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So far Charlie Walker has created 335 blog entries.
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CEDC RECOGNIZED BY MID-AMERICA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

COLUMBUS, OH, DECEMBER 5, 2024-The Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) honored outstanding achievements during its annual Economic Development Awards at the 2024 Mid-America Competitiveness Conference, held December 4–6 at the Columbus Hyatt Downtown. The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) received recognition in the Entrepreneurial Program category. This award highlights innovative economic development initiatives that foster entrepreneurial culture within a city or region or provide unique support for young businesses in the start-up and early stages of their growth. Entrepreneurial Awards were given to three markets per category – large division (community population over 25,000), medium division (community population between 10,001-25,000), and small division (community population less than 10,000). “The success of our MAEDC awards highlights the incredibly deep impact that innovative programs can have on communities. These awards recognize collective efforts creating [...]

CEDC RECOGNIZED BY MID-AMERICA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL2024-12-06T16:35:22-06:00

HATCH 2024: The Chippewa Valley’s Recipe for Growth, Creativity, and Success

The entrepreneurial spirit of the Chippewa Valley was on full display at HATCH 2024: A Business Pitch Event, a flagship initiative of the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). This year’s event, held during Wisconsin Startup Week at the River Bend Winery and Distillery, has continues to be a cornerstone event for fostering creativity and driving business development. HATCH is more than a competition, it’s a platform where local entrepreneurs share groundbreaking ideas and connect with potential investors. By promoting creativity and problem-solving, this event supports economic growth, job creation, and business expansion. This year, the pre-event investor reception, hosted by the CEDC, further strengthened the entrepreneurial ecosystem by facilitating mentorships, partnerships, and collaborations. The gathering of 75 attendees provided a vital connecting opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to forge relationships that [...]

HATCH 2024: The Chippewa Valley’s Recipe for Growth, Creativity, and Success2024-11-21T15:44:58-06:00

CEDC and BDO Zone Featured in Business in Focus Magazine

Chippewa County’s rich heritage, cultural diversity, economic growth, and designation as a BDO Zone are prominently highlighted in the latest edition of Business in Focus (BIF) Magazine. With a readership exceeding 250,000 executives across the United States and Canada, BIF Magazine is a premier source for business news and insights, reaching influential decision-makers shaping today’s economy. Its digital platforms are trusted for up-to-date developments and trends in economic growth and innovation. Through exclusive interviews with industry leaders, BIF dives into the stories behind their successes, providing valuable insights to its audience. “These are exciting times for CEDC and Chippewa County,” says Charlie Walker. “We are building on our traditionally strong agriculture and manufacturing base, and the BDO Zone will help us expand even further. It’s terrific to be recognized in this BIF publication.” [...]

CEDC and BDO Zone Featured in Business in Focus Magazine2024-11-18T11:45:27-06:00

Join CEDC for Startup Week Wisconsin!

November 11-15 marks an exciting time for the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) as we celebrate Startup Week Wisconsin in the Chippewa Valley! Each year, we join forces with our economic development stakeholders to gather entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from across the Chippewa Valley, supporting and energizing the local startup ecosystem. This week-long celebration brings together community members dedicated to driving growth and fostering innovation, creating valuable opportunities for startups to thrive. Throughout the week, a variety of events will unfold across the region, including workshops, panel discussions, networking events, and keynote speakers. Each is aimed at fostering innovation, providing resources, and creating opportunities for startups to grow and succeed. Events such as CEDC’s HATCH which takes place in various venues throughout the Chippewa Valley each year. HATCH provides a unique platform [...]

Join CEDC for Startup Week Wisconsin!2024-11-01T15:02:13-05:00

Embracing Innovation: CEDC’s BEAR Event Showcases Generative AI’s Business Potential

In an era of rapid technological advancement, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) continues its commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the Chippewa Valley. CEDC hosted a groundbreaking business expansion and retention (BEAR) lunch and learn on generative AI. The BEAR Lunch brought together local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals eager to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Featuring expert speakers Susan Ramonat, Bob Clint, and Bob Oliver, this event was held at Chippewa Valley Technical College and provided valuable insights into: The fundamentals of generative AI and its applications in business Real-world case studies of AI implementation in various industries Ethical considerations and best practices for AI adoption Hands-on demonstrations of popular generative AI tools One of the highlights of the BEAR Lunch & Learn was the question-and-answer session where [...]

Embracing Innovation: CEDC’s BEAR Event Showcases Generative AI’s Business Potential2024-10-24T15:04:57-05:00

Chippewa Falls School Board Honors CEDC’s Commitment to Building a Skilled Future Workforce

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is committed to fostering economic growth in Chippewa Valley, and one of our most impactful initiatives is focused on workforce development. For years, we’ve worked closely with area high schools to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in future careers, aligning educational programs with the evolving needs of our local industries. Recently, CEDC Vice Chair Deb Chilson and President/CEO Charlie Walker attended a school board meeting where the Chippewa Falls School District recognized CEDC’s talent recruitment and workforce preparation efforts by nominating us for the 2024 Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Business Honor Roll. This annual award celebrates Wisconsin businesses that demonstrate exceptional support for their local schools, and this year, 59 school districts across the state nominated 186 businesses for their contributions. "At [...]

Chippewa Falls School Board Honors CEDC’s Commitment to Building a Skilled Future Workforce2024-10-29T13:15:53-05:00

Navigating Cybersecurity: Insights from Our BEAR Lunch & Learn

In today’s digital landscape, the need for robust cybersecurity practices among Chippewa Valley businesses has never been more pressing. Recently, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) hosted a Lunch & Learn event dedicated to enhancing local businesses’ understanding of cybersecurity threats and strategies. The session featured Stephen Casselman, a cybersecurity instructor at CVTC, who provided valuable insights into the challenges and best practices for protecting digital assets. With a strong background in Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense, Stephen effectively communicated the current state of cybersecurity and the risks organizations face. A key focus of Stephen’s presentation was that a significant percentage of data breaches are caused by human error. He emphasized that while technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding information, it is equally important for businesses [...]

Navigating Cybersecurity: Insights from Our BEAR Lunch & Learn2024-09-20T16:13:26-05:00

Get Ready for HATCH 2024: The Ultimate Idea Pitch Competition!

Entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers—this one’s for you! On Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, during Startup Chippewa Valley Week, Chippewa Falls will be buzzing with creativity and excitement as CEDC's HATCH returns. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering a $5,000 grand prize to the most promising business idea! HATCH is more than just a pitch competition; it’s a platform for local entrepreneurs to shine, connect with community leaders, and get their innovative ideas in front of a panel of experienced judges. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to scale your next big venture or a community member excited to witness the latest ideas that could shape the future, this event is for you. Why You Should Attend: Meet the Entrepreneurs: Some of the brightest minds in the Chippewa Valley will [...]

Get Ready for HATCH 2024: The Ultimate Idea Pitch Competition!2024-09-16T15:58:06-05:00

Protecting Local Businesses: What Chippewa Valley Businesses Need to Know

In an era where digital threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the importance of cybersecurity practices for local Chippewa Valley businesses, especially those involved in sensitive sectors, cannot be overstated. Yesterday, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) and the Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) hosted a Lunch and Learn event on cybersecurity, aimed at equipping local businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves against evolving cyber threats. The event, held at CVTC, brought together a diverse group of attendees eager to learn about the latest trends and strategies in cybersecurity. The keynote speaker, Doug Ebert, Vice President of Operations at Core Cabling & Integration (CCI), shared his expertise on the critical role of cybersecurity and security systems in today’s business landscape. Core Cabling & Integration (CCI) is a locally owned company [...]

Protecting Local Businesses: What Chippewa Valley Businesses Need to Know2024-09-03T09:50:12-05:00

CEDC Updates Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association Managers

Recently, Charlie Walker from the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) delivered a compelling presentation at the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) Managers Meeting in Stanley, WI at the RESCO facility. WECA has a rich history rooted in the Great Depression of the 1930s, marked by significant achievements and leadership in rural electrification. Among its notable milestones is the creation of the nation’s first statewide association for Rural Electric Cooperatives. Over the past 80 years, Wisconsin's rural electric cooperatives have evolved into vital community assets, providing more than just reliable electricity. Their ongoing success is supported by organizations like CEDC, which promote business growth in rural Wisconsin. In his presentation, Charlie emphasized the critical role of economic development in fostering growth and sustainability in rural areas. Unlike urban centers, rural communities face unique challenges, [...]

CEDC Updates Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association Managers2024-08-23T15:48:34-05:00
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