Upcoming Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
On this page you will find all upcoming events relevant to Community Development in the interest of residents of Vernon County. Please note many of these programs are regulated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and some questions may need to be relayed to the contacts listed on the event-of-interest’s website. Please read the description and follow the links associated with the events to find learn in full about what you need to know and cost options.
For a full calendar of events statewide for the state of Wisconsin, please visit the link below to see the official UW-Madison Division of Extension – Community Development website. Explore more about Extension’s Community Development program in Vernon County through the additional links listed.
Learn about Upcoming Events/Workshops
Wisconsin Rural Regional Housing Summit Series Presents – The Driftless Region
When: May 6, 2025, 8:30am to 3:15pm
Where: Hillsboro Brewing Company, 206 E. Madison St, Hillsboro, Wisconsin
Cost: $25.00 – Driftless Regional Rural Housing Summit-Extension Bayfield County
Sponsorships: Available. Contact Hannah McKeever at [Email Hannah McKeever] or call 608-637-5281
We are pleased to invite you to the Wisconsin Rural Regional Housing Summit Series on May 6, 2025. This summit is a key opportunity for state and local leaders to collaborate on addressing rural housing challenges and explore practical strategies for increasing housing availability and access across Wisconsin.
Join us for presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on data-driven strategies, case studies, and actionable solutions tailored to the unique needs of our local communities. Engage directly with experts and peers to gain valuable insights and resources for future housing initiatives.
We would be honored to have your participation. Please register by April 24th, 2025.
Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club – Agritourism for Rural Development in Wisconsin
When: May 14 2025, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Food Enterprise Building, 1201 N Main St, Viroqua, WI
Cost: Free
Unlock Your Innovation Potential!
This session: Agritourism for Rural Development in Wisconsin
Guest Speaker: Maggie Cornelius, RWEI Statewide Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Do you have an idea for an invention or new product? Would you like to start your own business? The Inventors and Entrepreneurs (I&E) Club can help you explore your idea and turn it into a product or business. At our meetings you can share your ideas, network with other creative people and find resources to help you. New ideas are just a spark away!
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Food Enterprise Center, 1201 North Main Street in Viroqua. Networking starts at 5:30 p.m., the program begins at 6:00 p.m. The meetings are free and no reservations are required. Everyone is welcome!
We have created a LinkedIn group for our I&E club. Join Us to network with other creative people.
Wisconsin’s 2nd Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
When: June 16-18, 2025
Where: Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Cost: Early Bird (ends May 17, 2025)-$100; General-$125; Steering Committee Member or Speaker-Free
Wisconsin’s 2nd CEC Conference: Wisconsin Rapids
The CEC Conference is back, this time in Wisconsin Rapids, the conference “about small towns, for small towns,” for economic developers, local government leaders, and community champions. Not your typical conference, CEC features programming about entrepreneurship in smaller communities, featuring the local leaders, local businesses, and local cultures of a Wisconsin town.
Rivers of opportunities are flowing from Wisconsin Rapids, and economic development professionals will take home new ideas about planning and infrastructure projects, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, agritourism, placemaking, and community partnerships.
Discover the spirit of Wisconsin Rapids, a city redefining its future. Once known as “The Paper City,” this community is now a hub of entrepreneurial energy, revitalizing its downtown along the scenic Wisconsin River. Join us for engaging workshops led by local innovators along historic Grand Avenue, take a stroll along the river’s picturesque bridges, and while you’re here, immerse yourself in the region’s cranberry heritage. Experience how this underdog community is forging a new chapter of growth and creativity in Central Wisconsin.
