In This Issue
Best Under 40 and More Exciting Events!
April 2025
Upcoming Events
From The Desk Of The CEO
“Think of yourself as a river, not a reservoir.” –
John C. Maxwell
This quote beautifully captures the spirit of what’s ahead — a season of sharing, celebrating, and uplifting others.
Deidre Martinez
We’re thrilled to be preparing for several incredible opportunities to connect with and champion young professionals in our community. First up: the Best Under 40 Awards, led by the dynamic Kierra Brooks and her dedicated committee. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 1st — this evening promises to be an inspiring celebration of leadership, service, and impact.
You don’t need to be a young professional to attend — just someone who believes in supporting the next generation of community changemakers. It’s a powerful chance to hear their stories and be reminded of all the ways they’re making Sheboygan County a better place to live, work, and thrive.
And that’s just the beginning — May is Young Professionals Month, and Kierra’s committee has been hard at work planning a month full of engaging, energizing events. Whether you’re a YP yourself or someone who supports them, we encourage you to join in the fun and spread the word.
Like a river, we thrive when we keep flowing — sharing knowledge, creating connections, and passing along opportunities. Let’s all commit to being rivers for those around us.
In other exciting news — we’re gearing up to publish the 2025–2026 Sheboygan County Community Guide! This beloved resource continues to grow, and this year we’ve partnered with our friends at O’Rourke Media Group to elevate the publication even further.
Ribbon Cuttings
Happy Nails & Spa of Sheboygan Apr. 3 | 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Through the Looking Glass Botanicals Tea Shop Apr. 4 | 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM DSG Apr. 9 | 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
YP Out to Dinner Champs Bar & Grill Apr. 9 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
YP Easter Giving: Hoppy Hearts
Sheboygan County Food Bank Apr. 13 | 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
YP Leadership Training: Boardroom Ready
Chamber Conference Room Apr. 18 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
YP Game & Social Night
Take Flight Enterprise Apr. 24 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
YP Leadership Training: Boardroom Ready
Chamber Conference Room
Apr. 25 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Crucial Conversations
Chamber Conference Room
Apr. 29 & 30 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
vibe@5
RCS Empowers
Mar. 19 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Best Under 40 Awards Diner
The Village at 170
May 1 | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Leadership Development Series
Chamber Conference Room
May 6 | 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Maximize Your Membership
Chamber Conference Room
May 7 | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Roundtable Meetings:
Apr. 2 | 7:30 AM - Non-Profit
3 | 7:30 AM - Safety
7 | 11:30 AM - Sales & Marketing
8 | 7:30 AM - HR Managers
14 | 7:15 AM - Business Owner
Ad pricing remains consistent with past years, but here’s the exciting update: advertisers will now enjoy distribution into over 9,000 homes, in addition to our traditional circulation methods. This guide is an incredible way to highlight your business or organization while helping us showcase the vibrancy of Sheboygan County — from its communities to its chamber members.
We hope you’ll be part of it!
We want you to Think BIG (betterment, improvement growth), Influence Local! The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing expertise for fostering dynamic organizations throughout Sheboygan County. We are truly Better Together!
John RogersBusiness Roundtables Facilitator
Two one-word openers this month!
APPRECIATION – for the blanket support from Rohde Brothers, Inc. www.rohdebros.com since they are now sponsoring all eight Chamber roundtables! Roundtables are truly a value-added component of your Chamber membership and, thanks to Rohde Brothers, Inc. and Johnsonville www.johnsonville.com all roundtables are at no additional cost to you. Take advantage and attend at least one. Every Monday, check The Buzz for what is on the horizon calendar-wise.
SUPPORT – to quote a recent roundtable peer who was supported by others “Roundtable attendees, ‘Thank you so very much for the “pages” of great tips and advice from my marketing question. I left our meeting feeling so fortunate. Each one of you offered a valuable “nugget” of useful information. I hope to “pay it back” at future meetings. Enjoy your Fridays.’ “Ryan
There are 5 roundtables scheduled in April: Nonprofit on April 2, Safety Managers on April 3, Sales & Marketing on April 7, HR Managers on April 8 and Business Owners on April 14. Register, join us and think about what your one-word opener might be.
Any questions, joys or concerns? john@sheboygan.org
John Rogers
Anna Toman - Director Of Membership Development
Please join me WELCOMING our newest members!
• Through the Looking Glass Botanicals Tea Shop
• Elite Builds, Inc
• U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Milwaukee
• Plymouth Area Regional Ministries
• Little Love and Children’s Boutique, Kohler
• Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center
• Beach Bums Tanning and Spa
• Jiffy Lube of Sheboygan
• Systems Furniture
• Kleiber Construction
• Bartoli’s Wreath Shoppe & Pottery
Is it Spring yet? We will continue to ask this question straight through April and into May. Speaking of May; May is YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MONTH! We will host multiple YP event in every week and we kick it off with the BEST UNDER 40 AWARDS. At last year’s event, I was the one and only person on the dance floor. I challenge all of you, our membership of 760 and your employees to join me on the dance floor! #danceoff
But we can’t host our events without the generous support of our sponsors. We are still in need of sponsors for Best Under 40! What will work for you?
Presenting Sponsor: $5,000 * only one sponsor at this level! *
• Includes a table of 8
• Present the Young Professional of the Year Award
• Your name and logo are printed on the Award and nominee certificates
• Name/logo on printed invitations
• Name/logo on event signage and screen, if applicable
• Your company is recognized on event press releases, radio, social media, if applicable
• Name/logo on online registration page
DJ Sponsor: $1,500 * only one at this level! *
• 3 mentions from the event’s DJ
• Name/logo on event online registration page
• Social media mentions
Friend Sponsor: $500
• Name/logo on event online registration
Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, your personal trainer and your auto mechanic to attend our MEMBERSHIP DRAFT on April 30th. Attendees can learn about the Chamber and when they sign up and pay for their first year of membership receive $50 off their first year. They can register online at sheboygan.org.
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Anna
Anna Toman
Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services
Director
Hello,
Spring Success & Upcoming BID Member Meeting
We are thrilled to share that our recent Wine Walk was a resounding success! The event was completely sold out, and attendees raved about the experience. One guest, Dale Spaeth, shared:
“We have lived in Sheboygan our entire lives, and this event brought us into places we had never been before. The event was very well planned, and everyone was so welcoming. We are already talking about going back to all of the places to spend more time at each. We will be looking forward to other hometown events.”
With such enthusiastic feedback, we’re excited about the possibility of continuing this event again in the fall!
Upcoming BID Member Meeting – April 11th
BID Members - mark your calendars for our BID Member Meeting on Friday, April 11th. We are excited to welcome Jon Bartz from the WEDC as our guest speaker. He will share expert strategies on marketing, sales growth, and social media tactics to help your business thrive. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with fellow business owners!
Additionally, Kristin Bahr, BID Member Services Manager, will present the 2024 Annual Report and discuss 2025 goals and initiatives. Derek Muench will also provide key updates on parking and transportation in the district.
Looking Ahead: 8th Streatery Returns!
As summer approaches, we are gearing up for another fantastic season of 8th Streatery—our weekly outdoor dining and entertainment experience. Join us every Tuesday starting June 10th for great food, live music, and a lively atmosphere in downtown Sheboygan!
We look forward to seeing you at these exciting events! Stay tuned for more updates!
Kierra Brooks - Program Coordinator
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
April Opportunities with the Chamber
Young Professionals Board Training
Training has been going so well! The class is super engaged, asking all the right questions, and growing right where they need to be. It’s inspiring to see everyone learning and developing their leadership skills.
Missed out this time? No worries! We’ll be running another session toward the last quarter of the year—so keep an eye out for it!
Kristin Bahr
Kierra Brooks
Junior and Adult Leadership Applications Now Open
Applications are officially open, and I can’t wait to see some fresh faces in both leadership groups! Whether you’re new to the community, your school, workplace, or even just stepping into a leadership role, these classes are here to help you thrive.
It’s all about growth—how you lead yourself, how you lead others, and how you contribute to the community where you live, work, and play. Dive into the place you call home and watch it grow even more with you being a valuable addition. Have questions or need help? Reach out to me at kierra@sheboygan.org. I’m always happy to chat!
April YP Events: Network, Learn, and Have Fun!
Looking to connect with other young professionals? We’ve got some exciting events lined up this month—mark your calendars!
• YP Leadership Training: Boardroom Ready @ Chamber – April 4th, 12:00-1:30 PM
• Out to Dinner @ Champs Bar – April 9th, 5:00-7:00 PM
• YP Easter Giving: Hoppy Hearts @ Sheboygan County Food Bank – April 13th, 12:30-2:30 PM
• YP Leadership Training: Boardroom Ready @ Chamber – April 18th, 12:00-1:30 PM
• YP Game & Social Night @ Take Flight Enterprise – April 24th, 6:00-8:00 PM
• YP Leadership Training: Boardroom Ready @ Chamber – April 25th, 12:00-1:30 PM
Best Under 40 – Registration is Open!
It’s that time of year! Come cheer on our amazing Young Professionals, whether it’s your coworker, friend, spouse, or employee. Watch them shine and show them how much you appreciate their contributions to our community.
We have so many new faces nominated this year—it’s exciting and refreshing! Hope to see you all there.
Intern Program – Coming This June!
If your company is hosting interns this summer, now’s the time to connect with us! The Intern/ Co-op Program is all about giving interns a top-tier experience beyond the workplace. It’s a chance for them to build stronger connections to the area through networking, professional development, and just plain fun.
Want to get your interns involved? Reach out to me today!
Let’s Grow Together!
For more details on any of the above programs or events, feel free to reach out to me at kierra@sheboygan.org.
Looking forward to seeing you at our April events and beyond!
Ellie Meyers - Director of Events
Sheboygan Chamber Events Update
Spring is in full swing, and with it comes a season of exciting celebrations, networking opportunities, and important dates to mark on your calendar!
Ribbon Cuttings
We are thrilled to welcome new businesses to the Sheboygan community! Join us as we celebrate their ribbon cuttings:
• April 3 – Happy Nails and Spa of Sheboygan
• April 4 – Through the Looking Glass Botanicals Tea Shop
• April 9 – DSG
Ribbon cuttings are a fantastic way to support local businesses and make new connections—stop by and show your support!
Vibe@5 – April 29 at Rohde Brothers
Looking to expand your professional network in a casual and engaging setting? Don’t miss our next Vibe@5 event, hosted by Rohde Brothers on April 29. Enjoy great conversation, refreshments, and the opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members.
Save the
Dates!
We have two major events coming up this summer that you won’t want to miss:
August 20 – Workforce Development Symposium at Pine Hills Country Club
A must-attend event for business leaders, HR professionals, and educators, focused on strategies for talent attraction, retention, and workforce innovation.
August 27 – Annual Golf Outing at Quit Qui Oc Golf Club
Join us for a day of networking, friendly competition, and fun on the green! Stay tuned for registration details.
As always, thank you for being a part of the Sheboygan Chamber. We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events!
Ellie Meyers Director of Events
Ellie Meyers
Explore Your Future 2025: A Big Win for Workforce Development!
Just a few weeks ago, more than 1,200 enthusiastic 7th and 8th graders from across Sheboygan County stepped out of the classroom and into a world of possibilities at Explore Your Future 2025.
This hands-on, high-energy event gave students a chance to connect directly with industry professionals — from engineers and healthcare heroes to skilled tradespeople and more. They got a real-world glimpse into what a “day in the life” looks like across a wide range of careers, helping them imagine their futures in new and exciting ways.
As these students begin high school and start thinking about electives, career pathways, and personal goals, events like this help them make more informed, confident decisions.
A huge thank you to our generous sponsors who helped make it all possible:
• Acuity – Presenting Platinum Sponsor
• Johnsonville and MilliporeSigma – Gold Sponsors
Your investment in our future workforce is what makes Sheboygan County shine!
Spring Forward: Summer Jobs, Full-Time Roles & Bright Futures
Spring has sprung — and that means graduation caps, scholarship celebrations, and the countdown to summer are in full swing!
Now is the time for students and recent grads to get ahead of the game by applying for summer, part-time, or full-time positions on company career websites. Whether you’re looking to gain experience or start your career journey, the opportunities are endless.
Looking for full-time work right after high school? Many local employers are hiring for entrylevel roles in manufacturing, retail, customer service, hospitality, food service, and more. These positions often pay $20/hour or more, which means 18+ year olds could earn up to $8,000 this summer alone!
Thinking about college? Did you know that many companies right here in Sheboygan County offer tuition assistance programs?
• Full-time employees can receive up to $2,625/year for an associate degree or $5,250/year for a bachelor’s degree.
• Part-time employees may qualify for up to 50% tuition coverage. These benefits can help recent graduates work, learn, and grow — all while avoiding student loan debt. So whether you’re exploring your future, planning your next move, or chasing your dreams — Sheboygan County has your back.
Join Us at BEP Meetings
Your support is crucial as we continue to build a brighter future for Sheboygan County. Interested in joining BEP? BEP meetings, are held on the third Friday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Sheboygan County Chamber Office. Your input and involvement can help us strengthen these vital partnerships and shape the future of our community. If you are interested in learning more, please complete the BEP Committee Interest Form and a member of the team will be in touch.
Leadership Development Series
Making the Transition from Individual Contributor to Leader of Others March 11 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am Team members are often promoted because they excel at being individual contributors and have a high degree of technical expertise. Neither are necessarily required to lead other people and unless we are intentional about developing the leadership skills of high-producing staff, they will become frustrated, disillusioned and be less than stellar in their leadership role. This does not have to be the reality we face in our organizations.
Coaching for Success March 25 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Achieving results starts with effective goal planning including the use of SMART goals, setting of expectations and consistent communication focused on achieving or surpassing those expectations. Alignment with personal values, daily work objectives and organizational mission ensures that goals become results and employee satisfaction remains high. In addition, the ability to “coach” employees through the use of pro-active Development Planning relying on the 70-20-10 model of learning supports continual professional development.
Maintaining Professionalism Under Pressure May 6 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am
We can’t control the behavior and emotions of others, but we can control our own. Avoiding “false choices”, understanding how we respond when under stress, examining our own relationship with EQ and IQ, properly framing a “problem” and creating a solution mindset are all elements of this workshop.
Influencing without Authority May 13 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Leadership has less to do with title and everything to do about the choices we make and how it impacts our behavior. Understanding the, “position myth”, 360 Degrees of Leadership, where influence/power are traditionally seen as coming from, our different behavioral styles and the mindset needed to create a “WE” vs. “me” focus will all be explored during this session.
Leadership 101 June 3 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Basic tenants of leadership and followership will be explored during this session.
$ 249
Leadership 201 June 17 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am for any one session, combine any three for $500
Building off the experiences of mature leaders, this session will ask leaders to self-reflect, share and learn from and with other attendees in their session.
Individualized Coaching $99 per hour for non-profit, $199 per hour for profit rate
Based on the specific individualized request (coach, employee, organization), will put together a plan for 1:1 coaching utilizing tools such as Crucial Conversations, 70-20-10 Development Planning, various behavioral and leadership surveys, books and approaches.
Crucial Conversations ® April 29 & 30 | September 30 & October 1 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The official Crucial Conversations curriculum, led by a trained-facilitator in a 2-day workshop. Minimum of 6 (either all one organization or mixed co-hort)
Cost: $1000
Integrity Service ® October 8, 15, 22 & 29 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The official Integrity Service curriculum, led by a trained-facilitator in a series of 4, two-hour sessions. Minimum of 6 (either all one organization or mixed co-hort)
Cost: $1000
March In Review
Explore Your Future 2025
Sheboygan Chamber | Mar. 5 & 6
Maximize Your Membership
Sheboygan Chamber | Mar. 19
Ribbon Cutting
Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center | Mar. 27
Leadership Development Series
Making the Transition from Individual Contributor to Leader of Others | Mar. 11
Executive Series
Sheboygan Chamber | Mar. 20
Ribbon Cutting Harbor Winds Hotel | Mar. 28
