(Image Source: Microsoft Copilot 2/11/2026 )
Join us April 7 for a lunch‑and-learn webinar focused on how digital mapping and online visibility shape economic opportunity—especially in rural places.
This session is informed by the research and 2024 Wisconsin Rural Economic Summit presentation of Dr. Jacob Thebault‑Spieker (UW–Madison), whose work highlights how rural communities are often underrepresented on digital platforms, leaving them effectively invisible in an increasingly map‑driven economy. His research on rural digital footprints and information gaps helps explain why many communities struggle to appear accurately on platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps—and why intentional, local action matters.
Building on this research, presenters will share practical, hands‑on strategies for improving community and business visibility online, including examples of mapping tools, promoted pins, and simple steps communities can take to strengthen their digital presence. Participants will gain actionable ideas, downloadable resources, and insights they can immediately apply in their local work.
This webinar is a clear example of the Wisconsin Idea in action—bringing university research into communities to address real‑world challenges and support local economic vitality beyond the classroom.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
12:00-1:00 PM (CST)
Recording- coming soon
Resources
Our Presenters
Dr. Jacob Thebault-Spieker
Assistant Professor
UW Madison School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences
Dr. Jacob Thebault-Spieker is an Assistant Professor in the iSchool at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he studies why systemic information gaps emerge in digital platforms and how they shape real‑world outcomes. His research examines how underrepresentation – especially in rural, geographic, and socioeconomic contexts – affects everything from online visibility to the fairness of crowd and gig‑work systems. He builds tools and frameworks to help communities and platforms fill these gaps, ensuring their needs and perspectives are accurately reflected in the digital landscape.
Sheila Nyberg
Executive Director
Clark County Economic Development Corporation
a native of central Wisconsin, has served as the Executive Director of Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Bureau for nearly 21 years. She specializes in driving business development and job growth as a partner with the entire county, its communities, and its leadership. Her passions include protecting our agriculture, dairy and manufacturing leadership positions while enhancing and diversifying our markets and improving our Quality of Life. Other crucial focus areas are marketing, downtown (city center) redevelopment, and tourism growth.
Sheila is a seasoned economic developer with years of experience and expertise in Downtown & Community Development, Comprehensive Planning, Bank Management, Operations, Marketing and Business Development.
Steve Jahn
Executive Director
Momentum West
Steve is the executive director of Momentum West, one of nine regional economic development organizations covering the state of Wisconsin. Steve is also one of two representatives from Wisconsin on the Mid-America Economic Development Council, and a past chair of the Regional Economic Development Leadership Council, the association made up of the states nine regional economic development organizations. He has over 40 years of leadership experience in economic development, business information, and newspaper and magazine publishing.
Previously Steve was a vice president at Dolan Media, and the publisher of Finance & Commerce, Inc., a business information and publishing company in the Twin Cities, publishers of Finance & Commerce, Capitol Report/Politics in Minnesota, and Minnesota Lawyer. He was the operational vice-president for Chippewa Valley Newspapers, and the publisher at various media operations in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Jackson Koverman
Intern
Momentum West
Jackson is an intern with Momentum West, where he has created and worked on a regional initiative to improve the digital visibility of businesses and communities across western Wisconsin. His work focuses on helping local businesses gain visibility on platforms such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. Through direct outreach and collaboration with local governments, county economic development organizations, and rural businesses, Jackson has helped expand the digital presence of businesses across multiple counties. He is interested in economic development and is focused on creating practical solutions that support rural communities.
This webinar is sponsored by:
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors.
Webinar Resources
Resources, including a video of the webinar, will be added after the webinar.
We value inclusion and access for all participants. We are happy to provide accommodations to help you fully participate in this event.
This event is open to all. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language and/or format, and/or other services to make this event more accessible. Contact oaic@extension.wisc.edu. Make your request 25 days before the event. There is no added cost to you for these services.