If you are There is a unique kind of magic that happens when business acumen meets community spirit on the fairways. For the past decade and a half, the (CEDC) has harnessed this exact synergy through its Annual Charity Golf Outing. This year marked a monumental milestone: the 15th anniversary of an event that has become a cornerstone of both local CEDC’s philanthropy and economic stakeholder networking combination.
What began fifteen years ago as a humble gathering of local business leaders looking to connect outside the boardroom has blossomed into one of the most highly anticipated events on the region’s corporate and social calendars. But the CEDC Charity Golf Outing is much more than just a day of friendly competition and fresh air—it is a powerful engine for local economic development’s charitable giving.
While the primary goal of the outing is charitable, its role as a catalyst for local business connecting cannot be overstated. Reaching a 15-year milestone is no small feat for any organizational event. It requires consistent dedication from our Board, an evolving vision, and, most importantly, the unwavering support from our stakeholders and from our local communities.
For 18 holes, the golf course transforms into an unconventional boardroom. CEOs, local entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and young professionals share golf carts, swap stories, and discuss the future. Without the constraints of formal meetings and tight schedules, organic conversations flourish. Manufacturing Bootcamp, BDO Zones, and Pitch Competitions were such ideas first discussed at past CEDC Tournaments. I suspect countless partnerships, mentorships, and collaborative programs and projects could probably also trace their origins back to a conversation sparked at the tee box or on the green as well.
Over the years, the tournament has weathered economic shifts, changing corporate landscapes, and even unpredictable weather, yet each year it continues to grow in both attendance and impact. Funds raised through sponsorships, team registrations, mulligan sales, and silent auctions have been channeled directly back into our community’s small nonprofits. While the specific beneficiaries have varied over the years to meet the most pressing local needs, the core focus remains the same: empowering Chippewa through proceeds that support small local non-profits that provide essential services to our residents. For instance, in 2026 The Rogers Behavior Health Foundation received over $15,885 because of the tournament. So, every swing, putt, and (occasional) ball lost in the woods represents a tangible investment in the future of those important community services.
To date the Charity Golf Tournament has raised over $250,000 for small nonprofits that invest and work to strengthen the social fabric of Chippewa. The Annual Charity Golf Outing stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community works—and plays—together. Raise your glass at the clubhouse to celebrate 15 years of drives, chips, and charitable giving, we also toast to the future of the Chippewa region. Here is to the next 15 years of driving success, both on the course and in the community.