State of the Association: WEDA President & CEO Melissa Hunt
As we begin a new year, we are grounded in a core principle that guides our work: WEDA’s members are the heart of this organization. Everything we do: advocacy, education, and networking, exists to ensure you have the tools, information, and relationships needed to help your communities and businesses grow.
We are launching 2026 with strong momentum following a successful Governor’s Conference. The engagement across sessions, Academy and ED WOW, reinforced how collaborative and resilient Wisconsin’s economic development professionals truly are. It was also our first year utilizing the Whova app, helping us enhance engagement and connection throughout the event. A sincere thank you to all of our sponsors and partners, your investment allows WEDA to maintain high-quality programming and statewide impact.
This year also marks the official launch of our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan. Our mission remains clear: to enhance economic development in Wisconsin through professional development, networking, and advocacy. Over the next three years, we will focus on strengthening advocacy efforts, expanding education and professional development opportunities, fostering meaningful member connections, and building our networks to move projects forward across Wisconsin. We are focused on maintaining and fostering the environment where economic development professionals can succeed.
A consistent message from our tour and conference conversations is the need for strong data, emerging trend information, and practical resources that can be brought back to communities. WEDA will continue providing timely legislative updates, industry insights, including trends such as data centers, and relevant programming designed to help you respond to housing, infrastructure, and business growth opportunities.
Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your membership. We are excited about the year ahead and grateful to do this work alongside you as we continue advancing Wisconsin’s economy together.
Warm Wisconsin Wishes~melissa
