2023 Winter Newsletter

NEWSLETTER VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 10 | WINTER 2023

HATCH Sold out event at River Bend pg 4-5

CONTENTS Hatch.................................................................................................................................4-5 Farm Technology Days ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 Chi-Hi Robotics Team ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7 Stanley West Industrial Park �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8-9 Integra Health Care �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 BDO Zone ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 10-11 Annual Meeting ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12

Merry Christmas Growing the local economy takes collaboration, and the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation’s (CEDC) approach to economic development and our programs continues to be recognized by peers nationally. To influence economic growth, we focus on activities such as: business expansion & retention (BEAR) capital and business attraction (BA), start-ups (HATCH), talent programs (STEAM & Make 48) dealing with housing and childcare development (Advocacy), working on large-scale infrastructure projects (Broadband, Shovel Ready), and marketing the area on a national and international scale (BDO Zone).

As we wrap up the 2023 year- I want to take a moment and communicate how thankful I am for all of you. Our supporters and stakeholders are truly the best! CEDC’s major task is growing the overall Chippewa economy and working to make our area the best place to raise a family and a business.

To do this requires collaboration, support, encouragement and strategic thinking. (In 2024 the CEDC Board of Directors will kick off the new year with just that - working on updating the organization’s strategic plan.)

Being an investor/member in CEDC ensures that Chippewa is best positioned and has the highest likelihood for growth. Your contributions fund CEDC through an investor model where businesses and community stakeholders annually invest in the organization. I invite those who haven’t supported our initiatives to check us out at www.chippewa-wi.com and join us as we work together and continue building a more prosperous future. Merry Christmas and enjoy your holidays!

UPCOMING

EVENTS CEDC’S CHRISTMAS GATHERING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2023 4:30PM - 6:30PM

Heyde Center for the Arts 3 South High Street, Chippewa Falls Join us for hors d’oeuvres, music, and mingling.

R.S.V.P at: chippewa-wi.com/event/ cedc-christmas-open-house/

STEAM NIGHT FEBRUARY 28, 2024 5-8PM

Chippewa Falls Senior High School 735 Terrill Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Join us for an evening of free, fun, exploration and deminstrations by the area’s top emoployers, highlighting opportunities in the science, technology, engingeering, art and mathematics careers!

NIGHT

received $5,000 towards a new kiln slated to triple the business’s current capacity. She also secured a guest appearance on the BEAR (Business Expansion AND Retention) Discussions Podcast.

The fifth annual business pitch competition, HATCH: An Idea Pitch Competition, had a sold-out audience on Wednesday, November 15th, as a part of Chippewa Valley Startup week.

The competition is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the Chippewa Valley and brings together investors, innovators, and community partners.

All HATCH competitions revolve around community entrepreneur organizations who nominate and submit their entrepreneur contestants. This year’s participating organizations were UW-Eau Claire, Red Letter Grant, The Coven Eau Claire (formerly CoLab), Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Eau Claire, and Chippewa Valley Technical College.

River Bend Winery and Distillery offered the perfect fireside backdrop, with attendees enjoying the “Taste of Chippewa” portion featuring local vendors Beez Neez Cheesecakes and Sweets, Big Papa BBQ LLC, Yellowstone Cheese LLC, Crescent Meats, and River Bend Winery & Distillery.

WINNERS

Whitney Stuart of Half Moon Clay in Eau Claire secured the Grand Prize. Half Moon Clay is a community pottery studio envisioned by Whitney during the pandemic while she learned pottery from YouTube. She

Colin Bursik of Aqua Garden LLC, headquartered in Rice Lake, WI, stood out as the audience’s favorite winner. Aqua Garden cultivates produce and herbs in aquaponic towers fed by walleye, making their products a local grocery store staple. Colin was awarded $500 worth of printing from Badgerland Printing USA Inc., three months of coworking at The Coven Eau Claire, and a ticket to Chippewa Valley Technical College‘s LEAD. LEARN. GROW. business conference.

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Nawakwa, Inc., was the event’s non-profit spotlight. They shared their impactful mission with attendees, shedding light on Camp Nawakwa—a historic 75-acre camp nestled between the towns of Cornell and Bloomer.

They have a goal to raise $2.3 million to purchase and restore the camp and intend to provide a low-cost option for area youth groups.

The non-profit spotlight not only showcased the invaluable work of Our Nawakwa, Inc. but also underscored HATCH 2023’s commitment to community engagement and support.

THANKS TO OUR JUDGES •

Tom Kell, former president of Kell Container Corporation, Inc,

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Jacob Bauer of Security Financial Bank, and Kim Commerato-Lance, business and communications professor at Southern Methodist University.

The success of HATCH 2023 was made possible by the generous support of major sponsors- Bobby Mickelson of M3 Insurance, who also served as the evening’s emcee, Everything Summercamp and C&N Manufacturing, and Security Financial Bank.

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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isconsin Farm Technology Days will be hosted in Chippewa County on August 13th-15th, 2024. This high-profile event wil feature exhibitors, crafters, food trucks, and will draw in crowds of over 30,000.

Don’t miss your opportunity to support our agricultural community and sponsor this high profile event. We have a variety of sponsorship options available along with the ability to build a custom package.

CONTACT US AT: SPONSORFTD24@GMAIL.COM TO GET STARTED.

$2,000 AND UNDER

BRONZE $5,000

SILVER $7,500

Ability to add Verbal Recognition Offers

GOLD $10,000

DIAMOND $15,000

PLATINUM $20,000

limited locations

expanded locations

all locations

Signage at Event

directory

show board

limited edition

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Tickets to the Show

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Acknowledgment in Show Program

Logo on WFTD Website

VIP Access to VIP Lounge/Exhibitor Area

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Rotating Ad on WFTD Website

Ad in the Show Program

VIP Parking Passes

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CHI-HI ROBOTICS TEAM

WINS MAKE48 COMPETITION

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n October 27-29, 2023 UW Stout hosted their first ever Make48 Competition.

During Make48, teams are presented with a challenge and tasked to build a physical prototype, create a sales sheet, produce a 1-minute marketing video, and pitch their big idea to a panel of judges. Winners receive a $2,000 cash prize and $1,000 scholarships to UW-Stout.

CEDC was tasked with finding a team to represent Chippewa County at the event. CEDC Board Member Alan Coopman and CEDC CEO Charlie Walker believed that members of FIRST robotics members from Chippewa Falls High School (Chi-Hi) would be a perfect fit for the competition.

Students Everett Sarauer, Brett Schaeffer, Megan Schutte, and Elleana Kenney made up the team called Boards ‘N Bots. They were coached by Everett Sarauer, a process engineer with TTM Technologies in Chippewa Falls. Their challenge was to address rainwater conservation. The challenge sponsor was 3M Menomonie, and they wanted a product that could recycle wastewater.

“The Chippewa Team was outstanding! I really didn’t have to do much coaching at all,”

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The Chippewa Team was outstanding! I really didn’t have to do much coaching at all.

Sarauer said. “I had to keep reminding myself that they were high school students, they were talented an so professional. The biggest roadblock was just coming up with an idea, as we all are overthinkers. Once we had an idea, we dove right in.”

The UW-Stout competition was Make48’s first Career Pathways Event. UW-Stout’s involvement was a “testament to the university’s dedication to fostering innovation, applied ‘hands-on learning’ and collaboration to address real-world problems” said Seth Hudson, executive director of UW-Stout Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement.

CEDC and TTM Technologies sponsored, supported, and promoted the event. TTM is a leading global technology solutions and PCB manufacturer with a significant presence in the Chippewa Valley. TTM’s involvement serves as a testament to the value they place of fostering innovation.

STANLEY WEST INDUSTRIAL PARK

NEW SHOVEL READY SITE

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tanley West Industrial Park has been certified through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) as a Certified Shovel Ready Site through their state program.

“This designation is a recognition of the hard work, that CEDC, Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC), Dairyland Power, and the City of Stanley have done to put in place a plan and prepare for smart economic growth that continues to make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live and work.” expressed Missy Hughes WEDC Secretary and CEO. “A Certified Site such as the one Stanley earned-lets potential investors, brokers and

site selection professionals know that Stanley West Industrial Park is “open for business” with a clear title, sufficient utilities, transportation access, and that the city has properly zoned it.” stated Donna Walker- Economic Development Manger for Dairyland Power Cooperative. ” Dairyland is assisting all our member cooperatives such as CVEC to identify and certify business sites such as Stanley and assist them in becoming more development-ready. ” “Certified business sites offer the additional advantage of ensuring that our members construction is more likely to remain on schedule thus saving them time and reducing their rest on their expansion projects. We are proud

Groundbreaking of the Stanley West Industrial park.

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to be powering the Stanley West Industrial Park and advancing the engine of economic development here in Chippewa County,” CVEC President/ CEO Russ Falkenberg, said. “The CVEC team is excited to see what this space becomes 5, 10, and 15 years down the road.”

“The Stanley West Industrial Park went through a lengthy checklist and extensive review process that took resources almost a year to complete.

The Site Selection Group – a leading provider of global location advisory- and CEDC investor CBS Squared Engineering were also instrumental in helping the team complete this exciting project. ” This certification will put Stanley in a competitive position and hopefully at the top of the list for a company that is looking to move quickly on getting a new facility up and running.” noted Al Haas Mayor of Stanley.

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The Stanley West Industrial Park went through a lengthy checklist and extensive review process that took resources almost a year to complete.

Charlie Walker CEDC President/CEO pointed out that “Chippewa County now has two locationsLake Wissota Business Park and the Stanley West Industrial Park that confirms our readiness for capital investment. The Wisconsin Certified Shovel Ready designation is also an outstanding marketing tool that is a unique site screening advantage which can reduce overall site location risk, save projects time, and can also reduce a projects site development cost.”

INTEGRA HEALTH CARE

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ecently CEDC was contacted by Integra Health Care Equipment. They were searching for roughly 20,000 sqft of office/warehouse space. Leveraging our extensive site selection database and property inventory, we rapidly identified and pinpointed a few prime locations we thought would work for the company.

For over a decade, Integra Health Care Equipment has offered a trusted line of products which are built from several of the most reliable brands in the healthcare industry.

After reviewing several of the suggested locations, CEDC staff arranged for personal site visits and introductions with property site owners to discuss and determine if the property meets the company’s growth objectives. Integra found a warehouse/office location adjacent to the Lake Wissota Business Park in the Four Corners area that was suitable for their operations. Integra’s plan is to hire five full-time employees and grow within the Chippewa Valley.

CHIPPEWA-WI.COM | PAGE 9

BDO ZONE BIOECONOMY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY ZONE INITIATIVE

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he CEDC recently received a $50,000 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This grant aims to explore developing more rural biobased economic opportunities within Chippewa County.

For over 20 years CEDC has supported fuels produced from renewable organic material.

Early in 2001 we assisted local Chippewa Valley investors with the idea of building an ethanol plant in eastern Chippewa County. We knew that a bio-based business would benefit local farmers by increasing the value of the corn they grew. Construction on the original 15-million-gallon ethanol plant in Stanley began in 2001. Since then, ACE Ethanol expanded and build a CO2 plant, expanded again

in 2004, and in 2005 established a second grain-receiving location called Four Corners to further connection to farmers throughout the region. After acquiring all Utica Energy facilities in the Oshkosh and Green Bay area in 2013 the company continues to grow and has been a cornerstone economic development project for Chippewa County.

Huge quantities of agriculture biomass are still being produced within the Chippewa Valley that might be able to be used for value added products. Recognizing this potential positive impact, CEDC has partnered with Ecostrat to embrace the Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Initiative.

EcoStrat, a North American leader in biomass supply chain management will work

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with us work towards achieving zone certification. This initiative introduces a regional biomass supply chain certification and rating program, equipping CEDC with essential tools to expedite biobased cluster project development.

The BDO Zone Rating involves a technical risk assessment, evaluating biomass feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure within a region. These ratings, ranging from ‘AAA’ to ‘BBB,’ provide a credible guide, directing investments to the most prepared areas for establishing new bio-based manufacturing plants. Economic developers leverage these ratings to attract attention and investments, fostering biomass-based clean fuel projects, decarbonization, and job creation.

BDO Zone ratings if achieved in Chippewa County will help leverage our biomass and infrastructure assets, acting as catalysts for economic development. The Chippewa County, initiative is specifically centered on maximizing the areas potential of corn stover.

Corn stover, the residual plant material left after corn harvesting, encompasses leaves, stalks, cobs, and husks. This versatile biomass proves valuable for various applications, notably as a feedstock for bioenergy production, including ethanol or biogas. Additionally, when reintroduced to fields, corn stover enhances soil health by increasing organic matter content and improving soil structure.

Its uses extend to serving as animal bedding and acting as a feedstock to produce bioproducts like bioplastics or biochemicals. This strategic focus on corn stover exemplifies a sustainable approach to harnessing agricultural by-products for multifaceted economic and environmental benefits.

Since the USDA grant award announcement-CEDC has delivered one-stop convenience to several site selection consultants assisting them in conducting interviews, business walkthroughs and site visit centered around the Chippewa BDO Zone opportunity.

CHIPPEWA-WI.COM | PAGE 11

RHYTHM OF SUCCESS

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he 29th Annual Meeting was held at the recently completed Eau Claire Event District – the new home of Country Jam. The Crescent is one of the state of the art venues within the Eau Claire Event District that provided all of the amenities one would need for their next event.

From technical support to a full service caterer, they have it all!

CEDC opted for a breakfast meeting in hopes for the highest turnout with the least impact to people’s schedules. With over 450 in attendance, it was a great success. KP Katering is the Eau Claire Event District’s in house catering company and event coordinator. Working with them was a breeze and they were so accommodating and easy to communicate with. The breakfast spread they put on was nothing short of impressive.

Our influential Keynote Speaker was the CCO (Chief Connecting Officer) her self, Ginger Johnson.

She captivated the audience with her peppy personality and useful messages on human connection and its impact on not only your personal lives, but professional as well. Ginger moved throughout the crowd engaging with guests and carefully keeping their attention. She definitely left a lasting impression on us with helpful takeaways we can utilize.

2023AWARDS

To wrap up our Annual Meeting, we had our CEDC Business Awards which were delivered by robot. Companies in the Chippewa Valley were nominated for awards in various categories.

PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR Chippewa Valley Technical College

CONSTRUCTION TRADE ALLY OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS PROJECTS OF THE YEAR

B.E.A.R. AWARD

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B & L Transload & Warehousing Crescent Meats Wangard Partners Inc Chippewa Crossing Project Northside Elevator

Ashley Construction

Mason Companies

2023 LEADERSHIP AWARD Dean Ortmann

Web: CHIPPEWA-WI.COM | Phone: 715-723-7150 Email: info@chippewa-wi.com Address: 770 Technology Way, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729