Winter is quickly approaching, and the days are getting shorter—but that doesn’t mean things are slowing down here in Sheboygan County! Our team continues to stay busy conducting business, celebrating successes, and thoughtfully planning for the exciting year ahead in 2026.
Deidre Martinez
Before we ring in the New Year, we still have plenty of opportunities for connection, growth, and celebration.
Next week, we’ll honor an incredible group of leaders during our annual ATHENA Leadership Awards celebration. This inspiring event recognizes outstanding individuals who exemplify professional excellence, community service, and a commitment to mentoring others. We’ll be announcing this year’s Sheboygan County Athena recipients, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the group of nominees. Although the event is officially sold out, if you missed your chance to grab a ticket, reach out to Ellie at ellie@sheboygan.org to be added to the waiting list.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 3, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., when we’ll host our Holiday Chamber Open House! Stop by for hot cocoa, cookies, and great conversation. It’s a perfect chance to connect with Chamber staff, ask questions, and learn more about how we can support you and your business. During the event, our Director of Membership Development will also lead a Maximize Your Membership session from 12:00–1:30 p.m.—a fantastic opportunity to discover new ways to leverage your Chamber benefits. Bring a friend or colleague who hasn’t yet engaged with us and share the value of Chamber membership firsthand.
It’s also that time of year when we begin seeking Board Member applications for terms beginning in January 2026. Board members play a key role in shaping the strategic direction and impact of the Chamber, and we are always looking for
Upcoming
ATHENA Leadership Awards Dinner
The Berkshire November 13 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Leadership & Followership Sheboygan County Chamber
December 2 | 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Maximize Your Membership Sheboygan County Chamber December 3 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Holiday Member Open House Sheboygan County Chamber December 3 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM The Sign Shop of Sheboygan +
December 3 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
passionate, engaged leaders to join us in this important work. New members will be officially voted on at our January Annual Meeting and Economic Outlook Breakfast. If you’re interested in participating at the board level, please express your interest by completing this short application: Board Member Application
As we close out the year, I’m reminded once again of what makes this community so special—our collective commitment to connect, mentor, educate, and celebrate success together. There’s so much happening across Sheboygan County, and I encourage you to visit sheboygan.org often and check our Chamber calendar to stay up to date on all upcoming opportunities.
Here’s to a strong finish to 2025—and to continuing to grow Better Together.
Warmly,
Deidre Martinez
John Rogers - Business Roundtables Facilitator
Get your planning calendar out for 2026 and at least pencil in these dates for Chamber PEER-TO-PEER ROUNDTABLES
Worksite Wellness
7:30 am - 9:00 am @ Chamber, Large Conference Room
January 14 July 8
March 11 September 9 May 13 November 11
Mid-Day
11:30 am - 1:30 pm @ Chamber, Large Conference Room
January 14 July 8
March 11 September 9 May 13 November 11
Sales & Marketing Professionals 11:30 am – 1:30 pm @ Chamber, Large Conference Room
February 2 August 3
April 6 October 5 June 1 December 7
Nonprofit Executives
7:30 - 9:30 am –locations vary
February 4 August 5
April 1 October 7
June 3 December 2
John Rogers
Safety Managers
7:30 - 9:00 am –locations vary
February 5
April 2
June 4
August 6
October 1
December 3
Business Owners
7:15 - 8:45 am @ Chamber, Large Conference Room
February 9 August 10
April 13 October 12
June 8
December 14
HR Managers
7:30 - 9:00 am @ Chamber, Large Conference Room
February 10 August 11
April 14
June 9
October 13
December 8
Do you get The Buzz? Check it every Monday for the Chamber’s events including roundtables, plus be assured you will be invited and reminded when there is a roundtable for you on the horizon. Do you see one of interest to you and want to know more? Send an email to john@ sheboygan.org with your questions.
The Manufacturing Roundtable schedule is a ‘work in progress’ so please stay tuned for that one.
Upcoming Roundtables
Worksite Wellness: Wed. Nov. 12 | 7:30 AM
Mid-Day: Wed. Nov. 12 | 11:30 AM
Sales & Marketing: Mon. Dec. 1 | 11:30 AM
Non-Profit: Wed. Dec. 3 | 7:30 AM
Safety: Thu. Dec. 4 | 7:30 AM
Anna Toman - Director Of Membership Development
Hello Members, Welcome to November!
I’m incredibly grateful for all our members, our community, and our strong support system that we have cultivated here at the Chamber. As I reflect on October, I find I am more excited about the last two months of the year and looking forward to 2026.
However, October at the Chamber never disappoints! Thank you for attending the Young Professionals’ Oktober Feast at Pigeon River Hills. If you haven’t attended Oktober Feast, please consider it for
Anna Toman
next year. Food is provided by our restaurant members, there is fantastic live music, and it's always held at a magical venue- making the entire experience unforgettable. Many members enjoy this event more than others because it’s so relaxed. Won’t you join us next year?
Let’s WELCOME OUR LATEST OCTOBER MEMBERS!
• Impressions Art Gallery
• Carriage House of Kohler
• Budget Blinds of Sheboygan
• Lighting by Luke
• S&S Painting and Restoration, llc
• Northern Star Solutions, North Fond du Lac
• MAS Arts Studio
Please free up your calendars on Wednesday, December 3rd at noon! I will be hosting the last member orientation of the year, in conjunction with the orientation: a HOLIDAY MEMBER OPEN HOUSE until 3 pm. Join us at the Chamber offices for cocoa and cookies!
Let’s celebrate another year of supporting one another and strengthening our community.
See you then!
Anna
Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services Director
Thank You for Joining the Fall Wine Walk!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined the Harbor Centre for the Fall Wine Walk on October 18th! Our local businesses loved welcoming attendees on a beautiful fall day. Guests enjoyed sampling a variety of wines while strolling through downtown and discovering all that Sheboygan’s vibrant small businesses have to offer.
Holiday Kickoff Week & Downtown Open House
Support Local. Shop Unique. Celebrate the Season!
Holiday Kickoff Week: November 10–15 Downtown Open House: November 15 | Downtown Sheboygan
Get ready to shop small and celebrate big during Holiday Kickoff Week in Sheboygan’s Harbor Centre — Downtown, Riverfront, and South Pier! From November 10–15, local shops, boutiques, restaurants, and businesses will be offering festive specials and oneof-a-kind gift ideas to help you get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping.
Explore downtown, discover unique finds, and support the small businesses that make
Kristin Bahr
Sheboygan shine. Every purchase helps our local entrepreneurs thrive and keeps our community strong. Save your receipts for a chance to win $250!
Don’t miss the Downtown Open House on November 15 from 12:00-4:00PM, when participating businesses will offer in-store promotions, treats, and plenty of holiday cheer!
Shop Small Business Saturday & Swag Bag Doorbuster Giveaway
Be among the first 400 shoppers to receive a free swag bag packed with gifts and samples from local businesses—plus, some lucky bags will include FREE Chamber Cash! (Minimum purchase required.)
Skip the big-box crowds — shop small, shop early, and shop Sheboygan this season!
Mallory Black - Program Coordinator
Hello all!
There is a lot happening in the world of programming and I am excited to share some updates!
Over the past month, both our Adult and Junior Leadership Sheboygan County groups explored the theme of “Quality of Life.” We had a wonderful time gaining new perspectives on what that really means for individuals personally and professionally. We toured gardens, theaters, art studios, and heard more about volunteering opportunities within the community – each stop offering a glimpse into the many ways quality of life is shaped here in Sheboygan County. The groups were fully engaged, and I received such positive feedback from participants as well as the incredible people and organizations who hosted us.
Looking ahead, both groups will soon take a deep dive into leadership within the criminal justice system. This month’s sessions will explore what strong leadership looks like in challenging—and often high-stakes—situations. Participants will hear firsthand from several police chiefs and judicial leaders about how their work influences not just safety, but the overall health and stability of our community and local businesses.
For the Young Professional (YP) group, our previous gathering – Brews & Brainstorming –was extremely successful! Participants came together for a fun and purposeful evening, guided through meaningful conversations led by local facilitators. The goal was simple but powerful: to hear directly from our YPs about what they want this program to look like and the types of experiences that will bring the most value to them.
The turnout was incredible, with 32 participants representing 23 different organizations across Sheboygan and surrounding counties. The energy in the room was contagious — everyone came ready to connect, share ideas, and help shape the future of the YP program!
Mallory Black
Looking ahead, plans are already underway for the rest of the year. Participants can expect at least one YP gathering in both November and December, with details for the November event being finalized very soon. Keep an eye out for the official announcement — you won’t want to miss it!
Ellie Meyers - Director of Events
As the year winds down, our calendar is still full of great opportunities to connect, celebrate, and grow together here in Sheboygan County!
We’re kicking off November with one of our most inspiring annual celebrations — the 2025 ATHENA Awards, happening November 13 at The Berkshire. This signature event recognizes outstanding leaders who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession, while also serving as role models and mentors to others, especially women. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss as we honor those who uplift and empower our community.
Then, mark your calendar for our next Vibe@5 on December 3, hosted jointly by The Sign Shop and Engaged Marketing. It’s a great way to wrap up the year’s networking events — with creative energy, new connections, and plenty of good cheer.
Finally, we’ll close out the season with our Friday Forum on December 5 at the Elks Lodge. At this edition, local elected officials Representative Brill, Representative Sheehan, and Senator LeMahieu, will share insights from their office on current priorities, recent developments, and what lies ahead for our community. This is a chance to hear what’s on the local political horizon as we wrap up 2025 and we believe this will be a valuable opportunity for dialogue between elected officials and business leaders.
Let’s finish 2025 strong — together! I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events and celebrating another successful year of collaboration, leadership, and community spirit.
Leah Bischoff - Transition Concierge Specialist
Building Connections and Creating Opportunity
On October 2, we celebrated community support and opportunity at Blue Harbor. The event was a beautiful reflection of connection and forward momentum. Thirty local employers, twelve community partners, and just over one hundred job seekers came together to explore new beginnings, from students fine-tuning their resumes to professionals seeking their next big career move. Many attendees shared how the free professional headshots, Leah Bischoff
Ellie Meyers
resume and LinkedIn workshops, and one-on-one support helped them gain confidence and clarity about their next steps. Eighty-four percent of employers reported successful hires or follow-up interviews from the event, while others discovered new partnerships and ways to support Sheboygan County’s growing talent network.
Every conversation, whether in the resource lounge or along the lakeshore, helped reinforce what makes our community special: we show up for one another. Events like this remind us of the progress we make together.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to keep that spirit of connection going with our next Newcomer Event.
Date and Time:
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST
Location:
Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center 133 E Mill St, Plymouth, WI 53073
If you’re new to the area or simply looking to expand your local network, join us for an evening of conversation, charcuterie, and shopping featuring our best local treats. It’s a great way to learn more about local resources and discover how to Make Your Mark right here in Sheboygan County.
Jamie Schramm - Director of Programs and Development
As we are quickly approaching the end of 2025, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of our Chamber members and their staff who have engaged with our Professional Development Series through planned workshops or collaborative custom-designed opportunities specific to your organizations.
We have one additional workshop occurring on Dec 2nd from 8am-10am here at our Chamber office, “Leadership and Followership”. Check it out here and register today.
Look for our 2026 Professional Development Series to be announced soon which will include both Crucial Conversations and Crucial Influence opportunities for our Chamber members.
If you and your organization are looking for specific or customized professional development opportunities, let’s talk! Feel free to reach out to me at jamie@sheboygan.org or 920-9123495.
Jamie Schramm
Liz
Miyashiro
-
Director
of Finance & Operations
�� Keep It Local This Holiday Season with Chamber Cash ��
The holiday season is all about giving—and what better way to give back than by keeping your dollars right here in Sheboygan County? Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, thanking employees, or showing appreciation to teachers, friends, or clients, Chamber Cash makes it easy to spread holiday cheer and support local businesses.
Chamber Cash works just like a gift certificate and is accepted at over 150 local businesses—from cozy cafés and boutiques to restaurants, salons, and family favorites. Wherever you use it, your purchase helps local merchants thrive and keeps more holiday spending in our community.
�� For Employers
Looking for a meaningful, flexible way to thank your team this season? Many local employers buy Chamber Cash in bulk to use as staff gifts, incentives, or client appreciation. It’s a gift that always fits—and one that gives back to our local economy.
�� For Shoppers
Skip the generic gift cards and give something that celebrates Sheboygan County. Chamber Cash can be used at dozens of local spots, making it the perfect present for teachers, neighbors, family, and friends.
✨ For Chamber Members
Accepting Chamber Cash helps bring new customers through your doors and keeps spending local. Every Chamber Cash purchase is a reinvestment in Sheboygan County’s small business community.
You can purchase Chamber Cash at either Tietz’s Piggly Wiggly location in Sheboygan or Plymouth, or at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce office.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate local together. Choose Chamber Cash—because the best gifts give back.
�� See the full list of participating businesses →
Liz Miyashiro
Better Together: Workforce Development Newsletter –November
by Anne Troka, Senior Manager — Community and Workforce Development, Sargento Foods
As a community, we continue to invest in our future workforce through innovative and engaging career exploration programs that help students connect learning with real-world opportunities. It’s inspiring to see how collaboration between local businesses, schools, and organizations is helping young people in Sheboygan County discover their passions and understand the wide range of careers available right here at home.
1. STEAMFest
This fall marked another hugely successful STEAMFest, with over 40 local businesses providing hands-on, interactive career exploration experiences for more than 1,500 fourthand fifth-grade students from across Sheboygan County.
Students had the chance to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through real-world demonstrations and activities. These early experiences help students learn about careers they might not have heard of before — including opportunities in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, marketing, engineering, computer science, food science, education, construction, and more.
By exposing students to these fields early on, we’re helping them understand the possibilities that exist in their own community — and supporting the talent pipeline our local businesses need to continue growing and thriving.
2. Explore Your Future
Next, 7th and 8th graders are invited to participate in Explore Your Future over three sessions scheduled for March 4th & 5th, 2026, a program that encourages students to reflect on their strengths, values, and interests while identifying the career clusters that best align with who they are.
Students will have the opportunity to meet local professionals in the three career areas they’re most curious about, allowing them to learn directly from those who are working in the fields they aspire to join.
�� Sign up here: Explore Your Future 2026
Special Update: School Cell Phone Policies and Learning Outcomes
A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania highlights the impact of school cell phone policies on learning environments. Findings from over 20,000 educators show that stricter cell phone storage policies—such as requiring phones to be kept in lockers or secured pouches—are associated with better classroom outcomes.
• Bell-to-bell bans are more common in elementary and middle schools (3 in 4) than in high schools (1 in 4).
• The most common approach, a “no-show” policy—where students can carry phones but must keep them out of sight—has been found to be less effective than more restrictive policies.
You can read more about the study here: University of Pennsylvania Cell Phone Policy Study
Together, we’re preparing students for bright futures—by fostering curiosity, supporting exploration, and helping connect learning to local opportunity. When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future success of Sheboygan County.
✨ Together, we can strengthen Sheboygan County’s workforce pipeline, inspire students, and create a brighter future for our community. Will you join us?
