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So far Charlie Walker has created 335 blog entries.
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The Rise of Gig Economies: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges

In recent years, the gig economy has emerged as a transformative force in the world of work, reshaping traditional employment structures and offering new avenues for individuals to earn a living. The rise of gig economies presents a dynamic landscape filled with both opportunities and challenges, calling for a nuanced approach to economic development. Opportunities: Flexibility and Autonomy: One of the primary attractions of the gig economy is the flexibility it affords workers. Individuals can choose when, where, and how much they work, empowering them to strike a balance between professional and personal commitments. Job Diversification: The gig economy encompasses a wide array of sectors, from ride-sharing and freelance writing to graphic design and virtual assistance. This diversification provides workers with the chance to explore various roles and industries, fostering a culture of [...]

The Rise of Gig Economies: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges2024-02-09T16:29:04-06:00

Continuously Advocating

The CEDC wrapped up the year with its advocacy committee working in over drive as the legislature actively continues to quickly ramp up in the New Year. The state lawmakers enter the final months of the current legislative session. Of course, CEDC will continue to engage in the legislative process during this two-month sprint to the end of the session to make sure our Chippewa voice is heard, and our local economic development priorities rise to the top of the pile as lawmakers consider hundreds of bills. CEDC’s top legislative priorities include Assembly Bill 627, legislation that would modernize the state’s Business Development Tax Credit, and Assembly Bill 660, which would create a childcare tax credit for businesses that offer childcare benefits for their employees. Late last month, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee [...]

Continuously Advocating2024-02-08T12:01:28-06:00

Closures Spark Collaboration

The past couple of weeks, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) has been at the forefront of a concerted effort, collaborating with local Chambers, Economic Development Corporations, and government entities to find a viable solution to the imminent closure of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital, and all associated Prevea Clinics. This collective endeavor underscores the commitment of the community to ensure continued access to vital healthcare services for its residents. The closure of healthcare facilities poses a significant challenge to the community, affecting not only the well-being of individuals but also the local economy. The dedicated teams at CEDC, alongside their partners, have been diligently working together to explore innovative strategies that can mitigate the impact of these closures and ensure the provision of uninterrupted healthcare services. One noteworthy development [...]

Closures Spark Collaboration2024-02-08T18:27:20-06:00

Winger Construction Expands in Stanley, WI

For roughly 20 years, Joe Winger has been running his custom home building operation - Winger Construction out of his home office. As he continues to grow, he was looking for a location suitable to accommodate not only his shop, but also a showroom for customers. Like the majority of home builders, many of the meetings are set up with clients at the customer's homes. That developed a need for a showroom type location to establish office/showroom visits verses personal home visits. After looking throughout the Stanley area, Joe chose the East Stanley Industrial Park because of it is easily accessible to his Chippewa Valley customers. Winger Construction has broken ground on their new corporate office that will accommodate future growth as his construction crew continues to grow. Joe Winger recently joined Charlie [...]

Winger Construction Expands in Stanley, WI2024-02-06T10:49:38-06:00

Investment in Chippewa Economic Development Corporation

Local economic development organizations such as CEDC exist to promote and foster growth in our business community. This growth enhances the overall economic wellbeing of the citizens in our community. There isn't a day that goes by without someone asking, "how are you funded?". The answer usually comes as a surprise. We are funded by over 100 businesses and individuals through an investor model where businesses and community stakeholders annually invest in the organization. These investments are supplemented through program sponsorship, contract for services, and state and federal grants when applicable. Growing the local economy takes collaboration, and the Chippewa Eco­nomic Development Corporation’s (CEDC) approach to economic devel­opment and our programs continues to be recognized by peers nationally. With your financial support through investment/membership, we influence local economic development growth. At the beginning [...]

Investment in Chippewa Economic Development Corporation2024-01-19T17:56:45-06:00

Deck the Halls at the Heyde Center

The Holidays are here and the CEDC celebrated with investors, stakeholders, and other supporters of economic development with music, food, drinks, and fellowship. Over 100 VIPs attended our annual Christmas celebration at the beautiful Heyde Center in Chippewa Falls. This is one of our special connecting events that we put on. Typically, the primary purpose of our connecting events is to provide an opportunity for our attendees to build their professional network, meet other industry leaders, and develop community relationships. The Deck the Halls event not only provides all of the above, but also allows us to give thanks and show our appreciation to all of you for supporting our efforts in helping our Chippewa Valley economy grow. The CEDC Board of Directors were in attendance to personally thank investors for their financial [...]

Deck the Halls at the Heyde Center2023-12-21T12:23:27-06:00

FBLA Regional Leadership Conference Around the Corner

Did you know Chippewa Falls High School (Chi-Hi) will be hosting the Future Business Leaders of America's (FBLA) Regional Leadership Conference on February 3rd, 2024? FBLA is an organization that was first developed in the 1930s focusing on preparing students to become leaders with hopes of unleashing the power of entrepreneurship and business knowledge. FBLA focuses on academic competition and leadership development. It has grown to become the premier high school business leadership development platform where students get together, connect, and share ideas about future career opportunities. FBLA students work hand in hand with local business leaders and educators to participate in competitive events that help them prepare for the challenging job market. CEDC President/CEO, Charlie Walker has the honor of being Region 1's Keynote speaker at this year's conference. Charlie is preparing [...]

FBLA Regional Leadership Conference Around the Corner2023-12-18T16:51:01-06:00

CEDC Advocacy Success

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation has a primary role of being a Chippewa voice that promotes and supports the interests of economic development at the local, state, and national level. This includes the responsibility for advocating with elected officials, other state policymakers, key community leaders, and regional business organizations. Through the CEDC Legislative Committee, chaired by Dr. Lona Cook-CEDC takes a proactive approach to working with the members of the Wisconsin Legislator and others within state government whose actions and decisions impact our state and local business climate and its ability to recruit new employers and help entrepreneurs grow.  CEDC’s legislative committee goals are to provide leadership, advocacy, and education to foster economic growth and resiliency within the Chippewa Valley. We work with our partners like the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, Momentum West, and area [...]

CEDC Advocacy Success2023-12-12T14:23:57-06:00

USDA awards CEDC $50,000 Grant for Bio Development Opportunities

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) recently received a $50,000 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This grant aims to explore developing more rural biobased economic opportunities within Chippewa County. For over 20 years CEDC has supported fuels produced from renewable organic material. Early in 2001 CEDC assisted local Chippewa Valley investors with the idea of building an ethanol plant in eastern Chippewa County. CEDC knew that a bio-based business would benefit local farmers by increasing the value of the corn they grew. Construction on the original 15-million-gallon ethanol plant in Stanley began in 2001. Since then, ACE Ethanol expanded and build a CO2 plant, expanded again in 2004, and in 2005 established a second grain-receiving location called Four Corners to further connection to farmers throughout the [...]

USDA awards CEDC $50,000 Grant for Bio Development Opportunities2023-11-30T16:59:49-06:00
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