Conference Agenda

Missy Hughes is the secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. She was appointed to the post by Governor Evers in September 2019. Prior to joining WEDC, she was chief counsel and chief mission officer for Organic Valley, a Wisconsin-based, nationwide cooperative of organic dairy farmers.

In her role at WEDC, Secretary Hughes oversees efforts to attract businesses to Wisconsin and help existing businesses expand, meet current and future workforce needs, promote global trade and investment, support thriving communities and small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, address the unique needs of rural residents, and advance the economic well-being of every resident. Click here to learn more about WEDC.

Join this session to learn how to prepare for tax season and tips for maintaining a good record-keeping system. Becky will be available to answer your questions!

Becky Albert-Breed is a proud minority and woman-owned 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. 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 creating 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 the 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 Becky and Integrity Audit & Tax.

Health benefits are a big deal. The fear of losing paid insurance benefits can prevent women from following their dream of launching their own business. Or, if they have launched a business, the inability to provide health care benefits can be a disadvantage when hiring employees in a competitive job market. There really is a simple answer to what has been a very complicated issue. Jamie Edwards, of Sensible Solutions Care Clinic, can help attendees understand the direct provider/shared major expense model that empowers female entrepreneurs, sole proprietors and leaders of small businesses to deliver affordable health care benefits.

Jamie, Owner/CEO of Sensible Solutions Care Clinic, has been a nurse since 2002, obtained her MSN in 2015, and became a certified health coach in 2020. Jamie thrives off personal change and growth of her patients. She is driven to deliver healthcare differently, focusing on making quality care affordable to everyone. She returned to her home town and founded Sensible Solutions Care Clinic, serving patients in Barron County and surrounding areas. Click here to learn more about Jamie Edwards.

Host - Lorance Uwinaza, CoLab
Lorance Uwinaza is the Membership and Marketing Coordinator at CoLab, Eau Claire’s only coworking space. After moving here from Coon Rapids, MN, to attend and graduate from UW-Eau Claire in 2021, Lorance has chosen to call Eau Claire home. She is passionate about helping people through connections and providing resources. With over a year in her position at CoLab, Lorance works with over 100 of CoLab’s members, manages all marketing activities, events and much more. Click here to learn more about Lorance and CoLab

Panelist - Laura Ericson, Laura Ericson Group Trips: After getting a divorce and quitting her 14-year career at CVTC in 2021, Laura Ericson founded Laura Ericson Group Trips, a boutique travel company that focuses on off-the-beaten-path travel experiences around the world. She has traveled to over 20 countries, lived abroad in Spain twice, and is an experienced travel hacker, finding the best ways to travel the world on a budget using points and miles. Laura has spoken at many national conferences around the United States on various subjects, including traveling on a budget, social media and marketing, and financial literacy. Click to learn more about Laura and her business.

Panelist - Mi Sullivan, Mi Mì Café: When Mi moved to Eau Claire from California in 2016, she saw a need for authentic Vietnamese food in the area and started her food truck in 2019 to fill that gap. As the co-owner and chef of Mi Mì Café food truck, the only Vietnamese food truck in the Chippewa Valley area, Mi hopes to introduce Vietnamese food in a more casual way. Her food truck offers services ranging from private catering, work lunches to public events like farmer's markets & more. Click here to learn more about Mi and Mi Mi Café.

Panelist - Beth Elliott, The Hippie Banker: For the past four years, Beth has been coaching entrepreneurs to help them start and grow their businesses by guiding both the pragmatic and personal development sides of business ownership. Through her work with clients, she helps them overcome limiting self-beliefs while sharpening their business savvy, so that they may enjoy a better experience of entrepreneurship and increase the probability of success. Beth received a BA with honors from Ripon College in Economics and a minor in Business Management, was a business loan officer in both a bank and non-profit for 15 years, is a graduate of Positive Psychology Life Coach Training, a Reiki Master, and trained in Human Design chart readings and interpretations. Click here to learn more about Beth and her business.

Start-ups, solopreneurs, and large firms will spend lots of money on marketing without understanding how to close the deal. Join this session to learn how to feel comfortable selling your products or services, elevate your customer service to reach your goals and teach your employees how to properly execute a transaction to improve your company's bottom line.

Molly Rodriguez is an Arcadia native and cherishes her small-town roots. She moved back to the area from Chicago in 2019. Her career as a nurse, business owner, and professional speaker has led to amazing opportunities. She has worked internationally, is bi-lingual, and worked the front lines as a nurse during the pandemic. Molly is a professional speaker and engages every last audience member to reflect deeply and grow professionally. You will love how everyone leaves the presentation with a new business strategy and a smile on their face! Click here to learn more about Eau Claire Body Care.

Join Sarah's session to learn how to include your business in your estate plan. The presentation will cover key terminology, why estate planning is so important, and the general types of plans and processes. Sarah will also highlight techniques for business owners to structure their business interests to avoid probate. 

Attorney Sarah Coenen practices estate planning and business law at Athena Legal Solutions, LLC. Sarah is a Valparaiso University Law graduate and has been practicing for about 7 years. Her practice allows her to aid individuals with various aspects of business law and estate planning. She assists individuals with setting up their business properly and she also recognizes that in addition to setting up a business, it is important to for a business to have ongoing protection so that it can continue to work towards its goals through trademark and copyright registration. Sarah also understands how important it is for a business owner to not only have their business protected but also for the business owner to be personally protected and have a plan in place for the unexpected.  She is here to work with business owners and be a resource for them so that business owners can concentrate on the operation of their business and not worry about legal concerns. Click here to learn more about Athena Legal Solutions LLC.

Maria Serbus will inspire you to get curious about the underlying emotions of self-doubt such as anxiety, uncertainty, and overwhelm that may be holding you back from starting or growing your business. Learn how to shift into positive emotions such as calm, grounded, and joy to help increase self-confidence in your work and business. Maria will lead the group through body-based strategies and techniques to learn how to calm the nervous system, which will drive more positive emotions and thoughts. Increase your self-confidence and make wiser, heart-led business decisions with ease by attending Maria's session!

Maria, owner and founder of Maria Serbus, LLC, 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 and her business.

Growing your business comes with many ups and downs, but we're here to support you along the way! Join this interactive session to get your questions answered by our panel of experts and connect with other business owners who are at the same stage as you.

Host - Jaime White, Believe Crew LLC: Jaime White is a Vision Coach, Intuitive Coach Matchmaker, Podcast Host, and Chief Belief Officer in Believe Crew. She helps emerging leaders & entrepreneurs connect to their calling and courageously step into their vision. After 22 years of experience in leading multiple family businesses (from start-ups to established businesses), Jaime has a passion for developing leaders and encouraging business owners to be the visionaries they are called to be. Click here to learn more about Jaime and her business.

Panelist - Marquita Davis, Hair Stuff Beauty Supply LLC: Marquita Davis (Master of Public Health) is a former hair stylist with over 20 years of experience revolutionizing the integration of the wellness & beauty industry. With a background in public health and a passion for promoting well-being, she combines her skills and knowledge to educate consumers and help them find healthier, higher-quality products for their hair and skincare. Click to learn more about Marquita and Hair Stuff Supply LLC

Panelist - Hannah Koschak, Wholesome Endeavors: Through working in a clinical setting as a Registered Dietitian, Hannah quickly noticed a gap between a healthy lifestyle and understanding disease prevention. Hannah is passionate about offering an unbiased perspective to inspire and advocate for people on a health journey, outside of dieting. She started Wholesome Endeavors to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for people to learn and grow towards a better quality of life without weight stigma. Hannah helps people with their eating habits and mindset through a membership that offers in-person and virtual events and workshops, education, and group support. Learn more about the Wholesome Community Membership and Wholesome Endeavors! Click here to learn more about Hannah and her business.

Panelist - Amanda Myrick, Business Banking Officer at Royal Credit Union Amanda’s an active Business Banking Officer who excels at building business and community engagement simultaneously. She’s someone who is intuitive, adaptive, and creative when solving your business banking needs such as: commercial real estate, investment properties, business banking solutions, equipment loans, and cash flow options. While working as a Branch Manager she came to realize her passion for the local business community, as she comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. She will take the time to educate you about Royal Credit Union's products, services, and provide details about how these financial solutions can elevate your business. Amanda acknowledges that each small business owner is an entrepreneur with financial aspirations. Click here to learn more about Royal Credit Union.

Join this 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 Dotter's Books and Hello Adorn (jewelry, home goods, clothing & accessories).

11 am: Meet at Main Entrance of the Pablo Center & walk to Hello Adorn
11:10 - 11:30 am: Hello Adorn presentation
11:30 am: Walk to Dotter's Books
11:35 am - 12 pm: Dotter's Books presentation
12 - 12:15 pm: Browse store and walk to Pablo Center (arrival time may vary)

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.

Join Angela's session to learn how to create a unique 'marketing ecosystem' that's built for your specific audience, brand and business. She will cover the difference between strategy and tactics, building a marketing strategy, and utilizing unique opportunities to increase brand awareness and reach potential customers. You'll hear about a gamut of traditional and non-traditional examples, relevant marketing trends and insights, as well as discuss ways to leverage your ecosystem to fit specific industries. 

Since 2016, Angela has been co-creating brands and evolving processes in a wide range of environments. She started her career as an art director and graphic designer in the advertising industry and has since moved on to be a serial entrepreneur. She's worked as a creative strategist and consultant for agencies, businesses and individuals alike. While helping creative directors, CEOs, founders, and their teams, she realized how much support it takes for projects to go from idea to execution. And even though each business and project were unique, the support they needed was often the same. Angela holds a BFA in Design and Visual Communication (DVC) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) — a unique educational experience that blends technical design fundamentals, effective peer communication and course collaboration with the Lubar School of Business. Her impressively short track record encompasses a variety of multi-dimensional experiences in Marketing, Advertising, Business, Nonprofit and more. Click here to learn more about Angela Ryan.

Finding Your Right Fit Client and Converting Them into Raving Fans is a roll-up-your sleeves, workshop style presentation that breaks down bankable ideas and strategies on how to identify and cultivate your Right Fit Client, and why accomplishing it is so important. Toni’s casual, yet world-class approach draws her audiences in and fills them with actionable steps that clarify and demystify the process of growing raving fans and living the life.

Toni Mattson is a founder of the Midwest’s leader in Equine Assisted Therapy - Trinity Equestrian Center where she established, grew, and maintains the acclaimed Veteran Wellness Program. Her program has served over 700 veterans struggling with PTSD and has provided nearly 6,000 free therapy sessions. She has a degree in Marketing, Non-Profit Management, and since 2009 Toni has traveled the country training fellow equine centers using her signature program, “From Passion to Purpose” mentoring many to become established, successful, and sustainable. Toni is an author, speaker, podcaster, encourager and for nearly two decades traveled the US and Canada speaking as a guest on radio and TV programs, a keynote and panel speaker at colleges and seminaries, at international conferences, business development workshops and leadership events, and has testified four times before the WI State Senate and Committee on Veteran Affairs on behalf of Veterans with PTSD. She blends her unshakable faith with her rare business and equine therapy experience to inspire and motivate her audiences to embrace their unique Passion, Power, Peace, and Purpose to create the impact they dream of while earning the income they deserve and to Live the Life they were created for. Click here to learn more about Toni Mattson.

Join Kristin and Kate to discuss the state of employee benefits and where this relates to winning the war for talent. They will provide a basic background on employee benefit options and how they see them being utilized in the competitive work culture of 2023.

Kristin Schmidt is an account executive at M3 Insurance and has been with the company since 2008. Specializing in employee benefits, Schmidt coordinates ongoing service for clients to ensure that their coverage meets their needs. She consults with and advises clients about the design, implementation and management of their benefit programs. She's earned her Bachelor of Science degree in human resource management from Metropolitan State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University.

Katie Ott joined M3 in 2016 to lead the agency’s worksite benefits practice and became a partner in 2021.  Using her expertise in the voluntary benefits space, Katie provides guidance to M3’s account teams in developing and implementing employee engagement strategies. She helps clients discover new ways to deliver more effective employee education, enrollment, and benefits technology solutions. She co-chairs the Community Committee for M3’s Women’s Business Resource Group, and serves on the board of her children’s elementary parent teacher organization. Katie earned her degree in marketing and management information systems from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Often business owners feel that inner calling of awareness to become more visible without fully understanding why or how. Becoming more visible often requires new levels of personal growth and an understanding of the value we bring when we serve others with our unique gifts and talents. Fears, doubts, and the voices in our head can get really loud when we think about becoming more visible... and yet, you know deep down inside that it's where you are called next. Let's dig into how to know if you are called to be more visible and what opportunities to consider as the best options based on your specific personality!

Jaime White is a Vision Coach, Intuitive Coach Matchmaker, Podcast Host, and Chief Belief Officer in Believe Crew. She helps emerging leaders & entrepreneurs connect to their calling and courageously step into their vision. After 22 years of experience in leading multiple family businesses (from start-ups to established businesses), Jaime has a passion for developing leaders and encouraging business owners to be the visionaries they are called to be. Click to learn more about Jaime and her business.

Looking to slow down and relax? Join certified yoga teachers Sara, Cassie, Nick and Becca from Latitude 44 Yoga Studio as they share their knowledge and passion for the power of sound to clear energy and create a sense of wellbeing. Participants will lie or sit on the floor or in a chair for the entire experience. This session is accessible to all levels and no prior experience is necessary. Optional: Bring your own yoga mat. We’ll store it for you until the session begins. Click here to learn more about Latitude 44 Yoga Studio.

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)

Wisconsin Procurement Institute will help you locate the opportunities selling to the Government in Wisconsin and specifically Northern Wisconsin, like Wisconsin DOT and their Primes, USFS, USDA, VA, State of WI, and municipalities.  This will give you an insight how to grow to even bigger possibilities like Federal Government.

Kim Garber is the Director of Small Business Programs at the Wisconsin Procurement Institute. Kim has been with WPI 10+ years and has over 25 years of experience in government contracting. WPI Assists businesses in creating, developing and growing their sales, revenue and jobs through Federal, State and Local Government contracts. WPI offers: Individual Counseling at our offices, at client’s facilities or via telephone/GoToMeeting; Small Group Training through workshops and webinars; Conferences to include one-on-one or roundtable sessions. Last year WPI provided training at over 100 events and provided service to over 1,200 companies. Click here to learn more about WPI.

Make the most of your finances. Learn how to track your business profitability by understanding business financial options, statements and methods to measure your business profitability.

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. Her favorite quote is, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

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.
 

If you’re ready to create an action plan with the knowledge you’ve gained today, then Dawnell's presentation is for you. Learn how to set (and reach) your goals through expert project planning. Dawnell Kelly, CEO of Auxly Help, is going to walk through a detailed worksheet to help you outline your goal and create actionable steps that you can take today.

Dawnell Kelly is a Leadership Coach and ForbesWomen Contributor. She created the 1-2-3 method that is taught in STEM classes and was published in ForbesWomen. For years Dawnell struggled with overwhelm and procrastination until she had nothing left but a mattress on the floor. Then she discovered a simple 4-part framework that helped her get clear on how to set goals in a holistic way that aligned with her values, personality, and the way her mind works. She now teaches other women that with clear action steps, they too can reach their goals while putting self-care first - so they can live with more freedom, passion, and purpose in their lives. Click here to learn more about Dawnell.

Join Stacy Whaley, founder of Fire Up & Lead, in an exhilarating breakout session designed to ignite your network and fuel business growth through speed networking. Discover the power of intentional, collaborative, and authentic connections while crafting a compelling elevator pitch. Learn how to find the right networking groups and experience rapid-fire networking to expand your circle and uncover new opportunities. Supercharge your networking skills and propel your business forward. Don't miss "Fueling Business Growth Through Speed Networking" with Stacy Whaley. 

Stacy Whaley is the Owner of Fire Up & Lead, a business coaching and consulting company she runs virtually from her home office in Chippewa Falls, WI. Stacy is passionate about helping busy and overwhelmed business owners take control of their time and their lives. At Fire Up & Lead the focus is on building the two critical sides of business, purposeful business development alongside purposeful leadership development. Fire Up & Lead’s mission is to challenge and inspire entrepreneurs to DO better and to BE better in their business and in their lives. Click here to learn more about Stacy Whaley.

Panelist: Ashley M. Kosharek, AMK Cleaning Services In 2012, at the age of 28, Ashley was a single mom yearning to be more present in her sons' life while making a living to support them. With her entrepreneurial mindset, Ashley purchased $20 worth of cleaning supplies and got to work. Today, AMK Cleaning is a successful business with the most amazing team of individuals. Above all, Ashley’s priority is to be more than just an employer to her team, and that’s exactly what she’s done. She ensures that her team members can thrive and grow both personally and professionally while working at AMK. Giving back to the community is important to AMK, as it was this community that helped AMK grow into what it is today! Ashley gives back to local non-profit organizations and partners with Cleaning for a Reason to donate two free cleanings to individuals who have cancer and are undergoing treatment. Click to learn more about AMK Cleaning Services.

Panelist: Anna Cardarella is the CEO of Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, Incorporated (WDEOC), a nonprofit Community Action Agency serving Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, and Trempealeau Counties in western Wisconsin. The agency’s mission is to alleviate poverty-related conditions and to provide opportunities that enable people to advance economically and socially. WDEOC runs a variety of programs including: Head Start, Weatherization, a Women’s Business Center, Homeless Services, WHEAP Energy Assistance, Child Care Partnership, a Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and others. The agency employs 170 full-time employees and is among the largest nonprofit organizations in the region. Anna has a BBA in Economics and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire. Click here to learn more about WDEOC.

Panelist: Kristina Barnier, Branch Team Lead for SEEK Careers/Staffing, brings over 7 years of operational and business development experience in the staffing industry. Kristina has her CSP through the American Staffing Association, participates on the Eau Claire Chamber Workforce Committee and is the Workforce Readiness Coordinator for CVSHRM. Kristina has a B.A. in Communications from UWEC. Kristin enjoys networking, learning, and sharing knowledge & best practices with other area professionals. Click to learn more about SEEK Careers/Staffing.

Join Erin's session to learn how to create a marketing plan that works for your business.

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.