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

Igniting Economic Growth: The Crucial Role of STEAM Education in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce

In the ever-evolving landscape of economic development, the key to success lies in nurturing a workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by the 21st-century marketplace. One indispensable ingredient in this recipe for prosperity is STEAM education – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. STEAM education lays the groundwork for fostering innovation and creativity by integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into the learning experience. This integration encourages students to think critically and solve complex problems, skills that form the bedrock of innovation, driving advancements in various industries and propelling economic growth. In an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, the demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields is skyrocketing. STEAM programs in schools are instrumental in preparing students for these high-demand jobs, ensuring a pipeline of talent that can fill [...]

Igniting Economic Growth: The Crucial Role of STEAM Education in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce2023-11-21T17:35:22-06:00

HATCH 2023: Unveiling Winners and a Packed House at Chippewa Valley Startup Week

The fifth annual business pitch competition, HATCH An Idea Pitch Competition hosted by the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, had a sold-out audience on Wednesday, November 15th, as a part of Chippewa Valley Startup week. The event showcased a lineup of contestants, and the winners have been officially announced, along with recognition for the collaborative efforts of community partners. Whitney Stuart of Half Moon Clay in Eau Claire secured the Grand Prize. Half Moon Clay, a community pottery studio envisioned by Whitney during the pandemic while learning pottery from YouTube, received $5,000 towards a new kiln slated to triple the business's current capacity. She also secured a guest appearance on the BEAR (Business Expansion AND Retention) Discussions Podcast. Red Letter Grant nominated Whitney and Half Moon Clay. Colin Bursik of Aqua Garden LLC, headquartered [...]

HATCH 2023: Unveiling Winners and a Packed House at Chippewa Valley Startup Week2023-11-21T18:08:19-06:00
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