RIsE EVENTS | visions-northwest

Visions Northwest, Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, and Northwest Wisconsin Educators for Regional Development were proud to host the 2019 RIsE Breakfast Series - Rising to Success: Business Startups in Northwest Wisconsin.

Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 - Hayward
Flat Creek Lodge, Hayward, WI - 8AM to 10AM

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019 - Phillips
North Central Technical College, Phillips, WI - 8AM to 10AM

We were pleased to feature the following presenters for our 2019 RIsE Series:

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion showcasing a variety of successful local entrepreneurs from the region, including Hayward Gourmet, Velo Cafe, Bemused Photography and Design, Studio 1 Salon & Day Spa, Park Falls Gastropub, and IKS Industries, Inc.

Thank you to our 2019 RIsE Sponsors:

Andy Donahue, Director of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Superior - For over 10 years, Donahue has enhanced business entrepreneurship through a variety of models, most recently starting a consulting company tailored toward growth of marketing and social media campaigns for small businesses.

Aaron Hagar, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will be joining us for our event in Hayward while another team member from WEDC will be presenting in Phillips. Aaron previously served as WEDC’s senior technology investment manager, where he gained valuable experience helping technology-based Wisconsin companies achieve their growth potential. In more than four years with the agency, he has built strong relationships within the state’s entrepreneurial community, which will allow him to quickly advance ongoing efforts to support Wisconsin’s startups and innovation-based businesses.

Chris Schiffner is a Technology Investment Manager for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. His primary role with the WEDC is to work with entrepreneurs, investors, service providers, economic development professionals, and government officials to assist high-tech startup and early-stage businesses address their funding needs. Prior to working with WEDC Chris was with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce for 10 years where he managed the Department’s early stage financing programs such as the Act 255 tax credit program and the Technology Venture Loan Fund. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse.