In This Issue Manufacturing Month recaps, ATHENA prep, and Shopping Small this season
Novem ber 2026
ATHENA is this month!
From The Desk Of The CEO Wow, this year continues to fly by, and October certainly gave us plenty to celebrate. With October being Manufacturing Month, we had the opportunity to visit several incredible employers right here in Sheboygan County. We are fortunate Deidre Martinez to have such a strong manufacturing presence in our community, and it is important that we continue to learn about, celebrate and share the impact these businesses have on our local economy. A sincere thank you to Rockline Industries, Kohler Co., PLENCO and Vollrath for opening your doors, sharing your stories and helping us better understand the exciting work happening right here in Sheboygan County. From the products being made to the careers being created, manufacturing continues to be a critical part of who we are as a community. We were also pleased to host a Manufacturing Roundtable with our partners at Viking Masek. These conversations are incredibly valuable. Bringing employers together gives us the opportunity to hear directly about challenges, opportunities, workforce needs and the things that are working well. The Chamber’s role is not simply to host conversations, but to listen, connect the dots and help move ideas toward action. October also gave us the opportunity to connect in a very different way as we hosted another Chamber travel adventure, this time to Iceland. Each year, the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce offers an international travel opportunity for members and community residents. These trips provide unforgettable experiences, build relationships and create a unique opportunity for people to explore the world together. Our travel program also serves another important purpose. It provides non-dues revenue that allows us to continue investing in Chamber programming, workforce initiatives, member services and community efforts without placing the entire financial burden on membership dues. It is a fun program, but it is also one of the many creative ways we work to strengthen the organization and expand the value we can provide.
Upcoming Events
vibe@5
Hiawatha National Bank Nov 4 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
YPs & The Production Farm The Production Farm Nov 11 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
ATHENA Awards 2026 Blue Harbor Resort Nov 12 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting
7 Brew Nov 19 | 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Chamber Office Closed: Thanksgiving
Sheboygan County Chamber Nov 26 - Nov 27, 2026
Closer to home, our Make Your Mark workforce attraction and retention initiative continues to move forward in exciting ways. Attracting people to Sheboygan County takes more than simply telling someone there is a job available. We have to tell the story of this community. We have to show people what it is like to live here, raise a family here, build a career here and become part of something. That means continuing to meet people where they are. Through digital marketing, geofencing, billboards, airport advertising, strategic partnerships and visibility in places such as Kwik Trip, Make Your Mark is working to put Sheboygan County in front of people who may never have considered our community before. But marketing is only the beginning. What continues to make Make Your Mark different is the human connection behind it. Our team is helping individuals and families navigate relocation, connect with employers, understand housing options, learn about schools and communities, and feel welcomed before they ever arrive. We are not simply looking for employees. We are looking for future neighbors, future volunteers, future customers, future leaders and future members of our community. As we head into the final months of the year, I continue to be reminded of how much can happen when businesses, educators, government, nonprofits and community leaders come together with a shared purpose. Whether we are walking through a manufacturing facility, sitting around a table talking about workforce challenges, traveling across the world together or helping a new family discover Sheboygan County, the common thread is connection. And that is what being Better Together is all about.
John Rogers - Business Roundtables Facilitator Why Better Together is important
1. Last month, the Milwaukee Brewers won the first ever World Series Championship in franchise history. Perhaps you are tired of hearing why the Brewers are different; perhaps not. As I was driving around this John Rogers morning listening to different radio talk shows, much of what I heard relayed the differences between the Brewers and other major league teams. The clear message
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I heard was an example of ‘better together’. The players really like each other and wanted to win as a team. Yes, there are real stars on the Brewers but the first words spoken by players interviewed after the game were “thank you Milwaukee for your support; this win is for you”. No chest pumping, simply gratitude. 2. At the Manufacturing roundtable this morning, we met at Viking Masek [VM] to learn more about what they do and how they do it. Multiple examples of cooperation and collaboration [i.e. ‘better together’] between VM and their clients. How does their work impact you? Here are examples: A. Apples you or your children eat at a popular fast-food chain were probably put in the sealed container using a VM machine. B. Beignets are popular in New Orleans and elsewhere. Have you ever eaten a beignet? Go to a local grocery store and look for Café du Monde beignet mix. Do a quick deep dive and look at this Perhaps a real opportunity for a local business is to make beignet’s using the mix. Maybe you want to begin the new year with a pile of them for breakfast? C. Cheese is one of the biggest products coming from Sheboygan County. Here is an example of how VM helped a local cheese company: link There are more better together examples throughout Sheboygan County and why your Chamber promotes it. Why do I enjoy facilitating 7 peer group roundtables and the 1 technology transfer roundtable? Because when all is said and done, every roundtable provides an example, or more, of why we are ‘better together’. If you are not familiar with Chamber roundtables and want to know more, please send an email to john@sheboygan.org
Upcoming Roundtables Worksite Wellness: Wed. Nov 11 | 7:30 AM Mid-Day: Wed. Nov 11 | 11:30 AM Non-Profit: Wed. Dec 2 | 7:30 AM
Kristin Bahr - BID Executive Director
🍷 Thank You for Making the Fall Wine Walk a Success!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Harbor Centre Fall Wine Walk! It was a beautiful day to explore the district, enjoy great wine, and celebrate the small businesses that make Harbor Centre so special. We appreciate your support that made the event a success!
💎 Harbor Centre: Sheboygan’s True Gem Shines This Holiday
Season! The holidays are almost here, and Harbor Centre is ready to sparkle! Discover unique gifts, festive events, special promotions, and plenty of holiday cheer throughout Downtown Sheboygan, the Riverfront, and South Pier.
Kristin Bahr
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🍃 Fall into the Holidays | November 9–14
Get a head start on holiday shopping! Explore local shops, discover unique gifts, and find special treasures for everyone on your list.
🎄 Holiday Open House | Saturday, November 14
Celebrate the season with a day of holiday shopping! Visit participating businesses, enjoy festive treats, discover special promotions, and experience the holiday spirit throughout the Harbor Centre Business District.
🛒 Shop Small Business Saturday | Saturday, November 28
Shop small, discover something special, and celebrate Sheboygan’s True Gem! Explore the unique shops and local businesses that make Downtown, Riverfront, and South Pier wonderful places to shop. The first 400 shoppers will receive a FREE “Sheboygan’s True Gem” swag bag and coordinating gemstone pen! Each bag will be filled with local gifts, samples, and surprises from area businesses.
💎 Look for the blue gemstone Ring Pop! Some lucky shoppers will find one in their swag bag, along with FREE Chamber Cash!
Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or treating yourself, Shop Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to discover something special while supporting local businesses.
✨ Celebrate the Season. Shop Local. Discover Our True Gem!
Every purchase makes a difference! Thank you for supporting our local businesses and helping Harbor Centre shine this holiday season. Harbor Centre — Sheboygan’s True Gem!
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Ellie Meyers - Associate Director As we head into November, there are some exciting opportunities to connect, celebrate leadership, and strengthen the relationships that make Sheboygan County such a wonderful place to live and do business! I’m excited to invite you to join us for a couple of upcoming events and look ahead to one of our biggest celebrations of the year. VIBE@5 – November 4 Join us for our next VIBE@5 on November 4 at Hiawatha National Bank in Plymouth! VIBE@5 is a great opportunity to step away from the workday, build new relationships, reconnect with fellow professionals, and discover more about the businesses that make our community thrive. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of networking and connection!
ATHENA Awards – November 12
Ellie Meyers
On November 12, we’ll gather at Blue Harbor Resort to celebrate the ATHENA Awards and recognize the impact of leadership, mentorship, and service in our community. This special event honors the individuals who inspire others, support the growth of women in leadership, and make a lasting difference in the places where they work and live. We encourage you to be part of this meaningful celebration! Purchase your tickets at sheboygan.org.
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Save the Date: Chamber Gala – February 18, 2027
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for February 18, 2027, for the Sheboygan County Chamber Gala! We look forward to bringing our business community together for an evening of celebration, connection, and recognition. More details will be shared as we get closer, but for now, be sure to save the date. At the Chamber, we believe our community is stronger when we come together. Whether you’re attending your first networking event, celebrating outstanding leadership, or joining us for a signature Chamber gathering, every connection helps build a stronger business community. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. Let’s continue to grow, connect, and celebrate — because we’re Better Together!
Alexis Schroeder - Program Manager Leadership Sheboygan County
What makes Sheboygan County a great place to live, work, and lead? Our Leadership Sheboygan County class explored that question during October’s Quality of Life Day! Participants learned about community resources, took part in leadership training with Mental Health America, and connected with local nonprofits to better understand their missions, their impact, and opportunities to get involved.
Alexis Schroeder Visits to Bookworm Gardens and the Weill Center offered a closer look at two organizations that contribute to our community’s character. Through tours and conversations, participants explored how these spaces support education, creativity, connection, and quality of life throughout Sheboygan County. The day encouraged our class to consider how they can support a thriving community through service, involvement, and collaboration. In November, our focus turns to education in Sheboygan County! For more information about Leadership Sheboygan County, click HERE.
Junior Leadership Sheboygan County
Our Junior Leadership class took Quality of Life Day on the road in October—with a memorable lap around Road America! Students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour and took to the track aboard their school bus, earning what we’re calling the fastest school bus lap time! The visit gave students a chance to explore a destination that brings visitors, experiences, and opportunities to our community. The day also included engaging presentations from Alliant Energy and Mental Health America, along with opportunities to learn about local nonprofits and the ways they serve Sheboygan County. Throughout the session, students explored the resources and organizations that help our community thrive while considering how their own leadership and involvement can make a difference. In November, students will focus on leadership and entrepreneurship, exploring their strengths
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and learning how local entrepreneurs turn ideas into action.
Coastal Young Professionals
October brought our Coastal Young Professionals together for good food, new connections, and ideas for the year ahead! Thank you to everyone who joined us for OktoberFeast at Camp Anokijig. The beautiful setting and wonderful turnout made for a memorable evening. We appreciate everyone who helped make the event a success! We also welcomed approximately 40 young professionals to Brews & Brainstorming at 3 Sheeps Brewing. Attendees shared thoughtful feedback about our programming, what encourages them to participate, and what they would like to see in 2027. Those conversations will help guide our committee as we plan opportunities across our three pillars: social/networking, professional development, and volunteerism. Thank you to everyone who contributed ideas and helped shape the future of Coastal YP! Keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities in November and our holiday gathering in December. We look forward to more opportunities to connect before the year wraps up!
Board Room Ready
Congratulations to our seven newest Board Room Ready graduates, who completed the program on October 28! Throughout the program, participants explored board governance, responsibilities, nonprofit leadership, and what it means to be an effective and engaged board member. They now have additional knowledge, connections, and confidence to take their next steps toward board service. We are excited to see how these graduates put their skills into action and help strengthen organizations throughout Sheboygan County. Congratulations to each of them on this commitment to community leadership!
Make Your Mark
October brought two exciting reasons to celebrate: we welcomed two new Make Your Mark relocation reimbursement recipients to Sheboygan County! One individual accepted a position with Village Media, and another joined Old Wisconsin Sausage. Both are excited to begin their next chapter here, and we are thrilled to welcome them as our newest neighbors! These connections are what Make Your Mark is all about—helping people find career opportunities while discovering a community they are excited to call home. We are also finding new ways to introduce Sheboygan County to people beyond our backyard. This month, our advertising included Kwik Trip gas pump ads and commercials during the World Series! We are working hard to put Sheboygan County on the map, showcase the beautiful place we call home, and help others picture themselves building a life here, too.
For HR Professionals
Your next hire could also be our next neighbor! The Make Your Mark HR Admin Dashboard provides access to resumes from individuals exploring career opportunities and considering relocation to Sheboygan County. If your organization hasn’t opted in yet, you can OPT IN HERE.
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For Job Seekers
Looking for your next opportunity—or know someone who is? Visit our Additional Job Opportunities Board to upload a resume and receive opportunities tailored to your experience and interests. Together, we are giving people more reasons to move here, live here, work here, and stay here! For more information or assistance with Leadership Sheboygan County, Junior Leadership Sheboygan County, Board Room Ready, Make Your Mark, or Coastal Young Professionals, contact me at alexis@sheboygan.org. I am always happy to help!
Liz Miyashiro - Director of Finance & Operations Getting to Know the Chamber Foundation: Investing in Sheboygan County’s Future You probably know the Sheboygan County Chamber through our events, business resources, advocacy, or the people you’ve met along the way. You may know less about the Chamber Foundation, even if you’re familiar with some of the programs it supports. I’d like to share a little more about the Foundation, how it fits with the Chamber, and why its work matters to our community.
Liz Miyashiro
The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It is separate from the Chamber’s 501(c)(6) business organization, which supports our business community through membership, advocacy, resources, and professional connections. The Foundation accepts charitable contributions and grants to support education, leadership development, and opportunities for people to become more involved in Sheboygan County. The organizations work closely together. Much of the programming is coordinated through the Chamber, drawing on our relationships with local employers, schools, and community partners. The Foundation gives businesses and individuals another way to support that work. Consider the different points in life when someone might benefit from these programs. For a fourth- or fifth-grade student, STEAMfest is a chance to try something new. Through hands-on activities with local organizations, students explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. They get to ask questions and see how the things they’re learning in school are used right here in our community. By seventh and eighth grade, students are starting to think more about their interests and what they might want to do after school. Explore Your Future helps them learn about their strengths, practice interpersonal skills, and discover careers they may not have considered. Junior Leadership Sheboygan County gives high school juniors and seniors a closer look at local education, employment, and volunteer opportunities. It’s a chance to get to know their county beyond their own school or neighborhood and consider where they might fit. Contributions through Sponsor a Student help remove participation costs so more students can take part. For those beginning their careers, our Intern & Co-Op Program and Coastal Young Professionals programming help people get to know the area and one another. Starting a job is one thing; finding friends, getting involved, and feeling at home can take more time. These programs give
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participants a place to start. Leadership Sheboygan County, heading into its 36th year, offers current and emerging leaders time to learn more about the community they serve. Participants explore different aspects of county life, hear from people with different experiences, and build relationships outside their usual circles. That understanding can stay with them as they make decisions at work, volunteer, or take on community responsibilities.
Why Support Matters “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” — Benjamin Franklin That idea runs through the Foundation’s work. Each program gives people a chance to learn something they can carry forward, whether it’s discovering a career, getting to know their community, or understanding how they can contribute. Students need opportunities to explore before making decisions about their future. People starting their careers need ways to meet others and feel at home here. Our workplaces and community organizations need leaders who understand local needs and are willing to get involved. Over the years, these experiences have given participants opportunities to learn about Sheboygan County and their place in it. Some of the value is immediate: a student discovers an interesting career or an intern meets someone new. Some carries forward as people use what they’ve learned and the relationships they’ve built. That’s why support for the Foundation matters. Contributions help make these experiences available and reduce barriers to participation. They give people a chance to learn something, meet someone, or see an opportunity they might otherwise have missed. As we look toward 2027, there are opportunities to support these initiatives and continue this work. If you’d like to learn more about the Chamber Foundation, where contributions go, or how to get involved, please reach out. We would be happy to talk with you.
Bryan Broome - Director of Marketing & Communications Since joining the Chamber staff last May, I've discovered how much the Chamber does for Sheboygan County. In my role, I connect people to our resources and help them to Think B.IG., Influence Local. I wanted to share some things as we all plan for the holidays. 1. Support Local this season. Our community's growth and success depends on local dollars staying local. Support local businesses this holiday season!
Bryan Broome
2. Buy or gift Chamber Cash this year. If you want a surefire way to support local businesses, consider purchasing Chamber Cash this year. Chamber Cash is accepted by over 150 Chamber member businesses from restaurants to furniture stores to retail stores. Small steps can have an outsized impact! Shop local this season!
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Better Together: Workforce Development Update
by Anne Troka, Senior Manager — Community and Workforce Development, Sargento Foods As we move through another busy school year, the Business Education Partnership continues to create meaningful opportunities for Sheboygan County students to explore careers, connect with local employers, and better understand the many pathways available to them right here in our community. One of the highlights of this fall was another successful STEAMFest. More than 40 local businesses came together to provide hands-on career exploration experiences for approximately 1,500 fourth- and fifth-grade students from across Sheboygan County. STEAMFest gives students an early introduction to careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics while also exposing them to professions they may not have considered or even heard of before. Students had the opportunity to learn about careers in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, marketing, engineering, computer science, food science, education, construction, and many more. Early career exploration matters. The careers students experience today are the same careers our local businesses will need to fill in the future in order to continue growing and succeeding. By helping young people understand the opportunities available in Sheboygan County, we are building stronger connections between education, employers, and our future workforce. Looking ahead, preparations are underway for Explore Your Future, designed for seventhand eighth-grade students. This program encourages students to reflect on their interests, strengths, and personal brand while exploring three career areas of their choosing from the 16 career clusters. Students then have the opportunity to meet and talk directly with professionals working in the careers they are most curious about. Businesses interested in participating in Explore Your Future are encouraged to contact Ellie Meyers at ellie@sheboygan.org. Thank you to the businesses, educators, volunteers, and community partners who continue to invest their time and energy into these programs. Creating a strong workforce pipeline takes all of us, and these opportunities are one more example of what is possible when business and education work together.
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October 2026 In Review
Ribbon Cutting
Visionary Leaders Series
Manufacturing Tour #1
Chamber CARES Plymouth
Great Marriages | Oct 1
Rockline Industries | Oct 9
Candidate Forums
Pine Hills Country Club | Oct 6
Plymouth City Park | Oct 9
STEAMfest 2026
Sheboygan County Chamber | Oct 12
UWGB - Sheboygan | Oct 13
vibe@5
Manufacturing Tour #2
Kohler Design Center | Oct 14
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Kohler Co. | Oct 16
OktoberFeast 2026 Camp Anokijig | Oct 8
Ribbon Cutting
The GameBoard | Oct 10
Boardroom Ready
Sheboygan County Chamber | Sep - Oct
Ribbon Cutting
Meyer Cocktail Co | Oct 20
Ribbon Cutting
Ribbon Cutting
Groundbreaking
United Way of Sheboygan County | Oct 21
Elanora Wellness | Oct 22
2026 Brews & Brainstorming
Manufacturing Tour #3
3 Sheeps Brewing Company | Oct 22
Vollrath Co | Oct 23
Maximize Your Membership Sheboygan County Chamber | Oct 28
Hampton Inn | Oct 22
Ribbon Cutting
Oostburg Insurance Solutions | Oct 26
Manufacturing Tour #4 Plenco | Oct 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.