Category: Chamber Blog

Small Business Feature

Promoting Abilities

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 new monthly series highlighting the small businesses in our community. Learn more about Promoting Abilities in this Q&A with Owner and Founder, Greg Maloney.

Tell us about Promoting Abilities. What is your mission?

“Promoting Abilities is all about helping high-functioning disabled adults learn the necessary skills to become independent. This all starts with developing them on necessity skill sets to better improve their life.”

What services do you offer?

“We provide a technical service term called community-based adult day service. We are out in the community providing hands-on learning opportunities that can only be replicated through real-life practices. We provide a large variety of skill development from learning how to become independent in grocery shopping, community integration through public transportation (both sectors of microtransit & traditional city buses), successful living in an apartment setting, money and time management skills, and navigating through soft skills development that can be incorporated in any scenario.”

Who does Promoting Abilities serve?

“We serve high-functioning disabled adults who have a strong desire and ability to learn necessary life skills to transition into independent life style. Ideal candidate age ranges from 18 to 30 years old, and someone who is open-minded to ideas of developing themselves for independent future. We have served and do serve individuals outside those age ranges, but we want to make sure that we have a cohesive group that find the same or similar lifestyle values and will develop lifelong lasting relationships.”

When was Promoting Abilities established?

“We established ourselves truly in 2018.”

Why did you decide to start Promoting Abilities?

“My experience as an advocate for high-functioning disabled adults through ongoing roles in the social work field led me to develop this program. After a decade of experiencing ongoing requests to find a program that could truly develop high-functioning disabled adults, I decided to develop this comprehensive program. I brainstormed ways that I could develop a program that could bring disabled individuals into higher standard of living outlook.”

How would you describe your journey as a business owner?

“I feel as though I am ever-learning with ever-changing aspects like life itself. You go through life feeling as though you have many stages or chapters that define moments you experience along your journey. The early stages help create a foundation that allows you to withstand whatever obstacles you encounter, and you come out learning from those life experiences which causes personal growth. I went from learning how to just run a small business effectively to adapting for the COVID-19 pandemic, then transitioning from renting to owning my new business location. I have been so fortunate to have people in my life that have given me opportunities to naturally grow as a small business owner.”

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

“Seeing participants succeed in life after so many people discredited them in life. When you go from someone coming straight from high school and within two years, they are working full-time, living on their own, and managing their own life by accessing their community via public transportation as navigating outlet, what an awesome outcome manifests from our working relationship.”

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

“Marketing yourself in a field that is guarded due to others taking advantage of disabled adults in life. You do not get to market your business in this field like a traditional business owner might in other fields. The other aspect is finding out how unbalanced business renovation costs are (typically double to triple the cost from residential to commercial). This makes it extremely challenging when unexpected repairs arise. I found out the hard way, when I purchased this commercial property and needed it completely renovated.”

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

“My wife, Melissa, without a doubt. She has been someone who has fully invested in my business from the very beginning, and her role only continues to grow. She is such a naturally gifted person. She helps come up with strategies and ideas on how to better teach our participants or incorporate ideas to leverage their talents which comes from her years of upper management experiences with influencing positive workplace changes. I can honestly say she is one of the most creative and artistically-inclined people I know. She makes the majority of my marketing material and comes up with most of the ideas. Interior design and concepts is something she does well with, and her problem-solving skills are top-notch. She figures out how to navigate through issues all the time with innovative ideas. When it comes to any projects we can do together, she is right there helping. I could not have done the transition from Start Up Hub tenancy to owning my current space without her ongoing help and support. We both work practically every day of the week together through our multiple businesses we run now. I truly am a better business owner and overall person because of her influence.”

What are you the most excited about as you look to the future of Promoting Abilities?

“Obtaining more creditability as a provider as participants move out into their own apartments, get future jobs, take public transportation on their own, and more individuals graduate from my program.”

How can people find Promoting Abilities?

“Promoting Abilities is located at 822 Cormier Road, Green Bay, WI 54304. Visit our website or Facebook page to find updates on what’s happening in our program.”

Member Spotlight

Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors in Brown County

What started as a volunteer-operated 24-hour telephone helpline for domestic violence victims in 1979 has grown into the nonprofit, Golden House, Inc., with robust services and a 60-person shelter for individuals and families living in Brown County and surrounding areas.

Our mission is to provide safety and support for victims of domestic abuse while leading efforts to end domestic violence in our community. The Golden House team is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds find safety and healing.

Whether an individual needs immediate help or long-term support, we strive to create a safer community for all. Our work includes:

  • Safety: 24/7 crisis response, safety planning, crisis counseling, restraining order support, shelter assessments.
  • Support: Adult and child mental health therapy, support groups, parent mentoring.
  • Housing: Emergency shelter, flexible safe home support, Rapid Re-Housing Program.
  • Prevention Education: Healthy relationship education, domestic violence education tailored to childhood, workplace and healthcare audiences.

There are many opportunities for the community to engage in and support our work at Golden House. Volunteers directly meet needs within our agency by completing tasks such as cleaning and answering phones. Attending one of our events helps us raise awareness about Golden House and domestic violence while also raising critical funds to support our mission. Following us on social media and donating items from our Wishlist Wednesday social media posts help us meet the basic needs of those we serve 24/7, especially as an emergency shelter. We are thankful for the community support that allows us to provide our vital services every day.

Looking ahead, Golden House is committed to continuing to support survivors of domestic violence through outreach and shelter services. We want to ensure that all survivors have access to the resources and support necessary for healing and rebuilding their lives.

Golden House is located at 1120 University Ave. in Green Bay. For more information about our services and opportunities to engage, visit www.goldenhousegb.org.

Member Spotlight

A Place Where Everyone Belongs and People Come First

For more than 75 years, Curative Connections has served the people of Brown County. From first helping those affected by polio and other physical conditions to providing work opportunities for people with disabilities as NEW Curative Workshop, we continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our community.

Today, Curative Connections focuses on three areas: dementia and healthy aging, cognitive and life skills and care partner support. We offer 13 person-centered programs that help more than 1,600 people every week at our two locations in Green Bay and one location in Shawano. We empower people to build skills, adopt a more independent way of living, and grow through enriching opportunities.

Curative Connections proudly opened Yesteryear Village in 2024. With the number of people living with memory loss expected to grow 105% by 2040, Yesteryear Village allows us to better serve those people and their families. By creating an environment from our participants’ younger years, they are able to engage in interactive experiences in a safe, familiar space while remembering what their lives were like between the ages of 18 and 30. Featured spaces include the:

  • Diner
  • Auto garage
  • Passenger train car
  • Back porch
  • Village square
  • Barbershop & beauty salon

The Village fosters self-direction, encourages hands-on interactions, and promotes social interaction. We conducted eight years of research in planning this project that showed us how this model effectively reduces the anxiety, confusion and agitation commonly experienced by people with dementia.

Community support is critical to the work of Curative Connections. Donations directly support our programs and allow people to access our services without financial barriers. Volunteers help us provide more than 200 rides each day through our specialized transportation department and play an important role in our events throughout the year. But most importantly, we invite the community to learn about Curative Connections and help us spread the word to reach more people who might benefit from our work.

To learn more about the mission of Curative Connections, services and ways to get involved, visit CurativeConnections.org.

Small Business Feature

Awaken

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 new monthly series highlighting the small businesses in our community. Learn more about Awaken in this Q&A with Executive Director, Kasia Klaus.

Tell us about Awaken. What is your mission?

“Awaken acts to transform our community with the ultimate goal of eradicating commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). Our mission is to increase awareness and education around the issue of CSE and to provide healing and restoration for survivors. We aim for the survivors of CSE to be restored to their fullest potential.”

When was Awaken established?

“Awaken was founded in May of 2011 in Reno, Nevada and expanded to Brown County, WI officially in June of 2022.”

What inspired you to bring Awaken to Wisconsin?

“Unfortunately, post-Covid the nonprofit that previously existed specifically serving this population in our area dissolved, therefore leaving a gap in restorative services for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. Having a passion for underserved populations and seeing this human rights issue go unaddressed was not something I could turn a blind eye to.” 

What services does Awaken offer?

“The location of the Awaken Center is intentionally placed between two bus stops in the heart of industrial Green Bay, making it easily accessible for participants. The Center is a safe and welcoming atmosphere for survivors to seek reprieve and obtain various services that are made available to them.

Awaken Center

The Awaken Center exists to meet the basic needs of our participants as best we can. At the Center, participants can utilize the shower during specific time periods, grab food and beverages that are readily available while at the Center, visit our coffee bar, access the various art projects or board games on site, speak with an advocate regarding resources in our community, visit our clothing boutique, use the business center, or just relax on the couch. Our heart is to meet participants where they are and assess their immediate needs. If a service is beyond our scope, we ensure a warm handoff to a community partner that may be better suited to address that specific need.

Peer Support Groups

The foundation of our Peer Support Groups is relationship; true impact comes with building trust and rapport. Our groups are offered a couple of times a week. Through these groups, we address topics such as grounding techniques, art therapy, guest speakers, and numerous other psycho-educational classes that help equip participants with the tools needed to achieve self-sustainment. Before the group, we serve a homemade meal, usually provided by one of our volunteers from our meals team. This allows us to build community and provides an optimal setting for open conversations.

Jail Outreach

Our Outreach Coordinator’s serve as an advocate in the Brown County Jail to help connect our participants to needed resources, aid in developing a plan for re-entry upon release, possible transportation from the jail to a program, provide an emergency pack full of hygiene products when released, and most importantly the ability to establish community while incarcerated.

Education/Training

Education efforts are an imperative part of ensuring that vulnerable populations, such as disadvantaged youth, understand sex trafficking and CSE. Awaken’s prevention education is a community effort to ensure that the crimes of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking will eventually be eradicated. In 2024 alone, Awaken provided approximately 61 trainings to professionals, community members, and various schools in our area.”

How would you describe your journey as a nonprofit founder so far?

“The journey has been one of passion, challenges, and resilience. It has become more than just running an organization—it’s about building a community. We have connected with law enforcement agencies, social workers, lawyers, and advocates to create a strong support system for survivors.

One of the most rewarding parts of the journey is seeing lives change—survivors finding healing, vulnerable populations becoming more protected, and our community waking up to the reality of what CSE and sex trafficking look like on a local level.”

  • Awaken office
  • Awaken
What has been the most rewarding moment for you in founding and running a nonprofit?

“I couldn’t be more proud of our community’s collective efforts to eradicate sex trafficking and ensure survivors have adequate services available. Together, we’ve created life-changing opportunities for our participants to rebuild their lives, while raising awareness and strengthening protection for countless vulnerable individuals.”

What has been the most challenging part of founding and running a nonprofit?

“Unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits rely on grants, donations, and sponsorships. Consistently finding and maintaining funding can be tough, especially when there are limited resources for all the amazing nonprofits in our area.”

Who has been the most influential person to you in your advocacy journey?

“My husband has been a huge influence in starting this new venture. He has not only supported this journey, but has actively championed the cause alongside me. His shared passion and advocacy within the community has helped amplify our impact and built stronger connections to help continue our mission. For me, Awaken is not a job, it has become a calling for our family.”

What are you the most excited about as you look to the future of Awaken in Green Bay?

“Although the road ahead remains challenging, our progress fuels our resolve to continue the difference we are making. We are looking forward to new initiatives aimed at prevention and survivor empowerment, and hope our community will continue in this movement with us. We actually have some exciting news that we will share at our 2025 Benefit Concert taking place on May 15th, so you won’t want to miss it!”

How can people find and support Awaken?

“Getting involved with Awaken is a powerful way to support survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and help prevent trafficking in our community. You can volunteer your time, participate in awareness events, donate to sustain our critical services, or become an advocate for survivors. Whether through financial support, community engagement, or professional collaboration, your involvement strengthens our mission to restore lives and create lasting change. Learn more at www.awakenjustice.org and on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.”

Member Spotlight

Leading the Vending Industry with Innovation and Technology

Our innovative full-service approach means that no two customers receive the same service from BE’S Refreshments, Inc. We work directly with each of our customers to learn about their needs and craft a highly personalized plan based off of our offerings.

Along with fresh food direct from our culinary center, BE’S Refreshments, Inc. provides snacks, soda, pantry service and coffee items. We also place coffee machines, water filtration systems, ice machines, and our flavored filtered water system, the Bevi, in businesses throughout our service area.

BE’S Refreshments, Inc. operates from Wisconsin locations in Green Bay, Fond du Lac, Sturgeon Bay and one Michigan location in Gwinn. Our service area covers all of northeast Wisconsin and extends into the Upper Peninsula.

As we celebrate 45 years in business, we recognize the tremendous growth we have experienced as an organization. BE’S Refreshments, Inc. proudly employs team members from companies that we have acquired over the years including Stiener Vending, Wright Vending, A to Z Vending, and most recently, Konop Vending. Our team drives our work and leads our ‘BE’S Intentional Culture.’ We foster a collaborative environment where creativity and variety thrive. From developing new snack concepts to preparing high-quality meals for our customers, teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.

BE’S Refreshments, Inc. remains on the leading edge of technology and offers the latest and greatest in our service to customers. We monitor data from telemetry units in all of our vending machines and use micro-markets in the field to identify trends. Our machines also accept digital payment options including Apple Pay and Google Pay in addition to credit cards and cash.

Looking to the future, more AI technology will allow us to be more responsive to customer wants and needs than ever before. We anticipate making processes even more convenient with innovations that include unattended walk-in stores and more touchless machinery.

For more information about BE’S Refreshments, Inc. locations, services and careers, visit BESRefreshments.com.

Member Spotlight

Parallel 44 & Door 44: Redefining Wisconsin Wine

Back in May of 2005, when Steve Johnson and Maria Milano Johnson planted their first vines in the vineyards of Parallel 44 they had a vision of putting Wisconsin on the map as an unexpected area of the wine world. Back then, many thought it was a gamble to start a wine region known more for football, cheese, and the Frozen Tundra. Since that time, they have grown their production from 20,000 bottles a year to 150,000 bottles a year from Parallel 44 in Kewaunee County and Door 44 in Door County.

Our business model and purpose has and will always be to produce Wisconsin wines, from the ground to the glass. Many other wineries use grapes and juice from other parts of the nation, but we insist that our wines be 100% Wisconsin. Our wines capture the unique aspects of our soil, topography, and climate that the French call terrior or “sense of place”. In fact, this region of Northeast Wisconsin from Washington Island down the lakeshore to Port Washington is now an official nationally recognized wine appellation called the Wisconsin Ledge. We take great pride in being the largest producer of Wisconsin Ledge wines.

The reality is that wines from the Wisconsin Ledge are winning national and international accolades. Even though we are world famous for our cheese and football, we are now getting recognition for our wines. Over the past few years we have been fortunate to receive 61 double gold medals, 63 best of class awards and 32 wines scored 90 points or higher.

Not too long ago, when you said Wisconsin wine, most people thought you were talking only about cherry, sweet, or not very serious wines. However, we are proud to offer our customers and wine club members over 30 wines that are grown and produced here in Northeast Wisconsin from sparkling to sweet to dry and from reds to whites to roses’.

Our most recent venture was to help create a Voluntary Quality Apellation with three other Wisconsin Ledge wineries in order to define both quality and characteristics parameters for  our Ledge Blanc wines. To be a Ledge Blanc wine the wine must be locally grown and score 90 points or higher. This offers wine enthusiasts a high degree of consumer confidence in the quality of the wine and helps increase both state and national awareness of the wines that this area can produce.

The near future offers guest an opportunity to attend our 14th  annual Frozen Tundra Wine Fest to be held on Sat, Febuary 22 at our Door 44 location. It’s the largest outdoor winter wine festival in the Midwest and an opportunity for Wisconsinites to get a first-hand experience as to why the Frozen Tundra is now becoming famous for more than just football. Come, see, and taste for yourself what wine from the Frozen Tundra is all about.

  • Parallel 44 wines
  • Parallel 44 harvest

Small Business Feature

Allure Crown & Glory

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 new monthly series highlighting the small businesses in our community. Learn more about Allure Crown & Glory LLC in this Q&A with CEO and Founder, Tracey Fuller.

Tell us about Allure Crown & Glory. What products and/or services do you offer?

“Allure Crown & Glory is a beauty supply store and oasis offering a wide range of inclusive products and services. We provide haircare, skincare, and grooming products for men, women, and children. On the service side, we specialize in braiding, lash artistry, and other beauty enhancements, creating a welcoming space for self-expression and empowerment.”

When did Allure Crown & Glory first open?

“The salon services side of Allure Crown & Glory opened in July 2024, and the store officially opened its doors on October 13, 2024.”

Why did you decide to start Allure Crown & Glory?

“I started Allure Crown & Glory to address the lack of access to beauty products and services for Black families in our community. After relocating, I realized there was a gap in meeting these needs, and I felt compelled to create a space where everyone could feel represented and cared for.”

How would you describe your journey as a small business owner so far?

“It’s been a journey of growth, resilience, and learning. Starting this business meant overcoming self-doubt and financial challenges, but it has also been an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the positive impact on my community keeps me motivated.”

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

“The most rewarding moment has been opening our doors and witnessing the joy and confidence our clients feel when they use our products or services. Building a business that uplifts others and fills a gap in the community is the most fulfilling part.”

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

“The biggest challenges have been funding and balancing the responsibilities of running a business with my personal life. Learning to trust myself and push through self-doubt has been key to overcoming these obstacles.”

  • Allure Crown and Glory
  • Allure Crown and Glory
Who has been the most influential person to you as a business owner?

“My husband and children have been my biggest supporters, always encouraging me to keep going. Their belief in my vision has been a source of strength and motivation throughout this journey.”

What are you the most excited about as you look to the future of Allure Crown & Glory?

“I’m most excited about growing the business and introducing new opportunities for empowerment, like the vision of Allure University. This would be a space where young people can learn skills like hair care, skincare, and product creation, building confidence and a sense of self-worth.”

How can people find your business?

“Allure Crown & Glory is located at 1255 S Monroe Suite 102-103, Green Bay, WI. Visit us online at www.allurecrownglory.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, promotions and more.”

Member Spotlight

Two Businesses, One Organization: Excellence at VerHalen, Inc.

VerHalen, Inc. calls Green Bay home with two distinct business segments: VerHalen Construction and Pella Windows & Doors of Wisconsin. We have a team of 245 employees, including 80 union field crew carpenters, working in Northeast Wisconsin and at our Pella Experience Centers located in Brookfield and Madison.

Since 1911, VerHalen Inc. has worked with contractors in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula to bring complex projects to life. Our VerHalen Construction team serves as a trusted subcontractor for large commercial projects and specializes in steel stud framing, drywall installation and acoustical ceiling solutions. We are always exploring new technologies and equipment that will help us better serve our clients. The expertise of our team combined with our commitment to safety, efficiency and accuracy allows us to execute the high-quality craftsmanship our clients have come to expect.

Our Pella Windows and Doors of Wisconsin segment operates as an independent Pella distributor. We focus on developing new products and offer premium window and door solutions that tailor to the diverse needs of the homeowners, builders, remodelers and commercial contractors we serve. Our team provides expert guidance and support throughout the selection and installation process.

At VerHalen, Inc., we strive to build a coherent and intentional culture based on shared values. Our values act as guidelines on the behaviors and mindsets needed to achieve our vision. We train employees by providing examples of what our values look like in action and offer strategies employees can refer to in their work. At our quarterly employee meetings, we recognize employees who receive a peer nomination for living our values.

We recognize that our success at VerHalen, Inc. would not be possible without our team, and we make it a point to share our success with employees throughout the year. We show our appreciation through bonuses, extra 401k contributions and fun events and gatherings.

We also give back to our community and support local causes that align with our passions at VerHalen, Inc. We work with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for those in need and Special Spaces to help with bedroom makeovers for children with cancer. We also support Curative Connections in helping people overcome barriers to stay connected.

VerHalen, Inc. is building a brand-new home office on 41, and we hope to welcome people into that fresh, modern space by Fall 2025. For more information about VerHalen, Inc., our business segments and contact information, visit VerHalenInc.com.

How NWTC Guides Students to their Ideal Career Path

Choosing a career path can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. At Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), we understand that not every student knows exactly what they want to study when they walk through our doors. That’s why we offer a range of tools to help undecided students find the program that best fits their interests, strengths, and goals. 

Resources for undecided majors

PathwayU: Traditional career assessments help determine a person’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals before making career recommendations. But PathwayU, a career guidance platform, uses predictive science to help students find their ideal career path and guides them through different career options. PathwayU is available online for free to community members and NWTC students. After taking the assessment, students can meet with one of NWTC’s career advisors to discuss their results. 

Program shadows: Students who are considering a certain program or career but are unsure if it’s the right fit can sign up to shadow a program of interest at NWTC. Program shadows offer firsthand insight into a program’s classrooms, academic environment, and interactions with current students and faculty members. There may even be hands-on learning opportunities, such as climbing a pole in the electrical power program, viewing a simulation in a health science lab, and more. 

Admissions advisors: Once students decide on an area of interest, they can contact their designated NWTC admissions advisor. An admissions advisor works with students to pinpoint which of our 200 programs fits them the best, assists with the application process, and helps enroll them in the appropriate classes. High school students can contact their Student Services Office or the admissions advisor assigned to their school for guidance. 

At NWTC, we’re here to support our current and future students every step of the way. From high school students to those looking for a career change, we’ll help them find the program that matches their passions and sets them up for a fulfilling career. 

*Blog post is result of a Chamber event sponsorship package. 

Member Spotlight

Believing in People

You might recognize Goodwill as a place to thrift for a good deal or donate unwanted items. Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) is a non-profit organization that provides a shopping experience beyond that of a traditional retail store. Every donation and purchase supports creating career pathways for individuals in the community through skill-building.

The Goodwill philosophy of providing a hand up, not just a hand out, dates back to 1902. Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and early social innovator, collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of Boston. He trained and hired individuals who were struggling to mend and repair the used goods before reselling them or giving them to those individuals.

Goodwill NCW started addressing the needs of local communities in 1971. We serve 35 counties across northeast, north central and northwest Wisconsin with 28 retail store locations, including our outlet store.

Our mission is elevating people by eliminating barriers to employment. We provide pathways to the underserved, underrepresented or disadvantaged with a goal of building job skills that lead to sustained employment and improved financial stability. We partner with local businesses to create opportunities for individuals to secure and sustain employment and continue to offer guidance tailored to their unique needs that will help them reach their goals. Pathways may include:

Up-skilling through classroom style courses or certifications with on-the-job training within a Goodwill NCW location or local business.

Guiding participants through the stages of seeking and securing employment while sustaining success at work through career exploration, resume building and goal development.

Providing post-employment support through one-on-one coaching, job goal tracking, wrap-around services for challenges outside of work, and advocacy or coordination with their employer.

In 2023, individuals served by Goodwill NCW’s mission programs increased their collective annual income by $4.6 million across north central Wisconsin.

We plan to continue strengthening  and growing our mission impact through partnerships and resource-sharing as we look to the future.

For more information about locations, programs and services, visit goodwillncw.org.

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Green Bay, WI 54303

(920) 593 - 3400

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