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STEAM Leaders in the Chippewa Valley

Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) was proud to collaborate with Chippewa Falls High School on the 6th Annual S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) open house this past week.  S.T.E.A.M aims to spark an interest and lifelong love of the arts and sciences in students from an early age. Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math are similar disciplines in that they all involve creative processes and none uses just one method for inquiry and investigation. Teaching relevant, in-demand skills that will prepare students to become innovators in an ever-evolving world is paramount, not only for the future of the students themselves but for the future of the Chippewa Valley. This year included over 40 local businesses, universities and military recruiters that setup booths and incorporated hands-on-learning activities for students . [...]

STEAM Leaders in the Chippewa Valley2020-03-13T12:45:01-05:00

“Wisconsin’s Hemp Rebirth” Lunch & Learn Series

On March 4th 2020, Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation was proud to host another successful Lunch and Learn event at our sponsor, B&B Electric's, facility. The event discussion was led by Justin Kirking (Business and Cooperative Programs Specialist, USDA Rural Development). Justin spoke to attendees about "Wisconsin's Hemp Rebirth" and was focused on addressing the current challenges and future opportunities that exist through Rural Development Programs in order to assist in financing the processing and other value projects that could potentially be eligible under the Rural Development's financial programs and post-harvest eligible projects as well. This event is the first in the upcoming series of similar Lunch and Learns, stayed tuned for updates & flyers for the upcoming events over the course of the next few weeks!

“Wisconsin’s Hemp Rebirth” Lunch & Learn Series2020-03-13T09:48:50-05:00

Workforce Attraction: Attracting New Employees “Times Have Changed!”

Sarah Gordee (Director of Sales, Hookd Promotions) led another outstanding BEAR Lunch and Learn where over 20 Chippewa County business leaders gathered at Hangar 54 within the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to discuss emerging strategies utilized in attracting new employees.  The session also explored trends and statistics around the role that internet video use has on talent attraction and those potential employees searching for new opportunities. Gordee stressed, "companies need to constantly monitor and adjust their social media marketing and utilize optimization strategies effectively, if they're going to have their company websites noticed by these new, savvy job seekers." Another important role CCEDC's Business Expansion And Retention (BEAR) program plays is to gather businesses together to discuss the latest trends and issues that may hinder economic development growth in the [...]

Workforce Attraction: Attracting New Employees “Times Have Changed!”2020-02-26T14:46:32-06:00

Chippewa County Economic Development Legislative Committee meets with State Senator Kathleen Bernier

Through its Legislative Committee, CCEDC takes a proactive approach to working with the members of the Wisconsin State Legislature, state government agencies, and local legislative bodies whose actions and decisions impact our state and local business climate. We work with our partners to help advocate for policies, initiatives and programs that promote job creation, encourage investment, improves our ability to recruit, grow, and retain talented workers and employers-resulting in economic prosperity throughout Chippewa County. Year round, the CCEDC Legislative Committee monitors notable policies from our local legislators and how these policies might affect our economic development programs and processes. With Wisconsin lawmakers preparing to adjourn for the year-the Chippewa County Economic Development Legislative Committee meet with State Senator Kathleen Bernier on February 21st, 2020 at the Fleet Farm Distribution Center in Lake Wissota [...]

Chippewa County Economic Development Legislative Committee meets with State Senator Kathleen Bernier2020-02-25T10:48:49-06:00

BEAR Lunch Dialog

CCEDC’s economic development programs prioritize business expansion and retention (BEAR) above all else. Estimates show that approximately 60-80 percent of  all new jobs in a rural community are created through the expansion of the existing businesses that are already here. Chippewa County’s existing employers are the foundation of our local economy and must be supported through a strong BEAR program. The areas existing clusters of precision manufacturers, technology/e-commerce businesses, value-added agriculture/food processors, and healthcare employers are the backbone of our Chippewa economy. On January 29th, 2020-BEAR endeavors continued in New Auburn, Wisconsin where over a dozen business leaders gathered for a conversation about “Attracting the Modern Employee.” As part of the BEAR Lunch and Learn series-Justin Vajko the Chief Conversationalist of the Dialog Design Company led the group though a discussion that highlighted [...]

BEAR Lunch Dialog2020-02-07T10:31:32-06:00

Discovering Export Opportunities in Central Europe

The potential exists to increase local companies’ sales through exporting. CCEDC hosted a round table discussion where over a dozen Chippewa Valley companies asked questions about the advantages of exporting their products to Central Europe. Paul Smerda, the Senior Manager at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) European Trade Representative Firm in Berlin, Germany lead a discussion and answered questions concerning the upcoming WEDC trade venture to Germany in June 2020, market trends, and recommended pro-active sales strategies for doing business in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Scandinavia. Wisconsin has a history of strong German immigration and shares many similarities such as a strong manufacturing base, an emphasis on quality, and instilling a strong work ethic. In 2018 Germany was Wisconsin’s 4th largest trading partner exporting $814 million worth of goods and [...]

Discovering Export Opportunities in Central Europe2020-01-31T15:34:27-06:00

How Employee Support Services can Help Build Employee Loyalty

Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) hosted local business owners and company representatives this afternoon in Chippewa Falls, WI at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital. Attendees discussed how employee support services can help build employee loyalty in the workplace and how mental health is just as critical to your most valuable assets of your company. The event was presented by Neal Bennett, President of Occupational Chaplains of America (OCA). Bennett discussed that for employees to perform at their best they need to be able to have a positive outlet during the demands throughout their working day and that is where OCA is available. OCA provides certified, occupational chaplains that interact with employees on a regular basis and are there to help your employees during their time of need or crisis situations. OCA understands that [...]

How Employee Support Services can Help Build Employee Loyalty2020-01-17T13:58:46-06:00

LaGrander’s Hillside Dairy, Inc. in Stanley, WI

LaGrander's Hillside Dairy, Inc. started small, but today they run around a million pounds of milk per day. Growing up directly above his family’s cheese factory in Stanley, Wisconsin, Master Cheesemaker Ryan LaGrander learned early on that the cheese life is harder than it looks. “It all started because my grandpa made the decision to be a cheesemaker and buy a plant – he was gonna do it for himself,” Ryan says. “It’s pretty amazing that they took it from where it was to where we are now.” Ryan adds, “there were times when people didn’t show up to work and my dad would come wake us up,” Ryan remembers. “You have to wax cheese all morning when you’re 12 years old.” Their family legacy comes through in their spectacular cheeses, including fresh curds [...]

LaGrander’s Hillside Dairy, Inc. in Stanley, WI2019-12-06T09:51:04-06:00
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