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So far Charlie Walker has created 339 blog entries.
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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

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
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