EconIndicators
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Economic Indicators Breakfast
Economic Indicators presented by State Bank Financial Banner
Thursday, March 26, 2026
7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
The Bluffs at the UWL Student Union
Presented by State Bank Financial
Hosted by the College of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
Individual tickets are $30.
Register here to reserve your spot by March 20, 2026
AI in the Driftless: How Local Firms Are Adopting, Adapting, and Learning
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.
Taggert Brooks, 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.
Register here to reserve your spot by March 20, 2026
If you are interested in one of the sponsorship opportunities email Mary Grattan mgrattan@uwlax.edu before March 9th for availability and payment options.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Image of State Bank Financial logo
Major Sponsors
Table Sponsors
Student Opportunity Sponsor
In-Kind Supporting Sponsors
River Valley Media Group Logo
