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Smoked, Sauced, and Strategized: CEDC Heats Up!

CEDC was fired up—literally and figuratively—as our very own barbecue team, C2 BBQ, proudly competed in the inaugural Northern Wisconsin State Fair BBQ Cook-off. Thousands of BBQ cook-offs now take place annually across the U.S. and internationally, attracting pitmasters, foodies, and tourists. Events like the American Royal in Kansas City and the Jack Daniel’s Invitational in Tennessee are considered BBQ’s Super Bowls-and there is no doubt the Northern Wisconsin State Fair's cook off is headed in that direction. This sizzling new event brought together pitmasters from across the region for a day filled with smoky flavors, live music, food trucks, and festive camaraderie. But for CEDC’s team—Ken Pearson, Paul Olson, Casey Hedrington, and Charlie Walker—it was about more than just chicken and ribs. It was a chance to showcase the heart of our organization: [...]

Smoked, Sauced, and Strategized: CEDC Heats Up!2025-09-09T10:19:58-05:00

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

CEDC Speaks at Local Workforce Solutions Summit

CEDC’s Charlie Walker was invited to participate in the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Solutions Summit at the Pablo Center. As part of a breakout panel discussion, he highlighted the collaboration between CEDC and Momentum West in developing the regional economic development organization’s video series. The Workforce Solutions Summit is specifically designed to provide area employers with practical solutions. The Regional Talent Initiatives panel also consisted of Alms Creative owner William Alms, UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank, Jenny Radcliffe of Dairyland Power, and Brian Elwood of Xcel Energy. Over 40 attendees participated in the panel discussion. The importance of communicating to the next generation of talent cannot be overemphasized. CEDC Executive Board Member Maureen Carlson was instrumental in launching the promotional video series when she chaired the Momentum West Board of Directors. Maureen continuously [...]

CEDC Speaks at Local Workforce Solutions Summit2021-12-03T11:13:39-06:00

CCEDC 2021 Round-Up HATCH Business Pitch Event

Wrangle up some friends and join the CCEDC at Chippewa Valley Music Festivals for the wildest Entrepreneurial night at Chippewa Valley Wisconsin largest Start Up Pitch Event! Come cheer on your favorite entrepreneur and show your support. Entrepreneurs will each have five minutes to pitch their case to local judges and you the audience about their business ideas. In addition, you will have a chance to evaluate and vote for your favorite idea alongside the judges. Space is limited! RSVP to save your seat and watch this Wild West Idea Showdown. The best wins $5,000.

CCEDC 2021 Round-Up HATCH Business Pitch Event2021-04-23T10:25:34-05:00

Chippewa Valley YouthBuild Addresses Labor Shortages and Skills Gaps

In speaking with Chippewa Valley contractors one topic continues to rise to the top…..rising costs of lumber and steel! In recent weeks steel price increases have caused many contractors to rework the material costs on their jobs. Lumber prices, which skyrocketed upward at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 began to come back down around the end of the summer of 2020.  Currently both the lumber and steel prices have taken off again surging 20% to 25%. Experts predict that lumber and steel prices will remain elevated into 2022, but lower than the current extreme rates. According to the Producer Price Index, softwood lumber prices increased 73% while Iron and steel scrap jumped 50% over the past year. Many potential homeowners are rapidly being forced out of the market due to these [...]

Chippewa Valley YouthBuild Addresses Labor Shortages and Skills Gaps2021-03-12T12:20:01-06:00

SMART (BEAR) Discussions

Business Expansion And Retention (BEAR) is a CCEDC economic development strategy that proactively connects with existing businesses to understand and respond to their needs. Special attention is given to our small businesses that employ 150 individuals or less. These existing small businesses and their workforce are key measuring sticks of the Chippewa Valley’s economic health.  It is important that CCEDC continues to build positive relationships with our local businesses, connect with them regularly, and follow up with them when problems are identified. CCEDC aims to proactively address small issues before they arise and become big issues that may impact critical business activities. This is what BEAR Discussions are all about! These (BEAR) discussions center around improving relationships with local governments, educational institutions, and supply chains.  CEDCC would like to thank Klaus Bauer of [...]

SMART (BEAR) Discussions2021-02-10T16:40:06-06:00

BEAR Discussion

Business Expansion AND Retention (BEAR) Discussions- Star Blends has been helping Midwest farm families by providing, high-quality feed, dairy nutrition, and commodity contracting for more than 20 years. Their state-of-the-art mill can accurately blend anything from a custom pre-mix to complete feed, specific to your farm’s needs.

BEAR Discussion2021-02-25T15:09:19-06:00

Community Foundation of Chippewa County Opens Phase II of Grants

CCEDC was notified that the Community Foundation of Chippewa County will be opening up applications for Phase II of the Northwestern Bank Mini-Grant funding starting January 13, 2021! Because of Northwestern Bank's generosity, school mini-grants (up to $300 each) are available to Chippewa County 3rd through 8th grade educators to fund innovative learning and motivational activities or service learning projects for their students. This grant will further help provide opportunities for our community to invest in our future and provide lasting resources for people in Chippewa County. Chippewa County Public and Private School educators are invited to apply who serve this age group throughout the Chippewa Valley. Priority will be given to those applicants who did not receive Northwestern Bank Mini-Grant funding during their last funding cycle. Proposals for Phase II Northwestern Bank [...]

Community Foundation of Chippewa County Opens Phase II of Grants2021-01-08T10:54:03-06:00
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