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Over 15 Years of Driving Success: CEDC Annual Charity Golf Outing

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 [...]

Over 15 Years of Driving Success: CEDC Annual Charity Golf Outing2026-06-29T12:41:15-05:00

A Day Before the Big Event!

Every year, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation's annual meeting serves as a reminder of something easy to forget in the day-to-day grind of economic development work — that real, lasting progress is built by people who genuinely care. This year's event was no exception, and I was fortunate-no not the right word-I was blessed to spend a few days hosting our Keynote speaker before and after the CEDC event. The day before Maggi Thorne—known to many as a standout competitor on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior—inspired business and community leaders at CEDC annual meeting, she spent time doing something just as important: investing in our next generation. One of the most impactful moments that came of my time with Maggi is when she spoke to the Chippewa Falls 8th grade class. She didn’t just [...]

A Day Before the Big Event!2026-05-21T12:01:57-05:00

BEAR & Lavender-Cultivating Growth

The CEDC is sprinkling a little extra purple magic across the Chippewa Valley with its Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) program—think of it as a fragrant breeze supporting local businesses, like the blossoming Pond View Lavender Farm nestled in Wheaton, Wisconsin Introduced by CEDC in 2007 the BEAR Program’s aim is to be the garden trowel helping businesses take root and bloom with all the resources and know-how they need. This bouquet of strategic initiatives includes BEAR Visits, Lunch & Learns, Listening Sessions, and even Podcasts—all designed to help the Chippewa Valley thrive. Like a "pollinator-CEDC conducts over 40 BEAR visits annually to connect with local businesses, engaging directly with leaders to develop relevant programs, advocating on key issues, and staying informed on trends shape our region's economy. The BEAR Visit approach emphasizes [...]

BEAR & Lavender-Cultivating Growth2026-05-04T15:43:30-05:00

Rogers Groundbreaking More than Turning Dirt!

CEDC was proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Rogers Behavioral Health hospital in Chippewa Falls—a project that represents a major accomplishment for our organization, our partners, and the entire Chippewa Valley. The groundbreaking event was more than just turning dirt. It was in part about a gathering in a field to witness a shared belief that strong communities don’t happen by accident — they believe in economic development and are built on purpose. One of the things we talk about a lot in economic development is speed to market. Communities that move quickly — and thoughtfully — are the ones that win. This project is a great example of that. From vision to action, Rogers Behavioral Health, the city, the County, the State (From the Senate, Governor, and agencies)- all working [...]

Rogers Groundbreaking More than Turning Dirt!2026-05-01T16:04:03-05:00

Chippewa Valley Bean: A Company with a Global Footprint

Recently, Chippewa Valley Bean welcomed regional partners for a Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) visit and Familiarization (FAM) tour. The visit brought together Chippewa Valley economic development professionals, along with representatives from Dunn Energy Electric Cooperative and Dairyland Power Cooperative, for a firsthand look at one of the region’s quiet global leaders. At CEDC, BEAR visits are more than routine check-ins. When our team sits down with manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers to ask structured questions—about import volumes, tariff exposure, supply chain pressures, and global customer bases—we are building the foundation for stronger international engagement across the region. This visit offered exactly that kind of insight. From receiving beans from local growers to cleaning, grading, and preparing them for shipment around the world, Chippewa Valley Bean demonstrated the full scope of an operation [...]

Chippewa Valley Bean: A Company with a Global Footprint2026-04-27T16:28:21-05:00

Growing Best Together in the Chippewa Valley

The Forecast Lunch, part of CEDC’s Business Retention and Expansion (BEAR) program and hosted by CEDC with generous sponsorship from Frandsen Bank & Trust, brought together business owners, entrepreneurs, lenders, educators, area manufacturers, and public-sector partners. The shared purpose was clear: to better understand the forces influencing our local economy so we can make smarter, faster decisions together. More than 80 engaged local leaders gathered over tacos, and the room quickly made it clear this was more than just another luncheon. Conversations moved from “what’s happening?” to “how is the local economy doing?” as introductions were made, familiar faces reconnected, and new relationships were formed among people who share a common interest in the Chippewa Valley’s future. The energy in the room reinforced a central theme: our region isn’t standing on the sidelines [...]

Growing Best Together in the Chippewa Valley2026-04-20T17:33:03-05:00

Keeping the Chippewa Running

Conversations around disaster are never easy. Whether it is a cyberattack, natural disaster, or unexpected operational failure, the topic forces our local business leaders to confront risk, uncertainty, and worst-case scenarios. Yet CEDC knows those are exactly the conversations that must happen before a crisis or disaster ever occurs. That’s why CEDC partnered with the Dirks Group to help over twenty local business leaders gather for an executive-level seminar on the topic.  The goal was simple and essential: help our local employers keep their businesses running and protect jobs when disruption strikes. This work is especially important right now. Through ongoing  BEAR  (business expansion and retention) visits, CEDC continues to hear a consistent theme across industries: many local businesses are not adequately prepared for a major disruption. Some lack clear internal roles during [...]

Keeping the Chippewa Running2026-04-15T17:54:28-05:00

Beyond Deals and Dirt: How Advocacy Is a Strategic Economic Development Tool

Entrepreneurial development doesn't happen in a vacuum. While ideas, talent, and capital are critical, the policies and programs that shape the business environment often determine whether entrepreneurs can start, grow, and stay local. That's why legislative advocacy is a core part of Chippewa Economic Development Corporation’s (CEDC) economic development strategy. At the CEDC, our work to support entrepreneurs extends beyond direct business assistance. We actively engage with state and federal policymakers to ensure that laws, funding programs, and regulations support—not hinder—entrepreneurial growth in Chippewa County. Policy Affects Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs are directly affected by public policy, often in ways that aren't visible until they create a barrier. Access to capital, workforce availability, housing supply, infrastructure investment, broadband access, and regulatory clarity all have a direct impact on small businesses and startups. CEDC Advocacy helps [...]

Beyond Deals and Dirt: How Advocacy Is a Strategic Economic Development Tool2026-03-27T14:34:47-05:00

CEDC Hosts Legislative Speed Dating Event

Lake Hallie, WI — The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) hosted a successful Legislative Speed Dating event today at the Egg Break Café in Lake Hallie, bringing together more than 45 local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to engage directly with elected officials on key economic development priorities. Participating legislators included  State Senators Jesse James, Romaine Quinn, Jeff Smith- State Representatives Dave Armstrong, Karen Hurd, Christian Phelps, and Clint Moses. Legislative staff aids in attendance included Anna Ringstad and Brian Westrate, representing Tammy Baldwin and Derrick Van Orden, respectively. The event is part of CEDC’s ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure that public policy supports—not hinders—entrepreneurial growth and business success across Chippewa County and the broader Chippewa Valley region. “Economic development doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” said CEDC Vice Chair Chad Oster. “The states [...]

CEDC Hosts Legislative Speed Dating Event2026-03-27T14:29:36-05:00

Supporting Neighbors, Strengthening Community

Access to timely, high quality mental health and addiction care can change the trajectory of a life. For many individuals and families, however, the greatest barrier to healing is not willingness. It is cost. The Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation exists to remove that barrier, ensuring more people can access the care and support they need when they need it most. Through community support and philanthropic giving, the Foundation helps provide financial assistance to patients who otherwise might not be able to receive treatment. These resources allow individuals and families to focus on recovery rather than the financial burden that can come with seeking care. Events and partnerships within the community play an important role in supporting this mission. By coming together through initiatives and fundraising opportunities, community members and organizations help expand access [...]

Supporting Neighbors, Strengthening Community2026-03-16T17:25:12-05:00
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