2026 Economic Summit
Schedule
Tue Apr 28 2026 at 09:00 am to 04:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Merrill Expo Center, 303 1/2 N. Sales Street, Merrill, WI 54452 | Merrill, WI
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The Economic Summit is BACK! Mark your calendar for April 28, 2026, and plan to be at the Merrill Expo Center from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm for an energizing event designed to ignite collaborations and fuel local business & community success! Can’t get away for a whole day? Sign up for the half day that works best for you!THEME: Energizing the Small Business Spirit!
Get energized at the 2026 Economic Summit — a collaborative event focused on igniting new ideas, strengthening partnerships, and fueling small business and community success across our region. Walk away with fresh inspiration, meaningful connections, and tools to help your business thrive.
Tickets and complete event information is now available at www.lincolncountyedc.org/event-details/2026-economic-summit
🔆MORNING FOCUS: Energizing Economic Ideas 🔆
Receive economic updates from the region's local governments and economic partners, then energize your entrepreneurial spirit with keynote speaker Joe Thiel, CEO of Innovate Marquette SmartZone (INFO), as he shares big ideas for sparking innovation in rural communities and beyond!
After that, learn what it takes to start and sustain a successful small business from a panel of local entrepreneurs. Round out the morning with featured presenter Kurt Bauer, President/CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (INFO), as he shares the results of WMC's recently-released Wisconsin Competitiveness Report and explains how businesses across northcentral Wisconsin and beyond can use this information to help them chart a proactive path forward.
🚚FOOD TRUCKS LUNCH: Choose your meal from one of Merrill's local food trucks and enjoy some great food while supporting local small businesses!
💡AFTERNOON FOCUS: Igniting the Small Business Spirit💡
Businesses are closely intertwined with the communities they serve, and positive collaborations are crucial to creating healthy local economic ecosystems. The afternoon sessions will explore ideas for working together in ways that spark both business and community success. Topics will include building successful financial partnerships, finding the right business resources, building collaborative marketing strategies, and understanding the business benefits of supporting community partners.
🌞BONUS EVENT: Business After Hours! 5 - 7 pm
Stick around after the Summit (or come back!) for a bonus Business After Hours with the Merrill Chamber! Enjoy two extra hours of networking, free food & drinks, raffles, and more! Don't miss this chance to dive into the topics from the Summit, build new relationships, and energize your small business spirit in a fun new way.
OPEN TO ALL EDC PARTNERS & BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS looking to grow their networks (and have a little fun!). Summit attendance not required (just encouraged).
For more details, visit: https://www.lincolncountyedc.org/event-details/2026-economic-summit
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Where is it happening?
Merrill Expo Center, 303 1/2 N. Sales Street, Merrill, WI 54452, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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