The 2025 Central Wisconsin Workforce Solutions Summit

Join us on March 18-19, 2025, at the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover, WI for the Central Wisconsin Workforce Solutions Summit. This key event brings together business leaders, industry experts, and regional stakeholders to discuss and develop actionable solutions for the growing workforce shortage in Central Wisconsin. With keynote addresses from:

 

Layla Merrifield, President of the Wisconsin Technical College System

Matt Kirchner, President of ATS/LAB Midwest

Matthew Kures, Community Economic Development Specialist and Researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension Community Development Institute

Edward Erfurt, Director of Community Action at Strong Towns

 

Attendees can expect hands-on workshops, networking sessions, and panel discussions focused on solving workforce challenges in our region. Whether you’re an employer, employee, or a student, this summit will equip you with the tools and insights necessary to address workforce gaps, boost career opportunities, and strengthen the economic future of Central Wisconsin. Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to this critical conversation.

 

Agenda:

Pre-Reception Networking 3/18/2025

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Room Grand Hall

 

Workforce Solutions Summit Agenda 3/19/2025

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

Event Registration and Breakfast

• Room: Foyer and Grand Hall

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM

Opening Remarks

• Room: Grand Hall

9:00 AM – 9:40 AM

Opening Keynote: Layla Merrifield, President of the Wisconsin Technical College System

• Room: Grand Hall

9:40 AM – 10:25 am 

Second Keynote: Matt Kirchner, Present of ATS/LAB Midwest and Host of the TechEd Podcast

• Room: Grand Hall

10:25 am – 10:40 AM

Networking Morning Break

• Room: Foyer 

10:40 AM – 11:25 AM 

Breakout Session:

• Track A: Workplace Technology 
  • Room: Kitchen Lab
• Track B: Outdoor Recreation Panel
  • Room: Farm Shed
• Track C: Veteran Talent Attractions
  • Room: Makers Space

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Breakout Session:

• Track A: New AI Center
  • Room: Kitchen Lab
• Track B: Your Employee’s Healthcare
  • Room: Farm Shed
• Track C: Refugee Engagement
  • Room: Makers Space

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM 

Lunch Break

• Room: Grand Hall

1:15 PM  – 2:00 PM

Breakout Session:

• Track A: Resources for Certificates
  • Room: Kitchen Lab
• Track B: Know the Numbers – Central Wisconsin in Housing
  • Room: Farm Shed
• Track C: Wood County Broadband 
  • Room: Makers Space

2:05 PM – 2:50 PM

Session 2: Childcare Discussion Panel

• Room: Grand Hall

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM 

Third Keynote: Matt Kures, Community Economic Development Specialist and Researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension Community Development Institute

• Room: Grand Hall

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM 

Closing Keynote: Edward Erfurt, Director of Strong Towns