State of the Association: WEDA President & CEO Melissa Hunt

What a busy and rewarding summer it has been for WEDA! As we continue to celebrate 50 years of impact, I want to pause and share my deep gratitude for our sponsors, corporate members, and all partners who go above and beyond. Your support, whether financial or through the generous gift of your time and talent, makes all the difference in advancing economic development across Wisconsin.

In August, we hosted an incredible YPEN event in Oshkosh, highlighting the energy and ideas of our young professionals network. Now, we are counting down to our Fall Best Practices Conference in Oshkosh, September 24–26. The agenda is packed with dynamic programming, networking, and opportunities to collaborate on the challenges and opportunities ahead. I can’t wait to see so many of you there!

It’s also been a busy time at the Capitol, where Michael and our legislative partners are working extra hard on key legislative issues and I’ve been joining them to spend time with policymakers to ensure WEDA’s voice is heard. Please let me know if you’d like us to jointly meet with any of your legislators, and I encourage you to continue making those connections locally as well. We are always happy to share WEDA’s legislative priorities with you so you can help us amplify our impact. Advocacy remains at the heart of what we do, and I’m proud of the relationships we continue to build and strengthen on behalf of our members.

As we look ahead, I’m equally excited about what’s to come, in our 2026 programming and beyond, as we begin building the next 50 years of WEDA’s journey. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development in Middleton, January 28–30, 2026. It will be a gathering you won’t want to miss.

Most importantly, I would love to hear directly from our members about what you want and need from WEDA. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and set up a time to talk. Michael and I are always happy to connect, whether it’s by phone, virtually, or by joining your organization’s Board meeting. Your input helps ensure WEDA continues to deliver real value for you and your community.

Here’s to carrying forward our momentum, together, fostering the next chapter of economic growth, innovation, and collaboration across Wisconsin.

With gratitude~melissa