Chamber Blog Archives | Greater Green Bay Chamber

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

MEET JOLEEN ALLARD

Chamber Ambassadors represent the Greater Green Bay Chamber in the community and actively engage with members and nonmembers. These dedicated volunteers serve as trusted liaisons, answering questions about membership, promoting local businesses, attending Chamber events and celebrating milestones at ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings.

Every Chamber Ambassador brings a unique story and a personal commitment to making Green Bay a better place to live, work and do business. In this monthly blog series, we introduce the passionate individuals who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to serve our members.

Joleen Allard became a Chamber Ambassador in 1986. It all started when her father, Geo Farah, recommended that the role would be great for networking with others in the community.

Joleen owns Green Bay Area Newcomers Neighbors and calls her 40 years of service as a Chamber Ambassador “rewarding” and “life changing.” Over the years, she says there have been too many favorite moments and memories to mention, but one event sticks out. “I sat at a table with Oneida Nation and suggested Terry Netzel become an Ambassador,” she remembers. “Now she is a good friend!”

Keeping people and businesses connected is important to Joleen. She believes it is critical to building a greater awareness of what is happening in the community.

What would she tell someone interested in becoming a Chamber Ambassador? “It is worth your time and energy.”

The Greater Green Bay Chamber is deeply grateful for Joleen’s 40 years of dedicated service as a Chamber Ambassador. Her steady presence and genuine commitment to our business community have made a meaningful difference over the years. She has helped create connections, welcomed others and represented the Chamber with care and integrity. Thank you, Joleen, for the lasting impact you’ve made in this role.

Chamber Membership

MICHAEL ALEXANDER: “ACCESS TO GREATER OPPORTUNITIES.”

Greater Green Bay Chamber membership fuels growth, talent and impact.

Michael Alexander first connected with the Greater Green Bay Chamber through its ability to bring people together across industries, sectors and perspectives. As Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, he saw engagement as a natural extension of the university’s role in the community

“The Chamber has helped us understand what makes Green Bay great and what drives this community,” Alexander said. “It’s the ability to connect with business leaders and others across the region and really be part of that shared energy.”

Alexander sees the Chamber as a connector that helps turn ideas into action.
“The Chamber is really good at making sure that it is putting people in a room who can advance the conversation,” he said. “That’s where we see tremendous value. It doesn’t just start conversations, it helps move them forward in meaningful ways.”

Through Chamber involvement, Alexander quickly found opportunities to
listen, learn and build relationships. Those connections have helped strengthen how UW-Green Bay shows up for the region.

“The Chamber has helped us grow by deepening our connections,” he said. “It gives us the opportunity to listen carefully to what the business community needs and think about how we can best serve that at UW-Green Bay.”

For Alexander, that growth has been both organizational and personal. Serving on the Chamber Board of Directors and participating in initiatives like Partners in education has created space for meaningful collaboration.

“Being part of those conversations, bringing education and business leaders together to think about how we move the region forward, is really exciting,” he said.

Chamber programming has also played a role in shaping his perspective. Events that highlight local leaders and their journeys offered him valuable insight into both challenges and success stories.

“Hearing from other business leaders talk about their success and challenges they’ve overcome is incredibly helpful,” Alexander said. “It allows you to understand what’s driving momentum in the community and how you can contribute to it.”

The collaborative spirit between UW-Green Bay and the Greater Green Bay Chamber Chamber shines through numerous initiatives, including a partnership to support entrepreneurship and emerging businesses.

“Working together in the Urban Hub has helped us better connect with the entrepreneurial community and grow as a university,” he said. “It’s about using our resources to help others develop and succeed.”

For Alexander, Chamber engagement is ultimately about alignment and bringing the right people together to move the community forward.

“The Chamber is intentional about creating spaces where important conversations happen,” he said. “Being part of those conversations is crucial to our mission to help make Green Bay the best it can be and to attract and retain talent here.”

Small Business Feature

Senior Life Care Advisors

The Greater Green Bay Chamber defines any business with less than 50 employees as a small business. Small businesses make up more than 80% of our membership base, and we are proud to offer them support and resources through programming, events and workspaces.

This blog post is part of a monthly series highlighting the small businesses in our community. Learn more about Senior Life Care Advisors in this Q&A with Owner, Michael Fredrickson.

Tell us about Senior Life Care Advisors. What services do you offer? Who is your audience?

“Senior Life Care Advisors is a family-owned business based in Green Bay, dedicated to helping older adults and their families navigate the often overwhelming process of finding the right senior care solution.

We provide personalized guidance throughout the entire senior care transition, taking the time to understand each individual’s care needs, preferences, and financial considerations before identifying the most appropriate care options and coordinating tours/next steps. Our services help older adults and their families find the right fit across assisted living, memory care, independent living, skilled nursing, in-home care, and respite (short-term) options, both for their current needs and as those needs evolve over time.

One of the most important aspects of what we do is that our services are 100% FREE for families, allowing them to focus on making the best decision for their loved one without added financial pressure.

We primarily work with adult children supporting aging parents, families navigating urgent or complex situations, and seniors planning ahead for future care needs.”

When was Senior Life Care Advisors established?

“My wife, Gina, and I launched Senior Life Care Advisors in August 2023. Since then, we’ve grown our team, expanded our reach across Northeast Wisconsin and beyond, and have had the privilege of helping over 1,200 seniors and their families navigate their care journey.”

Why did you decide to start Senior Life Care Advisors?

“Gina and I started Senior Life Care Advisors after seeing firsthand how confusing and emotional the search for senior care solutions can be.

Through our backgrounds in senior living and healthcare, we worked with families who were overwhelmed and often forced to make quick decisions without the guidance they deserved. We believed there was a better way, one built on clarity, trust, and genuine support, where families could feel confident in their decisions without pressure.

That belief is what led us to create Senior Life Care Advisors.”

How would you describe your journey as a business owner?

“Our journey has been incredibly meaningful and purpose-driven. Building this business from the ground up has allowed us to combine our experience with a shared passion for helping others.

We’ve grown with intention, by prioritizing relationships, trust, and delivering real value to the families we serve and our community partners. What started as just the two of us has grown into a team of six, and we’ve stayed true to the same mission and hands-on approach that helped us build this company from day one.”

What has been the most rewarding moment for you as a business owner?

“It’s hard to point to just one moment, because it’s really the consistent impact we’ve had on families that stands out the most.

When a family feels relief, clarity, or peace of mind after working with us, especially during a difficult or emotional transition, that’s what sticks with us the most. Those moments reinforce exactly why we started Senior Life Care Advisors and why we continue to do what we do.

At the same time, earning the trust of families, along with the healthcare providers and community partners who confidently refer their patients and clients to us, has been incredibly meaningful. That level of trust is something we take very seriously and never take for granted.

As we’ve grown, it’s also been great to see the impact our team is making day in and day out, along with their continued growth both professionally and personally. Watching that develop alongside Gina and me has been a very meaningful part of the journey as well.”

What has been the most challenging part of owning a business?

“One of the biggest focuses for us has been maintaining the level of trust and consistency we’ve built as we continue to grow.

In a business like ours, families and community partners rely on a very high level of communication and follow-through, so we’ve been intentional about how we scale, who we bring onto the team, and how we operate day to day.

Growth is important, but protecting the experience and trust we’ve built will always come first.”

Who has been the most influential person to you as a business owner?

“I’d have to start with my wife, Gina. She’s been the most influential person for me as a business owner, giving me the support and confidence to take the leap in 2023 and build this company from the ground up. She’s been there through every stage of growth and continues to be my biggest supporter.

Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to learn from strong leaders in senior care, including Katherine Tegen and Barbara Bittner, who helped shape my foundation and reinforced the importance of doing things the right way for families.

Beyond that, the families we serve and the professionals we work alongside continue to influence how we operate every day and push us to keep improving and raising the standard.”

What are you most excited about as you look to the future of Senior Life Care Advisors?

“What excites me most is our ability to continue growing while staying true to who we are and helping more families navigate this process with the support and guidance they deserve.

We’re focused on reaching more families across Northeast Wisconsin, strengthening relationships with community partners, and continuing to be a trusted resource for both families and healthcare providers navigating senior care.

I’m also excited about the continued growth of our team. We’ve been fortunate to bring on incredible individuals, Allie Bloom, Jessica Van Schyndel, Laurie Weyenberg, and Jason Arendt, who all share the same passion and commitment to our mission. Seeing the impact they’re making and the lives we’re able to touch together is what drives us forward.”

How can people find Senior Life Care Advisors?

“The best way to connect with us is simply to reach out. Whether someone is just starting to explore senior care options or needs immediate guidance, we’re always happy to have a conversation and Navigate Senior Care Together. People can connect with Senior Life Care Advisors in several ways.”

Website: www.seniorlca.com
Phone: (920) 634-7795
Office: 3021 Holmgren Way, Suite 200, Green Bay, WI 54304
Facebook: Senior Life Care Advisors
Instagram: Senior Life Care Advisors
LinkedIn: Senior Life Care Advisors

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

MEET VANESSA MORAN

Vanessa Moran became a Chamber Ambassador in 2024. She serves on the school board for the Howard-Suamico School District and has experienced firsthand the importance of partnerships in preparing students for future success. Being a Chamber Ambassador allows her to strengthen relationships and support local businesses to promote collaboration that benefits our community and local schools.

She understood the value of connections when her daughter came home after attending the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s Find Your Inspiration. The annual event gives local eighth grade students a hands-on look at the careers shaping Greater Green Bay. Vanessa remembers her daughter showing her brochures and sharing information about college and career possibilities with energy and enthusiasm. She says, “When students see career pathways and real-world opportunities right here in our community, it helps them envision their future and stay motivated in the classroom. Building these relationships not only strengthens our local economy but also creates partnerships that directly support student success and workforce readiness.”

Her favorite memories come from supporting her fellow Chamber Ambassadors. Vanessa cheered on Jim Knopf in NEW Dancing with Our Stars: “I made a sign for him, and the moment he spotted it in the crowd was unforgettable.” She calls it a fun reminder that being a Chamber Ambassador means not just supporting businesses but also celebrating each other as part of a community.

Vanessa enjoys the sense of teamwork that comes with being a Chamber Ambassador, because “we’re all working toward the same goal of supporting growth and strengthening relationships in our community.” So, what would she say to someone considering the volunteer role?

“It is a wonderful way to connect with people, support local businesses, and be part of something bigger than yourself. It’s not only about networking. It’s about building relationships, celebrating successes, and strengthening the fabric of our community. If you enjoy meeting new people and want to make a positive impact, being an Ambassador is both fun and meaningful.”

Chamber Membership

MELINDA MORELLA-OLSON: “GREATER POSSIBILITIES.”

Greater Green Bay Chamber membership fuels growth, talent and impact.

Melinda Morella-Olson discovered the Greater Green Bay Chamber during a career transition. After six years in education, she stepped into a new role leading community engagement and fund development for Live54218, now known as Wello.

“The Chamber was incubating Live54218, which is a neat model and a testament to the true partner that the Chamber is in the community,” Morella-Olson recalls. “It afforded me opportunities to find my footing and understand industries and sectors that were unfamiliar to me.”

She quickly got involved with the Chamber Young Professionals (CYP) program and started building relationships.

“Some of my best friends in the world are people I met during that time in my life when CYP was helping me build my career,” said Morella-Olson. “The professional development opportunities with CYP were so incredible.”

The CYP program challenged Morella-Olson to step into her own leadership and lead professional development for other young professionals. Those experiences stretched her and helped her to grow in ways that she would not have considered otherwise.

“Being involved in Chamber programs and attending Chamber events really allows you to step into that space and maybe meet someone you didn’t know and make a connection you didn’t know would be so impactful on your life,” said Morella-Olson. “My life is greater because of the Greater Green Bay Chamber. The relationships, the learning, the networking, the opportunity, the development is top notch.”

Today, Morella-Olson serves as Senior Director of Operational Transformation at Breakthrough, an active Greater Green Bay Chamber member. Many of her colleagues participate in Chamber programs such as CYP, the Chamber Ambassadors and Leadership Green Bay. The perspective and energy they bring back to the workplace from those experiences, she says, are “truly incredible.”

“They broaden their understanding of our community and community issues,” said Morella-Olson. “They’re more engaged team members. They’re more engaged community members, and it’s just beneficial for our organization.”

She previously spent time as the co-chair of the Chamber’s Talent Taskforce out of a personal interest in sharing what makes Greater Green Bay special.

“I wasn’t responsible for recruiting talent at my organization, but my passion really lies in bringing people to this community,” said Morella-Olson. “I love this community. I think we have a lot to offer. We were looking at innovative strategies and ways to bring people to Greater Green Bay that maybe hadn’t been talked about or hadn’t talked about in that way.”

So what would Morella-Olson say to organizations considering Chamber membership?

“You’re going to get out of it what you put into it. If you’re not sure if you should attend an event or if you’re uncomfortable stepping into that space by yourself, grab a colleague, grab a coworker, grab a friend and just go see what it’s all about,” she said. “I can attest to the fact that you can get so much out of an experience with the Chamber, so just do it.”

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

MEET JOSH BUSHMAKER

Josh Bushmaker became a Chamber Ambassador in 2022. A mortgage loan officer for AnnieMac Home Mortgage, he wanted to become more engaged with the community. He has also learned a lot about his community during his time as a Chamber Ambassador: “I think we all feel like we know almost everything we have here, but what you learn is how much we really have here to be proud of and promote.”

Some of Josh’s most impactful moments as a Chamber Ambassador have come from conversations with business owners. He prefers to skip the phone call and visit in-person to learn more about the challenges Chamber members face and celebrate in the successes they achieve.

Helping at the annual Welcome Back Packers Luncheon stands out as his favorite memory: “You get to meet people from all over and help them find their tables. The excitement they have when the player or coach gets to their table and the interactions that they have with the player or coach are just something to behold. They tend to all act like kids who are starstruck.”

Josh says it has been “so much fun” to serve as a Chamber Ambassador with a group of people who care about the community. He encourages anyone interested in joining that group to take the chance. “It’s something special that is hard to describe without being part of it.”

Small Business Feature

Rapid Refuel

The Greater Green Bay Chamber defines any business with less than 50 employees as a small business. Small businesses make up more than 80% of our membership base, and we are proud to offer them support and resources through programming, events and workspaces.

This blog post is part of a monthly series highlighting the small businesses in our community. Learn more about Rapid Refuel in this Q&A with Owner, Tanya Matuszewski.

Tell us about Rapid Refuel. What services do you offer? Who is your audience?

“Rapid Refuel is locally owned and operated in Howard. We bring gas to you wherever you may be – home, work, at the gym – like DoorDash, but better – for your gas. Order your fuel with a few taps in our app in less than a minute.

We offer monthly memberships for:

Residential VIP
Business Fleets
Employee Perk Program
Boats

We are here to help families, business professionals, and businesses save time and money.”

When was Rapid Refuel established?

“July 2025”

Why did you decide to start Rapid Refuel?

“We saw a need in the area. You can get your groceries and food delivered to your house, why not gas also? Life isn’t slowing down, so why not help families and businesses with this time-saving convenience.

As of mom of 3 (they are older now), if this would have been a service available when we were in the thick of activities, school, business, I would have 100% been a customer. So, it’s time to help other families.

Additionally, being a business owner in different industries previously, Rapid Refuel provides the ability to help other business owners by offering a service to add profits to the bottom line.”

How would you describe your journey as a business owner?

“Business ownership is fun, rewarding, and challenging – the growth, the ability to learn to pivot and change if something isn’t working. Being willing to understand not all decisions you make are going to work-however, what all your decisions are doing are teaching you. You have to be willing to be a student as a business owner. Surround yourself with others who know more about areas of your business than you do and learn from them.”

What has been the most rewarding moment for you as a business owner?

“The most rewarding moment as a business owner was most recently when we were being referred on a social media post by someone we don’t know.”

What has been the most challenging part of owning a business?

“The most challenging part of owning a business is finding the balance between being a mom, wife, and business owner. There is no such thing as ‘balance’ truly, however, you have to be sure to shut off and spend time with those who truly matter. The work will be there tomorrow morning or Monday, you only get moments with your children or spouse once so make the most of them. This can be very challenging to do especially in the business start up phase–setting boundaries around work time and sticking to them is important.”

Who has been the most influential person to you as a business owner?

“My husband, Aaron. We have been in business ownership together for over 25 years. He is always my biggest supporter, challenges my thinking, and believes in me.”

What are you the most excited about as you look to the future of Rapid Refuel?

“Spreading the word in the Green Bay area to all the families and businesses. The future for Rapid Refuel is very exciting as we continue to :

Deliver to employees who are using a perk that they actually love.
Help families take one thing off of their to-do list and spend more time as a family.
Help businesses have revenue dollars turn to profits because their crews are on the job getting more done.”

How can people find Rapid Refuel?

Find us online at:
Website: www.rapidrefuelgb.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rapidrefuel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rapidrefuel/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RapidRefuel/shorts
TikTok: @rapidrefuelgb

Greater Green Bay Chamber is Now a Certified Family friendly WOrkplace

Family Friendly Workplaces is happy to announce that the Greater Green Bay Chamber has earned a silver-level certification as a Family Friendly Workplace, recognizing its commitment to supporting employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

“A truly great workplace is one where people are supported as individuals, not just employees. This certification affirms our commitment at the Greater Green Bay Chamber to building a culture that respects balance while encouraging growth,” said Lara Fritts, President and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Chamber. “Investing in our people generates lasting value that extends beyond our workplace and into the communities we serve.”

“This certification helps define the standard for values-driven workplaces in our region,” said Nikki Schneider, Director of Talent and Education at the Greater Green Bay Chamber. “It strengthens our ability to attract and retain talent and sends a clear message that supporting people is essential to long-term success. We hope other organizations in Greater Green Bay will follow our lead.”

The Greater Green Bay Chamber earned this certification after a comprehensive evaluation of its workplace policies, including flexible work options, parental leave, healthcare benefits, and family-centric support programs. As a certified employer, the Greater Green Bay Chamber is now entitled to use the Family Friendly Workplaces logo in its talent attraction and retention work, as well as access a range of other benefits.

“We’re proud to recognize the Greater Green Bay Chamber as a Family Friendly Workplace,” said Neil Kline, Executive Director of Family Friendly Workplaces. “Their certification leads the way in northeast Wisconsin, and we believe it is a major encouragement to other employers in the region to consider certification themselves.”

FFW is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Baldwin that certifies nearly 75 employers across Wisconsin as it works to engage employers and communities in an effort to address Wisconsin’s long-term workforce shortage.

For more information about Family Friendly Workplaces and its certification program, visit www.familyfriendlyworkplaces.org.

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

MEET JENNA VANBOXTEL

Jenna VanBoxtel became a Chamber Ambassador in January 2025. An active member of the Chamber Young Professionals (CYP) program, she wanted a larger role at the Chamber to become more involved in the community, expand her network and meet new people.

She believes connecting with area businesses builds a stronger community through collaboration, networking and a sense of belonging. Like many of her fellow Chamber Ambassadors, she calls the experience “very rewarding” and says the volunteer role has helped her to stay informed with what is happening in Greater Green Bay.

Her favorite memories since becoming a Chamber Ambassador come from connecting with other Chamber Ambassadors at events: “I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know them better and building stronger relationships through our shared experiences.”

What would Jenna tell someone interested in becoming a Chamber Ambassador? “Get involved! This experience has provided me with valuable connections and opportunities for personal and professional growth. It offers an inviting atmosphere to network and volunteer within the community.”

CHAMBER FOUNDATION FEATURE

Developing Community Leaders: Anne’s Story

Anne describes herself as a natural-born leader. She was the student who instinctively stepped up when a group project needed direction: “It didn’t matter the group. I was going to do it.”

As a sophomore at Ashwaubenon High School, her eyes were fixed on her future, asking herself: “How do I get into the University of Wisconsin–Madison? How do I build a strong academic résumé?” She played tennis and soccer, but even as a competitive athlete, she knew she would need more to stand out. That is when Anne learned about the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s Teen Leadership program.

“Teen Leadership is so important in growing and developing leaders,” she said. “You get out of your comfort zone; you get out of your school district and make connections to your community with people that you might be able to reach out to 25 years into the future.”

Her Teen Leadership experience consisted of monthly session days, team-building exercises, a community project and visits to places around Greater Green Bay. A graduation ceremony held at the brand-new Meyer Theatre marked the end of her time in the program, but Anne graduated feeling inspired to continue her leadership journey. Teen Leadership introduced her to Greater Green Bay not just as the place she grew up in but as an area full of people, possibilities and potential.

Anne fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. She graduated from UW-Madison and received her law degree from Marquette University Law School, now practicing law as an Associate Attorney at Ruder Ware in Green Bay. She has stayed connected with the people she met in Teen Leadership every step of the way through text messages, emails, social media, even as college classmates.

“I think the plan was always to come back to Green Bay,” she reflects. “If Green Bay hadn’t progressed as it has, thanks to a lot of leaders in the community, it wouldn’t have been as attractive for me to return home.”

Her colleagues encouraged her to go through Leadership Green Bay, and after years of navigating a demanding litigation schedule, the timing aligned for her to be part of the Class of 2026. What strikes her most is how Leadership Green Bay mirrors her experience in Teen Leadership.

“I think that’s one of the goals of Teen Leadership and Leadership Green Bay,” she says. “To bring good, smart people who have high aspirations and want Green Bay to be better, together. Learning about Green Bay that young and now learning about it again as an adult connects those experiences in a way that inspires me to get more involved.”

Anne’s story reflects what makes the Chamber’s talent pipeline powerful. It meets people where they are, gives them space to grow and reconnects them to their community when they are ready—even twenty years later.

Your investment in the Greater Green Bay Chamber Foundation develops future community leaders and makes it possible for students like Anne to build a network that will last a lifetime.

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

MEET JOLEEN ALLARD

Chamber Membership

MICHAEL ALEXANDER: “ACCESS TO GREATER OPPORTUNITIES.”

Small Business Feature

Senior Life Care Advisors

Tell us about Senior Life Care Advisors. What services do you offer? Who is your audience?

When was Senior Life Care Advisors established?

Why did you decide to start Senior Life Care Advisors?

How would you describe your journey as a business owner?

What has been the most rewarding moment for you as a business owner?

What has been the most challenging part of owning a business?

Who has been the most influential person to you as a business owner?

What are you most excited about as you look to the future of Senior Life Care Advisors?

How can people find Senior Life Care Advisors?

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

MEET VANESSA MORAN

Chamber Membership

MELINDA MORELLA-OLSON: “GREATER POSSIBILITIES.”

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

MEET JOSH BUSHMAKER

Small Business Feature

Rapid Refuel

Tell us about Rapid Refuel. What services do you offer? Who is your audience?

When was Rapid Refuel established?

Why did you decide to start Rapid Refuel?

How would you describe your journey as a business owner?

What has been the most rewarding moment for you as a business owner?

What has been the most challenging part of owning a business?

Who has been the most influential person to you as a business owner?

What are you the most excited about as you look to the future of Rapid Refuel?

How can people find Rapid Refuel?

Greater Green Bay Chamber is Now a Certified Family friendly WOrkplace

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

MEET JENNA VANBOXTEL

CHAMBER FOUNDATION FEATURE

Developing Community Leaders: Anne’s Story

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