Description

AI is changing how we work and the St. Croix Valley is no exception. Join local leaders from healthcare, education, and business as they share what’s happening in their worlds: what they’ve implemented, what’s working, and what’s next. This offering is open to anyone and there is no fee to attend. Come ready to listen and ask questions!

7:45 – 8:00 | Check-In & Networking Arrive, grab a coffee, and connect with fellow attendees before the program begins.

8:00 – 8:20 | Welcome & Framing Holly Bloom of Bloom Insurance opens the morning and sets the stage for the conversation ahead, including a live audience poll to capture where our region stands on AI adoption today.

8:20 – 9:20 | Sector Spotlights Hear directly from regional leaders on how AI is showing up in their industries right now.

• Scott Hodek — Economic & Labor Market Shifts What do the numbers say? Scott breaks down how AI is influencing employment trends, workforce demand, and the regional economy.
• HealthPartners — AI in Clinical & Operational Settings From patient care to back-office efficiency, hear how one of the region's leading health systems is putting AI to work in meaningful ways.
• UWRF / Northwood Tech — The Education Perspective How are our local colleges preparing the next generation — and the current workforce — for an AI-driven world?

9:20 – 9:40 | Local Businesses on the Ground A candid fireside conversation with local business owners who are actively deploying AI and automation. Real tools, real results, real talk.

9:40 – 9:55 | Break & Networking Stretch, refill your coffee, and jot down your questions for the panel.

9:55 – 10:45 | Open Discussion Panel All speakers join Holly on stage for a lively cross-sector conversation — and your chance to ask the questions that matter most to your business.

10:45 – 11:00 | Wrap-Up Key takeaways from the morning, a look at next steps for the region, and one actionable idea from each panelist to take back to your workplace.