Volume 7, Edition 2
Welcome to the Special 2013 WCA Legislative Exchange Issue

Concourse The Wisconsin Counties Association will hold their 2013 WCA Legislative Exchange February 5th and 6th at the Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin.

County officials will gather to discuss the important issues that are facing counties around the state.  This year, the agenda is full of legislative leaders, top government officials and representatives discussing relevant issues. 

While there are breakdowns for each day listed below, you can also  view the full event agenda here.  To see this year's Legislative Exchange brochure with additional details about the event, click here.

You may still register by faxing a registration form to 608.663.7189 or register onsite.  For additional questions, please contact Cheryl Fleck at 877.404.2700.       
Tuesday Focuses on Legislative Activities
The 2013 WCA Legislative Exchange begins Tuesday, February 5th with a full agenda. Highlights of the day's schedule include:
                                 
9:00 a.m.-Presidential Opening Remarks
Gus "Sandy" Wirth, Jr., WCA President and Ozaukee County Board Supervisor

9:05 a.m.-The State of the State Budget
Todd Berry, President, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance

9:35 a.m.-The State of the State's Economy

Dennis Winters, Chief Economist, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development 

 

10:05 a.m.-Mark D. O'Connell, Executive Director, WCA

10:45 a.m.-The Budget Process
Wisconsin Counties Association Legislative Staff
Jon Hochkammer-Legislative Director
Sarah Diedrick-Kasdorf-Senior Legislative Associate
David Callender-Legislative Associate
Dan Bahr-Legislative Associate
Kyle Christianson-Legislative & Research Associate

12:45 p.m.-Special Presentation: Cyber Security

Kristin Judge, Executive Director, Trust Purchasing Alliance at the Center for Internet Security

2:15 p.m.-The State Budget-The Administration's Perspective

Mike Huebsch, Secretary, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin

 

2:45 p.m.-The State Retirement System

Robert Conlin, Secretary, Department of Employee Trust Funds, State of Wisconsin

3:15 p.m.-Open Forum
Andrew T. Phillips, Partner, Phillips Borowski, S.C.

Wisconsin Counties Association Staff  

Wednesday's Agenda Highlights Governor; Top Legislative and State Leaders
The Legislative Exchange begins Wednesday, February 6th at 8:30 a.m. with a welcome from WCA First Vice President and Sauk County Board Chair Marty Krueger.  Other confirmed speakers include:

8:35 a.m.-Legislative Perspectives
John Nygren, Representative, State of Wisconsin
Jennifer Shilling, Senator, State of Wisconsin

9:15 a.m.-
Scott Walker, Governor, State of Wisconsin  

9:30 a.m. Advocacy: Getting the County Message Out

Andy Gussert, Former Executive Director, Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee
Brandon Scholz, The Capitol Group
Liz Stephens, Membership and External Affairs Manager, WCA

10:45 a.m.-Effective Advocacy: Perspectives of Former Legislators
Joe Parisi, Executive, Dane County
Jim Kreuser, Executive, Kenosha County
Dan Vrakas, Executive, Waukesha County
Jon Hochkammer, Legislative Director, WCA

11:15 a.m.-Attorney General Remarks

J.B. Van Hollen, Attorney General, State of Wisconsin

  

11:25 a.m.-Chief Justice Remarks
Shirley Abrahamson, Chief Justice, Supreme Court, State of Wisconsin

11:45 a.m.-Updates
Lance Pliml, Board Chair, Wood County-WCA Frac Sand Task Force Update 

David Ward, CEO-Northstar Consulting Group Update 

Bruce Siebold, President-Northstar Consulting Group Update 

 

Questions?  We Have Answers!
question marks In an attempt to answer nearly all the questions we regularly receive on the WCA Legislative Exchange, we've created our list of frequently asked questions.  If you have additional questions, please contact Cheryl Fleck at 866.404.2700.

Can I get a copy of the agenda for the event?  Yes, find it here.
 
How do I get to the Madison Concourse Hotel?  Directions can be found here.
 
Can I park directly at the hotel?  Yes, the hotel has underground heated parking for guests at $1.50 per hour or $10 per day.
 
What is the attire for the event?  Business casual.  Temperatures in all meeting rooms vary, so please dress accordingly.
 
Can I buy individual meal tickets?  If your spouse or guest would like to join you for a meal, tickets may be purchased for $16 each at the event for Tuesday or Wednesday's meal.

Can I bring a spouse or guest to the County Reception?  Yes.  There is no charge for the event if you are a registered county delegate.  Note: In order to comply with the Wisconsin Lobby Law (State employees only), there is a $15.00 charge for the reception to cover actual costs. 

IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome to Special Leg Exchange "WCA eNews"
Tuesday Focuses on Legislative Activities
Wednesday's Agenda Highlights Governor
FAQs
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
The Wisconsin Counties Association would like to thank our sponsors for their generous assistance in helping to make the 2013 Legislative Exchange a huge success.

To learn more about these county supporters, click on the links below:

Event Sponsors
Crivello Carlson S.C.
Phillips Borowski, S.C. 
PMA Financial Network, Inc.
Forecast5 Analytics, Inc.
Public Financial Management, Inc.
Trean Reinsurance Services,LLC

General Sponsor
ATC

Giveaway Sponsors:
Image Innovators
CDW-G
COUNTY RECEPTION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 5TH
In conjunction with the WCA Legislative Exchange, the Wisconsin Counties Association will host its annual County Reception on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 5-7 p.m.

The event will be held at the Madison Concourse Hotel and is free to those attending the Legislative Exchange.  This is an excellent opportunity to mingle with fellow county officials, as well as with members of the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly and other government officials in an informal setting.

Note: In order to comply with the Wisconsin Lobby Law (State employees only), there is a $15.00 charge for the reception to cover actual costs.

HOTEL QUESTIONS?
For questions about your reservation, please contact the Madison Concourse Hotel directly at 800.356.8293. 
QUICK LINKS