After almost 30 years, the Chippewa Valley Innovation Center (CVIC) has received upgrades to provide tenants a more secure and modern facility. These renovations, overseen by HOEFT  Builders, will improve efficiencies  for current business located in the CVIC and increase the overall capacity of the facility to provide additional space for more tenants.

Major projects of the renovations include repairing the loading dock of the facility so that tenants are able to receiver large shipments, and the construction of 4 new offices to meet the increasing demand of small businesses for professional office space.

In addition to increasing the structural capacities of the building, other renovations have been completed to increase security, update the facility and achieve ADA compliance. Bathrooms, the break room, and offices were all were renovated to make a more professional and comfortable facility.

Patrick Gaetjens, Project Manager of the Eau Claire EDC and Facility Manager of the Chippewa Valley Innovation Center, is happy with the completion of the project.

“These renovations will provide startup businesses with a more modern facility to operate out of and ensure the facility will have the capacity to assist local entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses for years to come.”

The renovations of the CVIC were made possible with an $80,000 grant for capital improvements from the Otto Bremer Foundation. These grants support work that help build healthy, vibrant communities where opportunities for economic, civic, and social participation are within everyone’s reach.

These renovations would not have been possible without generous donations from companies such as American Express, Senn Blacktop, Cherry Drywall, Eau Claire Roofing, Swanson’s Flooring, Kjelstad Plumbing, Larson’s Cabinets, Michel’s Electric, Cloverbelt Construction, and Master Drywall were instrumental in the project.

The Chippewa Valley Innovation Center opened in 1988 to encourage new and emerging entrepreneurial businesses. Today, the facility continues to serve as an incubation center for manufacturing and service related businesses who are in the transitional stages of going from a new business to an established business. The CVIC offers services and benefits to tenants such as discounted warehouse/manufacturing space, managerial support, technical assistance, and access to financing.

A ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate the CVIC’s renovations is scheduled for Thursday, September 24th at 10am.

For more information on the CVIC visit www.chippewavalleyinnovationcenter.org.