On the agenda: Chippewa County Economic Development Committee - Regular Meeting — Data Center (Nov 2)
⚠ Agenda Watch Wisconsin · Monday, November 2, 2026 — in 5 days
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The published agenda for this November 2 meeting contains: "Data Center". This is the public record BEFORE the vote — read the document, then show up. Public comment is where cancellations start.
Check the agenda document for the meeting time.
The agenda, word for word
Government public record — the full text of the published document, archived October 28, 2026. Gold highlighting of key terms is ours, not the original’s. Read the original document ↗
Chippewa County
Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting
November 2, 2026
Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 302
5:00 PM
District 8, Chair
James Ericksen
District 12, Vice-Chair
Charles Bomar
District 3
Duane Shoebridge
District 15
Lee Hennick
District 18
Daniel Hardy
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Chippewa County
Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting
November 2, 2026
Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 302
5:00 PM
1.
Call to Order
2.
Roll Call
3.
Members of the Public Wishing to Be Heard
(Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per speaker.)
4.
Consent Agenda
(Unless separation of an item is requested, all items will be adopted under one motion.)
5.
6.
1.
Approve the Agenda
2.
Approve the Minutes - August 5, 2026
3.
Schedule Next Meeting Date -February 3, 2027
Reports
1.
Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation Report - Charlie Walker
2.
Economic Development Project Updates - Charlie Walker
Business Items
1.
Resolution to Proclaim November 2026 as Global Entrepreneurship Month and Recognize November
16-22, 2026, as Entrepreneurship Week in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado
2.
The Committee will convene in Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes Sec. 19.85(1)(e)
"Deliberating or negotiating the purchase of public properties . . . or conducting other specified
business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session" (Update on potential
future business park).
3.
The Committee will reconvene to open session to continue with the agenda.
4.
The Committee will convene in Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes Sec. 19.85(1)(e)
"Deliberating or negotiating the purchase of public properties . . . or conducting other specified
business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session" (Consider sale and
purchase of parcels related to Pebble Creek Development).
5.
The Committee will reconvene to open session with possible motion related to the closed session.
7.
Updates, Announcements, and Correspondence
8.
Agenda Items for Future Consideration
9.
Adjourn
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Chippewa County
Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting
November 2, 2026
Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 302
5:00 PM
Chippewa County shall attempt to provide reasonable special accommodations to the public for access to its public meetings, provided
reasonable notice of special need is given. If special accommodations for a meeting are desired, contact the County Clerk’s Office at 715-7267980.
Members of the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors who are not members of this committee are entitled to attend this meeting. It is
possible that the attendance of one or more such nonmember Supervisors may create a quorum of some other county board committee,
board or commission. Such a quorum is unintended and the nonmember Supervisors are not meeting for the purpose of exercising the
responsibility, authority, power, or duties of any other committee, board or commission.
Published: October 27, 2026
Page 3 of 33
Chippewa County
Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting
August 5, 2026
Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 302
5:00 PM
1.
Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 05:00 PM
2.
Roll Call
Members Present:
James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge
Members Absent:
Daniel Hardy
Others Present:
Charlie Walker, Andy Albarado, Traci Bremness, Dennis Bachman, Doug Clary, Todd Pauls. Recorder:
Lisa Merrell.
3.
Members of the Public Wishing to Be Heard
(Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per speaker.)
4.
Consent Agenda
(Unless separation of an item is requested, all items will be adopted under one motion.)
Motion:
Result:
Mover:
Seconder:
Ayes:
Nayes:
Absent:
5.
Approved
(4 - 0)
Charles Bomar
Duane Shoebridge
James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge
None
Daniel Hardy
1.
Approve the Agenda
2.
Approve the Minutes - May 6, 2026
3.
Schedule Next Meeting Date - November 4, 2026
Reports
1.
Update on WEDC Talent Recruitment Grant for MakeMyMove - Andy Albarado/Charlie Walker
Administrator Albarado noted that the County's application was declined for the talent recruitment grant.
They are waiting for information on why it was denied. Walker stated they expect when the grant opens
up again, they will have the conversation on applying again.
2.
Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation Report - Charlie Walker
Charlie Walker provided a presentation on upcoming events, as well as attraction projects currently being
worked on. Walker noted that they will be holding a BEAR in the Orchard event on August 12th from 4 to
7 at Dixon's. They currently have 14 entrepreneurs and 9 ambassadors, as well as some venture and
Page 4 of 33
angel groups from throughout the state that will be there to network. In the 11 years they have been
doing the BEAR pitches, they have had six companies come from it. There will be an Economic
Development 101 meeting on September 22nd in New Auburn. Walker encouraged new members to the
committee to attend.
A.
Lake Wissota Business Park - Potential Projects/Interest in Parcels
Albarado noted that the old Lakeland College building is being remodeled and encouraged the committee
to take a look at it. There are some jagged property lines in that area that might need to be addressed.
3.
6.
Economic Development Project Updates
Business Items
1.
Economic Development 2027 Budget Review
Albarado stated there are no increases to the tax levy. This item will be forwarded to the County
Administrator to be incorporated into the budget.
Motion:
Result:
Mover:
Seconder:
Ayes:
Nayes:
Absent:
2.
Approved
(4 - 0)
Charles Bomar
Lee Hennick
James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge
None
Daniel Hardy
The Committee will convene in Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes Sec. 19.85(1)(e)
"Deliberating or negotiating the purchase of public properties . . . or conducting other specified business,
whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session" (Update on potential future
business park).
Motion:
Result:
Mover:
Seconder:
Ayes:
Nayes:
Absent:
Approved
(4 - 0)
Charles Bomar
Duane Shoebridge
James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge
None
Daniel Hardy
The meeting convened in Closed Session at 5:38 PM.
Present in Closed Session: All County Board members, Traci Bremness, Andy Albarado, Charlie Walker,
Todd Pauls, Doug Clary, and Lisa Merrell.
3.
The Committee will reconvene to open session to continue with the agenda.
Motion:
Result:
Mover:
Seconder:
Ayes:
Nayes:
Absent:
Approved
(4 - 0)
Charles Bomar
Duane Shoebridge
James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge
None
Daniel Hardy
Page 5 of 33
The meeting reconvened to open session at 5:53 PM.
7.
Updates, Announcements, and Correspondence
8.
Agenda Items for Future Consideration
9.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned by the Chair at 5:53 PM.
Page 6 of 33
Statement of Explanation
Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation Report - Charlie
Walker
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CCEDC Executive Director Charlie Walker will provide a report of activities of the
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Corporation regarding business recruitment, expansion and retention, as well as upcoming
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Economic Development events.
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Chippewa County Economic
Development Committee
Meeting 11-2-2026
Page 8 of 33
Providing a quarterly report to the Chippewa County Board is an important part of the Chippewa
Economic Development Corporation’s (CEDC) commitment to transparency, accountability, and
collaboration. These reports keep County Board members informed about economic development
activities, business retention and expansion efforts, workforce initiatives, entrepreneurship
programs, housing and infrastructure projects, and other initiatives that support economic growth
throughout Chippewa County.
The quarterly report provides an opportunity to highlight measurable outcomes, share emerging
opportunities and challenges, and demonstrate how public and private investments are
contributing to job creation, business growth, and community development. Regular reporting
also strengthens communication between CEDC and county leadership, ensuring that elected
officials have current information to support policy decisions and strategic planning efforts.
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Economic Development
Update
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PREPAREDNESS
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Development Is a Process
• Most projects take
months-or even years-not
weeks.
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Good Development Isn'tSimple
Our Communities often want BOTH...
We Want...
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
More housing
Lower Taxes
Business Growth
Affordable Housing
Investments
Low Child Care
Great Schools
We ALSO Want...
• Less traffic
• Better
Services
• Open Space
• Higher
Property
Values
• Keep SmallTown Charm
Page 15 of 33
The Challenge of Navigating within a New
Economic Future
The world is changing,
and change happens
rapidly: tech,
economy, climate,
culture
We can no longer
rely solely on “best
practices” and
“modeling to predict”
We must get comfortable
with “acting amidst the
unknown” and being
adaptable to change
New ways, skills, and tools are needed for:
• Thinking, planning, acting
• Analyzing, strategizing, collaborating, and implementing
• Building capacities for adapting
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Pillars of Economic Development
The Leaky Bucket Theory
Business Creation/
Entrepreneur Ecosystem
Business Expansion and
Retention (BEAR)
Workforce/Talent Development
Business Attraction
Product Encouragement
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Economic Development 101-New Auburn
9-22-26
West Central Wisconsin Regional PlanningExploring Data Centers 9-29-26
Economic Development Group- Education
with Olsson 10-27-26
-
-
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Every Community Needs a BEAR
Every Community Needs a BEAR
Most significant source of new jobs and investment
Existing companies contribute to the tax base and employ residents
Builds the local economy from within
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Build the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Build the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
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BEAR 2026-Cadott
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Statement of Explanation
Economic Development Project Updates - Charlie Walker
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Statement of Explanation
Resolution to Proclaim November 2026 as Global Entrepreneurship
Month and Recognize November 16-22, 2026, as Entrepreneurship Week
in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado
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Passage of this resolution will formally proclaim the month of November 2026 as Global
Entrepreneurship Month and designate the week of November 16-22, 2026 as
Entrepreneurship Week in Chippewa County.
Passage of this resolution also formally recognizes the Chippewa Economic Development
Corporation and its community partners for their continued efforts to guide founders, support
entrepreneurship, and strengthen Chippewa County’s economy.
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Resolution No.
Resolution to Proclaim November 2026 as Global Entrepreneurship Month and Recognize
November 16-22, 2026, as Entrepreneurship Week in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado
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WHEREAS, entrepreneurs create jobs, attract investment, introduce new ideas, and
strengthen the vitality and resilience of communities throughout Chippewa County; and
WHEREAS, entrepreneurs are essential drivers of both Chippewa County and Wisconsin’s
economy, startups and businesses up to five years old can generate nearly half of our gross job
creation, demonstrating the vital role of entrepreneurship in expanding employment
opportunities and strengthening Chippewa County communities; and
WHEREAS, entrepreneurship encompasses new business ideas, side ventures, founders,
makers, and established businesses pursuing growth, all of which contribute to Chippewa
County’s diverse and thriving economy; and
WHEREAS, Global Entrepreneurship Month, an initiative of the Global Entrepreneurship
Network and Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, connects aspiring and established
entrepreneurs with networks, tools, and support to pursue their ideas and build stronger
communities; and
WHEREAS, Chippewa County and the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation
(CEDC) are committed to guiding founders through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey,
from idea to long-term success, by connecting entrepreneurs with local resources, mentorship
and coaching programs and interactive opportunities such as the BEAR Pitch and HATCH Pitch
programs and 6G events that support these efforts of bringing entrepreneurs together with
resources, business leaders, and community partners; and
WHEREAS, Chippewa County recognizes that collaboration among entrepreneurs,
businesses, educational institutions, economic development organizations, and residents
strengthens economic opportunity and long-term prosperity throughout the county;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors hereby
proclaims November 2026 as Global Entrepreneurship Month and recognizes November 16–22,
2026, as Entrepreneurship Week in Chippewa County, Wisconsin; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors encourages
residents to support local entrepreneurs, explore new ideas, foster innovation, and recognize
the contributions entrepreneurs make to Chippewa County’s economy and quality of life; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors recognizes and
commends the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation and its community partners for
their continued efforts to guide founders, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen Chippewa
County’s economy.
Forwarded to the County Board by the Economic Development Committee.
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Resolution No.
Resolution to Proclaim November 2026 as Global Entrepreneurship Month and Recognize
November 16-22, 2026, as Entrepreneurship Week in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado
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Financial Impact
By passage of this resolution there is no fiscal impact to Chippewa County.
Signatures
Approved as to Form:
County Administrator
Finance Director
Corporation Counsel
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Statement of Explanation
The Committee will convene in Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin
State Statutes Sec. 19.85(1)(e) "Deliberating or negotiating the purchase
of public properties . . . or conducting other specified business,
whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session"
(Update on potential future business park).
1
Page 30 of 33
Statement of Explanation
The Committee will reconvene to open session to continue with the
agenda.
1
Page 31 of 33
Statement of Explanation
The Committee will convene in Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin
State Statutes Sec. 19.85(1)(e) "Deliberating or negotiating the purchase
of public properties . . . or conducting other specified business,
whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session"
(Consider sale and purchase of parcels related to Pebble Creek
Development).
1
Page 32 of 33
Statement of Explanation
The Committee will reconvene to open session with possible motion
related to the closed session.
1
Page 33 of 33
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- Agenda Watch · Oct 28, 2026
- DeFlock research desk · Oct 28, 2026
Permanent ID DKT-2026-004674 — this record is never deleted.
Record history
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- Oct 28, 2026 Filed on the Docket
- Oct 28, 2026 Full document archived — public record
- Oct 28, 2026 Corroborated by another source DeFlock research desk
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