In This Issue A New Year, new opportunities, and fun events in the year ahead!
Happy New Year!
Ja nua r y 2026
Upcoming Events
From The Desk Of The CEO Wow! That happened fast—2026 is here, and we are ready to kick this year off with a bang. Happy New Year! As we step into a brand-new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we accomplished together in 2025—and share what’s ahead.
Ribbon Cutting
Powerplay Arena January 14 | 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Deidre Martinez
2025: A Year of Momentum and Meaningful Growth
2025 was a year of significant growth for the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, with more than 100 new members joining our organization. That kind of growth isn’t just a number—it’s proof that businesses and organizations across our county believe in the value of connection, collaboration, and community leadership. We also know something else to be true: when we use our voices collectively, we can create impact at a higher rate. The Chamber exists to amplify that voice—advocating, supporting, and opening doors so our members can thrive.
Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
One of the highlights of 2025 was hosting our first-ever Small Business Resource Fair. We welcomed more than 40 entrepreneurs into our space and connected them with the tools they need, along with the people and organizations ready to support them. It was inspiring to see so much energy, creativity, and ambition in one room—and it reinforced just how important it is to continue creating opportunities for small business owners to learn, connect, and grow.
Newcomer & Networking Event
Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center January 14 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Economic Outlook Breakfast & Annual Meeting Pine Hills Country Club January 15 | 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
vibe@5
Oostburg State Bank - Sheboygan Falls January 22 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Strengthening Workforce Development
Workforce development continues to be one of our most important priorities. Through our partnership with Sheboygan County and the Make Your Mark campaign, we’re seeing incredible progress. The campaign continues to grow, engaging new friends to the area while helping strengthen the workforce pipeline local employers rely on.
Maximize Your Membership Sheboygan County Chamber January 28 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
YP Gathering
Tentative January 28 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Mark Your Calendar: Annual Meeting & Economic Outlook Breakfast We’re excited to kick off the year together at one of our most anticipated events:
🗓 Thursday, January 15 🥓 Annual Meeting and Economic Outlook Breakfast Register for the Event!
This event will include reports from community leaders throughout Sheboygan County, and we will also share the results from our most recent Economic Outlook Survey.
✅ If you have not completed the survey yet, please do so right away.
The more information we gather from our members, the better. Your input helps us identify trends, understand challenges, and ensure we provide tools and resources that are truly valuable to your business. Click here to complete the survey!
Leadership for the Year Ahead
During the Annual Meeting, members will also vote on the slate of Board members who will help lead the organization in 2026. Strong leadership matters, and we are grateful to the individuals willing to serve our Chamber and our community. Thank you for being part of this growing network and for helping make 2025 such a meaningful year. We’re energized by what’s ahead and can’t wait to work alongside you in 2026. Here’s to a year of connection, progress, and possibility—together.
John Rogers - Business Roundtables Facilitator RESOLUTE RESOLUTIONS Here we are at the outset of a new year. Have you made any resolutions? Have you been resolute with them or are they broken already? Quite often for me, November is a time for resolutions combined with ‘no’ such John Rogers as no ice cream or no coffee. I was successful a few years ago but it did not go over well with some so no more no-vembers.
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Are resolutions the same as goals? Perhaps. I recently read an article about succession planning, but for this “Better Together’ issue let’s change it to successful planning because one key, and easy goal you can set for yourself, is to attend at least one Chamber roundtable in 2026. Only one, John? Yes, because if you attend one and learn what a difference a roundtable can make, you will return. Our peer group roundtables help you understand why ‘Better together’ is so important. Did you see the article in the December 15 issue of The Business News? If you do not get that very useful publication, stop by the Chamber to get a copy because there is anappropriate article “Chamber Membership is a Team Sport” written by our own Deidre Martinez! Her article lists a few important actions you can take: • • • •
Ask curious questions Look for ways to get involved that fit your situation Remember – your membership extends to your staff Show up with intention
I often think Chamber membership becomes a self-help book you buy then let it sit on the shelf. In other words, be ACTIVE with your Chamber membership. Attend events, network to meet new people [maybe they become friends or customers] and, of course, join us for a roundtable. You can learn more about the roundtable schedule through The Buzz every Monday morning or check out www.sheboygan.org and use the drop down Events spot for Chamber events. Lo and behold you will find when the roundtables will occur. But, if you are puzzled, send an email to john@sheboygan.org and I will tell you where to go! Politely!
Upcoming Roundtables Worksite Wellness: Wed. Jan. 14 | 7:30 AM Mid-Day: Wed. Jan. 14 | 11:30 AM Sales & Marketing: Mon. Feb. 2 | 11:30 AM Non-Profit: Wed. Feb. 4 | 7:30 AM
Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services Director As we wrap up another year, I want to take a moment to wish you all a very happy holiday season and share my sincere thanks for your continued support of our local community. Choosing to shop small truly makes a difference, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supports the businesses that make Sheboygan’s Downtown, Riverfront, and South Pier such vibrant and welcoming places. Your support helps our local businesses thrive—not just during the holidays, but all year long.
Kristin Bahr
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I’m also deeply thankful for the opportunity to work alongside so many amazing people through the Harbor Centre Business Improvement District and the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. The collaboration, creativity, and commitment of our business owners, partners, and volunteers continue to inspire me, and I’m excited for what we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead. Looking ahead to 2026, we already have some fun winter events on the calendar—so be sure to save the dates! Join us for the new Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl on February 7, followed by the always-popular Winter Wine Walk on March 7. These events are great ways to shake off the winter chill, support local businesses, and enjoy everything our district has to offer. Thank you again for being part of our Harbor Centre community. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year—I can’t wait to see what’s next! Kristin Bahr
Anna Toman - Director Of Membership Development Happy January, Friends! Let’s welcome the new members from December: • • • • • • • •
De Stefanos Group PowerPlay Arena Skylight Wealth Management Hear Again America EdibleNew Magazine AJ Recycling, LLC Evergreen Training Service Boosting Leadership
Anna Toman
Did you know the Chamber gained 101 new members in 2025? I’m thankful that you share your Chamber experiences with your neighbors, friends, mechanics, and hairdressers. This record-breaking number is proof that you value and appreciate your Chamber membership, that you want to share it with those who you know will benefit and enjoy their membership. Thank you! Gala, Gala, Gala! Who’s ready? This will be quite the event as we are using TWO member venues, The Black Pig for dinner and the Weill Center for the Award Show. We will promenade across the street in style; it will be a year we won’t forget! I’m excited to celebrate all of our accomplishments together. A Sponsorship will position you in these TWO GALA LOCATIONS. Interested in marketing and supporting our community? Go to this link for more information and to sign up for a Gala Sponsorship. SPONSORSHIPS for Gala 2026 - Feb 19, 2026 - The Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce See you at the Gala, Anna
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Ellie Meyers - Director of Events As we kick off the new year, I’m excited to share several upcoming Chamber events and opportunities to get involved. There are many ways to connect, celebrate, and support Sheboygan County—thank you for being part of it! Economic Outlook Breakfast – January 15 Join us for our annual Economic Outlook Breakfast on January 15 at Pine Hills Country Club. This popular event offers valuable insights into the economic trends shaping our region. Registration is now open, and tickets are required—be sure to reserve your spot and join us for this informative morning.
Ellie Meyers
Vibe@5 – January 22 Our next Vibe@5 networking event will take place on January 22, from 5:00–7:00 PM, at Oostburg State Bank – Sheboygan Falls location. This casual, after-hours networking event is a great opportunity to make new connections and strengthen existing relationships. We hope to see you there! Gala Updates • •
Gala nominations are due January 9—don’t miss the chance to recognize outstanding businesses and leaders in our community. Gala 2026 tickets are now on sale for our February 19 Gala at the Weill Center. This year’s celebration will feature dinner prior to the event, a mingling-style experience at The Black Pig, taking over all four floors. Dress to impress in black tie optional attire as we come together to celebrate the very best of Sheboygan County.
Explore Your Future – March 4 & 5 Looking ahead to March, Explore Your Future will be held March 4 & 5 at Lakeshore College. We are currently seeking business volunteers to speak with 7th and 8th grade students from across the county about their careers. This is a rewarding opportunity to inspire students and share real-world experiences—your participation truly makes a difference. Please visit our event page at Sheboygan.org for more information on all these upcoming opportunities and more. Thank you for helping make our Chamber events meaningful and impactful. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!
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Liz Miyashiro - Director of Finance & Operations Better Together: Turning Workforce Data into Smarter Business Decisions in 2026 As businesses across Sheboygan County prepare for another year of workforce challenges and opportunities, access to reliable, actionable data has never been more important. That’s why the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with MRA – The Management Association in 2026 to bring four nationally recognized employment surveys directly to our business community.
Liz Miyashiro
Through this partnership, Chamber members gain access to high-quality workforce data— normally available only to MRA members—at a significantly reduced cost. More importantly, these surveys are designed to help employers make informed decisions around pay, benefits, recruitment, retention, and workforce planning throughout the year. Rather than a single data point, the 2026 survey series provides a practical, step-by-step approach to understanding and responding to today’s labor market. Starting the Year Strong: Benchmark Compensation Survey (Opening January 13) The first and most comprehensive survey of the year, the Benchmark Compensation Survey, opens January 13 and serves as the foundation for 2026 workforce planning. Covering more than 550 positions across industries, this survey provides wage and salary data for roles ranging from entry-level staff to executive leadership. Employers use this data to: • • • •
Validate current pay practices Plan wage adjustments with confidence Remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent Support fair, market-aligned compensation decisions
For many organizations, this survey becomes a core reference point for budgeting, performance reviews, and strategic planning early in the year. Addressing Industry-Specific Needs: Industrial Production & Trades Survey Manufacturing and skilled trades remain a critical part of Sheboygan County’s economy. The Industrial Production & Trades Survey, launching in March, focuses on 220+ roles unique to manufacturing, production, and industrial operations. This survey allows employers to benchmark wages for specialized roles, make data-driven pay decisions, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving labor market.
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Looking Beyond Wages: Compensation Trends Survey Opening in early summer, the Compensation Trends Survey takes a broader view of how organizations approach pay. Rather than focusing solely on wages, it examines: • • • • •
Compensation strategies Pay adjustments Market data Pay structures Communication and transparency
The result is a clearer understanding of what organizations have done over the past year— and how they are preparing for the year ahead. Finishing the Year with Retention in Mind: National Benefits Survey The final survey of the year, the National Benefits Survey, focuses on employee benefits and total rewards. As benefits continue to play a growing role in recruitment and retention, this survey helps employers benchmark offerings and make informed decisions that support long-term workforce stability. A Practical Partnership with Real Value Each survey is available to participating businesses for $195, representing a substantial savings compared to the full market value of the reports. More importantly, the data collected throughout the year provides employers with tools they can actively use—not just reports that sit on a shelf. This Chamber–MRA partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping local businesses stay competitive, informed, and prepared. By participating, employers not only gain valuable insights for their own organizations but also contribute to a stronger, more informed regional business community. Together, we’re turning workforce data into better business decisions—because we’re better together.
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Better Together: Workforce Development Update
by Anne Troka, Senior Manager — Community and Workforce Development, Sargento Foods As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains clear: building strong talent pipelines for local businesses while expanding career exploration opportunities for students across Sheboygan County. Workforce development continues to evolve, and we’re leaning into the conversations that matter most. Through the Business Education Partnership (BEP), a collaboration of businesses, educators, and nonprofits, we’re asking important questions to help guide our work in the year ahead: • • • • • • • •
What degrees, certifications, and credentials do students need for entry-level opportunities? How can we create stronger partnerships to connect employers with their future workforce? How are we helping students build essential skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and technology? What barriers prevent students from participating in career-based learning experiences and how can we remove them? Where do we need more youth apprenticeships, internships, co-ops, and work experiences? How can we increase awareness of careers and companies right here in Sheboygan County? How will AI impact business and education? How do we stay connected to recent graduates and encourage them to build their future here?
One of the most impactful ways we support early career exploration is through Explore Your Future, hosted annually by the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. Each year, we bring more than 1,500 seventh and eighth grade students, including homeschooled students, to the event over three sessions. Students learn about local careers, practice soft skills, and have real conversations with professionals about what a “day in the life” looks like in different industries. This helps students become more curious, informed, and prepared as they enter high school and begin thinking about their future. Want to help shape the future workforce? Join us! The BEP is always looking for businesses and community partners who want to support students and strengthen our workforce. Together, we can ensure students see opportunities here—and businesses have the talent they need to thrive.
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December 2025 In Review
Maximize Your Membership
Sheboygan County Chamber | December 3
Friday Forum
Elks Lodge | December 5
Holiday Member Open House
vibe@5
Sheboygan County Chamber | December 3
The Sign Shop of Sheboygan + Engaged Marketing | December 3
Small Business Resource Fair
YP Holiday Gathering
Sheboygan County Chamber | December 8
Jake's Cafe | December 10
Ribbon Cutting
Cheese Capital Winter Park Nutt Hill | December 16
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Newsletter sponsorship opportunities now available! Please contact Deidre Martinez at 920.457.9491 or deidre@sheboygan.org for more information.