Gov. Walker: To hold the first job creation forum in La Crosse

Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303

Madison – Governor Scott Walker will hold the first Job Creation Forum with local business leaders in La Crosse tomorrow.

What: Job Creation Forum with Local Business Leaders

When: Thursday, September 22

12:45PM

Where: Main Street Ingredients

2340 Enterprise Avenue

La Crosse, WI 54603

“With the national economy slowing and Washington facing more potential gridlock we will be talking with job creators across the state about what more Wisconsin can do to encourage job growth here,” said Governor Walker. “Wisconsin has outperformed the nation this year, but we aren’t immune from what’s happening nationally. As Washington plays politics with jobs, my administration will continue to listen to ways we can create stability and confidence in our state. These forums will allow us to talk with job creators on the frontlines about what more the state can do to encourage more jobs in Wisconsin.”

Governor Walker and administration officials will be joined by business owners and other business representatives who will share their ideas on what more the state could be doing to help the private sector create jobs. The forums will focus on issues like access to capital, regulatory reform, permit reform, tax reform, and workforce development. Additional forums are planned for the Milwaukee and Green Bay areas.

La Crosse Job Creation Forum Attendees

* Governor Scott Walker
* Dave Skogen, Chairman, Festival Foods
* Tim Johnson, President and CEO, Mayo Clinic Health System
* Dr. Jeff Thompson, CEO, Gundersen Lutheran Health System
* Bill Schmitz, President, Main Street Ingredients
* Jim Brush, Owner, Empire Screen Printing
* Joe Poehling, President, First Supply
* Rob Van Craenenbroeck, Vice President of Operations, Kaplan
* Brad Sturm, President and CEO, Coulee Bank
* Steve Burgess, President and CEO, State Bank Financial
* Mark Etrheim, Owner, Mastercraft Homes
* John Lautz, Owner, Lautz Custom Builders
* Dave Ring, Community Relations Coordinator, Kwik Trip
* Brad Tachney, General Manager of La Crosse Operations, Trane
* Mel Pittman, Pierce County Farm Bureau
* Pat Schaffer, Eau Claire County Farm Bureau
* Roger Henderson, Greater Insurance and Henderson Farms
* Charles Olson, Coldwell Banker
* Cindy Gerke-Edwards, Cindy Gerke & Associates
* Mike Klonsinski, COO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
* Farshad Maltes, Director of Economic Development, WHEDA
* Matt Moroney, Deputy Secretary, Department of Natural Resources
* Peter Bildsten, Secretary, Department of Financial Institutions
* Rick Chandler, Secretary, Department of Revenue
* Dave Fantle, Deputy Secretary, Department of Tourism
* Scott Baumbach, Secretary, Department of Workforce Development