BEAR: Business Expansion and Retention Pitch Showcase
2025-08-14 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | EastBay Lodge, 27325 268th Ave, Holcombe, WI, 54745, United States
BEAR ’25: Celebrating Cubs to Kings of Business
The inaugural BEAR: Business Expansion and Retention Pitch Showcase is ready to roar! 🐻 HATCHed at last year’s HATCH competition, BEAR ’25 puts the spotlight on established, second-stage businesses that are scaling up, creating jobs, and shaping the future economy of the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

Who Is BEAR ’25 For?

Growth-stage businesses that are ready to expand
Investors, lenders, and business support champions
Community leaders and local officials
Chambers of Commerce, EDCs, post-secondary institutions, and economic stakeholders
Anyone passionate about economic growth and entrepreneurship

At BEAR, we’re celebrating the businesses that make Wisconsin strong. Finalists will pitch for guaranteed investor group pitch opportunities, exposure, connections, and exciting prizes, while the community gathers to recognize the companies driving real impact.
GRAND PRIZE: Guaranteed pitch opportunities with BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, Tundra Angels, Wisconsin Investment Partners, and at Hill Capital Corporation’s Summit event in November.
&
Additional Awards: Provided by Badgerland Printing, Second Stage Growth, and CEDC
✨ Come celebrate momentum, leadership, and the entrepreneurial journey beyond the startup.
THE DETAILS
Thursday, August 14th
Hosted by East Bay Lodge
27325 268th Ave
Holcombe, WI 54745
5:30 PM – 6 PM RECEPTION Hors d’oeuvres compliments of our host, East Bay Lodge
6 PM – MAIN EVENT Six pitches, sponsor highlights, judging, awards & photos
Reserve your tickets on Eventbrite HERE.
Submit your Sponsorship Form to brittany@chippewa-wi.com or call 715-723-7150 if you have questions.

Shaping Future Economic Growth - Chippewa County Comprehensive Plan Meeting
2025-08-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Cadott Family Restaurant, 641 WI-27, Cadott, WI, 54727, United States
CEDC supporters’ voices are critical when it comes to shaping the growth and direction of our region. That’s why we’re inviting you to participate in the Chippewa County Planning & Zoning Long-Range Plan Update Meeting on Wednesday, August 21, at the Cadott Family Restaurant from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This meeting is about more than zoning maps—it’s about defining the kind of community we want to build together. Chippewa County has asked CEDC to assist in gathering input from local business leaders, residents, and stakeholders to ensure future policies align with what our communities and businesses truly need.
Your input can help shape key decisions related to:
Infrastructure and traffic flow
Adjacent land use planning
Workforce housing
Broadband access
Business parks and commercial zoning
This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with county staff, local officials, and fellow economic development supporters to influence long-term strategies that will impact access, visibility, and growth potential for CEDC members and the broader community.

Training Within Industry (TWI) Boost Skills, Build Leaders: Transform Your Workforce
2025-09-29 17:00 - 2025-10-03 19:30 | CEDC Office, 770 Technology Way, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, United States
Empower employee’s, strengthen leadership, and boost productivity with TWI – a hands-on development program trusted by industry leaders like Toyota.
TWI delivers measurable results through four core modules: Job Instruction (JI), Job Relations (JR), Job Methods (JM), and Job Safety (JS) – building a skilled, engaged, and efficient workforce at every level.
Get Started Today! Unlock your team’s potential with TWI’s proven training programs. Contact MOC directly to schedule your seat, schedule a workshop just for your organization or to learn more about how TWI and the UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) can transform your operations.
Join us for the first session of our 4-part TWI Series: Job Relations
Sep 29-Oct 3, 2025 | 5:00-7:30PM
CEDC – 770 Technology Way, Chippewa Falls, WI
$1,000 per person

Meet and Greet Open House With Rogers Behavioral Health
2025-10-15 09:30 - 15:00 | Chippewa Valley Technical College – Chippewa Campus, 770 Scheidler Rd, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, United States
Rogers Behavioral Health is extending an open invitation to community members, partners, and professionals to attend an upcoming Open House in the Chippewa Valley. This event marks an exciting step forward as Rogers continues expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment in the region.
The Open House provides an opportunity for attendees to connect with Rogers’ leadership team, learn more about the services and programs offered, ask questions, and explore ways to collaborate in promoting mental health and wellness across the community.
Event Details:📅 Wednesday, October 15🕤 Session 1: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.🕐 Session 2: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.📍 Chippewa Valley Technical College Lobby770 Scheidler Road, Chippewa Falls, WI

Wisconsin Defense Manufacturing Supply Chain Conference [DMSCS]
2025-10-21 08:00 - 18:00 | WI
DMSCS brings together manufacturers, suppliers, government
representatives, and industry leaders to explore opportunities
in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain.
Who Should Attend
• Small and mid-sized manufacturers exploring DoD contracts and becoming part
of the Defense Industrial Base [DIB]
• Businesses looking to strengthen existing defense relationships
• Contractors and subcontractors working to gain clarity on compliance,
cybersecurity, and procurement strategies that directly impact their ability to
compete and grow
Networking & Connections
• Meet directly with DoD officials, industry primes and suppliers
• Explore resources from procurement and manufacturing support organizations
You’ll Learn
• What defense buyers and prime contractors look for in their suppliers
• Best practices for navigating DoD compliance and cybersecurity requirements
• Strategies to position your business for long-term success in the defense
marketplace
Register Now!

HATCH 2025 Pitch Competition
2025-11-11 17:30 - 21:00 | EastBay Lodge, 27325 268th Ave, Holcombe, WI, 54745, United States
HATCH 2025 is back—and this year, we’re going all in on Wisconsin startups, inventions, and innovations! Whether you’re dreaming up your next big idea, cheering from the sidelines, investing in innovation, or shaping tomorrow’s economy, we want you in the room.
What is HATCH?
HATCH is a high-energy pitch event designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, inventors, and big thinkers who are ready to take their bold ideas to the next level. Whether you’re launching a scalable startup, developing a transformative product, or refining a unique service tailored to a specific market or industry, HATCH is your platform to shine. This event is specifically geared toward those who are in the testing phase—fine-tuning their go-to-market strategy and exploring viable sales channels. If your concept is built to grow, evolve, or disrupt, we want to hear from you.
Who Is HATCH For?
HATCH is Wisconsin’s idea-stage pitch showcase for early-stage entrepreneurs, first-time founders, inventors, and creative thinkers ready to test bold concepts and build momentum. It’s also for the investors, business mentors, community leaders, economic developers, educators, and innovation champions who believe in cultivating fresh ideas from the ground up. This year, we’re proud to place a spotlight on Veteran entrepreneurs as part of our broader celebration of innovation and leadership across all communities.
Whether you’re building a scalable product, exploring a new service model, or turning a big idea into a business reality, HATCH is the place to take your shot. Finalists will pitch in front of a live audience for prizes, visibility, connections, and ongoing support, as the community rallies around the next generation of Wisconsin entrepreneurs.
✨ Join us to celebrate creativity, courage, and the earliest sparks of entrepreneurial journeys. This is where big ideas begin.
To be eligible to apply for HATCH, your concept must be based in Wisconsin, and your idea or business must meet at least one of the following criteria:

A scalable start-up, invention, innovation, or concept with the potential to achieve high-growth over time
A product or idea that can evolve into a diverse product line or a specialized service targeting specific industries or markets
A business or concept that is in the early stages of development and actively testing its go-to-market strategy and sales channels

Failing Forward: Invite-Only VIP Networking Reception
Founders know the truth: the fastest way to a better company is through the lessons that hurt. Join us for an invite-only, founder-first reception where investors and seasoned entrepreneurs open up about the misses, pivots, and near-misses that shaped their wins.
Who it’s for
– Startup and growth-stage founders (all industries)
– Sponsors, investors, and banks
When
– 4:45 PM: Arrive, grab a drink, get settled
– 5:00 PM: Facilitated introductions to spark quality connections
– 5:05–5:30 PM: Small-group conversations at investor/mentor-led tables on “founder fails” and what they taught us
– 5:30–6:00 PM: Conversations continue as the reception and doors open
– 6:00 PM: HATCH begins
What to expect
– No slides, no pitches—real talk in a supportive, off-the-record setting
– Candid lessons you can apply immediately
– Targeted introductions to investors, banks, and peers who get it
Request an invite
Founders (startup and otherwise): message us on our social channels or email
– Sarah Kowal: sarah@sarahkowal.com
– Casey Hedrington: staff@chippewa-wi.com
Capacity is limited; requests will be confirmed in the order received.
Optional: bring business cards or a one-pager to make follow-ups easy.

SPONSORSHIPS

Email Casey at staff@chippewa-wi.com for sponsorship info.

https://chippewa-wi.com/wp-content/uploads/HATCH-Promo-Vid.mp4

CEDC Christmas Gathering
2025-12-18 16:30 - 18:30 | The View, 17779 Co Hwy X, Chippewa Falls, 54729, United States
Join us for our Christmas Gathering at The View in Chippewa Falls on December 18th from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and Christmas music while mingling with CEDC staff, board members, investors, and other community members. We greatly appreciate our supporters and would love to see you!

2026 STEAM Night
2026-03-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Chippewa Falls Senior High School, 735 Terrill Street, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI, 54729, United States
The Science, Math, Tech. Ed., and Art Departments are proud to host the 9th STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Open House on Wednesday, 3/3/26, from 5 pm to 8pm. Our goal is to connect students to STEAM careers in the Chippewa Valley, and we need your help to make this event a success!

To register, scan the QR Code or follow the Link
PURPOSE:

To promote ChiHi’s science/technology/engineering/art/math programs by enhancing post-secondary readiness and closing the skills gap.
To showcase STEAM-related post-secondary options and careers in the Chippewa Valley.
To connect our students to employers and the community at large.

For more information, please contact:
Nick Gagnon
STEAM Coordinator
715-726-2406 ext. 1244
gagnonnd@chipfalls.org

STEAM Video & Photos from previous years’ STEAM night & STEAM Animation

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
2026-04-14 13:30 - 17:00 | Metropolis Resort (Skybox Banquet Hall) 5150 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire 54701, 5150 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire, WI, 54701, United States
Join us for a practical, executive-level seminar focused on strengthening your organization’s disaster recovery and business continuity strategy. Designed for business owners and senior leaders, this session will provide clear, actionable guidance to help you prepare for cyber incidents, operational outages, and unexpected disruptions — with documentation you can actually use.
What You’ll Learn
-Incident response planning essentials
-How to define and prioritize recovery objectives
-Understanding and meeting compliance expectations
-Strategies to reduce downtime and minimize business impact
Opening Remarks
Shawn Massey – CRO, The Dirks Group
With more than 25 years of IT leadership experience — from IT Director to VP of Sales — Shawn Massey is a certified Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Engineer dedicated to helping organizations strengthen security, resilience, and data protection. He joined The Dirks Group as Chief Revenue Officer in January 2026.
Featured Speaker
Scott Owens – Owner & Managing Director, BluTinuityCISM, CDPSE, CBCP, PMP
Scott brings 35 years of specialized experience in business continuity, disaster recovery, incident response, and tabletop exercises. As Managing Director of BluTinuity, a Milwaukee-based cybersecurity and resilience consulting firm, he works with organizations to plan and prepare for what they hope never happens.
Schedule
1:30 PM – Check-In2:00 PM – Presentation4:00 PM – Networking ReceptionCocktails & hors d’oeuvres provided
Location
Metropolis Resort – Skybox Banquet Hall5150 Fairview DriveEau Claire, WI 54701
Event Details
Date: April 14, 2026Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PMCost: Free
Register HERE

Growing Best in the Chippewa Valley ---The Forecast Lunch
2026-04-20 | WI
This lunch event brings together business owners, entrepreneurs, and economic development stakeholders to explore the region’s economic outlook and key challenges. Attendees will hear expert insights from Gary A. Wagner, Ph.D., Acadiana Business Economist and BORSF Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair in Economics at the B.I. Moody III College of Business, University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
The discussion will cover national and state economic trends, labor market participation, workforce challenges, and the Chippewa Valley’s place in the broader Wisconsin and Upper Midwest economy. Participants will gain perspective on workforce shortages, barriers to participation, entrepreneurial energy, housing and quality-of-life factors affecting talent attraction, and strategies for businesses, education, and local governments to strengthen the regional workforce.
CEDC is proud to partner with organizations like Frandsen Bank & Trust, whose century-long commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and local communities aligns closely with CEDC’s mission to foster growth, opportunity, and long-term prosperity in the Chippewa Valley.
Event Details ~
Monday, April 20, 2026Check-In: 11:30 a.m.Presentation: 12:00 p.m.
Location:29 Pines Conference Center5872 33rd Ave.Eau Claire, WI
We look forward to welcoming you for an engaging afternoon of connection and conversation.

CEDC's 2026 Annual Meeting
2026-05-15 07:00 - 09:30 | Eau Claire Event District, 5633 20th Ave, Eau Claire, WI, 54703, United States
Don’t miss the CEDC’s Annual Meeting on Friday, May 15th! This exciting event is an excellent opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate our great community. This year’s meeting is hosted at the beautiful Eau Claire Event District: The Crescent.
Event Schedule:
~Connecting begins at 7:00 am
~Breakfast is served at 7:30 am
~Speaker begins at 8:15 am
Featured Keynote Speaker — Maggi Thorne
We are excited to welcome Maggi Thorne as our keynote speaker. Maggi is a world-renowned motivational speaker and 8X competitor on the Emmy-nominated show American Ninja Warrior, where she became the second mom to conquer the warped wall and the first to beat the salmon ladder. She has also competed twice on NBC’s Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge, previously earned the title of Mrs. International in 2014, and serves as Chief Success Officer at CareerPathways, helping people navigate and accelerate their career journeys.
Drawing on her journey of resilience, grit, and high performance, Maggi inspires leaders, teams, and communities to adopt a “Never Give Up” mindset and pursue their goals no matter what life throws at them. She has led and managed hundreds of millions of dollars in major construction projects, founded JoyFlowCo to equip and inspire active women, and travels the country empowering audiences of all ages to turn adversity into opportunity.
Join us for a day of connecting, community engagement, and fun—all while supporting a great cause. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register HERE

CEDC's 2026 Charity Classic
2026-05-15 10:00 - 17:00 | Whispering Pines Golf, 24700 County Highway X, Cadott, WI, 54727, United States
⛳ EVENT FULL — REGISTRATION CLOSED

We’re officially at capacity for the 2026 Charity Classic! Thank you for the incredible support—this event is completely full.
Tee Off for a Cause at the 2026 Charity Classic
RAIN OR SHINE
Join us for the Charity Classic Golf Outing on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Whispering Pines Golf Course in Cadott, WI! This 18-hole event benefits the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation, supporting vital mental health care, research, and recovery initiatives.
Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy a day of fun, friendly competition, and meaningful community impact—all for a great cause.
What to Expect

18 holes of golf
Cart rental included
Exciting prizes
Lunch provided
A chance to make a real impact

10:15 AM Shotgun StartRAIN OR SHINE
Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available
Even though golfer registration is full, you can still be part of the impact.
Partner with us to support this important cause while gaining visibility for your business and building strong community connections.
Next Steps:

Complete the Sponsorship 2026 form
Send your completed sponsorship form to Casey at staff@chippewa-wi.com

Let’s swing for a great cause—see you on the course!

Coffee with Apex
2026-07-21 08:30 - 10:30 | CEDC Office, 770 Technology Way, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, United States
CEDC is excited to host Coffee with APEX Accelerator, an opportunity for regional manufacturers to connect with experts who can help businesses navigate government contracting and explore opportunities within the Department of Defense supply chain.
This event will bring together economic development stakeholders, regional manufacturers, the Wisconsin APEX Accelerator, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI), and representatives from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime for meaningful conversations surrounding supplier readiness, procurement requirements, and resources available to help businesses compete in the federal marketplace.
Attendees will gain valuable insight into the process of becoming a government supplier, including understanding contracting requirements, compliance expectations, procurement systems, and strategies for identifying new opportunities.
Through partnerships with the Wisconsin APEX Accelerator and WPI, CEDC helps connect manufacturers with the expertise and resources needed to strengthen their capabilities, expand into new markets, and contribute to a stronger Wisconsin manufacturing and defense supply chain.
Coffee with APEX Accelerators is part of CEDC’s ongoing commitment to supporting business growth by providing connections, resources, and opportunities that help local manufacturers succeed.

BEAR At The Orchard
2026-08-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Dixon’s Apple Orchard Wedding and Event Venue, 22404 20th Ave, Cadott, WI, 54727, United States
CEDC’s BEAR at the Orchard is an entrepreneur-focused networking and pitch event designed to connect business owners, startups, growth-stage companies, mentors, investors, and community partners throughout the Chippewa Valley. Held at Dixon’s Apple Orchard in Cadott on Wednesday, August 12, this unique event combines relationship building, idea sharing, and business support in a relaxed orchard setting.
The evening will feature guided connecting, an open pitch experience where entrepreneurs can share their ideas and receive audience feedback, and opportunities to connect with resources that help businesses launch, grow, and succeed. Attendees can enjoy refreshments while building connections with others passionate about entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Who is BEAR at the Orchard for?
Entrepreneurs looking to share ideas, business owners seeking connections, mentors and investors supporting local companies, and community partners interested in strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Space is limited for this unique event, so register today. Early registration is encouraged to reserve your spot and ensure you don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and be part of the Chippewa Valley’s growing entrepreneurial community.
Register HERE
Applications HERE (complete & email to staff@chippewa-wi.com)
Join CEDC for an evening of connecting, innovation, and collaboration as we help local businesses take root and grow.

BEAR Lunch and Learn: Economic Development (ED)101
2026-09-22 11:00 - 14:00 | HWY 53 Equipment Repair, 305 County Hwy AA, New Auburn, WI, 54729, United States
Join CEDC for a BEAR Lunch and Learn featuring Economic Development 101, an engaging, three-hour session designed to build a stronger understanding of how economic development creates opportunities for businesses, communities, and residents. Led by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), this training is ideal for elected officials, community leaders, business professionals, board members, and anyone interested in supporting long-term economic growth in the Chippewa Valley. Registration includes lunch, which will be served during the program.
Whether you’re new to economic development or looking to expand your knowledge, this session provides a practical overview of the strategies, partnerships, and decision-making that drive successful communities. Participants will also gain a better understanding of how CEDC and Momentum West work together to attract investment, support business expansion, and strengthen economic growth throughout Chippewa County and the region.
Purpose and Objectives
Economic Development 101 provides participants with a clear understanding of the tools, processes, and partnerships that strengthen local economies. Attendees will leave better equipped to collaborate with economic development professionals, engage with community stakeholders, and make informed decisions that support sustainable growth.
Curriculum Overview
Based on industry best practices established by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the curriculum is tailored to Wisconsin communities and highlights the opportunities and challenges facing Western Wisconsin and the Chippewa Valley.
Key Topics
Economic Development Fundamentals

Core concepts, goals, and principles of economic development
The local economic development ecosystem and the roles of key partners

Strategic Planning and Implementation

Why strategic planning matters and how it drives economic success
Key steps for developing and implementing effective economic development strategies

Session Format
This interactive, three-hour lunch program combines expert-led presentations, local examples, and guided discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow business, government, and community leaders while sharing ideas, discussing real-world scenarios, and building valuable regional relationships.
Participant Benefits
Attendees will:

Build a strong foundation in economic development principles.
Understand the roles CEDC and Momentum West play in supporting economic growth.
Strengthen their ability to support local business and community initiatives.
Improve collaboration with economic development professionals and regional partners.
Leave with practical knowledge to help position their community for growth.
