Time

Topic & Session

About

2:30 pm

Tour of Prairie du Chien
Meet in the Lobby of the hotel

5:00 pm

“Rural Voices” hosted by WI Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin

Moderator: Rob Ferrett, Co-host of Wisconsin Today

Panelists:

• Hope Kirwan, Reporter, WI Public Radio
• Rob Mentzer, Managing Editor, News, WI Public Radio
• Steven Potter, Reporter, PBS Wisconsin

Rob Ferrett,  Co-host of "Wisconsin Today"

Rob started his WPR career as a producer on the “Tom Clark Show.” Over the years he became a fill-in host, and then full-time creator and host of “Central Time” on The Ideas Network. In 2024, Rob started a new chapter at WPR as the co-host with Kate Archer Kent of “Wisconsin Today” on the WPR News Network. "Wisconsin Today" explores the people, places and ideas shaping life through the open exchange of ideas and information. With a presence in Wisconsin communities across the state and a commitment to the highest standards of journalism, WPR's Wisconsin Today provides the clarity, depth and connection around the issues that affect Wisconsites lives most.

“What I love about it is whether it’s a serious topic or lighter stuff, getting to talk to people who are doing great things for their community,” Rob said. “People who see a problem and find a way to fix it or work some magic in their community.”

6:00 pm Welcome Reception

6:45 pm Dinner on Own | Recommendations

Thursday, April 30 Schedule | The Waterfront Hotel

8:45 am

Welcome to Prairie du Chien

• Donna Walker, President, WI Rural Partners 
• Jaaren Riebe, City Council President, City of Prairie du Chien

9:00 am The State of the State of Rural Wisconsin - The Big Picture

• Moderator: Melissa Hunt, President & CEO, Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA)

Beth Haskovec, Senior Director, Office of Rural Prosperity, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Beth joins WEDC from LISC, one of the nation’s largest community development financial institutions, where she oversaw strategies and programs related to access to capital for small businesses across rural America, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She brings to the team a wealth of expertise in commercial real estate development, commercial corridor development, small business capital, entrepreneurship and initiatives at the intersection of arts and culture and economic development.

Andrew Iverson, State Director, Rural Development, USDA

Andrew C. Iverson is the State Director for Rural Development in Wisconsin. Andrew previously served as Executive Director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin and held positions with the Republican National Committee, Senator Ron Johnson, Representative Bryan Steil and others. Andrew, a sixth generation Wisconsinite, resides in rural Central Wisconsin with his wife and daughter.

10:15 am  The State of the State—From the Ground Up Local Perspective

• Nate Gilberts, City Planner, City of Prairie du Chien, Radio Announcer WPRE Radio

• Michael Hobbs, Alderman City of Pittsville, and Owner Cranberry Creamery

Mike Hobbs is an entrepreneur and rural economic development advocate from Pittsville, Wisconsin. He has been actively involved in launching and supporting small businesses, activating downtown spaces, and advancing community focused development projects. His work emphasizes practical, locally driven solutions that strengthen small town economies and create opportunities for entrepreneurs. 
Hobbs has helped lead initiatives that connect business development with community identity, demonstrating how small towns can leverage their existing assets to foster growth. With a background in business ownership, project development, and community leadership, he brings grounded perspective on what it takes to move ideas from concept to execution in rural environments.

• Tanya Lemke, President & Business Owner, PATH of Hustisford 

• BJ Rauckman, Community and Business Development Specialist @ CEDA | Rusk County 

Though growing up in an entrepreneurial family that’s owned various small businesses, BJ worked for more than 33 years in the electric and gas utility industry where he fulfilled numerous roles in engineering and management. After retiring from his most recent position at Xcel Energy as the Senior Director of Operations for the NSP-Wisconsin operating company, BJ joined Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) in the summer of 2025. Working for CEDA on a fractional basis, BJ acts as a Community and Business Development Specialist for Rusk County providing economic development support.

BJ earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Missouri School of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri - Rolla). BJ has held Professional Engineering licenses in multiple and he has served in multiple capacities on various Boards including the Utilities Credit Union, Junior Achievement, Chippewa Valley Technical School Foundation, and Wisconsin Energy Workforce Commission.

BJ is an avid outdoorsman, and also enjoys traveling, golfing in the warmer months, and curling in the colder months. In addition to spending time at his cabin in Rusk County, BJ currently lives in Eau Claire with Jo, his wife of 35 years.

11:15 am Immigration and Rural Wisconsin

Moderator: Marie Barry, Director of Community Economic & Workforce Development, Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative

Nancy Hernandez, President, Hispanic Collaborative

Nancy Hernandez is the president of the Hispanic Collaborative, where she leads the coordination of more than 500 organizations and individuals seeking to improve economic opportunities among the state's fastest-growing population. The Hispanic Collaborative tracks the outcomes and well-being for targeted populations in the nation's biggest 50 cities on its Hispanic Well-Being Index. Ms. Hernandez is also the president and founder of ABRAZO Marketing and Communication, a leading integrated marketing firm dedicated to connecting companies, institutions and organizations with diverse and urban audiences. ABRAZO offers primary research, branding, strategic planning, creative design, copywriting, media services, digital marketing and public relations delivered by a team of insightful, diverse professionals.

She is a founding member and past president of the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee, past president of TEMPO Milwaukee and has served on the executive committee of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin. She formerly chaired the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation and currently serves on the board of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha where she co-chaired the 2022 Campaign. She has served as vice chair of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and currently serves on the board of Society Insurance, Marquette University, and Medical College of Wisconsin. For her extensive community service and volunteerism, Nancy was also chosen for the United Way Philanthropic Five award. She holds and MBA from Marquette University, and lives in Bayside Wisconsin with her husband Andy and daughter Delia.

Francis Henn, Economic Recovery Corps Fellow, Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.

Francis works at the intersection of advocacy and economic development, with a focus on supporting immigrant communities in rural Wisconsin. With a background in American Cultural Studies, Peace Corps service in rural Guatemala, and experience as both an entrepreneur and small-scale farmer, he brings a cross-sector perspective to rural development. In his current role, Francis build bridges between immigrant communities and local economic development ecosystems, advancing culturally competent resources, leadership pathways, and inclusive economic opportunities.

1:15 pm Rural Wealth Building: Financial Empowerment + Homeownership

Rhiannon Tonies, Program Manager for the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center. She joined Community Action Coalition in 2020 and have worn many hats over the past five years—from serving as a crisis counselor to leading mental health education initiatives and managing a housing aid program for individuals experiencing financial stressors.

She has lived in Wisconsin her entire life and have called Jefferson County home for the past decade. This community means a great deal to me, and I truly believe there’s no better place to live and raise a family. My background is in education, and I’ve always had a deep passion for helping others reach their goals.

Heather Nunez, Local Government Manager with Jefferson County, WI

More information coming soon. 

2:15 pm  How Development Affects Local Finances

Jason Stein, President, Wisconsin Policy Forum

Jason Stein has worked with the Wisconsin Policy Forum since 2018, serving as President since July 2024 and prior to that as Vice President and Research Director. In his time with the Forum, his reports have received multiple awards from the Governmental Research Association.

Before joining the Forum, Jason worked as a Capitol reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and for the Wisconsin State Journal. He is the author with Patrick Marley of “More than They Bargained For: Scott Walker, Unions and the Fight for Wisconsin.” His reporting was recognized by journalism groups such as the American Society of News Editors, the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors

Michael Luckey, County Administrator ,Jefferson County

Michael Luckey is County Administrator for Jefferson County, Wisconsin. In that role, he serves as the county’s chief administrative officer and is responsible for implementing the policies adopted by the Board of Supervisors and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the county’s employees. The administrator also presents the county’s annual budget and sets long-term and strategic priorities. Prior to working for Jefferson County, Michael spent nearly a decade as an aide in Madison, working in senior leadership positions throughout the Wisconsin State government. He on the Board of Gianna’s Joy, a resource center for expecting mothers and young families, and President of the Board of the Lake Mills St. Vincent de Paul. He is an active member of his local Catholic Church. Michael received a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and his Master of Public Affairs degree from the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison. He and his wife live in Lake Mills with their two young children.