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Rogers Groundbreaking More than Turning Dirt!

CEDC was proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Rogers Behavioral Health hospital in Chippewa Falls—a project that represents a major accomplishment for our organization, our partners, and the entire Chippewa Valley. The groundbreaking event was more than just turning dirt. It was in part about a gathering in a field to witness a shared belief that strong communities don’t happen by accident — they believe in economic development and are built on purpose. One of the things we talk about a lot in economic development is speed to market. Communities that move quickly — and thoughtfully — are the ones that win. This project is a great example of that. From vision to action, Rogers Behavioral Health, the city, the County, the State (From the Senate, Governor, and agencies)- all working [...]

Rogers Groundbreaking More than Turning Dirt!2026-05-01T16:04:03-05:00

Growing Best Together in the Chippewa Valley

The Forecast Lunch, part of CEDC’s Business Retention and Expansion (BEAR) program and hosted by CEDC with generous sponsorship from Frandsen Bank & Trust, brought together business owners, entrepreneurs, lenders, educators, area manufacturers, and public-sector partners. The shared purpose was clear: to better understand the forces influencing our local economy so we can make smarter, faster decisions together. More than 80 engaged local leaders gathered over tacos, and the room quickly made it clear this was more than just another luncheon. Conversations moved from “what’s happening?” to “how is the local economy doing?” as introductions were made, familiar faces reconnected, and new relationships were formed among people who share a common interest in the Chippewa Valley’s future. The energy in the room reinforced a central theme: our region isn’t standing on the sidelines [...]

Growing Best Together in the Chippewa Valley2026-04-20T17:33:03-05:00

CEDC Hosts Legislative Speed Dating Event

Lake Hallie, WI — The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) hosted a successful Legislative Speed Dating event today at the Egg Break Café in Lake Hallie, bringing together more than 45 local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to engage directly with elected officials on key economic development priorities. Participating legislators included  State Senators Jesse James, Romaine Quinn, Jeff Smith- State Representatives Dave Armstrong, Karen Hurd, Christian Phelps, and Clint Moses. Legislative staff aids in attendance included Anna Ringstad and Brian Westrate, representing Tammy Baldwin and Derrick Van Orden, respectively. The event is part of CEDC’s ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure that public policy supports—not hinders—entrepreneurial growth and business success across Chippewa County and the broader Chippewa Valley region. “Economic development doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” said CEDC Vice Chair Chad Oster. “The states [...]

CEDC Hosts Legislative Speed Dating Event2026-03-27T14:29:36-05:00

The BDO Zone Delivers Real Economic Treasure

Top o' the morning to our Chippewa Valley friends! As we gear up to celebrate St. Patrick's Day—a time for green rivers, festive parades, and the promise of new beginnings—it's the perfect moment to shine a light on something truly golden right here in Chippewa County: our certified Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone. A newly published independent study from Dr. Burton C. English, Institute Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennessee, using the Renewable Energy Economic Analysis Layers (REEAL) model, provides the hard evidence we've been building toward. The research shows that biomanufacturing projects in certified BDO Zones generate an average of $423 million in annual economic impact per project—that's $4.23 billion cumulatively over ten years. Nationally, adding just 100 more BDO Zones could spark $21 billion to $64 billion in economic activity [...]

The BDO Zone Delivers Real Economic Treasure2026-03-16T16:53:06-05:00

Verify Before You Click

Phishing emails are not just an IT problem—they are a real business risk for businesses across Chippewa and Wisconsin, including our CEDC investors.  Cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated at sending fake emails that appear to come from trusted local organizations, including the CEDC. Some even impersonate board members or business owners, using their names and email addresses. These messages are designed to prompt quick action—often clicking a link or opening an attachment—before you notice the warning signs. Scammers know you are more likely to trust messages from familiar names or organizations like us.  They often: Spoof the sender’s name – For example, using a board member’s name but sending from a free email account like Gmail instead of our official domain. Create urgency – Messages such as “We need you to pay this [...]

Verify Before You Click2026-03-09T14:51:30-05:00

Connecting Across Borders: CEDC Welcomes Polish Delegation with a Roundtable Discussion

At CEDC, we recognize that discovering new solutions and recipes to success begins with connection. Whether those connections are across the county or across the globe, collaboration is what fuels innovation and progress. That belief was on full display this week as CEDC welcomed a delegation of Polish mayors, part of the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) exchange program and hosted by the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club, to the Chippewa Valley. The group joined us for an economic development roundtable discussion at Miron Construction’s state-of-the-art office in Lake Hallie—bringing together public and private sector leaders to share insights, ideas, and opportunities for growth. The day began with breakfast and time to connect, followed by a formal kickoff featuring a bipartisan proclamation of welcome presented by Senator Jesse James and Representative Rob Summerfield. [...]

Connecting Across Borders: CEDC Welcomes Polish Delegation with a Roundtable Discussion2025-11-04T16:38:30-06:00

BEAR ’25: Wisconsin’s Statewide Pitch Showcase Tackles Mid-Stage Capital Gap- Connecting Scaling Businesses with Growth-Ready Investment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 15, 2025 BEAR ’25: Wisconsin’s Statewide Pitch Showcase Tackles Mid-Stage Capital Gap-  Connecting Scaling Businesses with Growth-Ready Investment Holcombe, WI – Positioned at the forefront of Wisconsin’s growing startup success story, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation’s BEAR ’25 (Business Expansion and Retention Pitch Showcase) took place this week in Holcombe, bringing together second-stage companies and the investors, lenders, and business champions ready to fuel their next phase of growth. As a statewide initiative, BEAR was designed to address a persistent challenge: the lack of accessible capital for companies that have moved beyond early traction but need resources to scale sustainably. According to a recent report from the Wisconsin Technology Council, more startups across the state are entering a growth-ready phase, reflecting a shift from ideation to execution. However, this [...]

BEAR ’25: Wisconsin’s Statewide Pitch Showcase Tackles Mid-Stage Capital Gap- Connecting Scaling Businesses with Growth-Ready Investment2025-09-08T16:48:49-05:00

CEDC Launches BEAR ’25 to Showcase the Region’s Top Growth-Stage Businesses with the BEAR Pitch Event to Drive Business Expansion

CEDC launches BEAR ’25 to spotlight growth-stage businesses shaping Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota’s economy. Chippewa Falls, WI – The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) proudly announces the launch of BEAR ’25: Business Expansion and Retention Pitch Showcase, a new event dedicated to highlighting growth-stage companies that are actively scaling and making significant economic contributions. The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 14th at East Bay Lodge in Holcombe, Wisconsin. Building on the success of last year’s HATCH startup competition—nationally recognized by the Mid-America Economic Development Council—BEAR ’25 shifts focus to second-stage businesses that have moved beyond the startup phase and are poised for rapid expansion. The showcase reflects CEDC’s ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Wisconsin. “BEAR ’25 is about celebrating the businesses that are already making an impact—those that are hiring, scaling, and innovating,” said Charlie Walker, [...]

CEDC Launches BEAR ’25 to Showcase the Region’s Top Growth-Stage Businesses with the BEAR Pitch Event to Drive Business Expansion2025-08-20T10:50:25-05:00

CEDC Highlights Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CEDC Showcases Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase Lake Hallie, WI—On March 6th, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation welcomed over 50 investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to the second Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase of 2025, held at Valley Sports Academy (VSA). Those in attendance had the opportunity to collaborate, connect, and share innovative ideas that will drive Chippewa County’s economy further. As part of CEDC’s commitment to Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR), the showcase was crucial in fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth throughout the Chippewa Valley. By bringing together innovators and industry professionals, the event encouraged collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement—all essential to the region’s thriving business ecosystem. Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore VSA’s state-of-the-art facilities, discover groundbreaking business concepts, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow entrepreneurs. [...]

CEDC Highlights Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase2025-03-07T18:36:40-06:00

BDO ZoneCONNECT Webinar: CHIPPEWA COUNTY, WISCONSIN & FLAGSTAFF COUNTY, ALBERTA

Are you looking for the perfect location to kick-start your biobased project? Look no further than BDO Zones! These designated areas are transforming the landscape for bio-based industries, offering a multitude of benefits that make them prime locations for development. Let’s dive into the key advantages of BDO Zones and why they stand out! Just recently, Ecostrat Inc. and the BDO Zone Initiative, in collaboration with TheDigest, hosted the BDO ZoneCONNECT webinar, highlighting two investment grade BDO Zone communities in North America: Chippewa County, Wisconsin, rated 'A' for Corn Stover Flagstaff County, Alberta, rated 'A' for Wheat Straw.    The webinar was moderated by Jim Lane, Editor of TheDigest, and featured key insights from Aryn Garswood, Head of the BDO Zone Initiative. Participants included Jenalee Waring, Economic Development Officer at Flagstaff County, Alberta; and key [...]

BDO ZoneCONNECT Webinar: CHIPPEWA COUNTY, WISCONSIN & FLAGSTAFF COUNTY, ALBERTA2025-03-05T15:16:22-06:00
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