Forward Janesville joins regional partners in examining business conditions, workforce trends and opportunities for growth
Businesses across Wisconsin's Capital Region remain optimistic about their future, even as economic uncertainty, inflation and rising costs continue to create challenges, according to newly released findings from the 2026 Next Normal (N²) Regional Employer Survey.
Released Oct. 20 by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, the third annual survey gathered responses from 218 organizations throughout the region, including nearly a quarter from Rock County. Forward Janesville participated in the N² Workgroup alongside other regional chambers, economic development organizations, educational partners and business leaders.
The findings provide an important snapshot of the conditions employers are experiencing today and their expectations for 2027.
Business Confidence Remains Strong
Despite concerns about the broader economy, most employers reported stability or growth in their operations:
- 81% reported revenue that increased or remained unchanged over the past year.
- 91% expect revenue to increase or remain steady in 2027.
- 90% rated the regional business climate as average or better.
- 92% reported a workforce that remained stable, expanded or would have expanded if not for talent shortages.
At the same time, significant challenges remain. Economic uncertainty was identified as a business barrier by 61% of respondents, followed by inflation (49%), health care costs (42%), access to talent (39%) and tariffs and trade (30%).
The findings suggest that employers remain confident in their ability to move forward, even as economic conditions create obstacles to growth.
One of the survey's most notable findings involves access to talent.
After ranking as the most frequently cited business barrier in 2025, talent availability fell to fourth this year. Additionally, 89% of respondents rated the availability of local talent as average or better, up from 86% a year ago.
The results underscore the value of continued collaboration among businesses, schools, workforce development organizations and community partners.
"The capital region's future is bright when we work together," said Forward Janesville President and CEO Shar Hermanson. "With strong educational resources and a shared focus on connecting employers with quality talent, we have a solid foundation for continued progress."
For Forward Janesville, that collaboration includes efforts such as Keep Kids Learning, Youth Apprenticeship and Craftsman with Character, which help strengthen connections between education and employment opportunities.
READ THE LATEST FJI REPORT FOCUSED ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
Artificial Intelligence Continues to Reshape the Workplace
The survey also identified a significant increase in the use of artificial intelligence among regional employers.
In 2026, 83% of respondents reported using AI in their operations, compared with 79% in 2025 and 51% in 2024.
However, adoption does not necessarily mean full integration. Among businesses using AI, 54% described the technology as minimally integrated into their workflows, while just 15% reported extensive or full integration.
These findings point to a changing business environment in which employers are increasingly experimenting with new technologies while continuing to evaluate how those tools fit into their daily operations.
A Regional Approach to Shared Challenges
The Next Normal initiative brings together organizations throughout Wisconsin's Capital Region to better understand the evolving needs of employers and workplaces.
Forward Janesville's participation helps ensure Rock County businesses are part of those conversations and that regional insights inform local economic and workforce development efforts.
With nearly one-quarter of survey responses coming from Rock County, local employers contributed an important perspective to this year's findings.
The full results offer valuable information for business leaders, educators, policymakers and community stakeholders as they consider opportunities and challenges in the year ahead.