On an annual basis, the Racine County Economic Development Corp. sponsors our Annual Meeting Celebration. The event is open to the public and is a great opportunity to hear more about local economic development initiatives, as well as network with hundreds of business and government leaders from throughout the community.

The highlight of this years event is our guest speaker, best-selling author, acclaimed global futurist and the iconoclastic chief unlearning officer, Jack Uldrich. Uldrichs most recent book is titled Foresight 20/20: A Futurist Explores the Trends Transforming Tomorrow. Uldrichs talk will have something for everyone as he addresses the forces transforming tomorrow, including the Internet, social networks, crowd-sourcing, gaming dynamics, new information and communication technologies, robotics, biotechnology and nanotechnology. And, the convergence of these forces to transform everything from agriculture, energy, education and law enforcement to health care, manufacturing, retail and transportation.

We are also honored that Odinn Johnson will join us to present the Sam Johnson Volunteer of the Year Awards. This award recognizes special and unique efforts to improve our community. This years individual recipient is retired executive director of the United Way, Dave Mauer. The Runzheimer Foundation will receive the Sam Johnson organization award for its continued commitment and investment in the Racine County community. Since 2000, the foundation has supported more than 400 organizations in their focus areas of education, community, the environment and people in need.

Tom Shinners, vice president of finance and human resources at Poclain Hydraulics, will receive the private-sector Tony DiCastri Award. Shinners served as a RCEDC board member from 2007-2013 and executive committee member from 2010-2013, serving as president from 2011-2013. In addition to guiding continued expansion of Poclain Hydraulics, Shinners presided as RCEDC president during the development and implementation of the first Jobs for Racine County campaign that netted 3,900 new and retained jobs, and $306 million in private investment.

Julie Anderson, director of Racine County Public Works and Development Services, will receive the public-sector Len Ziolkowski Award. Anderson has served on the RCEDC Board of Directors and Executive Committee since 2003. She is the representative of Racine County on the Racine County Economic Development Plan relative to development of the Interstate corridor, and also serves on the Project Management Team for the RootWorks Redevelopment Initiative in the City of Racine. Andersons office has facilitated countless successful development projects throughout the county and done so in a cooperative effort with the RCEDC.

This years Annual Celebration will mark 31 years of service by the RCEDC to the community and youre invited! Dont miss your chance to attend this great event to be held on June 4 from 4:30-6 p.m., with an appetizer and networking reception to follow. This years meeting will be held at the Burlington Veterans Terrace, 589 Milwaukee Ave., in Burlington. Please register at http://www.racinecountyedc.org or call Lynn Beauchesne at 262-898-7432. Seating is limited and the registration fee is $25.

Jenny Trick is executive director of the Racine County Economic Development Corp.

More:

Jack Uldrich, futurist, to speak at RDEDC annual meeting celebration