July 2026 Better Together Newsletter

In This Issue Summer events and happenings in Sheboygan County

July 2026

From The Desk Of The CEO Wow! July is already here, and what an exciting time it is to be part of Sheboygan County.

As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, communities across the country are coming together to recognize America's rich history, Deidre Martinez honor those who came before us, and celebrate the people and places that make this country so special. Here in Sheboygan County, we have so much to be grateful for. July is a wonderful reminder that strong communities are built by neighbors supporting neighbors, businesses investing in one another, and people who care deeply about where they live, work, and play.

Over the past several weeks, I've had the privilege of standing alongside entrepreneurs, community leaders, and business owners as we celebrated new beginnings through ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking ceremonies. Every one of those moments represents more than a new building or a new business—it represents someone's dream becoming reality and another investment in the future of Sheboygan County.

We truly are blessed to call this community home.

As we look ahead, the Chamber is equally excited about the continued growth of our Make Your Mark workforce attraction initiative. Thanks to a recently awarded $250,000 Talent Recruitment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), we are able to continue building on the success of this innovative program and help introduce more talented individuals and families to all that Sheboygan County has to offer.

Over the past three years, Make Your Mark has connected with more than 800 job seekers, partnered with over 100 employers, participated in recruitment events across the country, and welcomed dozens of new residents—including many who relocated from outside Wisconsin—to begin new careers and build new lives here. This grant allows us to continue that important work while strengthening our partnerships with local employers and ensuring our workforce remains strong for years

Happy Independence Day! 250 Years Strong!

Upcoming Events

Chamber Office Closed: 4th of July Sheboygan County Chamber July 3

Ribbon Cutting

Downtown 925 July 15 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

vibe@5

Vesta July 22 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Ribbon Cutting

Fresh Meals on Wheels Sheboygan County July 23 | 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

YP Event: Networking on the Range Blackhawk Shooting Sports Jul 23 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

to come.

But Make Your Mark has always been about more than filling open positions.

It's about telling the story we already know to be true—that Sheboygan County offers incredible career opportunities, exceptional schools, beautiful natural resources, vibrant downtowns, affordable living, and, most importantly, a welcoming community where people can truly belong.

As we begin planning the next chapter of Make Your Mark, we'll be reaching out to our members through employer roundtables, surveys, and conversations to gather your feedback. Your insight is invaluable in helping us better understand today's workforce challenges and ensuring the program continues to evolve in ways that best serve our business community. I encourage you to participate when those opportunities arise. Together, we can continue building solutions that support employers, attract talent, and strengthen our region.

Whether you're welcoming visitors for Independence Day celebrations, supporting a new local business, attending one of the many community events happening this summer, or simply enjoying all that makes Sheboygan County special, thank you for being part of what makes this community thrive.

On behalf of the entire Sheboygan County Chamber team, thank you for your continued partnership and investment in our community.

Have a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July as we celebrate 250 years of America and continue building an even brighter future for Sheboygan County.

Because together, we are Better Together.

John Rogers - Business Roundtables Facilitator FREE! What does ‘value added’ mean to you?

Your Sheboygan County Membership includes numerous opportunities for you to learn and network. Many of these opportunities have a cost in addition to the membership fee you paid. However, John Rogers there are also many opportunities that come with no additional cost, in other words free. Can you add value to something that is already free?

When the Chamber roundtables began in late 2007 with the

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Operations Managers Roundtable it did not take long for local manufacturers to learn from each other. They learned about process similarities and how what was discarded at one manufacturer could be a ‘value added’ component in their process. Can you say ‘synergy’?

YES! The Chamber offers 7 different peer-to-peer roundtables under the following titles: Sales & Marketing Professionals, Nonprofit Executives, Safety Managers, Business Owners, Human Resources Managers, Worksite Wellness Professionals and the Midday [for people who have other obligations when a roundtable begins at 7:30 am]. The Manufacturing Roundtable is also peer-to-peer but with a little more emphasis on technology transfer.

When you attend a roundtable will there be a ‘value added’ takeaway for you? Probably but no guarantees. We do not promise a silver bullet or pixie dust to transform your situation, but in truth there have been attendees who walk away with new ideas and new friendships. Are those ‘value added’?

Every roundtable begins and ends with your ‘one word opener or closer’. I enjoy this part of the roundtable because of the mood shift. Often people arrive tired but leave energized.

Is The Buzz in you in box every Monday morning? I hope so because when you read it, be sure to look for the roundtable link to the schedule of events. However, chances are that if we know each other, you get my invitations/reminders to attend but only after you register.

Over 600 roundtables thus far tell me that when you attend a Chamber roundtable, you will walk away with a ‘value added’ feeling. If you need to know more, please send me an email john@sheboygan.org . OK?

Upcoming Roundtables Worksite Wellness: Wed. Jul 8 | 7:30 AM Mid-Day: Wed. Jul 8 | 11:30 AM

Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services Director Celebrating Summer, Community & America's 250th Anniversary As our nation celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States, it's the perfect time to reflect on the spirit of community, pride, and togetherness that continues to make America—and Sheboygan's Harbor Centre BID — such a special place to live, work, and visit.

Kristin Bahr Summer is in full swing throughout the Harbor Centre Business District, and there is no shortage of ways to enjoy everything our downtown, riverfront, and South Pier districts offer. Every Tuesday evening, residents and visitors gather for 8th Streatery, where live music, outdoor dining, local businesses, and summer vibes transform downtown into a vibrant community gathering space. Join us each Tuesday beginning at 5:00 p.m. and experience one of Sheboygan's favorite summer traditions.

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Looking for a fun way to explore the district? Be sure to check out the Art & Architecture Walk, a self-guided experience showcasing the rich history, unique architecture and public art throughout Harbor Centre. Whether you're visiting during the Midsummer Festival of the Arts on July 18 & 19 or simply enjoying a summer afternoon downtown, the walk offers a great opportunity to discover the stories, landmarks, and hidden gems that make Harbor Centre unique.

As we celebrate our nation's past and look toward its future, we're also looking ahead to one of Harbor Centre's signature fall events. Mark your calendars now for River Fest on Saturday, September 19, when the riverfront comes alive with local vendors, entertainment, family-friendly activities, and community fun.

For the latest event information, business happenings, and opportunities to experience the Harbor Centre Business District, visit our website's Events page and start planning your next downtown adventure.

Here's to a summer filled with community pride, local experiences, and celebrating the places that make Sheboygan—and America—great.

Joe Costello - Director of Membership Development Strong communities are built on strong relationships. When local businesses, organizations, and community leaders come together with a shared commitment to growth and success, great things happen. New opportunities emerge, innovative ideas take shape, and meaningful partnerships are formed that strengthen our local economy and enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Sheboygan County home.

At the Chamber, we believe that connection is one of the most powerful tools for success. Whether you're looking to expand your Joe Costello network, increase your visibility, develop your team, or stay informed about issues that impact the business community, the Chamber is here to help you achieve your goals. Through networking events, educational programs, advocacy efforts, and community initiatives, we work every day to create opportunities that help businesses and professionals thrive.

More importantly, Chamber membership is about being part of something bigger than your own organization. It’s about joining a community of leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and advocates who are invested in the future of Sheboygan County. Together, we can address challenges, celebrate successes, and create a stronger, more vibrant community for future generations.

Thank you for choosing to invest in our business community through your Chamber membership. We are grateful for your support and look forward to helping you connect, grow, and succeed in the years ahead.

Know a business that would be a great fit for the Chamber? Referrals from our members are one of the most impactful ways we grow our network and strengthen our community. If you know a business that could benefit from the connections, resources, and opportunities the Chamber provides, please send your referral to joe@sheboygan.org.

Together, we can continue building a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous Sheboygan County.

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Ellie Meyers - Director of Events As summer continues to bring energy and excitement to our business community, we have several opportunities for Chamber members to connect, celebrate, and grow together in the coming weeks.

Celebrating Our Members Ribbon cuttings are one of the best ways to support fellow Chamber members while learning more about the businesses and organizations that make Sheboygan County a vibrant place to live, work, and do business. We invite you to join us for two upcoming ribbon cuttings this July: • •

Downtown 925 – July 15 Fresh Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County – July 23

Ellie Meyers

Whether you're attending to show support, expand your network, or simply stay connected to what's happening in our business community, we encourage you to join us.

VIBE@5 at Vesta Sheboygan – July 22 Looking for a fun and relaxed networking opportunity? Join us for VIBE@5 on July 22 at Vesta Sheboygan. VIBE@5 events provide a casual atmosphere to build relationships, meet fellow Chamber members, and expand your network while enjoying great conversation and hospitality from our host business. Whether you're a longtime member or attending for the first time, we encourage you to stop by and make some new connections.

Register Now for the 2026 Annual Sheboygan County Chamber Golf Outing Bigger Than Golf. Better Than Networking. Registration is open for the 2026 Annual Sheboygan County Chamber Golf Outing, happening on August 26, 2026, at Town & Country Sheboygan. This is not just a golf outing, it's the largest golf outing in Sheboygan County and one of the most anticipated networking events of the year.

216 golfers will take part in a high-energy day filled with networking, sponsor engagement, contests, food, drinks, and fun. The outing features a shotgun start, scramble format, and utilizes all 27 holes of the course. Every golfer plays 18 holes while enjoying a relaxed bestball format that welcomes golfers of every skill level.

What truly sets this event apart is the experience. Every hole features a sponsor activation staffed by local businesses, creating countless opportunities to connect with professionals from across Sheboygan County. Whether you're entertaining clients, strengthening team relationships, promoting your company, or simply enjoying a summer day with fellow Chamber members, this outing delivers unmatched value and visibility.

This event sells out every year, and for good reason. The Chamber Golf Outing combines business networking, community engagement, friendly competition, and a whole lot of fun into one unforgettable day. Gather your foursome, invite your clients, and secure your spot today. Come ready to connect, compete, celebrate, and enjoy one of the best business events of the summer.

We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events and continuing to strengthen our business community together. Thank you for your continued support of the Sheboygan County Chamber and for helping make our region a vibrant place to live, work, and do business.

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Alexis Schroeder - Program Coordinator Leadership Sheboygan County Although our 2025–2026 class has graduated, preparations are already well underway for another outstanding year of Leadership Sheboygan County! Our Leadership Committee has been hard at work planning engaging sessions that will connect participants with the people, businesses, and organizations that make Sheboygan County thrive.

Applications for the 2026–2027 class remain open, and we are excited to share that the class is already over half full! If your Alexis Schroeder organization is looking to invest in its next community leader, now is the time to apply. We encourage interested individuals to register soon before the remaining spots are filled. For more information about the program, click HERE. Junior Leadership Sheboygan County Planning is also underway for the 2026–2027 Junior Leadership Sheboygan County program! We are excited to welcome a full class of 26 high school juniors and seniors from across Sheboygan County this fall.

We look forward to helping these emerging leaders develop their leadership skills, explore local industries, connect with community leaders, and discover the many opportunities our county has to offer.

Better Together Summer Interns & Co-Ops Our Better Together Summer Interns & Co-Ops Program is in full swing with 93 interns and coops participating from companies throughout Sheboygan County!

Coming up in July, participants will take part in our annual Day of Caring, where they will volunteer on a variety of projects with eight local nonprofit organizations. This day gives interns the opportunity to give back to the community while learning more about the incredible organizations that help make Sheboygan County a great place to live and work.

We will wrap up the summer on July 30 by celebrating our interns and co-ops in recognition of National Intern Day and another successful season of building connections throughout Sheboygan County.

Coastal Young Professionals June was filled with fantastic opportunities for our Coastal Young Professionals to connect, learn, and have fun together!

We kicked off the month with Tee Time at The Baths, generously hosted by Blackwolf Run, where 32 young professionals enjoyed nine holes of golf while networking with peers from across the county. Later in the month, we welcomed 25 young professionals to Behind the Brews at 3 Sheeps Brewing Company for a guided beer tasting, brewery tour, and an inside look at the brewing process from the experts themselves.

Looking ahead, we're excited for Networking on the Range at Blackhawk Shooting Sports.

Participants will learn about firearm safety, leadership, and responsible recreational shooting while receiving hands-on instruction from experienced professionals. Equipment will be available for participants to use, and those who own their own equipment are welcome to bring it along. Additional ammunition will also be available for purchase.

Whether you're new to the area or have called Sheboygan County home for years, we invite you

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to join us at an upcoming Coastal Young Professionals event!

Board Room Ready We recently concluded another successful Board Room Ready program with 11 participants eager to strengthen their board leadership skills and community involvement. Throughout the program, participants explored nonprofit governance, board member responsibilities, fiduciary duties, effective meetings, strategic planning, fundraising, and the qualities of impactful board leadership.

We're excited to announce that Board Room Ready will return this fall! Our next session is planned for September/October, with registration opening on July 15. Whether you're interested in serving on your first board or looking to become a more effective board member, this program provides the knowledge and confidence to make a meaningful impact.

If you would like more information or need assistance with registration for Leadership Sheboygan County, Junior Leadership Sheboygan County, the Better Together Summer Interns & Co-Ops Program, Board Room Ready, or any Coastal Young Professionals event, please email me at alexis@sheboygan.org. I am always happy to help!

Liz Miyashiro - Director of Finance & Operations Better Together Starts with Doing Business Together One of the greatest strengths of the Sheboygan County Chamber is our network of members. Every day, our businesses are looking for printers, contractors, accountants, marketing professionals, electricians, caterers, flooring companies, insurance agents, IT support, and countless other services. What if your next vendor was already a fellow Chamber member?

That's exactly what the Request for Proposal (RFP) feature in the Member Information Center was designed to do.

Liz Miyashiro

Instead of searching the internet or wondering who to call, log into the Member Information Center and submit an RFP. Whether you're looking for someone to install new flooring, print brochures, redesign your website, repair your HVAC system, provide landscaping, cater an event, or quote your business insurance, your request can be shared directly with Chamber members who provide those services.

Not only does this save you time, it gives local businesses the opportunity to earn your business.

When we choose to work with one another, everyone benefits. Dollars stay in our local economy, businesses build new relationships, and our Chamber community grows stronger. That's what Better Together is all about.

The next time your business needs a product or service, start with your Chamber network. You might discover your next trusted business partner is already a fellow member.

Log into the Member Information Center today at: http://sheboygan.chambermaster.com/login Need help finding the RFP feature or logging in? Give us a call at 920-457-9491—we're happy to help!

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Better Together: Workforce Development Update

by Anne Troka, Senior Manager — Community and Workforce Development, Sargento Foods Summer offers us a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare for what lies ahead. While students enjoy a well-earned break, the Business Education Partnership (BEP) is at work planning for the future of workforce development in Sheboygan County.

Our committee has begun developing a strategic plan that will guide BEP's work throughout the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. Over the past several months, committee members have come together to discuss priorities, identify opportunities, and explore innovative ways to strengthen the connection between education and business.

As employers, educators, and community leaders, we all share the same goal: ensuring every student has the opportunity to discover meaningful career pathways while helping our businesses develop the workforce they need to thrive.

Our strategic planning discussions are centered around several important questions: • What skills do Sheboygan County employers need most from emerging talent?

• How can we provide meaningful career exploration opportunities for every student from kindergarten through 12th grade?

• How do we work together to overcome transportation barriers so more students can participate in career-based learning experiences?

• What resources and tools can we provide parents as they help guide their children's career decisions?

• How can we better support every graduating senior with an individualized plan for their next step after high school?

We're exploring questions that will shape our community for years to come. How can more employers get involved in career-based learning experiences? How do we expand mentorship opportunities such as career conversations, résumé reviews, mock interviews, and networking? How can we increase awareness of employer-sponsored tuition assistance? And how will advances in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing continue to transform career opportunities here in Sheboygan County?

These conversations matter because workforce development requires collaboration between businesses, educators, parents, community organizations, and local leaders.

Together, we have the opportunity to create experiences that inspire students, prepare future employees, and strengthen the economic vitality of our entire region.

If you have a passion for developing the next generation and would like to become involved with the BEP, we welcome your interest. Please reach out to Deidre Martinez at deidre@sheboygan.org to learn more about serving on the committee.

Thank you to all of our BEP members and partners for your continued commitment to preparing tomorrow's workforce. I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable summer, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our next BEP meeting on Thursday, August 21, at 7:30 a.m. at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce.

Together, we are creating opportunities that will benefit students, employers, and our community for generations to come.

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June 2026 In Review

YP Event: Tee Time at the Baths The Baths at Blackwolf Run | Jun 7

Ribbon Cutting

Groundbreaking: Wisconsin Lakfront Property Management Serenity Lake Apartments | Jun 9

Ribbon Cutting

Prevea Health | Jun 16

RCS Empowers | Jun 18

Amazing Race

YP Event: Behind the Brews

Sheboygan County | Jun 24

3 Sheeps Brewing | Jun 25

Maximize Your Memberhsip Sheboygan County Chamber | Jun 10

Ribbon Cutting

Eaton's Fresh Pizza | Jun 23

vibe@5

Elkhart Lake Beach Resort | Jun 30

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Newsletter sponsorship opportunities now available! Please contact Deidre Martinez at 920.457.9491 or deidre@sheboygan.org for more information.