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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

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

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

Walleye, Water, and Herbs

Last week the CEDC crew met up with  the team at Aqua Garden, LLC - Barron County Economic Development Corporation's "Rising Star of the Year" award winner  for a podcasting session. Barron County Economic Development Corporation is an outstanding collaborator with the CEDC and Momentum West and specializes in economic gardening activities. The purpose of the visit was to update Aqua Garden on the upcoming Farm Technology Days event hosted in Chippewa County in 2024. While there, Charlie and Casey also learned all about their innovative operation and how it is changing the world of agriculture. The Aqua Garden facility is an old potato storage warehouse that has been upcycled and repurposed into a facility that houses a system which yields over 1,500 lbs of walleye and 25,000 lbs of herbs each year! [...]

Walleye, Water, and Herbs2023-11-02T14:14:59-05:00

Stanley Receives WEDC Certification-Shovel Ready

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) announced that the Stanley West Industrial Park has been certified through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) as a Certified Shovel Ready Site through their state program. "This designation is a recognition of the hard work, that CEDC, Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC), Dairyland Power, and the City of Stanley have done to put in place a plan and prepare for smart economic growth that continues to make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live and work." expressed Missy Hughes WEDC Secretary and CEO. "A Certified Site such as the one Stanley earned-lets potential investors, brokers and site selection professionals know that Stanley West Industrial Park is "open for business" with a  clear title, sufficient utilities, transportation access, and that the city has properly zoned it." stated [...]

Stanley Receives WEDC Certification-Shovel Ready2023-10-29T14:43:26-05:00
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