The State of the Wisconsin Economy: Past Patterns, Current Status, and Future Directions

The State of the Wisconsin Economy: Past Patterns, Current Status, and Future Directions
Presented By: Laura Dresser, Expert on the Wisconsin Economy, Jobs, and Wages, University of Wisconsin-Madison

In order to better understand the state of the Wisconsin economy, Laura Dresser will review broad historical economic trends of the nation and Wisconsin. Particular attention will be paid to the performance of the Wisconsin economy just prior to the Great Recession and how the economy has recovered. In addition, he will highlight strengths and weaknesses of the Wisconsin economy and how those may influence future directions.

About the Speaker:

Laura Dresser joined the SSW as Assistant Clinical Professor of Macropractice in 2017. She is also the Associate Director of COWS, a UW-Madison think-and-do tank where she has worked for more than two decades. Her research and practice has focused on low-wage work and workforce development systems. She has analyzed the structure of low-wage jobs, written about ways to build stronger labor market systems and worked extensively with labor, business, and community leaders to build them. A co-editor of The Gloves-Off Economy: Workpalce Standards at the Bottom of America's Labor Market, she is currently working issues of care work and the connection between quality care, quality jobs, and minimum wages.

Venue Partner:

Cancellation Policy: The Power Lunch Workshop provides valuable insights while enjoying complimentary lunch. Space is limited, and we often have a waiting list. To ensure everyone has the chance to participate, we kindly ask for your cooperation:

If you register and find you are unable to attend, please notify us at least 48 hours beforehand. This allows us to offer your spot to someone else.
A $25 cancellation fee will be applied for no-shows without 48-hour notice. This helps us cover the cost of the catered lunch.

The State of the Wisconsin Economy: P...

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Date and Time

Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

Location

Wisconsin Trade Center
8401 Greenway Blvd, Middleton, WI

If you park in back, there is an awning that says Conference Rooms, and if you go in those doors it will be down the hall to the left, before the skywalk. If you park in front, follow the signs to the Conference Room or Skywalk.

Fees/Admission

This event is FREE for members as a Member Benefit.

A $25 cancellation fee will be applied for no-shows without 48-hour notice.

The fee for non members is $30.

Contact Information

Coty Brown
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