Call Us Today! 1-715-723-7150|staff@chippewa-wi.com

About Charlie Walker

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Charlie Walker has created 335 blog entries.
Facebook

Celebrating the Core

Over the past year, we have been continuously reminded that economic momentum doesn’t come from policies or plans alone but from our stakeholders and communities. Chippewa County's strength wasn’t built from the top down but from the inside out. This understanding has guided the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) as we worked to shape a stronger future, always keeping the community at the center of everything we do. Each May, during Economic Development Week, CEDC gathers for its Annual Meeting to celebrate the vital role the organization continues to play in creating strong, thriving communities. This gathering is one of Chippewa Valley’s most significant business networking/connecting events that serve as a moment to reflect on the past twelve months of local progress, connection, and shared success. The economic development organization highlights its focus [...]

Celebrating the Core2025-05-01T14:13:50-05:00

Powering Progress: Celebrating Economic Development Week in the Chippewa Valley

Since 2016, the International Economic Development Council’s Economic Development Week has recognized the vital role that economic development organizations and professionals play in shaping thriving communities across the nation. At the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), we are proud to be part of this national celebration and to champion the Power of Partnerships—the collaborations that drive innovation, foster growth, and create lasting changes throughout the Chippewa Valley. This year, Economic Development Week takes place May 12–16, 2025, offering an opportunity to spotlight the tireless efforts that build vibrant, inclusive, and resilient local economies. Throughout the week, CEDC will showcase the essential work we do to support small businesses, attract investment, and strengthen our region’s economic foundation. We invite you to follow our social media for daily highlights, tune in to our BEAR Discussions podcast, and [...]

Powering Progress: Celebrating Economic Development Week in the Chippewa Valley2025-04-15T12:17:51-05:00

NIMBY Down the Road: Navigating Business Challenges

Several weeks ago, I delivered a presentation in Kentucky, highlighting the top issues that local businesses might face over the next twelve months. I covered the essentials, including inflation and economic volatility, tariff impacts, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, the acceleration of AI, and workforce talent constraints. I also discussed the growing influence of the NIMBY ("Not in My Backyard") phenomenon, which, much like Wisconsin weather, can quickly escalate into vocal opposition, forcing entrepreneurs to reconsider the risk/reward of their projects. NIMBY has long existed, driven by residents who prefer the status quo and fear the unknown impacts of new business ventures. NIMBY can halt projects in their tracks. Entrepreneurs see the trend leading to heated public hearings, increased project costs, delays, and often the rejection of development proposals or denial of building permits. When they [...]

NIMBY Down the Road: Navigating Business Challenges2025-04-03T18:07:02-05:00

The Power of Education in Driving Economic Growth: CEDC Sponsors the 2025 Eau Claire Luncheon

At CEDC, we’re committed to fostering economic vitality in Chippewa County, and we know that education is the backbone of that effort. The numbers tell a compelling story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Individuals with higher education credentials enjoy lower unemployment rates and higher median weekly earnings than those with less education. For example, someone with a bachelor’s degree earns about 65% more per week than a high school graduate. The unemployment rate for high school diploma holders stands at 3.9%, while it drops to just 2.2% for those with a bachelor’s degree, a clear sign of education’s stabilizing power. Looking ahead, jobs requiring postsecondary education are projected to grow nearly twice as fast as those that don’t by 2032, signaling a rising demand for skilled talent. These statistics underscore [...]

The Power of Education in Driving Economic Growth: CEDC Sponsors the 2025 Eau Claire Luncheon2025-03-31T14:25:56-05:00

Fueling Growth: CEDC’s BEAR Lunch & Learn Breaks Down SBA 504 Financing for Local Businesses

At CEDC, we’re dedicated to driving growth, innovation, and collaboration across the Chippewa Valley. One of the ways we make that happen is through our Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Lunch & Learn series — bringing together local business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals eager to learn, connect, and uncover new opportunities. Our latest BEAR Lunch & Learn focused on a powerful tool for small business success: the SBA 504 Financing Loan. Held right here at our  CEDC office, the event featured industry experts Mike Dieckman of WBD Inc. and Jacob Bauer of Security Financial Bank. Together, they provided a deep dive into how SBA 504 loans can help businesses purchase real estate, acquire equipment, or secure the funding needed to expand. Throughout the session, attendees gained practical insights into: How the SBA 504 [...]

Fueling Growth: CEDC’s BEAR Lunch & Learn Breaks Down SBA 504 Financing for Local Businesses2025-03-20T13:42:18-05:00

Take Your Business to the Next Level: SBA 504 Loans & Expert Advice

CEDC's Business Expansion and Retention (B.E.A.R.) Lunch and Learns are vital to our mission to support small business growth and expansion. The upcoming B.E.A.R. Lunch and Learn on March 20th will be held at the CEDC office at 770 Technology Way in Chippewa Falls! The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This edition of the Lunch and Learn will focus on the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program, a key resource for business expansion, job creation, and economic development. This event allows business leaders to explore valuable tools and resources available in our community to help them succeed. As part of CEDC’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation, these sessions are essential in driving continued economic progress in our region. Lunch and Learns offer education and serve as a [...]

Take Your Business to the Next Level: SBA 504 Loans & Expert Advice2025-03-12T11:42:01-05:00

Fostering Innovation: The CEDC Collaborative Showcase at VSA

At CEDC, we sincerely thank all our investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who participated in the CEDC Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase today at Valley Sports Academy (VSA) in Lake Hallie, WI. A special thanks to VSA for hosting such a fantastic event in their state-of-the-art facility. The CEDC Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase highlights the innovators in our community, providing a platform for them to share their journeys, discuss challenges they’ve faced, and outline their goals for the future. By demonstrating that no entrepreneurial path is the same—and that every entrepreneur encounters obstacles—these showcases reassure and inspire emerging business owners. A powerful example from today’s event came from VSA founder Brian Seubert, who shared that he never had a mentor and had to learn many difficult lessons on his own. He emphasized the value of mentorship, [...]

Fostering Innovation: The CEDC Collaborative Showcase at VSA2025-03-07T10:34:41-06:00

CEDC Highlights Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CEDC Showcases Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase Lake Hallie, WI—On March 6th, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation welcomed over 50 investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to the second Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase of 2025, held at Valley Sports Academy (VSA). Those in attendance had the opportunity to collaborate, connect, and share innovative ideas that will drive Chippewa County’s economy further. As part of CEDC’s commitment to Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR), the showcase was crucial in fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth throughout the Chippewa Valley. By bringing together innovators and industry professionals, the event encouraged collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement—all essential to the region’s thriving business ecosystem. Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore VSA’s state-of-the-art facilities, discover groundbreaking business concepts, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow entrepreneurs. [...]

CEDC Highlights Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase2025-03-07T18:36:40-06:00

BDO ZoneCONNECT Webinar: CHIPPEWA COUNTY, WISCONSIN & FLAGSTAFF COUNTY, ALBERTA

Are you looking for the perfect location to kick-start your biobased project? Look no further than BDO Zones! These designated areas are transforming the landscape for bio-based industries, offering a multitude of benefits that make them prime locations for development. Let’s dive into the key advantages of BDO Zones and why they stand out! Just recently, Ecostrat Inc. and the BDO Zone Initiative, in collaboration with TheDigest, hosted the BDO ZoneCONNECT webinar, highlighting two investment grade BDO Zone communities in North America: Chippewa County, Wisconsin, rated 'A' for Corn Stover Flagstaff County, Alberta, rated 'A' for Wheat Straw.    The webinar was moderated by Jim Lane, Editor of TheDigest, and featured key insights from Aryn Garswood, Head of the BDO Zone Initiative. Participants included Jenalee Waring, Economic Development Officer at Flagstaff County, Alberta; and key [...]

BDO ZoneCONNECT Webinar: CHIPPEWA COUNTY, WISCONSIN & FLAGSTAFF COUNTY, ALBERTA2025-03-05T15:16:22-06:00

Secure Your Spot: Sponsorship Opportunities for CEDC’s 2025 Annual Meeting Now Open

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation's (CEDC) Annual Meeting is Wisconsin's biggest annual economic development meeting. It is geared towards showcasing achievements from across Chippewa County, fostering collaboration and connecting among local businesses and community members, and sharing our future goals and ambitions for our community. The CEDC aims to strengthen local pride and getting the community invested in our mission. This year's Annual Meeting will be held at the Eau Claire Event District - The Crescent! The CEDC's annual meeting theme, "Shaping Tomorrow's Economy: Communities at the Core," highlights the importance of building a thriving economy in Chippewa County while keeping community members at the forefront. This approach aligns with CEDC's mission of fostering a strong economic environment that supports businesses and enhances the quality of life for residents. This is your chance [...]

Secure Your Spot: Sponsorship Opportunities for CEDC’s 2025 Annual Meeting Now Open2025-03-21T11:42:30-05:00
Go to Top