WEDA Governor’s Conference 2021 Panel Discussion: Challenges for Ethnic/Diverse-Owned Businesses A panel of ethnic/diverse-owned businesses will share the unique challenges they face, the types of resources that have helped them succeed in the past, and the assistance they still need to help their businesses recover from the pandemic. Moderator: Maysee Herr, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Speakers: Kou Lee, Koreana Restaurant, Appleton Talethea Thompson, PumpFive Fuel Delivery, Milwaukee Priscilla Prado, Midwest Accounting & Consulting, Milwaukee Tiffany Miller, Fly Blooms, Milwaukee

WEDA Governor’s Conference 2021 Panel Discussion: The Economic Impact of 2020 on Wisconsin Tourism Wisconsin tourism and hospitality leaders will reflect on 2020 and the economic impact it has had on this industry across the state. The discussion will include some unique approaches that were implemented to keep this industry alive while planning forward for 2021 and beyond. Moderator: David Kircher, Phoenix Financial Advisors, LLC. Speakers: Alex Lasry, Senior Vice President, Milwaukee Bucks Kathleen O’Leary, CEO, Wisconsin State Fair Park Greg Marcus, CEO, The Marcus Corporation Acting Secretary Anne Sayers, Wisconsin Department of Tourism

WEDA Governor’s Conference 2021 Panel Discussion: Transportation, Re-Shoring & Infrastructure Moderator: Jela Trask, Key Business Liaison and Business & Investment Attraction Director, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Speakers: Secretary Craig Thompson, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Joel Brennan, Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Randy Romanski, Wisconsin Department of Trade, Agriculture & Consumer Protection

WEDA Governor’s Conference 2021 Panel Discussion: Racial Equity in Economic Development Racial inequity poses a serious threat to the economic growth and well-being of everyone in society. The American population is becoming increasingly diverse, making the continued exclusion of minorities from economic prosperity detrimental to all, regardless of race. In this session, we will explore economic development through the lens of racial equity. We will examine the true impact of racial inequity on local and national wealth outcomes. We will also talk to experts who have designed policies that remove racial barriers to economic growth, in favor of more high-quality employment, increase entrepreneurship, boosted home ownership, and otherwise sharing wealth with communities of color. Moderator: Corry Joe Biddle, VP of Community Affairs, and Executive Director, FUEL Milwaukee Speakers: Quentin Messer, Jr., CEcD, President & CEO, New Orleans Business Alliance Rodrick T. Miller, CEcD Chief Executive Officer, Invest Puerto Rico Kurt Chilcott, President & CEO, CDC Small Business Finance

WEDA Governor’s Conference 2021 Panel Discussion: Access to Capital in Difficult Times Wisconsin offers a wide-range of financing options for developers, business owners and entrepreneurs to expand and/or create new businesses. This session will provide information regarding access to venture capital funds, the latest developments on tax credit programs, funds available through state and federal programs and ways to enhance banking partnerships for small emerging to large expanding businesses. Moderator: Kathryn Berger, CG Schmidt Speakers: Bridget Condon, Vice President Commercial Banking, CIBM Bank Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director, The Business Council Matt Childress, Commercial Lending Product Manager, WHEDA Richelle Martin, Managing Director, WINNOW Fund

WEDA Governor’s Conference 2021 Discussion: How Rural Communities Thrive While Shedding Population - Learning to Shrink Smart Learn how your community can continue to thrive despite population losses. Shrinkage is a process that needs to be managed, not a problem to worry about. Shrink smart towns have invested in community amenities, promoted civic engagement, and created a culture of openness and social entrepreneurship to increase quality of life. While still losing population overall, many shrink-smart towns have seen gains in younger families and children. Case studies of smart shrinking towns are discussed. Speaker: David J. Peters, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology & Extension Rural Sociologist, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University

WEDA Governor’s Conference 2021 Panel Discussion: Microbusiness Making an Impact Throughout Wisconsin and Our Nation This panel will share a brief history of microbusiness and review the current state and projected forecast for microlending and small business support in urban and rural communities. Learn how you can work with, tap into and leverage the support in your community. Moderator: Wendy Baumann, President & CVO, WWBIC Speakers: Robert Villareal, California Community Development, San Diego, CA Connie Evans, CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity, Washington, DC Agnes Noonan, WESST, Albuquerque, NM Ayrianne Parks, Rapoza Associates, Washington, DC

WEDA Governor’s Conference 2021 Panel Discussion: Recovery Steps for Businesses and Communities Impacted by Civil Unrest A roundtable discussion examining the rebuilding efforts following the summer protests in Milwaukee, Kenosha, Madison. How have other neighborhoods in the past recovered from similar situations? Moderator: Scott Harrington, Principal Planner, Vandewalle & Associates, Inc. Speakers: John Antaramian, Mayor, City of Kenosha Tiffany Kenny, Executive Director, Madison’s Central Business Improvement District Pat O’Brien, Executive Director, Milwaukee 7 Kristian Vaughn, Southeast Regional Economic Development Director, WEDC