Navigating the New Economy: The Booming Border

On June 17, 2019, WAGET sponsored a panel discussion, with questions and answers, on the booming economy along the border of Wisconsin and Illinois and the challenges it presents in terms of workforce, transportation and education. The event was at the Kenosha Civil War Museum. The event was coordinated by WisBusiness.com and promote by the Kenosha News. About 75 attended. Pictured (left to right) are panelists: Prof. Cassie Lau of Carthage College; Peter Barca, Wisconsin Secretary of Revenue; Rep. Samantha Kerkman, Republican; Heather Wessling, vice president of economic development for the Kenosha Area Business Alliance; Jeff Mayers, president of WisPolitics.com; Rep. Tod Ohnstad, Democrat. Previously, WAGET helped organize another regional event, precipitated by the Foxconn investment, that explored how South Carolina worked with a German firm, BMW, to develop that state’s economy and address challenges resulting from the development. The Navigating the New Economy series has had other events around the State of Wisconsin.

Representatives from Carthage College, the Legislature (Republican and Democrat), Gov. Evers (Revenue Secretary) and local business participated on the panel, moderated by Jeff Mayers, president of WisPolitics and WisBusiness.com, behind the sign.  About 75-80 persons attended the event at the Civil War Museum.  The Mayor welcomed the guests.