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• 2025 Wisconsin Rural Partners Summit

  • Start
    30 Apr 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • End
    1 May 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    RiverStone Event Center, 1905 Central Coast Lane, Fort Atkinson
  • Registered
    14 registrants

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  Vibrant Rural Communities 

  What contributes to a rural community being truly vibrant and thriving?

  This year’s Summit will seek to provide ideas that help communities attract businesses, highlight programs, and introduce innovative funding and staffing options in the face of budget challenges.

  About Fort Atkinson and Jefferson County:

  Fort Atkinson is a charming city located in the southeastern part of the state, nestled along the banks of the Rock River, a few miles upstream from Lake Koshkonong, in Jefferson County. With a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, Fort Atkinson was originally established as a military outpost during the Black Hawk War of 1832. Today, it has transformed into a vibrant community known for its small-town charm, historic sites, and close-knit atmosphere. Visitors and residents alike enjoy its small businesses and restaurants, welcoming parks, and a range of recreational opportunities. The city's commitment to preserving its heritage while fostering a strong sense of community makes it a delightful place to live, work, and explore. There is also a range of thriving business and industry that call Fort Atkinson home.

  View 2025 Summit Agenda 

  Registration

  Two Day $175.00 | Thursday Only $145

  Exhibit and Sponsorship information  are available today. 

  Country Inn & Suites | 1650 Doris Dr. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
  The Annual Summit has a room block for a rate of $109 + tax, with the block rate good through March 30.

  Reserve Your Hotel Room Today

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• 2025 Wisconsin Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference

  • Start
    16 Jun 2025
  • End
    18 Jun 2025
  • Location
    Wisconsin Rapids, WI

  Wisconsin’s 2nd CEC Conference: Wisconsin Rapids

  The CEC Conference is back, this time in Wisconsin Rapids, the conference “about small towns, for small towns,” for economic developers, local government leaders, and community champions. Not your typical conference, CEC features programming about entrepreneurship in smaller communities, featuring the local leaders, local businesses, and local cultures of a Wisconsin town.

  Rivers of opportunities are flowing from Wisconsin Rapids, and economic development professionals will take home new ideas about planning and infrastructure projects, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, agritourism, placemaking, and community partnerships.

  Discover the spirit of Wisconsin Rapids, a city redefining its future. Once known as “The Paper City,” this community is now a hub of entrepreneurial energy, revitalizing its downtown along the scenic Wisconsin River. Join us for engaging workshops led by local innovators along historic Grand Avenue, take a stroll along the river’s picturesque bridges, and while you’re here, immerse yourself in the region’s cranberry heritage. Experience how this underdog community is forging a new chapter of growth and creativity in Central Wisconsin.

  More Information & Registration

  
  

  Questions? Please contact Maggie Cornelius, mmcornelius@wisc.edu.

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