Fall 2022 Newsletter

SEASON’S GREETINGS

We have so much to be thankful for!

BOOTS ON THE GROUND! WE FARE WELL!

Chippewa County is a great place to raise a family and do business. At the CEDC, we help focus on business expansion, attraction, and retention.

IEDC RECOGNIZES CEDC AND MANUFACTURING SOS ALLIANCE

The IEDC awarded the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation its 2022 Excellence Award.

CEDC

NOMINATES PROJECTS

RECOGNIZED BY WEDA

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation makes its nominations for CEDA awards by WEDA.

ALL BUSINESSES START WITH AN IDEA

Hatch 2022 Pitch Competition attracted local entrepreneurs and investors.

CHIPPEWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S 2022 ANNUAL MEETING

Lona Cook was the keynote speaker at this year’s annual meeting held at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Grounds.

With so much to be thankful for, we want to reflect on just how fortunate we are. Behind the scenes, it takes many stakeholders to make what we do here at the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation a success. It is encouraging to see that so many people want to be involved in our beloved Chippewa Valley community. By helping bring in both talent and capital to the area, we are building a foundation for a healthy economy for generations to come. This is what makes the Chippewa Valley a great place to raise a family and do business. We are forever grateful to be a part of such an amazing community that provides great opportunities for businesses and families alike. From all of us at the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, we wish you a safe and warm holiday season.

BOOTS ON THE GROUND! WE FARE WELL!

As the primary economic development driver of Chippewa County-CEDC has a mission to lead economic growth by: (1) attracting and sustaining industries that support job creation, (2) foster strong businesses through our BEAR Program ensuring our existing companies continue to connect, grow, and prosper here, and (3) continue to create a culture that engages, retains, and expands our local talent/workforce.

our local businesses as well because they tend to ex perience growth from the project in turn and it usually helps them expand and grow in a more sustainable way. [Continued on pg. 12]

The first strategy (attraction) is a way in which CEDC continues to grow the local tax base and economy. By assisting in attracting new companies to our regionmore jobs and capital investments are realized in Chippewa— this helps engage our existing businesses and industries who tend to be a part of the targeted company’s supply chain. In short this strategy helps

IEDC RECOGNIZES CEDC AND MANUFACTURING SOS ALLIANCE

This quarter the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) - the largest non profit professional association for profession al economic developers in the world - selected the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) as a recipient of its 2022 Excellence Award for its collaborative efforts. CEDC assitsted in establishing a non-profit organization called Manufacturing SOS (Supporting Our Schools) Alliance.

Recognized each year during the IEDC Annual Conference, these awards honor organizations for exemplary economic development projects, programs, and collaboration. CEDC and Manufacturing SOS Alliance were awarded for their efforts in creating a partnership between industries and the non-profit group aimed at creating more awareness of the increased need for skilled tradespeople and other manufacturing professionals.

“Communities need our profession now more than ever. This year’s awardees exemplify the ingenuity, collaboration, leadership, and determination needed to meet the challenges of the future. The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the best of economic development and demonstrate the level of leadership that our profession strives for every day,” shared IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.

“CEDC’s Business Expansion And Retention (BEAR) Programs, surveys, and visits continually show the

need for a stronger development of a pipeline of labor in the machine and manufacturing industry.” expressed Charlie Walker President CEO of the (CEDC). “It only made sense to support Wade Latz’s efforts to establish an organization that works in a collaboration between industry and educational institutions developing skilled tradespeople. “

“The primary mission of Manufacturing SOS Alliance is to raise money to market the manufacturing trades and invest in local school districts to improve their technical education programs. Over the years, many school districts have not been able to fund or keep up with their technical education programs. The

CEDC’s Business Expansion And Retention (BEAR) Programs, surveys, and visits continually show the need for a stronger development of a pipeline of labor in the machine and manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing SOS Alliance aims to breathe life into an otherwise stagnant or non-existing high school technical education system and reestablish these programs as the primary exposure and marketing outlets for manufacturing occupations.” explained Wade Latz, founder of Manufacturing SOS Alliance.

Manufacturing SOS Alliance helps enhance enrollments at local technical colleges by increasing interest at the high school level. They also offer high school tech ed instructors’ bonuses and other incentives (equipment, training, etc.) to accelerate their identification and recruitment of students going into the trades. This unprecedented program increases trade school instructor compensation outside of the traditional school district salary structure and provides the teacher with opportunities to increase their earning potential.

Manufacturing SOS Alliance is one of the first nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin of its kind that is completely dedicated to fostering interest in the trades at a young age and works to solve the worker shortage in manufacturing over time rather than with a “bandaid” solution. These solutions are extremely important in the world of economic development, as they ensure a future for both the industry and high school trades education. The Manufacturing SOS Alliance project was awarded the CEDC annual partnership in economic development award and thus submitted for the IEDC award. The IEDC award nomination was judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world. The IEDC received over 500 submissions from the United States and four additional countries around the world.

WEDA AWARD WINNERS

The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) recently announced the winners of its annual Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA). The CEDA Awards were established by WEDA to recognize and celebrate busi nesses, projects, and organizations that are making significant contributions to Wisconsin’s economy. Winners were unveiled and celebrated at the 2022 CEDA Awards Ceremony, which was held on Sept. 29 as part of WEDA’s Fall Best Practices Conference in La Crosse, WI.

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) nominated several projects that the organiza tion has been involved and assisted with. The CEDC nominated the Mason Companies expansion project for WEDA’s Business Retention and Expansion catego ry. This award honors innovative economic develop ment projects where communities have successfully mobilized to help retain and potentially expand the op erations of an existing business critical to the economic vitality of the community. In addition, CEDC nominated Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) for WEDA’s Talent Attraction, Development, and Retention cate gory. This award honors initiatives or programs that have driven successful talent development efforts to strengthen the Wisconsin workforce.

In 1904, the Mason Shoe Manufacturing Company was started when Bert Mason, with his father’s financial help, August Mason, and August Kuhrasch, purchased another local shoe business called the Independent Handmade Shoe Company. In 1968 the company moved into a new shoe factory complex in the north east industrial park of Chippewa Falls and currently operates out of several buildings within the city. Today, Mason Companies, Inc. is a family-owned, multi-chan nel retailer located in Chippewa County Wisconsin and continues to grow.

In August of 2021, Mason Companies held a ground breaking ceremony in celebration of their newest ex pansion into the Lake Wissota Business Park [LWBP] in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. This was the beginning stages of construction for a major project that began three years ago. Mason Companies worked with the City of Chippewa Falls, Chippewa County, and CEDC to assist on the project. Mason Shoe hired Hoeft Builders to construct their brand new 425,000 square foot ful fillment center located on 44 acres within Chippewa Falls, WI. This project is a phased project and when completed it will total over 975,000 square feet.

“CEDC knows that the Mason’s expansion project and CVTC’s RESTORE project took a lot of effort and col

NOMINATED BY CEDC

laboration from many stakeholders and it is an honor that WEDA recognized some of Chippewa Valley’s larg est economic development projects and the roll that CEDC played in assisting them to fruition” expressed Rebecca Reinhart Chair of the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation.

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, Workforce Resource West Central Wisconsin Development Board, PMI of Bloomer, Bloomer School District, Osseo-Fairchild School District, St. Croix Central School District and Chippewa Valley Technical College, collaborated in the development of the Restoring Employment through Support, Training, Outreach, Recruitment, and Education (RESTORE) proj ect. This project uses a multi-pronged approach to ad dress the continuing need for skilled workers across the Chippewa Valley’s manufacturing sector by focus ing on outreach, short-term training with integrated educational pathways, and contextualized and workbased learning opportunities. Currently, manufacturing accounts for roughly 21% of the area’s GDP, and it is imperative that they remain competitive on a global level. Manufacturers are the largest taxpayers and pay the highest wages in the region. Their ability to attract and retain workers is paramount to their survival.

Jeff Sullivan CVTC dean of apprenticeships, engineer ing, manufacturing, and IT, stressed that “the idea of working with community partners and stakeholders to provide skilled training to citizens in the rural areas of the Chippewa Valley is nothing new. However, be cause the lab space and equipment are typically lo cated at the campus in Eau Claire there was a chance that some could not participate due to the distance. We now can cut down on the barriers of transportation, space and equipment, this grant gives us space and access we haven’t had before to provide training.”

The president of PMI, a metal fabrication business in Bloomer, Chris Conard said “the labor shortage is a significant barrier to growth for companies like PMI-we sometimes turn down work from customers because of the lack of available resources. PMI is proud to be

a partner with Chippewa Valley Technical College and plan to build a training classroom, lab space and se cure equipment the RESTORE grand would go a long way in helping us to achieve our goals to training in dividuals. WEDA’s recognition of everyone’s efforts is amazing and appreciated.”

“Thankfully, the CEDA awards offers a great oppor tunity to shine a spotlight on economic development and the forward-thinking programs, projects, and busi nesses that strengthen communities across Wisconsin. WEDA is thrilled to congratulate both the winners and finalists.” said Mary Perry, from exciting redevelopment projects to creative workforce development initiatives and comprehensive business expansion efforts, eco nomic developers and their partners play a critical role in the Wisconsin economy. President, and CEO.

ALL BUSINESSES START WITH AN IDEA

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation understands the importance of business start ups and entrepreneurship and the role they play in the community. That’s why for years the orga nization has and sponsored a business pitch compe tition where a good idea can earn entrepreneurs cash and prizes with the ultimate goal of furthering their business. This year there were nearly 30 requests for applications from entrepreneurs throughout the Chippewa Valley that showed interest in pitching their business idea to the audience. What is really cool is the number of people who have ideas and want to be entrepreneurs continue to grow each year. The CEDC Hatch – A Shark Tank-like event is obviously working and is enhancing our local entrepreneur ecosystem.

From sauna rentals to pet devices, this year’s Hatch event is on track to be one of the finest pitch events in Wisconsin. In part thanks to newcomer sponsor Hill Capital Corp the event continues to grow. This year the CEDC added a private reception where the pitching participants could network with investors and many members of the Chippewa Valley Angel Network.

This event sold out in record time and was held at the 29 Pines Restaurant and Lodge on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 during Startup Chippewa Valley Week. Chippewa Economic Development Corporation is a proud sponsor of Startup Chippewa Valley Week – the regions largest entrepreneurship event that takes place in November each year. During that week, economic development organizations like CEDC and their partners coordinate and host events that provide training, skills, and development opportunities for entrepreneurs.

As part of Startup Chippewa Valley Week, this year’s pitch event competition, Hatch, went off without a hitch! The CEDC was thrilled to see so many members of the community there to support a great Chippewa Valley entrepreneurial event. Each year the event grows, keeping competition steep amongst the participants.

There were 11 contestants that were chosen to pitch their business ideas in front of the judges. The pitches varied from unique services to innovative products. Having to choose only one winner to take home the Grand Prize of $5,000 cash was a difficult task for the judges.

Although it was a challenge, ultimately the judges awarded Ethan Van Grunsven, creator of Sconny Co., a local clothing company, the title of Grand Prize Winner.

Ethan saw a business opportunity when he visited a friend in a local college town and realized everyone was only wearing university affiliated sports attire in basically one color - red. He wanted to represent Wisconsin, but wanted other options. It was then the idea of Sconny Co. sprouted.

After all of the pitches were finished, the audience cast their votes for their favorite. Karli Ertmer, owner of Little Turtles ISR Swim School made a splash with the audience and won them over with her business pitch.

Karli teaches children how to help save themselves if they were to fall into water. She hopes to grow her business and bring a highly sought after service to the families of the Chippewa Valley.

It will be exciting to see what the future holds for all of this year’s entrepreneurs. We can’t wait to see what next year will bring. Get those gears turning; Hatch 2023 will be here before you know it!

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• Local Entrepreneurs

• Investors

• Networking Event

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• $5,000 Grand Prize

CHIPPEWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S 2022 ANNUAL MEETING

Hosted at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Grounds on August 19th 2022, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation held their 26th annual meeting. Over a pancake breakfast, Lona Cook the keynote speaker of the morning event motivated the audience on the importance of recen tering, refocusing and balancing. Important not only in one’s business and personal lives, but it is also im portant for the overall community. “By becoming more aware of and focusing on the positive energy that sur rounds us and less on the negative our business are more apt to be better positioned to reclaim market share, reduce employee turnover, and create a better sense of place.” She noted, “In reality any decision we make or don’t make effects others connected to us-having a positive mindset will lead one towards the right decision.”

Moderated by CEDC board member Klaus Bauer, the event was packed with over 365 regional business owners, developers, and community leaders from across the Chippewa Valley. One of the largest business networking events in Western Wisconsin, the first part of the morning focused on reengaging each other as business were randomly scattered at tables hosted by Chippewa Valley Youth Apprentices, trade and industry instructors from the areas high schools, Workforce Resource Professionals, and sponsors. For thirty minutes each table discussed topics like talent attraction, building a worker pipeline, and collaborating more with the high schools getting students and

teachers more aware of the career opportunities that existing companies have to offer.

CEDC also recognized several businesses by giving out annual BEAR Awards. The award winners were nominated by CEDC investors. Businesses are nominated that have contributed to the community’s growth and continue to expand and prosper. Business who have made an impact in 2021 across the Chippewa Valley and received awards were: Valley Sports Academy (Lake Hallie), AJ Manufacturing (Bloomer), Crescent Landscape Supply (Cadott), Broadway Boutique (Stanley). The Business Expansion And Retention Award (B.E.A.R.) was awarded to Northern Crossarm Company highlighting their continued growth and longevity for over a hundred years of operation and growth. Finally, the Community Partner Award was awarded to the nonprofit Manufacturing SOS while Senator Kathy Bernier was awarded the economic development leadership award.

WE FARE WELL!

An important tool helping sustainable economic development is developing and improving the locations for growth to occur. The CEDC team has been working with the City of Stanley to improve and better market their industrial park. Along with that, CEDC has been busy marketing the former frac sand plants that are located throughout Chippewa and Barron Counties for better reuse. Everyone knows without having a product (industrial parks) there can be no projects. The CEDC continued its work on applying for the next Chippewa County Shovel Ready Site through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Program, nominating the West Industrial Park in Stanley, Wisconsin for the program.

The CEDC has been very busy organizing and hosting familiarization tours, site visits, and due diligence research meetings with company representatives looking at the assets that Chippewa Valley-more specifically the Chippewa County- has to offer them as a place to expand their operations. Charlie Walker, CEDC’s President, even met with Meta’s Community Development Regional ManagerDavid Williams - to discuss and learn what companies like Meta need in site selection and talent.

From Project Piper to Project GBM, the process of helping these companies gather information while they do their due diligence takes confidentiality, expertise, financial resources, time, and volunteers. These “boots on the ground” visits and their importance in the site selection process cannot be over emphasized. No project ever happens without them.CEDC has an excellent reputation for how it organizes and hosts these site visits and they serve as a key benchmark to how our attraction program fares.