Chamber Blog Archives | Page 6 of 9 | Greater Green Bay Chamber

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.

Member Spotlight

Bringing Hope to Brown County Individuals and Families

This holiday season, thousands of local volunteers are preparing to ring bells at red kettles throughout Greater Green Bay. These familiar sights and sounds symbolize the launch of The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Campaign, our largest fundraiser of the year. But the campaign extends beyond the red kettles, engaging the community through special events, mail appeals, and online platforms. The funds raised during the Christmas Campaign support essential services that continue well after the holiday decorations are put away and the bells have quieted.

Since 1891, The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay has been dedicated to meeting the basic, emergency, spiritual, and wellness needs of people in Brown County. True to our commitment to “Doing the Most Good,” we offer a range of services, including a food pantry, hot lunches, showers, and case management support for those experiencing homelessness or hardship. We also provide educational and recreational programs for all ages, including seniors, and host cultural arts and ministry activities.

Our presence in Green Bay includes two locations: the Corps Community Center located at 626 Union Ct. and the Kroc Community Center at 1315 Lime Kiln Rd. We warmly invite anyone seeking assistance, interested in our programs, or curious about ways to contribute to visit either location for a tour and learn more about our mission. Of course, our work wouldn’t be possible without the time, talent, and generosity of our volunteers. Throughout the year, community members lend their support to our many programs, services, and special events. We welcome volunteers for all our initiatives and also appreciate monetary and in-kind donations from individuals and businesses. Essential items such as food, hygiene supplies, school supplies, and toys are always in demand, and as winter approaches, we also seek coats, blankets, warm socks, hats, mittens, and other cold-weather essentials for our homeless outreach. Additionally, our Adopt-a-Family program, active in December, provides Christmas gifts and household items for families in need, while our Silver Bells program brings gifts to local senior citizens.

Looking ahead, The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay is actively assessing community needs to identify service gaps and shape a strategic plan to enhance and expand our programming across both locations.

For a complete list of services, or to learn how you can get involved, visit SAGreenBay.org or GBKrocCenter.org.

Member Spotlight

90 Years of Doing the Right Thing

At Capital Credit Union, our mission of “Doing the Right Thing” is more than just words. It is a goal that comes to life with every interaction with our members, our teams, and our community. Since 1934 we have been living out our vision “to inspire financial well-being for all through access, care and collaboration.” We are a not-for-profit financial institution that was organized with the sole purpose of providing community members with better financial solutions. Our members are at the heart of every decision we make, which is why we place such a strong emphasis on personalized service and innovative financial products. By fostering a community built on trust and shared goals, we inspire confidence and create pathways to success for our more than 120,000 members.

Over our 90 plus years, we have continually worked to make our communities a better place. From helping a family get a low-interest home loan to yearly supporting over 200 nonprofit organizations and initiatives, we are more than just a financial institution; we are a trusted community partner. In 2018, as an example of living our values, we started the Elevate Communities program. This program helps local police, fire, and EMS upgrade or purchase lifesaving equipment and resources needed to continue to protect our communities. To date we have given $700,000 to local first responders. Through this initiative, we reinforce our commitment to safety and wellbeing, ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to serving others have the support they need to thrive. At Capital Credit Union, we’re not just investing in financial growth; we’re investing in the heart of every community we serve. Together, we are building a foundation of trust and opportunity that not only benefits our members but also creates a ripple effect that enhances the greater community.

Join us and be a part of something special! Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest activities, tips, and insights. You can also visit us at capitalcu.com to explore how Capital Credit Union can make a positive impact on your financial well-being. Join Capital Credit Union today and experience the difference we can make together.

Member Spotlight

Embracing Innovation in Logistics by Asking: ‘What If?’

RGL Logistics first emerged in the Green Bay business community more than 120 years ago. The forward-thinking third-party logistics provider started with one man, two horses, a flat wagon and a vision.

Today, the RGL Logistics footprint includes more than 3.5 million square feet of warehousing and 26 facilities located in Green Bay and the Fox Cities. Our comprehensive logistics services include warehousing, distribution, packaging and transportation. With a network that extends across the U.S. and Canada, we provide integrated, end-to-end solutions designed to support the evolving needs of our supply chain partners.

The key to our success and longevity is our unique ‘What If?’ mindset. We constantly find ways to improve processes, deliver value and shape the future of logistics. Challenging the status quo allows us to meet the changing needs of our customers.

Throughout our growth and the evolution of our industry, RGL Logistics has stayed true to five core values.

Work Safe, Live Safe
Treat Everyone with Dignity & Respect
Act with Honesty & Integrity
Continuously Improve
Be Accountable

We are proud to have a culture where values shape actions, and those actions drive positive outcomes for our teammates, our partners and the communities we serve.

RGL Logistics takes pride in being a people-first company. We believe teammates that feel valued and engaged at work will influence stronger partnerships, better service for our customers and more meaningful connections in the community.

Volunteerism is essential to our culture, specifically efforts centered around families, children and veterans. As an organization, RGL Logistics partners with many local nonprofits throughout the year. We also encourage individual teammates to volunteer for causes they are passionate about through our Community Enrichment Program.

The future of RGL Logistics will focus on strategic growth and enhancing our capabilities to deliver greater value to customers. We are energized by the opportunities ahead in distribution and plan to continue executing at an award-winning level.

For more information about our services, commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and career opportunities, visit RGLLogistics.com.

Member Spotlight

Taking Action to Promote Inclusion

Each October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM is an opportunity to affirm our commitment to ensuring workers with disabilities have access to good jobs every month of the year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official NDEAM theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All.”

Here in Wisconsin, the Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is designed to help individuals achieve their career goals, and to help businesses build a talented, inclusive workforce.

To accomplish this, DVR and businesses work together in a variety of ways. Some companies offer work experiences to individuals who need opportunities to further develop their skills. Businesses can host work experiences where an individual works for the company, learns skills, and experiences the company culture. DVR and its service providers offer support to both the individual working and the business during the work experience, and DVR covers the wage cost.

At DVR, we work closely with Wisconsin businesses to develop creative and flexible work experiences, often incorporating innovative supports at little to no cost to the employer. Examples include welcoming on-the-job coaching and instruction when individuals need customized training, creating task lists to aid in organization, allowing for flexible work hours, or modifying the work to accommodate an individual’s needs.

Every experience enables a member of our community to gain skills and confidence, and our data shows these experiences improve the likelihood that a person will find permanent work. Organizations supporting work experiences appreciate the opportunity to contribute to an individual’s success and report that they “get as much as they give” during the experience!

DVR is grateful to the hundreds of Wisconsin companies that have provided work experiences to individuals who benefit from the opportunity. If you would like to learn more about ways your business can connect to and support diverse talent in your community, reach out to your local DVR Business Services Consultant, Lynn Hardginski, at lynn.hardginski@dwd.wisconsin.gov.

Celebrating Manufacturing Month

Recognizing the Impact of Manufacturing in Greater Green Bay

Each October, we pause to reflect on and celebrate the significant impact of manufacturing on our local and national economy. At the Greater Green Bay Chamber, Celebrating Manufacturing Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the innovation and contributions that manufacturers make every day.

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that more than 32,000 people in our community work in manufacturing. It is an industry that helped build Greater Green Bay, and the impact of manufacturing goes beyond just producing goods; it creates opportunities and drives economic growth. We celebrate the dreamers, innovators and collaborators moving the industry and community forward. From advanced technology to sustainable practices, the sector is continually evolving, and our local manufacturers are at the forefront of these changes.

The manufacturing base in Greater Green Bay is diverse and includes some incredible accolades. The paper production in our community is 14.3 times higher than the national average, and food production is 3.3 times higher. Manufacturing produces 19.1% of our region’s GDP and represents the economic health of our entire region. We are fortunate to have so many products not just “Made in America” but “Made in Green Bay.”

From small businesses to global corporations, manufacturers across all industries have chosen to call Greater Green Bay home. They have chosen to not only build here, but expand here, providing their current and potential employees more opportunities to live, work and thrive in our community. The positive influence of manufacturing goes outside of buildings and warehouses in Greater Green Bay with many of the manufacturers giving back through charitable initiatives and collaborative partnerships with local organizations.

I invite all of our members and community partners to join us this Celebrating Manufacturing Month. The Greater Green Bay Chamber will be hosting free tours of local manufacturers throughout the month, and I welcome you to attend. Let’s come together to recognize the incredible work being done in manufacturing and support the growth of this essential sector.

On behalf of the Greater Green Bay Chamber, I want to thank all manufacturers for rising to meet the needs of your customers and for leading the way in technology and innovation. We are proud that you have chosen to build your business in Green Bay.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Colombian Flavors

Introduce yourself and tell us about your business.

“My name is Erly Barjas. I am originally from Colombia and immigrated here several years ago. I am a proud mother of two and now also the proud business owner of Colombian Flavors. My business is a restaurant that offers an authentic Colombian culinary experience. With fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, we bring the most representative flavors of our culture to your table, in a cozy and familiar atmosphere. Enjoy an explosion of flavor with each dish!”

What motivated you to open your own business?

“I opened Colombian Flavors out of a passion for Colombian food and a desire to share the unique flavors of my culture with others. I wanted to create a space where people can enjoy traditional dishes and feel at home, while promoting the value of authentic cuisine in this community.”

What challenges have you faced/overcome as a business owner?

“As the owner of Colombian Flavors, I have overcome several challenges. One of the biggest was probably establishing the business from scratch, facing competition in the restaurant industry. In addition, manage the logistics of fresh and authentic ingredients, and maintain consistency in the quality of service. Adapting to the tastes of the local public without losing the essence of Colombian food has also been a challenge, as well as managing staff and balancing time between business and personal life.”

What are you most proud of from your time as a business owner so far?

“As the owner of Colombian Flavors, I am proud to have created a space where people not only enjoy delicious food, but also a piece of Colombian culture. Seeing your customers return, recommending the restaurant and appreciating the authentic flavors you offer, is a great achievement. In addition, the fact that I have overcome challenges and kept the business going, while creating employment and contributing to the community, is a source of pride.”

How does it feel to share Colombian cuisine and culture with others?

“Sharing Colombian cuisine and culture through Colombian Flavors gives me deep satisfaction. By doing so, you not only offer authentic dishes, but you also connect people with the traditions, warmth, and cultural richness of Colombia. It’s a way to show the world what makes your country special, from the ingredients to the stories behind each recipe.”

What’s the must-have item on your menu?

“Without a doubt they are arepas and empanadas. This emblematic dish of Colombian cuisine brings together a variety of flavors and textures with ingredients that represent the essence of abundant Colombian food full of flavor and tradition.”

What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

“The best advice I can give is to have patience and perseverance. Starting a business can be challenging. You won’t always see immediate results, but it’s important to trust your vision and stay committed to your passion. Listen to your customers, learn to adapt to circumstances, and always seek to innovate without losing the essence of your original idea.”

Visit Colombian Flavors:

365 Main Street

Suite D

De Pere, WI 54115

Call: (920) 264-8824

Website: www.colombianflavorsgb.com

Social Media:

Facebook: @colombianflavorsgb

Instagram: @colombianflavorsgb

Hispanic Heritage Month

Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration from mid-September to mid-October and recognizes the history, culture, achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This blog post highlights the mission and work at the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce in a Q&A format with information provided by Janet Hilario, the State Outreach Coordinator for the organization.

Tell us about the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce. What is its mission?

“Founded in 2003, the Dane County Latino Chamber of Commerce, now the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce, represents Wisconsin’s Latino and non-Latino business community. Our mission is to assist and promote the interests of our members and the community through programs, certifications, classes, and access to capital that impacts economic growth in Latino business entrepreneurship and expansion in Wisconsin.”

What services do you offer?

“The Chamber focuses on horizontal and vertical markets through business accelerator programs. We also provide specialized advice to Latinos who want to create or expand their businesses. All of these outreach and engagement activities are across the state. We visit different counties to promote our services and have excellent coverage and acceptance, and we carry out all these activities in our native language, Spanish.”

What geographic location do you serve?

“The Chamber of Commerce initially focused on Dane County, covering the cities of Madison, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton, etc. Starting in 2020, with the arrival of COVID-19, the scope of our service offering changed, and we started a state expansion project called LEAD Tour. We began to visit the most representative cities outside the county, such as Green Bay, Eau Claire, Wausau, Beloit, Whitewater, Janesville, etc., with excellent results. Today we have participants from more than 26 counties in Wisconsin in our programs.”

How do you identify businesses that need services? What is the process for connecting with businesses?

“The Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce has a variety of programs and services. Identifying each potential participant depends on what the entrepreneurs or business owners seek. It starts with an initial evaluation of needs through informative sessions on what we offer with our social networks, website, workshops, and radio show. A fundamental element in this process is to carry out a one-to-one assessment to clarify what the individual or company needs, after which we can determine what we can offer them.”

What are the benefits of serving businesses across the state?

“Overall, expanding business development services across the state can contribute to growth, stability, and competitive positioning for businesses. As the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce, we have the ability to replicate successful programs and services across the state, providing opportunities to entrepreneurs or offering values preposition to different counties, allowing to the businesses increase the customer bases, increasing revenue and market share through networking opportunities for the Latino community.”

What are the challenges of serving such a large area?

“Expanding business development services around the state offers numerous benefits and presents challenges. We must be highly organized and establish appropriate lines of communication. Access to technology is essential since the formats of the programs and services to be offered must be in hybrid formats: virtual and in-person, which adds a component of the level of participants needed. Personnel management and having local staff at strategic points are essential to providing local assistance and developing strategic alliances with organizations that contribute efficiently to disseminating and using support facilities for deploying programs and services. In the last two years, the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce has gained a lot of experience in administrative and program management that sets us up for success in the expansion process.”

Are there any events or news you would like to share?

“The FUTURO program started this month with seven participants from the Green Bay area. TU EMPRESA will begin on September 25, and the final exam for certification in ServSafe is scheduled for September 29.”

How can businesses connect with the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce?

Visit our offices:

5262 Anton Dr.

Fitchburg, WI 53719

2701 Larsen Rd.

Green Bay, WI 54303

Call us:

608-712-3522

Connect with us online:

Website: www.lccwi.org

Facebook: @WisconsinLLC

Instagram: @wilatinochamber

LinkedIn: Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce

Hispanic Heritage Month

Estomos Aqui! Festival Hispano

¡Estamos Aquí! takes place at The Weidner located on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus. The free, outdoor festival is open to the public and features a car show, live music, art, food and more.

It started as a small, resourced event that took place in the Casa ALBA Melanie Parking lot for several years. Latino leaders, Rogelio Contreras and Stephanie Guzman, had the vision of putting on a large Hispanic festival,” said Maria Padilla, a Festival Committee member. “With the help of Amanda Garcia and Casa ALBA Melanie, this event became what it is today. The entire event continues to be planned by a committee of Latino leaders in partnership with Casa ALBA Melanie and The Weidner.”

Last year, more than 8,000 people attended ¡Estamos Aquí! for a turnout much larger than anticipated. Padilla expects an even larger crowd this year with well-known band, Banda La Auténtica De Jerez, performing live as the festival headliner.

“We’ve been planning for the whole year. There will be 19 food vendors and around 30 market vendors in the ‘mercadito’ which means ‘small market,'” said Padilla.

Padilla says the festival is possible with the support of many community sponsors and partners. Her role on the Festival Committee is coordinating and assisting all of the vendors, but she says the planning is a collective effort with her fellow committee members:

Rogelio Contreras, Green Bay Police Department
Juan Corpus, New North, Inc.
Christian Mendez, Nicolet National Bank
Jose Villa, Fox Communities Credit Union
Maria Webb, Casa ALBA Melanie

She says her work with the vendors for ¡Estamos Aquí! helps her in her role as Diverse Small Business Manager at the Greater Green Bay Chamber. While that is an added benefit, Padilla credits her passion for the festival’s purpose that motivated her to get involved.

“It brings exposure the to the entire community. It’s important for Latinos to feel like they have a space here. The name of the festival is ‘¡Estamos Aquí!’ which means ‘We are here!’,” said Padilla. “It’s really just important for the Latino community to feel like they are celebrated, they are welcome, they are here, and the community embraces the culture and the people.”

Padilla also says the festival brings visibility to local Latino businesses and gives them a platform to sell their products. “Unfortunately, a lot of these businesses are underserved and face barriers due to language, lack of connections, or access to resources. This is about giving them an opportunity to make sales and overall provide an economic boost.”

Padilla believes this is only the beginning for ¡Estamos Aquí! and hopes to see it attract 25,000 to 30,000 people in the future.

¡Estamos Aquí! Festival Hispano will be on Saturday, September 14th from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. More information about the free, public event can be found here.

Category: Chamber Blog

How NWTC Guides Students to their Ideal Career Path

Resources for undecided majors

Member Spotlight

Believing in People

Member Spotlight

Bringing Hope to Brown County Individuals and Families

Member Spotlight

90 Years of Doing the Right Thing

Member Spotlight

Embracing Innovation in Logistics by Asking: ‘What If?’

Member Spotlight

Taking Action to Promote Inclusion

Celebrating Manufacturing Month

Recognizing the Impact of Manufacturing in Greater Green Bay

Hispanic Heritage Month

Colombian Flavors

Hispanic Heritage Month

Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce

Hispanic Heritage Month

Estomos Aqui! Festival Hispano

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