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Powering the Future: What AI, Data Centers, and Electric Cooperatives Mean for the Chippewa

At CEDC, we value opportunities to learn directly from our economic development partners who keep our communities powered and growing. Recently, we joined Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) and other economic development stakeholders for a “large load” education tour-an informative look at how cooperatives manage significant commercial and industrial energy users. This includes one of those emerging class of 2–5 MW data-center-style loads that support AI and advanced computing. Electric cooperatives like CVEC were built to serve rural and small-community members with reliable, affordable power. Today’s landscape includes new large loads that bring both opportunity and the need for careful planning. Loads in the 2–5 MW range sit in a sweet spot for many distribution cooperatives: large enough to meaningfully improve system load factor and help spread fixed costs across more kilowatt-hours, yet [...]

Powering the Future: What AI, Data Centers, and Electric Cooperatives Mean for the Chippewa2026-07-30T12:49:22-05:00

Opening Doors, Sharing Stories, Building Opportunity

Sometimes the most valuable economic development happens not in a boardroom, but on a shop floor. Recently, CEDC, in partnership with the New Auburn Area Development Corporation (NAADC), hosted a Collaborative Showcase that brought together more than twenty business owners and community leaders for a day centered on connection, collaboration, and conversation. The day featured tours of New Auburn Cheese Company and Auburn Rod and Custom, each offering a unique look at the innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship that help drive our regional economy. By opening their doors, both businesses offered far more than a tour. They shared their stories, their experiences, and the passion behind what they do every day. Attendees had the opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to build and operate successful businesses in rural Wisconsin. From the entrepreneurial vision [...]

Opening Doors, Sharing Stories, Building Opportunity2026-07-30T12:45:44-05:00

Built Here, Growing Here: Celebrating Local Investment in Chippewa County

CEDC projects rarely happen overnight, they are often measured in milestones. A groundbreaking marks the beginning of the vision, while a ribbon cutting celebrates the successful completion of the project that took planning, partnership, and perseverance to bring to life. So, for us, the ribbon cutting is more than a celebration, it is the visible result of months of collaboration, commitment, and confidence in a community. That reality was on full display as CEDC joined community leaders, business partners, and members of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Water’s Edge Cheese Curds' new production facility in the Lake Wissota Business Park. The celebration was especially meaningful considering where the project began. As winter blanketed the Chippewa Valley in frost, CEDC continued its work alongside Chippewa County [...]

Built Here, Growing Here: Celebrating Local Investment in Chippewa County2026-06-22T13:22:29-05:00

Chippewa Valley Bean: A Company with a Global Footprint

Recently, Chippewa Valley Bean welcomed regional partners for a Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) visit and Familiarization (FAM) tour. The visit brought together Chippewa Valley economic development professionals, along with representatives from Dunn Energy Electric Cooperative and Dairyland Power Cooperative, for a firsthand look at one of the region’s quiet global leaders. At CEDC, BEAR visits are more than routine check-ins. When our team sits down with manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers to ask structured questions—about import volumes, tariff exposure, supply chain pressures, and global customer bases—we are building the foundation for stronger international engagement across the region. This visit offered exactly that kind of insight. From receiving beans from local growers to cleaning, grading, and preparing them for shipment around the world, Chippewa Valley Bean demonstrated the full scope of an operation [...]

Chippewa Valley Bean: A Company with a Global Footprint2026-04-27T16:28:21-05:00

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
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