12 | FORWARD JANESVILLE Held at the Holiday Inn Express – Janesville Conference Center, the Expo was a hub for local businesses, students, entrepreneurs and community members to network, promote their services and explore growth opportunities. The wide variety of exhibitors included businesses across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, retail and professional services. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with both well-established companies and emerging startups, fostering collaboration and local support. Booths were bustling with activity as representatives showcased their products, handed out swag, and shared insight into their organizations. New to the 2025 Expo were breakout sessions, a major highlight. There were eight focused workshops and presentations that covered topics like active shooter response and trauma preparedness, marketing strategy and digital marketing trends, maximizing AI for your business and workplace culture, navigating business healthcare, exploring careers in manufacturing and making the most of your Forward Janesville membership. The sessions were led by local experts and drew participation from those looking for practical knowledge and fresh ideas. Jon Ballard, CEO of Foremost Media, and Kelsey Paasch, owner of Contour Consulting, hosted a session on integrating AI into workplace culture. Ballard remarked on the strong audience interest in AI, “What stood out most was how eager small business owners were to learn about AI, not just the big picture stuff but the everyday ways it can save time and boost efficiency. The biggest trend I see is businesses finally moving from AI curiosity to AI action. If you're just getting started, don't wait for perfect. Pick one small problem AI can solve for you and go from there.” The addition of breakout sessions helped elevate the event by creating more interactive and educational opportunities. Greg Phillips is the Dean of Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Technology & Transportation at Blackhawk Technical College (BTC), and was part of the panel on career opportunities in manufacturing. This session included high school students poised to graduate in one or two years to students in post-secondary manufacturing programs who were thinking about their first jobs to seasoned professionals interested in continuing education. “What I found most valuable was showcasing the importance of manufacturing to the stateline area,” Phillips said. “There are many fulfilling and lucrative career paths available locally. It’s important to know what’s made in your own backyard. We produce some pretty cool stuff around here!” As a panelist, Greg was also able to highlight higher education’s value proposition when it comes to continuing education for professionals. “Continuing education is imperative to maintain a high level of competent professionals. Lifelong learning shouldn’t be a motto, it should be a way of life. BTC plays a critical role by offering one-credit á la carte courses and flexible education through our manufacturing programming. Educational institutions are falling short for our manufacturers and businesses if we can’t meet them where they are and serve the continuing education needs of their workforces.” Many attendees praised the breakout sessions as a valuable bonus to the traditional expo format, and plans are already underway to expand them next year. Overall, the Rock Regional Business Expo continues to be a vital platform for business growth, community engagement, and professional development. The 2025 Rock Regional Business Expo Booths, breakouts offer chance to connect, promote and learn By Megan Matuszeski The 2025 Rock Regional Business Expo drew crowds and built connections this year with an impressive lineup of 70+ exhibitors and a new feature that brought fresh energy to the event—breakout sessions. “What stood out most was how eager small business owners were to learn about AI, not just the big picture stuff but the everyday ways it can save time and boost efficiency.” Kelsey Paasch of Contour Consulting co-presented with Jon Ballard of Foremost Media on effectively integrating AI in the workplace Mercyhealth staff give a tutorial on active shooter and trauma preparedness
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