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Get Ready for HATCH 2024: The Ultimate Idea Pitch Competition!

Entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers—this one’s for you! On Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, during Startup Chippewa Valley Week, Chippewa Falls will be buzzing with creativity and excitement as CEDC's HATCH returns. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering a $5,000 grand prize to the most promising business idea! HATCH is more than just a pitch competition; it’s a platform for local entrepreneurs to shine, connect with community leaders, and get their innovative ideas in front of a panel of experienced judges. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to scale your next big venture or a community member excited to witness the latest ideas that could shape the future, this event is for you. Why You Should Attend: Meet the Entrepreneurs: Some of the brightest minds in the Chippewa Valley will [...]

Get Ready for HATCH 2024: The Ultimate Idea Pitch Competition!2024-09-16T15:58:06-05:00

Protecting Local Businesses: What Chippewa Valley Businesses Need to Know

In an era where digital threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the importance of cybersecurity practices for local Chippewa Valley businesses, especially those involved in sensitive sectors, cannot be overstated. Yesterday, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) and the Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) hosted a Lunch and Learn event on cybersecurity, aimed at equipping local businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves against evolving cyber threats. The event, held at CVTC, brought together a diverse group of attendees eager to learn about the latest trends and strategies in cybersecurity. The keynote speaker, Doug Ebert, Vice President of Operations at Core Cabling & Integration (CCI), shared his expertise on the critical role of cybersecurity and security systems in today’s business landscape. Core Cabling & Integration (CCI) is a locally owned company [...]

Protecting Local Businesses: What Chippewa Valley Businesses Need to Know2024-09-03T09:50:12-05:00

CEDC Updates Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association Managers

Recently, Charlie Walker from the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) delivered a compelling presentation at the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) Managers Meeting in Stanley, WI at the RESCO facility. WECA has a rich history rooted in the Great Depression of the 1930s, marked by significant achievements and leadership in rural electrification. Among its notable milestones is the creation of the nation’s first statewide association for Rural Electric Cooperatives. Over the past 80 years, Wisconsin's rural electric cooperatives have evolved into vital community assets, providing more than just reliable electricity. Their ongoing success is supported by organizations like CEDC, which promote business growth in rural Wisconsin. In his presentation, Charlie emphasized the critical role of economic development in fostering growth and sustainability in rural areas. Unlike urban centers, rural communities face unique challenges, [...]

CEDC Updates Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association Managers2024-08-23T15:48:34-05:00

Securing the Future: The Crucial Role of Cybersecurity for Chippewa Manufacturers

In today's digital age, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated, especially for Department of Defense (DoD) manufacturers in the Chippewa Valley. These manufacturers are crucial to national security, making them prime targets for cyberattacks from state-sponsored actors, organized crime groups, and opportunistic hackers. A successful cyberattack on Western Wisconsin's DoD manufacturers could have catastrophic consequences, potentially compromising sensitive defense information, disrupting operations, and endangering national security. To address these critical cybersecurity needs, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute and UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC), in collaboration with Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) and the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), hosted a BEAR Discussion event. This event tackled the pressing challenges faced by the manufacturing sector. Expert speakers, including Stephen Casselman, IT-Network Specialist Instructor at CVTC’s Center for Cyber Defense, Ron Thomas, Senior Management Engineer [...]

Securing the Future: The Crucial Role of Cybersecurity for Chippewa Manufacturers2024-08-20T14:15:57-05:00

Lunch & Learn: Manufacturing Tomorrow – Automation and Cybersecurity for the Future

The Wisconsin Procurement Institute and UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) in collaboration with Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) and Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) invite you to an engaging event that covers crucial topics for the manufacturing industry. The event will feature presentations on automation and operational technology, offering valuable insights into how these innovations can enhance efficiency and productivity in manufacturing. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on integrating cutting-edge technologies into their operations, helping them achieve business objectives in an ever-changing industry. In addition, the event will include an introduction to cybersecurity requirements for Federal and Defense contracting. This session is designed to provide manufacturers with the essential information they need to comply with cybersecurity regulations, protect their operations, and maintain eligibility for government contracts. Participants will learn the necessary steps to [...]

Lunch & Learn: Manufacturing Tomorrow – Automation and Cybersecurity for the Future2024-08-18T23:50:59-05:00

Lunch & Learn: Securing Your Facility’s Physical Footprint

In today’s world the need for security in business can range dramatically. Let Doug Ebert with Core Cabling & Integration help you navigate the fast pace and always changing world of security. During this Lunch & Learn, we will be covering  wide range of systems from alarm, surveillance, access control, fire, cabling, and fiber optics. This presentation will also cover the Do’s and Don’ts of systems and integrations of systems. Also, what to watch for and how to start to prepare for those future needs of infrastructure in your buildings.

Lunch & Learn: Securing Your Facility’s Physical Footprint2024-08-18T23:05:35-05:00

CEDC Honors Board Member Albert Edward Holand III (Ed), 1959-2024

It is with deep sadness that CEDC communicates the passing of Board Member Albert Edward Holand III, known to many as Ed, who died suddenly of a heart attack on July 28th, 2024. Ed was a visionary entrepreneur who owned CN Manufacturing in Boyd, a dedicated CEDC board member, and a pillar of our community whose impact will be felt for generations to come. Ed's entrepreneurial spirit ignited at the young age of 17 when he started his first business, a driveway sealing company, with his best friend Kevin Barrick. This early venture was just the beginning of a remarkable career that would span decades and touch numerous industries. After spending time in Hawaii rebuilding houses as a contractor in the wake of a devastating hurricane, Ed returned to the mainland with renewed [...]

CEDC Honors Board Member Albert Edward Holand III (Ed), 1959-20242024-11-26T13:54:49-06:00

Embracing the Concept of Holistic Health as a Possible Economic Cluster

The holistic health industry is poised for continued growth in the Chippewa Valley. As more individuals and businesses prioritize health and wellness, this industry is expected to expand further, offering new opportunities for innovation and local economic development. CEDC recently held a BEAR Discussion with over 10 different entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals to discuss why preventative healthcare is crucial for businesses in the Chippewa Valley. By promoting regular check-ups, vaccinations, and healthy lifestyles, businesses can significantly reduce healthcare costs, as early detection and management of health issues are generally less expensive than treating advanced illnesses. Healthier employees are more productive, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved workplace morale. Additionally, showing concern for employees' health enhances job satisfaction and retention rates, as workers are more likely to stay with a company that values their [...]

Embracing the Concept of Holistic Health as a Possible Economic Cluster2024-07-26T14:39:03-05:00

Chippewa County Awarded a BDO Zone

CEDC is the pioneering business services consultant in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. The organization supports hundreds of regional entrepreneurs and businesses, helping them reach their full potential from the startup stage onwards. The CEDC’s efforts to attract, retain, and expand local businesses have fostered a vibrant and thriving startup ecosystem in the area. CEDC provides continuous guidance and tools to empower entrepreneurs throughout the Chippewa Valley. With this in mind the CEDC has spent the last year working with the agricultural community on establishing a BDO Zone for the region. The BDO Zone Initiative certifies regional readiness for bio-based manufacturing, fosters global connections with project developers, and drives the influx of clean energy opportunities. A BDO Zone rating is an internationally recognized, standards-based technical risk assessment of biomass feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure risk, [...]

Chippewa County Awarded a BDO Zone2024-07-26T15:12:34-05:00
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