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)


WEDA 2023 BEST PRACTICES CONFERENCE

September 28 AND 29, 2023

Jefferson Street Inn, Wausau

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

Thursday, September 28

Secretary Missy Hughes

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Friday, September 29

Elmer Moore

Chief Executive Officer – Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority

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