Kai Ryssdal, longtime host of Marketplace, will headline WRKF’s 10th Annual Founders Luncheon at noon on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge. Tulane University finance professor Peter Ricchiuti will lead the conversation with Ryssdal about business, the economy, and the forces shaping our lives.
Jim Brandt will receive WRKF's Founders Award, and Mike Polito will receive WRKF's Community Award.
This special anniversary event marks a decade of bringing nationally recognized journalists, authors, and thought leaders to Baton Rouge while celebrating the community members whose support sustains WRKF’s local journalism, cultural programming, and public service mission.
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Thanks to Our Sponsors and Partners
Premier Sponsor
East Baton Rouge Parish Library
Major Sponsor
Hancock Whitney Bank
10th Anniversary Partners
Mary Ann Sternberg
Linda and Robert Bowsher
Carleton & Company CPAs
Cathy Coates and Brian Hales
Edwards Unity Wealth Planning
Liz Hampton / Quota Baton Rouge
Dr. Indra Jayasinghe and Dr. Saman Jayasinghe
LPL Financial
Mary Ellen Slayter
Vetter Communications Corp.
Supporting Sponsors
Jerry & Kristina Dodson
Debbie and Kevin Knobloch
Debbie Lamb
LaCour’s Carpet World
Lamar Advertising
.