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Economic Indicators

AI in the Driftless: How Local Firms Are Adopting, Adapting, and Learning

March 26, 2026
7:00-9:00am

Individual tickets are $30.
Register here to reserve your spot by March 20, 2026

The breakfast will feature a panel discussion with Corey Mensink, Executive Vice President and Director of Commercial Lending at Sunrise Banks, and John Kruger, Co-founder of Incubation Studio, along with a representative from Trane who will share insights from Brainbox, Trane’s AI-enabled product and what it suggests about integrating AI into products, operations, and customer value. Together, the panelists will discuss practical realities of adoption—data readiness, workforce capabilities, governance, risk management, and organizational change—through the lens of businesses operating in the Driftless region.

Dean of the College of Business Administration and Professor of Economics at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, will open the program with a high-level overview of how new technologies typically diffuse across industries, why some organizations adopt faster than others, and what that means for competitiveness and productivity. The event aims to provide an accessible, big-picture framework while grounding the discussion in local experience and real examples.

Hosted bi-annually by UWL’s College of Business Administration and supported by State Bank Financial, the Economic Indicators Breakfast brings together students, faculty, business leaders and community stakeholders to examine key economic trends impacting the region. This signature gathering fosters data-driven insights and actionable dialogue at the intersection of business, policy and community development.

The College of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse prepares students for leadership in a global business environment. We combine rigorous academic programs, high-impact learning, and strong community engagement to deliver a distinct La Crosse experience.

Economic Indicators is an update for the 7 Rivers Region. Reports on the long-term study of regional economic indicators impacting the 7 Rivers Region. State Bank Financial proudly sponsors this ongoing research project.

Visit Economic Indicators for more information

When

  • 7 to 9 a.m. Thursday, March 26

Where

The Bluffs Ballroom Student Union

UWL campus map for building location and nearby parking lots.

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Student Union

If you go

  • Cost required, purchase ahead of time only
  • Details

Contact

For questions about this event or to request disability accommodations , contact Mary Grattan at 608.785.8098 or mgrattan@uwlax.edu.

Parking

Payment may be required. No permit?
Use Passport Parking.

Additional parking info
Website for Parking | Email for Parking | Call for Parking

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