BEAR Discussions

About BEAR Discussions

Whether you are a local business leader, founder, economic developer, or curious community member, you will find thoughtful dialogue and practical takeaways on building stronger, more resilient economies. With a focus on learning and community insight, BEAR Discussions connects listeners to real-world perspectives on how businesses start, grow, and thrive. Each episode features candid conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, policymakers, and industry experts about issues shaping regional development, from workforce and innovation to manufacturing, defense, and small business success. Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Discussions is a podcast by the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) that explores the strategies, stories, and people driving economic growth in the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

Publisher

CEDC Podcasts

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Feb 2021

Latest episode

16 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

145 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Oct 2026

   "Deep Roots, New Growth" - Northern Family Farms - Episode 622

   Host Charlie Walker and cohost Ken Pearson sit down with siblings Derek and Ashley, third-generation owners of Northern Family Farms, to explore how a Christmas tree farm grew into a thriving nursery business. They discuss balancing family and business, embracing innovation, and building lasting partnerships—all while staying rooted in family-first values.

2. 

   2 Oct 2026

   "You Just Have to Ask" - Jose Lagunas Jr. - Episode 621

   On this episode of CEDC BEAR Discussions, host Charlie Walker and co-host Lisa Bruhn sit down with entrepreneur and BEAR at the Orchard winner Jose Lagunas Jr., founder of Rockwell Home Management. Jose shares how his experiences as a Marine, firefighter, and paramedic helped him identify a problem and turn it into a business focused on helping people safely age in place. He talks about using technology and AI to bring his idea to life, the lessons he learned through BEAR at the Orchard, and why making connections, asking for help, and simply showing up can make all the difference for an entrepreneur. It’s a conversation about starting before you have all the answers, learning as you go, and building something that can make a difference in the community

3. 

   18 Sept 2026

   "Building a Business That Cares" - Latoyia Woodard - Episode 620

   Host Charlie Walker sits down with LaToya Woodard, founder of Country Getaway Adult Day Services near Bloomer, Wisconsin. LaToya shares how her personal experience as a family caregiver inspired her to create a warm, welcoming space for adults with dementia, disabilities, brain injuries, and other care needs. They discuss caregiver burnout, navigating resources and insurance, building a purpose-driven business, and giving families the support and peace of mind they deserve.

Who has been a guest on BEAR Discussions

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Victoria Thayer
• Becky Mullane
• Tyler Westphal
• De Anna Westphal
• Brett Larson

Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

95

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact BEAR Discussions

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about BEAR Discussions