Collective Impact Spring 2020

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CONTENT SPRING 2020 | ISSUE 29

Collective Impact is published quarterly by the Greater Green Bay Chamber, 300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A, Green Bay WI 54303. Collective Impact is supported by advertising revenue from member companies of the Greater Green Bay Chamber. For information about the advertising rates and deadlines, contact sales at 920.593.3418. Collective Impact (USPS 10-206) is published quarterly for $18 a year by the Greater Green Bay Chamber, 300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A, Green Bay, WI 54303. Periodicals postage paid at Green Bay, WI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Collective Impact, 300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A, Green Bay WI 54303. PH: 920.593.3423.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEMBERSHIP SERVICES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CHAMBER MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A key initiative of the Greater Green Bay Economic Development Strategic Plan Diversity and inclusiveness are so instrumental to the future of Greater Green Bay that a Greater Green Bay Economic Development Strategic Plan task force exists, dedicated to ensuring diversity and inclusiveness.

Importance of diversity & inclusiveness in talent recruitment and retention

Stephanie Vander Zanden, director of diversity & inclusion, HRSS, Schreiber Foods 2 Collective IMPACT | Spring 2020

“Talent acquisition is a vital part of any diversity strategy. But without inclusiveness, diversity efforts fall flat and fail to achieve their desired outcome. Diversity is the mix, and inclusion is making the mix work. Both are necessary.

Organizations not focused on inclusion often find themselves with a revolving door for talent from underrepresented groups. Employees may feel like they don’t fit in to the organizational culture and fail to gain a sense of belonging, and subsequently leave the organization.

“Measurement is crucial to understand retention, and should be broken down by demographics

to understand if there is higher turnover for underrepresented groups. If your organization sees higher turnover for specific demographics, there are things you can do to improve those metrics: Break down employee engagement data by demographics, offer training opportunities to increase cross-cultural understanding and support what matters most to diverse groups.

“Inclusive cultures create an environment where all employees can reach their full potential. Employees who feel included are more productive, engaged, and have a sense of belonging.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Diversity & inclusiveness task force 2020 updates The task force started the year by creating two working groups to address two specific areas of opportunity when it comes to diverse populations: board diversity working group and the housing diversity working group. These are direct areas of focus specified in the economic

Read how Greater

development plan that include assisting anchors with setting up homebuyer assistance programs that encourage employees to become local homeowners near their place of employment and encourage companies and nonprofits to seek diverse board representation.

Green Bay’s approach to our economic development plan is different from others at www.greatergbc.org/blog

1. Housing diversity working group Led by Amaad Rivera, government affairs consultant The why: Green Bay is short 2,000 housing units – rentals, ownership, stand-alone, condominiums and apartments. The working group’s purpose is to understand the services people offer/resources and to analyze the gaps; map out the housing ecosystems; identify stakeholders in the community and determine how to bring the private and public sectors together while also looking at housing with a “diversity lens.”

“It’s exciting to bring together municipal leaders, business stakeholders, local non-profits and academic institutions committed to creating a community where people can work, live and thrive. Our committee is thinking deeply on how to create the housing needs to meet at this moment as our community continues to grow. Recognizing the diverse housing needs of a changing economy and a diverse community is important work that I am proud to be a part of.”

2. Board diversity working group Led by Billy Korinko, interim director, Cassandra Voss Center, and visiting assistant professor – women’s and gender studies, St. Norbert College The why: There is a lack of diversity among many boards of directors in the community; this group is researching why that is, what educational

opportunities exist and analyzing how boards in the area are structured and function.Their goal is ultimately to boost board diversity within area boards of directors.

Spring 2020 | Collective IMPACT 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Other diversity and inclusiveness task force work

Planning of Toward One Wisconsin event The Toward One Wisconsin Conference, a conference on building communities of equity and opportunity, is being hosted in Green Bay on Nov. 12 and 13, 2020. Last year, it was hosted in Milwaukee and drew more than 500 participants to attend 100 breakout sessions by 250 presenters.

The conference brings together individuals and organizations from multiple sectors across Wisconsin to address the most persistent barriers to inclusion, what is working and what is promising on the horizon.

“The planning committee selected Green Bay for the second Toward One Wisconsin Conference because we were impressed with the seriousness with which the community, non-profits and businesses are engaged and committed to moving the needle around diversity and inclusion,” said Eric Giordano, executive director of Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service.

Members of the diversity & inclusiveness task force served on committees for planning this conference. We also had members of task force plan a plenary session of the conference called CEO Action Panel. Individuals include: • Stephanie VanderZanden, director of diversity & inclusion, HRSS, Schreiber Foods • Ritika Singh, senior vice president, diversity, inclusion and engagement, Associated Bank • Mallory Cornelius, president employment consultant, VaryAbility • Andrea Werner, senior vice president, Bellin Health • Robyn Davis, president & CEO, Brown County United Way • Amanda Markiewicz, process improvement lead, Humana

4 Collective IMPACT | Spring 2020

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Planning of the CEO Act!on Panel event as a component of the Toward One Wisconsin event This panel discussion at the Toward One Wisconsin event this fall will highlight the work being done by signatories of the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion in Northeast Wisconsin and beyond. With more than 800 signatories, this coalition pledges to uphold four pillars of this national pledge to: • Continue to make our workplaces trusting places to have complex and sometimes difficult conversations about diversity and inclusion; • Implement and expand unconscious bias education; • Share best – and unsuccessful – practices;

• Create and share strategic inclusion and diversity plans with our boards of directors.

The panel will be comprised of CEOs and high-level executives from Humana, United Way Worldwide, Associated Bank and Bellin Health, and will be facilitated by PwC, a founding organization of the CEO Act!on. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of why support from the top of an organization is critical to diversity and inclusiveness within an organization, what signatories have done to live out the CEO pledge commitments and how CEOs are holding their leadership teams accountable for results.

Spring 2020 | Collective IMPACT 5

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Chamber annual dinner honors veterans and the overarching business community E

very year, the Chamber’s annual dinner offers an opportunity to focus on the business community, celebrating award recipients, bidding on auction items to benefit Chamber programming and welcoming a national-level speaker with a powerful message.

This year’s event on Tuesday, Sept. 15, will provide the opportunity for a shared experience of meaningful connections and pride in community and country, will be heightened as we welcome Travis Mills, retired United States Army staff sergeant.

Our speaker We’re excited to welcome Travis Mills, recalibrated warrior (one of only five quadruple amputees living with his injuries) and motivational speaker.

His message is simple but powerful: “Never give up, never quit.”

Other reasons to join us in hearing Travis: • With enormous willpower and endurance, the unconditional love of his family, and a generous amount of faith, Travis shocked everyone with his remarkable recovery.

6 Collective IMPACT | Spring 2020

• He’s a big family man with a big heart and an amazing sense of humor, and he will leave you in tears of compassion and joy.

• Even without limbs, he swims, dances with his wife, rides mountain bikes and drives his daughter to school • In 2013, he started the Travis Mills Foundation to provide veterans and their families with all-expenses-paid, all-inclusive trips to Maine.

There, they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine’s great outdoors.

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

What people are saying about hearing Travis Mills speak

I have never been so inspired in my entire life.

Travis is a terrific public speaker who fluctuates between humor and sobering sincerity.

He challenged the thought processes and attitudes of everyone in the room and gave them the perspective they needed to take on their own challenges in their personal or professional lives.

A military perspective “How can a community support their military service members? What they desperately need is understanding from their community when they are serving and a bridge that helps them leave the military to become civilians again.

Elaina Koltz, president, Bravo Company, Northeast Wisconsin Battalion, a program created by veterans for veterans to share community resources and become a bridge

“Employers and the community can help service members in the guard and reserve by understanding what an activation does to that employee and their family. When a loved one gets activated, the family goes through the period with them. The anxiety hits all of them. The community needs to understand this by helping the family members survive the year and by helping the service member not worry about returning to their jobs when they return. There are programs in place like Military One Source and Family Activation Groups; learn about these and how a community can partner to help your service member serve and return without unnecessary stress.

“Our service members NEED a bridge that helps them transition from military to the civilian community. I was in the military for 22 years with 5 years active duty and one activation. My husband and daughter were also in the military and my daughter is an Iraq Vet. We had our own support system within our very large family. This is not always the case.The military has its own language, work style and outlook on life.

“The transition from the military to the civilian community/employment is much more dramatic than just going from one neighborhood to another or one job to another. Understanding this will help civilians understand their veteran neighbor/ employee better.”

Spring 2020 | Collective IMPACT 7

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Veteran-focused event • We will have numerous veteran and active military personnel in the audience to show our support of their service and sacrifice and motivate them with Travis’s keynote address. Show your patriotism; sponsor veteran/military personnel by contacting mdoyle@greatergbc.org.

• Check out the Vietnam traveling wall that showcases our heroes.

• Visit resource booths for veterans/military personnel and how to assist them. Everyone can play a part!

Spring 2020 | Collective IMPACT 9

No matter where you are, you can use your computer or smartphone to bank remotely!

Online Banking 960 Hansen Road, Green Bay, WI 54304 (920) 884-1166

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We make it easy to bank remotely At Investors Community Bank, we have several tools that allow you to visit the bank 24/7 via your desktop or smartphone, without ever having to leave your home or office.

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Transfer money between accounts Deposit checks Approve scheduled transfers Receive alerts Schedule bill payments

For details, visit InvestorsCommunityBank.com/digital-banking

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Why attend?

• This event will showcase the Greater Green Bay Chamber and what we have done this year to convene businesses and help build our community.

• You will leave this event feeling inspired to persevere through any obstacle.

• Celebrate and honor volunteers who work tirelessly to make the Chamber strong.

• You might even leave with a silent auction item.

Register at www.greatergbc.org

The awards Each year at the Annual Dinner, the Greater Green Bay Chamber honors individuals and businesses for their impact on the community. These include: • The ATHENA Award, presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their profession, to the advancement of women and to serving their community.

Nominate by Aug. 1.

• Daniel Whitney Award, given to individuals who have served one or more years on Chamber committees and demonstrate outstanding volunteerism.

• Ambassador of the Year Award, honoring an outstanding ambassador volunteer who demonstrates a huge commitment to the Chamber’s mission.

Support the Chamber financially through its silent auctions

participate in fund-raising for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit programming; economic development, Current Young Professionals, Partners in Education, workforce development and Chamber events.

We invite your firm to play a major role in the success of our event by providing a donation of any tax-deductible items for the silent auction at the annual dinner event.

This is a way to showcase your products or services to all in attendance.

If you’d like to participate, contact Micky Doyle at mdoyle@greatergbc.org by Sept. 1.

Meaningful connections

Connect with more than 500 community members, business leaders and military/ veteran personnel in a relaxed and inspirational setting. Talk with Smart Business Savings partners offering amazing deals on products/services you use every day.

With hundreds in attendance, the Chamber Annual Dinner is a great opportunity for member businesses to

Spring 2020 | Collective IMPACT 11

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Hats off to our program graduates and young professional honorees

W

ith spring comes the celebration of graduations and other honors for a job well done.

The Greater Green Bay Chamber’s workforce development programs are no exception to this rule (although celebrating may take a different form in this “new normal.”)

We wish all the graduates and honorees the sincerest of congratulations. Here, you’ll read about the value and takeaways these opportunities provided to the participants.

Greater Green Bay Teen Leadership The goal of the Greater Green Bay Teen Leadership program is to build and strengthen emerging young leaders with skills, knowledge and experiences that prepare them to be effective partners for positive change in Greater Green Bay. The program is structured for students entering their sophomore year of high school.

“Greater Green Bay Teen Leadership allowed me to know what a true leader is, that they aren’t just someone who is in charge. They are influencers, good ones, and eventually the followers [lead] and the leader is no longer needed. This knowledge allowed me to lead, but also follow, to accept others’ import not as criticism but as a different way of doing one thing. A speaker from UW-Green Bay told us that sometimes the best words come from other people, but the way you interpret them is what makes them unique. This lesson will live with me forever. It shows that your intent is what makes people follow you, not the words you speak.

Sophie Boilard, West De Pere High School 12 Collective IMPACT | Spring 2020

Words mean nothing if you cannot back them up with your actions.

“My group project was Spreading Kindness, doing something once a month to help in the community.

I will go to college, majoring in neuroscience, and either minor in biomedical engineering or dual major in it. I will get my doctorate in behavioral neuroscience and biomedical engineering if I am able. I hope to be a successful doctor who is knowledgeable in many things, and help as many people as I can.”

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Annabelle Liefke, De Pere High School “I widened my horizons through Greater Green Bay Teen Leadership and it granted me the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of community leaders.

It showed me the many different forms of leadership and the situations for which each is best suited. This allows me to be more mindful of how I am leading and what improvements I can make.

“I have learned a great deal through participating in this program, but there is one lesson that prevails with every session day. My mentor, Ashley, has shown me the power of communication, both when working with my group and community resources. My group is, working to build and install a Little Free Library at Jim Martin Park.

Amina Mohamed, Preble High School “I’ve learned a lot through Greater Green Bay Teen Leadership, including thinking out of the box.

I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and see what’s going on out there in my community. Teen Leadership wasn’t just about one specific topic. Instead, it provided insight into many different aspects of the community. That community leaders came in and took some of their time to teach youth really inspired me. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to keep looking up to those who inspire you. Look for the good in every opportunity. And keep learning because learning never ends. It comes in many different forms.”

“I was given the opportunity to further improve my communication skills with new people through Teen Leadership. Communication is essential to making a great leader.

also collected items needed by Brown County Health and Human Services. Furthermore, our group is helping out the PALS Program by volunteering to run events.

“The best lesson I learned from one of our speakers is that first impressions are essential for great communication, and that a job shouldn’t feel like actual labor since it should be enjoyed.

“Throughout the rest of high school and for the rest of my life, I would like to continue to do volunteer work. I thoroughly enjoyed my volunteering through Teen Leadership.”

“My Teen Leadership group is helping foster parents and children by holding a hygiene drive at various locations in the Greater Green Bay area. The drives Bryce Rohloff, Pulaski High School Spring 2020 | Collective IMPACT 13

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Leadership Green Bay This program inspires leaders to enrich our community. During its 35-year history, graduates have served 3.5+ million volunteer hours.This year, 45 community servants join in a Legacy of Leadership with 1,200+ program alumni and added six projects to the 165+ projects completed by the program since 1985.

Team project: Care Culture Initiative, including the development of an indoor greenspace and aquaponics lab along with a caring closet, food pantry, classroom essentials and inspirational artwork.

Nonprofit organization supported: NEW School of Innovation, Green Bay Area Public School District

Andy Klarkowski, senior director of product management, CONNECT powered

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“I highly recommend Leadership Green Bay. The program gave me the invaluable opportunity to learn more about this community, gain lifelong friendships and better myself as a person. It also allowed me to interact with and observe many leaders in our community. Many times, we were able discuss in detail what worked for them and where they have had opportunity to improve. The biggest lesson I learned from my experience is to just take a chance and become more involved in the community.

“One of the days that stands out is the education session. When touring local schools, I consistently felt school pride and passion for learning from the teachers, administrators and students alike. Our [small group project] team worked on further developing a caring culture initiative at the N.E.W. School of Innovation in Green Bay. This includes the creation of an aquaponics station which incorporates STEM curriculum and the establishment of a ‘caring closet’ that contains food, personal hygiene items and clothing.”

Team project: Enriching and supporting the improvement of Brown County Shelter Care’s facilities, installing bike racks in the shed and pouring an apron and sidewalk outside the shed to provide additional space and connect the space of the main building and enhancing the outdoor recreational space by extending the backyard fence, providing a four-square court and planning a garden for the staff and kids.

Nonprofit organization supported: Brown County Shelter Care “Leadership Green Bay has furthered my leadership style, offering me the opportunity to talk openly about issues that matter to me. Honesty is necessary when it comes to positive leadership, and Leadership Green Bay allows us to focus on being honest and open while still respecting others’ ideas.

Maddy Szymanski, philanthropy advisor, CP 14 Collective IMPACT | Spring 2020

“I am a member of Team 6 working with Shelter Care which provides temporary care for

adolescent youth. Our project is providing more outdoor recreation space for the kids. I grew up in Green Bay, but every session day taught me something new about a part of my community I knew little or sometimes nothing about. The session day on “inclusivity” stands out the most to me. The number one lesson I took away from that day is you can be so close in proximity to other people and have no idea what they are going through.”

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Team Project: Assist in purchasing a utility trailer to assist the 42 Brown County veteran service groups in promoting community resources. This includes wrapping the trailer in informational graphics and outfitting the trailer with brochures and outreach materials. The trailer will be used at veteran events, such as celebrations and festivals, clothing drives, moving support, funeral support, parades and more.

Nonprofit organization supported: Veterans Affairs of Foreign Wars – Green Bay Post 2037 Noble-Straubel

April Pingel, Leadership and career development manager, Greater Green Bay Chamber

“Leadership Green Bay has allowed me to assess my daily leadership practices and become more mindful of others’ perspectives. My eyes have been opened to the fact that Greater Green Bay is full of amazing leaders and strong individuals who work collaboratively to bring the best possible outcomes to our community. You can read about leadership and even practice the skills in your daily work life, but utilizing the skills and connections for servant leadership brings the impact to an entirely different level.

“I am now part of a larger web of interconnectedness. The session day that impacted me the most was inclusive leadership.tThe facilitation of the discussions and the ability to have open and frank conversations with other professionals about topics that can sometimes be difficult to discuss was refreshing and inspiring.”

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Youth Apprenticeship High school students are accepted into the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program prior to their junior or senior year. They must fulfill their high school requirements and complete industry-related secondary education coursework or advanced placement courses at their high school, while being employed in their chosen program area at which they gain valuable skills necessary to be successful in the Wisconsin workforce.

Seth Alexander School: Denmark High School “As an apprentice in the commercial construction industry, it has been amazing to learn all the different professions that work together to build a large commercial building. I have learned how to handle different situations and to take feedback from others even though I may be leading. My mentor has emphasized how important it is to treat others how they want to be treated, along with helping me to understand the importance of accountability and reliability in the workplace.

Erika Fletcher School: Preble High School, Green Bay Employer: Countrycare Animal Complex “During the two years of being in Youth Apprenticeship, I have grown as a leader in many ways. I have learned how to problem solve in many different situations. I have learned how to manage my time, between school, my hobbies and my job.

I have had many mentors at Countrycare Animal Complex, and each of them has taught me so many things I can take with me wherever I go. I have learned how to communicate and build relationships with clients, which is a huge thing in the

Javier Rodrigez-Santiago School: Green Bay East High School Employer: Broadway Automotive, Hired to permanent position in June 2019 as a Quick Lane technician “In my time with Youth Apprenticeship, I have grown as a leader by learning to be self-sufficient by paying close attention to certain situations and how they were solved. All the lessons I have learned on the job and from my mentors can be put into three categories: time management, safety and attention to detail. I have learned to get there 15 minutes early because this gives me time to get ready in a calm and orderly fashion. I have to think 16 Collective IMPACT | Spring 2020

Employer: The Boldt Company Future plans: U.S. Coast Guard “After graduating from high school, I’m going into the U.S. Coast Guard to further develop my skills and serve my country. My older brother is in his third year in the Coast Guard, and I see it as a great opportunity to continue learning leadership skills like those I’ve learned in the Youth Apprenticeship program, for which I am very grateful.”

Future plans: Veterinary technician program, Fox Valley Technical College veterinary world. I have learned, and continue to learn, great customer service. I became a better person in the work atmosphere each day because of everything I’ve been taught.

“I am planning on going to get a vet tech degree.

I am not 100% sure what I will do, but I know it will be with animals, so this opportunity has been so beneficial for me.”

Future plans: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College automotive technician program

about my safety, the safety of my co-workers and the safety of the customer’s car I am working on.

And I must stay focused on the task at hand so I don’t miss any crucial information.

“My career goal is to my own mechanic shop. I plan to work hard, study hard and do the best I can to graduate college with flying colors.”

Kassie Batchelor Joe Faulds

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Sarah Krier Kathryn Kroll Samantha Maass Ken Mika Heather Milbach

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Spring 2020 | Collective IMPACT 17

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Public Policy Council – A voice and advocate for business T

he Public Policy Council (PPC), at its heart, is an advocate and voice for our membership.

The PPC is responsible for researching, vetting and making recommendations to the Greater Green Bay Chamber board of directors on proposed legislation and administrative codes.

18 Collective IMPACT | Spring 2020

The group includes volunteers from a diverse array of service, manufacturing, telecommunication, transportation, utility and governmental organizations. Here are a few insights from businesses participating on, or benefiting from, the PPC.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Mike Kawleski, Public affairs manager, Georgia-Pacific, Public Policy Council member for 9 years “Georgia-Pacific believes it’s important to be involved in the community and to do our part to share insight and expertise with elected officials, legislators and community leaders. The PPC is set up to do exactly that.

“Most public officials seek their positions because they want to serve their communities and state beneficially, and the effective ones ask for information and input from the people they serve. The PPC provides a forum for that, bringing together businesses representing different industries and public officials in one room.

“The Council also voices the needs of the business community by making local, state and federal

policy recommendations to the Chamber board.

When a coalition of businesses says what it believes in and what it wants to advocate for – and can demonstrate it has a consensus that supports it – that gives a clear signal to legislators about what’s important to their constituents.

“A great example of the power of our collective voice is the establishment of the engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Northeast Wisconsin businesses vigorously supported this since our region leads the state in the number of manufacturing jobs and has a continuing need to fill those roles. The ability to attract bright young engineers and other STEM-related students will pay long-term dividends to our community.”

Mark Graul, President and founder, Arena Strategy Group, Public Policy Council member for 10 years “One of the key roles the Greater Green Bay Chamber plays for its members is to make sure lawmakers at the federal, state and local level are well aware of the needs of the local business community. When the Chamber speaks, lawmakers listen. Government decisions have a dramatic impact on our economy and the success or failure of a business.

“Every two years, the Public Policy Council sets a legislative agenda. It’s a very collaborative process, with stakeholders in the Chamber invited to weigh in on the agenda. That leads to thoughtful discussions, and the final document represents an agenda that will lead to a growing, sustainable economy.

“As a small business owner, I appreciate the Chamber’s focus on fiscal responsibility that leads to a lower tax burden. I’m also grateful for the Chamber’s push for common sense regulations instead of needless bureaucratic red tape. The Chamber is helping to lead the way on so many key initiatives.

Whether it be tax relief, regulatory reform, talent attraction or economic development efforts, the Chamber has been in the middle of it all.”

Spring 2020 | Collective IMPACT 19

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Melinda Morella-Olson, Director of strategic engagement, Imaginasium, Public Policy Council member: 3 years “Having the Greater Green Bay Chamber as a voice for members is valuable for businesses of all sizes, but for small businesses in particular.

in October 2019, Wisconsin state transportation officials committed to funding the new interchange, a huge win for the community.

“One specific example of how the Chamber’s advocacy efforts benefit the community is the Brown County Southern Bridge, which has been discussed since the late 1960s, and has been part of Brown County’s comprehensive plan since 1996. Recognizing the economic and logistical importance of this interchange, the Chamber started advocating at the state level, involving businesses and organizing community members to contact their elected officials. While there is still work to do,

“As a young professional, entrepreneur and leader in a small company, the work of the Chamber as the voice of business in our community has been very impactful. One specific example is five years ago the Chamber started the Young Professionals Advisory Council, giving young professionals the opportunity to make change in their communities and have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.”

Patrick Schillinger, Vice president—state legislative & local affairs, WEC Energy Group, Greater Green Bay Chamber board of directors member and incoming chairman of the board “There are issues at the local, state and federal level that impact business in our area. But the people running these businesses often don’t have time to advocate on these issues; they’re too busy running their day-to-day operations. That’s where the Greater Green Bay Chamber comes into play, speaking with one voice for the business community, being their advocate so they can focus on managing their businesses. An essential part of the Chamber’s mission is to promote economic development. As the Chamber advocates for policies beneficial to the economic growth and vitality of

20 Collective IMPACT | Spring 2020

our area, we see business retention and expansion.

For example, Wisconsin Public Service provides electricity and natural gas to these businesses.

By having a thriving business base, we are able to expand our business as well. The Chamber’s work to move the Southern Bridge project forward is a classic example of how it leads on a community-wide issue. The Southern Bridge will benefit many communities in our area and spur economic development and more efficient transportation of goods, services and people.”

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hope – Laurie Radke president/CEO, Greater Green Bay Chamber

I

’m writing this message right before we send this issue to print (April 23), recognizing certain details may change as life continues to evolve every day in response to COVID-19.

But what will not change is the way the Chamber has been steadfast in delivering on its mission since the first Stay at Home order went into effect.

We continue to look for – and provide – ways to strengthen member businesses by enhancing economic and workforce development, resulting in improved quality of life in our community and region. While we have a 138-year-old heritage, and as an organization have endured everything from the Great Depression to the Great Recession, these are unprecedented times. COVID-19 has warranted not only new health and safety behaviors but huge shifts in how we operate as businesses and organizations. That’s required the Chamber to pivot – sometimes daily – on how we serve not only the business community but also their employees.

That said, the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s mission has never been more relevant, connecting people to job opportunities, performing advocacy, convening businesses and helping businesses find ways to remain viable.

The Chamber continues to serve as a connector and convenor through this pandemic.

The ways the Chamber is delivering on its

22 Collective IMPACT | Spring 2020

rooted in collective planning – springs eternal

mission and vision have changed but our purpose has not.

To that end, I’m proud of the Chamber team’s ability to act quickly to create valuable deliverables for the entire community. These include: • The Chamber@Home series of virtual seminars on topics ranging from change management, to legislative updates, loan and grant opportunities and well-being; • Industry- and audience-specific roundtables to provide opportunities for sharing of best practices and operational ideas to sustain businesses; • Online Power of Networking events to provide meaningful connection opportunities; • COVID-19/We Still Mean Business-focused web resource at www.

GreaterGBC.org/WeStillMeanBusiness.

This provides links to state and regional updates, member news, business resources, employee resources, resources for individuals’ well-being and more; • A free job resource at www.

GreaterGBC.org/jobs for both displaced workers and businesses seeking employees;

• Timely communications including showcasing industry leaders in a weekly We Still Mean Business video newsletter. This provides insights into various industries and how they are faring as well as highlights of the latest Chamber offerings and opportunities.

This is not an exhaustive list. Our function as a connector and convenor often occurs “behind the scenes,” and is perhaps one of the most powerful roles we have.

We have consistently said throughout COVID-19 that we need to hold onto hope, but that hope requires a return to business that includes health and safety and economic recovery, and that brings all stakeholders to the table – healthcare, business and legislators.

Every day, we talk to different people in our membership base. This includes having a direct line to, and weekly communication with, leaders of Greater Green Bay healthcare institutions who are working together. The level of accessibility and communication from local healthcare has been unbelievable in the midst of a crisis.

We are indebted to them for the tremendous care they are giving to our community and the sacrifices they and their front-line employees make every day. We recognize the impact of the coronavirus on business as well; by adhering to guidelines, they are experiencing a significant

impact to their livelihood and their employees’ livelihoods in turn.

This is another kind of sacrifice; a huge price is being paid by business to maintain health and safety. Our small businesses are devastated. Further, we are grateful to have open communication with our local, state and federal representatives.

That’s why we convened representatives from all three segments so they could (and continue to) have purposeful dialogue about their respective needs, concerns and goals and collectively support a smart restart of the economy that recognizes that maintaining health and safety and restarting the economy are not mutually exclusive. We really ARE in this together. And there’s great power that lies in working together. Vince Lombardi really did have it right when he said, “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

MAY 23 - NOV 8

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APRIL

JUNE

20 YEARS Nicolet National Bank

138 YEARS Johnson Financial Group Sanimax

10 YEARS Aerotek

40 YEARS Hansen Foods, LLC

5 YEARS Alwin Manufacturing BPD Engineering Empire Beauty Schools

25 YEARS Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay 20 YEARS NAI Pfefferle

MAY 40 YEARS Pioneer Metal Finishing Bay Lakes Commercial Realtors, LLC 25 YEARS Smet Construction Services 20 YEARS Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development NeighborWorks Green Bay

5 YEARS NEWCMG, LLC Lighthouse Productions

10 YEARS Benefit Advantage Koss Industrial Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction Verkuilen & Associates CPAs, Inc. 5 YEARS Kalypso Salon Milwaukee Job Corps Center

30 YEARS Services Plus 25 YEARS Bank First 15 YEARS A & K Truckland Ariens Company 10 YEARS BelGioioso Cheese, Inc. Elmstar Electric Corporation Girl Scouts of Northwestern Great Lakes Proforma 5 YEARS Music That Matters Hire LLC TUFCO

JULY

15 YEARS Culver’s 10 YEARS Lafarge Cement RODAC LLC Development & Construction Ultimate Air Inc.

15 YEARS College of Menominee Nation

45 YEARS Midwest Communications, Inc./Northeast Wisconsin (WIXX, WTAQ, WNCY,

WNFL, WGEE, WYDR)

138 YEARS Associated Bank

100 YEARS Green Bay Press-Gazette JPMorgan Chase Wisconsin Public Service

Spring 2020 | Collective IMPACT 25

WIRELESS CONNECTIONS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE.

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1.800.236.0055

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Greater Green Bay Chamber 300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A Green Bay, WI 54303

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