“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude,” – Maya Angelou
Happy New Year!
Deidre Martinez
As we welcome 2025, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our members for your continued support and partnership. I hope you all had a joyous holiday season!
The past year has been one of significant growth for the Chamber, and we’re thrilled about the opportunities the new year brings. By coming together and using our collective voices, we can create meaningful, positive change for our businesses and community.
In 2024, we successfully launched several new programs, and based on YOUR feedback, we’re excited to introduce even more in the year ahead, including expanded professional development opportunities. We also strengthened our community partnerships, notably through the continued growth of the ARPA Workforce Development attraction and retention campaign, Make Your Mark, in collaboration with Sheboygan County. Additionally, our partnership with the Sheboygan Downtown Business Improvement District has allowed us to provide even greater support to our local businesses.
These efforts—and the new initiatives we have planned— underscore our commitment to building strong businesses and thriving communities. Be sure to visit our website regularly for updates on upcoming events and programs— you won’t want to miss out!
Upcoming Events
YP Out to Dinner Series VFW 9156
Maximize Your Membership Chamber Office Jan. 15 | 12:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Economic Outlook
Breakfast & Anuual Meeting Pine Hills Country Club Jan. 16| 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Jan. 8 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Ribbon Cutting Boys and Girls Club Longfellow Elementary Jan. 16 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
vibe@5
Sheboygan Lutheran High School Jan. 21 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Informal Business
Networking Event Chamber Office
Jan. 23 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
YP Social & Tour
3 Sheep’s Brewing Co.
Jan. 30| 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Upcoming Events
Annual Meeting and Economic Outlook Breakfast
Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 16, 2025, for our Annual Meeting and Economic Outlook Breakfast. This event offers us the opportunity to express gratitude to outgoing board members who have dedicated years of service and to welcome new board members to the Chamber.
We’re also excited to hear updates from our county partners, who will share insights on their respective communities and provide a glimpse of what’s ahead in 2025. Don’t forget to complete the Economic Outlook Survey—your feedback helps us provide valuable tools and resources to our members. Survey results will be shared at the event.
Chamber Champions Gala
Roundtable Meetings:
Jan. 8 | 7:30 AM - Worksite Wellness
Jan. 8 |11:30 AM - Mid-Day
Save the date for the event of the year: the Chamber Champions Gala on Thursday, February 20, at the stunning Osthoff Resort. This celebration is all about recognizing and honoring our community’s successes. Exciting plans are underway, so make sure your nominations are submitted and secure your spot soon!
Here’s to a successful and impactful 2025! We look forward to working together to achieve great things.
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
When 8 is Enough
With a bit of editorial license, I will modify this email I received earlier today [December 16] to be a fill-in-the-blank ‘test’ because of the various testimonials received after any and all of the Chamber’s roundtables. Fill in the XXXXX blank!
Good morning,
I really appreciated the XXXXX Roundtable and can’t wait to join the next one. The information shared was very helpful and encouraging for XXXXX leaders that need an environment of support and insight. I believe that this will be a great opportunity for me to get to know the area’s XXXXX leaders and build stronger connections. I’m excited to collaborate, learn, and share experiences with such a knowledgeable group. The XXXXX roundtable provided invaluable perspectives, and I’m looking forward to the future discussions where we can continue to inspire each other and tackle the challenges we face in the world. Thank you again for organizing such a beneficial opportunity - see you at the next one.
Thank you!
Klanea
Last week, Klanea attended the HR Manager roundtable, but you could fill in the XXXXX blank with these other options: Worksite Wellness, Mid-day, Sales & Marketing Professionals, Nonprofit Executives, Safety Managers, Business Owners and Manufacturers.
Consider attending one of the Chamber’s 8 different roundtables in 2025, but in theory you can attend all 8. Enough said?
John Rogers
Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services
Director
Celebrating a Year of Community & Connection
As we begin 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on an incredible year of growth, collaboration, and community spirit in Sheboygan’s Downtown, Riverfront, and South Pier districts. This past year, we’ve seen the power of people coming together to celebrate, connect, and support local businesses, making our neighborhoods more vibrant than ever.
Highlights from 2024
This year was filled with events and initiatives that brought excitement and energy to our districts:
• Spring Into the BID kicked off the season bringing fresh energy to our streets.
• 8th Streatery became a community favorite, averaging over 100 guests each week who enjoyed delicious food, live entertainment, and time spent with friends and neighbors.
• River Fest was a fantastic celebration, with participating businesses seeing an impressive 25% increase in sales - a testament to the community’s support.
• Holiday Happening Events brought festive cheer to the season, featuring live carolers, visits with Santa, a Swag Bag Doorbuster, and a Holiday Open House, all of which made the holidays extra special for families and visitors.
These successes wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our local businesses, community members, and visitors like you. Thank you for showing up, celebrating, and making Sheboygan’s Downtown, Riverfront, and South Pier districts such a thriving and welcoming place.
Looking Ahead to 2025
We’re excited to keep the momentum going in the year ahead, with more events, opportunities to connect, and ways to support local businesses. Your feedback is always important to us as we plan for the future, so keep an eye out for opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas!
Thank you for being part of our community and for helping make 2024 such a success. Here’s to another year of connection, growth, and celebration in Sheboygan!
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Kristin Bahr
Anna Toman - Director Of Membership Development
Join the Chamber, Spark the Year!
A new year begins, full of potential, Goals to achieve, both big and essential. Success is calling, the path is clear, Join the Chamber—make this your year! Connections await, a network that thrives, Helping your business and dreams come alive. Workshops, events, and support so strong, With a Chamber membership, you can’t go wrong. Collaborate, grow, and share your voice, This New Year’s step is the smartest choice. Opportunities bloom, your vision expands, Together we rise, with strength in our hands. So take the leap, the future is bright, Your Chamber’s here to guide your flight. Let’s set those goals, achieve them too— This is the year to be BETTER TOGETHER!
-
What are your NEW YEAR’S GOALS?
I challenge you to email me at anna@sheboygan.org and tell me about your goals... if we don’t have the solution at Your Chamber, we have a MEMBER that does!
The Champions Gala is right around the corner. Ellie shared the theme with me, and it’s going to be LIT! Registration is now open for attendees and sponsorship spots are available at multiple levels. Interested in showcasing your business in a UNIQUE LIGHT?
THIS IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO LITERALY STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT! Call me at 920-395-8705.
Make it a great day Sheboygan, See you soon!
Anna
Anna Toman
Ellie Meyers - Director of Events
Exciting Upcoming Events at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce
As we usher in the new year, the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce is proud to host a variety of exciting events that will bring our community together, celebrate local achievements, and help businesses thrive. Whether you’re a longtime Chamber member, a local business owner, or simply looking to connect with others in the community, there’s something for everyone in the months ahead. Here’s a sneak peek at the events you won’t want to miss!
January 16 - Ribbon Cutting at Boys & Girls Club at Longfellow Elementary
We’re kicking off the year with an exciting ribbon cutting for the Boys & Girls Club of Sheboygan County. Join us on January 16 for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their newly remodeled location at Longfellow Elementary School.
January 21 - vibe@5 at Sheboygan Lutheran High School Performing Arts Center
On January 21, join us for another exciting vibe@5 event at Sheboygan Lutheran High School Performing Arts Center. This popular networking event offers a fantastic opportunity for Chamber members to mix, mingle, and enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation and collaboration. We invite you to arrive at 5:00 PM for an evening filled with valuable connections and fun!
February 20 - Chamber Champions Gala 2025
The Chamber Champions Gala at The Osthoff Resort is one of our most anticipated events of the year, and February 20, 2025, will be no exception! This elegant evening will celebrate exceptional businesses, community leaders, and organizations making Sheboygan County a remarkable place to live and work. The Gala will feature dinner and the presentation of awards to honor those Chamber members who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to our county. Mark your calendars, and be ready to experience a night of elegance, celebration, and inspiration! Tickets open for sale on January 02, 2025. Please secure your tickets as soon as possible, as we sell out yearly. Attendance is limited to 750 people.
March 5 & 6 - Explore Your Future Career Exploration Event
In early March, we will host Explore Your Future, a two-day event designed to help 7th and 8th grade students explore career paths and connect with local businesses and organizations. On March 5 & 6, students will have the opportunity to meet industry professionals, learn about potential career opportunities, and gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in today’s workforce. This event is a great way for local
Ellie Meyers
businesses to engage with the next generation of talent and inspire the future leaders of Sheboygan County. We are still looking for business leaders to volunteer to help at this event with presentations. Please let me know at ellie@sheboygan.org if interested.
See you at Events
We’re thrilled about the upcoming events and invite you to participate in these meaningful opportunities to connect, celebrate, and grow. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more details as these events approach. Let’s make 2025 a year of collaboration and success for Sheboygan County! For more information on these events or to register, please visit our website Sheboygan.org, or contact the CHamber office. We look forward to seeing you there!
Kierra Brooks - Program Coordinator
Happy New Year, everyone!
A new year brings fresh opportunities and challenges, and I encourage you to embrace both. Learn, grow, explore, and try something new! I’m excited to work on something new this year that has inspired and motivated me, and I hope you find something that sparks that same energy for you.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check out the Young Professionals (YP) calendar for the upcoming quarter. It’s posted on all our social media platforms, so take a look, sign up for events, and get involved! Being a part of YP - and serving as the liaison for the program - means so much to me because we get to create the kinds of experiences and events you’ve asked for.
I love seeing the community and relationships that form through this group. The fact that people have met their best friends - and even their spouses - through YP is truly amazing and reminds me how meaningful this work is. If you’re looking to make new connections, build friendships, or simply find a sense of belonging, I invite you to join us for one of our monthly Out To Dinner gatherings. There’s no agenda - just a relaxed opportunity to meet people, have great conversations, and get to know us better.
As we kick off this year, I hope you take a chance on something new. You never know what incredible opportunities or relationships might come out of it!
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead. Let’s make it a great one - together.
Kierra Brooks
Leah Bischoff - Transition Concierge Specialist
And that’s a wrap on 2024!
This year has flown by at lightning speed, and it’s been packed with amazing memories and exciting moments.
Thank you to everyone who made 2024 such an unforgettable year—it wouldn’t have been the same without you!
This
Month’s Highlight:
Our Make Your Mark recruitment campaign had a big win last month! We were able to personally assist a new hire with grant resources, making a real difference in their journey. Here’s what Christina of the Boys & Girls Club had to say:
“Thanks to the Chamber’s Make Your Mark grant, we were able to bring new talent smoothly and thoughtfully into our organization and community. The resources they provided, including moving expenses, local connections, and thoughtful support, made such a difference in our ability to attract and transition a fantastic new HR Manager!”
Ready to Make Your Mark in 2025?
Let’s kick off the new year with a fresh start! Give me a call—I’d love to help you make it happen.
Leah Bischoff
Sheboygan County Chamber Business Education Partnership (BEP) Monthly Update
Anne Troka, Senior Manager, Community & Workforce Development (BEP Committee Member)
Are you passionate about shaping the future workforce of Sheboygan County? The Sheboygan County Chamber’s Business Education Partnership (BEP) offers a unique opportunity to connect employers, educators, and community organizations in developing local talent. Together, we are creating pathways to success for the next generation, ensuring a thriving workforce for years to come.
The BEP meets monthly to discuss ways to link students with fulfilling, living-wage career opportunities within the county. These discussions focus on expanding access to career-based learning experiences, which are proven to enhance labor participation and strengthen the local economy. By offering initiatives such as job shadows, youth apprenticeships, internships, and registered apprenticeships, businesses can build relationships with students while creating a sustainable talent pipeline.
Educators also play a critical role in this partnership by promoting these opportunities and preparing students to step into the workforce. Students participating in these programs gain vital skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration, time management, and professionalism. These experiences not only set them up for personal success but also equip them to contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
Collaboration between businesses and education is essential to overcoming barriers and ensuring all students have the chance to explore careers in Sheboygan County. Together, we aim to create a comprehensive list of key career opportunities and share this with students and their families, demonstrating the value of living-wage jobs and how they lead to stable, rewarding futures. By promoting career-based learning experiences, we can prepare students to thrive while strengthening the community as a whole.
If you are interested in supporting the development of future talent and contributing to the success of Sheboygan County’s workforce, we encourage you to join us. The BEP meets on the third Friday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Sheboygan County Chamber Office. Your participation can help shape a brighter future for Sheboygan County by fostering meaningful connections between students, employers, and the community. To learn more about joining this committee, please contact Jamie Schramm, Jamie@ sheboygan.org or Leah Bischoff, Leah@sheboygan.org.
Let’s work together to build a stronger Sheboygan County, one student and one opportunity at a time.
December In Review
Friday Forum Elks Lodge | Dec. 6
Out to Breakfast w/ Deidre Harry’s Diner | Dec. 11
