March 2025 Better Together Newsletter by Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce

In This Issue

Join our Make Your Mark Career Fair!

March 2025

Upcoming Events

From The Desk Of The CEO

“Great things in business are never done by one person.” – Steve jobs, Founder Apple Inc.

March is off to a busy start here at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, and with so many opportunities available, it’s hard to find the time to participate in everything!

Deidre Martinez

We’re excited to share some key events and updates with you.

Make Your Mark Career Fair – March 14th

We’re thrilled to host our first-ever Make Your Mark Career Fair on March 14th. We’ve invited job seekers from across the country to explore Sheboygan County and connect with our outstanding local employers. This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase what makes them unique and for job seekers to discover exciting career paths in our community. To learn more, please click here.

In addition, newcomers to Sheboygan County are invited to join us for an informal networking opportunity following the career fair at the beautiful Osthoff Resort. This gathering will allow new residents to build connections and learn more about what our community has to offer. We encourage all our partners to help make this event a success by spreading the word through your networks!

Candidate Forums – Beginning March 10th

We are also gearing up for our Candidate Forums starting Monday, March 10th. These forums will provide community members a valuable opportunity to hear directly from local candidates about the issues that matter most. If you have questions you would like to see addressed, please send them to Deidre@sheboygan.org.

vibe@5

RCS Empowers

Mar. 19 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Executive Series

Pine Hills Country Club

Mar. 20 | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

YP Leadership Training: Boardroom Ready Chamber Conference Room

Mar. 21 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Leadership Development Series: Chamber Conference Room

Mar. 21 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Ribbon Cutting Mead Public Library

Mar. 26 | 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Ribbon Cutting Harbor Winds Hotel

Mar. 28 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Roundtable Meetings:

Mar. 12 | 7:30 AM - Worksite Wellness

Mar. 12 | 11:30 AM - Mid-Day

You’re welcome to join us in person at the Chamber, or you can view the forums online, courtesy of our partners at WSCS. Stay informed and engaged as we head into the upcoming election season!

Spring Events and Engagement Opportunities

As we ride out the remainder of winter and eagerly await warmer days ahead (fingers crossed!), the Sheboygan County Chamber has a full lineup of events designed to keep you connected and engaged. From networking opportunities to educational workshops, there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out our event calendar and get involved!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Let’s continue to Think BIG – Betterment, Improvement, Growth – and Influence Local! The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing expertise that fosters dynamic organizations across the region. We are truly Better Together!

Leah BischoffTransition Concierge Specialist

Join us Friday, March 14, 2025, at The Osthoff Resort for our

Make Your Mark Job Fair! Stop by anytime from 12:00 – 3:00 PM to meet top employers, explore job openings, and even interview on the spot. Stick around for a bus tour, featuring the new Founders’ Pointe Subdivision and a networking cocktail hour from 6:00 – 8:00 PM with great food and connections.

Job seekers – registration is free, and if you’re traveling 75+ miles, you might qualify for travel assistance!

Employers – we still have a few booth spaces open, so don’t miss out!

Leah Bischoff

John Rogers - Business Roundtables

Facilitator

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!

Do I have your attention? No this is not about wizards, munchkins and the yellow brick road, it is about this month’s litany of reasons about why you, or your colleagues, should consider attending and actively participating in a Chamber sponsored roundtable or two or more!

TESTIMONIALS

Over the 17 years of Chamber roundtables, other support statements include; Chamber of Commerce Roundtables Are Time Well Spent

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this event was well organized to foster an environment of collaboration and learning. The setting was professional yet welcoming, allowing for easy conversations among attendees. One of the highlights for me was the networking opportunity. The roundtable attracted a diverse group of business owners from various sectors, allowing for the exchange of ideas and the building of new relationships. It was refreshing to connect with peers who are equally passionate about their businesses and the positive impact they aim to create in the community. Attending the Chamber of Commerce business roundtable was a very rewarding experience. I wholeheartedly recommend these roundtables to any business owner looking to grow and thrive.

Invaluable Perspectives

I really appreciated the HR Roundtable and can’t wait to join the next one. The information shared was very helpful and encouraging for HR 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 HR leaders and build stronger connections. I Thank you again for organizing such a beneficial opportunity—see you at the next one

New Position, New Company

I started attending the roundtables because I was in a new position, with a new company, and I had briefly spoken with common issues as I was seeing at my facility. If you are a team leader, or a company leader, the majority of the topics given by roundtable participants can be correlated to your own team/company.

So, in conclusion: Sponsors and Testimonials and Better Together, Oh MY!

John Rogers

Kristin Bahr - BID Member Services Director

Sip, Stroll, and Explore at the Winter Wine Walk – This Saturday!

Get ready to sip and stroll your way through Sheboygan’s Downtown, Riverfront, and South Pier districts at the Winter Wine Walk happening this Saturday, March 8th! This event is the perfect opportunity to explore local businesses while enjoying a delightful selection of wines from around the world. Whether you prefer sweet or dry wines, or are looking for a refreshing mocktail option, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The Winter Wine Walk is proudly sponsored by The GameBoard and UnitedOne Credit Union, bringing together community and commerce for an unforgettable experience.

• Tickets are required and limited, so be sure to grab yours in advance!

• Advance tickets: $25 – Available now at https://harborcentre.com/events/winter-wine-walk/

• Day-of tickets (if available): $35 – Can be purchased at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce.

Don’t miss this chance to discover Sheboygan’s vibrant local businesses, sip amazing wines, and enjoy a festive evening out! Gather your friends and make a plan to join us this Saturday.

Cheers to a great night in Sheboygan!

Kierra Brooks - Program Coordinator

March is the Best Time to Start Again—If Spring Can Do It, Why Can’t You?

March Opportunities with the Chamber: Leadership, Networking, and Intern Development

As we step into March, there’s no shortage of opportunities to grow, connect, and develop as a leader within our community. Whether you’re a young professional looking to gain valuable board experience, a future leader eager to sharpen your skills, or a business seeking to support your interns, the Chamber has something for you!

Young Professionals Board Training – Registration is Open!

Serving on a board is a fantastic way to grow as a professional, expand your network, and make an impact. Our upcoming Young Professionals Board Training is designed to teach, train, and prepare young professionals for board service. Over the course of five sessions, participants will learn the essentials of board service and walk away with a certificate recognizing their readiness. If you or someone you know is interested in stepping into a leadership role, now is the time to register!

Kristin Bahr

Kierra Brooks

Junior and Adult Leadership Applications Now Open

Do you know a high school junior or senior eager to develop leadership skills and learn about the key industries shaping our community? Send them our way! This is not an exclusive club— everyone is welcome and encouraged to apply!

Or are you an adult looking for a deeper understanding of Sheboygan County while honing your leadership potential? Maybe you’re ready to take your leadership skills to the next level in your current role? Applications for both our Junior Leadership Program and Adult Leadership Program are now open!

These programs offer hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, leadership coaching, and the chance to connect with CEOs and influential leaders in our community. Participants will gain valuable skills and insights to help them grow into future leaders.

March YP Events: Network, Learn, and Have Fun!

Looking for ways to connect with other young professionals? Join us at our March events:

• Uncover Insights – March 6th, 12-1 PM @ Ebflo

A professional development opportunity where we dive into key topics that matter to YPs. Our first topic is Personal Branding—whether you’ve read a book about it or listened to a podcast, come share your insights and learn from like-minded professionals!

• Out to Dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings – March 12th, 5-7 PM Wind down with great food and even better company! Network in a casual setting while enjoying wings and conversation.

• YP Committee Informal Event – Date TBD

Are you passionate about helping young professionals in Sheboygan County? We’re looking for motivated YPs to join our Young Professionals Committee—a group of leaders who plan, organize, and host events that support and connect YPs in our community. If you’ve ever wanted to help shape the future of the YP program, this is your chance! Keep an eye out for details on our upcoming informal event in March to learn more.

Don’t miss out on these opportunities to meet other YPs, grow professionally, and have fun! Intern Program – Coming This June!

If your company is hosting interns this summer, now is the time to connect with us! Our Intern/ Co-op Program is designed to showcase Sheboygan County while providing interns with valuable networking and professional development experiences. Companies that participate give their interns an engaging experience beyond the workplace, helping them build stronger connections to the area.

If you’d like to get your interns involved, reach out to me today!

Let’s Grow Together!

March is full of exciting opportunities—whether you’re looking to apply for leadership programs, attend YP events, or plan for summer interns, we’re here to help you make the most of it. Stay connected, get involved, and let’s grow together!

For more details on any of the above programs or events, please reach out to me at Kierra@sheboygan.org.

Anna Toman - Director Of Membership Development

Please welcome to our latest members:

• Patch Adams Medicare Solutions

• Midpoint Consulting

• Associated Bank

• Memoir Ink Studio

• Nine of Hearts Tattoo

• Rise N’ Shine Cleaning Company

• Shoe Sensation

Welcome! Please join us on Wednesday, March 19th at 7:30am for Maximize your Membership. This orientation is for new members, new reps of existing members, or anyone looking to get more information on Chamber membership.

Celebrate Sheboygan County’s rising Young Professionals by sponsoring the YP Best Under 40 Awards! This prestigious event honors the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers making a difference in our community.

As a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable brand visibility among a younger audience, exclusive networking opportunities, and a chance to align your business with the best and brightest in Sheboygan County. Your support not only spotlights outstanding talent but also strengthens our local workforce and economy. Choose a level with marketing that is right for your business, $500, $1,500, $5,000.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your company’s commitment to the future of Sheboygan County! Sponsorships are limited—secure yours today by calling me at 920-395-8705.

Do you know of a BRAND NEW BUSINESS? We now have a fabulous package for businesses who join the Chamber within 60 days of opening their doors.

Here’s what they will receive:

• Two (2) FREE Member-to-Member Ad Placements in your first 12 months ($178 value)

• Two (2) FREE 30-minute coaching sessions with our Director of Programs & Training ($200 value)

Also Included is Your Choice of:

• One (1) FREE entry to a 2025 Professional Development course (excludes Leadership Sheboygan County, Crucial Conversations, and Integrity Service) ($249 value)

• Two (2) FREE tickets to one of our scheduled Executive Series programs in your first 12 months ($50 value)

• Two (2) FREE tickets to Oktoberfest 2025 ($60 value)

This New Business Membership Package is valued at $737! Tell a friend today! Apply at Sheboygan.org.

Make it a Great Day Sheboygan, Anna

Anna Toman

Ellie Meyers - Director of Events

Exciting Events & Celebrations at the Sheboygan County Chamber!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended and contributed to the Chamber Champions Gala in February! It was a fantastic evening celebrating the achievements of our members, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.

Looking ahead, we have some incredible events coming up! This week, we’re excited to welcome about 1,200 seventh and eighth graders to Explore Your Future at Lakeshore College—a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of professionals.

Mark your calendars for the Executive Series on March 20 at Pine Hills Country Club, featuring Mike Kertschner, the President and General Manager of Road America. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a local business leader—get your tickets now at sheboygan.org!

Join us for the Vibe@5 at RCS Empowers on March 19 for some networking.

And don’t forget our upcoming Ribbon Cuttings:

• March 26 – Mead Public Library

• March 28 – Harbor Winds Hotel

• April 09 - DSG

We can’t wait to see you at these fantastic events. Thank you for being an engaged part of the Sheboygan County Chamber!

Ellie Meyers

Jamie Schramm - Director of Programs and Development

Greetings to Everyone in Sheboygan,

Since joining the Chamber staff in August 2024, I’ve been honored to work alongside many wonderful people, both internally here at the Chamber and throughout our region. It has been great seeing many of you at our Roundtables, Deep Dive events and certainly our recently held Chamber Champions Gala!

At our Economic Outlook Breakfast in January, we launched our 2025 Professional & Leadership Development Series based on input from our membership. This engaging and results-focused series is highlighted by both the Crucial Conversations and Integrity Service workshops.

These opportunities can be held here at our Chamber office, at your location and I am more than happy to work alongside your team to customize career and professional development sessions. We are thrilled with the response thus far and encourage you to check out our offerings and then REGISTER TODAY!

Jamie Schramm

Celebrating 10 Years of ACP in 2025 – Building a Strong Future for Sheboygan County!

Anne Troka, Sargento Foods

We are excited to announce that 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Academic and Career Planning (ACP) in Sheboygan County! This milestone is a testament to the collective efforts of our Business Education Partnership (BEP) and its commitment to solving some of the most significant challenges faced by businesses and the education sector.

Addressing Key Challenges Together

The BEP’s mission has always been to bridge the gap between businesses and education, creating pathways for success that benefit our entire community. Businesses today face challenges such as economic uncertainty, rapidly evolving technology (including AI), attracting and retaining skilled talent, and sustainability concerns. Meanwhile, our education system is grappling with issues like poverty, absenteeism, mental health challenges (anxiety and depression), and building strong relationships among students, parents, teachers, and employers.

One of the critical areas of focus for BEP has been to attract and retain skilled talent—a goal that not only addresses business needs but also empowers recent graduates to secure living-wage careers.

A Decade of Success with ACP

ACP was launched statewide in Wisconsin during the 2017-2018 school year to help students prepare for their futures by exploring their interests and strengths, guiding them through career planning. In Sheboygan County, we began laying the groundwork for a quality ACP program in 2015, and since then, we have seen incredible growth and impact. As we celebrate 10 years of ACP in 2025, we reflect proudly on the achievements of the past decade. The program has been instrumental in connecting students with local employers, helping them explore careers that align with their passions while gaining valuable skills that our businesses need.

Looking Ahead – Building a Brighter Future Together

As we look forward to 2035 and beyond, BEP remains dedicated to overcoming the shared challenges of attracting and retaining skilled talent and fostering student success. Achieving these goals requires innovative partnerships among students, parents, educators, and employers. Together, we can ensure that students are better prepared for their careers and that our local businesses thrive with the skilled workforce they need.

Join Us at BEP Meetings

Your support is crucial as we continue to build a brighter future for Sheboygan County. Interested in joining BEP? BEP meetings, are held on the third Friday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Sheboygan County Chamber Office. Your input and involvement can help us strengthen these vital partnerships and shape the future of our community. If you are interested in learning more, please complete the BEP Committee Interest Form and a member of the team will be in touch.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Let’s work together to make the next decade even more impactful for Sheboygan County!

Leadership Development Series

Making the Transition from Individual Contributor to Leader of Others March 11 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am Team members are often promoted because they excel at being individual contributors and have a high degree of technical expertise. Neither are necessarily required to lead other people and unless we are intentional about developing the leadership skills of high-producing staff, they will become frustrated, disillusioned and be less than stellar in their leadership role. This does not have to be the reality we face in our organizations.

Coaching for Success March 25 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am

Achieving results starts with effective goal planning including the use of SMART goals, setting of expectations and consistent communication focused on achieving or surpassing those expectations. Alignment with personal values, daily work objectives and organizational mission ensures that goals become results and employee satisfaction remains high. In addition, the ability to “coach” employees through the use of pro-active Development Planning relying on the 70-20-10 model of learning supports continual professional development.

Maintaining Professionalism Under Pressure May 6 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am

We can’t control the behavior and emotions of others, but we can control our own. Avoiding “false choices”, understanding how we respond when under stress, examining our own relationship with EQ and IQ, properly framing a “problem” and creating a solution mindset are all elements of this workshop.

Influencing without Authority May 13 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am

Leadership has less to do with title and everything to do about the choices we make and how it impacts our behavior. Understanding the, “position myth”, 360 Degrees of Leadership, where inﬂuence/power are traditionally seen as coming from, our different behavioral styles and the mindset needed to create a “WE” vs. “me” focus will all be explored during this session.

Leadership 101 June 3 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am

Basic tenants of leadership and followership will be explored during this session.

$ 249

Leadership 201 June 17 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am for any one session, combine any three for $500

Building off the experiences of mature leaders, this session will ask leaders to self-reﬂect, share and learn from and with other attendees in their session.

Individualized Coaching $99 per hour for non-proﬁt, $199 per hour for proﬁt rate

Based on the speciﬁc individualized request (coach, employee, organization), will put together a plan for 1:1 coaching utilizing tools such as Crucial Conversations, 70-20-10 Development Planning, various behavioral and leadership surveys, books and approaches.

Crucial Conversations ® April 29 & 30 | September 30 & October 1 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

The ofﬁcial Crucial Conversations curriculum, led by a trained-facilitator in a 2-day workshop. Minimum of 6 (either all one organization or mixed co-hort)

Cost: $1000

Integrity Service ® October 8, 15, 22 & 29 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

The ofﬁcial Integrity Service curriculum, led by a trained-facilitator in a series of 4, two-hour sessions. Minimum of 6 (either all one organization or mixed co-hort)