration that engages attendees to interact and ignite their interests in the STEAM careers these companies offer and provide. Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) knows that STEAM jobs are expected to grow by 8.8 percent by 2028, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report in [...]

CEDC & CFAUSD HOST SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, MATH (STEAM) EVENT2024-02-15T15:53:38-06:00

The Rise of Gig Economies: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges

In recent years, the gig economy has emerged as a transformative force in the world of work, reshaping traditional employment structures and offering new avenues for individuals to earn a living. The rise of gig economies presents a dynamic landscape filled with both opportunities and challenges, calling for a nuanced approach to economic development. Opportunities: Flexibility and Autonomy: One of the primary attractions of the gig economy is the flexibility it affords workers. Individuals can choose when, where, and how much they work, empowering them to strike a balance between professional and personal commitments. Job Diversification: The gig economy encompasses a wide array of sectors, from ride-sharing and freelance writing to graphic design and virtual assistance. This diversification provides workers with the chance to explore various roles and industries, fostering a culture of [...]

The Rise of Gig Economies: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges2024-02-09T16:29:04-06:00

Continuously Advocating

The CEDC wrapped up the year with its advocacy committee working in over drive as the legislature actively continues to quickly ramp up in the New Year. The state lawmakers enter the final months of the current legislative session. Of course, CEDC will continue to engage in the legislative process during this two-month sprint to the end of the session to make sure our Chippewa voice is heard, and our local economic development priorities rise to the top of the pile as lawmakers consider hundreds of bills. CEDC’s top legislative priorities include Assembly Bill 627, legislation that would modernize the state’s Business Development Tax Credit, and Assembly Bill 660, which would create a childcare tax credit for businesses that offer childcare benefits for their employees. Late last month, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee [...]

Continuously Advocating2024-02-08T12:01:28-06:00

Closures Spark Collaboration

The past couple of weeks, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) has been at the forefront of a concerted effort, collaborating with local Chambers, Economic Development Corporations, and government entities to find a viable solution to the imminent closure of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital, and all associated Prevea Clinics. This collective endeavor underscores the commitment of the community to ensure continued access to vital healthcare services for its residents. The closure of healthcare facilities poses a significant challenge to the community, affecting not only the well-being of individuals but also the local economy. The dedicated teams at CEDC, alongside their partners, have been diligently working together to explore innovative strategies that can mitigate the impact of these closures and ensure the provision of uninterrupted healthcare services. One noteworthy development [...]

Closures Spark Collaboration2024-02-08T18:27:20-06:00

Winger Construction Expands in Stanley, WI

For roughly 20 years, Joe Winger has been running his custom home building operation - Winger Construction out of his home office. As he continues to grow, he was looking for a location suitable to accommodate not only his shop, but also a showroom for customers. Like the majority of home builders, many of the meetings are set up with clients at the customer's homes. That developed a need for a showroom type location to establish office/showroom visits verses personal home visits. After looking throughout the Stanley area, Joe chose the East Stanley Industrial Park because of it is easily accessible to his Chippewa Valley customers. Winger Construction has broken ground on their new corporate office that will accommodate future growth as his construction crew continues to grow. Joe Winger recently joined Charlie [...]

Winger Construction Expands in Stanley, WI2024-02-06T10:49:38-06:00

Investment in Chippewa Economic Development Corporation

Local economic development organizations such as CEDC exist to promote and foster growth in our business community. This growth enhances the overall economic wellbeing of the citizens in our community. There isn't a day that goes by without someone asking, "how are you funded?". The answer usually comes as a surprise. We are funded by over 100 businesses and individuals through an investor model where businesses and community stakeholders annually invest in the organization. These investments are supplemented through program sponsorship, contract for services, and state and federal grants when applicable. Growing the local economy takes collaboration, and the Chippewa Eco­nomic Development Corporation’s (CEDC) approach to economic devel­opment and our programs continues to be recognized by peers nationally. With your financial support through investment/membership, we influence local economic development growth. At the beginning [...]

Investment in Chippewa Economic Development Corporation2024-01-19T17:56:45-06:00
Go to Top