35th Annual Wisconsin Lenders Conference
Thursday, May 15, 2025
​Kalahari Resort & Convention Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin​​​​​​​
Conferences and Training


​Thursday, May 15, 2025

​Kalahari Resort & Convention

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin​​​​​​​

Details

Conference Highlights

The 2025 conference is a one day, in-person event that provides educational​ information and updates for commercial lenders through presentations from SBA, SBDC, RMA, regulatory agencies, and more! 

A variety of sessions will be available for new and experienced lenders and those who work with SBA loans. The conference features the SBA Lender Awards, breakout sessions, exhibitors, and a networking reception. 

Returning by popular demand! WBD will be hosting a workshop again this year on Wednesday afternoon before our Lenders Conference.

​Who Should Attend


Bank presidents, CEOs, board and chamber directors, CPAs, commercial lenders, credit analysts, tellers, collection managers, financial, economic development professionals, business chambers, small business owners, and anyone in lending! ​​

Attendee Registration​ ​

 

Early Bird Prices - $315
Group Rate of 3 or more - $315​


Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities​

Sponsorship Opportunities

​2025 Sponsorship Opportunities:

​SPONSORSHIP LEVEL
​PRICE
​Logo on Marketing Materials
​Logo/link on website
​Ad shared through email blasts
​Physical ads displayed during conference
​Logo on main hall PowerPoint
​Recognition during welcome presentation
​Complimentary Conference Registrations
​Exhibitor Table

GOLD

​$3000
​X
​X
3 times
​X
3 times
​X
4 tickets
​X

SILVER

​$2000
​X
​X
2 times​
​X
2 times
​X
3 tickets
X
​​NETWORKING

(Sponsor provides Happy Hour Drinks through Kalahari​)

​$1000
​X
​X
​​​1 time
​X
​2 times
​-
​2 tickets
​X

​BRONZE

​
$650
​X

​X

​1 time

​-
​1 time

​X

​1 ticket

​X


To view all details of each sponsorship tier, view our Sponsorship Flyer: ​WLC Sponsor Opportunities 2025.pdf
​

Sponsorships are non-refundable.​

Exhibitor Opportunity

​2025 Exhibitor Opportunity

Showcase your products and services to a highly engaged audience of lending professionals as an event exhibitor:

Pricing: $475

Electricity: +$75​

As an exhibitor, you'll receive:

  • One skirted exhibitor table inside the main conference room.
  • One conference pass for your booth attendee (includes conference meals, breaks, and reception).
  • Your company name listed on our event webpage.


Please note that we will accept registrations for an exhibit booth on a first-come-first serve basis until space is filled. Exhibit booths are non-refundable. 

To view all details of the exhibitor opportunity, view our Exhibitor Flyer: WLC Exhibit Opportunity 2025.pdf

2025 Keynote Speaker

Scott_Kunes_Headshot.jpg​

​Scott Kunes​

Scott Kunes is Chief Operating Officer of Delavan-based Kunes Auto Group, which owns more than 40 locations across the Midwest. Scott has experience in all areas of vehicle acquisition from online to at auction to private party. He often speaks on affordability, the EV transition, the state of the auto market and other automotive trends. He has appeared on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Fox Business, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Bloomberg and Automotive World, Auto Finance News and more. ​


​

Kalahari Room Block Rates

2025 Special Lodging Rates at the Kalahari

A block of rooms is available at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center. Reservations should be made online to avoid excessive wait times and resort fees. 

Special rates:

  • Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - $119/night
  • Thursday, May 15, 2025 - $119/night​

Expiration date:

Monday, April 15, 2025 -OR- when room block is full. Whichever one occurs first. Please reserve your room as soon as possible.​

Location:

Kalahari Resort and Conference Center
1305 Kalahari Drive
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Making a Reservation:

Online Booking: https://book.passkey.com/e/50023778​​

Lodging Cancellation

If you need to cancel lodging, please contact the Kalahari directly. Cancelling your lodging does not cancel your conference registration. Please refer to our conference cancellation policy.

Kalahari Policy - Please Read

  • ​Authorization Form
  • Tax Exemption
  • Purchase Orders​

"Per our policy at Kalahari Resorts, we DO NOT accept completed Letters of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms, nor Purchase Orders to be submitted to us at the hotel check-in. We have a dedicated team that approves these forms to ensure validity prior to attachment to the reservations prior to check-in. These forms should be submitted no later than 7 days in advanced to us at dellscallcenterfax@kalahariresorts.com or fax them to 608-254-6116. We highly suggest that the attendees submit these forms at minimum two weeks in advanced prior to the hotel check in so our team can process them in a timely manner. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to the attendees on their personal cards; since our Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. If you have any questions at all, I am attaching a link to our website that will bring you to our general policy page for the entire resort, which explains our policies in full detail. (Link: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/wisconsin/help/faq/)." ~ Kalahari Resort


Trappers Turn Golfing

Trappers Turn is offering discounted rates for conference attendees again this year!

  • ​Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - $59 (4 p.m. and after)​
  • Thursday, May 15, 2025 - $85
  • Friday, May 16, 2025 - $125​

Price includes 18 holes of golf and use of their facility. Various tee times available. Please contact Trappers Turn directly to make reservations.

Phone: 608-253-7000
Reference: Wisconsin Lenders Conference 


We are bringing back the SBA Fundamentals Workshop from WBD and an evenign reception!

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | Pre-Conference Opportunities

1:30 - 4 p.m. | SBA Fundamentals Workshop

​Join WBD for a SBA Fundamentals workshop, whether your new or just need a refresher. ​​

WBD Logo

​Wednesday, May 14, 2025 |​ 1:30 - 4 p.m.

Kalahari Resort & Convention

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Registration opening in March.

​Must pre-register to attend. For more information on the workshop and to register, please visit the WBD workshop webpage. 

Workshop Button​​​

Please note: Although this workshop is scheduled the day before the Wisconsin Lenders Conference at the Kalahari, it is a separate event and separate ​registration from the Wisconsin Lenders Conference. You must pre-register for this workshop in order to attend. You do not have to be a Wisconsin Lenders Conference attendee in order to qualify to register. 

4 - 6 p.m. | WBD Sponsored Reception


WBD Logo

WBD will be hosting an evening reception following their SBA Fundamentals workshop. Workshop attendees, Lenders Conference attendees and anyone is welcome to attend, network, and enjoy happy hour drinks.​ 

​Wednesday, May 14, 2025 |​ 4-6 p​​​.m.

Kalahari Resort & Convention

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Registration for the reception is collected alongside the SBA Workshop registration. Please register there indicating that you will be attending the reception.

Full conference agenda. Please click on the drop down for more details. ​​​

Thursday, May 15, 2025  |  Lenders Conference​

7:15 - 8 a.m. | Check-in & Visit with Exhibitors

Start your morning early!

  • Check-in to get your name badge, 
  • Grab food at the breakfast buffet​ and don't forget your mornig cup of Joe​

Visit the exhibitors!

  • ​Kapur Inc.
  • Risk Management Association (RMA)
  • Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Business Lending Partners (BLP)
  • First Business Bank
  • iBusiness Funding 
  • TrueNorth Consultants
  • Small Business Development Center​

8 - 8:25 a.m. | Welcome

Welcome Commentary
  • Eric Ness, Wisconsin Small Business Administration
  • RMA, Platinum Sponsor

8:25 - 9:05 a.m. | Keynote Speaker

​Presenter: ​Scott Kunes, Chief Operating Officer, Kunes Auto & RV Group​​​

Session details to be announced!

9:15-10:30 a.m. | Session 1

A1) SOP 50 10 7.1 Updates

Presenter: James Keig;​ Jellum Law, P.A.,​​​​ and Spring Nelson; Jellum Law, P.A.

A discussion regarding relevant changes affecting SBA loan originations in the new SOP 50 10 7.1


B1) Construction in SBA

Presenter: ​​First Business Bank

Session details to be announced!
​

C1) Support Your SME's Ability to Get Access to Working Capital

Presenter: Keith Schlege; Office of International Trade, SBA

Explore ways the SBA Office of Interational Trade can provide increased opportunities for SME's to gain access to capital to sustain growth & support for larger orders through our Export & Working Capital Finance Programs.


​D1) Stop Selling, Start Solving: A Client-Centric Approach to Banking Success

Presenter: Jason Chance; Director of Leadership & Management Training, LIFT Consulting

Shift from a traditional sales mindset to a client-centric approach that prioritizes understanding client needs, building trust, and fostering long-term relationships. Learn how to ask the right questions, qualify prospects effectively, and create win-win outcomes that drive lasting success in banking.​

E1) RMA Regulators Panel

Panel: 

  • Alan Sisson; WI Department of Financial Institution​
  • Brandon Marriott; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
  • Christopher Lewis; Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Join representatives from Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Office of theComptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Reserve as we hear about hot topics in the regulatory world. Update on current conditionsand issues facing lenders from a regulatory standpoint.

10:45 a.m.-Noon | Session 2

A2) SOP 50 57 3 Update

Presenter: Lindsay Cremona; Jellum Law, P.A.

A discussion regarding relevant changes affecting SBA loan servicing and liquidations in the new SOP 50 57 3.​​​


B2) 504 Loan Program

Presenter: Kyle Kuntz; WBD, and Wesley Walsh; BLP

The 504 program is a great option for business owners looking to acquire, expand, or refinance owner occupied commercial real estate and/or equipment at competitive, long-term fixed interest rates. This session will provide an overview of the 504 loan program including benefits, structuring, eligibility, and the latest updates on the 504 refinance options, which includes the ability to refinance SBA 7(a) loans.

​

C2) Taming Chaos: Your Competitive Edge

Presenter: Kate Halfwasse; MKE Business Coach, Lorry Rifkin; We Tame Your Chaos, and Georgy Fritsch; Fristsch Consulting, LLC

Success in banking goes beyond transactions—it’s about building trust, credibility, and long-term relationships. Lorry Rifkin will help you identify and manage chaos, ensuring you stay ahead of challenges. Kate Halfwassen will share her experiences from the client side of the banking relationship, offering key do’s and don’ts to help you better understand your clients’ perspectives. Greg Fritsch will dive into the personal side of banking, emphasizing that your career is yours alone to shape. From internal credibility and bonus incentives to promotion materials and long-term career growth, this session will reinforce a simple truth: banking is a people business, and if you don’t care, you’re in the wrong industry.

​D2) SBA Loan Servicing

Presenter: John Gossett​​

Session details to be announced!

E2) Effective SBA 7(a) Closings

Presenter: Janet Dery; Esqure, Starfield & Smith, P.C.

Come learn about the ways you can ensure that you are closing your 7(a) loans in compliance with the SBA's SOP requirements. We will discuss the "do what you normally do for similarly sized, non-SBA guaranteed commercial loans" requirement, best practices for due diligence collection, and a reminder on transactional documents to obtain from closings.​

Noon-1:30 p.m. | Lunch, SBA Lender Awards, Visit Exhibitors

Please visit our exhibitor booths before or after the lunch program to learn more about their products and services. 

The SBA Lender Awards program will be from 12:15-1:15 p.m.​

1:30-2:45 p.m. | Session 3

A3) OCRM 101

Presenter: Phil Frechette; Supervisory Financial Analyst, Office of Credit Risk Management, US Small Business Administration

Provide an overview of OCRM oversight activities completed the first half of FY25, discuss trends, and reveal new initiatives / enhancements on the horizon.

B3) 504 Case Studies

Presenter: Kyle Kuntz, WBD and Wesley Walsh, BLP

Take an in-depth look at the SBA 504 loan program in action and hear real-life stories from the perspective of both the Certified Development Company (WBD & BLP) and the Participating Lender. Joining this year's session again will be two commercial lenders whom are both actively involved in offering the SBA 504 financing solution to their customers. This session will incorporate several case studies based on actual projects, including financing equipment, new construction, business acquisition, refinance with cash out, and refinance of existing government guaranteed debt.
​​

C3) Rural Development - Another Tool in the Toolbox...

Presenter: Chris Valcheff, Truenorth Consultants

Learn the basics of OneRD Business & Industry guaranteed loans and how it can help mitigate risk for your lending institution and your clients. ​


​D3) Effective Negotiation (Part 2)

Presenter: Janet Dery; Esquire, Starfield & Smith, P.C.​​​

Session details to be announced!​​

E3) Economic Outlook for the U.S. and Wisconsin

Presenter:

Session details to be announced!

2:45 - 3:15 p.m. | Coffee and Cookie Break

​Need an afternoon pick me up? 

Take a break with a cup of coffee (or tea) and assorted cookies. 

3:15 - 4:30 p.m. | Session 4

A4) Continuous Improvement

Presenter: TBA

Session details to be announced!

B4) The Essentials of Financial Analysis

Presenter: Joseph Hastreiter; Business Coach, EWH University for Small Business

Looking for a overview of how to analyze financial statements? In this session, The Essentials of Financial Analysis, you will receive insight into the fundamentals of knowing how to tell how predictable and consistent the earnings and cash flow of a business are! Understand the 3 Main Financial Statements How to review key performance indicators Spot trends and relationships with ease The difference between cash, profit and EBITDA Understand Cash Flow A to Z Ask even better questions to prospective borrowers Know how to better anticipate and answer questions from loan committee Be an even better-trusted advisor for your clients and team!
​

C4) Tribal Financing Needs

Presenter: Jeff Bowman

​Session details to be announced!​

​

​D4) Bridging the Gap: Transforming Strategic Plans into Real-World Success 

Presenter: Jason Chance; Director of Leadership & Management Training, LIFT Consulting​​

Many organizations struggle with execution despite having a solid strategy. This session provides leaders with actionable frameworks to drive execution, measure impact, and create a culture of accountability that turns plans into profitable outcomes.​

E4​) Commercial Appraisal Industry & Market Trends

Presenter: Benjamin Wollin; MAI, AI-GRS - President, Valuation Compliance, LLC

From ever changing regulatory and inflation concerns to interest rate uncertainty, what will the commercial real estate and appraisal industry look like in 2025 and beyond? This presentation will be a forward-thinking discussion on the future of real estate with an emphasis on the commercial appraisal industry within banking. Topics include:
- the appraisal profession and the future of the industry
- best practices for bidding, engaging, and reviewing commercial appraisals
- what drives an appraisal value by understanding cap rate trends, interest rates, and rent growth assumptions
- CRE market trends by WI region and property type with case studies​

​Important Information:​


As you plan your visit to the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells for the annual Wisconsin Lenders Conference, please review the additional information provided. 

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | ​Networking Reception

Stay for the evening and network with industry peers while enjoying hors d'oeurves and drinks, courtesy of our sponsors.

Thank you First Business Bank, Business Lending Partners and our double networking new sponsor iBusiness Funding. Cheers!!!


ibusiness funding logo​
  Business Lending Partners - Wisconsin​​  
 ​ First Business Bank logo​


​​

2025 Presenters


Meet the presenters and panelists joining us for the 35th Annual Wisconsin Lenders Conference. We're welcoming back familiar speakers and introducing new faces! 

​ ​​ ​

About Us:

The Wisconsin Lenders Conference was created, and continues today, to educate current and prospective lenders on SBA lending programs, business lending programs, and relevant banking topics. The conference is a one day event, keynote speaker, SBA Lender awards, conference breakout session, networking reception, and workshop opportunites pre and/or post the Thursday conference​. 


Thank you to the 2025 Conference Advisory Committee for your dedication and hard work in planning the conference. 


Bridget Condon

Vice President - Commerical Lending
CIBM Bank

Matthew Dolsky

Vice President, Business Development Officer
Byline Bank

​James Ebben

Vice President - Commerical Banking
North Shore Bank

Wesley Walsh

Loan Officer
BLP 

​Kyle Kuntz​

Vice President - Loan Officer
WBD

Jackson Burgau

Loan Officer
​Co-Op Credit Union

Melissa Torres

Vice President - Loan Operations
Oak Bank 

Andrew Brueggeman​

Senior Vice President - Diretor of SBA Lending​
Associated Bank

Travis Frazier

SBA Portfolio Manager
First Business Bank

​Cartoon Vue

Outreach Specialist
​Continuing Education at UW-Stevens Point​​


Thank You Sponsers!

​​​​​Platinum​​

RMA.png

​​​​​​Networking


​​​​​​​​Bronze​

Kapur Logo.png​


Contact Information:

​​​For questions on the conference, please contact uwspce-bus@uwsp.edu​​. ​

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. ​Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.ed​u. ​

Conference Coordinated By:


University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Continuing Education & Outreach | 715-346-3838 | uwspce-bus@uwsp.edu​

 



Conference Cancellation Policy:


Conference registration cancellation or substitution requests must be made in writing to uwspce-bus@uwsp.edu. 
  • Cancellation requests made before April 22, 2025 - Receive full refund. ​
  • Cancellation requests made between April 22-May 6, 2025 - Receive refund minus a $50 cancellation fee per registrant. 
  • No refunds after May 6, 2025. 
  • No refunds for no-shows or partial attendance. ​
If you reserved lodging with the Kalahari, please contact them to cancel your lodging. Cancelling your conference registration does not cancel your hotel lodging.​​