Curious about where Sauk County is headed? Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 10, when the High Ground 2025 Summit brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and changemakers to elevate their vision—and this incredible region. Hosted by the Sauk County Economic Development Committee, the Summit is a catalyst for connection, innovation, and shared growth. Follow along and discover everything you need to know about this can’t-miss event!
From Roundtables to Real Action
About High Ground
High Ground is where bold ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged, and insights are gained from some of the best minds across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, education, public safety, and more.
Sauk County is celebrating the people who make prosperity possible and creating a forum where leaders, innovators, and community members can share knowledge with each other. This is about more than just discussion—it’s about building the kind of collaboration that ensures Sauk County and its communities are established as a ground for greatness for decades to come.
Building Toward the Summit
That spirit of collaboration has been building long before the Summit itself. Earlier this year, Sauk County gathered entrepreneurs, community advocates, and local officials for a series of roundtable sessions. Each one sparked open conversations about what makes Sauk County unique, the challenges facing communities, and the opportunities ahead.
A wide range of ideas and creative solutions came out of these discussions, especially around boosting tourism, supporting small businesses, enhancing healthcare, and making sure progress benefits every corner of the county.
Now, all that brainstorming and collaboration is coming together at the Summit. It’s the perfect time to reflect on what’s been learned, celebrate what’s working, and, most importantly, start turning those great ideas into real, actionable plans for Sauk County’s future.
Why Economic Development & Tourism Matter
With all the ideas and momentum from those roundtable discussions, the Summit now turns its attention to Sauk County’s bigger picture. This county is already celebrated for its scenic beauty, friendly communities, and thriving small businesses. The High Ground 2025 Summit is about taking those strengths even further—drawing in more visitors, creating new opportunities for jobs, and giving local entrepreneurs the support they need to succeed.
But growth isn’t just about numbers…It’s about making sure that progress is shared by everyone. That’s why a big part of the Summit’s mission is focused on inclusive growth, ensuring every part of Sauk County can benefit.
With ambitious goals set by Sauk County and its Economic Development team, and the Sauk County Economic Development Committee, including creating jobs and expanding opportunities, this Summit is a key checkpoint. See how far the county has come and explore new strategies that will keep Sauk County moving forward together!
What to Expect on Summit Day
So, what will the Summit actually be like? You can expect a day packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and get inspired! Attendees will hear the latest updates on Sauk County’s economic and workforce trends—what’s working well, what’s changing, and what’s on the horizon. There will be interactive presentations designed to spark new ideas and foster collaboration, giving everyone a real chance to help shape Sauk County’s future.
The day also offers plenty of time for networking with local leaders, business owners, and community members who all share a passion for the county’s growth. And throughout it all, the Summit will shine a spotlight on recent achievements and milestones, celebrating how far Sauk County has come and setting the tone for the exciting journey ahead.
Summit Details
Location & Date
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
River Arts Center
105 9th Street, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
Agenda at a Glance
- 7:30 am – Registration Opens
- 8:00 am – Welcome Remarks by Tim McCumber, Sauk County Board Chair
- 8:15 am – Opening Keynote: Wisconsin’s Economy & Sauk County Perspective with Dr. Steven Deller
- 9:30 am – Break
- 9:45 am – Roundtable Talks | Health Care & Manufacturing
- 10:30 am – Jeff Wright, Sauk Prairie School District Administrator: A New Model of Excellence in Education
- 11:30 am – Roundtable Talks | Education & Hospitality/Travel
- 12:00 pm – Lunch (provided)
- 12:45 pm – Luncheon Keynote: Brian Reisinger, Author of Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family’s Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer
- 2:00 pm – Roundtable Talks | Law Enforcement & Public Safety
- 2:15 pm – Break
- 2:30 pm – Afternoon Session: Wisconsin’s Workforce and Sauk County Perspective with Franklin Otis, Regional Economist, Wis DWD
- 3:30 pm – Roundtable Talks | Finance, Banking & Developers, and Municipalities
- 4:00 pm – Closing Session & Call to Action
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The High Ground 2025 Summit is your chance to connect with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and civic minds from across Sauk County and beyond. Whether you want to grow your business, expand your network, or help shape the region’s future, High Ground is where you lay the foundation for greatness. Mark your calendar for this September, and invite your family, friends, and colleagues to be part of it. But don’t wait—seats are limited and filling fast. Register today and secure your spot!
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Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
