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DATE: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
TIME: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
LOCATION: Bubolz Nature Preseve | Great Blue Heron Hall | Appleton
Join us at our October Event!
Event Timeline
- 12:30 - 12:55 PM
Event registration - 1:00 - 2:30 PM
CLA Professional Development Workshop - 2:30 - 3:00 PM
Networking & Business Announcements - 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Michael Durnin Keynote Presentation - 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Social / Dinner
Location
Bubolz Nature Preserve
4815 North Lynndale Drive
Appleton, WI 54913
Keynote Presentation Time
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Keynote Topic
Where Heart Meets Mind: Leadership with Wisdom
Summary
In today’s business environment, leaders must balance strategic thinking with emotional intelligence to build trust, strengthen culture, and drive sustainable results. This presentation explores how visible leadership behaviors shape engagement, accountability, and organizational performance, while offering practical tools, including the Handful of L’s framework and CARE model for feedback, to help leaders communicate with greater clarity, respect, and impact.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize how leadership behaviors shape culture and trust.
- Balance compassion with wisdom and accountability.
- Apply practical communication and feedback strategies effectively.
Keynote Presenter & Biography
Michael Durnin
President & Founder
Via Crucis Leadership LLC
Michael Durnin, D.Min., is a leadership speaker, educator, coach, and creator of the “Handful of L’s” servant leadership framework. Drawing from decades of experience in education, leadership development, coaching, and organizational culture, Mike equips leaders to build trust, strengthen culture, and align daily behavior with mission and values. His presentations combine practical leadership strategies, storytelling, and servant leadership principles to help leaders create workplaces where people feel valued, seen, and empowered to grow.
CLA Professional Development Workshop
Topic: Practical Approach to Artificial Intelligence
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Presented By: 
Summary & Learning Objectives
How is your organization approaching Artificial Intelligence? Join CLA’s Craig Ritsema, Alexa Myers, and Chris Handrick for an interactive discussion on practical AI adoption strategies. We’ll explore today’s AI landscape, including emerging capabilities, real-world business applications, and key considerations for successful implementation. Learn how leading organizations are using AI to drive strategic objectives, improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation. We’ll also share client success stories and invite participants to discuss their own AI journeys, lessons learned, and opportunities for the future.
Facilitator & Presenter Biographies
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Chris Handrick - Facilitator
Market Leader | CLA
As a certified public accountant, Chris has more than 30 years of experience providing audit, accounting, and consulting services to privately-held businesses and their owners in private industries, including manufacturing, distribution, logistics, technology and telecommunications.
He specializes in client relationship leadership and execution, and identify specialty services that can benefit the firm’s clients. His expertise goes beyond compliance services as he helps businesses with management consulting, strategic planning, and merger and acquisition analysis. He has worked with several private equity groups going beyond the audit to provide additional experience including analyzing acquisition opportunities.
Chris is a market leader at CLA and their Wisconsin manufacturing industry leader.
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Data Scientist Manager | CLA
Alexa is a data science leader with experience helping organizations apply AI and analytics to solve complex business challenges and drive measurable outcomes. She works closely with executive and functional leaders to translate technical concepts into practical strategies, from early-stage use case identification through implementation and scale.
Prior to CLA, Alexa led a data science practice at a consulting firm, partnering with public and private sector organizations to deliver machine learning, advanced analytics, and generative AI solutions. Her work spans industries including workforce, healthcare, financial services, and transportation, where she has led the design and deployment of scalable data and AI solutions that improve decision-making and operational performance.
Alexa is known for making data science approachable by meeting audiences where they are and clearly communicating what matters. She focuses on data storytelling, helping leaders understand how insights connect to real decisions, while bringing a practical approach to AI adoption, governance, and execution that drives tangible business value.
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Digital Growth Director | CLA
Craig Ritsema has over 15 years of experience in building customer relationships and driving digital change. He began his career as a Sales Team Leader at a top 3PL, where he managed a team of sales reps and his own book of business. He then transitioned to a ML/AI company, where he helped clients navigate their digital journey through various forms of ML and AI technology, with a focus on IoT Connected Product, Computer Vision, Predictive Analytics, and Generative AI.
With a strong background in Logistics and Technology, Craig joined the CLA team in early 2024 to drive digital growth in Logistics, Distribution, and Manufacturing.
CPE Credit
CLA Professional Development Workshop from 1:00 - 2:30 PM = 1.5 credits
Keynote Presentation from 3:00 - 4:00 PM = 1 credit
Registrations, Cancellations, or Questions?
Michelle Weiss
920.750.9110
michelle@mwcommunications.org
Register and send cancellations by noon on 10/7/26.