Message from the WEDA Board Chair, Rebecca Deschane

Connected for Growth, United for Impact: Moving the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan into Action

At WEDA, our greatest strength has always been our connections – to each other, to our communities and to a shared purpose of advancing economic development across Wisconsin. That foundation now guides the next chapter of our work as we move into implementation of the 2026–2028 WEDA Strategic Plan.

This plan reflects both who we have been and who we are becoming. It builds on long‑standing programs members value while creating space for fresh perspectives, new partnerships, and evolving ways to support economic development practitioners. Grounded in member input and guided by the Board, it positions WEDA to remain connected for growth and united for impact.

Strategic Plan Focus Areas

The plan centers on three core pillars, supported by a strong foundation of organizational excellence:

  • Advocacy – Strengthening WEDA’s Voice – Identifying key legislative priorities and foster strong member engagement.
    • Advancing a clear, focused policy agenda grounded in member priorities
    • Expanding grassroots engagement through Legislative Day, policy updates, and coordinated outreach
    • Increasing regional, county, and federal‑level engagement to strengthen statewide influence
  • Professional Development – Elevating the Profession – Ensuring Wisconsin’s economic development professionals are recognized nationally as best-in-class practitioners, setting benchmarks for excellence across the country.
    • Continuing to invest in flagship conferences and high‑quality, practitioner‑focused education
    • Expanding WEDA Academy, ED101 for local officials, and certification pathways
    • Increasing access to learning opportunities that are practical, timely, and relevant across Wisconsin
  • Networking – Deepening Connections Statewide – Fostering new relationships across diverse sectors and geographic boundaries; help members access new resources, share innovative ideas, and collaborate for greater impact.
    • Strengthening member communities such as YPEN, ED WOW, and the CRA Network
    • Expanding cross‑sector and regional partnerships to foster collaboration and shared learning
    • Supporting mentor networks and peer connections that help members grow at every career stage
  • Organizational Excellence – Supporting Sustainable Impact – Prioritizing robust governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence processes.
    • Strengthening governance, financial sustainability, and operational systems
    • Improving communications consistency, data, and member insights
    • Ensuring WEDA has the capacity to deliver value today—and adapt for the future

Launching the Strategic Plan Committee

Implementation is where strategy comes to life, and member engagement will be key to turning priorities into action. We are ready to launch our Strategic Plan Committee to help guide implementation, develop action steps, and ensure the work remains centered on member needs.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to Wenda Roycroft and Hayley Makela for agreeing to serve as co‑chairs of this committee. Their leadership, perspective, and commitment will be instrumental as we move this plan forward.

Members interested in serving on the committee or learning more about how to get involved are encouraged to reach out to me (rebecca.deschane@thenewnorth.com). Your voice, your expertise, and your engagement are what transform this plan from words on a page into meaningful impact across Wisconsin.

As we take this next step together, I am confident that by staying connected for growth and united for impact, WEDA will continue to strengthen the profession, support our members, and move economic development across Wisconsin forward.