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Visibility, Relationships, and Readiness: Positioning Chippewa County for Growth

Economic growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through relationships, preparation, and showing up consistently in the conversations that shape investment decisions. In today’s fast-moving and highly competitive economy, communities are no longer just competing with neighboring counties — they are competing nationally. For Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), that reality shapes how we approach business attraction and long-term growth in 2026. One thing is clear: visibility matters. Corporate expansion and relocation decisions often start months — sometimes years — before a community ever receives a call. Those early conversations are guided by professional site selectors and consultants who evaluate regions on behalf of companies. If a community is not actively building relationships with those decision-makers, it is unlikely to be considered when opportunities arise. That is why CEDC has made it a [...]

Visibility, Relationships, and Readiness: Positioning Chippewa County for Growth2026-02-20T15:50:52-06:00

CEDC and Momentum West Map the Future for Rural Businesses

Visibility counts—and we’re making it count. CEDC and Momentum West have partnered up to help rural businesses boost their digital presence and get discovered. It starts with a practical brochure that walks owners through the steps of getting listed on Google Maps and Apple Maps—two of the most critical platforms for customer visibility. For rural businesses, being mapped is no longer optional—it’s essential. In economic development, the phrase “Not marked, not known” couldn’t be more true. Accurate mapping isn’t just about putting a pin on the map—it’s about unlocking opportunity. Most consumers, nearly 98% in the U.S., use the internet to find local business information, often through their phones. More than half search specifically for local businesses on their mobile devices, and 76% of those searches result in a store visit within 24 [...]

CEDC and Momentum West Map the Future for Rural Businesses2025-09-02T13:04:14-05:00

The Power of Education in Driving Economic Growth: CEDC Sponsors the 2025 Eau Claire Luncheon

At CEDC, we’re committed to fostering economic vitality in Chippewa County, and we know that education is the backbone of that effort. The numbers tell a compelling story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Individuals with higher education credentials enjoy lower unemployment rates and higher median weekly earnings than those with less education. For example, someone with a bachelor’s degree earns about 65% more per week than a high school graduate. The unemployment rate for high school diploma holders stands at 3.9%, while it drops to just 2.2% for those with a bachelor’s degree, a clear sign of education’s stabilizing power. Looking ahead, jobs requiring postsecondary education are projected to grow nearly twice as fast as those that don’t by 2032, signaling a rising demand for skilled talent. These statistics underscore [...]

The Power of Education in Driving Economic Growth: CEDC Sponsors the 2025 Eau Claire Luncheon2025-03-31T14:25:56-05:00

Housing Preservation

Dave Armstrong of Barron County Economic Development (via zoom), Aaron White with the City of Eau Claire Economic Development, and Charles Walker with Chippewa Economic Development hosted a Momentum West panel discussion. The discussion focused on possible community based solutions in housing and their importance to Business Expansion and Retention as well as Site Selection in economic development. The panel also covered a a few of the Wisconsin Economic Development's Associations legislative priorities as they tied in with this important topic. Over one hundred stakeholders attended the Housing Solutions Forum held on campus at UW Stout. Great event.. that helps keep West Wisconsin Moving Forward Together!

Housing Preservation2023-03-16T12:30:00-05:00

So Many Reasons to Celebrate!

There are all kinds of reasons to celebrate Economic Development Week (May 9-13), but one of the most important is to celebrate, recognize, and thank the many staff, volunteers, and economic development organizations that work diligently to build wealth in our communities. Their daily actions create more economically vibrant and livable places, as well as encourage teamwork among organizations and businesses. In the Chippewa Valley, our local governments have officially proclaimed Economic Development Week. CEDC utilizes the week to not only pat ourselves on the back but to congratulate our partners, collaborators, and colleagues for all the hard work they do. It is always productive to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments and gather together to network and lift each other up so the mission of economic development can continue. On Thursday, [...]

So Many Reasons to Celebrate!2022-05-18T15:02:52-05:00

Berlin BEAR

On a snowy morning last week, Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) welcomed Nicola Michels, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)’s Trade Representative in Germany. Nicola is from Berlin, Germany, and is a WEDC consultant working to help Chippewa Valley businesses begin their exporting program. Berlin, Germany’s coat of arms is a bear, of course, so it was only fitting that she be the guest of a CEDC BEAR Discussion centering around exporting! Discovering the opportunities that Germany and the Broader European Market offer was the main topic of the CEDC BEAR discussion. BEAR, or Business Expansion and Retention, is the CEDC’s flagship economic development program and makes up about eighty percent of our efforts as an organization. Our BEAR Program is aimed at helping our existing businesses get the information and resources they need [...]

Berlin BEAR2022-01-19T14:19:00-06:00

Expand your Market: Learn about Doing Business in Central Europe

Are you a new or active exporter? Is your company looking to expand to new markets? Want to find opportunities for business growth overseas? Then this Business Expansion And Retention (BEAR) Discussion is for you! Join the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC), Momentum West, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for an interactive discussion, Q&A session, networking, and breakfast. Nicola Michels, the Senior Manager and Consultant at WEDC’s Trade Representative in Germany, is joining us to meet with Wisconsin businesses, answer questions, and discuss market opportunities in Europe (excluding the UK, France, Ireland, and the Benelux countries), with an emphasis on southern Germany and Austria. WEDC is planning a trade venture to that region with stops in Munich, Germany and Linz and [...]

Expand your Market: Learn about Doing Business in Central Europe2021-12-17T12:49:07-06:00
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