Representatives from two Wisconsin business were among those to receive exclusive invitations to a private discussion at the White House earlier this month. In total, five representatives from America's Small Business Development Center network attended the August 1st round table discussion; Small Business in America - The Engine of the American Dream.

Those representing Wisconsin at the discussion included UW-Parkside alumnus Captain Jeff Dykes of the Eau Claire Fire Department. Cpt. Dykes founded Northern Sar Fire LLC in 2014 to distribute his innovative directional guidance system which helps to orient fire fighters inside of burning buildings with limited vision. His invention won him the 2017 Governor's Business Plan Contest.

"Northern Star Fire is humbled to have been invited to the White House to discuss small business in America," Dykes said. "We'd like to thank all of the local and state agencies that helped us along the way."

Also from Wisconsin was UW-Green Bay alumna Kristina Pence-Dunow of Hometown Trolley, a third-generation family manufacturing business based in Crandon.

"I am so honored to be selected," Pence-Dunow said. "I am excited about this opportunity to speak for Small Business and women in manufacturing."

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