By Renee Clarke, Senior Account Manager at Greenheart Exchange
As a member of Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA), Greenheart was happy to participate in the action-packed 2026 WHLA Day of Action in late January at the State Capitol in Madison, WI. Cold temperatures had little impact on the heart-warming engagement for the approximate 70 attendees to throughout the three major activities planned:
- Wisconsin Women in Lodging Breakfast
- WHLA Action Day
- Lodging Innsights Reception & Dinner
This event was very finely mapped out; attendees had the opportunity to attend all or ala carte. Greenheart signed up for the full day activities.
Kick-off
Attendees had a strong launch of empowerment from Wisconsin Women in Lodging Breakfast. Through networking and an overview of committee updates, attendees were prepared and ready to have a day of impact.
- Discussions with Senator Mary Felzkowski and Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein the mixed gender group heard valuable tips. Sen Felzkowski shared tips of “Lead by example; as taxpayers, you have something to share!”. She encouraged attendees to be true to themselves and share their stories. This helped connecting to the requests during our legislative meetings will leave a strong, memorable impact.
- Sen Hesselbein stressed the importance of “keeping your word”. The Senator shared her own story of how she got to this position. She talked about connecting in bi-partisan efforts for common goals and the power of sharing the spotlight.
I was the only visa sponsor in attendance. I approached each meeting with a personal goal – How can I enrich cultural exchange through my interactions. BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Program was a natural topic as soon as I introduced myself and Greenheart.
Inspirational Meetings
- Wisconsin Dells is a highly seasonal location for both summer and winter placements. One of the meetings was with Representative Tony Kurtz. During that meeting, attendees made requests to make the J-1 participants feel at home during their program. Rep Kurtz encouraged Greenheart to keep his office updated on how he can keep the Program supported.
- The team of Senator Sarah Keyeski’s office was eager to learn how hosts were using the Summer Work Travel Program. The feedback demonstrated how properties in both The Dells and Madison really valued the seasonal support offered to Wisconsin’s tourism.
- Greenheart joined hotels for meetings within the region of Northwoods area, including Minocqua and Rhinelander which host summer placements. Rep. Rob Swearingen shared his own connection with Polish participants who spent impactful summers in Minocqua. It was humbling to hear about the long-lasting impressions and connections that cultural exchange brought to his employees and community.
- Sen. Mary Felzkowski, Senate President’s team launched our meeting on the topic of supporting Summer Work Travel participants after introductions. Each attendee shared stories of cultural exchange and valuable contributions to the local economies.
Tying out the Day
Additional WHLA members joined the final event of the productive day in the Lodging Insights Reception & Dinner.
Conversations around our dinner table triggered endearing questions about the state of the Summer Work Travel Program. Tips were shared about cultural events, housing struggles and we laughed at memorable cultural exchange moments.
Key takeaways from the organized Fireside Chat
There was a Q&A session that tackled topics around workforce and shed light on the benefits of including BridgeUSA. The session was led by WHLA Legislative Committee Chair Krissy Sigmund (Chula Vista Resort), Rosanna Maietta (President of AHLA), and Stephen Beaumont (President – Hospitality for Kohler Co).
Both speakers outlined Immigration Reform and support of international workforce as the areas of focus next.
Summary
The WHLA visit was timely as legislation passed to adapt State legislation No Tax on Tips & No Tax on Overtime. Attendees shared stories with Legislators during our impactful day. Yay! Advocacy matters!!
Attending this event offered memorable engagement with hospitality leaders throughout the State. Greenheart contributed to the clear connection Legislators have with their constituents, working together to represent this Industry’s needs. The WHLA Legislative Committee empowered each attendee to be transformed into polished advocates.
Thank you, Renee, for sharing such a wonderful event experience!
Are you a U.S.-based business and would like to host international seasonal staff for a cultural exchange? Please visit HirewithGreenheart.org to learn more.