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City of Eau Claire continues to grow
Aug 20 2025New data from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue reveals that the city of Eau Claire has grown by 6.7% in the last five years. It is now the seventh largest city in the state.Eau Claire County was also found to be the fourth fastest growing county in the state.“For the...

Aspirus breaks ground on new CF hospital
Aug 15 2025Although the site of the new Aspirus Health Chippewa Falls Hospital and Clinic is barren now, the 35,000-square foot building will come together quickly, officials said Thursday.At a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, Boldt vice president and general manager Jason Kreueger explained that his architectural firm will build the hospital using modular...

Wisconsin Economic Summit to spotlight strategies for scaling transformation and unlocking investment
Aug 15 2025At a time when Wisconsin communities are experiencing rapid change and uncertainty, the 2025 Wisconsin Economic Summit will bring together leaders from business, education, government, and community organizations to explore strategies for scaling transformation and unlocking long-term prosperity.Set for Oct. 15-16 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, the...

Here’s what’s new with WEDC programs this year
Aug 15 2025In addition to the launch of Ignite Wisconsin as a new program, several additional program updates took effect for fiscal year 2026 (which began July 1, 2025). This post details WEDC program changes that our partners might wish to be aware of. Please visit the individual program pages for full...

Family Friendly Workplaces is happy to announce that Cardinal Glass has earned a gold-level certification as a Family Friendly Workplace. This certification reflects Cardinal Glass’s ongoing commitment to supporting families and strengthening the local community.“At Cardinal Glass, we believe that maintaining a strong work-life balance is key to our employees’...

Wisconsin—and the Chippewa Valley in particular—lags behind some other states and regions in new business formation and job creation per startup. The rate of new business launches has also declined in recent years. Recognizing this challenge, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) has been working to change the trend. We’re...

I can think of few places I would have rather been, at eight years old, than scrambling through The Play Place at a McDonald’s. It wasn’t really about the location – although those old-school burger stools and the promise of french fries didn’t hurt – but the endless tubes and...

UW-River Falls staff, recent grad join trip to Thailand to explore Wisconsin dairy export opportunities
Aug 13 2025Wisconsin dairy products are known worldwide, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still opportunities to spread the word a little further. University of Wisconsin-River Falls faculty and staff, along with a recent UWRF graduate traveled to Thailand as part of a larger group this summer learn about the country’s growing...

Wisconsin companies on average will pay 3.2% less in worker's compensation insurance rates starting Oct. 1, 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced today with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI).The lower rates reflect Wisconsin employers' attention to workplace safety for the benefit of workers...

Business Spotlight: Transform your space with trusted remodeling experts at Happy Artisan
Aug 8 2025If you’re a homeowner in the East Metro or Western Wisconsin area looking to upgrade your living space, there’s one name you need to know: Happy Artisan.With more than 15 years of experience in the construction and remodeling industry, Happy Artisan delivers expert craftsmanship, personalized service and stress-free results —...

Sisters and co-founders, Gabrielle and Ninna, opened Establish Salon in 2013 with a mission: to create a space where beauty, wellness and community come together — for both clients and stylists.At Establish Salon, it’s about more than great hair. Gabrielle and Ninna believe in creating meaningful, sustainable results that everyone...

Entering its third year after a successful first two, The Price is Right will return to Amery. The first opportunity for people to start earning tickets for their chance to spin the wheel begins on August 8 at 4 p.m. and continues through August 9 at 4 p.m.During this period,...

Celebrating Community Growth in Altoona
Aug 7 2025Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary Missy Hughes visited the community of Altoona to experience The Yard , a new container park packed with local dining, pop-up shops, outdoor seating, and event spaces. The project was supported by a 2023 WEDC Vibrant Spaces Grant and opened to the public July...

No one ever said entrepreneurship was easy (actually, it’s usually the opposite), but I think it’s safe to say, the Fish family has had a unique go at it. While locals have been getting a taste of their drive-in style grub and bellhop service as of July, the Fisher family’s...

The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire has officially moved onto campus, making it easier for Blugold students and faculty to support entrepreneurs and drive small business growth throughout the Chippewa Valley.On June 5, the SBDC transitioned from its former location at 221 W...

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently announced over $1.5 million in Small Business Development Grants (SBDG) were awarded to 10 regional economic development organizations, municipalities, and counties – including the Dunn Economic Development Corporation (DEDC).100% of the recently awarded SBDG funds will be passed along to small businesses, in...

Organizations that support Wisconsin entrepreneurs will be able to apply for the Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) beginning Aug. 11. The deadline for applications is September 5.The maximum grant award is $200,000. Grants are awarded to programs based on factors such as...

Wisconsin’s ongoing commitment to competitive integrated employment (CIE) for individuals with disabilities is producing promising outcomes according to the newly released 2025 Joint CIE Report from the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Department of Health Services (DHS), and Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The agencies also have developed and published...

Governor Evers, WEDC announce more than $1.5 million in grants to support small businesses across Wisconsin
Jul 29 2025Governor Tony Evers, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Corporation (WEDC) announced today that ten community organizations supporting small businesses across Wisconsin have received more than $1.5 million in Small Business Development Grants (SBDG) from WEDC.“From Lancaster to Ashland, communities throughout Wisconsin are partnering with businesses to make sure we...

More than 300 youths from around the Midwest discover career paths at UW-Stout summer camps
Jul 21 2025All through the summer, more than 300 elementary, middle and high school students from around the Midwest are experiencing what it’s like to be a student at UW-Stout.In hands-on learning lab and studio experiences led by faculty and university students, they are discovering career paths in science, technology, engineering, and...

WEDC provides more than $1.6 million to 14 Wisconsin organizations assisting entrepreneurs
Jul 11 2025Fourteen organizations supporting Wisconsin entrepreneurs with technical and financial assistance have received more than $1.6 million in the latest round of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants (EPG) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).“Entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving Wisconsin’s economy forward,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the...

Organizers of the Apple River Farm Tour hope that a mix of scenic drives, hands-on activities, and fresh local food will attract visitors to a dozen family farms in and around Amery and River Falls on Saturday, July 12.The self-guided tour, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., invites...

For Augusta locals, the weekend of July 4 isn’t just marked by Independence Day celebrations – it’s also the annual return of Bean & Bacon Days. While the longtime multi-day event pays homage to small-town pride (and Bush’s Baked Beans, which has operated in Augusta since the 1960s), this year’s...

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is seeking Wisconsin employers who go above and beyond for veterans for the Vets Ready Employer Awards. This designation honors organizations across the state that hire and retain veterans, build veteran support systems, and connect with veterans in the community. It also helps employers...