Can you believe we are already into October? The year seems to be flying by! This month marks the beginning of one of our busiest and most exciting seasons at the Chamber— full of professional development, celebrations, and networking opportunities.
Deidre Martinez
I am delighted to share that we recently returned from an unforgettable journey with a wonderful group of 17 travelers who joined us as we sailed along the breathtaking Douro River in Portugal. The experiences, sights, and camaraderie were truly special, and our travelers are already eager to learn where we’ll head next. Stay tuned—our next travel opportunity will be announced very soon!
Of course, October also means one of Sheboygan County’s favorite traditions is just around the corner—OktoberFeast! With the event barely a week away, now is the time to secure your spot. This celebration highlights the deliciousness of our local restaurants while giving you the chance to cast your vote for the Best of OktoberFeast 2025. Remember, this event is open to the public, so invite your friends, share it with your customers, and encourage your team to join in. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community, break bread, build relationships, and showcase the amazing foodie scene we’re proud to have right here in Sheboygan County.
�� Click Here to Register for OktoberFeast
Looking ahead to November, we are thrilled to once again celebrate some of the phenomenal leaders in our community through the ATHENA Leadership Awards. This inspiring event shines a light on individuals who empower women and girls, break barriers, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. While the awards ceremony will take place in November, nominations are closing soon. Don’t miss this chance to help us honor those making a lasting impact.
�� Click here to submit a nomination
YP Leadership: Boardroom Ready Sheboygan County Chamber Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 & Nov. 7 | 7: 30 AM9:00 AM Make Your Mark: Career Fair
Harbor Resort
2 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Epic Mortgage October 7 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Executive Series: Fall 2025 Pine Hills Country Club October 7 | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Newcomer & Networking Event Blue Harbor Resort October 2 | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Maximize Your Membership Sheboygan County Chamber October 8 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Integrity Service
Sheboygan County Chamber
October 8, 15, 22, & 29 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
OktoberFeast
Pigeon River Hills
October 9 | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting
Mainstream Boutique Sheboygan
October 10 | 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
STEAMfest
Lakeland University
October 14 | 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Leadership Dev: Leader of Others
Sheboygan County Chamber
October 21 | 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
YP's Brews & Brainstorming
3 Sheeps Brewing
October 22 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting
Innovative Solutions for Business + BizCFOs
October 23 | 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
As we move into this exciting season, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead. Together, we’ll celebrate, learn, and continue building a stronger, more connected community.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
We want you to Think BIG (betterment, improvement growth), Influence Local! The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing expertise for fostering dynamic organizations throughout Sheboygan County. We are truly Better Together!
John Rogers - Business Roundtables Facilitator
Perhaps you will recall that my article in the September Better Together Newsletter addressed:
Evolution or Natural Selection?
Depending on the scenario, we could launch into a significant discussion about those topics. As a biology major in college, both topics were discussed, and I learned to carefully consider the topics from a wide variety of perspectives particularly when I went home and attended church. Evolution and natural selection for roundtables?
Can you hop on to this evolution/natural selection process? This month, an example of evolution! Beginning with the Nonprofit Executives Roundtable there will be a timekeeper! Why? If you have attended more than one roundtable, you know we often have topics we simply do not get to because we run out of time. When we go around the room to get your topic, simply state the topic and identify the quadrant for it: URGENT & IMPORTANT, IMPORTANT but not urgent, URGENT but not important, neither urgent nor important.
Once all the topics have been identified and charted, if your topic is one we will discuss, you will then have 3 minutes to explain your topic so we can then go around the room to get COMMENTS QUESTIONS FEEDBACK from your peers. If you have relevant thoughts, you will be limited to 3 minutes! Can you be concise?
John Rogers
Yes, one of you in the room will get to be the timekeeper and volunteering will be appreciated.
Like much of what we all do, this is a project in progress so the Roundtable Reminders will not evolve until natural selection has taken place and we collectively agree to the revisions. All 5 of the peer-to-peer roundtables in October will give this a try. Please don’t be intimidated. Yes, we will begin the normal way: who are you, who do you represent and give us one word that is you when we begin.
Be sure you read The Buzz to learn what roundtables are on the calendar, register then attend! Letters to the facilitator can be sent to john@sheboygan.org .
Upcoming Roundtables
Non-Profit: Wed. October 1 | 7:30 AM
Safety: Thu. October 2 | 7:30 AM
Sales & Marketing: Mon. October 6 | 11:30 AM
Business Owner: Mon. October 13 | 7:15 AM
HR Managers: Tue. October 14 | 7:30 AM
Anna Toman - Director Of Membership
Development
Hello Members; Welcome to October,
Your Chamber membership isn’t just a line in a directory. It’s not just our 200+ events, meetings, and programs - It’s your ticket to connections, visibility, and resources that can make a real difference. Whether you’ve been around for decades or you just hung your “Open” sign last week, we’ve got ways to help you grow— and cheer you on along the way.
Speaking of your very own Cheer team, have you looked at our Business Directory lately? We’ve welcomed many amazing new members, and I’d love to introduce you. Head over to our website, browse the directory, and maybe even reach out to someone new. Who knows? Your next customer or collaborator might just be waiting for you there. Click here to go to the Business Directory
We also love giving you creative ways to promote what you’re doing. That’s why we offer TWO ways to promote your business at the Chamber. Our Member-to-Member advertising is a great way to get your word out.
• E-Blasts: Our Member-to-Member e-blast goes directly to Chamber members—an audience already invested in supporting local business.
• Outdoor Sign: For big, bold visibility, our digital outdoor sign reaches thousands of community members every single day. It’s a great way to keep your business top-ofmind.
These options are designed to make sure your message doesn’t just land—it sticks with the people who matter most. Check out our M2M ad agreement here
I’m especially excited about our 2026 Opportunities Guide, which will be hot off the press soon! This guide is packed with sponsorship opportunities to highlight your business throughout the year. Spots always go fast, so it’s never too early to reserve your 2026 Sponsorships. Email me today, anna@sheboygan.org, to reserve your 2026 sponsorship level.
Please welcome our newest members:
• Associated
• Hidden Lion Healing
• Mainstream Boutique Sheboygan
• Society of St. Vincent De Paul
• Strip Steak House
• The MRD Group Inc.
• Hackney Tax & Accounting, LLC
• Phoenix Anthem, LLC
• Cheese Capital Winter Park
I hope to see you soon, perhaps at OktoberFeast on October 9th?
Make it a great day, Sheboygan County ��
Anna
Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services
Director
Harbor Centre Upcoming Events
Thank You for Making River Fest a Splash! Despite the rain, spirits were high and fun was flowing at this year’s River Fest! Thank you to everyone who came out and made the day unforgettable. Attendees enjoyed amazing live music from Masters of the Universe and Buffalo Joe, a special tour of the U.S. Coast Guard boat, and tons of family fun in the kids’ area with The Balloon Lady and an engaging performance from Randy Peterson. Your energy and support helped turn a rainy day into a community celebration we won’t forget.
Sip Into Fall at the Harbor Centre Fall Wine Walk on October 18th. You're invited to enjoy the magic of fall by the lake at the Fall Wine Walk—a highly anticipated annual event where the Harbor Centre transforms into a wine lover’s dream. Local businesses become cozy “tasting rooms” where you can sample a variety of wines as you stroll through
Kristin Bahr
downtown. Discover what Sheboygan’s vibrant small businesses have to offer while you shop and sip from your souvenir wine glass. Don’t miss this perfect pairing of community and charm! Get your tickets today at www.harborcentre.com/events-2025/fall-wine-walk
The Sheboygan Film Festival debuts October 2–5 with a diverse lineup of Midwest, national, and international films. In addition to screenings, festival goers can look forward to panels, Q&As, and opportunities to connect with filmmakers and creatives. Visit www. sheboyganfilmfest.com for information.
Save the Date: Holiday Kickoff Week & Open House!
Holiday Kickoff Week | November 10–15
Open House | November 15 | Downtown Sheboygan
Get ready to shop small and celebrate big during the Holiday Kickoff Week in Sheboygan's Harbor Centre - Downtown, Riverfront and South Pier! From November 10–15, local shops, boutiques, and businesses will be rolling out festive specials, and one-of-a-kind gift ideas to help you get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping.
Support Local. Shop Unique.
This is the perfect time to explore all that downtown has to offer while finding meaningful gifts for everyone on your list. Every purchase supports our local entrepreneurs and helps our downtown community thrive.
Don’t miss the Downtown Open House on November 15, when participating businesses will offer extended hours, in-store promotions, treats, and plenty of holiday cheer to go around.
Skip the big-box crowds—shop small, shop early, and shop Sheboygan this season!
Mallory Black - Program Coordinator
Hello everyone!
Exciting things happening in the month of October for Programs! The Adult and Junior Leadership Sheboygan County groups will meet again for their third official session. They will be learning more on personal values and how that contributes to their leadership skills and overall quality of life. I am looking forward to hearing the groups insights and creating the space for them to learn more about themselves!
Mallory Black
OktoberFeast may have already been mentioned, but this is your personal invite to attend! OktoberFeast is the Chamber of Commerce's signature fall gathering that brings together community members, food lovers, and Sheboygan County businesses for an evening of meaningful networking and collaboration. This would be a wonderful opportunity for you and your team to better experience local restaurants and what they do best by sampling menu favorites!
This would be a wonderful opportunity for community members to sharpen their networking skills while better experiencing local restaurants and what they do best by
sampling menu favorites. Please join me and the community on Thursday, Oct. 9th at Pigeon River Hills from 5:30pm-8pm. This is a very fun fall night including local food samples, live music, cash bar, and raffle prizes all supporting the Sheboygan County Chamber’s Young Professionals group.
Please register through the Chamber website for those planning to attend. I encourage you to share this invitation with friends and colleagues who would also enjoy celebrating OktoberFeast! Reminder - this event includes all people 21+, not just young professionals, so please invite others to join!
If you plan to attend upcoming YP events or have any questions and ideas, please contact Mallory Black from the Chamber – mallory@sheboygan.org; 337.515.7364
Ellie Meyers - Director of Events
As we welcome the crisp fall air and the beauty of changing leaves across Sheboygan County, October is shaping up to be one of our most exciting months yet at the Chamber! We’ve got a packed calendar full of opportunities to connect, learn, celebrate, and grow your business. Here’s what’s coming up — be sure to mark your calendars!
October 7 – Executive Series at Pine Hills Country Club
We’re honored to welcome Dr. Ashok Rai, President and CEO of Prevea Health, as our featured speaker at this fall’s Executive Series event. Join us at Pine Hills Country Club for a morning of insight and inspiration from one of our region’s leading voices in healthcare and leadership.
October 7 – Vibe@5 at Epic Mortgage
Ellie Meyers
That evening, we’ll shift gears and gather for our October Vibe@5 networking event, hosted by Epic Mortgage in Downtown Sheboygan. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, connect with fellow Chamber members, and check out one of our local businesses.
October 9 – Oktoberfeast at Pigeon River Hills
Get ready to raise a glass! Oktoberfeast returns this year at Pigeon River Hills in Sheboygan Falls for a celebration of food, drink, and community. This annual favorite is a can’t-miss event that brings together signature samples from local restaurants, live music, and plenty of fun.
October 10 – Ribbon Cutting at Mainstream Boutique
Help us celebrate the grand re-opening of Mainstream Boutique Sheboygan! Join us for a celebratory ribbon cutting on October 10. It’s always a joy to support businesses as they start their journey with us.
October 14 – STEAMFest at Lakeland University
We’re still accepting business demo registrations for STEAMFest at Lakeland University, and we’d love to showcase your company! This dynamic event engages students with hands-on science, tech, engineering, arts, and math experiences — a fantastic way to
spark interest in your field and inspire future talent.
October 23 – Ribbon Cutting at Innovative Solutions + BizCFOs
We’re excited to celebrate the anniversary of Innovative Solutions and BizCFOs with a ribbon cutting on October 23! Come out to support this dynamic duo of businesses as they mark a major milestone.
November 4 – Ribbon Cutting at Gellings Roofing & Siding
Join us on November 4 as we celebrate Gellings Roofing & Siding’s brand-new location and showroom on S. Business Drive! This ribbon cutting marks an exciting new chapter for this local business — come show your support and see their new space.
Do you know a woman leader who deserves to be celebrated for her professional excellence, community involvement, and mentorship of others? Nominations for the ATHENA Leadership Awards are currently still open but will close soon — submit yours ASAP!
And don’t forget: regis tration opens October 1 for the ATHENA Awards event , taking place November 13 at The Berkshire. This inspiring evening honors outstanding women in leadership right here in Sheboygan County — you won’t want to miss it!
We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at these events. Your involvement is what makes our Chamber thrive — thank you for continuing to show up, support each other, and build a stronger Sheboygan County together. Please visit Sheboygan.org to get more information on these events, to register and more.
Leah Bischoff - Transition Concierge Specialist
New Roles, New Roots
Our community continues to grow in both talent and opportunity, and this month we’re excited to celebrate new additions to our workforce. Sartori and Lakeland University have each welcomed new community members to their teams. Starting a new role and finding a new place to live at the same time can feel like a big transition, and we’re here to ensure these individuals feel supported not just at work, but as part of the greater place they now call home.
That same spirit of connection and support is at the heart of our upcoming Career Fair this Thursday, October 2, at Blue Harbor Resort.
Job seekers will have access to 30+ local companies, on-site resume support and printing, professional headshots, and direct connections with local employers ready to hire.
Register here for the Career Fair
Leah Bischoff
For those who are newer to the area or simply looking to widen their circle, we invite you to join us right after the fair for our Newcomer and Networking Reception from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at Blue Harbor Thursday, October 2nd. It is an easygoing way to meet neighbors, employers, and community leaders while enjoying a cheese spread and a bonfire on the lakefront.
Register here for the Newcomer & Networking Reception
The more we welcome, connect, and support one another, the stronger and more vibrant our community becomes, one day at a time!
Jamie Schramm - Director of Programs and Development
Professional development and lifelong learning go hand in hand! Does your organization have a specific professional development need you’d like to address?
During the month of September, we had the privilege of creating two customized sessions, one for the Family Service Association and the other for Lake Country Academy Charter School. Through collaborative discussions, workshops were developed to educate, engage and inspire their teams.
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.
Liz Miyashiro - Director of Finance & Operations
Spotlight Your Job Opportunities with the Chamber
Did you know your Chamber membership gives you a powerful way to attract talent? Through the Member Information Center (MIC), you can post open job opportunities at your business—and they’ll automatically appear on the Chamber’s Jobs Page for the general public to see.
That means when people visit our site—whether they’re exploring Sheboygan County through our Make Your Mark program or simply looking for their next career move—they’re seeing the opportunities you’ve shared.
Liz Miyashiro
Jamie Schramm
Make Your Mark, funded by Sheboygan County, is designed to showcase our region as a great place to live, work, and grow. It’s not limited to Chamber members, but as a member, you have the added advantage of connecting your job postings directly through the Chamber’s site. Together, these tools give your business more visibility and help you attract talent locally and beyond.
Posting your jobs is quick and easy, and it’s included in your membership. This is your chance to:
• Spotlight your business to potential new hires.
• Grow your workforce by reaching a wider audience.
• Take advantage of the visibility your Chamber membership provides.
Don’t miss out on one of the simplest and most effective ways to use your membership! Log in today and add your openings:
�� Member Login
Better Together: Workforce Development Newsletter –October
by Anne Troka, Senior Manager — Community and Workforce Development, Sargento Foods
September marked Workforce Development Month, a time to recognize the programs, partnerships, and opportunities that strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce. Our state is a national leader in workforce innovation, offering registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and training grants that prepare workers for today’s economy.
• Wisconsin currently has 17,000+ registered apprentices and 11,000+ youth apprentices in high schools statewide.
• The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) recently announced Workforce Training Grants through the Wisconsin Fast Forward Fund. These grants support innovative, collaborative projects that build in-demand skills. Employers have until Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 3 p.m. to apply. Learn more here: Wisconsin Fast Forward Program.
Workforce Development in Sheboygan County
Workforce development thrives when businesses, schools, and community organizations work together. For more than 25 years, the Sheboygan County Business and Education Partnership (BEP) has been leading the way by connecting school administrators and business leaders to create meaningful career exploration opportunities for students—before graduation from high school, two-year colleges, or four-year universities.
This collaborative approach ensures that students explore future career paths while employers connect with the workforce of tomorrow.
Our Shared Responsibility
Workforce Development Month is also a reminder that we must work together to expand workforce participation. That means supporting all workers—students, veterans, people with disabilities, and those seeking second-chance opportunities.
With 2025 designated as the Year of the Kid in Wisconsin, there is no better time to prepare youth for the demands of the 21st-century economy. Here in Sheboygan County, we have a special responsibility to help 16–28-year-olds successfully enter the workforce. Together, we must:
• Identify and address barriers such as transportation, mental health, and skills gaps.
• Expand career-based learning opportunities for students.
• Provide entry-level job opportunities for recent graduates.
We invite you to partner with us to problem-solve barriers and create new pathways from classrooms to careers.
Upcoming Opportunities to Engage
• STEAMFest – October 14, 2025 | 9 a.m.–1:45 p.m. | Lakeland University
Over 1,500 4th and 5th grade students will experience the excitement of STEAM learning. This is a powerful way for your business to showcase innovation and connect classroom lessons to realworld applications. Learn more here.
• Explore Your Future – March 4–5, 2026 | Lakeshore College
More than 1,500 7th and 8th grade students will explore career paths, learn about their strengths, and discover how to take their first steps toward meaningful careers. Learn more here.
✨ Together, we can strengthen Sheboygan County’s workforce pipeline, inspire students, and create a brighter future for our community. Will you join us?
