Unlock Your Potential: Insights for a Changing Workforce
Our Annual Workforce Summit brings together leaders, professionals, and experts from a wide range of industries to discuss and explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping today’s workforce.
The event features insightful presentations, interactive breakouts, and networking opportunities - all aimed at fostering collaboration and driving innovation. Attendees gain valuable insights into workforce trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, helping organizations navigate the evolving landscape and prepare for the future.
Whether you’re looking to build your leadership skills, connect with peers, or stay ahead of industry shifts, the Workforce Summit provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Optional Pre-Conference Programming
Schedule Item | Time | Location |
| Hotel Check-In | 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Radisson Hotel River Falls 100 Spring Street, River Falls, WI 54022 |
| Charcuterie & Cocktails, Casual Conversation, & Community Connections | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | TBA |
Thursday, October 29, 2026
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Schedule Item | Time | Location |
| Check-In, Breakfast Buffet & Networking | 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM | Falcon's Nest |
| Welcome & Introduction from Hosts | 8:00 AM - 8:20 AM | Falcon's Nest |
| Keynote Speaker New Employee Relocation Incentive Program Neil Kline | 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM | Falcon's Nest |
| Intermission | 9:20 AM - 9:35 AM | - |
| Breakout Speaker TBA | 9:35 AM - 10:35 AM | Kinnickinnic River Theater (Room 320) |
| Breakout Speaker Bridging Businesses and Young Talent BELL Committee | 9:35 AM - 10:35 AM | Wind River Room (Room 232) |
| Breakout Speaker Community Wellness as a Talent Attraction Strategy True Wellness | 9:35 AM - 10:35 AM | Falcon's Nest |
| Intermission | 10:35 AM - 10:50 AM | - |
| Keynote Speaker Checked In, but Checked Out: Re-Engaging the Disengaged Workforce Jessica Barnier | 10:50 AM - 11:50 PM | Falcon's Nest |
| Closing Remarks | 11:50 PM - 12:00 PM | Falcon's Nest |
Meet the Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Neil Kline - Family Friendly Workplaces
Neil Kline, began serving as the full-time Executive Director of Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW) in 2022 after supporting FFW in a part-time capacity since 2020. Since then, FFW has experienced robust growth in its employer certification program and has secured state grant funding in support of its talent attraction work. A Polk County, Wisconsin native, he graduated from Unity High School in Balsam Lake before graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to coming to FFW, Neil worked in banking as well as in and around Wisconsin state government. He lives in Osceola, Wisconsin with his boyfriend and their two dogs
Jessica Barnier - Chippewa Valley Technical College
Jessica Barnier, MBA, PMP, PHR, SHRM-CP, is a Leadership and Organizational Development Instructor at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), where she designs and facilitates training in leadership, management, communication, and organizational development. She brings extensive experience in project management, workforce development, research, training, and organizational change, including leading complex projects and cross-functional teams. Jessica is passionate about helping professionals strengthen their leadership skills and apply practical strategies in the workplace.
Breakout Session Speakers
Natasha Ward - True Wellness, Inc.
Natasha Ward, MHA, RDN is a healthcare and community wellness leader with extensive experience guiding teams and organizations toward meaningful, measurable improvements in health outcomes. She excels at bringing people together—clinical teams, community partners, and local stakeholders—to create collaborative, root-cause solutions that strengthen wellness for all. Natasha's background includes leading Community Health Needs Assessments, designing and implementing Community Health Improvement Plans, developing clinical and wellness service lines, and driving strategic planning and project execution. She is passionate about increasing access to health and wellness resources and shaping environments where healthy choices are practical, natural, and sustainable. She is known for strong relationship-building skills and for fostering cultures of caring, connection, and well-being. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition from the College of St. Benedict and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.
Business Education Leadership Link - River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau
The Business Education Leadership Link (BELL) is dedicated to creating educational programming that supports business growth and leadership. Members plan workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs, helping professionals and leaders in our community achieve their full potential. The River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau BELL Committee is comprised of Education professionals with a passion for our future workforce.
TBA
TBA
Meet the Partners
Partner Organizations
River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau
The River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau is a membership-based nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting, promoting, and supporting its members to enhance the local economy and cultivate a strong sense of community. The Chamber serves as a vital resource for both businesses and residents, providing opportunities for networking, professional development, and community engagement. As a leader in tourism, the organization also promotes River Falls as a vibrant destination to live, work, and visit. Its work focuses on driving economic growth and creating a dynamic business environment that benefits everyone in the region.
Family Friendly Workplaces
Family Friendly Workplaces is a membership-based nonprofit organization that addresses workforce shortages by strengthening families and certifying employers who prioritize work-life balance. Their mission is to make western Wisconsin a premier destination to raise a family. By encouraging businesses to adopt policies and practices that support early childhood and family bonding, they help employers recruit and retain talent. Through their certification program, they provide a platform for businesses to showcase their commitment to a positive work culture, proving that a focus on family benefits the entire community.
Business Education Leadership Link - BELL Committee
Chelsea Will
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Melissa Wilson
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Dawn Johnson
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Jenna Hanson
River Falls School District
Melisa Hansen
River Falls School District
Sheri Marnell
St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center
