While other parts of Wisconsin are just now catching up to the notion of regional economic development efforts, many counties in the Chippewa Valley have valuable years of experience under their belts. It is an effort worth continuing - and expanding.
At Oct. 3 forums hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council in Eau Claire and River Falls, I was encouraged to hear that Momentum Chippewa Valley is pursuing an expansion to five additional counties - Pierce, St. Croix, Polk, Barron and Clark. Already included in the effort are Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn and Pepin counties.