About Charlie Walker

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So far Charlie Walker has created 331 blog entries.

CCEDC Supports Talent Attraction Funding

Last week, the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, along with several other Wisconsin Economic Development Organizations, requested that members of the Wisconsin State Joint Finance Committee allocate funding for a Wisconsin talent recruitment program. Members of the CCEDC Workforce Talent Committee also supported an action that would fund a marketing campaign to raise awareness of the advantages of living and working in Wisconsin. A state marketing campaign that reinforces CCEDC's marketing message -- that Western Wisconsin is a great place to raise a family and a business -- helps position our existing industries to obtain the next generation of talent. Aimed at recruiting the best and the brightest, the Joint Finance Committee inserted $3 million toward talent recruitment and retention initiatives during the next two-year fiscal cycle and will be implemented by the [...]

CCEDC Supports Talent Attraction Funding2021-06-23T10:32:57-05:00

Latest BEAR Discussions Podcast Episode

Patrick Ley and Steven Birkholz – Seeking and Applying Unique Workforce Solutions – Episode 131 CEDC’s Charlie Walker sits down with Patrick Ley and Steven Birkholz of Applied Care Services (ACS). ACS is based out of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and offers counseling and employment assistance to individuals that struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues, while also helping businesses save money by taking care of their packaging needs. This week's podcast is back on the talent solution that so many businesses are struggling with; ACS is part of the solution. If you are struggling with mental health, Applied Care Services is here to help. Please consider reaching out by visiting their website or giving them a call at (612) 205 5332. Interested in signing up for the newsletter or learning more [...]

Latest BEAR Discussions Podcast Episode2022-01-19T14:42:14-06:00

CCEDC Helps Economy Get “Back in the Saddle” with 27th Annual Meeting

The Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation [CCEDC] is holding their 27th Annual Meeting at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds on August 27, 2021 from 11:45 am until 1:45 pm. This year’s Annual Meeting is themed “Back in the Saddle” and will be an opportunity for the organization to showcase its work over the past year and present businesses with several awards after a motivational keynote address by a featured guest. “We are excited to return in-person to our annual meeting since the start of the pandemic. This is our chance to brush off the dust, celebrate lifting ourselves up, getting back in the saddle and working together to get our local economy bouncing back. Now that vaccinations have been rolling out for quite a while and everyone is familiar with safety guidelines, business [...]

CCEDC Helps Economy Get “Back in the Saddle” with 27th Annual Meeting2021-06-21T09:22:45-05:00

Raise Your Milk Glass to Dairy Farmers This Month!

The Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation works hard to support and promote the Chippewa Valley's dairy industry. 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 for producing the products that Wisconsin is world-famous for. Celebrate National Dairy Month at the Breakfast in the [...]

Raise Your Milk Glass to Dairy Farmers This Month!2021-06-15T09:21:24-05:00

Window of Opportunity: AJ Manufacturing Grows and Expands

Founded in Bloomer, Wisconsin in 1960, A.J. Manufacturing continues to innovate and manufacture insulated door products.  While the company had always produced high-quality insulated doors and windows, a drive for discovering new markets and innovations has positioned the company for further growth and additional production lines such as high-quality HVAC and post-frame products. Recently, the company has broken ground to expand and modernize their North manufacturing facility, located in the Ironhorse Industrial Park in Bloomer, WI. This expansion is aimed at improving product painting efficiency, establishing additional offices, and improving employee amenities. The building is expected to be completed on October 31, 2021, and will include a newly paved parking lot, a new breakroom, and new bathrooms and offices. “AJ Manufacturing understands that their current employees have been the key to their success, [...]

Window of Opportunity: AJ Manufacturing Grows and Expands2021-06-04T14:01:25-05:00

Justin Vajko of Dialog Design Co. – Designing The Perfect Workplace – Episode 115

CCEDC's Charlie Walker sits down with Justin Vajko, founder of Dialog Design Co., to discuss being proactive about finding talent, the importance of investing into your employees before anything else, and the evolvement of the field of digital marketing. Dialog Design Co. gives businesses proven marketing tools they need to find steady talent so they can reach their goals and help entrepreneurs create brands & websites that get more leads. Some of the things they offer: Web Design SEO Google & Facebook Content Marketing Branding Packaging Design

Justin Vajko of Dialog Design Co. – Designing The Perfect Workplace – Episode 1152021-06-22T12:53:54-05:00

Ashley Furniture Expands to Chippewa County, Wisconsin

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI, June 2, 2021 – The Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation’s [CCEDC] mission is to help existing businesses expand and to find new markets while promoting Chippewa County as a place for new investment and economic growth. The CCEDC is proud to welcome Ashley Furniture as the newest corporate citizen within the city of Chippewa Falls. The CCEDC team worked with Ashley Furniture to help identify their next manufacturing location. Ashley Furniture purchased the former Spectrum Industries building on 925 First Avenue in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The 127,000 square foot facility will serve as an Ashley upholstery furniture manufacturing site. This new Chippewa Falls location will work in coordination with Ashley’s Arcadia facility and become a part of their supply chain. “The high demand for furniture has led us to increase [...]

Ashley Furniture Expands to Chippewa County, Wisconsin2021-06-02T14:18:59-05:00

Call for Nominations

Do you know of an outstanding entrepreneur or business that is deserving of recognition this year? Nominate them for CCEDC's Economic Development Awards, announced at the 2021 Annual Meeting! We will be taking nominations until August 20, 2021. Please contact info@chippewa-wi.com with any questions. Download the nomination form here.

Call for Nominations2021-06-01T15:22:40-05:00

Matt Guse – Accidental Start, Accident-Proof Finish – Episode 114

CCEDC's Charlie Walker sits down with Matt Guse, owner of MRS Machining Co., to discuss carrying on legacies, educating the next generation, the criticality of manufacturing as a trade, and running a family business. "At MRS Machining in Augusta, Wisconsin, we strive to be the best. Providing turning, milling, drilling, and other machining operations, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to help our customers get their parts as quickly as possible while meeting and exceeding tolerances, quality standards, and ultimately our customer expectations. Continuous investment in the latest high-performance machinery and tooling is just a part of the plan. Strategic partnerships with vendors, educators, and other industry leaders, as well as community involvement all helps us maintain a leadership role in the industry."

Matt Guse – Accidental Start, Accident-Proof Finish – Episode 1142021-06-22T12:55:07-05:00
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