As the 2026 legislative session moves into full swing, the energy in Madison is palpable. I recently had the opportunity to travel to Wisconsin’s Capital to join the Wisconsin Retailers Alliance, Wisconsin Grocers Association, Wisconsin Fuel and Retailer Association, and the Wisconsin Bakers Association for their 2026 Legislative Conference. During this trip, I had the distinct pleasure to join a series of meetings and briefings designed to reinforce the bridge between Wisconsin businesses, public affairs teams, and the evolving legislative landscape of Badger State policy.
From the halls of the State Capitol to strategic meetings with industry associations, this engagement was about more than just networking; it was a deep dive into the regulatory and legislative trends that will define the business landscape in Wisconsin and the greater Midwest for the coming years.
Inside the Room: Meetings with Industry Leaders and Legislators
The core of the summit involved engaging in high-level dialogue with the movers and shakers who influence Wisconsin’s commercial environment and economy. My time was spent in conversations with state legislators, retail industry leaders and associations, lobbyists and public affairs experts. Conversations highlighted the 2026 session, the Governor’s priorities, and issues affecting Wisconsin’s economy like tax and regulatory reform.
The discussions featured key legislative figures like Assembly Majority Leader Rep. August, Co-Chair of Joint Finance Rep. Born, Co-Chair of Joint Finance Senator Marklein, and Senate Majority Leader Senator LeMahieu. I also had the pleasure to sit down with Senate President Mary Felzkowski during discussions with retail leaders about the issues and priorities facing Wisconsin businesses.
Being in the room when these discussions occur means having your voice heard and gaining a ground-floor perspective on legislative battles to be had and what you can expect to happen to your bottom line.
Translating these high-level conversations into actionable business intelligence is where the real value lies.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Public affairs is a proactive game. By being on the ground in Madison, I am better equipped to provide my clients with the foresight they need to navigate a state that serves as a national bellwether. Whether it is fighting against aggressive new mandates, having the proper intel to plan for the future, or simply keeping your concerns in the minds of legislators, these connections ensure your interests are protected at the source.
When a bill comes across the desk of a legislator, you need to have already spoken your mind and developed those relationships because if your interests aren’t already included then someone else’s are.
The outcome of the 2026 election cycle may very well fundamentally reshape issues like agricultural land use, taxation, organized retail crime, hemp usage and legalization, and the future of data center development in the Badger State. Whether at the ballot box in November or at the Governor’s desk when a bill is signed, my mission is to ensure my clients are leading the conversation rather than reacting to it.
If you are interested in having the K2 Team building those relationships and ensuring your concerns are heard, reach out and connect with our team.
-Alex Saunders, Account Executive