“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Deidre Martinez
At the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, we are embracing this powerful message as we move ahead with determination and optimism. January brought a fantastic start to the year, with a successful Economic Outlook Breakfast filled with discussions on growth, success, and a promising future.
We also bid farewell to devoted board members who have played a pivotal role in shaping our community: Lindsay Harrison-Eirich, Justin Selle, and Dana Dunton. We deeply appreciate their years of service, and for generously sharing their time, talent, and treasure to advance Sheboygan County.
At the same time, we are excited to introduce our new Board of Directors for 2025. Please join us in welcoming:
• Kristin Stearns
• Nellie Weiss
• Paul Griffin
• Sam Spurney
• Beth Borgen
• Claudia Krepsky
• Kristin Liphart
• Paul Kuplic
• Nicole Miller
• Steve Schouten
• Teresa Van Horn
• Mohamed Attia
• Andrew Bowman
• Ryan Neville
Upcoming Events
YP Out to Dinner Series Arrosto Delicatessen Feb. 12 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Chamber Champions Gala 2025 The Osthoff Resort Feb. 20 | 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
YP’s Volunteer Opportunity 2025 Bowl for Kid’s Sake Feb. 28 - Mar. 1
Explore Your Future 2025 Lakeshore College Mar. 5 & 6 | Various Times
Roundtable Meetings:
Feb. 5 | 7:30 AM - Non-Profit
Feb. 5 | 12:00 AM - Creative Professionals
Feb. 6 | 7:30 AM - Safety
Feb. 10 | 7:30 AM - Business Owners
Feb. 11 | 7:30 AM - HR Managers
As we reflect on our journey, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made. This time last year, we launched the “Make Your Mark” campaign, a collaborative initiative between the Chamber and Sheboygan County. The momentum continues to grow, and we are thrilled to announce our upcoming Career Fair, Community Tour, and Welcome Social on Friday, March 14th. We’re inviting job seekers from across the country, as well as local talent, to explore new opportunities in our community. We encourage you to share this event with anyone in your network who might benefit from this valuable experience. Click here to learn more. And employers interested in participating in the career fair and onsite interviews, please contact Leah Bischoff at leah@sheboygan.org.
This is a unique opportunity to showcase Sheboygan County, attract top talent, and continue growing our vibrant community. We hope you’ll join us on this exciting mission!
Chamber members consistently express the need for accessible, affordable professional and leadership development. In response, we expanded our team late last year, allowing us to offer even more growth opportunities throughout 2025. We are committed to supporting your development and delivering new, impactful programs that strengthen our community.
And we have partnered with chambers across the state to provide a unique and affordable opportunity to participate and gain access to the results of a Benchmark Compensation Study, are invited to participate.
Above all, we remain dedicated to serving our members, supporting our community, and driving the growth of Sheboygan County. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to all we can accomplish together.
Let’s continue to Think BIG – Betterment, Improvement, Growth – and Influence Local! The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing expertise that fosters dynamic organizations across the region. We are truly Better Together!
John Rogers - Business Roundtables
Facilitator
One Word Openers
Yes, for those who attend any of the Chamber’s 8 different peerto-peer roundtables, you know we begin with “Who are you, who do you represent and what one-word openers describes you, today?” I’m always amazed at how intimidating it can be when a person attends their first roundtable, but then everyone settles in and the fear subsides. Over the years, there have been some unique words, and one person often challenged me with how to spell his. Looking back, I found a few unique openers: hunky-dory, in-a-funk and gob smacked. Right, that is 2 words, but we used it.
Some of the words I like to use are synergy, symbiotic, heritage, cooperation, collaboration and another 2-word example – better together. Why? Because when all is said and done, getting peers together to talk about their challenges, but then getting a slew of useful ideas and suggestions, shows the value of peer-to-peer interaction.
There are 2 regional publications I often recommend to roundtable participants because of the good PR these publications can generate: Insight Magazine and The Business News. For example, over the past few years, Insight Magazine has published cover stories on some of our outstanding business leaders: Grant Pauly, Theresa Van Horn, Adam and Amanda Kroener, and more recently Jeff Lonigro [October edition] and the ‘King of Pop’ Krier Beverages Claude Marbach [January edition]. Can you learn valuable lessons from these leaders? I think so and that is why I will invite them to be with us for a roundtable. In fact, Jeff Lonigro, CEO of Bemis Mfg. will be with us for the Manufacturing/Safety Manager roundtable at Bemis on January 30. Did you attend? I hope so.
Assuming you get The Buzz in your email in box every Monday morning, you can access the Chamber’s events calendar to learn when any of these 8 roundtables will convene: Sales & Marketing Professionals, Nonprofit Executives, Safety Managers, Business Owners, HR Managers, Worksite Wellness Managers and Mid-day [developed for those who have reasons they cannot attend an early morning roundtable]. The 8th roundtable is for Manufacturing, and it goes back to late 2007 and I will not bore you with any of the synergy and symbiotic examples developed in that roundtable. If you ask, I will tell you!
My one word closer for this article is ‘invitation’. Join us and if you have any questions, please send them to john@sheboygan.org. I will be delighted to hear from you.
John Rogers
Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services
Director
Exciting Plans for the Year & Our First Winter Wine Walk!
We are excited to share the key findings of our recent member survey, which helps shape our priorities for the coming year. The top areas of focus include:
• Events – Expanding and enhancing community events that draw visitors and create vibrant experiences in the Downtown, Riverfront, and South Pier areas.
• Marketing – Amplifying efforts to promote local businesses and highlight the unique charm of our Business Improvement District.
• Grants – Continued access to grants and resources to support the growth and success of our member businesses.
• Lighting – Improving lighting throughout the district to enhance safety, visibility, and ambiance.
We are also thrilled to report that 76% of survey respondents would recommend the BID to other businesses or property owners—a strong vote of confidence that fuels our commitment to supporting and growing our business community.
Introducing the First Winter Wine Walk – March 8!
Get ready for an exciting new event! On March 8, we’re launching the Winter Wine Walk, transforming Downtown, Riverfront, and South Pier businesses into charming “tasting rooms.” Attendees can sample a variety of sweet and dry wines—or enjoy a delicious mocktail—all while exploring local shops with a souvenir glass in hand.
We hope you’ll join us in making this event a memorable experience for our community and a fantastic opportunity for our local businesses. Stay tuned for more details, and thank you for your continued support in making Sheboygan’s BID a thriving destination!
Kristin Bahr
Kierra Brooks - Program Coordinator
“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” – Ola Joseph
I hope this year has been kind to you so far—despite the freezing days we’ve endured. Let’s face it, we must love it here because we’re still braving the cold!
We have some exciting new opportunities coming up for Young Professionals (YPs), so keep an eye out for updates. With that in mind, we’re looking for enthusiastic young people who want to make a difference—not just in our community, but also in their own personal growth.
We’re actively seeking to expand our YPs committee to include more diversity, celebrating the unique perspectives and experiences that help us connect with a broader audience. If you’re interested, we’d love to have you join us at our next meeting! Come learn what we’re all about, build connections, and consider joining the committee—or simply become part of the YPs network. (email kierra@sheboygan.org)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead:
• Networking and Tour (Jan 30, 5-8pm): Join us for an exclusive tour of 3 Sheeps Brewing Company.
• February Out-to-Dinner (Feb 12, 5-7pm): Let’s gather at Arrosto Delicatessen for great food and even better conversations.
• Lakeland University Career Fair: We invite you to network and speak with young professionals who are looking to expand their network and grow/get experience in their field of work on Tuesday February 13th, from 11am to 12:30pm at their career fair.
• Chamber Gala (Feb 20, 5-9pm): A group of YPs has already reserved a table! If you’re hesitant to attend because you’re unsure if you’ll know anyone, don’t be! Join us, and let’s make memories together, including at the after-party.
• Bowl for Kids Sake: Join YPs to volunteer at Bowls for Kids Sake on February 28th or March 1st in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters! Check out the link on our event page to choose a time slot and make a difference.
We’d love to see new and familiar faces at these events as we strengthen relationships and continue to grow as a community.
Here’s to celebrating diversity—may we always see the beauty in and embrace the things that make us unique!
Kierra Brooks
Anna Toman - Director Of Membership Development
Please give our New Members a HUGE WELCOME!
• Safety Fitz, LLC
• JH Findorff
• Guaranty Title and Closing
• First Supply
• Sheboygan Area Pay it Forward, Inc
• City of Plymouth
• RISE Fitness- 24/7 Fitness, Training, Wellness
• Alzheimer’s Association -Walk to End Alzheimer’s Association of Sheboygan County
• Hartman’s Bakery, Plymouth
• The Bugle- Comics & Collectibles
• Kindred Heart Families, Inc
• Platinum Restoration Services
What’s the main reason for joining the Sheboygan County Chamber? Connections!
Connections that help businesses grow. Connections that inspire, encourage, and educate. Connections that become deeply rooted and last for years to come.
Thank you for trusting YOUR Chamber to help you build meaningful connections in our community!
I’d love to explore ways for you to connect with our community and elevate your brand with YOUR Chamber! We have fantastic sponsorship opportunities available for our upcoming Gala and EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE events.
Gala Sponsorships
• Award Sponsorship (2 Available!): Get exclusive stage time as you present an award, with your logo prominently displayed. Reach out for details! $1,800
• Lanyard Sponsorship (1 Available!): Your branded lanyards will be worn by every attendee throughout the event—ensuring visibility all night long! $3,000
Not into Award Ceremonies? No problem!
Anna Toman
Consider sponsoring EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE, a career exploration event impacting 1,200 Sheboygan County 7th and 8th graders.
At EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE, students will discover:
• Their Holland Code personality type
• Strengths and areas for growth
• What their personal brand says about them
• Careers that align with their personality and interests
We offer premium sponsorship levels with outstanding benefits at $8,000, $4,000, and $2,000.
Interested? Check out our 2025 Opportunities Guide or reach out to me directly for more details. I’d love to chat about how we can align your brand with these impactful events!
Looking forward to connecting with soon!
Anna
Ellie Meyers - Director of Events
As we move into the heart of winter, there’s plenty of exciting news happening here at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce! We have some great events and opportunities coming up that you won’t want to miss. Read on for all the details and be sure to mark your calendars!
Chamber Champions Gala – February 20 at The Osthoff Resort
Our highly anticipated Chamber Champions Gala is just around the corner, and tickets are selling faster than ever! The event will be held on February 20 at the stunning Osthoff Resort, and we are excited to celebrate the best of Sheboygan County’s businesses and community leaders.
Please note: The main ballroom is already sold out, but tickets for the viewing room are still available – for now. These tickets are expected to sell out quickly as well, so if you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, now is the time! Don’t miss out on this incredible evening.
Secure your tickets today at sheboygan.org. We can’t wait to see you there for an unforgettable night of celebration!
Explore Your Future – March 5 & 6 at Lakeshore College
Looking to make a meaningful impact in our community? Consider volunteering at Explore Your Future, a career exploration event for over 1,200 Sheboygan County 7th and 8th graders. This is an incredible opportunity to help guide the next generation as they begin their journey toward finding a career path that matches their interests and strengths.
Explore Your Future will take place on March 5 and 6 at Lakeshore College. Students will have the chance to discover their unique Holland Code personality type, explore careers aligned with their interests, and get insights into professions they may have never considered before. It’s a fantastic way to show students the many possibilities that lie ahead!
We are currently seeking volunteers to lead career clusters and personality sessions. Don’t worry if you’re new to volunteering for this event – we will provide scripts and all the materials you need to lead the sessions with confidence.
To volunteer, please fill out the registration form linked below and select the categories you’d like to participate in: Register to Volunteer Here
Thank you for being part of the Chamber of Commerce community, and we look forward to seeing you at our events!
Ellie Meyers
Sheboygan County Chamber Business Education Partnership (BEP) Monthly Update
Workforce Development in Sheboygan County: Bridging the Gap with Education and Community Engagement
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, like many communities across the nation, faces significant workforce development challenges. With the rapid pace of technological advancements and changing industry needs, it has become increasingly difficult for businesses to find skilled workers who can meet the demands of today’s economy. But in the face of these challenges, the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce has been actively working to bridge the gap between education and industry, preparing the next generation for the workforce through a series of innovative K-12 education initiatives.
One of the standout initiatives is the Explore Your Future event, which has quickly become a cornerstone of the Chamber’s workforce development efforts. This upcoming event, designed for 7th and 8th-grade students in Sheboygan County, is a prime example of how early engagement and real-world experience can inspire and shape young minds toward their future careers.
Explore Your Future: A Hands-On Approach to Career Development
The Explore Your Future event offers students a unique opportunity to engage with professionals from a wide variety of fields, helping them explore career options based on their personal interests. The event is more than just a chance to see different career paths—it’s a chance for students to develop essential soft skills that will serve them throughout their professional lives.
Soft Skills Focus: Students will have the chance to work on vital life skills like public speaking and professionalism—skills that will help them thrive in any work environment. These skills, often overlooked in traditional academic settings, are key to career success in today’s world. By learning these valuable skills early, students are better equipped to confidently navigate the challenges of their future careers.
Industry Professionals Sharing Knowledge: Another key aspect of Explore Your Future is the direct connection students will have with industry professionals. Volunteers from diverse career backgrounds come to share their experiences, offer advice, and provide insights into what a typical day in their job looks like. Whether it’s a health professional, a manufacturer, or someone in the tech field, the exposure to these different industries allows students to discover potential career paths they might not have considered otherwise.
The Power of Volunteers: Engaging with the Next Generation
What makes this event particularly special is the invaluable support of dozens of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to engaging with these middle school students. These volunteers act as mentors, sharing their expertise and sparking interest in different career fields available right here in Sheboygan County. It’s the dedication and willingness of these volunteers that make this program truly successful.
To ensure the future of our workforce, it’s critical to invest in the younger generation— helping them discover what’s possible and giving them the tools they need to succeed. As the demand for skilled workers continues to rise, initiatives like Explore Your Future are critical in laying the foundation for tomorrow’s workforce. Volunteers play a crucial role in this, and we need your support to make the event a success. If you’re interested in inspiring young minds and helping them explore their future career possibilities, we want you to join us!
Get
Involved: Volunteers, We Need You!
As we prepare for this exciting event, we are calling on members of the Sheboygan County community to volunteer their time and expertise. If you are passionate about helping students discover their potential and are eager to share your career journey, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting impact. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone new to mentoring, your experience can make a difference in shaping the future of our community’s workforce.
Are you ready to inspire the next generation of leaders and professionals? We need you! Click here to learn more about the Explore Your Future event and how you can get involved as a volunteer.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Progress
The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce is proud of the strides we’ve made in fostering workforce development through education initiatives like Explore Your Future. These efforts are helping students gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in their future careers. We look forward to continuing this work and building stronger connections between education, industry, and the community.
By investing in our youth and providing them with the tools to succeed, we are not only preparing them for the workforce—we’re ensuring that Sheboygan County remains a thriving community for years to come.
Are you ready to help shape the future? Join us in making a difference today.
January In Review
Ribbon Cutting Boys and Girls Club Longfellow Elementary | Jan. 16
vibe@5
Sheboygan Lutheran High School | Jan. 21
Economic Outlook 2025 Pine Hills Country Club | Jan. 16
Informal Business Networking Event Sheboygan County Chamber | Jan. 23
Social & Tour
3 Sheep’s Brewing Co. | Jan. 30
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
Newsletter sponsorship opportunities now available! Please contact Deidre Martinez at 920.457.9491 or deidre@sheboygan.org for more information.
