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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

A Day in the Life of a Founder

What it's like to be a HATCH or BEAR  finalist I arrive while the sky is still deciding between gold and indigo, the river breathing its cool across the street. The venue is a local treasure- a family-run roastery that turns into a candlelit listening room at night- brick walls warm with history, string lights threaded like constellations. It’s intimate the way a good idea is intimate: close enough to hear a heartbeat, big enough to hold a room’s attention. Name tag, handshake, another handshake. Early evening is for orbiting, they told us, and so I orbit: investors in soft blazers, judges with notebooks like shields turned into harps, mentors whose eyes crinkle with the kind of experience you can only earn by surviving. I mention my company in a sentence, then again [...]

A Day in the Life of a Founder2025-10-21T16:20:29-05:00

Sarah Kowal Blogging for CEDC-From Founder to Capital Connector: A Western Wisconsin Entrepreneur Comes Full Circle with BEAR ’25

When I was building WeatherVane Creamery (note: website intentionally frozen in time), I was trying to do more than just open a vibrant Wisconsin-themed deli in River Falls- I was painting a vision. I wanted people to see what I saw: a vital, community-centered, proudly Wisconsin space that could become something special right now, not “someday.”   And thankfully, people did see it. I built an advisory board of experts, restaurateurs, and dairy industry insiders. I crowdfunded. I launched investor dinners. I had the American Cheese Society's stamp of approval. I got a ton of media coverage. It was alive and moving, being the scrappy Western Wisconsin founder working tirelessly to rally Cheeseheads.   What I didn’t have… was a clear investor path. Ask any rural founder in these parts, and they’ll likely tell you a [...]

Sarah Kowal Blogging for CEDC-From Founder to Capital Connector: A Western Wisconsin Entrepreneur Comes Full Circle with BEAR ’252025-07-31T16:47:34-05:00

Taking Advantage of Highschool–Small Business Partnerships

When most people think about economic development and the work that CEDC does, they often picture industrial parks, investment deals, or start-up programs like “BEAR” or “Hatch”. But one of the most important economic engines in our community can be found just down the road at the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District (CFAUSD). That’s why we partner and have CEDC’s talent development programs. We are proud to highlight the ongoing partnership between Chippewa Valley businesses, and the CFAUSD. Under the leadership of Superintendent Jeffrey Holmes, the CFASUD has partnered even closer with CEDC. Holmes implemented strategic programs, valued open dialogue and shared goals, further helping local educators and entrepreneurs to work together to ensure the success of both our students and our economy. Why Schools Matter to Chippewa’s Small Businesses Small businesses [...]

Taking Advantage of Highschool–Small Business Partnerships2025-07-25T14:03:42-05:00

The Story of Steaks, Strategy, and the Secret Sauce for Economic Development

The steaks hit the grill with a satisfying hiss, smoke curling into the early evening air. Dan adjusted the heat and turned to Charlie, who stood nearby sipping a bourbon old-fashioned, sleeves rolled up and a smirk forming. “Careful,” Dan said, “you’ll end up branding that grill with a motivational quote.” Charlie laughed. “Dan-Funny you say that. I’ve had this phrase stuck in my head all week: ‘Be Kind, Rewind.’ Sounds cute, right? An era of VHS manners- Camaros and cassette tapes. But the longer I’m in economic development, the more it feels like a good playbook.” Dan leaned against the restaurant railing, curious. “Alright, I’ll bite—what’s kindness got to do with infrastructure and investment?” “Everything,” Charlie said. “At Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, we’re here to grow our community—not just by building business [...]

The Story of Steaks, Strategy, and the Secret Sauce for Economic Development2025-07-01T16:36:14-05:00

The Glue of Our Community: How the CEDC Charity Golf Classic is Supporting Local Charities

At the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), we believe that lasting progress begins with strong connections—and that includes uplifting the nonprofits and charitable organizations that serve as the backbone of our communities. This year’s CEDC Charity Golf Classic was a shining example of how giving back can be both impactful and enjoyable. Held under sunny skies, the event brought together businesses, civic leaders, and community champions for a day of golf, generosity, and shared purpose. We were honored to name the Jayna Kelley Memorial Foundation as the 2025 beneficiary. In just five years, this remarkable organization has donated more than $386,800 to 15 different causes—each one creating a ripple of hope and support across the Chippewa Valley. From youth programs to healthcare initiatives, the foundation’s mission of community-driven giving continues to inspire and [...]

The Glue of Our Community: How the CEDC Charity Golf Classic is Supporting Local Charities2025-05-22T15:00:47-05:00

Celebrating the Core

Over the past year, we have been continuously reminded that economic momentum doesn’t come from policies or plans alone but from our stakeholders and communities. Chippewa County's strength wasn’t built from the top down but from the inside out. This understanding has guided the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) as we worked to shape a stronger future, always keeping the community at the center of everything we do. Each May, during Economic Development Week, CEDC gathers for its Annual Meeting to celebrate the vital role the organization continues to play in creating strong, thriving communities. This gathering is one of Chippewa Valley’s most significant business networking/connecting events that serve as a moment to reflect on the past twelve months of local progress, connection, and shared success. The economic development organization highlights its focus [...]

Celebrating the Core2025-05-01T14:13:50-05:00

Fostering Innovation: The CEDC Collaborative Showcase at VSA

At CEDC, we sincerely thank all our investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who participated in the CEDC Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase today at Valley Sports Academy (VSA) in Lake Hallie, WI. A special thanks to VSA for hosting such a fantastic event in their state-of-the-art facility. The CEDC Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase highlights the innovators in our community, providing a platform for them to share their journeys, discuss challenges they’ve faced, and outline their goals for the future. By demonstrating that no entrepreneurial path is the same—and that every entrepreneur encounters obstacles—these showcases reassure and inspire emerging business owners. A powerful example from today’s event came from VSA founder Brian Seubert, who shared that he never had a mentor and had to learn many difficult lessons on his own. He emphasized the value of mentorship, [...]

Fostering Innovation: The CEDC Collaborative Showcase at VSA2025-03-07T10:34:41-06:00

CEDC Highlights Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CEDC Showcases Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase Lake Hallie, WI—On March 6th, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation welcomed over 50 investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to the second Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase of 2025, held at Valley Sports Academy (VSA). Those in attendance had the opportunity to collaborate, connect, and share innovative ideas that will drive Chippewa County’s economy further. As part of CEDC’s commitment to Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR), the showcase was crucial in fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth throughout the Chippewa Valley. By bringing together innovators and industry professionals, the event encouraged collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement—all essential to the region’s thriving business ecosystem. Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore VSA’s state-of-the-art facilities, discover groundbreaking business concepts, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow entrepreneurs. [...]

CEDC Highlights Local Innovation at Collaborative Entrepreneur Showcase2025-03-07T18:36:40-06:00

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
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