Business Owner Summer Summit at Lake Panorama

Sponsored by Midwest Partnership for business owners and CEOs, offering a great lineup of speakers taking a deep dive into retention.

About this Event

Business and community leaders from the Guthrie County area, under the guidance and support of Midwest Partnership, have collaborated to launch this as an annual event, beginning on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Hosted at The Port on scenic Lake Panorama in Panora, Iowa, this event promises to provide small- to medium-size business owners and corporate leaders from throughout the state of Iowa with resources to learn, grow and network.

Attendees can expect an outstanding agenda featuring impactful keynote speakers and subject-matter experts with a deep dive into retention strategies through company culture, financial wellness programs, business structure, benefits and rewards.

Jamie Pollard, ISU athletic director, will be discussing the use of NIL to attract and retain star athletes. Also included will be a panel of area business owners sharing their concerns and solutions on the topic of retention.

The day will conclude with a networking social hour at the Tiki Bar outside of The Port, followed by a fun evening with live music and food trucks. Three lucky drawing winners will be treated to a plane ride over the lake. An optional stay-and-play package offers the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities the following day. Participants can choose between options such as golf, lake and home tours by boat, biking and shopping, showcasing the best of the local area.

Agenda


🕑: 10:30 AM - 08:30 PM
Business Owner Summer Summit -- Thursday, June 5, 2025

🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Welcome

🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Retain via Company Culture -- Author and CEO Drew Harden

🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Workplace Financial Wellness's Impact on Retention -- Evan Aiudi, Savology

🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch and Networking

🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:00 PM
Business Owner Panel -- Retention Concerns

🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Executive Benefits Designed to Retain Talent -- Patti Bell & Mitch Johnk

🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:30 PM
ESOPs and Other Business Owner Benefits -- Deb Giarusso & Dawn Hafner

🕑: 03:40 PM - 04:25 PM
Getting the Most Out of Your Change Makers - Sinikka Waugh

🕑: 04:25 PM - 05:15 PM
Retaining Top Athletes -- Jamie Pollard

🕑: 05:15 PM - 05:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Friday Instructions -- Brenda Dudley, Midwest Partnership

🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Happy Hour at the Tiki Bar

🕑: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Food Trucks and Live Music by Jake Kemble at Twin Vines Vineyard

🕑: 07:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Business Owner Summer Summit -- Friday, June 6, 2025

🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:00 AM
Yoga by the Lake -- Lead by Reshape Fitness Studio

🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Breakfast and Networking

🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:15 AM
Perserverance in Business and Life -- Lance Farrell

🕑: 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Choice of golf, biking, lake or real estate tours by boat, or shopping tour

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