Dept. of Commerce: Registration information for WEN Annual Meeting

“Join us at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau on January 22, 2009 as we celebrate our 2008 success and look forward to the challenges and opportunities in the coming year,” says Wisconsin Entrepreneur Network (WEN) Executive Director Kim Kindschi. “Entrepreneurs drive America’s economy, accounting for the majority of our nation’s new job creation and innovation. Let’s get together and join forces as we work in 2009 to help our Wisconsin entrepreneurs grow and prosper.”

8:30 am REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

9:15 am KICK-OFF REMARKS: Kim Kindschi, Executive Director, UW-Extension Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

9:30 am OPENING SESSION: “The Entrepreneurial Mind: The Changing Face of Entrepreneurship” Dennis Winters, Chief Economist, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

What are the challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs and economic development professionals face in the current economy? How does this impact our communities at the regional and local level? Dennis Winters is prepared to provide information and research to answer these important questions

10:30 am PANEL DISCUSSION: Regional Economic Development Initiatives Panel

11:30 am BREAKOUT SESSIONS: Choose from one of three panels, moderated by:

“Entrepreneurship and the Arts”, Anne Katz, Executive Director, Arts Wisconsin

This session, featuring several Wisconsin arts entrepreneurs, will highlight some of the successful and exciting arts businesses in the state, and the resources and support available to those looking to start and sustain an arts-related venture.

“Incubators: Building on Best Practices”, Therese Fellner, Director of Business Development, Gateway Technical College

This session, through firsthand experience of incubator managers, will showcase best practices and explore trends in programming, services and facilities.

“Building the Best Management Team”, Dennis Winters, Chief Economist, WI Dept. of Workforce Development

It is the entrepreneur’s job to find the right people and build the team. However, experienced talent can be hard to find. Panelists will share their strategies on overcoming these challenges.

12:30 pm LUNCHEON SPEAKER: Secretary Leinenkugel, WI Dept. of Commerce

1:30 pm ENTREPRENEUR CASE STUDIES

2:30 pm CLOSING REMARKS

For additional information go to: http://www.wenportal.org/Events_Calendar/index.aspx?ID=3033