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So far Charlie Walker has created 335 blog entries.

RESCO Opens for Business in Stanley, WI

Stanley, Wisconsin - Yesterday marked a momentous occasion as Rural Electric Supply Cooperative (RESCO) inaugurated its state-of-the-art warehouse facility, spanning an impressive 40,000 square feet. The expansion of the company into Stanley reflects RESCO’s commitment to providing its electric utility members and customers with exceptional service and reliable inventory, as well as quick response to weather-related and storm damage needs. RESCO is a member-owned, not-for-profit wholesale distributor of high voltage electrical products and is one of the largest full-line distributors in the Midwest. The grand opening ceremony drew over 100 representatives from member cooperatives, Stanley business community, and elected officials who eagerly explored the modern efficient operations. The culmination of diligent collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, the Clark County Economic Development Corporation, the City of Stanley, and [...]

RESCO Opens for Business in Stanley, WI2024-04-26T15:45:58-05:00

Supporting Local Agriculture at WI Farm Tech Days

Chippewa County is excited to host this year’s Wisconsin Farm Technology Days at Close Farms and the Chippewa Valley Music Festival Grounds! This event celebrates the innovation and traditions in agriculture with more than 400 exhibitors displaying the latest farm equipment, communications, and technology. Along with these exhibitors, there will be legislative leaders, agribusinesses, and industry organizations that provide free seminars to focus on a variety of topics important to anyone interested or involved in the agriculture community. But beyond the excitement of new equipment and techniques, this event underscores a crucial aspect of our communities: the importance of supporting local farmers and the agriculture industry. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our food supply. By supporting local farmers, we not only invest in the livelihoods of hard [...]

Supporting Local Agriculture at WI Farm Tech Days2024-04-10T12:49:57-05:00

Infrastructure and Fostering Economic Growth and Resilience

Infrastructure is the lifeblood of modern economies, providing the essential physical and organizational structures that support economic activity, facilitate commerce, and enhance quality of life. Infrastructure investments are instrumental in driving productivity gains and enhancing competitiveness across industries. From transportation networks and energy systems to communication and digital infrastructure, robust infrastructure enables the efficient movement of goods, services, and information, reducing transaction costs, enhancing market access, and stimulating economic activity. By investing in strategic infrastructure projects, communities can position themselves for sustained economic growth and global competitiveness. - Access to reliable and efficient infrastructure is essential for connecting communities, businesses, and markets, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports, and airports, facilitates the movement of people and goods, enabling businesses to reach new markets and consumers to access [...]

Infrastructure and Fostering Economic Growth and Resilience2024-03-27T11:46:24-05:00

Investing in Human Capital

Education is often referred to as the great equalizer, empowering individuals, fostering social mobility, and driving economic prosperity. Investments in education yield significant returns, both for individuals and societies as a whole. Education enhances human capital, equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities needed to succeed in the workforce and contribute to economic productivity. Moreover, educated individuals tend to earn higher incomes, enjoy better employment prospects, and experience improved health outcomes, leading to higher levels of overall well-being and prosperity. Education plays a central role in driving economic growth and competitiveness by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. Highly educated populations are better equipped to adapt to changing economic conditions, embrace new technologies, and drive productivity gains across industries. Moreover, investments in education contribute to the development of a skilled workforce, attracting [...]

Investing in Human Capital2024-03-27T10:52:55-05:00

Harnessing Technology in Economic Development

In an increasingly digital world, technology has emerged as a powerful driver of economic development, transforming industries, empowering communities, and reshaping the way we live and work. Technology has revolutionized virtually every sector of the economy, from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and education. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enabling businesses to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and deliver innovative products and services to market. By embracing digital transformation, industries can unlock new sources of value and drive sustainable economic growth. While technology presents immense opportunities for economic development, it also exacerbates existing disparities, particularly in terms of digital access and skills. Bridging the digital divide is essential to ensuring that all communities can fully participate in the digital economy and reap its benefits. This [...]

Harnessing Technology in Economic Development2024-03-27T09:49:45-05:00

Chippewa Valley Legislative “Speed Dating”

Over 40 CEDC Investors representing banking, heath care, agriculture, manufacturing, education, and  construction attended the 2nd Chippewa Economic Development Corporation's (CEDC) legislative "speed dating" event.  Organized by CEDC and the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), legislative speed dating was designed as a way for economic development stakeholders to meet Chippewa Valley's multiple legislators in a short amount of time. It allowed for focused discussions on various topics of interest. All of the Chippewa Valley's state representatives in the Assembly and Senate were invited as well as Congressman Derrick Van Orden to jump from table to table every 8 minutes to listen to issues of concern. Congressman Van Orden was represented, and State Senator Jesse James, State Senator Quinn, Rep. Dave Armstrong, Rep. Karen Hurd, and Rep. Moses all attended. WEDA has been working [...]

Chippewa Valley Legislative “Speed Dating”2024-03-08T14:25:42-06:00

FTD -Tradition, Technology, and Ag Advancement

Thanks to North Country Enterprises for hosting the 60th Annual Farm Show at the Chippewa Valley Expo Center! The Eau Claire Farm Show showcased exhibitor's ag related products and services. This event brought together farmers, exhibitors, and community members from around central Wisconsin to share their insights on the latest farming equipment and products. There were over 150 vendors,  families, farmers, and small businesses that utilized the event to learn more about what is currently happening in the local agricultural scene. CEDC took advantage of the opportunity to chat with show vendors as they gave attendees a chance to win small prizes at their booths. CEDC informed them of the sponsorship and vendor opportunities that the 2024 Farm Technology Days (FTD) will offer. CEDC staff and local FTD volunteers  proudly represented and promoted [...]

FTD -Tradition, Technology, and Ag Advancement2024-03-08T14:21:48-06:00

STEAM NIGHT: Igniting Potential!

In today's rapidly evolving world, preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow requires a multifaceted approach to education. That's where S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs shine. Recently, Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) partnered with the Chippewa Falls Senior High School (Chi-Hi) to organize and host a remarkable event – S.T.E.A.M. Night! These CEDC STEM events are activities, conferences, workshops, or showcases focusing on science, technology, engineering,  and mathematics. The STEAM Night  was a showcase open house style event that incorporated an additional element of arts into the mix, emphasizing creativity and design alongside the traditional STEM disciplines. Over 1,000 students from the Chippewa area attended visited  over 40 employer's booths. These regional companies highlighted and promoted career opportunities that centered around science, technology, engineering, arts,  and math fields. Each company [...]

STEAM NIGHT: Igniting Potential!2024-03-07T12:28:05-06:00

The Nuts And Bolts Of ESOP

CEDC organized another Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) lunch and learn hosted by our strategic partner Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC). These BEAR lunch and learns offer our local companies the advantages of networking and connecting with other businesses and community members while providing them access to valuable information and resources. Local companies can not underestimate the potential for business growth that they can get through learning and collaboration. Our BEAR lunch event programs are designed for professional development, knowledge sharing, team building, and connecting while also discussing important topics that impact business growth. The topic of this most recent lunch event was understanding ESOP, or Employee Stock Ownership Plan. CEDC utilized Business Consultant Matt Middendorp of ESOP Partners to lead the discussion. ESOP is a retirement plan where a company contributes its [...]

The Nuts And Bolts Of ESOP2024-02-29T10:25:51-06:00

CEDC & CFAUSD HOST SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, MATH (STEAM) EVENT

CEDC & CFAUSD HOST SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, MATH (STEAM) EVENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chippewa Falls, WI – February 19th, 2024 STEAM NIGHT is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 5pm – 8pm at Chippewa Falls Senior High School. STEAM Night is a family friendly science fair style event with booths set up throughout the high school featuring regional companies and their operations that focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. These companies host a booth/exploration station that will provide a STEAM based activity or demonstration that engages attendees to interact and ignite their interests in the STEAM careers these companies offer and provide. Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) knows that STEAM jobs are expected to grow by 8.8 percent by 2028, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report in [...]

CEDC & CFAUSD HOST SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, MATH (STEAM) EVENT2024-02-15T15:53:38-06:00
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