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 over a decade.

And guess what? Chippewa County is proudly holding one of those high-rated zones, thanks to the dedicated efforts of CEDC staff, volunteers, and community partners. This isn’t about wishing for a four-leaf clover—it’s about strategically positioning our region to capture real, lasting prosperity in the growing biomanufacturing sector.

A Strategic Green Pivot

Not so long ago, Chippewa County was booming with frac sand mining. Wisconsin’s sand production skyrocketed tenfold from 2010 to 2014, much of it railed south to fuel oil and gas operations. When that wave receded, it left behind world-class infrastructure: massive rail loading terminals, transcontinental rail access, and bulk handling capacity sitting ready for the next chapter. Instead of letting that infrastructure gather dust, CEDC spotted the rainbow’s end. The same logistics network that moved sand could now transport agricultural biomass—the feedstock powering biomanufacturing. That forward-thinking pivot laid the groundwork for our Chippewa BDO Zone.

An ‘A’ Rating: Wisconsin’s First and Finest

Chippewa County earned the state’s inaugural BDO Zone rating—an impressive ‘A’ designation for corn stover. This isn’t a pat on the back; the BDO Zone system, developed by EcoStrat, uses a rigorous ‘AAA’ to ‘BBB’ scale to evaluate feedstock supply, infrastructure, and community readiness for commercial-scale biofuel and biobased production. An ‘A’ rating signals:

  • High prospective viability of feedstock and infrastructure
  • Low supply chain default risk
  • Strong capacity to support new biobased operations

A USDA-funded Ecostrat assessment confirms at least 380,000 dry tons of corn stover available within a 75-mile radius of Chippewa Falls—with virtually no competition for that supply within 150 miles. That’s a competitive edge that’s tough to beat.

Infrastructure: The Real Pot of Gold

Biomanufacturing isn’t just about raw materials—it demands efficient, large-scale movement of inputs and outputs. Chippewa County stands out with unmatched advantages:

  • Rail access in all four directions, with legacy frac sand terminals providing immediate loading/handling capacity
  • Proximity to major markets like the Twin Cities and Chicago
  • Mississippi River barge access under 70 miles away, plus international port reach through Superior, Wisconsin

These assets drive down logistics costs, improve project economics, and make our sites irresistible to developers.

Timing Couldn’t Be Better

The English/REEAL study’s release validates what BDO Zone supporters have long championed: third-party certification de-risks investments, speeds due diligence, and builds developer confidence. In a world of economic headwinds—tariffs, interest rates, policy shifts—this kind of credible, data-backed readiness helps projects move from concept to construction. CEDC’s BDO Zone efforts tie into our broader strategy, including the STAR Sites program—our portfolio of shovel-ready, project-ready industrial properties certified by the State of Wisconsin and Xcel Energy for fast-tracked development.

Together, it’s a winning combination: validated biomass supply chains, development-ready sites, multimodal infrastructure with national/international connectivity, and now peer-reviewed proof that projects in zones like ours deliver billions in sustained economic impact. This is rural economic development done right—not waiting for one big employer, but intentionally creating the conditions to attract an entire emerging industry. Yes, biomanufacturing projects are complex and capital-intensive, often taking time from assessment to groundbreaking. We continue actively marketing the Chippewa BDO Zone to site selectors and developers amid broader challenges. But the basics are rock-solid: abundant feedstock, premium infrastructure, top-tier certification, and fresh independent research.

As we raise a glass this St. Patrick’s Day, let’s toast to the real treasure we’ve uncovered—not mythical luck, but the strategic vision and hard work turning Chippewa County into a prime destination for biomanufacturing growth. The biobased economy is blooming, and we’re positioned to claim our share of the gold.

We intend to be right at the table. Stay tuned for updates, and happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at CEDC—may your day be green, your community strong, and your future prosperous!

Questions about the BDO Zone or economic opportunities in Chippewa County? Contact us at staff@chippewa-wi.com or 715-723-7150.