Carthage Business and Professional Coalition introduces new chair and 2025-26 schedule

KENOSHA, Wis. – Carthage College kicks off a new season of its Business and Professional Coalition with a new leader and a forward-looking program lineup.

Nicole Ryf, president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA), will serve as chair of the coalition for 2025-26. Under the theme “Wisconsin Horizons,” this season’s programs will explore emerging industries, shifting workforce needs, and economic opportunities in the decade ahead.

As chair, Ryf succeeds Karla Krehbiel, retiring regional president of Johnson Financial Group Southeast. For nearly 30 years, the Business and Professional Coalition has brought regional civic, business, and professional leaders together at Carthage to explore pressing issues via thought-provoking speakers and panel discussions.

Ryf brings deep expertise from previous roles in the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and Virginia’s Hampton Roads Alliance.

“Nicole brings the same energy and ideas to our steering committee that she is known for at KABA,” says Carthage President John Swallow. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the coalition to focus on regional economic development and talent attraction, two topics of vital importance given the demographic challenges ahead.”

Ryf sees close alignment between KABA’s work and the Business and Professional Coalition.

“Carthage College is a key strategic partner for KABA’s economic development efforts and is a critical talent engine for our region,” she says. “I am continuously impressed with the College’s proactive approach to meeting employers’ evolving needs and preparing students for high-demand careers. It is a privilege to support Carthage’s mission by chairing the coalition this year and helping foster meaningful conversations about our economic future.”

Ryf will be installed as chair during the season’s first luncheon event, “Wisconsin’s Labor Forecast,” which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, in the Todd Wehr Center at Carthage, 2001 Alford Park Drive. The kickoff program features keynote speaker Ron Hetrick, a nationally recognized labor economist with nearly 30 years of expertise, who will share insights on future job trends and demographic shifts in our regional workforce — and what employers and educational institutions can do to prepare.

Hetrick, a former senior economist at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, has provided analysis for the Federal Reserve Board, the Council of Economic Advisers, Congress, and numerous Fortune 100 companies and trade associations. Frequently quoted by outlets such as CBS, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes, Hetrick is the author of numerous white papers exploring the future of labor demographics.

The Business and Professional Coalition season schedule also includes:

• Nov. 13 — “Healthcare and Higher Ed: Partners for Life”
• Feb. 19 — “Focus on Film: Innovation in the Creative Industries”

Admission to each program is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit: www.carthage.edu/businesscoalition

About Carthage
Carthage College is raising expectations for a private college experience. It blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, personal attention from distinguished faculty, and a focus on career development, which makes its graduates competitive in the workforce. Carthage has undertaken a $100 million fundraising campaign, “Light that Travels,” to deliver a radiant future for students through access, program innovation, and sustained excellence. Founded in 1847, Carthage is located on an idyllic shore of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the thriving corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago. Grow with us: www.carthage.edu

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.