Conference Agenda

 

Conference Registration

Click here to register! Tickets will go on sale on Memorial Day.

 

SEE YOU THIS FALL!

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WE'RE NO LONGER ACCEPTING SPEAKER APPLICATIONS.

Do you have practical tips and specific information for starting, growing, or improving a business? We would love for you to share your knowledge at our Women's Business Conference in Eau Claire, WI!

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 (Morning)

7:30 - 9:30 am: Registration & Breakfast Buffet

 

8 am: Exhibitor/Vendor Hall Opens

 

8:15 am: Welcome Address (RCU Theater)

Presented by: WBC Staff

Grab your breakfast and join us in the RCU Theater for our welcome address and housekeeping information for the entire day. If you miss this part, please refer to your conference folder or ask a volunteer if you have any questions.

8:30 - 9:00 am: Keynote Speech (RCU Theater)

Presented by: Lisa Erickson, U.S. Bank Wealth Management

Grab your breakfast and join us in the RCU Theater to listen to Lisa Erickson's keynote speech "Women: How They Impact Their Local Economy"!

As Head of Public Markets Due Diligence, Lisa is responsible for directing all public markets investment research and fund manager selection for U.S. Bank Wealth Management. This work includes money manager due diligence, investment strategy review, asset class idea generation, process enhancement and portfolio inclusion for equity, fixed income, real asset and balanced strategies. Lisa also is a member of the Investment Strategy Forum, which drives the firm’s asset allocation and portfolio construction policy for clients. Lisa is a frequent spokesperson for Wealth Management and appears on CNBC, Reuters, Bloomberg TV, Yahoo Finance and Fox Business, as well as print media such as the Wall Street Journal.

Lisa has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining U.S. Bank, she led research teams at Russell Investments and Altura Capital. She also served in numerous other roles, including capital markets analysis, investment infrastructure creation, product development and management and institutional client service. Lisa is a member of the CFA Society of Minnesota and the CFA Institute. She has a passion for her community and serves with the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable and the EPPIC Ministries board. Click here to learn more about U.S. Bank Wealth Management.

9:00 - 9:30 am: Break, Networking & Exhibitor/Vendor Hall

 

9:30 - 10:30 am: "Starting Your Business" - Roundtable

Presented by: Kate Holmes Thompson, Margaret Raether, Karlee Wallin, Kayla Midthun

Host - Kate Holmes Thompson Coaching LLC
Kate Holmes Thompson, MPA, PCC, is a professionally trained leadership and ADHD coach and works with people who want their life, career, and leadership to be more aligned with what's important to them. Kate coaches people across industries, including tech, design, health, nonprofit, and public sectors. As an ADHD coach, Kate helps people deepen their understanding of ADHD, develop strategies, strengthen habits to manage aspects of ADHD, and find ease and confidence in navigating career, life, and relationships. Before training as a coach, Kate spent two decades working with nonprofits and businesses. She’s held consulting and leadership roles, including leading marketing teams and brand strategy development for Fortune 100 clients. She’s certified by the International Coaching Federation at the PCC level and is completing ADHD PAAC certification. Click here to learn more about Kate Holmes Thompson Coaching, LLC!
 

Panelist - Margaret Raether, Main Street Hair Solutions
Margaret is the owner of Main Street Hair Solutions, a wig shop located in Thorp, WI. She opened her shop in 2018 after reaching a peak of frustration from her own hair struggles and felt she had nowhere to turn for help. Since then, Margaret has been working with women in need of a hair solution no matter the reason. She has made it her mission to help erase the stigma of wig-wearing simply by helping her clients look and feel absolutely beautiful. Referrals from happy clients and using social media have been instrumental in the success of her business. Click here to learn more about Main Street Hair Solutions.

Panelist - Karlee Wallin, Royal Credit Union
Karlee has worked with business loans at Royal Credit Union since 2006 and worked in the financial industry since 2001.  She thrives on relationships made through her work with the small business owners and entrepreneurs she serves. Whether you’re looking to start your own business, have working capital needs or are growing your existing business, you can trust Karlee to find the financing solution to best fit your needs. Karlee strives to make a positive impact in the community through volunteering.  She serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Women’s Business Center, President of Just Local Food Co-op and is involved in Royal’s F.U.S.E program, to name a few. She also enjoys partnering with local organizations, such as The Red Letter Grant, to provide financial education and workshop opportunities for small business owners and serve as a resource throughout their business journeys. Growing up in the Midwest, she appreciates the beauty of this area and the wonderful sense of community here.  She resides in Eau Claire with her husband and two daughters. Click here to learn more about Royal Credit Union!

Panelist - Kayla Midthun, Shine On Boutique & Ramone's Ice Cream
In 2022, I took a bold leap and opened Shine On Boutique, and it’s been an incredible journey. My passion for thrifting started when I was young, and I’ve embraced it as a lifestyle—it’s great for both the wallet and the planet, a total win-win! As a lifelong Eau Claire resident, I’m proud to be raising my three kids with my husband, Blayne, in my hometown. In 2017, we opened Ramone’s Ice Cream Parlor, which quickly became a local favorite. With Shine On, I wanted to bring the same sense of community and excitement, and it’s been amazing to see that dream become a reality! Click here to learn more about Shine On Boutique & Ramone's Ice Cream!

9:30 - 10:30 am: "Growing Your Business" - Roundtable

Presented by: Rebecca Cooke, Danielle Goss, Amy Lokken, Sarah Polzin

Host - Rebecca Cooke, Red Letter Grant
Rebecca Cooke is an entrepreneur and small business owner from Eau Claire, WI. She is the founder and executive director of Red Letter Grant, a non-profit organization that provides start-up capital to women-owned businesses throughout 18 counties in Northwestern Wisconsin. To date, the program has helped 53 businesses launch in the region. Cooke also runs a hospitality business in Menomonie. She recently served as Board Member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation where she served as Board Secretary and co-chair to the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Committee. Click here to learn more about the Red Letter Grant.

Panelist - Danielle Goss, KUL MOCKS
Danielle Goss is the CEO/Founder of KUL MOCKS. Danielle graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2013 with a degree in Dietetics. Following graduation, Danielle completed an internship with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and obtained her Registered Dietitian license. Fueled by her passion for health and wellness, paired with the desire for inclusion for all in the social drinking experience, during her first pregnancy Danielle and her husband began to explore the low- and no-alcohol adult beverage industry and found there to be limited options. Together with her husband Nate, Danielle set out to undertake this challenge and in 2019 they started building the KUL MOCKS brand when Danielle was seven months pregnant. Currently, KUL MOCKS can be found in more than 25 states. The company is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and has been featured on CBS, NBC, Forbes and multiple regional and national news sources. Danielle is a wife and mother of three! In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, trips to the family cabins, cooking and staying active, and loves how her girls help her to slow down and disconnect. Click here to learn more about Kul Mocks!

Panelist - Amy Lokken, Müd Modular 
Meet Amy Lokken, the mastermind behind MüD Modular and The Amy Factor. With 10 international awards and countless media appearances, Amy is a renowned expert in creating stunning visual experiences that captivate and inspire. As a leading expert in spatial intelligence and visual branding, Amy brings over three decades of experience in transforming environments to amplify professional brand presence and credibility. Her innovative approach, combining industrial psychology with three-dimensional branding, empowers clients to make lasting impressions and connect authentically. Amy crafts perceptions using a blend of psychology and design, ensuring that professionals and businesses enhance their visual presence, break the status que, and achieve unparalleled success in both virtual and physical spaces. In today's world, where perception is reality and subconscious first impressions happen in a tenth of a second, Amy has developed a unique approach to design that helps businesses stand out and connect with their audience. Whether it's a trade show, a webinar, or a TV interview, Amy's work underscores that your environment and energy speak volumes about your brand, making credibility the ultimate currency in business. Click here to learn more about Amy!

Panelist - Sarah Polzin, Down to Earth Garden Center & Mustard Seed Boutique
Sarah Polzin, co-owner of Down to Earth Garden Center and Retail Operations Vice-President, has worked full-time in the green industry as part of the family business since 2019. After spending 15 years in the medical profession working for Mayo Clinic, St. Jude Medical, and Abbott Laboratories in the field of Electrophysiology she joined her husband in expanding their garden center and family of shops. Sarah combines her passion for creating sustainable business systems and encouraging employee growth to create a thriving culture of excellence. Sarah’s hobbies and interests outside of work are reading, gardening, canning, going for walks, watching her son play baseball, and all things sourdough. Click here to learn more about Sarah's business!

9:30 - 10:30 am: Why You Might be Blocking Sales

Presented by: Sarah Stokes, The Juicy Good Life

If you aren’t making the revenue you want in your business yet, there are 5 hidden reasons most female business owners are not selling more. It’s so common, most business owners never see it, but it’s draining on your time, energy, and money. In this session, Business Breakthrough Coach Sarah Stokes will help you discover where your hidden blocks are and help you move through the sales squirm and into positive money-making momentum. After personally selling millions in offers over her decades in business and helping others do the same, Sarah will help you uncover your hurdles and create new action steps you can start immediately after the conference.

ABOUT SARAH STOKES
Sarah Stokes is a Business Breakthrough Coach for the open-hearted, overwhelmed, overgiver. She helps women “de-should” their businesses to make room for more profits and joy. Her company, The Juicy Good Life, has helped thousands of women create more sustainable and successful businesses through coaching, education, retreats, podcasts, and masterminds. Sarah Stokes is an award-winning business strategist, who has successfully scaled three companies to multiple millions. Sarah is certified in the leadership work of Dr. Brene Brown and mastermind certified with Tony Robbins. She approaches business growth and sales by being rooted in the true value of the service she provides and loves to help other women do the same. In her first career, Sarah was a TV news anchor for nearly two decades. She married her co-anchor and they exited the TV news world to be with their two kids in the evening, instead of at the anchor desk. Sarah’s business background includes publishing, scaling, and selling a women’s magazine and creating an award-winning global marketing agency that she led for eight years before retiring it so she could business coach full time. Her heart is in philanthropy, and she is happiest hanging out in her pajamas on the dock at her lake home. Click here to learn more about The Juicy Good Life

10:30 - 11:00 am: Break, Networking & Exhibitor/Vendor Hall

 

11 am - 12 pm: Who Not How: Leading Yourself (and Your Team) Most Efficiently

Presented by: Jennifer Hafele, Mama Bear Family Care

Like Jennifer, many entrepreneurs follow nontraditional paths, possessing no formal business training. For many years, Jennifer believed her unique personal strengths and dreams for her practice just weren’t enough. This belief led her to hover precariously near burnout in her business, scrambling to learn new things and spending a high percentage of time on her weakest areas. Turns out, what our businesses need to thrive isn’t for us to get minimally better at our weakest links (which we procrastinate on anyway because they aren’t ours to do). Instead, it is for us to “delegate everything but genius,” as entrepreneur coach and author of Who Not How, Dan Sullivan, recommends. Do you need to develop an awareness of where you are burning out on “not-yours-to-do” tasks at the expense of the “smack-in-the-middle-of-your-genius” activities? Then this session is for you!
 
ABOUT JENNIFER HAFELE
Jennifer Hafele, M.Ed., IBCLC, is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Owner and leader of Mama Bear Family Care, she offers in-home, in-office, and telehealth options for lactation care. Mama Bear’s growing team includes two additional IBCLC’s, a Childbirth Educator & Doula, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and Gentle Infant Sleep Coach.  Mama Bear is dedicated to resourcing expectant and new families with education, professional expertise, encouragement, and community-building opportunities. A Masters’ level educator, Jennifer never planned to be an "entrepreneur" but became one rather unexpectedly in 2019 and has evolved to claim that designation.  She has even read at least one business book in the past five years.  Jennifer lives in the Chippewa Valley with her family and two little dogs. Click to learn more about Jennifer's business.

11 am - 12 pm: Financing Your Business Start & Expansion

Presented by: Tammie Clendenning, SBA

Learn about the resources available locally and through the Small Business Administration to help small businesses start, grow, expand, and recover. Services include funding options, government procurement programs, business advising, disaster recovery, and online assistance.

Tammie Clendenning is the Lead Economic Development Specialist for the Wisconsin District of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Tammie is responsible for providing training on SBA’s programs and services including capital access, procurement and business advising.  She enjoys talking to entrepreneurs about the many resources available to them at exhibits and networking events. Tammie is the district office technical representative for the Women’s Business Centers in the state and the Score Liaison. Prior to joining SBA, she held business development and leadership positions in commercial finance. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is a small business owner. Click here to learn more about Tammie Clendenning and the SBA.

11 am - 12 pm: Calm the Chaos - Navigating the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Presented by: Maria Serbus LLC

If you love new ideas, creative flow, and vision strategy but struggle with follow-through and overwhelming tasks, this session is for you. Maria will share insights on working with your unique brain, habit stacking, time organization, and fostering mindfulness. Discover the power of self-awareness as a business owner and team leader. Navigate overwhelm with practical tips and embrace a more disciplined, action-oriented approach to achieve business success.

ABOUT MARIA SERBUS
Maria, founder of Maria Serbus LLC, and mom with ADHD, brings a wealth of knowledge from an eight-year occupational therapy career across a variety of settings in Rochester, MN including Mayo Clinic and community-based rehab settings. Maria’s business focuses on emotional wellness, stress management and resilience building services through 1-on-1 coaching, group workshops, public speaking engagements, webinars, and more. She has certifications as an anxiety management specialist, a HeartMath Biofeedback professional and is trained in using Emotional Freedom Technique (acupressure), along with other holistic mind/body tools in practice. Click here to learn more about Maria Serbus.

11 am - 12:15 pm: Downtown Business Walking Tour - Hello Adorn & The Beauty Room

Presented by: Danielle Kummer, Eau Claire Chamber & WBC Advisory Board Member

Join this Downtown Business Walking Tour to learn how to start and run a business. This group will meet at the Main Entrance of the Pablo Center and then walk to Hello Adorn (jewelry, home goods, clothing & accessories) and The Beauty Room.

11 am: Meet at Main Entrance of the Pablo Center & walk to Hello Adorn
11:10 - 11:30 am: Hello Adorn's presentation and Q & A
11:30 - 11:35 am: Walk to The Beauty Room 
11:35 am - 11:55 am: The Beauty Room's presentation and Q & A
11:55 am - 12:00/12:15 pm: Walk to Pablo Center (arrival time may vary)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 (Afternoon)

12 - 1:00 pm: Lunch Buffet (Riverfront Room), Networking & Exhibit/Vendor Hall

 

1:00 - 1:45 pm: Relaxation Session (Sound Bath)

Presented by: Sara Martin & team, Latitude 44 Yoga Studio

Looking to slow down and relax? Join certified yoga teachers Sara and her colleagues with Latitude 44 Yoga Studio as they share their knowledge and passion for the power of sound to clear energy and create a sense of well-being. Plan to enjoy this session while seated in a chair, or bring your own yoga mat if you wish to sit or lay on the floor. This session is accessible to all levels and no prior experience is necessary. Optional: Bring your own yoga mat. We can store it at the registration table until the session begins. Click here to learn more about Latitude 44 Yoga Studio.

Note: This is a shorter, 45-min session due to the time it takes to reset the room for the next session.

What is a sound bath? Sound baths are relaxing, immersive experiences where participants listen to soothing music, healing vibrations, and/or nature sounds. They’re often used to reduce stress, but sound baths can be used for many purposes, including sleep induction, relaxation, creativity enhancement, and spiritual development. (Source: www.yogabasics.com)

1:00 - 2:00 pm: Business Taxes & Recordkeeping

Presented by: Becky Albert-Breed, Integrity Audit & Tax

Join this session to learn how to prepare for tax season and tips for maintaining a good record-keeping system.

ABOUT BECKY ALBERT-BREED
Becky is proud as a minority and woman business owner dedicated to helping others build financial strength.  She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University.  Her graduate and thesis research focused on investments, fiduciary responsibility, and taxation.  Internal audit expertise includes 3 years of federal and state gaming regulatory audits for multiple tribes, over 8 years of government auditing including City of Milwaukee and Tribal Government, manufacturing audit, as well as corporate bank trust auditing. Audit engagements not only addressed compliance & regulatory needs but also included analysis of process efficiency and internal controls. She has over 15 years of career management experience overseeing Ho-Chunk Nations’ gaming enterprises CFO’s, non-profit organizations, and Treasurer of the tribal government. Her large contributions include creation and serving on a Trust & Investment Committee overseeing over 400M in funds. This resulted from her volunteer interests she has in building communities and supporting solutions to meet these needs. With her interest in taxation, she has worked over 10 years; with CPA accounting firms and specialty tax organizations including many years supporting a family tax business in Milwaukee, WI. With her many community organizations that she volunteers for and those that she has career managed, her focus remains on helping individuals, businesses, and governments strengthen their financial affairs so they may achieve their financial goals. Click here to learn more about Integrity Audit & Tax

1:00 - 2:00 pm: Align Your Financials with the Deposit Solutions You Need

Presented by: Tracey Smiskey and Lacey Logslett, Northwestern Bank - Eau Claire

What money management solutions should be in your toolbox? Learn industry tools & techniques to make your money more secure, your team more efficient, and your fraud management more effective. Take your financial security to the next level!

Tracey Smiskey is a native of the Chicagoland area and has lived in the Chippewa Valley for over 15 years. She currently serves as the Eau Claire Market President at Northwestern Bank, focusing on business development initiatives and building community relationships. Past career highlights include working in public relations with the Chicago White Sox, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, in addition to a leadership role with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and public relations from The Ohio State University, along with an Advanced Leadership Certification from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. Tracey and her husband, Seth, believe the Chippewa Valley area is a great place to raise their three children. She is passionate about spending time with her friends and family, coaching her kids in sports, traveling, and reading. Tracey strongly believes in continuous learning, dreaming big, and accentuating the positive. Click here to learn more about Tracey and Northwestern Bank!

Lacey Logslett, VP of Business Banking, has a degree in Finance and International Business from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Lacey brings 15 years of experience in business and financial management to those she works with. Lacey appreciates working with business clients to support their lending needs as well the opportunity to better understand their business history and story. Lacey has a passion for learning and enjoys expanding her knowledge base through networking, traveling and volunteering.  In the community, Lacey is actively involved with Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley, the Women’s Giving Circle and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Click here to learn more about Lacey and Northwestern Bank!

2:00 - 2:30 pm: Break, Networking & Exhibitor/Vendor Hall

 

2:30 - 3:30 pm: Becoming a Motivating, Equipping, and Empowering Leader

Presented by: Michelle Von Ruden, Von Ruden Coaching & Consulting LLC

In “Becoming a M.E.E. Leader” session, you'll delve into the crucial aspects of Motivating, Equipping, and Empowering leaders, emphasizing the urgency of initiating this transformative journey. As leaders, our paramount responsibility is to foster the growth of those in our sphere. In this session, I am committed to providing you with actionable tools and insights, empowering you to initiate the developmental process from those around you. Together, we’ll explore the idea that leadership is not a solitary ascent but a collective journey. The pinnacle of success need not be a lonely place; let’s elevate others alongside us on this empowering expedition.

ABOUT MICHELLE VON RUDEN
Michelle is the founder of Von Ruden Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and brings over 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Accounting, and Finance to her role. She's part of The Maxwell Leadership Certified Team and holds an MBA in Management and Leadership from the University of Kansas. She is committed to continuous improvement in leadership and personal development. She aims to inspire and develop leadership capabilities in others. Click to learn more about Michelle's business.

2:30 - 3:30 pm: Business Speed Networking

Presented by: Denise Bender, Polka Dot Powerhouse

Join this fun and engaging networking session hosted by Denise of Polka Dot Powerhouse! Bring your business cards, a notebook and your 1-minute business description for a fast & fun speed networking session. 

As Managing Director with Polka Dot Powerhouse Eau Claire Chapter, Denise Bender's passion is connecting action-forward women with others, world-wide, that are striving for their personal and professional dreams, building lifelong friendships and business relationships. Denise also is a Tastefully Simple Copper Leader and Consultant with 20+ years, her passion is partnering with you to answer the "what's for dinner?" daily question. Click here to learn more about Polka Dot Powerhouse.

2:30 - 3:30 pm: "Marketing Your Business on Social Media" - Roundtable

Presented by: Erin Trowbridge, Karah Gonstead, Maria Serbus, Kelly Gardner

Host - Erin Trowbridge, Four Peas Consulting: Erin Trowbridge is a co-owner of Four Peas Consulting and has over ten years of experience in digital marketing in a variety of industries. She has worked on large and small marketing teams, for entrepreneurs and enterprise-level organizations. Her passion is educating other marketers, and by sharing her experiences, she hopes to help others become better practitioners and advocates of marketing best practices in today's digital landscape. Click here to learn more about Erin and her business.

Panelist - Karah Gonstead, Genuine Way Family Therapy
Having the desire to provide mental health therapy services to the Eau Claire and surrounding areas, Karah established Genuine Way Family Therapy in July of 2018. GWFT provides outpatient mental health services to individuals and families, offers support and educational groups, and gives back to the local community through volunteer involvement and donations. Karah (MSW, LCSW, PMH-C) grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and pursued clinical social work. She specializes in working with adolescents who often struggle with anxiety or depressive symptoms, family conflict, low self-confidence, unhealthy boundaries, life transitions, trauma, and/or with unhealthy communication skills. Additionally, Karah is a strong advocate for all things Mom-life. She has experienced the intense difficulties associated with a PMAD (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders), has experienced pregnancy loss, and traumatic births. Because of her passions and these experiences, she is proud to be a PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health - Certified) psychotherapist. Karah currently resides in the Eau Claire area with her husband, son, and daughter. She enjoys the beauty in sunrises, a really good book or podcast, and the non-winter Wisconsin months! Click here to learn more about Genuine Way Family Therapy

Panelist - Maria Serbus
Maria, founder of Maria Serbus LLC, and mom with ADHD, brings a wealth of knowledge from an eight-year occupational therapy career across a variety of settings in Rochester, MN including Mayo Clinic and community-based rehab settings. Maria’s business focuses on emotional wellness, stress management and resilience building services through 1-on-1 coaching, group workshops, public speaking engagements, webinars, and more. She has certifications as an anxiety management specialist, a HeartMath Biofeedback professional and is trained in using Emotional Freedom Technique (acupressure), along with other holistic mind/body tools in practice. Click here to learn more about Maria Serbus.

Panelist - Kelly Gardner, Create Happy Gift Shop
Kelly Gardner Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Creative Kelly is a dynamic and driven entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and a history of success in fundraising and marketing. With over a decade of experience in business and non-profit organizations, she has expanded skills and expertise to foster growth and help businesses create impactful strategies that propel them forward while building roots in the communities they serve. Having started her entrepreneurial journey at a young age, Kelly quickly demonstrated her ability and passion for community engagement. Kelly is known for a variety of things in her community; she’s most proud to be recognized as someone who creates happiness and spreads joy! Click here to learn more about Kelly!

2:30 - 3:30 pm: Interested in Contracting with the Government? Start with Market Research!

Presented by: Jack Laufenberg, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

The first step in determining if the government market is a potential customer is to do some serious MARKET RESEARCH – is the government buying what you are selling. This presentation will focus on how your business can locate past awards and current/ future government opportunities - specifically in Northern Wisconsin – with agencies such as WisDOT, US Forest Service, USDA, VA, State of WI, National Park Service, municipalities, or as a subcontractor to large government contractors. And, if your research indicates the government market could be a potential customer, what are your next steps – including registrations, certifications, bid matching and more.  

Jack Laufenberg is the Special Projects Coordinator and Small Business Advisor at the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – Wisconsin’s APEX Accelerator. The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – is Wisconsin’s APEX Accelerator, operated under the Department of Defense (DoD), Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) with a mission to assist Wisconsin businesses compete in the government markets – to work with existing and new business to strengthen the defense and government industrial base by accelerating innovation, fostering ingenuity, and establishing resilient and diverse supply chains.  WPI is celebrating 37 years of service to all of Wisconsin’s 72 Wisconsin counties. Last year WPI provided technical assistance to 1300+ active clients, added 900+ new clients, hosted / participated in 100+ webinars, workshops and conferences and was credited with assisting clients receive over $1.9 billion in contract awards. Click here to learn more about WPI.

3:30 - 4:00 pm: Closing Announcements & Prize Winners (RCU Theater)

Presented by: WBC Staff

Join us in the RCU Theater to close out the day with a couple of announcements and awesome prizes!

4 - 6 pm: Happy Hour at The District Pub & Grill (optional, self-pay)

 

Join us for a fun networking opportunity to close out this year's Women's Business Conference! This optional Happy Hour from 4-6 pm will take place at The District Pub & Grill across the street from the Pablo Center and the beverages will be paid for by the participants. The District Pub & Grill offers non-alcoholic beverages as well as Pepsi products. Click to learn more.

PAST SPEAKERS

2024 Speakers

Presented by: see below

2024 speakers coming soon!

2023 Speakers

Presented by: see below

2023 Speakers

  • Missy Hughes, WEDC
  • Becky Albert-Breed
  • Tammie Clendenning, SBA
  • Sarah Coenen 
  • Jamie Edwards
  • Kim Garber
  • Dawnell Kelly
  • Danielle Kummer
  • Sara Martin & team, Latitude 44 Yoga Studio
  • Toni Mattson
  • Molly Rodriguez
  • Angela Ryan, The Design Blonde
  • Tracey Smiskey & Lacey Logslett
  • Kristin Schmidt & Katie Ott, M3 Insurance
  • Maria Serbus LLC
  • Erin Trowbridge, Four Peas Consulting
  • Stacey Whaley, Fire Up & Lead

 

2023 Roundtable Speakers

  • Lorance Uwinaza, The Coven (host)
  • Laura Ericson Group Trips
  • Beth Elliott
  • Mi Sullivan

 

  • Anna Cardarella, Western Dairyland (panelist/host)
  • Kristina Barnier
  • Ashley Kosharek, AMK Cleaning

 

  • Jaime White, Believe Crew (host)
  • Marquita Davis
  • Hannah Koschak
  • Amanda Myrick, Royal Credit Union

2022 Speakers

Presented by: see below

2022 Speakers

  • Tammie Clendenning, SBA
  • Amy Vik, H&R Block
  • Stacie Brenner, Stacie Brenner Coaching
  • Kaileen McMickle, Inner Ascent Counseling LLC
  • Carolyn Zick, Bad Axe Enterprises
  • Jeff Kersten, State of Wisconsin DATCP
  • Anna Ledebuhr, Coulee Boutique
  • Molly Rodriguez, Eau Claire Body Care
  • Laura Gmeinder, Laura Gmeinder Coaching & Consulting
  • Kim Garber & Tru Mwololo, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
  • Vanessa Klemish, Klemish & Johnson LLC
  • Dr. Emily Elsner Twesme & Kate Tosteson, Vibrant Virtual
  • Katie Labedz, Learning to Lean LLC
  • Sam Kjelstad, CLA
  • LuAnn Buechler, PMC Events & Coaching
  • Tara Nolan, Transformation Tara
  • Stacy Whaley, Fire Up & Lead

 

2022 Roundtable Speakers

  • Gretchen Hudacek, Royal Credit Union
  • Erin Johnson, Integrity Audit & Tax
  • Carolyn Jahnke, Athena Legal Solutions
  • Tammy Tom-Steinmetz, Talking Results (host)
  • Erin Trowbridge, Four Peas Consulting

 

2022 Power Panel Speakers

  • Dr. Maysee Herr, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
  • Katie Labedz, Learning to Lean (host)
  • Anna Ledebuhr, Coulee Boutique
  • Farrah Miller, Chic Sweets Drinks & Desserts
  • Stephanie Schneider, Together Farms

2021 Speakers

Presented by: see below

2021 In-Person Power Panel

  • tbd

 

2021 In-Person Speakers

  • Dr. Emily Elsner Twesme, Vibrant Virtual
  • Stacy Whaley, Fire Up & Lead

 

2021 Virtual Speakers

  • Mindy Dale, von Briesen & Roper
  • Nicole Howard, US LBM
  • Linda Pophal, Strategic Communications
  • Krista Paulus, Security Financial Bank
  • Amy Vik, H & R Block
  • Tina Nazier, Wipfli
  • Erin Trowbridge, Four Peas Consulting
  • Katie Labedz, Learning to Lean
  • Kim Garber, WPI
  • Jim Zons, EZ New media
  • Angela Eckman, CVTC
  • Amelia Wenzel and Sara Thurston, Child Care Partnership
  • Tammie Clendenning, SBA
  • Katia Rave, Rave Strategy Studio
  • Michelle Madl-Soehren
  • Lisa Tavares, Image Consultant
  • Beth Crowell, Current Coaching LLC 
  • Justin Vajko, Dialog Design
  • Beverly Wickstrom, Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs LLP
  • Holly Anne Burns, bb7
  • Jan Schaffner, Schaffner Tax Solutions
  • Deanna Dennison, Pro-Active Engineering

2019 Speakers

Presented by: see below

Past speakers coming soon!

This event brought to you by Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center, a program of the Western Dairyland Community Action Agency.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Agreements for persons with disabilities will be made at all times in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and associated amendments. Arrangements for persons with special needs will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals.

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