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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

Harnessing Technology in Economic Development

In an increasingly digital world, technology has emerged as a powerful driver of economic development, transforming industries, empowering communities, and reshaping the way we live and work. Technology has revolutionized virtually every sector of the economy, from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and education. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enabling businesses to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and deliver innovative products and services to market. By embracing digital transformation, industries can unlock new sources of value and drive sustainable economic growth. While technology presents immense opportunities for economic development, it also exacerbates existing disparities, particularly in terms of digital access and skills. Bridging the digital divide is essential to ensuring that all communities can fully participate in the digital economy and reap its benefits. This [...]

Harnessing Technology in Economic Development2024-03-27T09:49:45-05:00

FBLA Regional Leadership Conference Around the Corner

Did you know Chippewa Falls High School (Chi-Hi) will be hosting the Future Business Leaders of America's (FBLA) Regional Leadership Conference on February 3rd, 2024? FBLA is an organization that was first developed in the 1930s focusing on preparing students to become leaders with hopes of unleashing the power of entrepreneurship and business knowledge. FBLA focuses on academic competition and leadership development. It has grown to become the premier high school business leadership development platform where students get together, connect, and share ideas about future career opportunities. FBLA students work hand in hand with local business leaders and educators to participate in competitive events that help them prepare for the challenging job market. CEDC President/CEO, Charlie Walker has the honor of being Region 1's Keynote speaker at this year's conference. Charlie is preparing [...]

FBLA Regional Leadership Conference Around the Corner2023-12-18T16:51:01-06:00

CEDC President Presents at Best Practices Conference

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) President and CEO Charlie Walker presented at the 2023 Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Best Practices Conference in Wausau, Wisconsin on September 27th-29th 2023. This conference provided attendees with an opportunity to delve into the core principles of economic development and address contemporary challenges, including workforce housing, childcare access, talent attraction, transportation issues, business retention and expansion best practices, and redevelopment and revitalization opportunities. Charlie Walker's presentation drew an audience of over 40 individuals eager to explore the topic of development agreements (DA) and best practices when working with the tool. Accompanied by notable speakers like Liz Brodek, Development Director, City of Wausau, and Randy Fifrick, Economic Development Manager, City of Wausau, the discussion covered developing an inclusive DA negotiation team to better reach consensus, setting ground rules, [...]

CEDC President Presents at Best Practices Conference2023-10-03T16:02:31-05:00
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