Call Us Today! 1-715-723-7150|staff@chippewa-wi.com

Yes, Wisconsin Has a Moss Industry—and It’s Global

Last weekend, I laced up my boots and headed to Beaver Creek Reserve in Eau Claire County—a beautiful 400-plus-acre mix of upland woods, river bottom forests, wetlands, and savanna just outside Eau Claire. The occasion: a moss hike, one of those wonderfully slow, ground-level experiences that shifts your perspective from the canopy to the carpet underfoot. As I crouched beside a lush emerald patch of sphagnum moss along a wetland edge, the usual questions kicked in: Who first saw commercial value in this stuff? How did an industry grow from bog moss? And is it still thriving today? The answers surprised me—and they should surprise most economic developers, nature lovers, and even many longtime Wisconsin residents. Wisconsin is the only state in the U.S. that commercially harvests sphagnum moss at scale. The heart [...]

Yes, Wisconsin Has a Moss Industry—and It’s Global2026-03-30T17:41:00-05:00

The BDO Zone Delivers Real Economic Treasure

Top o' the morning to our Chippewa Valley friends! As we gear up to celebrate St. Patrick's Day—a time for green rivers, festive parades, and the promise of new beginnings—it's the perfect moment to shine a light on something truly golden right here in Chippewa County: our certified Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone. A newly published independent study from Dr. Burton C. English, Institute Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennessee, using the Renewable Energy Economic Analysis Layers (REEAL) model, provides the hard evidence we've been building toward. The research shows that biomanufacturing projects in certified BDO Zones generate an average of $423 million in annual economic impact per project—that's $4.23 billion cumulatively over ten years. Nationally, adding just 100 more BDO Zones could spark $21 billion to $64 billion in economic activity [...]

The BDO Zone Delivers Real Economic Treasure2026-03-16T16:53:06-05:00

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

Cadott School District: A Launchpad for Technical Careers and Regional Growth

The School District of Cadott’s brand-new Technical Education Center is opening doors for the next generation of makers, builders, and problem-solvers in Chippewa County. With more than 29,000 square feet of modern space and advanced, industry-relevant equipment, this investment gives students hands-on experience in high-demand skilled trades while strengthening the region’s future workforce. This center is a perfect fit for CEDC’s BEAR Showcase, which spotlights projects and partners that are driving economic growth and workforce development across Chippewa County. Local, regional, and state economic development and business leaders were honored to tour the new Technical Education Center and see its impact firsthand, gaining insight into how this investment in education will translate into long-term workforce and economic benefits for the region. Partners discussed how the Center will help address talent needs in manufacturing, [...]

Cadott School District: A Launchpad for Technical Careers and Regional Growth2026-02-03T16:38:24-06:00

Where Community Meets the Season

There’s something magical about a room full of people who share a common purpose, and the CEDC Christmas Collaboration Gathering was exactly that. Even as a winter storm swept across the Chippewa Valley, partners, investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders braved the weather to come together, proving that a little snow and ice couldn’t dampen the spirit of collaboration. The View in Chippewa Falls glowed with holiday spirit and laughter as guests arrived, greeted by friendly faces, hors d’oeuvres, and the comforting hum of conversations. Old friends caught up, new connections were made, and every handshake and smile felt like a reminder of the strength of our community. Collaboration in Action It wasn’t just a Christmas party, it was a celebration of the relationships that drive economic growth across the region. Stories of local [...]

Where Community Meets the Season2025-12-19T12:56:30-06:00

Ripples of Giving: How We Raise the Chippewa Tide Together

Today, on the Day of Giving, we are reminded of the power of generosity and the impact it has on shaping our local communities. Here in the Chippewa Valley, the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is more than just an organization—it is a catalyst for growth, opportunity, and resilience. Our work is powered by community investment because when our community invests in economic development, everyone benefits. After all, a rising tide truly lifts all boats. Economic development is not just about attracting businesses or creating jobs; it is about building a stronger foundation for everyone. At CEDC, we create an environment where businesses can grow, entrepreneurs can thrive, and residents can access new opportunities. By expanding manufacturing and retail opportunities, supporting startups and small businesses, and investing in critical infrastructure, the benefits [...]

Ripples of Giving: How We Raise the Chippewa Tide Together2025-12-02T16:36:13-06:00

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

Connecting Across Borders: CEDC Welcomes Polish Delegation with a Roundtable Discussion

At CEDC, we recognize that discovering new solutions and recipes to success begins with connection. Whether those connections are across the county or across the globe, collaboration is what fuels innovation and progress. That belief was on full display this week as CEDC welcomed a delegation of Polish mayors, part of the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) exchange program and hosted by the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club, to the Chippewa Valley. The group joined us for an economic development roundtable discussion at Miron Construction’s state-of-the-art office in Lake Hallie—bringing together public and private sector leaders to share insights, ideas, and opportunities for growth. The day began with breakfast and time to connect, followed by a formal kickoff featuring a bipartisan proclamation of welcome presented by Senator Jesse James and Representative Rob Summerfield. [...]

Connecting Across Borders: CEDC Welcomes Polish Delegation with a Roundtable Discussion2025-11-04T16:38:30-06:00

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

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
Go to Top