Check out our updated list of speakers and panelists!
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
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
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
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.
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
11:10 a.m. – Unlocking Opportunity Through Global Trade: Building Resilience for Wisconsin’s Economy
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

Sam Rikkers Host

Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Paul Bartolotta Speaker/Opening Plenary

David Casey Keynote Speaker

Eric Genrich Guest Speaker

Tehassi Hill Featured Speaker

Panelists
Breakout session 1:
Broadening risk perspectives to encourage innovation and investment
Shayna Hetzel Facilitator

Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Maggie Brickerman Panelist

Dana A. Guthrie Panelist

Scott Resnick Panelist

Laura Strong, Ph.D. Panelist

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

Dan Ertl Panelist

Ted Neitzke IV Panelist

Cheryl Renier-Wigg Panelist

Jacqui Sharpe Panelist

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

Division Administrator, Employment and Training Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Sachin Shivaram Panelist

Dan Truttmann Panelist

Joshua VanLieshout Panelist

Sabrina Zerhouni Panelist

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

Adina Kurzban Panelist

Henry Thies Panelist

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

Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Wally Leipart, Ph.D. Panelist

Candice Grunseth Panelist

Miia Vick Panelist

Art Teacher/ Student Council Advisor Gilman High School
Addy Vick Panelist

Student Council Member Gilman High School
Mylie Stephens Panelist

Student Council Member Gilman High School
Panel discussion:
Global trade and investment in uncertain times
Rome Rauter Moderator

Mike Klemp-North, Ph.D. Panelist

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.
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
Keep me informed
Stay informed with the latest updates on the Wisconsin Economic Summit.
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