The Lincoln County EDC is excited to announce that the 2025 Economic Summit is returning! Mark your calendar for April 8, 2025, and join us at Inshalla Country Club in Tomahawk, WI, from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm for a great day of insights, connections, and actionable strategies to empower rural businesses and communities. Can’t get away for a whole day? Sign up for the half day that works best for you!
THEME: Economic Empowerment for Rural Communities
Designed to empower and strengthen rural businesses and communities, the summit offers attendees the opportunity to engage in a day of economic insights and educational sessions. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on key economic issues that drive business and community success alongside other business and industry professionals.
**Event Highlights**

Morning Focus: Economic Updates
Attendees will receive essential economic updates from local governments and economic partners, followed by a "State of the Economy" presentation from John Koskinen, Chief Economist for the WI Department of Revenue. The morning will conclude with a keynote spotlight from Mike Ward, VP of Business & Community Development with the WI Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), who will share actionable strategies for rural business and community empowerment.

Lunch: Enjoy a meal from some of Tomahawk’s favorite food trucks, supporting local small businesses while networking with fellow attendees.

Afternoon Focus: Economic Education
Three different breakout session tracks will allow attendees to tailor their learning experience:

Managing Your Business: Topics include workforce retention, business resources, and legal foundations

Financing Your Business: Discussions on funding options, government contracts, and securing capital

Marketing Your Business: Strategies for budget-friendly marketing, comparing different marketing methods, and collaborating with marketing partners

Closing Presentation: Empowering Economies Through Entrepreneurs – The summit will conclude with an insightful discussion led by experts from the UW-Madison Division of Extension, focusing on the critical role of entrepreneur-led businesses in rural economic success and how communities can support them effectively