Berlin BEAR

On a snowy morning last week, Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) welcomed Nicola Michels, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)’s Trade Representative in Germany. Nicola is from Berlin, Germany, and is a WEDC consultant working to help Chippewa Valley businesses begin their exporting program. Berlin, Germany’s coat of arms is a bear, of course, so it was only fitting that she be the guest of a CEDC BEAR Discussion centering around exporting! Discovering the opportunities that Germany and the Broader European Market offer was the main topic of the CEDC BEAR discussion. BEAR, or Business Expansion and Retention, is the CEDC’s flagship economic development program and makes up about eighty percent of our efforts as an organization. Our BEAR Program is aimed at helping our existing businesses get the information and resources they need [...]

Berlin BEAR2022-01-19T14:19:00-06:00

The U-Haul Growth Index: A Local Perspective

This morning, CEDC stopped over at the Chippewa Falls U-Haul Moving Center and had a quick BEAR Discussion with Paul Zillmer, the general manager, to gain a little insight on what he sees is happening in migration and out-migration within the Chippewa Valley. Many don't know, but U-Haul publishes their U-Haul Growth Index on a yearly basis. This annual report determines growth by calculating the net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks entering a state versus leaving that state in a calendar year. California and Illinois, for the second consecutive year, witnessed the largest net losses of one-way U-Haul trucks. Zillmer noted that while this report shows migration trends, they do not directly correlate to population growth. However, it's a pretty good gauge of how well cities are attracting and retaining its residents. "The [...]

The U-Haul Growth Index: A Local Perspective2022-01-05T11:10:17-06:00

Expand your Market: Learn about Doing Business in Central Europe

Are you a new or active exporter? Is your company looking to expand to new markets? Want to find opportunities for business growth overseas? Then this Business Expansion And Retention (BEAR) Discussion is for you! Join the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC), Momentum West, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for an interactive discussion, Q&A session, networking, and breakfast. Nicola Michels, the Senior Manager and Consultant at WEDC’s Trade Representative in Germany, is joining us to meet with Wisconsin businesses, answer questions, and discuss market opportunities in Europe (excluding the UK, France, Ireland, and the Benelux countries), with an emphasis on southern Germany and Austria. WEDC is planning a trade venture to that region with stops in Munich, Germany and Linz and [...]

Expand your Market: Learn about Doing Business in Central Europe2021-12-17T12:49:07-06:00

Generations Academy Students Receive Tour of CVIC

Generations Academy is a non-profit charter school in Eau Claire, WI that specializes in individual development and project-based learning. Recently, the Generations Academy students had a business unit; every child from five to eighteen years old was instructed to come up with a business idea. In addition to the hands-on experience they got from their business projects, two groups of students were also able to see small businesses in action by receiving a tour of the Chippewa Valley Innovation Center (CVIC). CVIC Board President and CEDC Board Chair, Tom Waldusky, guided both groups of students through each bay in the building. The students also got to hear from and speak with two CVIC tenants: Dave Espeseth, owner of Excel Medical Corp., and Anthony Nied, owner of Safe & Simple Organic Lawns. Both had their [...]

Generations Academy Students Receive Tour of CVIC2021-12-04T12:03:51-06:00

CEDC Speaks at Local Workforce Solutions Summit

CEDC’s Charlie Walker was invited to participate in the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Solutions Summit at the Pablo Center. As part of a breakout panel discussion, he highlighted the collaboration between CEDC and Momentum West in developing the regional economic development organization’s video series. The Workforce Solutions Summit is specifically designed to provide area employers with practical solutions. The Regional Talent Initiatives panel also consisted of Alms Creative owner William Alms, UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank, Jenny Radcliffe of Dairyland Power, and Brian Elwood of Xcel Energy. Over 40 attendees participated in the panel discussion. The importance of communicating to the next generation of talent cannot be overemphasized. CEDC Executive Board Member Maureen Carlson was instrumental in launching the promotional video series when she chaired the Momentum West Board of Directors. Maureen continuously [...]

CEDC Speaks at Local Workforce Solutions Summit2021-12-03T11:13:39-06:00

Latest BEAR Discussions Podcast Episode

Patrick Ley and Steven Birkholz – Seeking and Applying Unique Workforce Solutions – Episode 131 CEDC’s Charlie Walker sits down with Patrick Ley and Steven Birkholz of Applied Care Services (ACS). ACS is based out of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and offers counseling and employment assistance to individuals that struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues, while also helping businesses save money by taking care of their packaging needs. This week's podcast is back on the talent solution that so many businesses are struggling with; ACS is part of the solution. If you are struggling with mental health, Applied Care Services is here to help. Please consider reaching out by visiting their website or giving them a call at (612) 205 5332. Interested in signing up for the newsletter or learning more [...]

Latest BEAR Discussions Podcast Episode2022-01-19T14:42:14-06:00
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