EconIndicators

Economic Indicators Breakfast

Economic Indicators presented by State Bank Financial Banner

Thursday, October 15, 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

The Hidden Infrastructure of the Economy: Nonprofit Capacity, Community Need, and Resilience in the Coulee Region will take a closer look at an often-overlooked part of the regional economy: the network of nonprofit organizations that help communities and households flourish.

The breakfast will examine the economic and social role played by local nonprofits, the changing needs they are being asked to meet, and whether the resources available to them are keeping pace. It will also feature a panel of leaders representing nonprofit organizations from across the Coulee Region.

The event aims to move beyond a traditional discussion of charitable giving and instead ask a broader economic question: Does the Coulee Region have the nonprofit infrastructure and capacity necessary to meet the needs of a resilient and thriving community?

Individual tickets are $30.
Register here to reserve your spot by October 12 , 2026

Panelists Include

Ralph Heath, Executive in Residence, CBA

Clara Gelatt
     Rivoli Theatre and Rivoli Arts District, Owner
     National Decorated Products, President 
     Trust Point Board of Directors- Vice Chair 
     YMCA - Board President
     La Crosse Area Community Foundation- Vice Chair 

Together, the panelists will discuss what they are seeing on the front line of the nonprofit sector. From the changing needs of the community to the evolving demands of a new generation of donors. Add to this the challenges of a changing workforce, volunteerism, staffing, funding, and organizational capacity. The conversation will explore not only the important work being accomplished, but also the unmet needs and constraints that may shape the region in the years ahead.

Taggert J. Brooks (TJ), Dean of the College of Business Administration and Professor of Economics at UW-La Crosse, will open the program with a data-driven look at the nonprofit sector as part of the region’s economic infrastructure. The presentation will consider measures of community need, nonprofit resources and capacity, and the ways nonprofit organizations support households, employers, and the broader regional economy.

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 October 12 , 2026

If you are interested in one of the sponsorship opportunities email Mary Grattan mgrattan@uwlax.edu before October 9, 2026 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

UWL College of Business Administration Logo