Central Wisconsin Leaders Unite at State Capitol to Advocate for Regional Growth at 20th Annual Central Wisconsin Days
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MADISON, WISCONSIN – April 10, 2025 — Nearly 60 business and community leaders from across Central Wisconsin gathered at the State Capitol for the 20th Annual Central Wisconsin Days, hosted by Centergy, the region’s leading economic development organization. This signature event continues to drive collaboration and strategic investment across the five-county region: Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, and Wood Counties.
This year’s advocacy focused on four core policy priorities designed to promote long-term economic growth, stability, and competitiveness.
2025 Policy Priorities: Building Central Wisconsin’s Future
Preserving Quality of Life and Economic Stability
Centergy is calling for a one-time $56 million state investment to preserve water levels in Lake Wausau, helping protect property values, maintain recreational access, and ensure environmental health. The total project cost is $84 million, with Domtar committing one-third of the funding.
Investing in Education and Workforce Development
Proposed increases in funding for K-12 special education and higher education, including additional support for the Wisconsin Grant Program, aim to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline. Strategic investments in regional institutions such as UW-Stevens Point will help retain local graduates and support workforce development.
Expanding Housing Solutions for Rural and Small Communities
Centergy advocates for strengthening the Wisconsin Housing Tax Credit by dedicating at least 35 percent of program funds to rural communities. Proposed changes would also broaden access to WHEDA’s competitive loan financing, encouraging small-scale housing projects in under-resourced areas.
Modernizing Economic Development Tools
Proposed updates to Tax Increment Financing (TIF) laws would give local governments more flexibility to fund critical infrastructure and workforce housing. Reforms to the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program would enhance its impact in rural and small-city communities by supporting revitalization and private investment.
Regional Leadership Focused on Strategic Investment
“Central Wisconsin’s future depends on smart, strategic investment in the foundations of our regional prosperity,” said Angel Laidlaw, President and CEO of Centergy. “We need bold support for workforce housing, modern infrastructure that connects people and opportunity, strong educational partnerships that build our talent pipeline, and the continued flexibility of tools like Tax Increment Financing to drive redevelopment and growth. These priorities reflect what our communities need now—and what they’ll need to stay competitive and resilient in the years ahead.”
Many attendees echoed this call for strategic collaboration and bold leadership:
“Advocacy is leadership in action. When business and community leaders unite with one voice, we amplify the collective voice of our region to shape a stronger, more prosperous future for our communities and industries alike.”
— Gautam Malik, CEO, Gamber-Johnson; Centergy Board Member
“Central Wisconsin Days are critically important to our region, highlighting key topics such as workforce development, finding housing solutions, and promoting community growth. Business leaders from Central Wisconsin are dedicated to promoting economic growth, helping to propel Wisconsin forward.”
— Maureen Carlson, Business Development Manager, Greenfire Management Services; Centergy Board Member
“Central Wisconsin Days is a great reminder that when we come together and speak with one voice, we can help shape real change. From a business perspective, strong advocacy creates the conditions for growth, investment, and lasting success—for companies and the communities we support.”
— Nicholas Faber, CPA, President/CEO, Simplicity Credit Union; Centergy Board Member
“It’s the opportunity to get in front of senators and representatives to talk about the needs of Central Wisconsin. That is paramount to Centergy and organizations involved. Central Wisconsin Days is where every business person needs to be.”
— Michael Witte, President & CEO, Portage County Business Council
“Central WI Days is a pivotal event for our region. There are so many times through conversations in business, politics, and public policies where the Northwoods and Central WI region feels like they’re not included in the conversation. But today, everyone who attended and took part made sure we were a part of the conversation.”
— Lukas Linder, Business Development Director, Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce
“The meetings went fantastic. We (Team 10 with Scott Suder of the Wisconsin Paper Council) were incredibly efficient and addressed all four issue papers. It was well received by everyone we spoke with. I would recommend businesses attend next year—I would definitely speak in front of legislators again and inform their staffs about what’s important to local business and to Wisconsin in general.”
— Matt Nordlund, Project Manager, The Boldt Company (first-time attendee)
A Milestone Year for Regional Advocacy
Now in its 20th year, Central Wisconsin Days continues to be a powerful example of what’s possible when regional stakeholders unite to shape public policy. The event highlights the importance of consistent, collaborative advocacy to support the long-term success of Central Wisconsin’s communities and economy.
Looking Ahead: Why Businesses Should Attend
A key element of Central Wisconsin Days is the development of future advocacy leaders. This year’s event featured a Team Leaders Committee of 16 experienced advocates—including Nicholas Faber, Gautam Malik, and Michael Witte—who helped guide and prepare newer participants for legislative conversations. Their leadership ensured every team was well-prepared to effectively communicate the region’s top priorities.
By attending Central Wisconsin Days, businesses not only advocate for the needs of their communities, but also help shape the statewide policies that impact infrastructure, workforce development, housing, and more.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning advocate, this event offers a powerful platform to help move Central Wisconsin forward—and we invite more businesses to join us in 2026.
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Centergy, Inc. is a 501(c)4 nonprofit regional marketing and economic development organization. Centergy is committed to advancing prosperity and vibrancy in the five-county region of Central Wisconsin: Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, and Wood Counties.