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So far Charlie Walker has created 335 blog entries.
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Celebrating Labor Day by Investing in TWI

CEDC has long understood that true economic growth comes not just from recruiting new businesses, but from strengthening the companies already embedded in our communities. For over 30 years, CEDC has focused on creating opportunities and bolstering regional economic success by keeping communities at the core of every initiative. As we reflect on Labor Day—a time to honor the contributions of workers who drive our economy—it’s clear that strong leadership is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. That’s why the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is proud to partner with the UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) on a proven workforce development tool that can elevate local business support: Training Within Industry (TWI). Originally developed during World War II to rapidly train industrial supervisors, TWI has stood the test of time. Its structured, [...]

Celebrating Labor Day by Investing in TWI2025-09-02T14:15:31-05:00

Sarah Kowal Blogging for CEDC-From Founder to Capital Connector: A Western Wisconsin Entrepreneur Comes Full Circle with BEAR ’25

When I was building WeatherVane Creamery (note: website intentionally frozen in time), I was trying to do more than just open a vibrant Wisconsin-themed deli in River Falls- I was painting a vision. I wanted people to see what I saw: a vital, community-centered, proudly Wisconsin space that could become something special right now, not “someday.”   And thankfully, people did see it. I built an advisory board of experts, restaurateurs, and dairy industry insiders. I crowdfunded. I launched investor dinners. I had the American Cheese Society's stamp of approval. I got a ton of media coverage. It was alive and moving, being the scrappy Western Wisconsin founder working tirelessly to rally Cheeseheads.   What I didn’t have… was a clear investor path. Ask any rural founder in these parts, and they’ll likely tell you a [...]

Sarah Kowal Blogging for CEDC-From Founder to Capital Connector: A Western Wisconsin Entrepreneur Comes Full Circle with BEAR ’252025-07-31T16:47:34-05:00

The Story of Steaks, Strategy, and the Secret Sauce for Economic Development

The steaks hit the grill with a satisfying hiss, smoke curling into the early evening air. Dan adjusted the heat and turned to Charlie, who stood nearby sipping a bourbon old-fashioned, sleeves rolled up and a smirk forming. “Careful,” Dan said, “you’ll end up branding that grill with a motivational quote.” Charlie laughed. “Dan-Funny you say that. I’ve had this phrase stuck in my head all week: ‘Be Kind, Rewind.’ Sounds cute, right? An era of VHS manners- Camaros and cassette tapes. But the longer I’m in economic development, the more it feels like a good playbook.” Dan leaned against the restaurant railing, curious. “Alright, I’ll bite—what’s kindness got to do with infrastructure and investment?” “Everything,” Charlie said. “At Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, we’re here to grow our community—not just by building business [...]

The Story of Steaks, Strategy, and the Secret Sauce for Economic Development2025-07-01T16:36:14-05:00

Built to Connect: Inside the CEDC Collaborative Showcase at Hixwood Metals

CEDC's Collaborative Showcase series brings together local businesses, industry leaders, and community advocates to foster meaningful connections and highlight innovation throughout the Chippewa Valley.Each two-hour, onsite event—hosted by CEDC stakeholders across the region—offers participants a chance to tour local facilities, engage in cross-sector dialogue, and explore opportunities for partnership and growth. These showcases not only strengthen individual organizations but also contribute to the vitality of the broader regional economy.Our most recent showcase took place at Hixwood Metals in Stanley, Wisconsin. Known for its high-quality post-frame building kits, metal roofing, and steel coil products, Hixwood has become a trusted supplier for contractors and builders across the Midwest and beyond. Their product offerings also include portable sheds, garages, and a wide array of custom building accessories—all delivered with a strong commitment to craftsmanship and customer [...]

Built to Connect: Inside the CEDC Collaborative Showcase at Hixwood Metals2025-06-25T14:21:56-05:00

CEDC Board Meeting at Automation Displays Inc. Strengthens Regional Economic Connections

At CEDC fostering strong partnerships is central to our BEAR mission. Our recent board meeting, hosted at Automation Displays Inc. (ADi)’s Eau Claire campus, provided a dynamic platform for strategic discussions, relationship building, and exploring opportunities to drive economic growth in the Chippewa Valley. The meeting also welcomed new board members Mark Bergh of B&B Electric, Matt Guse of MRS Machining Co, and Jason Plante of Market & Johnson, whose expertise strengthens our collaborative efforts. The gathering brought together our CEDC board members who come from several different industries, each bringing their own unique perspectives to the table. The agenda featured our CEDC Board Meeting, roundtable discussions, and a tour of ADi’s state-of-the-art facility, creating an environment for collaboration on shared challenges and innovative solutions. Founded in 1971 by two engineers from a [...]

CEDC Board Meeting at Automation Displays Inc. Strengthens Regional Economic Connections2025-06-27T13:22:02-05:00

Smoke, Sauce, and Strategy: CEDC Joins BBQ Fest

At CEDC we know that building a strong local economy means more than numbers and infrastructure—it’s also about community, connection, and culture. That’s why we’re excited to announce that CEDC has officially registered for the inaugural BBQ Fest happening on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls. Under the team name C2BQ – Where Business Meets BBQ, we’re stepping into the Backyard BBQ competition, firing up the grill, and showing that economic development can be just as flavorful as it is impactful. Events like BBQ Fest bring people together, support local vendors, and spotlight what makes our region unique—a vibrant mix of entrepreneurship, hospitality, and good old-fashioned fun. We’ll be competing in all three categories—chicken, ribs, and the People's Choice pork loin—and we hope you’ll stop by, [...]

Smoke, Sauce, and Strategy: CEDC Joins BBQ Fest2025-06-27T13:23:09-05:00

Spectrum Industries Hosted CEDC Collaborative Showcase

At CEDC, fostering a culture of connection is at the heart of our Business Expansion, Attraction, and Retention (BEAR) program. We believe that strong business relationships drive sustainable growth, which is why we launched the Collaborative Showcase program—a unique initiative designed to bring together industry leaders, partners, and advocates for open dialogue and shared learning. What Is the Collaborative Showcase? The Collaborative Showcase is a two-hour gathering hosted at a CEDC stakeholder’s facility. These events provide a platform for local businesses and community leaders to connect, learn from one another, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. By meeting face-to-face, participants can build genuine relationships that help strengthen the economic fabric of our region. A Special Gathering at Spectrum Industries Our most recent Collaborative Showcase was graciously hosted by Spectrum Industries in Chippewa Falls. [...]

Spectrum Industries Hosted CEDC Collaborative Showcase2025-06-05T12:18:55-05:00

Celebrating June Dairy Month: Why Supporting Local Dairy Farms Matters for Our Economy

June Dairy Month is more than just a celebration of delicious milk, cheese, and ice cream—it’s a time to recognize the backbone of our rural communities and the engine behind much of our local economic development: dairy farming. From rolling pastures to bustling creameries, dairy farms are not just iconic parts of our landscape—they’re essential contributors to our economy, our workforce, and our way of life. The Dairy Industry: A Foundation of Rural Economies In Wisconsin and across the Midwest, dairy farming isn’t just a tradition—it’s an industry. Dairy contributes billions to our state’s economy annually and supports tens of thousands of jobs. Whether it’s the farmhand milking cows before sunrise, the truck driver hauling fresh milk to the creamery, or the family-owned cheese shop selling local products, the ripple effect of dairy [...]

Celebrating June Dairy Month: Why Supporting Local Dairy Farms Matters for Our Economy2025-06-02T10:49:45-05:00

The Glue of Our Community: How the CEDC Charity Golf Classic is Supporting Local Charities

At the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), we believe that lasting progress begins with strong connections—and that includes uplifting the nonprofits and charitable organizations that serve as the backbone of our communities. This year’s CEDC Charity Golf Classic was a shining example of how giving back can be both impactful and enjoyable. Held under sunny skies, the event brought together businesses, civic leaders, and community champions for a day of golf, generosity, and shared purpose. We were honored to name the Jayna Kelley Memorial Foundation as the 2025 beneficiary. In just five years, this remarkable organization has donated more than $386,800 to 15 different causes—each one creating a ripple of hope and support across the Chippewa Valley. From youth programs to healthcare initiatives, the foundation’s mission of community-driven giving continues to inspire and [...]

The Glue of Our Community: How the CEDC Charity Golf Classic is Supporting Local Charities2025-05-22T15:00:47-05:00

2025 CEDC Annual Meeting Highlights Community as the Core of Economic Growth

The 2025 CEDC Annual Meeting, was held on Friday, May 16. The meeting coincided with Economic Development Week, a time to reflect on regional progress and sets the tone for continued growth and collaboration. The theme of this year’s annual meeting was Communities at the Core. The gathering-one of the Chippewa Valley’s largest business networking events-is a time for local economic development stakeholders to reflect on the organizations past 12 months of work in assisting local businesses, making entrepreneur connections, and helping local communities grow. Over 350 attendees connected at the Eau Claire Event District while keynote speaker Sylvie Nelson, a nationally recognized leader in workforce development, reminded the audience that bold ideas and going beyond expectations is the only way to create real change for communities. “Businesses Must Step up even more, go above [...]

2025 CEDC Annual Meeting Highlights Community as the Core of Economic Growth2025-06-03T16:23:12-05:00
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