In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Nicolet College Theater
5364 College Dr
Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501
United States

Ellen Mathein

Ellen Mathein spent her career in Chicago and New York at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter before moving with her family to Tomahawk, Wisconsin in 1999. In Tomahawk, Ellen and her family owned and operated My Feed Store and Garden shop. After they sold the business, Ellen began to teach at Nicolet College, where she is presently a Business Management Instructor. Ellen and her husband, Larry, reside in the township of Little Rice where Larry serves as Fire Chief and Ellen runs the Emergency Medical Services of the Town.

Jason Bertrand

Jason Bertrand is the Middle/High School Principal for the Laona School District and previously served as the district's School Counselor. Before entering the K-12 world, Jason worked and taught at three universities in Mississippi and Wisconsin before heading north to work with the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe. He also does all kinds of construction work, including renovating homes and cabins. Jason and his wife live in Crandon with their three young children.

Jim Tuckwell

Jim grew up in Minocqua, WI and earned Bachelors (1974) and Masters (1975) degrees in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin, where he was named Marketing MBA Student of the Year in 1975. Jim joined IBM as sales trainee in 1975, and enjoyed a career spanning over 41 years in sales, marketing, and business development. An early remote worker, Jim first began working remotely. Jim and his wife Bev moved “home” in 2007 and reside in Lac du Flambeau. Jim continued his remote work for IBM here until he retired from IBM at the end of 2016. Jim joined the VCEDC board in 2014 and became board chairman in January 2018.

Niina Baum

Since graduating from Northland College in 2016 with a degree in business management, Niina Baum’s passion has been to help rural areas thrive. After moving to Rhinelander two years ago to work at Nicolet College, she has been putting her passion into practice through volunteering, serving on boards, and by co-founding Northwoods Young Professionals (NYP). The goal of NYP has been to help retain and attract skilled talent in the area, which you will learn more about in her presentation. She is also pursuing a Master’s of Science in Information Communication Technologies through UW-Stout and is a recipient of Rhinelander’s Top Ten Under 40 award.

Summer Drews

Summer was born and raised in Rhinelander. Her father operated his own dental practice in town and was her inspiration to follow in his footsteps. She attended UW Eau Claire and Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee prior to re settling back in her beloved North Woods in 2010. She currently owns her father's practice, now known as Drews Dental.

Thomas Barnett

Thomas Barnett is an award winning professional artist and illustrator. Starting his professional art career in Illinois he moved his family to Rhinelander 7 years ago. Ultimately opening his working studio and retail store, Tom's Drawing Board. He teaches classes in his studio, provides a form of art therapy through the Children's Long Term Support program through the Health and human services. In 2020 his business became the first certified Autism Friendly business in the northwoods. Thomas is the district 1 Alderperson for Rhinelander and is currently working with Artstart to create a city arts comission.

Tom Jerrow

Tom Jerow is retired from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources where he worked for clean water for 34 years. You’ll hear more about his hobby, gardening, during his talk. He also serves as the City Forester, works on genealogy, and enjoys anything outdoors. He lives in Rhinelander with his husband, Steven.

Zach Vruwink

Rhinelander City Administrator

Zach Vruwink serves as the City Administrator for Rhinelander. Prior to this role, he was a four-term, full-time mayor in Wisconsin Rapids, his hometown. He enjoys outdoor recreational activities, scuba diving and experiencing different places and cultures.