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Training Within Industry (TWI): A Key to Chippewa Valley’s Manufacturing Success

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) continues its commitment to supporting local businesses by partnering with UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC), the Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator (WPI), and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC). Together, these organizations are hosting a three-part series of Manufacturing Competitiveness in the 21st Century Series as part of a Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Learning event aimed at helping local manufacturers stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. The first session, focused on Training Within Industry (TWI), took place on Friday, December 6th, 2024. Led by Matthew Wakefield, Management Engineer at UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC), this session provided valuable insights into how TWI can be leveraged as a comprehensive approach to improving manufacturing processes. The Impact of TWI TWI is designed to improve quality, reduce [...]

Training Within Industry (TWI): A Key to Chippewa Valley’s Manufacturing Success2024-12-06T15:18:36-06:00

CEDC RECOGNIZED BY MID-AMERICA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

COLUMBUS, OH, DECEMBER 5, 2024-The Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) honored outstanding achievements during its annual Economic Development Awards at the 2024 Mid-America Competitiveness Conference, held December 4–6 at the Columbus Hyatt Downtown. The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) received recognition in the Entrepreneurial Program category. This award highlights innovative economic development initiatives that foster entrepreneurial culture within a city or region or provide unique support for young businesses in the start-up and early stages of their growth. Entrepreneurial Awards were given to three markets per category – large division (community population over 25,000), medium division (community population between 10,001-25,000), and small division (community population less than 10,000). “The success of our MAEDC awards highlights the incredibly deep impact that innovative programs can have on communities. These awards recognize collective efforts creating [...]

CEDC RECOGNIZED BY MID-AMERICA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL2024-12-06T16:35:22-06:00

HATCH 2024: The Chippewa Valley’s Recipe for Growth, Creativity, and Success

The entrepreneurial spirit of the Chippewa Valley was on full display at HATCH 2024: A Business Pitch Event, a flagship initiative of the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). This year’s event, held during Wisconsin Startup Week at the River Bend Winery and Distillery, has continues to be a cornerstone event for fostering creativity and driving business development. HATCH is more than a competition, it’s a platform where local entrepreneurs share groundbreaking ideas and connect with potential investors. By promoting creativity and problem-solving, this event supports economic growth, job creation, and business expansion. This year, the pre-event investor reception, hosted by the CEDC, further strengthened the entrepreneurial ecosystem by facilitating mentorships, partnerships, and collaborations. The gathering of 75 attendees provided a vital connecting opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to forge relationships that [...]

HATCH 2024: The Chippewa Valley’s Recipe for Growth, Creativity, and Success2024-11-21T15:44:58-06:00

Embracing Innovation: CEDC’s BEAR Event Showcases Generative AI’s Business Potential

In an era of rapid technological advancement, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) continues its commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the Chippewa Valley. CEDC hosted a groundbreaking business expansion and retention (BEAR) lunch and learn on generative AI. The BEAR Lunch brought together local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals eager to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Featuring expert speakers Susan Ramonat, Bob Clint, and Bob Oliver, this event was held at Chippewa Valley Technical College and provided valuable insights into: The fundamentals of generative AI and its applications in business Real-world case studies of AI implementation in various industries Ethical considerations and best practices for AI adoption Hands-on demonstrations of popular generative AI tools One of the highlights of the BEAR Lunch & Learn was the question-and-answer session where [...]

Embracing Innovation: CEDC’s BEAR Event Showcases Generative AI’s Business Potential2024-10-24T15:04:57-05:00

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

BEAR Team Visits Red Cedar Agronomy

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) actively engages with local businesses through its Business, Expansion, and Retention (BEAR) Program. An important part of this program is our BEAR VISITS where CEDC staff, board members, and stakeholders visit our local employers. These business expansion and retention visits are important to economic development because they help strengthen local businesses, help identify any challenges small businesses may be facing, and provide support solutions to better ensure entrepreneurs long-term success. By maintaining existing businesses, communities can retain jobs, generate economic stability, and foster growth and development. Led by CEDC Board Member Karen Smith of Security Bank, a BEAR VISIT was organized and held at Red Cedar Agronomy. Red Cedar Agronomy, owned by Agronomist Jake Zwiefelhofer, is an independent agronomy service providing Pioneer Seed, Pattern Ag Soil Sampling, [...]

BEAR Team Visits Red Cedar Agronomy2024-06-28T14:10:41-05:00

CHIPPEWA COUNTY, WISCONSIN ISSUED BDO ZONE ‘A’ RATING FOR CORN STOVER

(Chippewa Falls, WI) June 25th, 2024 - The BDO Zone Initiative has issued a BDO Zone ‘A’ rating for Chippewa County, Wisconsin for 380,000 bone dry tons per year of corn stover. The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the establishment of a Chippewa BDO Zone and the issue of an investment grade ‘A’ Rating for Corn Stover for the Zone. The BDO Zone Initiative certifies regional readiness for bio-based manufacturing, creates global connections with project developers, and ignites an influx of clean energy opportunities. The Chippewa County BDO Zone is the first ‘A’ rating in the State of Wisconsin and extends a 75-mile drive distance from Chippewa Falls, WI.A BDO Zone rating is an internationally recognized standards-based technical risk assessment of biomass feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure [...]

CHIPPEWA COUNTY, WISCONSIN ISSUED BDO ZONE ‘A’ RATING FOR CORN STOVER2024-11-07T15:03:43-06:00

CEDC President Presents at Best Practices Conference

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) President and CEO Charlie Walker presented at the 2023 Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Best Practices Conference in Wausau, Wisconsin on September 27th-29th 2023. This conference provided attendees with an opportunity to delve into the core principles of economic development and address contemporary challenges, including workforce housing, childcare access, talent attraction, transportation issues, business retention and expansion best practices, and redevelopment and revitalization opportunities. Charlie Walker's presentation drew an audience of over 40 individuals eager to explore the topic of development agreements (DA) and best practices when working with the tool. Accompanied by notable speakers like Liz Brodek, Development Director, City of Wausau, and Randy Fifrick, Economic Development Manager, City of Wausau, the discussion covered developing an inclusive DA negotiation team to better reach consensus, setting ground rules, [...]

CEDC President Presents at Best Practices Conference2023-10-03T16:02:31-05:00

CEDC Investor Mosaic Technologies Wins National Smart Rural Community Award

Recently, the NTCA Rural Broadband Association, who represents 850+ independent telecommunications companies met for their annual Fall Conference. At the conference, the organization presented their Smart Rural Community Showcase Awards. These awards recognize outstanding rural broadband providers. Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), investor and economic development supporter Mosaic Technologies emerged as a 2023 Smart Rural Community Showcase Winner. Mosaic Technologies was recognized with this prestigious award for their continued involvement in enhancing Chippewa Valley's quality of life and broadband expansion. The company was lauded for its recent initiatives that included public Wi-Fi for parks at the Barron County Fairgrounds, supporting the Barron County Dairy Breakfast, and fostering local event connectivity. "Mosaic Technologies continues to support the Chippewa Valley through a variety of activities such as providing advanced WI-FI and security connections to the [...]

CEDC Investor Mosaic Technologies Wins National Smart Rural Community Award2023-10-03T13:52:47-05:00
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