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CEDC Engages Local Businesses to Shape Chippewa County’s Comprehensive Plan

CEDC recently brought together business leaders from across the county in Cadott for a collaborative session aimed at gathering firsthand insights from those directly involved in the local economy. Engaging local businesses in updating the county’s comprehensive plan is crucial, as it ensures that strategies guiding land use, infrastructure, and economic growth align with the realities and aspirations of the community. This meeting marked an important step in shaping the plan, a long-term blueprint that will guide development, investment, and infrastructure decisions for years to come. During the session, CEDC highlighted several key strategies designed to address challenges facing Chippewa County. These included supporting workforce development initiatives to attract and retain skilled talent, expanding broadband access to ensure businesses and residents can compete in a digital economy, and promoting infrastructure improvements that enhance [...]

CEDC Engages Local Businesses to Shape Chippewa County’s Comprehensive Plan2025-09-09T13:48:30-05:00

Building Connections, Creating Jobs: The Impact of CEDC’s BEAR Visits & Showcases

Our local manufacturing business visitation BEAR Visits and Showcase Programs continues to achieve notable successes and demonstrates substantial value to our economic development strategy. Almost everyone has heard, and local Chippewa data consistently shows that most new jobs in our area are created by our existing manufacturing businesses. Utilizing regular BEAR visits and Showcases allow our Board of Directors, stakeholders, and economic development support teams to identify and address real-time challenges faced by our local manufacturers. These events often lead to timely solutions that support local company growth as well as builds meaningful relationships, facilitates resource sharing, builds trust, and fostering innovation among local businesses. In fact, several studies show that economic development organization-driven connections help local firms adapt quickly to changes and can boost productivity by facilitating knowledge transfer and pooling local [...]

Building Connections, Creating Jobs: The Impact of CEDC’s BEAR Visits & Showcases2025-09-12T13:15:15-05:00

Shining a Spotlight on Second-Stage Success with BEAR ’25

Wisconsin—and the Chippewa Valley in particular—lags behind some other states and regions in new business formation and job creation per startup. The rate of new business launches has also declined in recent years. Recognizing this challenge, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) has been working to change the trend. We’re focusing on increasing support density, backing founders, and building a stronger ecosystem for growth—especially for second-stage companies. You might be surprised to learn just how many second-stage companies operate right here in western Wisconsin. These are typically privately owned, growth-oriented firms with annual revenues between $1 million and $50 million and at least 10 employees. They’ve moved beyond the early hurdles of starting up and are now focused on scaling their operations, expanding into new markets, and creating lasting value in their industries. [...]

Shining a Spotlight on Second-Stage Success with BEAR ’252025-08-15T16:23:18-05:00

SBDC Celebrates New On-Campus Location at UW-Eau Claire

The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire has officially moved onto campus, making it easier for Blugold students and faculty to support entrepreneurs and drive small business growth throughout the Chippewa Valley. On June 5, the SBDC transitioned from its former location at 221 W. Madison St. to Schneider Hall, home of UWEC’s College of Business. To mark the occasion, the SBDC joined the College of Business, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, and Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce in hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) was proud to attend alongside community and business leaders to show support for this important partner. “We’re often described as one of UW-Eau Claire’s best-kept secrets when it comes to supporting small businesses,” said Harlie [...]

SBDC Celebrates New On-Campus Location at UW-Eau Claire2025-08-05T12:15:48-05:00

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

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

Built to Connect: Inside the CEDC Collaborative Showcase at Hixwood Metals

CEDC's Collaborative Showcase series brings together local businesses, industry leaders, and community advocates to foster meaningful connections and highlight innovation throughout the Chippewa Valley.Each two-hour, onsite event—hosted by CEDC stakeholders across the region—offers participants a chance to tour local facilities, engage in cross-sector dialogue, and explore opportunities for partnership and growth. These showcases not only strengthen individual organizations but also contribute to the vitality of the broader regional economy.Our most recent showcase took place at Hixwood Metals in Stanley, Wisconsin. Known for its high-quality post-frame building kits, metal roofing, and steel coil products, Hixwood has become a trusted supplier for contractors and builders across the Midwest and beyond. Their product offerings also include portable sheds, garages, and a wide array of custom building accessories—all delivered with a strong commitment to craftsmanship and customer [...]

Built to Connect: Inside the CEDC Collaborative Showcase at Hixwood Metals2025-06-25T14:21:56-05:00

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

Spectrum Industries Hosted CEDC Collaborative Showcase

At CEDC, fostering a culture of connection is at the heart of our Business Expansion, Attraction, and Retention (BEAR) program. We believe that strong business relationships drive sustainable growth, which is why we launched the Collaborative Showcase program—a unique initiative designed to bring together industry leaders, partners, and advocates for open dialogue and shared learning. What Is the Collaborative Showcase? The Collaborative Showcase is a two-hour gathering hosted at a CEDC stakeholder’s facility. These events provide a platform for local businesses and community leaders to connect, learn from one another, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. By meeting face-to-face, participants can build genuine relationships that help strengthen the economic fabric of our region. A Special Gathering at Spectrum Industries Our most recent Collaborative Showcase was graciously hosted by Spectrum Industries in Chippewa Falls. [...]

Spectrum Industries Hosted CEDC Collaborative Showcase2025-06-05T12:18:55-05:00

Celebrating June Dairy Month: Why Supporting Local Dairy Farms Matters for Our Economy

June Dairy Month is more than just a celebration of delicious milk, cheese, and ice cream—it’s a time to recognize the backbone of our rural communities and the engine behind much of our local economic development: dairy farming. From rolling pastures to bustling creameries, dairy farms are not just iconic parts of our landscape—they’re essential contributors to our economy, our workforce, and our way of life. The Dairy Industry: A Foundation of Rural Economies In Wisconsin and across the Midwest, dairy farming isn’t just a tradition—it’s an industry. Dairy contributes billions to our state’s economy annually and supports tens of thousands of jobs. Whether it’s the farmhand milking cows before sunrise, the truck driver hauling fresh milk to the creamery, or the family-owned cheese shop selling local products, the ripple effect of dairy [...]

Celebrating June Dairy Month: Why Supporting Local Dairy Farms Matters for Our Economy2025-06-02T10:49:45-05:00
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