Event Schedule
12pm
Event Registration, Networking
12:30pm
Opening Remarks
Emily Gall, North of Eight Design & Marketing
Welcome to the Northwoods Marketing Summit! We'll kick things off by introducing the purpose of the conference, setting the tone for the day, and giving you a quick overview of the agenda. You'll learn why elevating marketing matters for small businesses in our community and what to expect from today's sessions.
12:40pm
Social Media Strategies for Small Business
Emily Gall & Kassie Dalsveen, North of Eight Design & Marketing
Social media can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Learn practical strategies for using Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn effectively. We'll cover organic vs. paid strategies, how to create content that actually engages your audience, how to utilize AI as a tool, not a crutch, and how to measure what's working. You'll see real examples from local small businesses and walk away with a clear framework for your own social media strategy.
1:30pm
Madsen Pest Management: A Local Marketing Success Story
Chaz Heinz, Madsen Pest Management
Hear directly from Chaz Heinz, VP of Madsen Pest Management, about the real impact strategic marketing has had on his business. Madsen Pest has experienced significant growth and expansion over the past several years—and marketing played a key role. Chaz will share his journey, the strategies that worked, the challenges he overcame, and the measurable results his business has seen. If you're wondering whether investing in marketing is worth it, this is the conversation you need to hear.
2pm
Break & Networking
2:30pm
Local Visibility Mastery: Google Business Profiles & SEO
Eric Kratz, North of Eight Design & Marketing
Want to be found by local customers searching for your business? This session covers the two most powerful tools for local visibility: Google Business Profiles and SEO. We'll start by walking through how to optimize your Google Business Profile for maximum local impact—including setting up your profile correctly, managing customer reviews, adding engaging posts, and using analytics to track what's working. Then we'll dive into SEO fundamentals, including keyword research, on-page optimization, local SEO strategies, and why quality content matters. You'll learn how to use tools like Google Search Console and Yoast SEO to improve your website's ranking and attract more local customers. We'll even do a live audit of a volunteer's Google Business Profile so you can see the strategy in action.
3:15pm
PR Strategies & Community Outreach
Maggie Olson, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
PR isn't just for big corporations. Maggie Olson, PR leader for the St. Croix Tribe, will share how strategic community engagement and public relations build trust, credibility, and lasting relationships with your audience. Learn how to tell your story authentically, engage with your community in meaningful ways, and use PR strategies to elevate your brand. Whether you're a solo marketer or a growing business, understanding the power of community connection is essential.
3:45pm
Marketing Q&A / Panel Discussion
This is your moment. Our panel of marketing experts and local business owners who've seen real success will answer your toughest questions. Whether you're struggling with a specific challenge or want advice on your marketing strategy, this is a chance to get real, honest answers from people who get it.