A Valentine to Our Investors and Stakeholders

In the world of entrepreneurship and community building, Brad Feld often speaks about the principle of “Give First.” It’s the idea that lasting ecosystems are built when people contribute without immediately asking, “What do I get in return?” That mindset is deeply aligned with how we approach economic development at CEDC. So on Valentine’s Day its a natural reminder that strong relationships are at the center of meaningful progress. While flowers and chocolates symbolize appreciation in February, our gratitude for our investors and stakeholders extends far beyond a single day. Economic development is built on partnership. It requires trust, shared vision, and a willingness to invest in long-term success. Our investors and stakeholders embody the Give First philosophy. They step up not simply for recognition, but because they believe in the future Chippewa. [...]

A Valentine to Our Investors and Stakeholders2026-02-16T12:54:36-06:00

Chippewa Falls School Board Honors CEDC’s Commitment to Building a Skilled Future Workforce

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is committed to fostering economic growth in Chippewa Valley, and one of our most impactful initiatives is focused on workforce development. For years, we’ve worked closely with area high schools to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in future careers, aligning educational programs with the evolving needs of our local industries. Recently, CEDC Vice Chair Deb Chilson and President/CEO Charlie Walker attended a school board meeting where the Chippewa Falls School District recognized CEDC’s talent recruitment and workforce preparation efforts by nominating us for the 2024 Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Business Honor Roll. This annual award celebrates Wisconsin businesses that demonstrate exceptional support for their local schools, and this year, 59 school districts across the state nominated 186 businesses for their contributions. "At [...]

Chippewa Falls School Board Honors CEDC’s Commitment to Building a Skilled Future Workforce2024-10-29T13:15:53-05:00

Igniting Economic Growth: The Crucial Role of STEAM Education in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce

In the ever-evolving landscape of economic development, the key to success lies in nurturing a workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by the 21st-century marketplace. One indispensable ingredient in this recipe for prosperity is STEAM education – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. STEAM education lays the groundwork for fostering innovation and creativity by integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into the learning experience. This integration encourages students to think critically and solve complex problems, skills that form the bedrock of innovation, driving advancements in various industries and propelling economic growth. In an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, the demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields is skyrocketing. STEAM programs in schools are instrumental in preparing students for these high-demand jobs, ensuring a pipeline of talent that can fill [...]

Igniting Economic Growth: The Crucial Role of STEAM Education in Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce2023-11-21T17:35:22-06:00

STEAM Night

AN EVENING OF FREE FUN, EXPLORATION, AND DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE AREA’S TOP EMPLOYERS, HIGHLIGHTING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART AND MATHEMATICS CAREERS!

STEAM Night2024-02-15T14:01:34-06:00

$4000 in Scholarships Awarded to Chi Hi Students

Thanks to the many donations to the STEAM Scholarship Program at Chippewa Falls High School (Chi Hi), the school was able to award two students with $2000 scholarships to help continue their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. These two seniors were chosen out of several applicants because of their dedication to both education and giving back to their communities. Zachary Secraw plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth for Civil Engineering to "help out communities." Destiny Kolve plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, get a Bachelor's in Chemistry, and has an interest in "lab science and research based careers." It's super important for a community to help its students get a leg up so that they can in turn bring their skills back to the Chippewa Valley. The CEDC is proud [...]

$4000 in Scholarships Awarded to Chi Hi Students2022-05-25T10:31:43-05:00

Showing Off Some STEAM

I was amazed: I didn’t need a ticket, and I attended a great event! The curtain went up at Chippewa Falls Senior High School (“Chi Hi”) and opened the STEAM production. It was alive with activity as hundreds of students circled the campus, taking the time to visit with a large array of Chippewa Valley businesses and educational institutions. This was STEAM Night, and it was about learning, it was about the opportunities of our area, and it was about “showing off” some STEAM Careers. So, what is STEAM, you ask? Originating from the STEM educational movement started in the early 2000s, STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Its aim is to round out the US educational curriculum to include hands-on activities that help our young future workers develop practical [...]

Showing Off Some STEAM2022-06-13T08:48:21-05:00

Human-Machine Team Managers Wanted

Truly, we live in a very competitive world. Our local businesses all have to compete for workers. In fact, one can say that the quality of their talent will determine how successful their businesses will be in the future. As robots continue to emerge and more advanced Artificial Intelligence heads our way, it only makes sense to have discussions with our children about the importance of STEAM. S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics, and was created to foster passions for the arts and sciences in children. These areas of education are all similar in that they require critical thinking for problem solving, and have many avenues of inquiry. Teachers use hands-on projects and real-world scenarios to help students come up with innovative solutions that they can apply throughout their lives. [...]

Human-Machine Team Managers Wanted2022-02-08T12:19:08-06:00

Chippewa Falls High School STEAM Night

  S.T.E.A.M. Night is an annual family event that focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and math. This is an opportunity for families to enjoy a variety of activities and to explore different S.T.E.A.M. phenomena. The Science, Math, Tech. Ed. and Art Departments are proud to host the 7th STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Open House on Tuesday, March 15th, 2022.  Our goal is to connect students to STEAM careers in the Chippewa Valley, and we need your help to make this event a success! We’re thankful for the community support and are excited about the career opportunities the Chippewa Valley brings to our students.  We hope that this event will help build career connections for our students as well as employers in the Valley.  This year we are continuing the STEAM scholarship [...]

Chippewa Falls High School STEAM Night2022-03-14T12:58:06-05:00
Go to Top