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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

Powering Progress: Celebrating Economic Development Week in the Chippewa Valley

Since 2016, the International Economic Development Council’s Economic Development Week has recognized the vital role that economic development organizations and professionals play in shaping thriving communities across the nation. At the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), we are proud to be part of this national celebration and to champion the Power of Partnerships—the collaborations that drive innovation, foster growth, and create lasting changes throughout the Chippewa Valley. This year, Economic Development Week takes place May 12–16, 2025, offering an opportunity to spotlight the tireless efforts that build vibrant, inclusive, and resilient local economies. Throughout the week, CEDC will showcase the essential work we do to support small businesses, attract investment, and strengthen our region’s economic foundation. We invite you to follow our social media for daily highlights, tune in to our BEAR Discussions podcast, and [...]

Powering Progress: Celebrating Economic Development Week in the Chippewa Valley2025-04-15T12:17:51-05:00

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 First Entrepreneur Showcase of 2025

We sincerely thank all of our CEDC investors who attended our first entrepreneur showcase in 2025; its success was truly remarkable. Special thanks to KYMA and their team for hosting us at their facility, allowing community leaders to discover the innovative manufacturing they bring to our community. We are fortunate to have them here. The morning started with Momentum West and the Chippewa Valley's Economic Development professionals gathering to collaborate and update each other on everyone's projects and activities that raise and improve Western Wisconsin's economy. Following the roundtable discussion, over forty community leaders enjoyed a complimentary taco bar lunch, after which they attended a KYMA company presentation by Frederik van Heerden. Van Heerden presented a high-level overview of the energy landscape to the CEDC stakeholders and business leaders, covering its historical context [...]

CEDC’s First Entrepreneur Showcase of 20252025-02-17T10:47:38-06:00

Economic Development Week: May 11th – 17th

Economic Development Week recognizes and honors the critical work of economic development professionals and organizations such as the CEDC. The week long event highlights the vital role economic developers play in creating jobs, advancing career opportunities, and enhancing community quality of life. The week serves as a platform to showcase innovative community leadership, celebrate achievements, and educate the public about the often unheralded work of economic development professionals who are instrumental in driving sustainable growth and prosperity. JOIN THE CEDC TO CELEBRATE ON FRIDAY, MAY 16th, 2025 FOR OUR ANNUAL MEETING & CHARITY GOLF OUTING Stay Tuned for other CEDC events!

Economic Development Week: May 11th – 17th2025-04-15T12:19:27-05:00

A CEDC Christmas Tale of Economic Development – Spreading Joy and Prosperity

In the picturesque region of Chippewa, nestled among the snow-draped Blue Hills and the ever-flowing Chippewa River, the Christmas season is a time of warmth, laughter, and togetherness. It's the perfect season to reflect on our accomplishments, our failures, and our experiences. Yet, in many other communities, the past few years have brought worry into the hearts of their townsfolk. Their local economies have slowed, businesses have shuttered, and many families faced a difficult Christmas without jobs. Unlike Chippewa, these communities lacked an organization like CEDC to unite behind. The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC)—renowned for its community-focused initiatives—continued to partner with their towns to revitalize the Chippewa Valley. Fueled by a can-do attitude, abundant collaboration, community involvement, and adaptive, ground-breaking ideas, CEDC helped Chippewa County, Wisconsin become a dynamic and prosperous area [...]

A CEDC Christmas Tale of Economic Development – Spreading Joy and Prosperity2024-12-23T16:19:32-06:00

CEDC RECOGNIZED BY MID-AMERICA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

COLUMBUS, OH, DECEMBER 5, 2024-The Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) honored outstanding achievements during its annual Economic Development Awards at the 2024 Mid-America Competitiveness Conference, held December 4–6 at the Columbus Hyatt Downtown. The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) received recognition in the Entrepreneurial Program category. This award highlights innovative economic development initiatives that foster entrepreneurial culture within a city or region or provide unique support for young businesses in the start-up and early stages of their growth. Entrepreneurial Awards were given to three markets per category – large division (community population over 25,000), medium division (community population between 10,001-25,000), and small division (community population less than 10,000). “The success of our MAEDC awards highlights the incredibly deep impact that innovative programs can have on communities. These awards recognize collective efforts creating [...]

CEDC RECOGNIZED BY MID-AMERICA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL2024-12-06T16:35:22-06:00

HATCH 2024: The Chippewa Valley’s Recipe for Growth, Creativity, and Success

The entrepreneurial spirit of the Chippewa Valley was on full display at HATCH 2024: A Business Pitch Event, a flagship initiative of the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). This year’s event, held during Wisconsin Startup Week at the River Bend Winery and Distillery, has continues to be a cornerstone event for fostering creativity and driving business development. HATCH is more than a competition, it’s a platform where local entrepreneurs share groundbreaking ideas and connect with potential investors. By promoting creativity and problem-solving, this event supports economic growth, job creation, and business expansion. This year, the pre-event investor reception, hosted by the CEDC, further strengthened the entrepreneurial ecosystem by facilitating mentorships, partnerships, and collaborations. The gathering of 75 attendees provided a vital connecting opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to forge relationships that [...]

HATCH 2024: The Chippewa Valley’s Recipe for Growth, Creativity, and Success2024-11-21T15:44:58-06:00

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

CEDC Updates Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association Managers

Recently, Charlie Walker from the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) delivered a compelling presentation at the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) Managers Meeting in Stanley, WI at the RESCO facility. WECA has a rich history rooted in the Great Depression of the 1930s, marked by significant achievements and leadership in rural electrification. Among its notable milestones is the creation of the nation’s first statewide association for Rural Electric Cooperatives. Over the past 80 years, Wisconsin's rural electric cooperatives have evolved into vital community assets, providing more than just reliable electricity. Their ongoing success is supported by organizations like CEDC, which promote business growth in rural Wisconsin. In his presentation, Charlie emphasized the critical role of economic development in fostering growth and sustainability in rural areas. Unlike urban centers, rural communities face unique challenges, [...]

CEDC Updates Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association Managers2024-08-23T15:48:34-05:00
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