Nicole Ryf, president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, will serve as chair of the coalition for 2025-26. Under the theme “Wisconsin Horizons,” the season’s programs will explore emerging industries, shifting workforce needs, and economic opportunities in the decade ahead.

Ryf succeeds Karla Krehbiel, retiring regional president of Johnson Financial Group Southeast. For nearly 30 years, the coalition has brought regional civic, business, and professional leaders together at Carthage to explore pressing issues via speakers and panel discussions.

Ryf held previous roles in the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and Virginia’s Hampton Roads Alliance.

“Nicole brings the same energy and ideas to our steering committee that she is known for at KABA,” says Carthage President John Swallow. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the coalition to focus on regional economic development and talent attraction, two topics of vital importance given the demographic challenges ahead.”

Ryf sees close alignment between KABA’s work and the Business and Professional Coalition.

“Carthage College is a key strategic partner for KABA’s economic development efforts and is a critical talent engine for our region,” she says. “I am continuously impressed with the college’s proactive approach to meeting employers’ evolving needs and preparing students for high-demand careers. It is a privilege to support Carthage’s mission by chairing the coalition this year and helping foster meaningful conversations about our economic future.”

Ryf will be installed as chair during the season’s opening luncheon event, titled “Wisconsin’s Labor Forecast,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, in the Todd Wehr Center at Carthage, 2001 Alford Park Drive.

The kickoff program features keynote speaker Ron Hetrick, a nationally recognized labor economist who will discuss future job trends and demographic shifts in the regional workforce — and what employers and educational institutions can do to prepare.

A former senior economist at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hetrick has provided analysis for the Federal Reserve Board, the Council of Economic Advisers, Congress, and numerous Fortune 100 companies and trade associations. He is the author of numerous white papers exploring the future of labor demographics.

The Business and Professional Coalition season schedule also includes:

Nov. 13: “Healthcare and Higher Ed: Partners for Life”

Feb. 19: “Focus on Film: Innovation in the Creative Industries”

Admission to each program is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit www.carthage.edu/businesscoalition.