A Maple Syrup Passion – Colfax Teen’s Entrepreneurship

The Wanish family  will tell you that they are proud to produce 100% pure maple syrup near Colfax, Wisconsin. But, they will also tell you that the new budding entrepreneur in the family, with a mind set on success and dedication to harvesting is 16-year-old Will Wanish. Wanish in 2018, started tapping trees and making maple syrup with his uncle, Jon, who has been tapping trees for 20 years. After that season he was hooked and decided to start his own business and Wanish Sugar Bush LLC was born in 2019. His parents, Todd and Heather Wanish, have continuously encouraged his diligent work ethic and are proud of what he has accomplished. Wanish said the decision to get into the syrup business came after the roots of the business were established in the [...]

A Maple Syrup Passion – Colfax Teen’s Entrepreneurship2020-09-30T15:42:37-05:00

2020 CEDA Winners & Finalists Announced by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Economic development professionals, community leaders and businesses from across Wisconsin gathered virtually to view a live stream of the 2020 Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA) held by Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA). WEDA and its partner organizations created the CEDA program to recognize economic development best practices of businesses and organizations that are making their community a better place to live and work. The CEDA program celebrates the dedicated efforts of local, county, regional, state and private organizations that are advancing Wisconsin's economy. In turn, Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is honored to share that two companies in the Chippewa Valley were recognized and awarded in two different categories at this prestigious virtual event hosted by WEDA. Since 2008 VES, a Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin based global company that scientifically designs environmental [...]

2020 CEDA Winners & Finalists Announced by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation2020-09-18T13:47:40-05:00

2020 IEDC Award Recipient, Paul Salm Recognized

Economic Development has always been a competitive race. There are thousands of communities that compete for talent, jobs, capital investment, and growth. To be competitive, a community must have an exceptional leader and great team working together. This is something that Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is able to state as Mr. Paul Salm has served as a past chairperson and Board of Director for the last 20 years. CCEDC would not have been able to continue this fight for economic development within the Chippewa Valley without the collaboration and support of Mr. Salm. Mr. Salm, VP-Business Banking of BMO Harris Financial Group, has exhibited a lengthy record of supporting economic development and has worked tirelessly to improve the business climate as a dedicated leader within Chippewa County. Mr. Salm has devoted [...]

2020 IEDC Award Recipient, Paul Salm Recognized2020-09-14T11:25:13-05:00

We Remember- September 11th

Today, we honor those we lost on 9/11 and all the first responders, including civilians who risked their lives to help their fellow citizens. Today, CCEDC would like to remind you to remember that feeling of unity 19 years ago as we embark on these difficult times. Now more than ever we need to remember all front-line hero's who are continuing the battle here in the United States. We thank you. We will never forget. #UnitedWeStand

We Remember- September 11th2020-09-11T10:45:37-05:00

Action Downtown Stanley Strategies & Actions

West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission is continuing their Downtown Subplan work with the City of Stanley. The City of Stanley Plan Commission is exploring ways to improve and revitalize downtown Stanley, as it is vital to the community and the local economy. During this time, they are using a survey to help engage the public and gather feedback.  The first survey, IMAGINE Downtown Stanley, was a huge success with 412 responses.  The data from this survey, which was a community assessment that collected ideas on likes and dislikes about downtown, was used to prepare the Action Downtown Stanley survey, which focuses on strategies and implementation measures to help revitalized and address the concerns that folks have about downtown. The following survey includes a variety of potential actions that are largely drawn from ideas [...]

Action Downtown Stanley Strategies & Actions2020-08-31T10:39:26-05:00

New WI COVID-19 Grant Program for Small Farmers- Applications to Open Aug. 10

Although tending our own garden is becoming a more popular hobby during these unprecedented times, many of us still get our food from the supermarket. It is so easy and convenient to drive over to the grocery store, grab a few items and cook a meal. Have you ever stopped to think about where the bulk of your fresh produce, vegetables, meats and other non-processed items come from? They may end their journey at the store, but they began their story on an American farm. Our Wisconsin farmers are crucial to our economy and are vitally important to us,  this is why farmers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to the Wisconsin Farm Support Program. Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) was notified that applications for a new round of COVID-19 [...]

New WI COVID-19 Grant Program for Small Farmers- Applications to Open Aug. 102020-08-07T09:31:41-05:00

Entrepreneurs Wanted: Apply Now for Walmart’s 7th Annual Open Call for U.S.-Manufactured Products

Do you have a product made, sourced or grown in the U.S. that belongs on store shelves across the country? Well, Walmart is serving up a chance at the big break you’ve been looking for. The application process for Walmart’s seventh annual Open Call is open, and the company invites entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their U.S.-manufactured products on Walmart shelves to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart buyers on Oct. 1, 2020 via virtual pitch meetings. Walmart started the Open Call event back in 2013 after announcing a commitment to purchase $250 billion in American-made products by 2023. The company estimates that the initiative will create up to 1 million new jobs in direct manufacturing and the support and service sectors. While finding products that fulfill the needs of Walmart's customers [...]

Entrepreneurs Wanted: Apply Now for Walmart’s 7th Annual Open Call for U.S.-Manufactured Products2020-08-03T12:30:46-05:00

Champion of Economic Development Awarded to Rep. Rob Summerfield

Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) was able to help celebrate alongside Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) as they recently presented Rep. Rob Summerfield 67th Assembly District (R-Bloomer) as a Champion of Economic Development for the 2019-20 session for his leadership on legislative initiatives to drive economic growth and prosperity in Wisconsin. The award is presented to state legislators who exemplify WEDA’s mission of promoting economic development and are committed to making Wisconsin a better place to live, work and do business through effective policies. Rep. Summerfield earned the “Champion of Economic Development” designation for his work on key legislation during the 2019-20 legislative session, which included Small Business Development, Tourism, and other various committees. This past session alone, Rep. Summerfield helped secure additional broadband grants for the Chippewa Valley; ushered through legislation to [...]

Champion of Economic Development Awarded to Rep. Rob Summerfield2020-06-30T15:30:17-05:00

USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers

CCEDC would like to share with you valuable information at this time regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. USDA intends to consider applications in the order they are received. However, the Department may assign priority points to projects if the demand for funds exceeds availability. Lenders and applicants may contact Justin Kirking, Acting Business Programs Director, at 715-345-7639 or Justin.Kirking@usda.gov. In addition to expanding eligibility to certain agricultural producers, these changes allow USDA [...]

USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers2020-05-28T11:34:48-05:00

Gov. Evers Announces $75 Million We’re All In Grant Program and Initiative to Spur Wisconsin’s Economic Recovery, Promote Safe Business Practices

Gov. Tony Evers announced a $75 million in assistance for small businesses as part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s We’re All In initiative, a comprehensive effort to celebrate and help Wisconsin’s small businesses get back on their feet and support best practices to keep businesses, consumers, employees and communities safe. Funded largely by federal dollars received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, this initiative will provide direct assistance to small businesses most impacted by the duration and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. These $2,500 cash grants will assist with the costs of business interruption or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages, and inventory. Businesses will be able to apply for grant assistance in early June. Wisconsin small businesses have stepped up during this pandemic to [...]

Gov. Evers Announces $75 Million We’re All In Grant Program and Initiative to Spur Wisconsin’s Economic Recovery, Promote Safe Business Practices2020-05-18T12:42:57-05:00
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