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2025 A Year of Progress, Placed Piece by Piece

The story of 2025 for the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is really the story of a community placing one puzzle piece after another—each CEDC supporter, collaborator, and partner helping to complete a clearer picture of what Chippewa can become. Every event, pitch, training, connection, and conversation added a new edge or corner, and by December, the table was covered in signs of progress that only came into focus because so many hands chose to build together. Communities at the core In May, more than 450 leaders gathered for CEDC’s 30th Annual Meeting under the theme “Communities at the Core,” filling the Eau Claire Event District with a sense of shared purpose that set the tone for the entire year. National workforce leader Sylvie Nelson challenged local employers to go “above and beyond” [...]

2025 A Year of Progress, Placed Piece by Piece2025-12-31T13:56:38-06:00

BEAR Discussions Podcast: Elevating Local Business Stories in the Chippewa Valley

The BEAR Discussions Podcast has become a cornerstone of how CEDC connects with and supports entrepreneurs and existing businesses across the Chippewa Valley. As part of CEDC’s Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Program, the podcast highlights honest, real-world conversations with local business leaders, offering insight into the challenges, decisions, missteps, and opportunities shaping the region’s economy. Hosted by CEDC President and CEO Charlie Walker, often alongside co-hosts Lisa Bruhn, Karen Smith, and Ken Pearson, BEAR Discussions focuses on authentic business stories rather than scripted success narratives. Entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to speak candidly about what didn’t work, how they adapted, and what they learned along the way. This “fail forward” mindset reinforces trust, partnership, and long-term relationship building—values central to CEDC’s economic development approach and essential to a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem. [...]

BEAR Discussions Podcast: Elevating Local Business Stories in the Chippewa Valley2025-12-24T11:57:28-06:00

HATCH 2025: Honoring Veterans, Inspiring Entrepreneurs

Imagine a room buzzing with energy — a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, small business owners, investors, and mentors breaking down barriers over drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Conversations flowed freely, laughter echoed over shared stories of failure, and new ideas sparked with every exchange. This was the Failing Forward cocktail hour at East Bay Lodge on Veterans Day — a prelude to CEDC’s HATCH 2025, our high-energy, shark tank–style pitch event designed to transform bold ideas into thriving ventures. Hosting HATCH on Veterans Day was no coincidence. CEDC proudly took the opportunity to honor the courage, leadership, and resilience of those who have served our country. Veterans embody the same qualities that define great entrepreneurs — grit, adaptability, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. That spirit wove through the evening as we [...]

HATCH 2025: Honoring Veterans, Inspiring Entrepreneurs2025-12-22T13:06:33-06:00

Smoked, Sauced, and Strategized: CEDC Heats Up!

CEDC was fired up—literally and figuratively—as our very own barbecue team, C2 BBQ, proudly competed in the inaugural Northern Wisconsin State Fair BBQ Cook-off. Thousands of BBQ cook-offs now take place annually across the U.S. and internationally, attracting pitmasters, foodies, and tourists. Events like the American Royal in Kansas City and the Jack Daniel’s Invitational in Tennessee are considered BBQ’s Super Bowls-and there is no doubt the Northern Wisconsin State Fair's cook off is headed in that direction. This sizzling new event brought together pitmasters from across the region for a day filled with smoky flavors, live music, food trucks, and festive camaraderie. But for CEDC’s team—Ken Pearson, Paul Olson, Casey Hedrington, and Charlie Walker—it was about more than just chicken and ribs. It was a chance to showcase the heart of our organization: [...]

Smoked, Sauced, and Strategized: CEDC Heats Up!2025-09-09T10:19:58-05:00

CEDC Board Meeting at Automation Displays Inc. Strengthens Regional Economic Connections

At CEDC fostering strong partnerships is central to our BEAR mission. Our recent board meeting, hosted at Automation Displays Inc. (ADi)’s Eau Claire campus, provided a dynamic platform for strategic discussions, relationship building, and exploring opportunities to drive economic growth in the Chippewa Valley. The meeting also welcomed new board members Mark Bergh of B&B Electric, Matt Guse of MRS Machining Co, and Jason Plante of Market & Johnson, whose expertise strengthens our collaborative efforts. The gathering brought together our CEDC board members who come from several different industries, each bringing their own unique perspectives to the table. The agenda featured our CEDC Board Meeting, roundtable discussions, and a tour of ADi’s state-of-the-art facility, creating an environment for collaboration on shared challenges and innovative solutions. Founded in 1971 by two engineers from a [...]

CEDC Board Meeting at Automation Displays Inc. Strengthens Regional Economic Connections2025-06-27T13:22:02-05:00

From Fear to Confidence: CEDC’s Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase Inspires Success

Entrepreneurship is often seen as a path to freedom, innovation, and financial success. Yet, for many aspiring Chippewa entrepreneurs, the fear of failure can be a crippling barrier. This fear, while natural, can prevent brilliant ideas from coming to life and innovative solutions from being developed. The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) understands that overcoming this fear is essential for entrepreneurs looking to carve their path in the business world. “What keeps many would-be entrepreneurs from succeeding—or even trying to succeed—is fear of failure,” says Charlie Walker, president and CEO of the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation. “Helping entrepreneurs overcome that fear is one of the goals of the Chippewa EDC, which for decades has been laser-focused on cultivating the investment of talent and capital in Chippewa County.” This goal is closer than ever, [...]

From Fear to Confidence: CEDC’s Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase Inspires Success2025-01-16T15:02:38-06:00

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

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

CEDC Holds Board Meeting at Farm Technology Days with a Focus on Healthcare

On the last day of Farm Technology Days, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) held a pivotal board meeting, bringing together community leaders both in person at the Hixwood building and virtually. This meeting was significant not only for its venue—Wisconsin's largest outdoor agricultural event—but also for its focus on a topic crucial to the future well-being of the Chippewa Valley: healthcare. The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Patti Darley, Vice Chair of the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative (CVHC), who provided an in-depth look at the organization's mission and services. As she addressed the CEDC board members, half of whom joined via Zoom, Darley emphasized the importance of making high-quality healthcare both accessible and affordable for all residents in the Chippewa Valley region. The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative is a [...]

CEDC Holds Board Meeting at Farm Technology Days with a Focus on Healthcare2024-08-19T08:48:54-05:00

Time is Running Out; the Annual Meeting is Almost Here!

CEDC embodies Wisconsin's spirit of innovation, devoted to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of local businesses and entrepreneurs. To actively promote and highlight the collective successes we have accomplished together, fostering a vibrant and prosperous community, CEDC is proud to host its Annual Meeting on August 24th, 2023. Last year CEDC was proud to award Northern Crossarms Co., Inc. as the recipient of the 2022 Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Award. Continuously demonstrating their worthiness of this recognition, Northern Crossarms Co., Inc. has shown remarkable ingenuity in addressing the issues associated with wet treated wood decks, such as shrinking, cupping, warping, and twisting during the drying process, leading to uneven gaps and spaces, even in newer decks. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of Pat Bischel and their team of fifty skilled [...]

Time is Running Out; the Annual Meeting is Almost Here!2023-08-01T15:51:17-05:00
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