Registration & Continental Breakfast

Welcome from Reggie Newson, Wisconsin DWD Deputy Secretary

Updates on economic development initiatives in Wisconsin

Keynote Speaker Julia B. Isaacs, Brookings Institution

The Faces of People with
Economic Disadvantages in Wisconsin

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Marijo Upshaw and Jackie Zolp, Goodwill Industries North Central Wisconsin. Goodwill operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site that promotes EITC and other tax credits.

Integrating Ex-Offenders back into Society

Anne Strauch, Program Coordinator,
Circles of Support, Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin

Dislocated Worker Programs at Tech Colleges and Other Training Efforts

Dr. Marjorie Cook, Senior Advisor, Madison College

LUNCH & Plenary Session

Featuring Dr. Howard Garber, President, Milwaukee Center for Independence

The important role non-profit agencies play in meeting the needs of people with economic disadvantages – MCFI’s present activities and thoughts about Milwaukee’s unmet and future needs.

Cross-Cultural Experiences in Micro-Lending – Lessons From Uganda

John Gibson, Board of Directors, WE International and Vice President, TRICOR Insurance

Career Pathways

Plenary Session

Food For Thought: New Recipes for Job Growth

Rick Terrien, Economic Development Corporation, Iowa County, Wis.

Asset Development

Deborah Blanks, CEO, Social Development Commission

Micro Lending
& Business Development

Amber Miller, Education and Communications Coordinator, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation

Marijo Upshaw, Leader of Financial Services, Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin

Cocktail Hour | Dinner | Keynote Speaker

Keynote Speaker Dean Loumos,
Executive Director, Housing Initiatives

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Cocktails and light appetizers  Attendees may choose to take a break until 6:00 p.m., but please know this is a great opportunity, in a casual environment, to build relationships and discover new resources.

6:30 p.m. Dinner

7:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker