In person WEDA Academy
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING 201
September 27, 9:15 A.M. – 1:15 P.M.
Jefferson Street Inn, Wausau preceding the BP Conference
(Registration for the Academy is on the same site as the Fall Best Practices Conference.)
Tax Increment Financing 201: Build a more comprehensive knowledge of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) with a focus on best practices and learning from successful case studies/project examples. Participants will also build skills through a hands-on exercise in TIF project packaging. After finishing this course, participants should have a more in-depth understanding of TIF and how to effectively use this important tool in their community. Registration is on the Best Practices Conference Site.
Scan QR Code for Academy Agenda or click link below.
WEDA CRA Network Banker Roundtable Luncheon
September 27, 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
by Invite only
Jefferson Street Inn, Wausau preceding the BP Conference
(This event is by invite only)
WEDA CRA Network Banker Roundtable Luncheon (By Invitation Only) This Invitation Only roundtable discussion and luncheon hosted by the US Treasury Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in partnership with WEDA’s CRA Network offers the opportunity for lenders to explore ways banks can comply with the CRA through providing lending, investment, or service to communities. The panel of subject matter experts will focus on data-driven project siting, disaster recovery lending, and community revitalization.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
CHAR Grillhouse in the Jefferson Street Inn (Will be available virtually until noon)
The 2023 WEDA Best Practices Conference will be held Sept. 27-29, in beautiful Wausau, WI. The Jefferson Street Inn in the heart of downtown Wausau plays host. Amazing restaurants and pubs, all within walking distance, will make this a great City to explore!
The upcoming conference will provide attendees with a tremendous opportunity to dive into the fundamentals of economic development and the leading issues of the day, including workforce housing; childcare access; talent attraction; business expansion and retention best practices; and redevelopment and revitalization opportunities.
In addition to a wealth of networking opportunities, dynamic speakers, and continuing education credit certifications (EDFP, CEcD and AICP), the Best Practices Conference will include the Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA). The CEDA Awards program recognizes and celebrates exceptional projects, programs, and businesses that drive economic growth in Wisconsin.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Best Practices Conference. Come for the conference and take in the beauty of Wausau and Central Wisconsin!
Mayor Katie Rosenberg
Conference Scholarships:
Should any member or non-member wishing to attend the conference but may need a financial scholarship please contact Mary Perry, MPerry@weda.org or by calling: 414-699-3917.
BECOME A MEMBER!
Conference Sponsors
2023 Best Practices Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
WEDA’s annual Best Practices Conference is the area’s largest educational forum dedicated to advancing economic development across Wisconsin.
Download our sponsorship opportunities guide below.
Conference Programming
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
9:15 am – 1:15 pm
WEDA Academy Workshop (Optional Program – Fee Required) – ACADEMY REGISTRATION IS ON THE SAME SITE AS THE CONERENCE REGISTRATION – Hit the “Register Now!” button below to go to the Academy/Conference registration site.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR WEDNESDAY’S AGENDA
Tax Increment Financing 201: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a key tool available for local governments to facilitate economic development and job creation in Wisconsin. Understanding how to effectively utilize TIF is an essential skill for many economic developers. Through this program, attendees will have an opportunity to build their knowledge of TIF in an interactive and engaging course format led by highly experienced instructors.
Lodging Options:
A block of rooms is available at these nearby hotels. Be sure to share that you are attending the Wisconsin Economic Development Association Conference to secure a discounted rate. Please call the hotel directly.
• Jefferson Street Inn, 201 Jefferson St, Wausau, WI 54403 Ph: 715.845.6500
• La Quinta Inn, 1910 Stewart Avenue, Wausau – $98/night thru 9/15/23 — Ph: 715.842.0421
Register Now! – (Also the ’23 Best Practices Conference Registration site)
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Site Visits to Recent Downtown Developments in Wausau (Optional – Fee Required)
- The Grand Theatre – a beautiful 19th century theatre that now hosts top Broadway shows!
- The Landmark Building – a combination housing and retail re-development.
- Riverside Place – an older building currently under renovation.
- New Water Treatment Plant – the only PFAS treatment plant in Wisconsin!
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Conference Opening Reception – Open to All!
Timekeeper Distillery, 720 Grant Street
Our Hosts: Kimm & Dan Weber
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Downtown Dine-Arounds – Watch for a list of area restaurants!
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Hospitality Suite at Jefferson Street Inn
Thursday & Friday, September 28-29, 2023
Reserve a Booth Space: PLEASE CLICK HERE
Exhibit Booths
Exhibits and displays are open to conference attendees on Thursday, September 28, and Friday morning, September 29. Set-up takes place on Wednesday afternoon, September 27, 3:00 – 5:00 pm and Thursday morning, September 28, 6:30 – 8:00 am. Each exhibit booth space will include an 8’ clothed and skirted display table, chair and electricity, if needed.
Special Opportunity on Friday Morning, Sept. 29!
The Mobile Career Lab will be on-site starting at 7:30 am – 12:30 pm. Sponsored by the Department of Workforce Development, the Mobile Career Lab assists those who may have challenges accessing workforce services, employers who have a training or hiring need, and partners who could use additional resources.
Be sure to visit the Mobile Career Lab on Friday morning, September 29!
ENJOY WAUSAU’S FALL COLORS
Featured Speakers
Thursday, September 28
Lyna Matesi
Coach, Educator, Facilitator, MBA Director – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Lyna Matesi
I direct an MBA program and teach management and leadership for the School of Business and Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Additionally, as an On-Call Facilitator for the Center for Creative Leadership, I help leaders and organizations create the three outcomes of effective leadership: direction, alignment, and commitment (DAC).
Previously, I served in change management, leadership development, and curriculum development roles at U.S. Cellular and business planning, communication technology, and project management roles at Motorola. I earned a B.A. from Judson University (management and leadership), an M.A. from Antioch University (change leadership, organizational renewal) and a Ph.D. from Gonzaga University (leadership studies).
Thursday, September 28
Secretary Missy Hughes
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Secretary Missy Hughes
Her previous positions include associate attorney at the firm of Holland & Hart, where she practiced in the areas of natural resources, construction litigation and corporate business transactions. She served on the boards of the Environmental Working Group and the Organic Trade Association, where she was a three-term board president. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointed Hughes to the USDA Advisory Committee on Agriculture and Biotechnology in the 21st Century.
Ms. Hughes received her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Georgetown University and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law.
Friday, September 29
Elmer Moore
Chief Executive Officer – Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority
Elmer Moore
Advancing innovative solutions and resources that provide equity for all has been the foundation of his career. Mr. Moore will leverage his background in business development, job creation, strategic partnerships, and community engagement to support WHEDA’s commitment to growing housing equity and economic opportunity.
Mr. Moore has a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia Business School in New York, New York. Mr. Moore also serves as chairman of the board for the WHEDA Foundation, member of the Community Investment Advisory Council of the FHLBank of Chicago, chairman of the board for the Social Development Commission, board member for the Harbor District, and adjunct instructor for Marquette University and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, instructing students on entrepreneurship.
Conference Lodging
Jefferson Street Inn & Event Center
201 Jefferson Street, Wausau, WI 54403
Special WEDA Conference Group Room Rate: $90/night – King/Queen (Tuesday, Sept. 26 thru Friday night, Sept. 29)
To qualify for the Group Room Rate, attendees must make reservations by AUGUST 28, 2023, and ask for the ‘2023 WEDA Best Practices Conference’ rate when making your reservation. All reservations must be guaranteed by one night’s deposit with a major credit card.
Call Hotel directly Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm CST at 715/845-6500
Parking: Available at no charge
Additional Lodging Options: Please call the hotel directly
• La Quinta Inn, 1910 Stewart Avenue, Wausau – $98/night thru 9/15/23 — Ph: 715.842.0421
Exhibit Tables Available
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to share your products and services. Exhibit information can be found on the conference registration site or by contacting Kathy Davies, conference planner – kdavies@weda.org or 715.344.2457
Conference Sponsorships Available
WEDA’s annual Best Practices Conference is the area’s largest educational forum dedicated to advancing economic development across Wisconsin.
Download our sponsorship opportunities guide below.
Registration Information
Early Bird Registration
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY! Register by September 5 and be entered into a drawing to receive a special Wisconsin Products Gift Box! Three lucky winners will enjoy products from across the state. WINNERS announced at the Conference!
Full Conference Registration
Includes Wednesday evening reception; Thursday morning continental breakfast & breaks, lunch and evening reception; Friday morning breakfast and am break.
An optional fee is required to participate in the Wednesday, September 27, Academy program and afternoon tours. See registration site for details.
Ticket | Member | Non-Member |
---|---|---|
Full Conference | $299 | $449 |
Thursday Only | $129 | $279 |
Friday Only | $99 | $249 |
Wed. Academy | $49 | $99 |
CEDA Luncheon | $25 | $25 |
Wednesday Tours | $25 | $25 |
JOIN WEDA TODAY! SAVE ON REGISTRATION FEES!
Gain access to a vast network of economic development professionals, best practices and resources. Position you and your community for success in the economic development field. Become one of more than 176 WEDA members and organizations today and save on conferences, courses, webinars and more!
Individual memberships start at just $350/year.
Additional Information
- This conference is approved for IEDC credits.
- Conference Handouts will be posted on the WEDA website.
- Watch this website for updated information as conference dates near.
2023 Best Practices Conference Planning Team
- Liz Brodek, City of Wausau
- Stephanie Chang, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
- Nicole Fish, Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation
- Dawn Follendorf, Incredible Bank
- Melissa Hunt, Chair, Vierbicher
- David Kircher, Phoenix Advisors
- Melissa Meschke, UW-Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship
- Blake Opal-Wahoske, Wausau River District
- Melinda Osterberg, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
- Jennifer Peters, Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation
- Keri Schreiner, City of River Falls
- Christopher Staff, Jefferson Street Inn
- Jeff Stubbe, Dwight & Linda Davis Foundation
- Tim White, Wausau Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Angel Whitehead, Centergy