Spring 2023 Newsletter

CONTENTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK

CEDC celebrates International Economic Development Week May 8th-12th, 2023.

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LUNCH & LEARNS HELP SMALL BUSINESSES

The United Way kicked off our first Lunch & Learn of the year.

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A DAY AT THE CAPITOL

CEDC Advocacy Committee takes a trip to Madison.

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A GROUND BREAKING TIME

RESCO expands to City of Stanley’s East Industrial Park.

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OPEN “AIR” JOB FAIR: A DRIVE-IN EVENT

Over 40 local companies gathered for a job fair at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK

The CEDC is a long standing member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) who created Economic Development Week 7 years ago to recognize the work professional economic developers and organizations do in their communities. CEDC continued the tradition of promoting and raising awareness for local job creation programs, advance career development opportunities, and our stakeholders and collaborators as they improve Chippewa’s quality of life. Since participating in this public awareness initiative, CEDC has generated hundreds of impressions, hours of media coverage, and news stories, generating buzz and highlighting support for our area’s economic development activities.

AN EYE ON CELEBRATION

We know of someone who has been down to their last dollar and a family that’s depending upon a job - that’s a scary place to be. Economic Developers are generally labeled as a group of people who give hope and a financial life line to the community. CEDC never underestimates what economic development organizatoins do by helping create a job to those who need it.

LUNCH & LEARNS HELP SMALL BUSINESSES

Lunch & Learn events by the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) are created to assist our existing businesses by providing releveant topics that will help them solve issues and grow. On March 23rd, a vibrant crowd gathered at the heart of downtown Chippewa Falls, specifically at the charming Wild Flour Bakery, to partake in an engaging session on “Affordable Internet for All” presented by United Way. The event marked the first of many enlightening sessions planned for the year ahead.

The new Pillar Bank will be the host location of our 2nd Lunch & Learn event with Mike Kreiling and Mike Dieter as presenters. Blue Marble Pub will provide lunch for the attendees while the duo present on employee retention and engagement. Keeping the session sizes smaller creates for a more interactive environment and makes way for an enriching experience.

Lunch & Learn events have become a beloved tradition within the Chippewa community. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow both personally and professionally. By bringing together experts, community leaders, and individuals passionate about the development of Chippewa Falls, Lunch & Learns foster a dynamic environment for the exchange of ideas, insights, and experiences.

The benefits of Lunch & Learns are plentiful. Firstly, they provide a platform to address pertinent topics that directly impact our community. By exploring subjects such as affordable internet access, entrepreneurship, sustainable practices, employee

retention, engagement, and economic growth, Lunch & Learns empower attendees with valuable knowledge and practical skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our modern world.

Moreover, these events cultivate a spirit of collaboration and inclusivity. They encourage dialogue and engagement, enabling attendees to network, forge new connections, and discover potential partnerships. Lunch & Learns serve as a catalyst for community development, fostering a collective sense of empowerment, and sparking innovative ideas that can shape the future of Chippewa Falls.

The success of recent Lunch & Learn events has

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We encourage all community members, business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals passionate about growth and prosperity to mark their calendars and join us for these enriching sessions.

inspired CEDC to continue hosting a diverse range of sessions throughout the year. We aim to explore various topics that align with the interests and needs of our community members. By curating an exciting lineup of thought-provoking discussions and presentations, we hope to cater to a wide range of professional and personal interests.

Upcoming events will touch upon subjects such as sustainable business practices, financial literacy, exit planning, digital marketing strategies, and fostering entrepreneurship. By inviting local experts, industry leaders, and distinguished speakers, each Lunch & Learn event delivers valuable insights, actionable advice, and tangible takeaways.

We encourage all community members, business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals passionate

about growth and prosperity to mark their calendars and join us for these enriching sessions. Together, we can create a vibrant community that thrives on knowledge, collaboration, and continuous learning.

To stay updated on the latest Lunch & Learn events organized by CEDC, please visit our website (chippewawi.com). Follow us on social media platforms to engage in conversations, suggest topics of interest, and connect with individuals who share your aspirations for the growth of our community.

Lunch & Learns have the power to transform lives, businesses, and the very fabric of our community. Together, let’s embark on this exciting journey of exploration, education, and empowerment as we unlock the potential of Chippewa Falls and shape a brighter future for all.

A DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Advocacy is the act of promoting or supporting a particular cause or policy. It is a vital aspect of democracy that enables citizens to engage in the political process and hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions. Recently, the CEDC and our Advocacy Committee had the opportunity to visit the Capitol in Madison, WI, to meet with State Senator Jesse James and other members in legislature.

Our visit to the Capitol was part of a larger advocacy effort to promote policies that would benefit our community. As a group, we were passionate about improving access to daycare, reducing income inequality, and promoting economic development in our community. Senator James was one of the key decision-makers in the state legislature, and we wanted to discuss these issues with him in person.

It is always great to put a face to a name. When we show face at the Capitol, we hope to have a greater imapact when addressing issues that our communities face. Our legislatures have a lot on their plate at all times, it is important to make time to discuss what obstacles our communities are encountering and how they can make a difference. We can help put our topics of interest at the top of their minds to address and provide a foundation of discussion. As intimidating as speaking to your legislatures may sound, it was a small intimate setting which allowed for a comfortable platform to speak.

Before our meeting, we developed talking points that we hoped would resonate with him and presented our ideas in a clear and concise manner. During our meeting, we had a productive conversation with Senator James. We presented our ideas, and he listened in-

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

tently, asking questions and providing feedback. We even had our youngest “member”, baby A. with us to brighten spirits. Who doesn’t love some baby smiles, right?

Overall, our visit to the Capitol was a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy. It demonstrated how citizens can have a direct impact on policymaking and the need to engage with our elected representatives in a constructive manner. We left feeling empowered and inspired, knowing that our efforts could make a real difference in the lives of our fellow community members.

In conclusion, advocacy is an essential aspect of democracy that enables citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable and promote policies that benefit their communities. Our visit to the Capitol in Madison, WI, to meet with State Senator Jesse James was a valuable experience that highlighted the power of citizen engagement and the need to have open and constructive dialogues with our elected representatives. We hope that our efforts will inspire others to engage in advocacy and promote positive change in their communities.

A GROUND BREAKING TIME

Rural Electric Supply Cooperative (RESCO) broke ground this spring on a 40,000 square foot warehouse located within the East Industrial Park on fifteen acres in the City of Stanley, Wisconsin. Over 25 business leaders and representatives of the company gathered for the ground breaking celebration.

The expansion of the company into Stanley reflects RESCO’s commitment to providing its electric utility members and customers with exceptional service and reliable inventory, as well as quick response to weather-related and storm damage needs. RESCO is a member owned, not for profit wholesale distributor of high voltage electrical products and is one of the largest full line distributors in the Midwest.

Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) assisted the company last year in identifying the perfect location for their next warehouse. “Situated in the City of Stanley within their East Industrial Park, the location is central within the RESCO’s service territory of 23 Wisconsin electric cooperatives.” Charlie Walker CEDC CEO explained.

The company looked throughout Western Wisconsin for a warehouse location that could better position the company in distributing supplies and high voltage materials more efficiently in order to accommodate their rural electric cooperatives and municipal customers throughout midwest.

“We’re delighted to begin construction on our eighth warehouse site,” said RESCO President CEO Matt Brandrup. “Ensuring reliable inventory and quick service to our members and customers is a pillar of our cooperative, and our Stanley site provides us with a very central location to better serve the needs of our electric cooperative members and utility customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.”

“The City of Stanley continues to see growth and job creation. The City, CEDC, Chamber, and Clark Electric Cooperative all worked together to win this $7-8 Million Dollar project which when completed will create 3-5 great well-paying jobs.” expressed Ron Haas, CEDC board member, and Stanley Chamber of Commerce President.

Clark Electric Cooperative in Greenwood, WI, will be providing electrical utility service to the site and the building includes individual offices for future team

members and a large training room that will double as space for RESCO member functions, training, events, and other uses. The Stanley Project is the company’s largest capital investment in its 87-year history, and they anticipate that construction completion of the facility in early 2024.

“The amount of square footage—both indoor and outdoor—at the site will permit us to further expand our growing product inventory levels, enabling us to deliver the materials, supplies, and equipment that our members and customers need, when they need them. RESCO is proud to now be a member of Clark Electric and a business in Stanley,” added Brandrup.

CEDC Investor Market & Johnson was awarded the contract to build the facility that was designed by River Valley Architects.

OPEN “AIR” JOB FAIR: A DRIVE-IN EVENT

WORKING TOGETHER FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY

On Tuesday, May 9th, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) hosted an exciting job fair at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, aimed at connecting job seekers with employment opportunities in the region. The event proved to be a resounding success, with over 80 enthusiastic job seekers and more than 40 participating companies.

The job fair was designed to bridge the gap between local talent and thriving businesses in the community. By providing a platform for direct interaction between employers and job seekers, the event aimed to create valuable connections, promote economic growth, and foster a stronger workforce in the Chippewa area.

The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport parking lot served as an ideal venue for the job fair, offering ample space and convenient accessibility for both attendees and participating companies. The airport added an air of excitement to the event, setting the stage for a productive and engaging day of networking and career exploration.

Job seekers from various backgrounds and skill sets filled the venue, eager to explore the range of opportunities available. The diversity of industries represented at the job fair was truly impressive, with companies spanning sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and more. Whether candidates were seeking entry-level positions or advanced career opportunities, there was something for everyone.

Throughout the day, job seekers had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with representatives from each participating company. These interactions allowed them to learn about the

organizations, ask questions, and showcase their skills and qualifications. The job fair proved to be a valuable platform for candidates to make a positive first impression and potentially secure interviews or even job offers.

Employers, on the other hand, were delighted by the quality and enthusiasm of the candidates they met. The diverse pool of job seekers brought a wide range of skills and experiences to the table, aligning perfectly with the needs of the participating companies. Many employers expressed their satisfaction with the event, highlighting the caliber of talent present and the potential for future collaborations.

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation plans to continue organizing similar events in the future, building on the success of this job fair. By strengthening the connection between local talent and businesses, they aim to bolster the region’s economy, empower individuals, and promote a prosperous community with a robust workforce.

As we celebrate the triumph of this job fair, let’s look forward to the promising opportunities and positive impact it will generate for job seekers and employers alike.

Be sure to keep an eye out for future events hosted by the CEDC. It might just be the next step towards your dream career or the perfect opportunity to connect with exceptional talent for your business. Together, we can continue to build a thriving Chippewa Valley community.

Stay tuned for more updates from the CEDC, and let’s keep supporting each other’s success!

SAVE THE DATE

CEDC ANNUAL MEETING

AUGUST 24, 2023

EAU CLAIRE EVENT DISTRICT

• Networking begins at 7:45 AM

• Program begins at 8:15 AM

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Chippewa County

WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY

August 13-15, 2024

HOSTED BY:

Chippewa County

2024

• Innovation Square

• Field Demos

• Exhibitor and Vendor Booths

chippewa-wi.com