Member News Archives | Greater Green Bay Chamber

St. Norbert College President Laurie M. Joyner Recognized by Titan 100 Program

St. Norbert College is proud to announce that President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., has been selected a Titan CEO honoree by the Wisconsin Titan 100 program, which recognizes the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives. Honorees represent the most accomplished leaders in their sectors based on criteria that includes vision, exceptional leadership, and influence in their field.

“While this award bears my name, it belongs to the St. Norbert College community; our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and friends whose steadfast commitment to our mission makes achievements like this possible,” said President Joyner. “I am deeply grateful for their partnership and inspired by what we are accomplishing together.”

“We are proud to see our president recognized for her strategic foresight, decisive leadership, and impressive results that have strengthened the College,” said Board of Trustees Chair Patti Brash McKeithan ’71. “As higher education continues to evolve, President Joyner’s leadership is ensuring that St. Norbert College’s strengths are amplified and the future is ever brighter.”

Since her arrival in 2023, President Joyner has led St. Norbert College through a period of significant transformation and renewal. She launched Preserving the St. Norbert Legacy: A Shared Promise of Stewardship (PTL) designed to enhance mission integrity, educational innovation, and financial sustainability.

Through the PTL initiative, the College took decisive action to animate its Catholic, Norbertine mission, add new academic offerings, and deepen partnerships while adjusting its annual operating budget by approximately $18.5 million. These efforts balanced fiscal responsibility with strategic investment in enrollment management, new academic programs, expanded athletic offerings, and innovative revenue-generating initiatives. Guided by collaboration among faculty and staff, the initiative reflects a community-wide commitment to excellence, innovation, shared governance, and effective stewardship.

“This recognition is truly a testament to the full constellation of constituencies that care deeply about our institutional priorities: strengthening our Norbertine identity, enhancing educational quality, advancing student success, achieving operational excellence, and securing the College’s long-term vitality,” said President Joyner.

About St. Norbert College

St. Norbert College, located in De Pere, Wis., is the only Norbertine college in the world and a private Catholic liberal arts institution known for its personalized attention and commitment to educating the whole person. SNC is ranked by Niche as a top 5 college in Wisconsin for best campus, Catholic colleges, liberal arts colleges, student life and best food. Part of the greater Green Bay community, the campus fosters intellectual, spiritual and personal growth. For more information, visit snc.edu.

Emplify Health Certified as a Family Friendly WOrkplace

Family Friendly Workplaces is pleased to announce that Emplify Health has earned a gold-level certification as a Family Friendly Workplace, recognizing the organization’s strong commitment to employee well-being and life balance.

“At Emplify Health, we recognize that supporting a healthy life balance is critical to our employees’ well-being and long-term success,” said Scott Rathgaber, MD, CEO of Emplify Health. “This certification reinforces our commitment to fostering a workplace where our team can thrive both professionally and personally. When our employees feel supported, our entire community is stronger.”

Emplify Health earned this certification following a comprehensive evaluation of its workplace policies, including flexible work options, parental leave, healthcare benefits, and family-centered support programs.

As a certified employer, Emplify Health is now entitled to use the Family Friendly Workplaces logo in its talent attraction and retention efforts and gains access to additional program benefits. As a Certified Family Friendly Workplace, Emplify Health also makes an annual conduit contribution to a nonprofit organization that supports families. This year, they selected The Parenting Place in La Crosse and Encompass Early Education and Care in Green Bay.

To honor this achievement, Family Friendly Workplaces today hosted simultaneous news conferences in La Crosse and Green Bay. Governor Tony Evers attended the La Crosse event and delivered remarks recognizing Emplify Health’s leadership and commitment to families. A news conference, including Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, was held in Green Bay to celebrate the certification.

“In our conversations, Emplify Health was quick to recognize that supporting families not only strengthens their organization — it’s also simply the right thing to do,” said Neil Kline, Executive Director of Family Friendly Workplaces. “Emplify Health is the largest employer to be certified as a Family Friendly Workplace, and we are thrilled that they are leading the way for employers across Wisconsin. With Emplify Health in the family, 71 employers across Wisconsin have been certified, covering over 24,000 employees and their families.”

Wisconsin’s long-term workforce shortage threatens the state’s economic vibrancy in the years ahead. From now through 2050, Wisconsin’s workforce is expected to shrink before stagnating. This long-term human resources shortage requires a strategic response.

“Emplify Health is the latest employer to join this effort to address our workforce shortage,” said Kline. “They were quick to recognize the importance of strategically engaging with this challenge, and of securing Wisconsin’s future economic vibrancy.”

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

COnsolidated Construction Honored with THree Projects of Distinction Awards

Consolidated Construction Co., Inc., a full-service design/build firm based in Appleton, Wisconsin, earned three gold “Project of Distinction” awards, and ranked all three in the top five “Projects of the Year” at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin Projects of Distinction event on January 15th 2026 in the Wisconsin Dells.

The award-winning projects span industrial, commercial, and healthcare construction and showcase Consolidated Construction’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, each pushing boundaries in their own way.

Recognized projects include:

· Midwest Refrigerated Services (MRS) Cold Storage Business Campus – Transformation of an 83-acre farm into a future-focused cold storage campus designed to prioritize employee experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

· Central Storage & Warehouse Freezer Expansion – Delivery of the company’s tallest and most innovative freezer facility in just nine months, encompassing more than 100,000 square feet of advanced cold storage space.

· Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery – Construction of a modern Appleton clinic providing specialized care for breast cancer survivors and children in need of reconstructive surgery.

“To have three projects recognized among the top five in the state underscores what our process and approach can achieve,” said John Schneider, CEO of Consolidated Construction. “Our teams take pride in competing on quality, safety, and execution, and this honor reflects the high standards we set on every project.”

The Projects of Distinction Awards Program recognizes projects built on merit, by skilled employees who choose not to belong to organized labor. The projects are judged in a rigorous process by a panel of construction experts based on several criteria, including safety, quality, owner satisfaction, execution and coordination, budgeting, difficult and unusual challenges, and overall distinctiveness.

Declaration of AI-assisted Technologies

CoPilot generative AI was used to edit this press release. All content was reviewed, edited, and approved by a human to maintain accountability.

About Consolidated Construction

Consolidated Construction Co., Inc. consolidates architecture and construction into a single source to provide streamlined building services to commercial, hospitality, industrial and food industry clients throughout the country. The company has offices in Appleton and Portage, Wisconsin; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Bismarck, North Dakota. The company’s delivery model has resulted in national awards for safety, design/build ingenuity and cost-effective construction. Project information and company history can be viewed at www.1call2build.com.

COnsolidated Construction Expands Regional Support for Industrial Clients in Wisconsin

Consolidated Construction Co., Inc., a full-service design/build firm based in Appleton, Wisconsin, announced the opening of a satellite office at 221 E. Albert Street in Portage, Wisconsin, expanding the company’s presence in the state.

The new office will allow Consolidated Construction to strategically extend its footprint into south and southwestern Wisconsin, supporting continued growth and improving service to clients in that region.

“The opening of an office in this region represents an important step in our continued growth across the Midwest,” said John Schneider, CEO of Consolidated Construction. “We serve manufacturers, cold storage providers, and food processors throughout the heart of Wisconsin – organizations whose facility needs dovetail perfectly with our self-perform capabilities. The addition of this branch office allows us to better support those clients and others with local presence and resources.”

With integrated architecture and construction management teams supported by experienced self-perform crews, Consolidated Construction delivers projects with a high level of quality, coordination, and cost control. The company self-performs critical trade scopes including concrete walls and floors, structural steel erection, rough and finish carpentry, and custom millwork fabricated in its own cabinet shop that are well-suited for complex industrial, food processing, and cold storage facilities.

Declaration of AI-assisted Technologies

CoPilot generative AI was used to edit this press release. All content was reviewed, edited, and approved by a human to maintain accountability.

About Consolidated Construction

Cornerstone Business Services Marks 25 YEars Advising Business Owners Through Company Sales

Cornerstone Business Services, a lower middle market mergers and acquisitions firm, announces its 25th anniversary, marking two and a half decades of helping business owners finish strong.

Managing Partner Scott Bushkie founded Cornerstone in 2001 after seeing firsthand how many lower middle market transactions failed to close. At the time, industry estimates suggested that only 20% to 30% of companies in this segment successfully sold.

“I saw the damage that came from firms taking on too many clients or telling owners whatever they wanted to hear just to win the engagement. Low closing ratios, broken expectations, and lasting harm to people’s financial futures. I believed there had to be a better way.”— Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner

Bushkie started the firm to serve lower middle market companies that often fall between smaller business brokers and larger firms. From the start, Cornerstone focused on quality over quantity, bringing investment-banking-level advice and a disciplined process to a limited clientele of family-owned businesses.

“The goal was never just to close a transaction. It was to help owners exit on their terms, with peace of mind and no regrets about the decision or the outcome.”— Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner.

Over the past 25 years, Cornerstone has grown from a founder-led practice into a national advisory firm serving business owners across North America. The firm focuses on lower middle market companies with annual revenues ranging from $5 million to $250 million and provides sell-side advisory, valuation services, and acquisition support.

In addition to its core advisory work, Cornerstone has expanded its reach through related platforms that extend its approach and tools to broader audiences:

Cornerstone International Alliance — A global partnership of lower middle market M&A firms focused on collaboration and expanded buyer reach.
CAPex Program — A partner program designed to support financial advisors, CPAs, and exit planners working with business owners.
DealCoach — A platform offering valuation insight and planning support for Main Street and closely held businesses.

As Cornerstone enters its 25th year, Bushkie says the firm remains focused on the same principles that guided its launch.

“This work has always mattered to me because the consequences are real. For most owners, this is the biggest financial transaction of their lives. What we’re really helping create is the ability to move forward, with the time and financial security to choose what comes next.”— Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner

Rodney Ott, Senior Vice President, joined Cornerstone in 2008 and has worked alongside business owners through a wide range of transactions and market cycles.

Selling a business is one of the biggest decisions most owners will ever make. Being part of that moment, and helping people walk away feeling confident about what they’ve achieved and what’s ahead, that’s what makes this work meaningful.— Rodney Ott, Senior Vice President

About Cornerstone Business Services

Founded in 2001, Cornerstone Business Services is an investment bank serving the lower middle market and specializing in transactions for businesses with annual revenue of $5 million to $250 million. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the firm advises business owners throughout North America on sell-side transactions, acquisitions, and valuation services, including its Real Market Analysis (RMA).

Cornerstone’s Assurance 360™ process is designed to create multiple qualified offers and improve deal certainty. Over the past five years, the firm has maintained an average closing ratio of about 85%. Cornerstone also publishes original research on business owner readiness and exits, including the 2025 National Study on Selling Your Business. Cornerstone’s mission is to create a positive life-changing event for all the lives they touch.

Pulaski Fox Fridge Opens to Support COmmunity Access to Fresh, Healthy Food

A new resource is now available to help fight food insecurity in Pulaski: the Pulaski Fox Fridge, a community fridge offering fresh, healthy, and perishable food items to anyone in need. Located outside the Pulaski Community Pantry at 234 West Town Road, Pulaski, WI 54162, the fridge is accessible 24/7, making it easier than ever for neighbors to access nutritious food when they need it most.

A ribbon-cutting celebration will take place on Wednesday, January 28th at noon at the Pulaski Community Pantry to officially unveil the new Pulaski Fox Fridge. Community members, media, donors, and supporters are invited to attend.

The Pulaski Fox Fridge is designed to provide healthy options beyond traditional non-perishable pantry items. Community members are encouraged to donate:

· Fresh fruits and vegetables

· Sealed, labeled packaged foods

· Unopened and unexpired dairy products, eggs, and drinks

· Store-packaged frozen items

By donating perishable items, you help ensure families have access to balanced meals and fresh ingredients. Every contribution supports the spirit of community care and connection, reminding us that together, we can make a difference.

Ease of Access for Those in Need

The fridge is open around the clock -no appointments, no paperwork, just a simple way to get the food you need when you need it. Whether it’s a quick stop for milk or fresh produce, the Pulaski Fox Fridge is here for you.

Join the Movement

This initiative thrives on community support. If you have extra groceries or want to make a positive impact, consider donating today. Your generosity helps keep the fridge stocked and ensures that healthy food is available to everyone.

For more information or to learn how you can help, please call 920-822-6050.

About Fox Communities Credit Union

With over 88 years of experience, Fox Communities Credit Union proudly serves more than 139,000 members across 22 Wisconsin locations. As a member-owned financial institution, Fox prioritizes people over profits, ensuring members receive exceptional service and support. With a dedicated team of over 500 professionals and assets exceeding $3 billion, Fox is well-equipped to meet the financial needs of members. Fox is featured as one of Wisconsin’s Leading Credit Unions in Forbes and Fortune. The 2025 Community Choice Awards voted Fox Best Credit Union in the Fox Cities and the Best in Financial Planning in Green Bay and Oshkosh. Fox is also a Gold-Certified Fox Cities Employee Friendly Workplace and is recognized as a top workplace and community partner by several respected organizations. Learn more about the Fox difference at foxcu.org.

Discover Green Bay and WIAA Celebrate 50 YEars of Girls Basketball State Tournament with NEw Exhibit

Discover Green Bay and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) will unveil a new public exhibit honoring the 50-year history of the WIAA Girls Basketball State Tournament, celebrating five decades of athletic excellence, community pride, and Wisconsin sports tradition.

The exhibit will be officially unveiled during a press conference on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Discover Green Bay Visitor Center (1945 Argonne St.).

The display highlights the legacy of the Girls Basketball State Tournament through curated historical stories, visual displays, and meaningful artifacts, including the 2026 Division 1 championship trophy, on-site for visitors to view.

“Green Bay has a proud history of hosting major sporting events and welcoming athletes and fans from across Wisconsin,” said Brad Toll, President & CEO of Discover Green Bay. “This exhibit is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of the WIAA Girls Basketball State Tournament while offering visitors a deeper connection to the history and impact these athletes have had over the last 50 years.”

Designed as a visitor-friendly exhibit space, similar to a small museum experience, the display is intended to be enjoyed by tournament participants, families, and sports fans visiting Green Bay during the WIAA State Tournament.

“This exhibit represents more than just milestones and memorabilia; it’s about celebrating the athletes, teams, coaches, and communities that have helped shape girls’ basketball in Wisconsin over the last 50 years,” said Jacob Servais, Vice President of Experiences for Discover Green Bay. “We’re honored to partner with the WIAA to create a meaningful experience that tells these stories in a way visitors can feel and connect with.”

“Reaching the 50th anniversary of this state tournament is more than just a celebration of the game. This incredible historical display is a tribute to five decades of courage, persistence, athleticism, and the pursuit of excellence for our female athletes,” said Stephanie Hauser, Executive Director of the WIAA. “It honors every person who paved the way for the female athletes who will be playing at the Resch Center in March. The WIAA staff is grateful for the commitment that Discover Green Bay has made to this milestone tournament, and we invite all to join us in celebrating this commemorative event.”

“As a former WIAA basketball player myself, I am incredibly proud and excited about this exhibit honoring the history of girls’ basketball,” said Melissa Gehring, Associate Director of the WIAA. “It shines a light on the perseverance, talent, and impact of all the girls and women who played and are currently playing the game. We appreciate the partnership with Discover Green Bay and their willingness to go above and beyond for our student-athletes.”

The exhibit is sponsored by Healy & Son Lawn Care, and Discover Green Bay also extends special thanks to Skyline for installing the graphics that helped bring the exhibit to life.

Women’s Fund to Celebrate Leadership and COmmunity Impact at Impactful Event

The Women’s Fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation is proud to once again host “Impactful, an event by the Women’s Fund” on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This inspiring evening will include the presentation of the Nancy Armbrust Impact Award, honoring a local individual who makes a meaningful difference in all that they do. Guests will enjoy opportunities to network, make connections, and celebrate the deep impact we have on one another. Impactful will be held at Great North Commons from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Guests will hear from the following organizations at the event: Girls on the Run, Encompass Early Education & Care, and Lovin’ the Skin I’m In.

What to Expect at Impactful

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Great North Commons, Fire & Fir Event Hall (789 Armed Forces Drive in Green Bay)
Tickets: $30 purchased through Impactful – Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay

The Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay would like to express sincere thanks to our Sustaining Legacy Partners – Associated Bank, Breakthrough, Green Bay Packers Give Back, and Prevea Health for their continued support and helping make this event possible.

Robyn Davis, J.D., HOnored with HOmetown Hero Award

Robyn Davis, J.D., president and CEO of Brown County United Way, was honored with the Hometown Hero award on Jan. 20 in Madison, in front of the full Assembly, an honor bestowed by the Wisconsin State Assembly to state residents who have made an extraordinarily positive impact on their communities.

Davis was nominated by Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner, for the transformational leadership she has provided to the greater Green Bay region, including through her nearly 10-year tenure with Brown County United Way.

Since being named Brown County United Way’s president and CEO in 2017, Davis has dedicated herself to advancing the organization’s mission.

“Robyn Davis embodies what it means to be a hometown hero,” said Rep. Rivera-Wagner. “Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, innovation and a deep belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive.”

Under Davis’ leadership, Brown County United Way has created more focused pathways to supporting the one-in-three households in Brown County who live at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. ALICE households are one life event away from being unable to meet their basic needs.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been a strong advocate for solutions that create positive transformation within communities, so it is a special honor to have received the Hometown Hero award in recognition of that work and the work we’re doing at Brown County United Way to ensure everyone in our community thrives,” said Davis. Together with her Brown County United Way team, Davis has made measurable impact in Brown County by strategically focusing in three areas.

First, investments in individuals, for example, through care grants to nonprofits, the 2-1-1 helpline and community drives for items like diapers and blankets.

Second, improvements to community systems through developments such as the City East Center and partnerships like Community Schools with Green Bay Area Public Schools, which improve parent engagement and student success.

Lastly, by advocating for social policy changes that address critical issues such as childcare, affordable housing and mental health support.

These efforts have led the organization to receive two landmark grants: a $1 million bipartisan federal appropriation and nearly $1 million from the State of Wisconsin, strengthening the organization’s capacity to mobilize on behalf of ALICE households in new ways. Further, the organization celebrated its centennial in 2025.

Davis serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Green Bay Packers Board of Directors and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion. She was also recognized by Madison 365 as one of Wisconsin’s most influential African Americans and received the Outstanding Women of Color in Education award from the University of Wisconsin System.

About Brown County United Way

Brown County United Way’s mission is to unite people, resources and ideas to co-create community solutions that strengthen every person and every community in Brown County. The organization works toward building a healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security and community resiliency.

Robotics Students Gear Up for the 6th Northeast Wisconsin Showdown at Lambeau FIeld

More than 360 high school students and mentors from across the United States will travel to Green Bay for the 6th Northeast Wisconsin Showdown, hosted at the iconic Lambeau Field Atrium from January 22–23, 2026.

The tournament will feature 72 teams competing in the 2025–2026 VEX Robotics Competition game, Push Back, an action-packed robotics challenge where students compete in fast-paced matches using robots they designed, built, and programmed using the VEX V5 Robotics Platform.

Teams will battle for championship honors and a variety of awards, including the opportunity to qualify for the VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri (April 21–24, 2026).

“Hosting the Northeast Wisconsin Showdown at Lambeau Field is an exciting opportunity to showcase Green Bay as a destination for innovation, education, and major events,” said Brad Toll, President & CEO of Discover Green Bay. “We’re proud to welcome these talented students, mentors, and families, and we hope they take time to enjoy everything our community has to offer.”

Participating teams will include student competitors from states such as California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, and more, alongside Wisconsin teams representing many communities throughout the state.

Event Schedule (Open to the Public):

The Northeast Wisconsin Showdown is open for spectators to attend during competition hours:

Thursday, January 22: 6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Friday, January 23: 9:15 a.m. – approximately 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit fvcompetitiverobotics.com.

Category: Member News