Can you believe it? June is already upon us, and after a long Wisconsin winter and a chilly spring, the sunshine has finally arrived.
In This Issue
Summer events and happenings in Sheboygan County
Summer now in full swing!
Upcoming Events
Deidre Martinez
This is one of my favorite times of year in Sheboygan County. Schools are letting out, graduation celebrations are taking place, and families are preparing for well-deserved summer vacations. The energy of possibility is everywhere.
That same spirit of opportunity is something we embrace each year through our internship and cooperative education programs. Over the coming weeks, we will be busy welcoming our summer interns and co-op students to Sheboygan County. Annually, the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce supports more than 100 college students who come to work with our local employers. Through networking opportunities, community events, and immersive experiences, we help these young professionals connect with our businesses and discover all that our community has to offer.
Our goal is simple: to help them see Sheboygan County not only as a place to spend a summer, but as a place where they can build a future. Whether they return for another internship, accept a full-time position after graduation, or choose to make Sheboygan County their permanent home, every connection we create today helps strengthen our workforce and our community tomorrow.
As we look ahead to summer, we also have the opportunity to reflect on a historic milestone. In just a few short weeks, our nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary. For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have built communities, created opportunities, and worked together to shape the future. Here in Sheboygan County, we see that same spirit every day through our businesses, educators, community leaders, volunteers, and residents. As we approach this significant anniversary, it is a reminder that the strength of our country has always been rooted in the strength of our local communities. It is an opportunity to celebrate our shared history while also looking forward to the next generation of innovators,
entrepreneurs, and leaders who will help write the next chapter.
June also marks the beginning of a season filled with opportunities to experience the very best of our county. Festivals are kicking off, farmers markets are opening, outdoor concerts are filling community calendars, and our lakeshore, parks, and downtown districts are coming alive. It is a wonderful time to get out, support local businesses, and enjoy the beauty, culture, and experiences that make Sheboygan County such a special place to live, work, and play.
Author and entrepreneur Jim Rohn once said, "If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done." Summer reminds us that growth comes from embracing new opportunities, making new connections, and investing in the future. As we celebrate the season, welcome new talent to our community, and prepare to commemorate 250 years of American history, let us continue building a future that reflects the best of who we are—together.
Thank you for being part of a community that continues to grow stronger because we work Better Together.
John Rogers - Business Roundtables Facilitator
Is it a case of ‘dejavu’?
For those who faithfully read the Better Together newsletter every month, you may recall what I wrote a few years ago. Much of it is still relevant particularly in this month of graduations from high school, college or beyond career-wise.
A career path can be full of twists and turns. When an aspiring marine biologist [that was me years ago] meets too many unemployed marine biologists what should I do next? For me it was environmental engineering graduate school at Purdue. Environmental engineering is what I did directly and indirectly from when we moved here in 1977 until I was introduced to the world of economic development in 1999. My environmental years featured wastewater projects ranging from municipalities to pickle companies. Yes, I did a pickle plant project in Toronto [and many other locations] and I was a member of Pickle Packers International for a few years. I even presented a technical paper to the Pickle Fair! Plus, during the years of 1971-1996, my concurrent career was with the US Navy where I served a ‘peace-keeper’. I did not see 1 second of hostile action and retired as a Captain.
When Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce hired me in 2007 after I had served as the CEO of an economic development corporation, my primary purpose was economic development,
John Rogers
and this was a few years before Sheboygan County Economic Development was launched. Before SCEDC, we were able to accomplish a few significant projects, but let’s discuss those in person.
It was not long after I retired from my full-time job with the Chamber that I was asked to return to facilitate a few roundtables. The few morphed into 8 and I truly enjoy every one of them. Have you attended 1 of the 8? Yes, as a Chamber member they are ‘free’ but this free comes with considerable added value. The roundtables are ‘peer-to-peer’ so if you attend the HR Managers roundtable for example, you will meet other HR Managers. What topics will we discuss? That is up to you when you attend. At the HR Managers roundtable in April we discussed some of these topics: Company hoodies policy, Hiring challenges, Insurance coverage dilemma, Volunteer policy and Launching a website. Are you enticed? I hope so.
Questions, joys or concerns? john@sheboygan.org is how to connect with me.
Upcoming Roundtables
Safety: Thu. Jun 4 | 7:30 AM
Business Owners: Mon. Jun 8 | 7:15 AM
HR Managers: Tue. Jun 9 | 7:30 AM
Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services Director
Support Local & Enjoy Summer Fun in Downtown Sheboygan
Looking for fun this summer while supporting local businesses? Downtown Sheboygan is packed with exciting events, delicious restaurants, unique shops, live entertainment, and unforgettable experiences all season long.
From outdoor dining and live music to art festivals, boat races, and riverfront celebrations, there are countless ways to explore Sheboygan's downtown, riverfront and South Pier areas while supporting the restaurants, retailers, and small businesses that make Sheboygan special.
8th Streatery | Tuesdays, June 9 – August 11
Spend your Tuesday evenings downtown at 8th Streatery, Sheboygan’s popular weekly outdoor dining and entertainment event. Every Tuesday from 5:00–8:00 PM, 8th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue transform into a lively al fresco gathering space featuring local restaurants, live music, drinks, and summer fun.
Now in its seventh year, 8th Streatery brings residents and visitors downtown each week to enjoy Sheboygan's vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab dinner from your favorite restaurant, discover a new shop, enjoy live music, and spend time with family and friends.
Kristin Bahr
2026 Music Line-Up
June 9 – The Doorknobs
June 16 – Ryan the Polka Guy
June 23 – Fred Velpel Trio
June 30 – The Belle Weather
July 7 – Hanna Simone
July 14 – Brent Bel
July 21 – Lil’ Rev
July 28 – Erin Krebs Duo
August 4 – Trent & Colleen
August 11 – The Lonely Sidekick
Explore Downtown’s Art & Architecture Walk
Take a self-guided tour through downtown and discover Sheboygan’s impressive collection of public art, murals, sculptures, and historic architecture. Along the way, stop into local boutiques, coffee shops, galleries, and restaurants to experience everything downtown has to offer. Go to www.harborcentre.com for details.
Midsummer Festival of the Arts | July 18 & 19
Downtown Sheboygan comes alive during the Midsummer Festival of the Arts, one of the region’s premier summer festivals. The event features artists from across the country, live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and interactive art experiences — all while showcasing the energy and creativity of the downtown district.
Power Boat Races | August 7–9
Experience the thrill of high-speed power boat racing along Sheboygan’s lakefront this August. This exciting event draws visitors from across the region and creates a busy, energetic weekend for downtown restaurants, shops, and businesses.
River Fest | September 19
Celebrate Sheboygan’s riverfront during River Fest this September. This family-friendly event features live music, entertainment, food vendors, activities, and opportunities to enjoy the city’s growing riverfront district while supporting local businesses and organizations.
Whether you’re visiting for dinner, shopping, live music, art, or community events, Sheboygan's downtown, riverfront and South Pier is the place to be this summer. Come explore, support local, and experience everything downtown has to offer!
Joe Costello - Director of Membership Development
Strong communities start with strong relationships. When local businesses, organizations, and community leaders come together, great things happen; we open doors, spark growth, and make Sheboygan County an even better place to live and work. That’s why the Chamber is so passionate about bringing people together, because we truly believe we’re better when we work side by side.
Please welcome new members from May:
• Angler’s Pub & Grill
• Log Cabin Inn
• ADVENT
• Eaton’s Fresh Pizza
Joe Costello
• Bruggink’s Inc.
• Lynkport Consulting
• Elkhart Lake Beach Resort
• Sheboygan Fencing Club
• Tributary Beer Garden
• Edward Jones
• Heidying Up LLC
• Creative Geek Studio
• Match Point Performance Center
Thank you for joining our business community. We look forward to helping you connect, grow, and succeed.
Know a business that would be a great Chamber member? Send your referral to joe@ sheboygan.org and help us grow a stronger business community.
Ellie Meyers - Director of Events
June is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month at the Chamber, and we’re looking forward to celebrating several great moments with our members and community partners!
We’re kicking off the month on June 9 with a groundbreaking ceremony for Serenity Lake Apartments alongside Wisconsin Lakefront Property Management. New housing developments continue to play an important role in supporting growth across Sheboygan County, and we’re excited to celebrate this next step in the project.
On June 16, we’ll welcome Prevea Health to their new Sheboygan location with a ribbon cutting celebration. It’s always exciting to see local organizations continue to grow and invest in our community, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating their new space.
Then on June 18, we’ll celebrate RCS Empowers and the opening of their new commons area with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This new space represents an exciting addition for the organization and the people they serve, and we’re proud to help mark the occasion.
We’ll wrap up the month with one of our favorite networking events — Vibe@5 on June 30 at Elkhart Lake Beach Resort. In addition to a great evening of networking and connection, we’ll also celebrate the resort’s new ownership with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. It’s the perfect way to kick off summer with fellow Chamber members and community leaders.
As always, these events are a great opportunity to make connections, support local businesses, and celebrate the continued growth and investment happening throughout Sheboygan County. We love seeing our members show up for one another and help create the strong business community that makes our area so special.
And while you’re planning your summer calendar, don’t forget about our annual Chamber Golf Outing on August 26 at Town and County Sheboygan! This event sells out every single year, and with space limited to just 216 golfers, we would hate for you to miss out. Whether you come for the networking, the fun on the course, or just a great day with fellow members, it’s always one of the highlights of the summer.
For event details, registrations, and more information on everything happening at the
Ellie Meyers
Chamber, visit sheboygan.org.
We’re looking forward to another great month and hope to see you at an upcoming event soon!
Leah Bischoff - Transition Concierge Specialist
Over the years, I've learned that people rarely make big decisions alone.
Behind every new job, relocation, career change, or fresh start is usually a conversation, a connection, or someone willing to help.
I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of people through this work, and what stays with me most aren't the events, the miles traveled, or even the outcomes. It's the conversations in between. The moments when someone starts to see a possibility they hadn't considered before.
I've seen employers open doors, community partners step up, and neighbors welcome people they've never met before. Most of those moments happen softly, but they're a big part of what makes Sheboygan County special.
For me, that's been one of the greatest reminders from this work: community isn't built all at once. It's built through conversations, connections, and people willing to show up for one another.
Thank you to the employers, community partners, volunteers, residents, and newcomers who shared their time, trust, ideas, and encouragement with me over the years. It has been a privilege to play a small role in helping people find their place here.
The work of building a strong community will continue, as it should. New people will arrive. New opportunities will emerge. New connections will be made.
Because every new connection creates possibilities we can't always see yet.
Thank you, Sheboygan County, for allowing me to be part of your story.
Together, we've Made a Mark. ��
Alexis Schroeder - Program Coordinator
Leadership Sheboygan County
We recently celebrated the graduation of our 2025–2026 Leadership Sheboygan County class! Participants wrapped up the program by presenting their group volunteer projects and reflecting on the impact they made throughout the year. We concluded the day with an exciting county-wide Amazing Race, where teams completed a photo scavenger hunt highlighting communities and landmarks throughout Sheboygan County.
The winning team selected the Sheboygan County Food Bank as the recipient of a $300 donation, demonstrating the class's continued Alexis Schroeder
Leah Bischoff
commitment to giving back. We are incredibly proud of this year's participants and all they have accomplished through the program.
Applications for Leadership Sheboygan County 26-27 are still open. For more information on this program click HERE.
Junior Leadership Sheboygan County
Our 2025–2026 Junior Leadership Sheboygan County class recently celebrated the completion of another successful year! Participants gathered for a graduation ceremony where they presented their group volunteer projects and reflected on their experiences throughout the program.
To celebrate their accomplishments, students enjoyed a trip to PowerPlay Arena and a pizza party with their classmates. We are proud of the leadership, growth, and community involvement demonstrated by this year's participants and look forward to seeing the positive impact they continue to make in our community.
Better Together Summer Interns & Co-Ops
We're excited to kick off our 2026 Better Together Summer Interns & Co-Ops Program on June 4 with 89 participants representing companies from across Sheboygan County!
Throughout the summer, participants will have opportunities to explore Sheboygan County's history, attractions, events, and local businesses while building meaningful connections with fellow interns and young professionals. Through networking events, community experiences, and interactive challenges, the program helps interns and co-ops feel connected to the community and encourages them to envision a future here in Sheboygan County. We are grateful to our participating employers for helping make this program possible and look forward to another fantastic summer.
If you have an intern or co-op joining your company this summer, please register on our website or email me for assistance!
Coastal Young Professionals
May was Young Professionals Month, and what a fantastic month it was! We celebrated the many talented young professionals who make a difference throughout Sheboygan County and congratulate all of the Best Under 40 nominees and award recipients.
Throughout the month, our group volunteered with residents at Pine Haven during a fun afternoon of bingo, gathered for networking and socializing at 3 Sheeps Brewing Company, and enjoyed pickleball and a behind-the-scenes tour at Sports Core.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting events planned for June! On June 7, we'll be hosting Tee Times at The Baths in partnership with Blackwolf Run. Later in the month, we'll return to 3 Sheeps Brewing Company for Behind the Brews, an exclusive beer tasting experience featuring a presentation from the master brewers.
Whether you're new to the area or looking to expand your professional network, we encourage you to join us at an upcoming Coastal Young Professionals event!
If you would like more information or need help with registration for Leadership Program, Junior Leadership Program, Summer Interns & co-ops program or any of our Coastal Young Professionals events, please email me at alexis@sheboygan.org. I am happy to help!
Better Together: Workforce Development Update
by Anne Troka, Senior Manager — Community and Workforce Development, Sargento Foods
Greetings, Business Education Partnership (BEP) members and supporters!
The Business Education Partnership is actively developing a strategic plan that will guide our work during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. Our committee met in both April and May and will reconvene in August to finalize priorities and action steps that strengthen workforce development across Sheboygan County.
This summer, the committee co-chairs and Chamber staff will collaborate to gather input from committee members through a survey and prepare recommendations for discussion at our August meeting. Together, we are focused on identifying opportunities to develop, attract, and retain early and emerging talent while strengthening connections between education and industry.
Key areas of focus include:
• Identifying the skills Sheboygan County employers need most in early and emerging talent.
• Expanding career exploration opportunities for all K-12 students through meaningful engagement with local businesses.
• Addressing transportation challenges so every student can participate in career exploration and career-based learning experiences.
• Supporting parents and caregivers as they help students discover career opportunities within Sheboygan County.
• Exploring ways to ensure every high school senior graduates with an Individual Development Plan and a clear next-step plan.
In addition, the committee will tackle several important workforce challenges:
• Encouraging more businesses to provide career-based learning experiences for students and recent graduates.
• Expanding mentorship, coaching, networking opportunities, résumé reviews, mock interviews, and career conversations that prepare students for success.
• Increasing awareness of employer-sponsored tuition assistance programs that support associate, bachelor's, and master's degree attainment.
• Understanding how artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing will shape future career opportunities in our region.
The success of the Business Education Partnership depends on strong collaboration among educators, employers, parents, and community leaders. If you are interested in learning more about the BEP or would like to be considered for committee membership, please contact Deidre Martinez at deidre@sheboygan.org
We wish you a refreshing and enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you at our next BEP meeting on August 21 at 7:30 a.m. at the Sheboygan County Chamber Office.
Together, we are building a stronger talent pipeline and a brighter future for Sheboygan County.
