Investing in communities, preparing for the future top agenda at Wisconsin Economic Summit

MADISON, WI. SEPT. 22, 2025 – The fourth annual Wisconsin Economic Summit, set for Oct. 15-16 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, offers leaders in business, community development, education, and related fields a chance to learn more about how to invest, partner, and prepare to build thriving and future-ready communities.

“This year at the summit, we’re bringing people together to learn from each other and identify ways to make an impact in their communities,” said Sam Rikkers, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development agency. “We’ll be exploring topics like investing in innovation, preparing a workforce ready for the future, and engaging in partnerships, all which help to create thriving communities.”

More than 400 experts, economists, business and community leaders, and local and state officials will gather to address challenges communities face and hear insights and solutions about how to prepare and build communities that will thrive in the future.

Speakers at this year’s event include:

• Paul Bartolotta, chef and co-owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants
• David Casey, Wisconsin Department of Revenue secretary
• Eric Genrich, Green Bay mayor
• Tehassi Hill, Oneida Nation chairman

The event’s moderator will be Hillary Mintz, Waukesha County public information officer and press secretary.

This year’s summit will feature breakout sessions that will allow attendees to share insights and experiences, learn about trends and strategies others are using, and get feedback on challenges and ideas.

The breakout sessions will focus on:

• Broadening risk perspectives to encourage innovation and investment;
• Fostering a community mindset grounded in possibility and growth; and
• Building the workforce of the future to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Visit the Wisconsin Economic Summit website, wedc.org/summit, to find more details, agenda updates, and registration information.

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.