Strategic implementation of the Chamber’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

By: Maureen Pistone, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce Member

Communities thrive when we bring diverse perspectives, thought, talent, and backgrounds to where we live. Greater Green Bay has a focus on being a diverse and inclusive community. That shared prosperity creates long term, equitable economic success. Key to this vision is a diverse population, improved economic opportunities for existing residents, and continued partnerships with the region’s anchor institutions.

The Greater Green Bay Chamber’s strategic initiatives rely on a diverse Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) taskforce and working groups collaborating to deliver this desired community impact. Such working groups include Housing, CEO Pledge, and Small Business. The ongoing work of these groups is possible through a strong Chamber commitment around supporting this work with staff, resources, and innovative partnerships.

On December 6, 2022, the Housing Working Group launched the “Great to Be Home Program” in partnership with the City of Green Bay and NeighborWorks. Great Being Home is a homeownership program serving employees of participating Green Bay employers. The program will help employers attract and retain talent, increase awareness, and resources for homeownership among local employees, increase homeownership rates within the city, and strengthen neighborhoods. Qualified employees may be provided a $5,000 grant and other financial assistance up to $10,000.

The CEO Pledge Working Group focuses on educating Greater Green Bay employers around the benefits of signing the pledge through CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, the largest CEO driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The region has 120+ CEO’s who have signed the pledge and join over 2,400 global CEO’s. Four years ago, Kurt Gresens, Wipfli Managing Partner, signed the pledge which guided our commitment to understand how the firm could continuously focus on our culture through the lens of inclusion and belonging.

focuses on the retention and expansion of diverse small businesses and connects them to programs to ensure they receive the assistance needed. This role is the result of a partnership between the City of Green Bay and the Chamber. Maria will help the Chamber further understand the needs of minority owned businesses and take the necessary measures to ensure Greater Green Bay is a community where all businesses thrive and prosper. Here’s to a great start to 2023 and continued success in Greater Green Bay as we all collaborate to create equitable economic success!