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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

CEDC Holds Board Meeting at Farm Technology Days with a Focus on Healthcare

On the last day of Farm Technology Days, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) held a pivotal board meeting, bringing together community leaders both in person at the Hixwood building and virtually. This meeting was significant not only for its venue—Wisconsin's largest outdoor agricultural event—but also for its focus on a topic crucial to the future well-being of the Chippewa Valley: healthcare. The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Patti Darley, Vice Chair of the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative (CVHC), who provided an in-depth look at the organization's mission and services. As she addressed the CEDC board members, half of whom joined via Zoom, Darley emphasized the importance of making high-quality healthcare both accessible and affordable for all residents in the Chippewa Valley region. The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative is a [...]

CEDC Holds Board Meeting at Farm Technology Days with a Focus on Healthcare2024-08-19T08:48:54-05:00

CEDC Honors Board Member Albert Edward Holand III (Ed), 1959-2024

It is with deep sadness that CEDC communicates the passing of Board Member Albert Edward Holand III, known to many as Ed, who died suddenly of a heart attack on July 28th, 2024. Ed was a visionary entrepreneur who owned CN Manufacturing in Boyd, a dedicated CEDC board member, and a pillar of our community whose impact will be felt for generations to come. Ed's entrepreneurial spirit ignited at the young age of 17 when he started his first business, a driveway sealing company, with his best friend Kevin Barrick. This early venture was just the beginning of a remarkable career that would span decades and touch numerous industries. After spending time in Hawaii rebuilding houses as a contractor in the wake of a devastating hurricane, Ed returned to the mainland with renewed [...]

CEDC Honors Board Member Albert Edward Holand III (Ed), 1959-20242024-11-26T13:54:49-06:00

Economic Development Is A Continuing Journey of Independence

As fireworks light up the night sky and families gather for barbecues, the 4th of July stands as a powerful symbol of freedom and independence. Beyond the celebrations, it's a time to reflect on the broader concept of independence, particularly economic development and its role in sustaining the freedom our forefathers fought for. When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, it wasn't just a political statement; it was a call for economic autonomy. The American colonies sought to break free from the mercantilist policies of the British Empire, which restricted their trade and stifled economic growth. The founders envisioned a nation where economic freedom would pave the way for prosperity and innovation. Economic development is crucial in maintaining and expanding the independence celebrated on the 4th of July. It involves improving [...]

Economic Development Is A Continuing Journey of Independence2024-07-09T12:07:16-05:00

Summer Break and Its Impact on Economic Development

As the school year ends and summer break begins, students and families across the country prepare for a season of rest, travel, and exploration. While summer break is a cherished tradition, it's also an important period that influences economic development in various ways. One of the most immediate impacts of summer break is the boost it provides to the tourism industry. Families often take advantage of the time off to travel, whether it's a local beach, a national park, or an international destination. This influx of tourists supports local economies, creating jobs and generating revenue for businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Summer break also opens up numerous seasonal employment opportunities for students and others. From lifeguarding at community pools to working in retail or hospitality, these jobs provide valuable work experience [...]

Summer Break and Its Impact on Economic Development2024-07-09T12:26:40-05:00

Memorial Day and Its Economic Impact

As Americans come together to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country, Memorial Day holds a special place in our hearts and history. This solemn occasion also marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing with it a host of economic activities that have a significant impact on our economy. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Many families take advantage of the long weekend to embark on road trips, visit relatives, or explore new destinations. This surge in travel activity boosts the transportation sector, with increased demand for gasoline, car rentals, and flights. Hotels, restaurants, and local attractions also benefit from the influx of tourists, driving substantial revenue growth for the hospitality industry. Retailers see a noticeable uptick [...]

Memorial Day and Its Economic Impact2024-07-09T12:37:36-05:00

Our Favorite Week in May

Spring has sprung and Wisconsin is in bloom. You might not know, but May is a very busy month. For instance, May is American Cheese Month, Beef Month, Correct Your Posture Month, International Drum Month, National Asparagus Month, National Motorcycle Awareness Month, National Returning Youth Month, Sturge-Weber Syndrome Awareness, National Mental Health Awareness Month, National Wildfire Awareness Month, National Brain Cancer and Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Date Your Mate Month... you get the point! There are myriad reasons for festivities, with specific weeks in May set aside for celebration, such as National Small Business Week. However, our most cherished week in May is Economic Development Week (May 6-10, 2024), when communities throughout Wisconsin honor the efforts of professional economic developers in enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life. This week serves as [...]

Our Favorite Week in May2024-05-10T13:09:01-05:00

Infrastructure and Fostering Economic Growth and Resilience

Infrastructure is the lifeblood of modern economies, providing the essential physical and organizational structures that support economic activity, facilitate commerce, and enhance quality of life. Infrastructure investments are instrumental in driving productivity gains and enhancing competitiveness across industries. From transportation networks and energy systems to communication and digital infrastructure, robust infrastructure enables the efficient movement of goods, services, and information, reducing transaction costs, enhancing market access, and stimulating economic activity. By investing in strategic infrastructure projects, communities can position themselves for sustained economic growth and global competitiveness. - Access to reliable and efficient infrastructure is essential for connecting communities, businesses, and markets, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports, and airports, facilitates the movement of people and goods, enabling businesses to reach new markets and consumers to access [...]

Infrastructure and Fostering Economic Growth and Resilience2024-03-27T11:46:24-05:00
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