NEWS RELEASE  

Chippewa Economic Development Corp. 770 Technology Way 

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 

Phone: 715.723.7150 

Email: Brittany@chippewa-wi.com

CEDC RECOGNIZED BY MID-AMERICA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 

COLUMBUS, OH, DECEMBER 5, 2024-The Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) honored  outstanding achievements during its annual Economic Development Awards at the 2024 Mid-America Competitiveness  Conference, held December 4–6 at the Columbus Hyatt Downtown. The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) received recognition in the Entrepreneurial Program category. This award highlights innovative economic  development initiatives that foster entrepreneurial culture within a city or region or provide unique support for young  businesses in the start-up and early stages of their growth. Entrepreneurial Awards were given to three markets per  category – large division (community population over 25,000), medium division (community population between 10,001- 

25,000), and small division (community population less than 10,000). 

“The success of our MAEDC awards highlights the incredibly deep impact that innovative programs can have on  communities. These awards recognize collective efforts creating vibrant, dynamic communities where opportunities  flourish, and innovation thrives. We have tremendous momentum for the future." Matt Marshall, President, MAEDC. 

“The CEDC HATCH -An Idea Pitch Competition was recognized in the Medium Division by MAEDC for our hard work and accomplishment in moving the entrepreneurial ecosystem forward in the Chippewa Valley” stated CEDC President/CEO Charlie Walker. “A unique aspect of this event is the involvement of our community entrepreneur  organizations and economic development stakeholders. They nominated and submitted pitch contestants who competed for a cash grand prize.” Walker added. HATCH An Idea Pitch Competition is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit  defining the Chippewa Valley. The event brought together investors, innovators, and community partners, fostering  collaboration and growth. 

For many years, The MAEDC has sponsored the annual Economic Development Awards competition to recognize and  stimulate the creative use of quality marketing by economic development organizations throughout the 13-state Mid America region in promoting their respective communities. Award winners will also be recognized in the January issue of  Site Selection magazine. MAEDC members are dedicated economic development professionals who share the best practices to add value in their organizations and communities. MAEDC is a multi-state association dedicated to being the  leading resource for connecting with site selectors, advancing regional economic development programs, and accessing  thought leadership. CEDC is a proud member of this organization. 

About Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) 

The CEDC is the pioneering business services consultant in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. CEDC offers its helping hand  to hundreds of budding regional entrepreneurs and businesses to reach their fullest potential after successfully evolving  from their startup stage. The tremendous effort exercised by the organization to attract, retain, and expand local businesses has created a vibrant and thriving startup ecosystem in the locality. CEDC also provides undivided guidance and  empowerment to entrepreneurs throughout the Chippewa Valley. 

For more information about CEDC and the Hatch Event, visit chippewa-wi.com/hatch-2024-chippewa-valley-business pitch-event/ 

##