This innovative virtual event focuses on the unique challenges facing Racine and Kenosha Counties and how the individuals there will live, work and play by 2035. The topics covered will include workforce development and leadership issues, specifically covering training, transportation, economic development, access, and the future of work with both a keynote presentation and roundtable sessions.

Racine & Kenosha Counties are the bridge that connects Southeastern Wisconsin to the Chicago area and will be at the forefront of change and economic development in the region for years to come. Join us on April 22, 2021 as BizTimes Media will host the Racine & Kenosha County 2035, a free virtual event, where we’ll examine the issues and opportunities facing this vital part of our region. Panels of business leaders, educators, real estate and economic development professionals will look to the future and discuss critical challenges and exciting opportunities for growth as we plan for 2035 and beyond. They will talk about what needs to be done to attract talent and support employers to improve the economy, quality of life and overall vibrancy of the region.

• Ted Matkom, Wisconsin Market President, Gorman & Company (1)
• Chad Navis, Director of Industrial Investments, Zilber Property Group (2)
• Wes Saber, Executive Vice President & CFO, Haribo of America (3)
• John Batten, CEO, Twin Disc, Inc. (4)

The program continues with concurrent breakout discussions.

Education & Workforce Development

As southeastern Wisconsin continues to grow and its industries shift, so too are its colleges and universities as they prepare graduates for the future workforce. Join our higher education breakout session with the leaders of UW-Parkside, Carthage College and Gateway Technical College as they discuss how their schools are partnering with area companies and each other to meet the talent needs of Racine and Kenosha employers.

• Debbie Ford, Chancellor, UW Parkside (5)
• Bryan Albrecht, President/CEO, Gateway Technical College (6)
• John Swallow, President, Carthage College (7)

Economic Development

No corridor in southeastern Wisconsin has received more local, national or even global attention in recent years than the I-94 corridor in Racine and Kenosha counties. Join economic development leaders from the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Racine County Economic Development Corp. and the city of Kenosha to discuss how to address challenges facing the corridor and what it will take to sustain and enhance the region’s momentum.

• Todd Battle, President, Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) (8)
• Jenny Trick, Executive Director, Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) (9)
• Tim Casey, Director of City Development, City of Kenosha (10)

Executive Town Hall

Join Davis|Kuelthau for an interactive town hall discussion among area executives. Hear first-hand from employers, developers and other leaders regarding their thoughts on how best to approach the opportunities and challenges in continuing to develop Racine and Kenosha Counties. This discussion serves as an opportunity to react to information heard from the keynote panelists while also posing questions and thoughts for area commercial developers and economic development leaders to consider. It’s intended to a be collaborative think-tank exchange to help foster continued growth. This group will focus on opportunities and challenges unique to commercial development including finance, zoning, identifying development needs, and factors for collaborating with area employers and other leaders to help grow the region’s employment, entertainment, retail, and housing options.

• Brian Randall, Zoning, Land Use, Permitting, TIF, and Commercial Real Estate Attorney, Davis|Kuelthau, s.c.
• Michael Van Someren, Capital Markets, Finance, Commercial Real Estate, and Corporate Attorney, Davis|Kuelthau, s.c.

Interested in sponsoring an event? To reap the benefits of the ultimate in-person marketing opportunity contact Linda Crawford, Director of Sales, to discuss opportunities. Event sponsorships are limited.