Building Community. Finding Adventure.

Biebel’s Catering & Rental: Over 120 Years in the Making!

Written By: Ben Ganther, CEO & Co-Founder, Odyssey Climbing + Fitness

Your hands are chalky, your forearms are burning, you haven’t stopped smiling for two hours, and you’re thinking “What the heck was that?”

“That” was the feeling you get after trying rock climbing. It’s the sense of adventure as you scale 47’, the feeling of community as you and your friends high-five after your first send, and it’s the endorphins after getting in a workout. As a small business, our goal at Odyssey Climbing + Fitness is to bring “that” feeling to all of Northeast Wisconsin. What started out as a passion project has become an opportunity for us to build a community and help people find a sense of adventure in their own backyard.

I get it, some of you are probably thinking: “Climbing? Yeah, no.” Hang in there (pun intended), and I think you’ll see there’s something for you in the Odyssey community.

Odyssey is a family business. We’re run by two brothersin-law who wanted to bring climbing to Northeast Wisconsin. So, in 2019, we got to work on trying to open Green Bay’s first climbing gym. Many twists and turns later, Odyssey finally opened our doors in February of 2023. Since opening, our mission has expanded beyond bringing climbing to Green Bay: It has become building community and providing value to people’s lives.

The challenge with talent retention is well-documented in our region. Growing up in Greater-Green Bay, there were plenty of kids that I went to school with that wanted to “get out of” the area. We believe that the value Odyssey and other small businesses provide are a solution to this perception.

Odyssey is a climbing and fitness center, yes. but we are also a platform to welcome people in, give them a sense of community, and show them that Northeast Wisconsin is an amazing place to live, work and play. We provide avenues for connection and growth. From our state-of-the-art climbing walls and fitness classes to our community events, Odyssey is a third-space that gives people meaningful connection and a great place to move and push their boundaries.

This effort extends beyond our walls. We build partnerships with other small businesses and local creators to highlight the amazing things happening in Northeast Wisconsin. We lead community bike rides to local breweries, offer specials to our Members at local establishments, and buy from fellow small businesses for events. “920 Day” has been a block party we’ve put on to highlight the cool things happening in the 920-area code. Held on September 20th for the past two years, we’ve hosted local musicians, artists, breweries, food trucks, coffee shops and more to help celebrate Northeast Wisconsin.

At this point, I bet you’re ready to throw a harness on and scale our walls. Even if you’re not, hopefully you see that there is something at Odyssey for everybody. Whether you want to climb, explore our corporate membership options, or find a way to partner, please reach out. We’re here to help Build Community and Start Adventure throughout the 920.

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A MONTH TO RECOGNIZE THE INDUSTRY THAT HELPED BUILD GREATER GREEN BAY

OCTOBER 2024 POSTS IMPRESSIONS

14,224

7,837

885

Every October, the Greater Green Bay Chamber pauses to recognize Celebrating Manufacturing Month. It is an opportunity to shine a light on the innovation and contributions that manufacturers make every day.

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that more than 32,000 people in our community work in manufacturing. It is an industry that helped build Greater Green Bay, and the impact of manufacturing goes beyond just producing goods; it creates opportunities and drives economic growth. We celebrate the dreamers, innovators and collaborators moving the industry and community forward. From advanced technology to sustainable practices, the sector is continually evolving, and our local manufacturers are at the forefront of these changes.

Thank you to our sponsors, members, media partners and community for making this year’s event great. With your support and engagement, we organized tours at four local manufacturers throughout the month:

• Fincantieri Marine Group

• Medalcraft Mint

• American Tent

• Jones Sign

These tours provided a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening right here in Greater Green Bay for not only those in attendance but also for thousands of others who viewed pictures and videos from the tours shared on social media throughout the month.

Although the 2024 Celebrating Manufacturing Month has come to an end, the Greater Green Bay Chamber invites you to support and thank our local manufacturers throughout the year for their contributions and dedication to making our community great.

FUTURE 15 & YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

Thursday, February 27, 2025

5:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Oneida Casino Hotel

Future 15 annually profiles 15 young professionals and awards a Young Professional of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and Next Generation Best Place to Work. These honorees are currently influencing the growth, prosperity, and quality of life in Greater Green Bay and demonstrate the ability to positively impact the area in the future through professional accomplishments and community involvement.

Golden Apple Awards

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

5:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Oneida Casino Hotel

After being inspired by a recognition event in Florida to honor teachers, Donald J. Long, Sr., founder of Imperial Inc. (now Imperial Supplies), began to lay the groundwork for the Golden Apple Awards in 1986. Thanks to his perseverance, the first Golden Apple Awards were presented in 1994. This event is one of a few recognition events of its kind nationwide, and with our partnership with WLUK FOX 11, is televised locally.