Collective Impact - Issue 3 2023 (Annual Report)

Dr. Yousaf Ajam Neurologist

As I reflect on the first year of my two-year term as Chairman of the Board, I am appreciative and grateful.

The Chamber’s programs are thriving and growing, be it Current Young Professionals, the Community Concierge program, other talent attraction and retention programming, economic development or Chamber membership. I feel a collective sense that we are “back up to speed” postCOVID and moving ahead in fulfilling the Chamber’s mission at a very good pace.

Serving as Chair this past year introduced me to more depth and breadth of Chamber programming. For example, while I had participated in Current Young Professionals’ Leaders Luncheon in the past, attending the Future 15 & Young Professional Awards was an eye opener to me. It quickly became evident how strong Current membership is, and how involved young people are in that program and moving the community and economy forward. I also witnessed how deeply the community embraces the Golden Apple Awards at its 30th annual event. Experiencing that event with my wife gave me a newfound depth of understanding for Partner in Education and the true

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Michael J. Kirschling, Senior Corporate Counsel, Prevea Health

partnership between education, business and the community as a whole.

Those two events are only the beginning of the momentum the Chamber staff maintained this year while also introducing a host of new and relevant offerings. The Economic Development team launched The Cannery Test Kitchen & Incubator, an innovative way to showcase food and beverage entrepreneurs in what was a dormant space. That incubator now has a waiting list and is fast becoming a local culinary favorite. It is also a great example of the Chamber’s role as a connector and convener, first bringing together the Chamber, The Cannery’s owners and entrepreneurs considering a shift from food truck ownership to a fixed-place environment. This, in turn, could be of additional benefit to the work On Broadway is doing to create a public market in the district.

The Greater Green Bay Economic Development Strategic Plan update event in May also highlighted the Chamber’s farreaching impact. The task forces, Chamber team and other partners accomplished most of what we set out to do with the plan six years ago. We celebrated the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task

Force’s launch of the “Great Being Home” in partnership with the City of Green Bay and NeighborWorks and the hiring of a diverse small business manager in partnership with the City, among many other task force efforts you can read more about in the economic development section. These are examples of how the entire Chamber team continues to successfully develop relationships with local government, businesses and other partners to further the Chamber mission. It is strong, purposeful connections like these that play a part in earning Green Bay recognition as the #1 Best Place to Live by U.S. News & World Report.

As Laurie Radke always says, business builds community. I’m honored to have had the vantage point of Chairman of the Board to witness all the amazing work by the team to build community this past year. Thank you to the team, and thank you to our membership for rallying behind the Chamber’s mission and making their work possible.

I’m energized by what the Chamber team has accomplished this past year, knowing the momentum continues.

2022-23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman of the Board

Michael Kirschling, Senior Corporate Counsel, Prevea Health

Immediate Past Chair Pat Schillinger, Vice President State Legislative & Local Affairs, WPS/WEC Energy Group

Treasurer Inga Arendt, Partner, CPA, Wipfli LLP

Aaron Popkey Director of Public Affairs, Green Bay Packers, Inc.

Mark Graul

Owner, Arena Strategy Group

Peter Augustine President, Körber Tissue North America

Steven F. Baue

President and Owner, ERC: Counselors and Consultants/Steve Baue, LLC

Jeff House

President and CEO, Oneida ESC Group

Vinith “Vinny” Poduval Senior Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer, Schreiber Foods

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022-23 CONTINUED

Michael Alexander

Chancellor, University of WisconsinGreen Bay

Vicki Bayer

Interim Superintendent of Schools, Green Bay Area Public School District

Holly Bellmund

President/CEO, GLC Minerals

Paul Belschner

President/CEO, Base Companies, LLC

Cole Buergi

Vice President, Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Inc.

Brian Charlier

President and Chief Executive Officer for HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center

Bruce Duevel Operations Manager, Georgia-Pacific Mayor Eric Genrich City of Green Bay

Mike Hartjes Vice President, Actuarial Risk Management, Humana

Bryan Hyska

Commercial Banking Manager, Nicolet National Bank

Thom Jackson

Executive Vice President - General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Schneider

Denis Kreft

President/CEO, Imaginasium

Laurie Radke

President & CEO, Greater Green Bay Chamber

Brighid Riordan CEO, Nsight and Cellcom

Erik Swan

Senior Vice President, Business Line Credit Manager, Community Markets

Ryan Krumrie

Partner, Hager, Dewick & Zuengler, S.C.

Troy Murphy

Lead Vision/Teaching Pastor, Green Bay Community Church

Chris Roble Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen, LLC

Randy Van Straten

Vice President of Business and Community Health, Bellin Health

Manny Vasquez

Vice President, Business Development, NAI Pfefferle

TALENT & EDUCATION

In a world driven by innovation and knowledge, the vitality of a community hinges upon its ability to not only attract and retain exceptional individuals but also to cultivate their potential through continuous development. This past year has been a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, a commitment that fuels economic growth, fosters resilience, and paves the way for a prosperous future. As we delve into the highlights of our programs from the past year, it becomes abundantly clear that by investing in talent attraction, retention, and development, we are not just shaping careers, but also the very trajectory of our vibrant community.

Youth Apprenticeship helps students prepare for the workforce

Youth Apprenticeship is a work-based learning program for area high school juniors and seniors that serves as a talent acquisition strategy for local employers. This program connects students with business and industry to provide experiential learning while connecting employers to their future workforce.

1,025 Employers

Students

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

Mike Alexander, University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Amanda Ashmann, US Bank

Jeff Bard, Aurora Health Care

Sarah Beckman, Achieve Brown County

Connie Boerst, Bellin College

Kellie Bohn, Seymour School District

Kim Desotell, GRACE School System

Jo-Ellen Fairbanks-Schutz, Luxemburg-Casco School District

Scott Fritz, Kewaunee School District

Luke Goral, Denmark School District

Tom Hedge, Foth

Adam Jackson, Humana

Lisa Kogan-Praska, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay

Dennis Krueger, West De Pere School District

Steve Krueger, Law Firm of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry, S.C.

Annette Krutz, WEC Energy Group

Bec Kurzynske, M3 Insurance

Damian LaCroix, Howard Suamico School District

Karmen Lemke, Diocese of Green Bay

Erin Martini, Syble Hopp School

Monica McClure, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast WI

Bill Panella, Rasmussen University - Green Bay

Melanie Parma, Somerville Architects & Engineers

Dave Pisani, Camera Corner Connecting Point

Kristen Raney, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Emily Rogers, Brown County Library

Missy Schmeling, Emcompass

Jamila Seaton, United Health Care

Artly Skenandore, Oneida Nation

Jill Sobieck, Brown County United Way

Allison Space, Pulaski School District

Andy Space, Wrightstown School District

Anthony Steffek, Amundsen Davis Attorneys at Law

Chris Thompson, De Pere School District

Dr. Claude Tiller, Green Bay Area Public School District

Colleen Timm, CESA 7

Kurt Weyers, Ashwaubenon School District

Chad Wiegand, Schreiber Foods

Jay Zollar, WLUK-TV Fox 11

Current Young Professionals

Current Young Professionals (CYP) is a membership-based program of the Greater Green Bay Chamber. It seeks to provide high-quality professional development, along with community and social engagement opportunities to help empower young professionals and assist them in fostering a deeper connection to Greater Green Bay. Programming is designed with individuals aged 21-40 in mind, but events are inclusive for all.

1,498 Individual Members

55

Highlights:

95 Corporate Members

In-Person Events to Engage

Young Professionals

• Launched CYP Reads Book Club

• SOUP events raised over $3,400 for local community projects

• 1,837 total attendees at CYP core events through 2022-2023 program year

CYP program launched to further engage summer interns

Rising Current is a new opportunity, as part of our existing Current Young Professionals program. It provides summer interns a chance to connect and engage in various community activities during their summer internship, May – August. Interns involved in Rising Current also had the opportunity to connect with existing Current Young Professionals members.

The second year of Rising Current included:

20 Interns

8 Employers

Future 15 & Young Professional Awards

The Future 15 and Young Professional Awards was created in 2007 to honor those who advance the mission of the Current Young Professionals program and who are growing and excelling in their respective career fields. Additionally, the event recognizes Greater Green Bay young professionals who are achieving noteworthy accomplishments and contributing to the overall quality of life in the community.

2023 FUTURE 15 RECIPIENTS:

• Jessica Adams Nelson,

• Bradley Burmeister

• Dr. Vallari Chandna

• Megan Dickman-Renard

• Cam Fuller

• Amanda Garcia

• Jasmine Gordon

• Ben Gunderson

Young Professional of the Year:

Dr. Vallari Chandna, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

• Ashley Heim

• Ashley Jones

• Joseph Kucksdorf

• Sarah Olejniczak

• Bryan Schwebke

• Justis Tenpenny

• Jose Villa

Young Entrepreneur of the Year:

Emily Jacobson, Green Bay Doulas

Next Generation Best Place to Work:

The annual Leaders Luncheon brings together community leaders and young professionals in a celebration of programming accomplishments from the past year. Attendance at the 2022 event was up 70% from the previous year.

Invited community leaders are placed at each table to allow an opportunity for young professionals to meet and interact with those who have significantly more leadership experience. Additionally, leaders learn about the needs of area young professionals, important issues and program initiatives related to the mission of the Current Young Professionals program.

This long-standing community leadership program convenes a cohort of professionals from a variety of business sectors to engage in monthly sessions that expose participants to various areas of our community, challenge their thinking, and inspire them to get involved in improving the quality of life for Greater Green Bay.

48 Graduates

2023 was the program’s 39th year.

187 Completed Community Projects:

1,466 Total Alumni

68% Growth Rate of Engaged Alumni Volunteers

More than 400 Companies with Alumni in the Program

Leadership Green Bay

Leaders Luncheon

VIEW PROJECTS FROM THE 2023 CLASS

Find Your Inspiration continues to inspire Greater Green Bay 8th graders

Find Your Inspiration is a career exploration event for 8th grade students, aimed at exposing them to the many different industries and career paths available prior to them selecting their high school electives.

Participating businesses can educate the students, while providing a hands-on look at their industry or career.

3,500 Students exhibitor businesses with all 12 career clusters represented

Greater Green Bay Community Concierge Program

The Greater Green Bay Community Concierge program is designed to help your candidate or new hire discover the many facets of the area and jumpstart their engagement in the community. They are provided with the necessary information and diverse experiences to feel right at home in Greater Green Bay.

Highlights from this year include:

Partnered with 13 businesses in various industries to help attract and retain top talent in Northeast Wisconsin

Provided 50 community services including customized tours, welcome baskets and accompanying partner support.

Hosted 5 community gatherings for new residents to meet and connect with other professionals in the area

Welcome Reception for Newest Greater Green Bay Education Leaders

Members of the community came together in July to welcome new leaders in education to Greater Green Bay. Pictured above from left to right, the event honored Dr. Laurie Joyner, President of St. Norbert College, Dr. Claude Tiller, Jr., Superintendent of the Green Bay Area Public School District, Dr. Kristen Raney, President of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and Michael Alexander, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

30th Golden Apple Awards Recipients:

• Andrew Belter, De Pere High School

• Amanda Boeke, St. Bernard Catholic School

• Sarah Morgan, Pulaski Community Middle School

• Kristen Possley, Bay Harbor Elementary School

• Heather Potts, Lineville Intermediate School

• Michael Smits, Parkview Middle School

• Derek Zahn, Pulaski High School

• Madeline LaBott, Rylee Schmitt, and Hope SmeesterSpecial Education Team, Kennedy Elementary School

2023 Teachers of Distinction:

Ashwaubenon School District

• Amanda Paul, Valley View Elementary School

• Taylor Ratzburg, Pioneer Elementary School

• Michael Smits, Parkview Middle School

G.R.A.C.E.

• Amanda Boeke, St. Bernard Catholic School

• Tara Wildenberg, Holy Cross Catholic School

Green Bay Area Public School District

• Zhuxin Karoliussen, Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted Learners

• Jason M. Krings, Green Bay Southwest High School

• Stephanie Lenz, Dr. Rosa Minoka-Hill School

Howard-Suamico School District

• Kristen Possley, Bay Harbor Elementary School

• Heather Potts, Lineville Intermediate School

Luxemburg-Casco School District

• Ali Schanhofer, Luxemburg-Casco High School

30th Golden Apple Awards

The Greater Green Bay Chamber’s Golden Apple Awards annually recognizes high-quality educators in Greater Green Bay in the areas of professionalism, leadership, and innovation. We strive to improve awareness and the importance of quality education within our community.

Pulaski Community School District

• Becky Barry, Hillcrest Elementary School

• Sarah Morgan, Pulaski Community Middle School

• Wayne Pierre, Glenbrook Elementary School

• Derek Zahn, Pulaski High School

Seymour Community School District

• Danielle Bell, Rock Ledge Primary School

• Samantha Goeben, Rock Ledge Intermediate Center

Unified School District of De Pere

• Andrew Belter, De Pere High School

• Jennifer VanRemortel, De Pere High School

Wrightstown School District

• Hannah Abrahamson, Wrightstown Elementary School

• Jill Bailey, Wrightstown High School

• Chelsea Lasecki, Wrightstown Middle School

2023 Teacher Teams of Distinction:

• Audrey Nowak, Michael Pufall, Ashley Siegrist, Kyle Siegrist, Tami Witter, and Steve WuchererBay Port High School Music Department

• Patrick Christie, Teri Deavers, Brian Garrigan, Jill Hill, Brooke Hoffman, Oksana Kobzar-Schweiner, Dana Martin, Renee Skogg, David Witzeling, and Krysta WiltziusBay View Middle School Hubble House Team

• Karen McGrath, Brian Nast, and Levi NelsonGreen Bay East High School Avid Team

• Sarah Bustos, Nellie Novoselatz, and Brittani OlsonHoward Elementary School Second Grade Team

• Madeline LaBott, Rylee Schmitt, and Hope SmeesterKennedy Elementary School Special Education Team

2023 GOLDEN APPLE RECIPIENTS AND TEACHERS OF DISTINCTION:

LinkedIn Recruiting

Through LinkedIn Recruiter support, the Chamber helps businesses source and communicate with potential candidates, as well as, share job openings and company culture on the ‘world’s largest professional network’ at a discounted rate through this one-of-a-kind partnership.

On average, LinkedIn Recruiter attracts 15 qualified applicants and 270 views per job role with roles posted for 3 weeks.

Statistics for jobs posted using LinkedIn Recruiter in 2022-23:

44 307 7,900 jobs posted applicants to jobs total views across all jobs

Your Move Green Bay

Your Move Green Bay is a community brand, built to support businesses in their efforts of attracting new talent.

The Your Move Green Bay website showcases why Greater Green Bay is a great place to live, highlighting local employers, schools, and communities. The newest addition to the website is our “Get Recruited” feature. This allows individuals who are interested in relocating to our area to submit their resumes and LinkedIn profile. Our team then distributes those resumes to local employers.

Recruiting Highlights

Partnered with local employers to run social and paid search marketing campaigns targeting Cook County, Illinois.

The Chamber and 13 area businesses hosted an in-person job fair in Schaumberg, Illinois. The initiative was supported by a robust marketing plan that served over 377,000 impressions to individuals in Cook County, Illinois.

Testimonial

“Before these tools, we had gone through three unsuccessful rounds of trying to fill the Executive Director role. Within three weeks of working with the Chamber, we were able to find the right person for our organization.”

- Green Bay Action Sports Organization (GBASO) Hiring Manager

MEMBERSHIP

Greater Green Bay Chamber membership offers numerous benefits to those seeking to promote their business, build their network, and plug into the business community. Becoming a member is an investment in both your business and your team members. Members can access Chamber programs, professional development and marketing opportunities, initiatives, and resources throughout the year!

Number of new Chamber members: (In 2022-23 fiscal year.)

112

Number of member businesses: (In 2022-23 fiscal year.)

1,120

Member business employees: (In 2022-23 fiscal year.)

87,819

It’s possible with UnitedHealthcare Level Funded

Designed for lower costs, Level Funded plans include a potential year-end surplus refund when your plan participant medical claims are lower than expected. In fact, 25.2% of Level Funded plan sponsors in Wisconsin received a health plan refund in 2022, the average of which was $6,643.*

Collective Impact

Collective Impact convenes the thoughts, passion, and energy of our members into a quarterly publication that provides readers with educational and valuable content on the evolving business community of Greater Green Bay. Available in print and online, each issue allows readers to connect and gain insight directly from member-driven content, along with learning more about Chamber programs, series initiatives, and events.

Issues published in the 2022 fiscal year include:

Issue 4 2022: Talent & Education published November 22, 2022

Issue 1 2023: Building a Sustainable Greater Green Bay published February 20, 2023

Issue 2 2023: Technology & Innovation published May 25, 2023

Issue 3 2023: Annual Report published end of August 2023

Online statistics as of August 1, 2023:

Total impressions: 12,871

Total reads: 2,690

LEARN MORE ABOUT NETWORK+ AND SIGN UP HERE:

Network+

Network+ was introduced in May 2023 as an additional valueadd for Chamber members, providing an easy way to network with other members. Through email, members are introduced to each other allowing them to connect at a time and location convenient for them. This new networking offering helps strengthen member relationships, professional partnerships, and the Greater Green Bay business community as a whole.

More than 4,200 opt-in emails sent

More than 430 introductions made

2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT

Fiscal Year Events:

Annual Dinner

September 28, 2022

Celebrate Manufacturing

Month

October 2022

Find Your Inspiration-Fall

November 2, 2022

Future 15 & Young Professional Awards

March 2, 2023

Golden Apple Awards

April 19, 2023

Nursing & Medical Assisting Programs

Global Greater Green Bay: A Strategic Plan Update

April 11, 2023

Business Recognition Luncheon

June 6, 2023

Pivot Points

July 11, 2023

42nd Annual Golf Classic

July 24, 2023

Welcome Back Packers Luncheon

August 25, 2023

In Green Bay

Whether you’re starting or advancing, our Nursing and Medical Assisting programs can take you places. We’ll support you every step of the way. Enroll now.

Congratulations, 2023 Golden Apple Award Recipients!

Green Bay

920-593-8459

rasmussen.edu

Significant research has shown that manufacturing is the driver of a healthy and vibrant economy. For every dollar of manufacturing value created in the United States, $3.60 in additional economic activity is generated.

Additionally, every manufacturing job created in our country leads to approximately 3.4 non-manufacturing jobs to take a product from start to finish. In Greater Green Bay we are fortunate so many great manufacturers have chosen to build, develop, and make many of the products we use and rely on every day. Manufacturing impacts our lives directly and indirectly in so many ways.

Throughout the month of October, the Chamber proudly shined a light on manufacturing businesses of all types throughout Greater Green Bay. As our community continues to see the expansion and growth of its manufacturing sector, we took time to pause and thank those who have chosen to invest and innovate in this community.

October 2022 celebration event consisted of:

• Two manufacturer tours that included media and Chamber members who learned more about what each business does/produces

• Media partnerships with NBC 26 and The Business News to further share the amazing manufacturing stories from our community

• Multiple social posts across Chamber social channels, highlighting local manufacturing statistics

Ceremonial big scissors in hand, Chamber staff, alongside ambassadors and other invited guests, celebrated as the ribbon was cut for 24 businesses in Greater Green Bay. These groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings are an opportunity to help Chamber members commemorate their success, growth, and helps bring awareness to their business.

RIBBON CUTTINGS/ GROUNDBREAKINGS

An

Power

Held on the first Tuesday of every month, attendees are able to take 90 seconds to introduce themselves and their company in a round-robin format. This is a chance for members to make new connections and learn about other Greater Green Bay businesses.

Presenting Sponsor: Host:

Business

The Chamber’s Business After Hours events are a way for members to connect with Greater Green Bay businesses, learn about an organization’s purpose, and provide time for networking in an informal, social atmosphere.

Locations of Business After Hours in 2022-23 include:

• Camera Corner Connecting Point

• Leaps & Bounds Cafe-Lodge Kohler

• NeighborWorks Green Bay

• Resch Complex

• The Automobile Gallery & Event Center

• CP

The Chamber’s Annual Dinner Business Recognition Luncheon

The Chamber’s Annual Dinner is a special event each year where we gather together to honor Chamber members and the many volunteers who make the Chamber successful. Recipients of the Daniel Whitney, Chamber Ambassador of the Year, and nationally recognized ATHENA Leadership awards are also honored.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

The 2023 Business Recognition Luncheon recognized Greater Green Bay individuals’ and companies’ achievements, growth, innovation, and exceptional business practices. More than 500 people celebrated the award recipients and enjoyed the business showcase.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Business Person of the Year: Ben Schill, CEO, Paper Transport Inc.

Cornerstone Award: Georgia-Pacific

Entrepreneurial Award: FAVORYT Brand

Growth Award: Fiberglass Solutions LLC

Special Accomplishment Award: Green Bay Packaging

ATHENA Leadership Award: Bridget O’Connor

Daniel Whitney Award: Josh Kohnhorst Ambassador of the Year: Sue Lagerman

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Greater Green Bay is a diversified community with a proven track record of growth and innovation. We are a global entry point to North America, featuring an international port, four major airports within 100 miles, and nine intermodal freight facilities within Brown County. Our community also offers a strong work ethic, low crime rate, and lower cost of living, which presents the perfect environment for you to build or expand your business.

From CEO’s to entrepreneurs, we invite you to choose Greater Green Bay and make your dream a reality. Our welcoming community might be just what you’re looking for.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Paul Belschner, Base Companies LLC

Cole Buergi, Leonard and Finco Public Relations

Sarah Burdette, Town of Ledgeview

Keith Chambers, Village of Pulaski

Brad Charapata, BMO Harris Bank

Randy Charles, AK Pizza Crust

Dr. Preston D. Cherry, Concurrent Financial Planning

Travis Coenen, Village of Wrightstown

Randy Crevier, Wells Fargo

Larry Delo, City of De Pere

Keith Deneys, Town of Pittsfield

Mathew Dornbush, Cofrin School of Business, University of WisconsinGreen Bay

Paul Evert, Village of Howard

Ann Franz, NEW Manufacturing Alliance

Eric Genrich, Mayor of Green Bay

Robyn Gruner, AT&T WI

Eric Guzowski, Chase Bank

Joel Hansen, Pomp’s Tire Service, Inc.

Dean Haen, Brown County Port & Resource Recovery

Dan Heiser, Donald J. Schneider School of Business & Economics, St. Norbert College

Meridith Jaeger, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Alex Kaker, Village of Suamico

Carol Karls, Immel Construction

Mary Kardoskee, Village of Ashwaubenon

Aaron Kramer, Village of Hobart

Brad Lange, Village of Allouez

Dan Miller, Wipfli LLP

Thomas Miller, Aurora BayCare Medical Center

Troy Parr, Oneida Nation

Marty Piette, Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport

Aaron Popkey, Green Bay Packers

Josh Ronsman, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

John Roth, Town of Scott Mark Schwei, Consolidated Construction

Susan Selner, Village of Denmark

Lennie Shefchik, Paper Transport Inc.

Tom Sigmund, NEW Water

Neil Stechschulte, City of Green Bay

Anna Steinfest, AFF Research, LLC

Troy Streckenbach, Brown County Executive

Manny Vasquez, NAI Pfefferle/ Pfefferle Management

Lynie Vincent, N.E.W. Plastics Corp.

Andrew Vissers, Village of Bellevue

Patrick Wetzel, Town of Lawrence

Scott Willert, America’s Service Line LLC

The Urban Hub

One of The Urban Hub’s goals is to provide programming to the entrepreneurs in our region. The Build Up Tech Accelerator Program was one of those impactful programs. The Build Up Tech Accelerator provided entrepreneurs of color, female and veteran-owned businesses and startups in the Greater Green Bay area and the surrounding region with mentorship, technology training and the opportunity to secure seed funding via two focused cohorts (an idea session and a market validation session).

The Urban Hub has had an exceptional year, making a significant impact on the region as a premier coworking space.

2022/2023 accomplishments include:

• Honored as the winner of the Entrepreneurial Award in the large division category at the MidAmerica Economic Development Corporation’s 2022 Annual Economic Development Awards.

• Launched the Build Up virtual accelerator program which awarded over $8,000 in grant funding to startups.

• Earned multiple 5-star Google Reviews, highlighting the exceptional quality and value they provide to their members.

• The Urban Hub has not only created a thriving community but has also become a catalyst for innovation and economic growth in the region.

The first cohort of the Build Up Tech Accelerator program was held in Spring 2023. The program focuses on the Idea & Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage, high-growth techbased startups in Northeast Wisconsin. Up to five companies from a range of verticals will be selected from a competitive applicant pool to participate in this free 10-week program.

Participating companies are eligible to receive:

• Individualized coaching from experienced entrepreneurs

• Weekly office hours with industry leaders in product development, law, finance, intellectual property, and marketing

• Guidance and accountability from the Venture Home network of entrepreneurs and industry experts

• Virtual Lunch & Learns

• Six months of free “shared space membership” at The Urban Hub, includes access to the co-working space and special events

• The opportunity to practice and pitch to investors and key partners

• Ongoing post-program support through the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s offerings

• A free laptop

The 10-week program culminated in a ‘pitch night’, where entrepreneurs could pitch their business to potential investors. In total, 4 companies pitched and each received $2,000 in grant funding with $8,000 awarded.

In the past year, the Startup Hub has been able to support over 450 small businesses through their consulting program. That has led the Startup Hub to be at 100% occupancy of manufacturing space and 98% occupancy in office space. An increase in referral database and partner engagement resulted in over 700 combined referrals made over the last year. The Startup Hub also partnered with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to launch a student pitch contest.

With the Startup Hub acting as a true incubator, businesses are continually turned over, per normal operation, as they outgrow the Startup Hub and are assisted with finding their new permanent space outside the Hub to continue their growth as a stand-alone small business.

Chamber Announces Opening of Global Business Hub

In early March 2023, the Chamber excitedly announced the opening of its Global Business Hub. The Hub is housed inside the existing Urban Hub in downtown Green Bay. The Global Business Hub was created to meet market demand and provides a landing spot for foreignbased companies looking for their first North American presence. Greater Green Bay offers the ideal location for international businesses, ranking highly (Top 28%) among U.S. metro areas for its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attractiveness. Our community offers connectivity to the North American market through our international port, four major airports within 100 miles, and nine intermodal freight facilities just within Brown County.

Upon opening, the Global Business Hub secured its first tenant, Paper Board Alliance. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Paper Board Alliance specializes in producing recycled paper and core board. Chamber Vice President of Economic Development, Kelly Armstrong, connected with Paper Board Alliance while attending a tradeshow focused on FDI strategy. The company had a goal of promoting their products to the Greater Green Bay market.

The Global Business Hub offers interested businesses an International Membership, accelerating their network and getting them connected to the community. That membership coupled with the co-working space and other amenities offered at The Urban Hub provides the necessary on-site resources for international businesses looking to have a presence in North America.

If you are going to launch in the United States, this is the perfect location, and we are the ideal organization to provide connectivity leveraging our existing resources.

Laurie Radke, President & CEO, Greater Green Bay Chamber

Every city has a story. From the history and traditions that create a sense of place to the legacies that community members leave behind, each chapter builds upon the last. Miron Construction has the distinct honor of constructing buildings and spaces that tell those stories and showcase what the area has to offer. By engaging visitors and residents alike, we can work together to attract talent to the region and boost the local economy. Together, we are Building Excellence.

The Cannery Provides Restauranteurs the Keys to Success

In July 2023, The Cannery restaurant space was reinvented —and reopened —as a Test Kitchen and Restaurant Incubator. This unique concept houses and supports early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs, providing them an affordable turn-key space and access to tools and resources.

The space will be operated by Proof, a Tennessee-based food & beverage incubator. The incubator will provide a way for tenants to build knowledge and skills in a real-time, handson setting. The incubator model allows success to be achieved with a lower overhead, letting each business spend their time learning the technical business skills required to be successful in the long run. The tenants will have access to a resource library, courses, coaches, and mentors prior to graduating from the program in 18-24 months. Once graduated, they can choose to move into their own bricks and mortar location or food truck, if they choose.

For customers, The Cannery Test Kitchen offers a variety of food and beverage options. The retail market will open soon and focuses on curating a selection of local food & beverage products available for purchase.

The Cannery Test Kitchen & Restaurant Incubator is made possible through a partnership between the Greater Green Bay Chamber and Proof along with generous support from Associated Bank, Schreiber Foods, and Base Companies. To learn more, please visit TheCanneryGB.com.

Experience Greater Green Bay Visitor Center GREEN BAY, WI

STRATEGIC PLAN TASKFORCES & WORKING GROUPS

Supporting Diversity in Small Business

The Greater Green Bay Chamber is dedicated to providing comprehensive services and unwavering support to businesses throughout Greater Green Bay. Through a strategic partnership with the City of Green Bay, the role of Diverse Small Business Manager was established. This role focuses on bolstering the growth and sustainability of diverse small businesses within the community, while also serving as a pivotal resource for any assistance these enterprises may require during their endeavors.

For the past year, Maria Padilla has led these efforts, yielding invaluable insights and extending assistance to more than a dozen distinct diverse businesses. This work has not only shed light on gaps within the entrepreneurial landscape, presenting a unique opportunity for collaborative problem-solving between the Greater Green Bay Chamber, the City of Green Bay, and other local resources and organizations, but it has ultimately facilitated stronger connections for diverse businesses with essential resources, promising opportunities, and more.

Diverse small business owners pictured above include:

Mayra Padilla, Kultura Boutique www.shopkulturaboutique.com

Brenda Crump, Cuz’n Bren-Bren Seasoning www.cuznbrenbrenseasoning.com

Latosha Greenleaf, Urban Cultural Arts www.urbanculturalarts.com

Maria has worked with diverse small businesses since September 2022.

The Greater Green Bay Economic Development Strategic Plan focuses on the support of existing businesses in our community. The Chamber’s economic development team has taken an active role in the support of existing businesses through the work of the business retention and expansion (BRE) program led by Lisa Jossart.

The BRE program is an integral part of economic development because up to 80% of new job growth and investment comes from existing businesses in the community. The BRE program supports and builds relationships with local businesses and connects them to resources for continued growth.

businesses were visited in 2022/23 as part

It’s amazing to realize I am about to enter my 13th year at the Chamber. And I can say in all honesty that I am even more passionate about the work we do now than when I arrived on my first day.

What I have realized over the years is that the Chamber remains relevant because it continues to evolve and be responsive to its members. Fiscal year 2023-2024 will be no exception. Our mission remains steadfast, but HOW we step up to serve our membership changes as your needs change. The Chamber you experienced 13 years ago is different from the one you engage with today.

In that same vein, we recognize that no two Chamber member businesses are the same. As a result, no two members’ experiences with the Chamber and its benefits mirror each other. But how great is it to enter a new fiscal year knowing we continue working with great intention to serve our membership’s needs. We know we CANNOT be everything to everybody. And yet, we are well positioned to provide something of value to everyone.

Much of that is rooted in our foundational role as a convener, listening to the

LOOKING FORWARD

Laurie Radke, President & CEO

voices at the table and then leveraging partnerships and relationships to serve our membership. We will continue to do that in both formal avenues and through organic conversations. It’s been amazing to have our own membership be such proponents of membership. It is so pleasing to me to have such an influx of prospective members walking in our doors, month after month, because of what they heard:

not defined by a name or title or our past efforts. Instead, we focus on convening so we can find gaps or needs to fill, find ways to fill them if that fits with our mission or connect with the right community partner to do so. Above all else, we are driven from a place of being what the business community needs the Chamber to be.

What a testament to the team and the programming we have, and the innovating, re-creating and providing value that is ever-present. I hear all the time, “I can’t believe your Chamber does ‘x.’” That’s because we continue to break the mold of what people think a Chamber is. We are

You may wonder, How can we further enhance the community recognized nationally as the #1 Best Place to Live? We are a small contributor to that, but we recognize maintaining an honor like that takes work. It’s about always assessing and innovating and going where the business community takes us. What is going to get us to tomorrow is not what we did yesterday. In the coming year, every area of the Chamber will continue to listen to what members’ needs are and respond accordingly. I am honored to be a part of this amazing organization as we serve authentically, with passion, with heart and with great intention, and bring so many great initiatives to life. That is what we GET to do every day, and for that, we are grateful to all of you.

That if you want to be engaged and be a part of the community, you have to be a part of the Chamber.

AUGUST 2023

40 years

- Heritage Hill Corporation

- Greater Green Bay YMCA

30 years

- Thornberry Creek at Oneida

15 Years

- Town of Scott

- Woodside Senior Communities

10 Years

- Dynamic Designs Unlimited LLC

- Forward Service Corporation

- Kelly Services, Inc.

- St. Vincent de Paul Green Bay

5 Years

- Aldo Leopold Community School

- Baird Elementary School

- Beaumont Elementary School

- Business Lending Partners

- Chappell Elementary School

- Danz Elementary School

- Edison Middle School

- Franklin Middle School

- Green Bay East High School

- Green Bay Preble High School

- Green Bay Southwest High School

- Green Bay West High School

- John Dewey Academy of Learning

- Lombardi Middle School

- Made Ya Look

-U.S. Bank-Lombardi Access Branch

-Washington Middle School

SEPTEMBER 2023

30 Years

- Jack Schroeder & Associates, Inc.

- NSight Teleservices

20 Years

- Denmark State Bank

- Green Bay Drop Forge

- Howard-Suamico School District

15 Years

- Ashwaubenon School District

- LMC Lindquist Machine Corporation

10 Years

- Byrider Green Bay

- Precision Machine Inc.

- Salon Fifty Four

5 Years

- Bay Manor Apartments

- Doty Elementary School

- Early Learning Center

- Eisenhower Elementary School

- Elmore Elementary School

- Extended Learning Green Bay Public Schools

- Fort Howard Elementary School

- Froebel Garden of Early Learning

- Head Start Learning Center

- Hotel Northland

- Howe Elementary School

- Jackson Elementary School

- Jefferson Elementary School

- Keller Elementary School

- Kennedy Elementary School

- King Elementary School

- Langlade Elementary School

- Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted

Learners

- Lincoln Elementary School

- MacArthur Elementary School

- Martin Elementary School

- McAuliffe Elementary School

- Minoka-Hill School

- Nicolet Elementary School

- Red Smith Elementary School

- SharpLogixx LLC

- Sullivan Elementary School

- Tank Elementary School

- Webster Elementary School

- Wequiock Elementary School

- Wilder Elementary School

OCTOBER 2023

50 Years

- Fleet Farm Green Bay East

- JBS

- St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center

40 Years

- Fleet Farm Green Bay West

35 Years

- B & D Warehouse, Inc.

25 Years

- Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group

20 Years

- Immel Construction

- The Utech Group

15 Years

- Barnes & Noble, Inc.

- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

10 Years

- Quality-Inn Stadium

5 Years

- AMI Inc.

- Bellin Orthopedic Surgery Center

- InitiativeOne

- Kwik Trip #1030

- Saint Joseph School Inc.

- Savoye Salon Spa

- Tower Clock Surgery Center

- WWBIC

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

LEAN IS FOR EVERYONE!

Join us for this one-day conference and discover the power of Lean processes – in HR, IT, healthcare, supply chain, and more. Choose from a variety of breakout sessions such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; information technology; strategy deployment; and brainstorming techniques.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Get the complete list of breakout sessions. Meet the local Lean experts who’ll be sharing their insights and knowledge

TO REGISTER VISIT: events.nwtc.edu and search ‘LEAN’

QUESTIONS? 920-498-6373

corporatetraining@nwtc.edu

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