With funding from over 100 key private-sector companies, the County of Chippewa, and the villages and cities within the region-the CEDC empowers local business owners, connects with community partners, and collaborates with our state and regional stakeholders to provide a pathway for the area growth, economic prosperity and improved quality of life for everyone.
The CEDC Board of Directors spends time identifying and working with organizations that provide direct and/or foundational support for our economic development efforts. Recently, Michael Welsh, Vice President of Legislative Affairs of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) to meet and discuss opportunities and the constraints that need to be addressed to continue to move the county forward in economic prosperity.
WEDA, founded in 1975, is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to expanding Wisconsin’s economy. Driven by the needs of its 450-plus members, of which CEDC is a member, they represent the economic development interests of both the private and public sectors through leadership on statewide initiatives to advance economic development in Wisconsin. Through advocacy, networking, and education, WEDA provides its members with the resources and tools to strengthen their skills in economic development, help achieve their professional goals, and promote economic growth throughout the state.
Welsh briefed the CEDC on the recently passed 2023-25 state budget bill and discussed the key economic development-related initiatives that were included in the $99 billion budget bill. The Board also received updates on WEDA’s post-budget legislative priorities, which encompassed a statewide talent attraction initiative, efforts to increase the state’s workforce housing stock, and a package of bills aimed at addressing Wisconsin’s childcare challenges. These are the notable challenges that have been negatively affecting the state’s workforce. WEDA expressed its commitment to working on various other legislative proposals to further strengthen and enrich Wisconsin’s economic development strategies. You can find more details about WEDA’s Legislative Agenda by clicking here.
Following the board meeting, CEDC Board Members and Investors held a connecting session with the New Auburn, Wisconsin economic development supporters at Citizens Connected for a legislative meet-and-greet with State Representative Dave Armstrong (R-Rice Lake). Earlier that day, Armstrong had also presented to the CEDC Board. During the event, Armstrong shared vital legislative proposals that he and his colleagues in Madison were actively working on to boost economic activity and promote prosperity for businesses and families across the Chippewa Valley. The gathering, which was organized jointly by WEDA and CEDC provided attendees with the opportunity to interact with Rep. Armstrong, who also serves as the Barron County Economic Development Director.
Representing the 75th Assembly District, Armstrong’s district covers Barron County and a significant portion of Washburn County, including the Cities of Rice Lake, Chetek, and Spooner. He holds the chair of the Assembly Rural Development Committee and serves as the vice-chair of the Assembly Jobs, Economy, and Small Business Development Committee. Additionally, Dave is a member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Board of Directors.