Dr. Tessa Conroy is an Associate Professor of Agricultural & Applied Economics and Economic Development Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She studies regional economic development with a commitment to developing practical and actionable knowledge for communities in Wisconsin and the rest of the U.S. Dr. Conroy’s research focuses on small business dynamics as a key component of local economic growth, including the factors that drive entrepreneurship and business survival.

Matt Kures is a Distinguished Community Development Specialist with the Division of Extension’s Community Development Institute. Matt works in partnership with Extension’s statewide network of resources to assist communities and organizations in the areas of regional economic analysis, labor force research, socio-economic impact analysis and industry sector competitiveness.