Dan Lightfuss Named Vice President of Finance and Administration at the Greater Green bay Chamber

The Greater Green Bay Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of Dan Lightfuss as Vice President of Finance and Administration. In this key leadership role, Lightfuss will provide strategic oversight of the Chamber’s financial management, administrative operations, and organizational infrastructure, helping to guide long-term growth and ensure alignment with the Chamber’s mission and strategic priorities.

“Dan’s experience and perspective will be a strong asset to our leadership team,” said Lara Fritts, President and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Chamber. “He understands how to align financial stewardship with organizational strategy, and his leadership will support the Chamber’s continued growth and impact.”

As Vice President of Finance and Administration, Lightfuss will partner closely with the President and CEO, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors to shape financial strategy, lead budgeting and forecasting, and provide insight into opportunities for sustainable growth. He will also oversee key administrative functions, including accounting, human resources, information technology, and facilities, ensuring that systems and processes effectively support the Chamber’s operations and long-term impact.

Lightfuss brings more than 30 years of experience in accounting and financial leadership, with a background spanning public accounting, nonprofit organizations, and compliance-focused environments. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Riverview Gardens, where he led financial operations, budgeting, reporting, and audit processes while working closely with executive leadership and boards. Throughout his career, Lightfuss has been recognized as a disciplined and highly committed leader, consistently going above and beyond to ensure accuracy, accountability, and strong outcomes. He is equally known for his ability to mentor and develop others, working alongside colleagues to build knowledge, strengthen capabilities, and support team success. His background includes audit leadership, regulatory compliance, financial consulting, and performance reporting across a wide range of industries.

I am honored to join the Greater Green Bay Chamber and to be part of an organization that plays such an important role in supporting businesses and the broader community,” said Lightfuss. “I look forward to contributing to the Chamber’s continued success and working alongside a team committed to meaningful impact.

Lightfuss holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Wisconsin. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, having served on multiple board and finance leadership roles.

Oneida Nation’s Economic Impact Reaches $1.09 Billion in Wisconsin

Chamber members gained a deeper understanding of a key regional economic driver at the April Greater Green Bay Chamber Economic Development Board meeting, where a new independent study from fellow members St. Norbert College and the Oneida Nation was presented.

The study highlights the scale and reach of the Oneida Nation’s economic footprint, estimating $1.09 billion in total economic activity in Wisconsin by 2025, along with more than $94 million in taxes paid to non-tribal governments.

For members, those numbers reflect more than just economic output. They represent real activity flowing through local businesses, jobs that support families and communities, and partnerships that strengthen the broader regional economy.

Oneida

The report breaks down that $1.09 billion into several layers. Approximately $653 million comes from direct economic activity, including spending on salaries, goods and services. That investment alone supports 3,266 jobs. From there, the impact continues to ripple outward through indirect and induced effects, as employees spend wages locally, suppliers scale to meet demand and businesses grow alongside that activity.

While gaming remains an important component, the study underscores that it is only part of a much broader and increasingly diversified economic portfolio. About one-third of Oneida Nation’s total economic activity is tied to gaming, supporting roughly 1,500 jobs. The remainder spans a wide range of enterprises, including financial services, hospitality operations such as hotels, retail fuel and convenience stores, agricultural and agritourism ventures, and commercial leasing partnerships with businesses ranging from grocery stores to retail tenants.

That diversification is meaningful for Chamber members, as it reflects expanding opportunities for collaboration, supply chain partnerships and shared growth across industries.

The study also points to significant growth over time. Since the last analysis in 2018, Oneida Nation’s economic impact has increased by approximately $249 million. That growth is driven by expansion across business lines and continued reinvestment in infrastructure and services.

The findings are further grounded in a broader historical context. Prior to the rise of tribal gaming in the 1990s, the Oneida Nation, like many Indigenous communities, faced limited economic opportunity, with many members relying on low-wage, seasonal work. Today’s impact reflects decades of strategic development and investment.

A key part of that strategy is reinvestment. Revenue generated by Oneida Nation is directed back into healthcare, education, public safety, infrastructure and land reacquisition efforts to support not only economic development, but long-term community stability and growth.

Taken together, the study presents a picture of an economy that is not only substantial in size but deeply connected to the region’s overall economic health. The $1.09 billion impact represents an evolving network of businesses, jobs and investments that continue to create value across Northeast Wisconsin.

member spotlight

leadership in education starts with listening

Walk into a classroom today, and you’ll see something very different than a generation ago. Students are moving, collaborating, and solving problems together. A teacher shifts between guiding discussion, supporting small groups, and encouraging independent thinking, all within a single lesson. 

Learning has changed, and the spaces that support learning have had to change with it. 

Today’s classrooms are dynamic, more student-driven, and focused on building skills that extend far beyond academics — collaboration, communication, curiosity, and critical thinking. These are the skills students will carry into their careers and communities. 

For over 80 years, KI has worked alongside educators to understand the powerful connection between environment and learning, grounding every solution in real insights from students and teachers. By listening first, KI creates spaces that support how people learn, grow, and thrive, while reflecting the distinct needs and culture of each school community. Because when the environment works, engagement follows. 

In classroom research conducted by KI, the percentage of students who said their classroom was “fun to study in” increased from 50% to 92% after a furniture update. Students who felt their space supported their individual needs rose from 50% to 80%, and collaboration improved significantly, with students reporting it was easy to break into groups increasing from 35% to 96%. 

These changes aren’t just about furniture. They’re about what becomes possible. Flexible spaces give students agency while allowing teachers to adapt in real time. For younger learners, movement supports discovery. For older students, it enables deeper collaboration and problem-solving. 

The environment does not replace great teaching. It amplifies it. 

At the center of every successful classroom there is an educator who brings learning to life. Teachers create the moments that spark confidence, inspire curiosity, and unlock potential in ways that last far beyond the classroom. 

That’s why supporting educators is central to the KI commitment to education and why initiatives like the Golden Apple Awards matter. Recognizing teaching excellence reinforces a simple truth: education is people-powered. 

When educators are supported and celebrated, students benefit. Schools grow stronger. Communities thrive. 

Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, KI is an employee-owned manufacturer and designer of innovative, human-centered furniture solutions. But leadership in education goes beyond what is built — it’s about partnership, research, and a shared investment in the future. 

Because the most important part of any learning environment isn’t the furniture. 

It’s the people in the room. 

*This blog post is part of a Chamber event sponsorship package.

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?

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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

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