Conference Agenda

This free pre-conference event is hosted by the Western Wisconsin Women's Business Center and (host pending). RSVP via your conference ticket or table registration form. More information and the final RSVP form will be sent out as the event gets closer!

Expect a comfortable yet inspiring environment with hot coffee, breakfast pastries, and networking opportunities. At 9:30 am, join our speaker for an engaging workshop/presentation. Topic and speaker to be announced!

•    9-9:30 am: Coffee, pastries, networking
•    9:30-10:30 am: Presentation/workshop
•    10:30-11 am: Coffee, pastries, networking

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.

Carolyn Jahnke is the Founding Attorney of Athena Legal Solutions, where she empowers women entrepreneurs with proactive legal strategies to protect, grow, and harvest their business value. With over 20 years of experience spanning nonprofits, startups, and corporate leadership, she is passionate about helping business owners safeguard their success. Carolyn leads a dedicated team that provides personalized, strategic legal guidance, ensuring clients make informed decisions with confidence. In addition to her work, Carolyn serves on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland Council and the Center for Community Stewardship, reinforcing her commitment to leadership and community impact. She also enjoys adventures with her husband, Roman, their four children, and two dogs—exploring new places and dreaming big together. Click here to learn more about Athena Legal Solutions.

Host: Jordan Pospishil, Royal Credit Union (Eau Claire, WI)
With fifteen years of experience in financial services, Jordan brings a wealth of expertise to Royal Credit Union's business banking team and is excited to help finance start-ups and support existing businesses. Her career journey began as a high school teller, leading her to diverse roles at Royal where she worked as a Financial Service Representative and in Member Loans. She later transitioned to a credit analyst role where she discovered her passion for business lending. Jordan went on to serve as the lending specialist for the Regional Business Fund, helping small businesses in West Central Wisconsin, and gained hands-on operational experience offering tailored lending solutions that foster business growth. Jordan holds a bachelor's degree in economics from UW-Eau Claire and completed the Commercial Lending School foundational course with the American Bankers Association. She's actively involved in her community as a board member for the Chippewa County EDC, Chair of the Revolving Loan Fund Committee, Treasurer of the Red Letter Grant Board, and a dedicated volunteer with Junior Achievement. Click here to learn more about Royal Credit Union.

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Host: Tracey Smiskey, Northwestern Bank - Eau Claire
Tracey Smiskey is a native of the Chicagoland area and has lived in the Chippewa Valley for over 18 years with her husband and three children. She is passionate about serving the community and spending time with her family. Tracey started her career working in community and public relations with the Chicago White Sox, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, before moving into a leadership role with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley. Today she is a part of the Northwestern Bank Senior Leadership team guiding the bank’s goals and strategic planning, while serving as the Eau Claire Market President leading a team of commercial lenders focused on business development initiatives and building community relationships. Click here to learn more about Northwestern Bank.

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Join this Downtown Business Walking Tour led by Danielle Kummer 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 Planette Kids.

Danielle Kummer has served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce for the last 5 years. Prior to the Chamber, she worked for Manpower for 6 years in several different roles within the company. Danielle is an Advisory Board Member for the Women’s Business Center. She also serves as the Fiscal Agent for the Eau Claire Area Youth Apprenticeship Consortium. Danielle lives in Mondovi with her husband, two children, and their dog. In her free time, she enjoys reading different genres of books and spending time outdoors. She’s always up for an adventure and loves to explore unique places.

NETWORKING is about knowing more people, CONNECTING is about knowing people more! Join this fun and engaging 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 is also a Tastefully Simple Ambassador 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.

In this session, both new and established business owners will gain a foundational understanding of Wisconsin’s tax laws. Topics will include business tax registration, withholding tax, sales and use tax, other applicable business taxes, and an introduction to My Tax Account.

Sara Brian is currently a Revenue Auditor 6 (Lead Worker) for the sales and use tax section of the audit bureau. Sara prepares and provides training to both new and experienced auditors and reviews complex tax issues that arise during the audit process. Prior to becoming a Lead Worker, she audited individuals and corporations of varying sizes for sales and use taxes, as well as provided taxpayer assistance. Sara has worked for the Department since August 2011, and she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

This session offers a guided sound‑supported relaxation experience designed to help professionals reset, refocus, and reduce stress. Participants will step away feeling restored, grounded, and better equipped to navigate the demands of leadership and daily work.

Since opening its doors in 2015, Latitude 44 Yoga has expanded in size three times and offered dozens of fundraisers and volunteer opportunities to support the needs of the community. Even through its growth, the goal of the studio has remained the same: to help the Chippewa Valley live and move mindfully. The studio offers classes seven days a week for all experience levels in heated and non-heated studios. Classes include a variety of yoga options from power to yin and restorative, barre (a blend of ballet and pilates), and fitness-based fusion classes which offer a full body workout. Click here to learn more about Latitude 44 Yoga Studio.

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. Click here to learn more about WPI.

Benjamin Blanc has been a Government Contract Specialist for the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – Wisconsin’s Apex Accelerator since 2014. Prior to working with WPI Ben worked at a number of Federal government contractors including GE Capital, GE Healthcare, Oshkosh Defense as well as a Native American PTAC. Ben’s experience supports a broad and diverse knowledge and expertise supporting Defense, Federal, State and Local government procurement processes, strategy, compliance, regulations, and policies.

Make the most of your finances by joining this session! Learn how to track your business profitability by understanding business financial options, statements and methods to measure your business profitability.
 
Sam Kjelstad is a Principal leading the West Central Wisconsin Client Accounting and Advisory Nonprofit team in CLA's Eau Claire, WI office. Sam has over twelve years of experience in the accounting profession serving nonprofit organizations. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Click here to learn more about CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen).

Keynote Speaker

• Sarah Stokes, The Juicy Good Life

Breakout Sessions

• Sarah Stokes, The Juicy Good Life
• Carolyn Jahnke, Athena Legal Solutions 
• Hailey Krajewski, The Copy Shift
• Associated Bank
• Danielle Kummer, Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce
• Denise Bender, Polka Dot Powerhouse
• Sara Bowe, Elevate Health Collective
• Kelly Berry, Learn Start Grow LLC
• Sara Brian, Wisconsin Dept of Revenue
• Sara Martin, Latitude 44 Yoga Studio
• Karen Park, Latitude 44 Yoga Studio
• Becca Stone, Latitude 44 Yoga Studio
• Ben Blanc, WPI
• Carolina Villarreal, VOZ Growth
• Sam Kjelstad, CLA

Starting Your Business - Roundtable

• Tobi LeMahieu, Regional Business Fund
• Sabrina Sendelbach, Wilma's Cakes
• Erin Klaus, Tangled Up in Hue / Downtown Eau Claire Inc.
• Jordan Pospishil, Royal Credit Union

Growing Your Business - Roundtable

• Tracey Smiskey, Northwestern Bank
• Jessica Martin, Martin Dental, Martin Management
• Lauren Shira, vIVid Wisconsin
• Jen Westrate, Barks & Recreation

Keynote Speaker

• Lisa Erickson, U.S. Bank Wealth Management

Breakout Sessions

• Sarah Stokes, The Juicy Good Life
• Jennifer Hafele, Mama Bear Family Care
• Tammie Clendenning, SBA
• Maria Serbus LLC
• Danielle Kummer, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce 
• Sara Martin, Karen Park, and Becca Stone with Latitude 44 Yoga Studio
• Becky Albert-Breed, Integrity Audit & Tax
• Tracey Smiskey and Lacey Logslett, Northwestern Bank - Eau Claire
• Michelle Von Ruden, Von Ruden Coaching & Consulting LLC
• Denise Bender, Polka Dot Powerhouse
• Jack Laufenberg, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

Starting Your Business - Roundtable

• Kate Holmes Thompson Coaching LLC
• Margaret Raether, Main Street Hair Solutions
• Karlee Wallin, Royal Credit Union
• Kayla Midthun, Shine On Boutique & Ramone's Ice Cream

Growing Your Business - Roundtable

• Rebecca Cooke, Red Letter Grant
• Danielle Goss, KUL MOCKS
• Amy Lokken, Müd Modular 
• Sarah Polzin, Down to Earth Garden Center & Mustard Seed Boutique

Social Media Marketing - Roundtable

• Erin Trowbridge, Four Peas Consulting
• Karah Gonstead, Genuine Way Family Therapy
• Maria Serbus LLC
• Kelly Gardner, Create Happy Gift Shop

Keynote Speaker

• Missy Hughes, WEDC

Breakout Sessions

• Becky Albert-Breed, Integrity Audit & Tax
• Tammie Clendenning, SBA
• Sarah Coenen, Athena Legal Solutions LLC
• Jamie Edwards, Sensible Solutions Care Clinic
• Kim Garber, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
• Dawnell Kelly, Life-Balance By Design
• Danielle Kummer, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
• Sara Martin & team, Latitude 44 Yoga Studio
• Toni Mattson, Toni Mattson - Live the Life & 
• Molly Rodriguez, Eau Claire Body Care
• Angela Ryan, The Design Blonde/Exotic Species Studio
• Tracey Smiskey & Lacey Logslett, Northwestern Bank
• Kristin Schmidt & Katie Ott, M3 Insurance
• Maria Serbus LLC
• Erin Trowbridge, Four Peas Consulting
• Stacey Whaley, Fire Up & Lead

Starting Your Business - Roundtable

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

Growing Your Business - Roundtable

• Jaime White, Believe Crew (host)
• Marquita Davis, Hair Stuff Beauty Supply
• Hannah Koschak, Wholesome Endeavors
• Amanda Myrick, Royal Credit Union

Employee Recruitment & Retention - Roundtable

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

Breakout Sessions

• 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

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

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 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

Past speakers coming soon!