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#FlyEAU — What Communities Without Air Service Wish They Had

In economic development, you don’t always learn the value of an asset by having it. Sometimes you learn by watching others lose it.  Across the Midwest, communities without reliable commercial air service are discovering—often the hard way—that air access is not a luxury. It is one of the core infrastructure requirements for a growing community. Once it’s gone, rebuilding it is costly, slow, and uncertain. However- here in the Chippewa Valley we are fortunate. We have the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (CVRA) that connects us to a major hub (Chicago), one that supports business growth, and one that keeps us competitive. There are many communities our size that would trade places with us in a heartbeat!  It’s easy to overlook something that’s always been there. But when you step back and really think [...]

#FlyEAU — What Communities Without Air Service Wish They Had2026-03-24T10:34:22-05:00

Supporting Neighbors, Strengthening Community

Access to timely, high quality mental health and addiction care can change the trajectory of a life. For many individuals and families, however, the greatest barrier to healing is not willingness. It is cost. The Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation exists to remove that barrier, ensuring more people can access the care and support they need when they need it most. Through community support and philanthropic giving, the Foundation helps provide financial assistance to patients who otherwise might not be able to receive treatment. These resources allow individuals and families to focus on recovery rather than the financial burden that can come with seeking care. Events and partnerships within the community play an important role in supporting this mission. By coming together through initiatives and fundraising opportunities, community members and organizations help expand access [...]

Supporting Neighbors, Strengthening Community2026-03-16T17:25:12-05:00

A Feast of Curiosity — How STEAM Night Served Up the Future

When area students, families, regional manufacturers, and employers gathered for this year’s STEAM Night held on to the campus of Chippewa Falls High School, it felt less like a school event and more like a “community banquet of curiosity”. From robotics demonstrations to digital art displays, from coding challenges to physics-in-action experiments, tables across the commons and hallways buzzed with energy. Each station offered kids a new flavor of discovery — a chance to sample the skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce.  Hosted in partnership with CEDC and the Chippewa Falls High School science teachers and staff-the evening invited students and families to explore an inspiring buffet of hands-on experiences that celebrated Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. What made STEAM Night truly special was the way parents also leaned in — not [...]

A Feast of Curiosity — How STEAM Night Served Up the Future2026-03-16T17:23:41-05:00

A Valentine to Our Investors and Stakeholders

In the world of entrepreneurship and community building, Brad Feld often speaks about the principle of “Give First.” It’s the idea that lasting ecosystems are built when people contribute without immediately asking, “What do I get in return?” That mindset is deeply aligned with how we approach economic development at CEDC. So on Valentine’s Day its a natural reminder that strong relationships are at the center of meaningful progress. While flowers and chocolates symbolize appreciation in February, our gratitude for our investors and stakeholders extends far beyond a single day. Economic development is built on partnership. It requires trust, shared vision, and a willingness to invest in long-term success. Our investors and stakeholders embody the Give First philosophy. They step up not simply for recognition, but because they believe in the future Chippewa. [...]

A Valentine to Our Investors and Stakeholders2026-02-16T12:54:36-06:00

From Design to Delivery: Ashley Furniture Showcases Innovation for Manufacturing Month

As part of Manufacturing Month, a CEDC Collaborative Showcase was hosted by Ashley Furniture Industries in Chippewa Falls—spotlighting one of Chippewa Valley's premier manufacturing facilities. Manufacturing Month is a national celebration in October that highlights the importance of the manufacturing industry to Wisconsin's economy and helps promote careers in manufacturing. For years, CEDC has proudly marked Manufacturing Month as a way to honor the region’s thriving manufacturing industry and highlight the critical role it plays in the Chippewa Valley’s economy. Each October, CEDC brings together local manufacturers, educators, community partners, and workforce development leaders to a collaborative showcase that highlights innovation, advanced technology, and skilled craftsmanship. Through these events, CEDC provides opportunities for stakeholders to see firsthand how manufacturing drives growth, creates quality jobs, and fuels innovation. Since 1945, Ashley Furniture—known then as [...]

From Design to Delivery: Ashley Furniture Showcases Innovation for Manufacturing Month2025-10-17T15:03:07-05:00

Rogers Behavioral Health Expands Access to Mental Health Care in the Chippewa Valley

Rogers Behavioral Health is inviting community members, leaders, and partners to attend an upcoming Open House on Wednesday, October 15, at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Chippewa Falls. The event marks an important milestone as Rogers continues to inform and educate more local citizens about their expansion project in Chippewa Falls. This event offers an opportunity to meet Rogers’ leadership team, learn more about their services, ask questions, and explore ways to collaborate in supporting mental health and wellness throughout the region. Having a mental health facility like Rogers Behavioral Health in our community provides significant advantages for both local well-being and economic development. This investment of over 12 million dollars not only fills a critical gap in care, but also supports a healthier, more resilient, and economically vibrant community. Access to mental [...]

Rogers Behavioral Health Expands Access to Mental Health Care in the Chippewa Valley2025-10-17T15:39:50-05:00

Opportunity Zone 2.0: Charting the Next Chapter for Chippewa County

CEDC knows that economic development is about more than attracting investment. It’s about creating lasting opportunities for growth that benefit everyone in our area. That’s why in 2016/17  CEDC  advocated for the establishment of a Chippewa County Opportunity Zone, what is known as Census Tract 105 in Chippewa Falls. This area was identified as  a Low-Income Community Opportunity Zone and forwarded on to the state and federal government for designation. Covering 7.4 square miles and home to around 5,400 residents, the Census Tract 105 was officially designated as the only Opportunity Zone in Chippewa County. This federal designation provides tax incentives for investors who direct capital into projects that revitalize underserved areas. As a result, Chippewa Falls gained  valuable projects and attracted new investment that increased the net new construction and brought more tax revenue into local governments coffers. For [...]

Opportunity Zone 2.0: Charting the Next Chapter for Chippewa County2025-09-23T15:30:52-05:00

CEDC Champions $16 Million Mental Health Facility to Serve the Chippewa Valley

CEDC is collaborating with Senator Jesse James and Representative Clint Moses to strengthen mental health services in the Chippewa Valley, championing a transformative project that will expand access to critical mental health services. CEO Charlie Walker recently testified before the Wisconsin Assembly in support of Assembly Bill 388, and before the Wisconsin Senate for Senate Bill 407, advocating for the release of a $10 million state grant to support Rogers Behavioral Health Project. He was joined by CEDC Board Member Maureen Carlson, who also testified in support of SB 407. Their testimony highlighted the urgent need for improved mental health resources in the region following recent hospital closures that left communities underserved. Walker emphasized the strain on local systems, while Carlson noted how the proposed facility would relieve pressure on emergency departments and [...]

CEDC Champions $16 Million Mental Health Facility to Serve the Chippewa Valley2025-09-09T10:50:36-05:00

Reflecting on the Northern Wisconsin State Fair: Its Lasting Economic Impact on the Chippewa Valley

Another Northern Wisconsin State Fair has come and gone, and as we look back on last week’s event, it’s clear that its impact extends far beyond the fairgrounds. Each year, the fair draws tens of thousands of visitors to Chippewa Falls, creating a significant ripple effect across the local economy. From packed hotels and bustling restaurants to busy gas stations and retail shops, businesses throughout the Chippewa Valley feel the boost. For many local vendors, the fair isn’t just a summer tradition — it’s one of their biggest revenue-generating events of the year. Artisans, food vendors, entertainers, and service providers all benefit from the exposure and increased sales during fair week. The fair also serves as a showcase for our region. First-time visitors often return to explore more of what the Chippewa Valley [...]

Reflecting on the Northern Wisconsin State Fair: Its Lasting Economic Impact on the Chippewa Valley2025-07-15T15:00:28-05:00

Smoke, Sauce, and Strategy: CEDC Joins BBQ Fest

At CEDC we know that building a strong local economy means more than numbers and infrastructure—it’s also about community, connection, and culture. That’s why we’re excited to announce that CEDC has officially registered for the inaugural BBQ Fest happening on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls. Under the team name C2BQ – Where Business Meets BBQ, we’re stepping into the Backyard BBQ competition, firing up the grill, and showing that economic development can be just as flavorful as it is impactful. Events like BBQ Fest bring people together, support local vendors, and spotlight what makes our region unique—a vibrant mix of entrepreneurship, hospitality, and good old-fashioned fun. We’ll be competing in all three categories—chicken, ribs, and the People's Choice pork loin—and we hope you’ll stop by, [...]

Smoke, Sauce, and Strategy: CEDC Joins BBQ Fest2025-06-27T13:23:09-05:00
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