October is Manufacturing Month

Across the country, state governors and officials are making it known that Manufacturing Month is well underway, even in the face of changes to the celebrations because of COVID-19. The manufacturing industry is a vital part of Wisconsin's economy, employing more than 475,000 Wisconsinites, accounting for 19 percent of gross domestic products, and contributing over $63 billion to Wisconsin's economy. Due to retirements and economic expansion, there will be significant opportunities for employment in Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry, underscoring the need to ensure a robust talent pipeline now and in the years to come. Manufacturing Month helps to promote manufacturing as a viable career in Wisconsin, build awareness of the contributions of manufacturing businesses, and help future generations to explore career opportunities in manufacturing. Throughout the month, manufacturers will be opening their doors to communities [...]

October is Manufacturing Month2020-10-05T15:09:47-05:00

VES Co-Founder John McBride Announces Retirement

John McBride said he’s dedicated his career to improving the health of cows, which in turn, leads to higher milk production. Since its founding in 2008, VES has been the global leader in innovating Animal-Centered Environments (ACE) to optimize cow health and welfare at many of the world’s most successful dairies. From its headquarters in Chippewa Falls, VES has designed ACEs for customers in 30 countries. VES Environmental Solutions is a premium manufacturer and sourcing company of ventilation equipment for industrial, agricultural and horticultural industries. Their wide variety of air circulation fans, exhaust fans, ventilation fans, ceiling fans, fiberglass fans make them one of the leaders in the HVAC industry. Their team of design engineers has developed some of the most energy efficient, quiet, low maintenance and innovative ventilation components in the world. [...]

VES Co-Founder John McBride Announces Retirement2020-11-11T11:58:26-06:00

A Maple Syrup Passion – Colfax Teen’s Entrepreneurship

The Wanish family  will tell you that they are proud to produce 100% pure maple syrup near Colfax, Wisconsin. But, they will also tell you that the new budding entrepreneur in the family, with a mind set on success and dedication to harvesting is 16-year-old Will Wanish. Wanish in 2018, started tapping trees and making maple syrup with his uncle, Jon, who has been tapping trees for 20 years. After that season he was hooked and decided to start his own business and Wanish Sugar Bush LLC was born in 2019. His parents, Todd and Heather Wanish, have continuously encouraged his diligent work ethic and are proud of what he has accomplished. Wanish said the decision to get into the syrup business came after the roots of the business were established in the [...]

A Maple Syrup Passion – Colfax Teen’s Entrepreneurship2020-09-30T15:42:37-05:00

2020 IEDC Award Recipient, Paul Salm Recognized

Economic Development has always been a competitive race. There are thousands of communities that compete for talent, jobs, capital investment, and growth. To be competitive, a community must have an exceptional leader and great team working together. This is something that Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is able to state as Mr. Paul Salm has served as a past chairperson and Board of Director for the last 20 years. CCEDC would not have been able to continue this fight for economic development within the Chippewa Valley without the collaboration and support of Mr. Salm. Mr. Salm, VP-Business Banking of BMO Harris Financial Group, has exhibited a lengthy record of supporting economic development and has worked tirelessly to improve the business climate as a dedicated leader within Chippewa County. Mr. Salm has devoted [...]

2020 IEDC Award Recipient, Paul Salm Recognized2020-09-14T11:25:13-05:00

We Remember- September 11th

Today, we honor those we lost on 9/11 and all the first responders, including civilians who risked their lives to help their fellow citizens. Today, CCEDC would like to remind you to remember that feeling of unity 19 years ago as we embark on these difficult times. Now more than ever we need to remember all front-line hero's who are continuing the battle here in the United States. We thank you. We will never forget. #UnitedWeStand

We Remember- September 11th2020-09-11T10:45:37-05:00

Entrepreneurs Wanted: Apply Now for Walmart’s 7th Annual Open Call for U.S.-Manufactured Products

Do you have a product made, sourced or grown in the U.S. that belongs on store shelves across the country? Well, Walmart is serving up a chance at the big break you’ve been looking for. The application process for Walmart’s seventh annual Open Call is open, and the company invites entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their U.S.-manufactured products on Walmart shelves to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart buyers on Oct. 1, 2020 via virtual pitch meetings. Walmart started the Open Call event back in 2013 after announcing a commitment to purchase $250 billion in American-made products by 2023. The company estimates that the initiative will create up to 1 million new jobs in direct manufacturing and the support and service sectors. While finding products that fulfill the needs of Walmart's customers [...]

Entrepreneurs Wanted: Apply Now for Walmart’s 7th Annual Open Call for U.S.-Manufactured Products2020-08-03T12:30:46-05:00

New Business Loan Program

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) $500,000 to capitalize a new EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance Revolving Loan Fund. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until funds are diminished. Any business in the seven county region (Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, and St. Croix) meeting the below eligibility requirements will be eligible to apply (City of Eau Claire included). Highlights of the new program are: Loans will be limited to small businesses with 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees or less Loans will be limited to certain industry sectors believed to be most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33) Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45) Health Care and Social Assistance (NAICS 62) Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71) Accommodation and [...]

New Business Loan Program2020-07-28T09:09:16-05:00

Paycheck Protection Program and WEDC’s We’re All In

CCEDC would like to share valuable information on two new developments that have been shared with our organization regarding the Paycheck Protection Program and WEDC's We're All In Grant Program. Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were signed into law.  The changes add flexibility to use the funds.  Changes to the PPP include: Small businesses can use the funding for up to 24 weeks, instead of the original eight weeks Instead of requiring 75% of the funds to be used for payroll costs, that amount is dropped to 60% Initially employees needed to be rehired by June 30, that is now extended to December 31 If the loan is not forgiven entirely, businesses have up to five years to pay it back, instead of just two years Repayments are deferred until the [...]

Paycheck Protection Program and WEDC’s We’re All In2020-06-08T14:20:38-05:00

WEDC’s We’re All In $2,500.00 Grant Program

CCEDC has learned more on WEDC’s We’re All In $2,500.00 Grant Program and we will continue to assist local businesses as we learn more. At this time CCEDC would like to provide you with what we know about this Grant Program. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will be accepting applications online from 8:00 AM on Monday, June 15 to 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 21. The general application process is as followed: There are around 95,000 companies in Wisconsin with 20 or less employees and only 30,000 grants available. Because of this, some eligible businesses that apply may not receive a grant. Here is the process of determining who is going to receive the grant. The grant will not be first come, first serve. WEDC will take applications throughout the application period [...]

WEDC’s We’re All In $2,500.00 Grant Program2020-06-05T09:24:47-05:00
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