Taking Advantage of Highschool–Small Business Partnerships

When most people think about economic development and the work that CEDC does, they often picture industrial parks, investment deals, or start-up programs like “BEAR” or “Hatch”. But one of the most important economic engines in our community can be found just down the road at the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District (CFAUSD). That’s why we partner and have CEDC’s talent development programs. We are proud to highlight the ongoing partnership between Chippewa Valley businesses, and the CFAUSD. Under the leadership of Superintendent Jeffrey Holmes, the CFASUD has partnered even closer with CEDC. Holmes implemented strategic programs, valued open dialogue and shared goals, further helping local educators and entrepreneurs to work together to ensure the success of both our students and our economy. Why Schools Matter to Chippewa’s Small Businesses Small businesses [...]

Taking Advantage of Highschool–Small Business Partnerships2025-07-25T14:03:42-05:00

FBLA Regional Leadership Conference Around the Corner

Did you know Chippewa Falls High School (Chi-Hi) will be hosting the Future Business Leaders of America's (FBLA) Regional Leadership Conference on February 3rd, 2024? FBLA is an organization that was first developed in the 1930s focusing on preparing students to become leaders with hopes of unleashing the power of entrepreneurship and business knowledge. FBLA focuses on academic competition and leadership development. It has grown to become the premier high school business leadership development platform where students get together, connect, and share ideas about future career opportunities. FBLA students work hand in hand with local business leaders and educators to participate in competitive events that help them prepare for the challenging job market. CEDC President/CEO, Charlie Walker has the honor of being Region 1's Keynote speaker at this year's conference. Charlie is preparing [...]

FBLA Regional Leadership Conference Around the Corner2023-12-18T16:51:01-06:00

HATCH 2023: An Idea Pitch Competition

FOR ENTREPRENEURS: Imagine a cozy fireside gathering that's all about making your entrepreneurial dreams come true. Join us for our annual HATCH Business Idea Pitch Competition, in partnership with Startup Chippewa Valley Week, where the atmosphere is warm, the setting intimate, and the possibilities endless. Register for Hatch 2023 Today This event is tailor-made for entrepreneurs like you who are ready to turn their dreams into reality. We're seeking exceptional teams and groundbreaking products that resonate with our eager investors' criteria. This could be the moment your startup finds the capital it needs to soar. Save the date for a heartwarming evening at River Bend Winery & Distillery in the picturesque Chippewa Falls on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, starting at 6:00 pm. It's not just an event; it's a celebration of [...]

HATCH 2023: An Idea Pitch Competition2023-10-30T14:14:09-05:00

HATCH 2023: An Idea Pitch Competition

FOR ENTREPRENEURS: Imagine a cozy fireside gathering that's all about making your entrepreneurial dreams come true. Join us for our annual HATCH Business Idea Pitch Competition, in partnership with Startup Chippewa Valley Week, where the atmosphere is warm, the setting intimate, and the possibilities endless. Register for Hatch 2023 Today This event is tailor-made for entrepreneurs like you who are ready to turn their dreams into reality. We're seeking exceptional teams and groundbreaking products that resonate with our eager investors' criteria. This could be the moment your startup finds the capital it needs to soar. Save the date for a heartwarming evening at River Bend Winery & Distillery in the picturesque Chippewa Falls on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, starting at 6:00 pm. It's not just an event; it's a celebration of [...]

HATCH 2023: An Idea Pitch Competition2023-10-25T17:53:53-05:00

CEDC: A Resource

Throughout the Chippewa Valley there are various services for businesses to utilize that many may not know about. From startups to existing businesses facing challenges, don’t fret, there are resources available to you. The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is one of those resources that provides business consulting, help with grants and funding, site selection assistance, keynote speaking, as well as mentorship programs and various other services to the Chippewa Valley (free of charge might I add). Just a phone call away, we are able to assist you if you have any questions or need a bit of guidance. The CEDC also coordinates Lunch & Learns with local businesses and professionals. The topics of these Lunch & Learns vary throughout the year from marketing series to human resources, energy programs to recovery coaching, [...]

CEDC: A Resource2023-03-16T12:30:06-05:00

BEAR Discussions Podcast with Wade Latz

Join us for a special BEAR Discussions Podcast episode being recorded LIVE on Zoom, featuring CVTC Manufacturing Instructor Wade Latz. In addition to touching the lives of college students daily. Latz also started a nonprofit called Manufacturing Save Our Schools (SOS) Alliance, which works with school districts to provide a more realistic education to school age students. Thank you, St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls for being our partner in this educational series.

BEAR Discussions Podcast with Wade Latz2022-03-02T10:08:26-06:00

CEDC Investor Hosts BEAR Discussions Listening Session

Alliance Plastics engineers and fabricates custom plastic extrusions for a wide array of applications and industries. Established in 1987, the company continues to experience steady growth and has expanded their operations several times in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. As a major investor and supporter of the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), they had the opportunity to host the most recent Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Discussions Listening Session. One of the most important things that an Economic Development Organization (EDO) can provide is a platform or channel to educate, provide feedback, and help form policy decisions that improve or maintain a healthy business climate. These discussions provide an opportunity for our existing businesses to meet with policymakers about the issues that impact their operations. In the past, BEAR Discussions Listening Sessions helped form and [...]

CEDC Investor Hosts BEAR Discussions Listening Session2022-01-25T14:02:11-06:00

Merry Christmas, Chippewa Valley!

We've all been through a lot this year: the pandemic, supply chain issues, and talent shortages, just to name a few. What is awesome is that the Chippewa Valley has continued to prosper because of the hard work ethic of our citizens, our businesses' ability to innovate, our abundance of entrepreneurship, and those individuals who support the mission of the CEDC. We close out this year being reminded of how fortunate we are in the Chippewa Valley. This month, the Governor announced that UW-Eau Claire and CVTC were winners in the Innovation Grant Program. Businesses continue to build and expand during the winter, and we are excited for the upcoming adventures that await us in 2022! May the gift of love, peace, and happiness be yours this Christmas. Have a Merry Christmas and [...]

Merry Christmas, Chippewa Valley!2022-01-04T10:12:08-06:00
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