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So far Charlie Walker has created 331 blog entries.

Raise Your Milk Glass to Dairy Farmers in June!

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation works tirelessly to support and promote the Chippewa Valley's dairy industry, just as dairy farmers work tirelessly to provide the world with the Wisconsin dairy products we know and love. We have helped farmers explore exporting opportunities, improved their supply chain, and assisted in mentoring programs. We have even helped farmers obtain loans to implement automation equipment. The economic impact that agriculture has on the Chippewa Valley cannot be overemphasized. June is National Dairy Month, which has been nationally recognized since 1937. The Wisconsin dairy industry generates $45.6 billion each year, making Wisconsin the nation's highest producer and exporter of dairy. The Chippewa County agricultural industry contributes over $650 million to the local economy. This month, let's thank our dairy farmers for keeping the state's economy moving and [...]

Raise Your Milk Glass to Dairy Farmers in June!2022-06-13T08:38:29-05:00

$4000 in Scholarships Awarded to Chi Hi Students

Thanks to the many donations to the STEAM Scholarship Program at Chippewa Falls High School (Chi Hi), the school was able to award two students with $2000 scholarships to help continue their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. These two seniors were chosen out of several applicants because of their dedication to both education and giving back to their communities. Zachary Secraw plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth for Civil Engineering to "help out communities." Destiny Kolve plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, get a Bachelor's in Chemistry, and has an interest in "lab science and research based careers." It's super important for a community to help its students get a leg up so that they can in turn bring their skills back to the Chippewa Valley. The CEDC is proud [...]

$4000 in Scholarships Awarded to Chi Hi Students2022-05-25T10:31:43-05:00

So Many Reasons to Celebrate!

There are all kinds of reasons to celebrate Economic Development Week (May 9-13), but one of the most important is to celebrate, recognize, and thank the many staff, volunteers, and economic development organizations that work diligently to build wealth in our communities. Their daily actions create more economically vibrant and livable places, as well as encourage teamwork among organizations and businesses. In the Chippewa Valley, our local governments have officially proclaimed Economic Development Week. CEDC utilizes the week to not only pat ourselves on the back but to congratulate our partners, collaborators, and colleagues for all the hard work they do. It is always productive to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments and gather together to network and lift each other up so the mission of economic development can continue. On Thursday, [...]

So Many Reasons to Celebrate!2022-05-18T15:02:52-05:00

CEDC Hosts Local Developer Summit

Recently, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) hosted a Developers Update Summit, where we invited state and regional developers to familiarize themselves with the many opportunities that Chippewa County has to offer. The event also provided a sneak peek to CEDC investors regarding current industrial, commercial, and residential developments that are in-progress or soon to be announced. Besides giving attendees an update on the Chippewa Crossing project, Wangard Partners Inc. utilized the event to stay abreast of other development projects that are happening and provided insight as well as next steps, which the community can take into consideration to leverage its assets. Understanding how the community is investing in its roads, utility and high-speed broadband internet infrastructure, and workforce pipeline development helps site selectors, brokers, and developers with their due diligence in making [...]

CEDC Hosts Local Developer Summit2022-05-02T15:47:09-05:00

Economics and the Earth

As an Economic Development Organization (EDO), we like to take care of the Earth while ensuring a future for the Chippewa Valley. That's why the CEDC works hard with both government and business to create the most sustainable economic development possible. Climate change will continue to affect the state of affairs in the world, and we hope to mitigate that early by taking action now. Here are some ways that individuals and businesses can ensure an economic future as well as maintain the beauty of the Earth: Collaborate with other individuals or businesses to reuse or recycle by-products. Purchase goods locally to reduce both transportation time and cost. Instead of disposing of unwanted/surplus items, pass them on to another member of the community.

Economics and the Earth2022-04-26T08:32:23-05:00

Northside Elevator Expands to Stanley, Wisconsin

Northside Elevator, based out of Loyal, Wisconsin (WI), has recently announced their selection of the Stanley's West Industrial Park in Chippewa County as the location for their next facility. The company, for the past year and a half, has been working with the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), CN Railroad, and the City of Stanley, WI on due diligence for the facility. The phased project calls for Northside to build a new $20 million master-planned facility complex containing several warehouses, office space, a fertilizer plant tower system, and a corn drying bin. Located on over 55 acres of land and adjacent to the CN Railroad, the facility will have abundant rail spurs and truck transportation egress ease to serve their customers in the Chippewa Valley. The company is expanding in response from their customers [...]

Northside Elevator Expands to Stanley, Wisconsin2022-04-28T15:40:41-05:00

CEDC Hosts Area Developers

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN – On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) will be hosting a Developers Update. Stewart Wangard, founder/CEO of Wangard Partners, Inc. in Milwaukee, will update attendees on their Chippewa Crossing real estate projects. Wangard Partners believes in building valued partnerships by bringing together key stakeholders in the community to ensure their project’s success. Dante Tomassoni, COO of Development at P&R Companies of Duluth, MN, will be discussing what the company looks for in a community when building their projects. Since 2010, P&R Companies prides themselves on designing and constructing their buildings to the highest industry and construction standards, making them as energy efficient as possible and reducing the carbon footprints of their properties. The event will be held at the [...]

CEDC Hosts Area Developers2022-04-18T12:50:13-05:00

Festival Foods Purchases 7.4 Acres in Chippewa Falls

Wangard Partners, Inc. (Wangard), a Milwaukee-based full-service real estate development firm, announced today the sale of a 7.4 acre site in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, to Festival Foods (Festival). Wangard’s Chippewa Crossing development covers approximately 60 acres, and is located at the intersection of Seymour Cray Sr. Blvd and Chippewa Crossing Blvd. Festival plans to start construction on their new store in the spring in 2023 and open later that year. “We are very excited to have Festival Foods as the anchor for our Chippewa Crossing development!" said Stewart Wangard, CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Festival Foods is a very successful, Wisconsin-based grocery brand and their presence in Chippewa Falls will be an impactful option for the community.” "We are so excited to see new development in the Chippewa Crossing area," stated Charlie [...]

Festival Foods Purchases 7.4 Acres in Chippewa Falls2022-04-08T10:33:10-05:00

Cadott High Students Study Chippewa Valley Careers

To increase awareness about the benefits of working in the trades, CEDC continues to collaborate with our local schools. We were pleased to assist Cadott with their Career Expo in early April. Through our many Business Expansion And Retention (BEAR) visits, we know the importance of skilled trades. These jobs vary from mechanics to construction workers, from welders to hairstylists, and are a critical component of our labor force. For years, interest in these skill trade jobs has continued to decline - in part because of the continued push by parents, teachers, and student peer groups to go to a university and get that four year degree. CEDC investors and stakeholders throughout the Chippewa Valley gathered in the gym at Cadott High School for one reason - to educate CHS students that the [...]

Cadott High Students Study Chippewa Valley Careers2022-04-05T14:04:22-05:00

CVIC Board Holds Meeting at CVTC

The Chippewa Valley Innovation Center (CVIC) was established in 1986 by Eau Claire County, the City of Eau Claire, Chippewa County, Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation, Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) as a regional partnership for the purpose of supporting new and emerging entrepreneurial businesses in the Eau Claire area. During their 36 year history, the CVIC has successfully proven to be a productive tool in growing our region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their current facility, located on 3132 Louis Avenue in Eau Claire, specializes in assisting manufacturing startups. Recently, the CVIC Board had their monthly meeting at Chippewa Valley Technical College's Manufacturing Education Center, adjacent to the Eau Claire Gateway Campus, where Board members were able to tour and receive an update on the Advanced Manufacturing Center's activities. This [...]

CVIC Board Holds Meeting at CVTC2022-03-24T14:09:00-05:00
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