The Power of Education in Driving Economic Growth: CEDC Sponsors the 2025 Eau Claire Luncheon

At CEDC, we’re committed to fostering economic vitality in Chippewa County, and we know that education is the backbone of that effort. The numbers tell a compelling story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Individuals with higher education credentials enjoy lower unemployment rates and higher median weekly earnings than those with less education. For example, someone with a bachelor’s degree earns about 65% more per week than a high school graduate. The unemployment rate for high school diploma holders stands at 3.9%, while it drops to just 2.2% for those with a bachelor’s degree, a clear sign of education’s stabilizing power. Looking ahead, jobs requiring postsecondary education are projected to grow nearly twice as fast as those that don’t by 2032, signaling a rising demand for skilled talent. These statistics underscore [...]

The Power of Education in Driving Economic Growth: CEDC Sponsors the 2025 Eau Claire Luncheon2025-03-31T14:25:56-05:00

3rd Annual Legislative Speed Dating: A Huge Success

On February 21st, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) hosted its 3rd annual Legislative Speed Dating event at the Eggbreak Café in Lake Hallie. This unique gathering brought together over 40 business and community leaders with the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly officials, creating a dynamic space for dialogue and advocacy. Inspired by the concept of speed dating, the event provided structured yet engaging discussions between local constituents and elected officials. Each legislator spent up to six minutes at a table, actively listening to concerns, providing updates, and addressing key issues before rotating to the next group. This rapid format ensured a broad exchange of ideas within the 90-minute session. The CEDC was honored to host several key legislators who engaged in meaningful conversations about economic development, infrastructure, and policy needs affecting Chippewa Valley. [...]

3rd Annual Legislative Speed Dating: A Huge Success2025-03-10T10:55:20-05:00

CEDC Board Pushes for More Healthcare Services

To stay abreast of the ever-changing healthcare environment in Chippewa County, the CEDC Board of Directors recently had the opportunity to tour the Aspirus Health facility in Stanley, WI. The purpose of this tour was to follow up on the due diligence meetings that CEDC has had in the past year with healthcare providers looking to expand their services in Chippewa Falls after the HSHS closing just over a year ago. During the visit, the Board of Directors gained valuable insight into the operations and services provided by Aspirus Health. Which will serve as a model for the new hospital Aspirus will build in Chippewa Falls. Further discussions centered around workforce recruitment, patient services, quality of care, and opportunities to bridge the gap between functional and traditional medicine. Chippewa County is on the [...]

CEDC Board Pushes for More Healthcare Services2025-02-27T13:28:26-06:00

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation Hosts Annual Legislative “Speed Dating” Event

Chippewa Valley, WI – On February 21st, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) welcomed over 40 business and community leaders to its annual Chippewa Valley Legislative Speed Dating event at the Eggbreak Café in Lake Hallie. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with and provide input to Wisconsin Legislative Senate and Assembly elected officials. Modeled after the old-fashioned “Speed Dating” Concept, area legislators spent up to six minutes at tables with area constituents and CEDC economic development stakeholders, listening and updating them on local issues. After six minutes, all elected officials rotated to the following table to hear from the next set of local issues to another group. The legislative “dating” process lasted for an hour and a half. The CEDC event was privileged to host several key legislators who listened attentively, shared [...]

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation Hosts Annual Legislative “Speed Dating” Event2025-03-10T11:00:10-05:00

CEDC’s 2025 Annual Meeting

Join Us for CEDC's Annual Meeting – Friday, May 16th as we celebrate Shaping Tomorrow's Economy: Communities are the Core! Don’t miss the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation’s Annual Meeting and Charity Golf Outing on Friday, May 16th! This exciting event is an excellent opportunity to connect, learn, and give back to the community. This year's meeting is hosted at the beautiful Eau Claire Event District: The Crescent. The CEDC Charity Golf Outing will follow with a shotgun start at 10:30AM at Whispering Pines Golf Course in Cadott, WI. Event Schedule: Breakfast & Connecting: Start the day with breakfast and connecting with fellow community leaders. Annual Meeting: Stay informed with updates from CEDC on our initiatives and local economic developments. Golf Outing: Head to Whispering Pines Golf Course in Cadott for a round of [...]

CEDC’s 2025 Annual Meeting2025-05-14T17:49:12-05:00

CEDC’s 2025 Charity Golf Outing

Tee Off for a Cause at the 2025 Charity Classic! RAIN OR SHINE The Charity Classic Golf Outing on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Whispering Pines Golf Course in Cadott, WI IS FULL! This 18-hole event will benefit the Jayna Kelley Memorial Foundation, dedicated to improving lives through educational opportunities and charitable initiatives. What to Expect: 18 holes of golf Cart rental included Exciting prizes Lunch provided A chance to make a real impact 10:30AM Shotgun Start RAIN OR SHINE Registration: GOLF REGISTRATIONS ARE FULL!  A huge thank you to all of our sponsors for making this event possible!   A Few Sponsorship Opportunities Are Still Available Support this great cause while gaining visibility for your business. Only a few Birdie sponsorships are still available!! For questions, contact Brittany  at brittany@chippewa-wi.com or 715-723-7150. [...]

CEDC’s 2025 Charity Golf Outing2025-05-12T19:08:38-05:00

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

Winter Expansion: Chippewa County Company Builds Toward Prosperity

As winter frost blankets the Chippewa Valley, the local economy is heating up with exciting developments. Water’s Edge Cheese Curds has officially broken ground on a 12,000-square-foot facility in the Lake Wissota Business Park in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. This expansion marks a significant investment in the company’s future, aimed at improving efficiency, increasing capacity, and enhancing its ability to meet growing customer demand. Despite the chilly temperatures, contractors are hard at work through the winter to bring this facility to life. Their dedication ensures that the project stays on schedule, reflecting the resilience and determination that define our community. Water’s Edge Cheese Curds began in 2010 with a secret recipe crafted in the kitchen of a Northwoods Wisconsin supper club. What started as a small venture has grown into one of the nation’s [...]

Winter Expansion: Chippewa County Company Builds Toward Prosperity2024-12-12T15:18:26-06:00

CEDC and BDO Zone Featured in Business in Focus Magazine

Chippewa County’s rich heritage, cultural diversity, economic growth, and designation as a BDO Zone are prominently highlighted in the latest edition of Business in Focus (BIF) Magazine. With a readership exceeding 250,000 executives across the United States and Canada, BIF Magazine is a premier source for business news and insights, reaching influential decision-makers shaping today’s economy. Its digital platforms are trusted for up-to-date developments and trends in economic growth and innovation. Through exclusive interviews with industry leaders, BIF dives into the stories behind their successes, providing valuable insights to its audience. “These are exciting times for CEDC and Chippewa County,” says Charlie Walker. “We are building on our traditionally strong agriculture and manufacturing base, and the BDO Zone will help us expand even further. It’s terrific to be recognized in this BIF publication.” [...]

CEDC and BDO Zone Featured in Business in Focus Magazine2024-11-18T11:45:27-06:00

Join CEDC for Startup Week Wisconsin!

November 11-15 marks an exciting time for the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) as we celebrate Startup Week Wisconsin in the Chippewa Valley! Each year, we join forces with our economic development stakeholders to gather entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from across the Chippewa Valley, supporting and energizing the local startup ecosystem. This week-long celebration brings together community members dedicated to driving growth and fostering innovation, creating valuable opportunities for startups to thrive. Throughout the week, a variety of events will unfold across the region, including workshops, panel discussions, networking events, and keynote speakers. Each is aimed at fostering innovation, providing resources, and creating opportunities for startups to grow and succeed. Events such as CEDC’s HATCH which takes place in various venues throughout the Chippewa Valley each year. HATCH provides a unique platform [...]

Join CEDC for Startup Week Wisconsin!2024-11-01T15:02:13-05:00
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