In This Issue
Great things happening in Sheboygan County!
2024
Upcoming Events
From The Desk Of The CEO
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new” – Socrates.
As we continue to navigate the everchanging landscape of business and community development, I want to take a moment to reflect on the vital role that Chambers of Commerce play in our region. Our chamber is more than just an organization; it is a collective voice that advocates for the interests of our businesses and community.
Deidre Martinez
Cutting Razor Fitness Oct. 2 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Ribbon Cutting & vibe@5 Next Step Insurance Oct. 3 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Chambers of Commerce are essential for fostering a thriving local economy. We provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and support systems that help businesses grow and succeed. From hosting professional development programs to Executive Series our chamber is dedicated to equipping you with the tools you need to thrive.
Moreover, being a member of the Chamber connects you with a vast network of like-minded professionals who are committed to collaboration and mutual success. The relationships you build here can lead to partnerships, referrals, and new opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise. Together, we can amplify our voices and address the challenges we face in today’s marketplace.
Advocacy is another cornerstone of our mission. The Chamber serves as a liaison between businesses and government, ensuring that our concerns are heard and addressed. We work diligently to create a favorable business environment that benefits all of us in Sheboygan County. Your membership strengthens our ability to advocate for policies that support economic growth and community development.
As we look to the future, let us remember that our success
OktoberFeast 2024 Nourish Farms Oct. 10 | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
STEAMfest 2024 Lakeland University Oct. 17 | 9:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Out to Breakfast w/ Deidre Log Cabin Oct. 23 | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Maximize Your Membership
Large Conference Room.
Oct. 23 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Executive Series Fall 2024
Pine Hills Country Club
Oct. 24 | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
YP’s Brews & Brainstorming
3 Sheeps
Oct. 24 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Roundtable Meetings:
Oct. 2 | 7:30 AM - Non-Profit
Oct. 3 | 7:30 AM - Safety
Oct. 7 | 11:30 AM - Sales and Marketing Professionals
Oct. 8 | 7:30 AM - HR Managers
Oct. 14 | 7:15 AM - Business Owners
is intertwined. By supporting one another and participating actively in the Chamber, we can drive positive change in our community. I encourage you to take full advantage of the resources we offer, attend events, and engage with fellow members. Your involvement is crucial in helping us shape the future of Sheboygan County.
Thank you for being a valued member of the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant business community that enriches the lives of all who call this area home.
Be on the lookout for the annual economic outlook survey! Your participation in completing this survey helps us to make more informed choices on how we support all of you, the types of tools and resources that will be made available and helps us better understand trends. Be sure to Save the Date, the results of the annual survey will be shared out at the Economic Outlook Breakfast and Annual meeting on the morning of Thursday, January 16th.
Lastly, only a few spots left for the Portugal and Douro River Cruise in September 2025. All information about Chamber Travel can be found here.
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!
Kierra BrooksProgram Coordinator
Hello Everyone!
October is here, which means it’s time for all things pumpkinflavored!
We’re excited to announce that OktoberFeast, our annual fundraiser and community favorite, is just around the corner. This year, we’ve doubled the number of vendors and raffle baskets, making it bigger and better than ever! Join us in supporting your local young Kierra Brooks
professionals as we make our mark in the community. Everyone 21 and over is welcome! Enjoy food tastings, live music, bucket raffles, a 50/50 raffle, and a pumpkin carving contest. It’s the perfect opportunity to network, meet new people, and reconnect with familiar faces.
OktoberFeast will take place on October 10th from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Nourish Farmsregister now to secure your spot!
Also, don’t forget about Brews & Brainstorming on October 24th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. We’ll provide the beer and pizza; all we ask is that you bring your best ideas for next year’s events. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone new to the area to connect with fellow young professionals in a relaxed setting. Be sure to register!
Check out our social media and community calendar at Sheboygan.org for more events planned through the end of the year. There’s plenty to look forward to!
Wishing everyone a Happy October!
Ellie Meyers - Director of Events
Happy Fall, everyone! As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, we’re excited to share a fantastic lineup of events that will keep you engaged and connected with our community. Here’s a sneak peek at what we have coming up:
Ribbon Cuttings
Join us as we celebrate new businesses in our community! These ribbon-cutting ceremonies are a great way to meet local entrepreneurs and show your support. Check our events calendar for upcoming dates and locations.
VIBE@5
Kick off the month with our popular VIBE@5 networking event! Join us at Next Step Insurance on October 03 from 5 PM to 7 PM for an evening of networking and refreshments. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members in a relaxed atmosphere.
STEAMfest
On October 17, we are thrilled to host STEAMfest 2024 at Lakeland University, an interactive event designed to inspire and engage 4th and 5th-grade students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This event is closed to the public, you did have to register in advance. Thank you to our sponsors of this event: Acuity, Johnsonville, MilliporeSigma, Krier Foods, Masters Gallery Foods, Sargento, Rockline, and Rohde Brothers, as well as our business participants and volunteers for the day.
Out to Breakfast
Join us for Out to Breakfast with Deidre on October 23. Keep an eye out for future Out to Breakfast/Lunch dates on our event calendar.
Ellie Meyers
Executive Series
Don’t miss our Executive Series featuring a chamber member leader sharing their leadership journey that can help you elevate your business. Our fall Executive Series will be held on October 24 at Pine Hills Country Club. This is a must-attend for anyone looking to grow and learn from the best. Thank you to our Exclusive Executive Series Event Sponsor Prevea.
Athena Awards
We’re proud to announce the upcoming Athena Leadership Awards Dinner on November 14. This prestigious event honors exceptional women in our community who have made significant contributions to business and society. Join us in celebrating their achievements by registering on our event website and please also submit your nominations for the Athena Awards asap on our Athena Event Page.
We hope you’re as excited as we are about these upcoming events. Participation is key to the strength of our chamber and community, and we look forward to seeing you soon. For more details, including registration links and future events, please visit our event website or contact the chamber office.
Wishing you all a vibrant fall season filled with opportunities!
Warm regards,
Ellie Meyers Director of Events
Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services Director
Thank You for Making River Fest a Success!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out and made River Fest such a fantastic event! It was wonderful to see the community come together, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate all that our beautiful district has to offer. From the live music to the food and family-friendly activities, a great time was had by all!
As we look ahead, we encourage all BID members to consider joining a committee or even the board. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get involved, make a difference, and help shape the future of our community. Email me at kristin@harborcentre.com if you’d like more information on joining a committee or the board. Keep an eye out for details on our Kristin Bahr
The Harbor Centre Business Improvement District (BID) continues to provide valuable platforms for members to connect, communicate, and collaborate—helping to maximize resources and create efficiencies that contribute to the vibrant, thriving district we all love.
upcoming holiday events, which are sure to bring even more excitement and joy to the district.
Once again, thank you for making River Fest such a memorable occasion, and we can’t wait to see you at our future events!
John Rogers - Business Roundtables
Facilitator
Two Roundtable Stories:
Recently, I visited Pittsburgh to catch up with friends from elementary school - Bill, Bob, and I stayed in a VRBO for six nights. They were already aware of my roundtables, so I rather wanted to share two recent encounters. One encounter, with Christina, was on a flight from Pittsburgh to Baltimore [go East to go West?], and the other, with TJ, was in the Baltimore airport.
Christina: On a flight from Pittsburgh to Baltimore I noticed my seatmate reading a book with the title How to Kill Men and Get Away with It. When I see a seatmate with a book, I typically always ask what they are reading, but this case was even more intriguing. I asked, “Are you getting some ideas?” Christina laughed, and our conversation started. I learned that she is a mechanical engineer specializing in vacuum systems, but is unhappy in her role. When I asked what she would prefer to do, she mentioned her passion for sustainability - a topic I recently explored in a Manufacturing Roundtable. I am waiting for Christina’s email so I can send her the roundtable minutes and article about this topic. So far crickets, but it was a great conversation!
TJ: While at the Baltimore airport, I noticed my phone battery was low and stopped at a table in Concourse A, where I met TJ. He kindly offered his portable charger, and we struck up a conversation. I had to ask about the portable charger because I had never seen one before. TJ is a retired firefighter from Baltimore but was on his way to Tampa for a leadership roundtable. We exchanged ideas about effective roundtables. No crickets with TJ, and we have already exchanged emails. We agreed it would be great to attend each other’s roundtables, though it’s unlikely.
Have you explored one of the Chamber roundtables? It’s a valuable member benefit that offers new friends, fresh ideas, and opportunities for learning.
John Rogers
Anna Toman - Director Of Membership Development
Hello!
I hope you all had a wonderful September! I just got back from a fantastic surfing trip to South Carolina. Whenever I mention I’m from Sheboygan to my fellow surfers, I always hear, “Whoa, alhrighhht!”
They’re not wrong — we live, work, and play in such a unique area, and our members are just as exceptional. When was the last time you looked through our member directory? Our members are a diverse group of locals with passions ranging from accounting to 3D-printed horror houses. The conversations I have with them are the highlight of my day.
Join me in welcoming our newest members:
• Move Free Corrective Exercise – movefreewi.com
• 3Elephants & Co. – 3EC.shop
• Oostburg Automotive – oostburgauto.com
• Music Boxx Records – 1119 North 8th St, Sheboygan
Take some time this month to reach out to our new members, welcome them, and wish them well. Most of our members say they join for the connections with other businessminded individuals because they know we are Better Together!
As the year comes to a close, please take a moment to review your Chamber profile page. If there are any updates needed for your staff, locations, or social media links, please make those changes. If you need any assistance, I’d be happy to help.
Our next Maximize Your Membership session is on Wednesday, October 23rd, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. This orientation is perfect for new and prospective members, as well as a great refresher for our current members. Everyone is welcome! Check our events calendar to register.
Finally, don’t forget about our Member-to-Member advertising—it’s affordable and effective. If you haven’t added it to your marketing toolbox yet, maybe October is the perfect month to start. As Yoda says, “Do or do not, there is no try.”
Make it a great day, Sheboygan!
See you soon, Anna
Anna Toman
Leah Bischoff - Transition Concierge Specialist
This past week, I collaborated with fellow chambers and professionals in roles similar to mine at the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives Annual Conference & Retreat. It’s incredible how the best ideas often come from simply exchanging insights and building relationships. Connections like these are truly energizing!
Leah Bischoff
By now, you’re probably familiar with our Make Your Mark campaign, designed to connect job seekers with employers and provide resources for relocating to our beautiful county. Currently, we have over 70 active applicants in our portal who are eager to strengthen our workforce. If you’re interested in viewing these candidates, feel free to reach out to me at leah@sheboygan.com—there’s no cost involved!
Employers—here’s an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your open roles! In October, we’ll have a unique chance to connect with Veterans in both the Madison and Chicago areas who are looking to relocate. Let’s discuss how you can get involved before then.
Finally, keep an eye out for some exciting marketing updates in collaboration with our friends at FifthColor. We’re enhancing the Make Your Mark page to make it even more educational, informative, and engaging. These updates will further highlight our relocation resources and showcase the incredible place we call home.
Our community is thriving because of the connections we build and our efforts to support one another.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or opportunities to connect—I’m just a message away.
Sheboygan County Chamber (SCC) Business Education Partnership (BEP) Monthly Update
The BEP has been a SCC committee for over 30 years!
Here are the BEPs biggest accomplishments to date:
• Inspire Wisconsin – Non-profit organization connecting students in grades 6-12 to careers and employers to future workforce for job shadows/career experiences, youth apprenticeships, youth co-ops, guest teachers/speakers, career mentors/coaches, and more.
• Explore Your Future – March event for students in grades 7 and 8 to explore their strengths, interests, personality style and connect to careers they are interested in and curious about.
• STEAMFest – October event with hands-on activities for students in grades 4 and 5 to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with area employers.
• Financial Reality Day – supporting academic, career, and financial planning at the high school level with the use of Money Path Program which allows students to create personalized post-secondary financial plans for whichever pathway they choose.
Beyond BEP, Sheboygan County also has excellent county-wide initiatives that support students with career development:
• Youth Apprenticeship – career-based learning experiences for students in grades 10, 11, and 12 to work with companies during the summer and school year to gain valuable skills, experiences, and relationships.
• Junior Leadership Sheboygan County – brings together student leaders in grades 11 and 12 throughout the county to prepare students as future leaders in our communities.
• Red Raider Manufacturing – Partnership between Sheboygan Area School District and local manufacturers preparing students for careers in manufacturing.
• MFG 4.0 Collaboration – Group of four businesses and four high schools partnering to provide robotics, maintenance, and industrial controls curriculum, equipment, and connections to increase high school students’ awareness and excitement about careers in maintenance.
Annually, SCC and BEP host a Workforce Development Symposium in August for business and education leaders to come together to discuss workforce development efforts on local, regional, and state levels.
If you would like to learn more about how to develop your future workforce, please reach out to join us: Leah Bischoff ( leah@sheboygan.org ).
September In Review
Ribbon Cutting Ampersand Supply Co. | Sept. 12
vibe@5 Blue Harbor Resort Conference Center | Sept. 10
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Home2 Suites Sheboygan | Sept. 12
Out to Lunch w/ Deidre Ranieri’s Four of a Kind Bar and Grill | Sept. 11
YP’s Out to Dinner Black Pig | Sept. 11
Maximize Your Membership Chamber Office | Sept. 4
Newcomer Event Parker Johns | Sept. 19
Newsletter sponsorship opportunities now available! Please contact Deidre Martinez at 920.457.9491 or deidre@sheboygan.org for more information.