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2025 Wisconsin Economic Summit  

October 15–16 · KI Convention Center · Green Bay, WI

Let’s Look Forward, Together

Global and domestic shifts are reshaping our economy—and Wisconsin is ready to lead. On October 15–16, 2025, over 400 of the state’s prominent experts, economists, business leaders, and local and state government representatives will meet in Green Bay to address challenges head-on and seize emerging opportunities. At the Wisconsin Economic Summit, you’ll gain knowledge, build powerful partnerships, and leave ready to drive investment and innovation in your community.

We’re building an inspiring lineup of speakers and sessions designed to spark ideas, foster connections, and unlock new opportunities.

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2025 Theme: Unlocking Investment in Wisconsin’s Economy

This year, we’re inviting you to help answer a big question:

Not just what investment can do for Wisconsin—but what we can do, together, to unlock it.

At the Wisconsin Economic Summit, we will explore opportunities that can help build thriving communities.

We will hear how others are sparking innovation and attracting investment, how they’re fostering a mindset of growth, preparing a workforce ready for tomorrow, and strengthening connections across sectors and regions to build unstoppable momentum.

The Summit will showcase real-world examples and innovative partnerships that demonstrate how strategic investment can help Wisconsin’s communities:

  • Attract talent and businesses
  • Strengthen local economies
  • Improve quality of life
  • Build long-term economic resilience

Together, we’ll chart a course toward more thriving and future-ready communities.

 

Day 1: Agenda

Knowledge exchange

Beyond formal sessions, the core activity for day one is your participation in each of the breakout sessions. Everyone will have an opportunity to:

  • Share insights and experiences
  • Learn about trends and strategies others are using
  • Get real-world feedback on ideas or challenges

10 a.m. – Welcome and opening remarks

Setting the Stage

  • Sam Rikkers, Deputy Secretary and COO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
  • Paul Bartolotta, Chef and Co-owner, The Bartolotta Restaurants

11:30 a.m. – Breakout sessions

Choose one of the following

  • Session 1 – Broadening risk perspectives to encourage innovation and investment
    Facilitator: Shayna Hetzel, Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
  • Session 2 – Fostering a community mindset grounded in possibility and growth
    Facilitator: Olivia Otte, Executive Director, Green County Development Corporation
  • Session 3 – Building the workforce of the future to meet the challenges of tomorrow
    Facilitator: Michele Carter, Division Administrator/Division of Employment and Training, Department of Workforce Development

12:45 p.m. – Lunch

  • Create connections with fellow attendees
  • Guest speaker − Eric Genrich, mayor of Green Bay

2 p.m. – Breakout sessions

Choose one of the following

  • Session 1 – Broadening risk perspectives to encourage innovation and investment
    Facilitator: Shayna Hetzel, Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
  • Session 2 – Fostering a community mindset grounded in possibility and growth
    Facilitator: Olivia Otte, Executive Director, Green County Development Corporation
  • Session 3 – Building the workforce of the future to meet the challenges of tomorrow
    Facilitator: Michele Carter, Division Administrator/Division of Employment and Training, Department of Workforce Development

3:30 p.m. – Breakout sessions

Choose one of the following

  • Session 1 – Broadening risk perspectives to encourage innovation and investment
    Facilitator: Shayna Hetzel, Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
  • Session 2 – Fostering a community mindset grounded in possibility and growth
    Facilitator: Olivia Otte, Executive Director, Green County Development Corporation
  • Session 3 – Building the workforce of the future to meet the challenges of tomorrow
    Facilitator: Michele Carter, Division Administrator/Division of Employment and Training, Department of Workforce Development

4:45 p.m. – Keynote session

From Dairy to Data: Investing in Wisconsin, an Economic Perspective

What the economic data is telling us about recent public and private investments, demographic shifts and trends driving the economy, and areas for opportunity and growth.

  • David Casey, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Revenue

5:30 p.m. – Networking reception

Build relationships and new partnerships

  • Meet potential collaborators
  • Strengthen existing relationships
  • Discover mentors or mentees
  • Food trucks available at 6:30 p.m.

Day 2: Agenda

From insights to impact

Day two delivers key takeaways from day one, a featured address from the chairman of the Oneida Nation, and fresh insights from Wisconsin’s young adults. Attendees will also explore unlocking investment for communities through foreign direct investment and trade.

7:30 a.m. – Breakfast buffet

8:30 a.m. – Opening session

Featured address − Oneida Nation’s Economic Journey

Chairman Hill will speak about the successes the Nation has achieved, the forces shaping the Nation’s economy, and the vision for the Nation’s future. Oneida Nation’s economic impact study will be shared, which will tell a story of how tribal nations and surrounding communities can work together toward a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Wisconsin.

  • Tehassi Hill, Chairman, Oneida Nation

9:10 a.m. – Investing in the Future: Voices of Wisconsin’s Next Generation Leaders

As Wisconsin looks to the future, the next generation will play a defining role in shaping the state’s economy—where they choose to live, work, and invest will determine Wisconsin’s long-term competitiveness and vitality. In this candid discussion, young leaders share their hopes and concerns about Wisconsin’s economic future, from wages and student debt to innovation, community, and opportunity. Together, they’ll explore what it will take to keep and grow talent here—and how their generation envisions unlocking investment in Wisconsin’s future.

10:15 a.m. – Design Gilman: How a Village and Its Students are Unlocking Wisconsin’s Rural Future

Participants will be sharing their Design Gilman experience.  Student engagement in the design plan and working to achieve their community goals.
Moderator: Sarah Duchemin, Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

11:10 a.m. – Unlocking Opportunity Through Global Trade: Building Resilience for Wisconsin’s Economy

Moderator: Rome Rauter, Market Development Director, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Noon – Closing session: Insights and next steps

  • Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers shares key takeaways from day one breakouts—highlighting themes, opportunities, and actions to carry forward.
  • Lunch To-Go (or To-Stay!) – We’ve got you covered for the road ahead. Take a box lunch with you, or stay to enjoy it while catching up with new connections before heading home.
 

Speakers

Hillary Mintz Emcee

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Public Information Officer/Press Secretary Waukesha County

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Sam Rikkers Host

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Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

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Paul Bartolotta Speaker/Opening Plenary

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Chef and Co-owner The Bartolotta Restaurants

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David Casey Keynote Speaker

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Secretary Wisconsin Department of Revenue

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Eric Genrich Guest Speaker

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Mayor City of Green Bay

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Tehassi Hill Featured Speaker

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Chairman Oneida Nation

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Panelists

Breakout session 1:
Broadening risk perspectives to encourage innovation and investment

Shayna Hetzel Facilitator

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Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

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Maggie Brickerman Panelist

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President Wisconsin Technology Council

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Dana A. Guthrie Panelist

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Managing Partner Gateway Capital

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Scott Resnick Panelist

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Chief Operating Officer Hardin Design & Development

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Laura Strong, Ph.D. Panelist

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Chief Executive Officer Valency Fund

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Breakout session 2:
Fostering a community mindset grounded in possibility and growth

Olivia Otte Facilitator

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Executive Director Green County Development Corporation

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Dan Ertl Panelist

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Director of Community Development City of Brookfield

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Ted Neitzke IV Panelist

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Mayor City of Port Washington

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Cheryl Renier-Wigg Panelist

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Director of Community and Economic Development City of Green Bay

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Jacqui Sharpe Panelist

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Director Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau

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Breakout session 3
Building the workforce of the future to meet the challenges of tomorrow

Michele Carter Facilitator

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Division Administrator, Employment and Training Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

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Sachin Shivaram Panelist

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CEO Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Inc.

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Dan Truttmann Panelist

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Owner/Farmer Truttmann Dairy LLC

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Joshua VanLieshout Panelist

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City Administrator City of Sturgeon Bay

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Sabrina Zerhouni Panelist

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Human Resources and Community Engagement Leader JBS Foods Green Bay

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Panel discussion:
Investing in the Future: Voices of Wisconsin’s Next Generation Leaders

Nathan Halbach Panelist

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Student Body President University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

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Adina Kurzban Panelist

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Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison Intern, Office of Rural Prosperity

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Henry Thies Panelist

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Management Argent Solutions

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Panel discussion:
Design Gilman: How a Village and Its Students are Unlocking Wisconsin’s Rural Future

Sarah Duchemin Moderator

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Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

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Wally Leipart, Ph.D. Panelist

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Superintendent Gilman School District

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Candice Grunseth Panelist

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Village Clerk Village of Gilman

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Miia Vick Panelist

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Art Teacher/ Student Council Advisor Gilman High School

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Addy Vick Panelist

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Student Council Member Gilman High School

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Mylie Stephens Panelist

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Student Council Member Gilman High School

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Panel discussion:
Global trade and investment in uncertain times

Rome Rauter Moderator

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Market Development Director WEDC Division of Global Trade and Investment

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Mike Klemp-North, Ph.D. Panelist

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Vice President, Administration and Facilities Hsu's Ginseng Enterprises Inc

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We’re curating a dynamic lineup of speakers, panelists, and thought leaders who will share bold ideas and practical insights. Additional speaker and panelist announcements will be posted here soon—check back for updates.

October 15-16, 2025 2025 Wisconsin Economic Summit
KI Convention Center, Green Bay

What You’ll Experience

Why Attend?

Because thriving communities don’t happen by chance—they happen by design. The Summit is your chance to:

  • Learn how to unlock investment in your community
  • Discover partnerships that drive meaningful change
  • Share your perspective—and hear others
  • Be part of a statewide network focused on impact

“I would say that as a person that’s interested in the forward movement of Wisconsin, that this was a really dynamic conference with a lot of different ideas and different sectors represented and also some people thinking about how to envision the future together.”

Sarah Lloyd

Director of Development, Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative

“It really is about learning who your resources are, really getting connected to the people, and it’s all about collaboration. So what one community is doing could impact another community, and just having that networking time is very important.”

Angie Close

Executive Director, Langlade County Economic Development Corporation

“The chance to see the people coming from all over the state making those connections. I know that I’ve made connections here, just being here that I’m going to be calling people and talking to them and seeing what’s going on in our state.”

Thomas Wartman

Director, Grow North Regional Economic Development

October 15-16, 2025 2025 Wisconsin Economic Summit
KI Convention Center, Green Bay
 
Ariel view of downtown Green Bay at night.

Reserve your hotel today!

Hampton Inn by Hilton
201 Main Street
Green Bay, WI 54301

Please select appropriate date(s) when making reservation.

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