Powering Progress: Celebrating Economic Development Week in the Chippewa Valley

Since 2016, the International Economic Development Council’s Economic Development Week has recognized the vital role that economic development organizations and professionals play in shaping thriving communities across the nation. At the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), we are proud to be part of this national celebration and to champion the Power of Partnerships—the collaborations that drive innovation, foster growth, and create lasting changes throughout the Chippewa Valley. This year, Economic Development Week takes place May 12–16, 2025, offering an opportunity to spotlight the tireless efforts that build vibrant, inclusive, and resilient local economies. Throughout the week, CEDC will showcase the essential work we do to support small businesses, attract investment, and strengthen our region’s economic foundation. We invite you to follow our social media for daily highlights, tune in to our BEAR Discussions podcast, and [...]

Powering Progress: Celebrating Economic Development Week in the Chippewa Valley2025-04-15T12:17:51-05:00

The Power of Education in Driving Economic Growth: CEDC Sponsors the 2025 Eau Claire Luncheon

At CEDC, we’re committed to fostering economic vitality in Chippewa County, and we know that education is the backbone of that effort. The numbers tell a compelling story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Individuals with higher education credentials enjoy lower unemployment rates and higher median weekly earnings than those with less education. For example, someone with a bachelor’s degree earns about 65% more per week than a high school graduate. The unemployment rate for high school diploma holders stands at 3.9%, while it drops to just 2.2% for those with a bachelor’s degree, a clear sign of education’s stabilizing power. Looking ahead, jobs requiring postsecondary education are projected to grow nearly twice as fast as those that don’t by 2032, signaling a rising demand for skilled talent. These statistics underscore [...]

The Power of Education in Driving Economic Growth: CEDC Sponsors the 2025 Eau Claire Luncheon2025-03-31T14:25:56-05:00

Take Your Business to the Next Level: SBA 504 Loans & Expert Advice

CEDC's Business Expansion and Retention (B.E.A.R.) Lunch and Learns are vital to our mission to support small business growth and expansion. The upcoming B.E.A.R. Lunch and Learn on March 20th will be held at the CEDC office at 770 Technology Way in Chippewa Falls! The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This edition of the Lunch and Learn will focus on the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program, a key resource for business expansion, job creation, and economic development. This event allows business leaders to explore valuable tools and resources available in our community to help them succeed. As part of CEDC’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation, these sessions are essential in driving continued economic progress in our region. Lunch and Learns offer education and serve as a [...]

Take Your Business to the Next Level: SBA 504 Loans & Expert Advice2025-03-12T11:42:01-05:00

Fostering Innovation: The CEDC Collaborative Showcase at VSA

At CEDC, we sincerely thank all our investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who participated in the CEDC Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase today at Valley Sports Academy (VSA) in Lake Hallie, WI. A special thanks to VSA for hosting such a fantastic event in their state-of-the-art facility. The CEDC Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase highlights the innovators in our community, providing a platform for them to share their journeys, discuss challenges they’ve faced, and outline their goals for the future. By demonstrating that no entrepreneurial path is the same—and that every entrepreneur encounters obstacles—these showcases reassure and inspire emerging business owners. A powerful example from today’s event came from VSA founder Brian Seubert, who shared that he never had a mentor and had to learn many difficult lessons on his own. He emphasized the value of mentorship, [...]

Fostering Innovation: The CEDC Collaborative Showcase at VSA2025-03-07T10:34:41-06:00

CEDC Highlights Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CEDC Showcases Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase Lake Hallie, WI—On March 6th, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation welcomed over 50 investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to the second Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase of 2025, held at Valley Sports Academy (VSA). Those in attendance had the opportunity to collaborate, connect, and share innovative ideas that will drive Chippewa County’s economy further. As part of CEDC’s commitment to Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR), the showcase was crucial in fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth throughout the Chippewa Valley. By bringing together innovators and industry professionals, the event encouraged collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement—all essential to the region’s thriving business ecosystem. Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore VSA’s state-of-the-art facilities, discover groundbreaking business concepts, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow entrepreneurs. [...]

CEDC Highlights Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase2025-03-07T18:36:40-06:00

Secure Your Spot: Sponsorship Opportunities for CEDC’s 2025 Annual Meeting Now Open

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation's (CEDC) Annual Meeting is Wisconsin's biggest annual economic development meeting. It is geared towards showcasing achievements from across Chippewa County, fostering collaboration and connecting among local businesses and community members, and sharing our future goals and ambitions for our community. The CEDC aims to strengthen local pride and getting the community invested in our mission. This year's Annual Meeting will be held at the Eau Claire Event District - The Crescent! The CEDC's annual meeting theme, "Shaping Tomorrow's Economy: Communities at the Core," highlights the importance of building a thriving economy in Chippewa County while keeping community members at the forefront. This approach aligns with CEDC's mission of fostering a strong economic environment that supports businesses and enhances the quality of life for residents. This is your chance [...]

Secure Your Spot: Sponsorship Opportunities for CEDC’s 2025 Annual Meeting Now Open2025-03-21T11:42:30-05:00

3rd Annual Legislative Speed Dating: A Huge Success

On February 21st, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) hosted its 3rd annual Legislative Speed Dating event at the Eggbreak Café in Lake Hallie. This unique gathering brought together over 40 business and community leaders with the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly officials, creating a dynamic space for dialogue and advocacy. Inspired by the concept of speed dating, the event provided structured yet engaging discussions between local constituents and elected officials. Each legislator spent up to six minutes at a table, actively listening to concerns, providing updates, and addressing key issues before rotating to the next group. This rapid format ensured a broad exchange of ideas within the 90-minute session. The CEDC was honored to host several key legislators who engaged in meaningful conversations about economic development, infrastructure, and policy needs affecting Chippewa Valley. [...]

3rd Annual Legislative Speed Dating: A Huge Success2025-03-10T10:55:20-05:00

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation Hosts Annual Legislative “Speed Dating” Event

Chippewa Valley, WI – On February 21st, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) welcomed over 40 business and community leaders to its annual Chippewa Valley Legislative Speed Dating event at the Eggbreak Café in Lake Hallie. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with and provide input to Wisconsin Legislative Senate and Assembly elected officials. Modeled after the old-fashioned “Speed Dating” Concept, area legislators spent up to six minutes at tables with area constituents and CEDC economic development stakeholders, listening and updating them on local issues. After six minutes, all elected officials rotated to the following table to hear from the next set of local issues to another group. The legislative “dating” process lasted for an hour and a half. The CEDC event was privileged to host several key legislators who listened attentively, shared [...]

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation Hosts Annual Legislative “Speed Dating” Event2025-03-10T11:00:10-05:00

CEDC’s 2025 Annual Meeting

Join Us for CEDC's Annual Meeting – Friday, May 16th as we celebrate Shaping Tomorrow's Economy: Communities are the Core! Don’t miss the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation’s Annual Meeting and Charity Golf Outing on Friday, May 16th! This exciting event is an excellent opportunity to connect, learn, and give back to the community. This year's meeting is hosted at the beautiful Eau Claire Event District: The Crescent. The CEDC Charity Golf Outing will follow with a shotgun start at 10:30AM at Whispering Pines Golf Course in Cadott, WI. Event Schedule: Breakfast & Connecting: Start the day with breakfast and connecting with fellow community leaders. Annual Meeting: Stay informed with updates from CEDC on our initiatives and local economic developments. Golf Outing: Head to Whispering Pines Golf Course in Cadott for a round of [...]

CEDC’s 2025 Annual Meeting2025-05-14T17:49:12-05:00
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