Cornerstone Community CEnter Nears Fundraising Goal for Additional Ice Sheet
Cornerstone Community Center is nearing its fundraising goal for a fourth sheet of ice, part of its Grow the ‘Stone campaign to expand access to ice sports in Northeast Wisconsin.
The planned 65,000-square-foot facility will include seating for 3,000 and provide additional ice time for youth and adult programs. Since the pandemic, Cornerstone has seen a 25% increase in demand, with peak season activity running from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., making the need for this additional rink evident.
“This expansion isn’t just about adding ice – it’s about creating opportunities for every skater and player in our community to thrive,” said Cornerstone Manager Don Chilson. “Every donation helps us reach that goal.”
The new rink will support regional tournaments, boost local business and give young athletes more opportunities to train and compete. Cornerstone has helped launch the careers of NHL players and college athletes, many of whom got their start on its ice.
“We have seen firsthand how ice sports bring people together,” added Chilson. “Whether the youth from Cornerstone go on to be professional athletes, lawyers, doctors, teachers, parents or coaches, the experiences they take away from this community have an overwhelming impact on their life.”
Cornerstone has served Northeast Wisconsin for nearly 30 years, offering accessible, inclusive programming and a space for connection through sport. The expansion will ensure the center can continue meeting the needs of families for generations to come.
The campaign has gained significant ground, with widespread support from families, businesses and community leaders. Cornerstone Community Center leadership and the Grow the ‘Stone Capital Campaign members thank everyone who has donated. The puck is almost across the goal line, but your help is still needed. Continued community support will complete this project for both current and future generations to enjoy.
Cornerstone Community Center (CCC) was built in 2000 as the new home of Green Bay Area Youth Hockey, St. Norbert Green Knight Hockey and the Cornerstone Skating Club. The CCC is privately owned by the Nonprofit Group, Cornerstone Community Center Inc., and an affiliate of Green Bay Area Youth Hockey. The CCC offers programs for Youth Hockey, adult leagues and instruction. Hockey and skating skill classes and programs are available throughout the year.
Goodwill NCW Remains a Great Holiday Option for Budget COnscious COnsumers
The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts that holiday spending is expected to reach $1 trillion for the first time during the winter holidays. NRF’s latest holiday survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, found consumers plan to spend just over $890 per person on average on core holiday items including gifts, decorations, food and other holiday-related purchases this year.
This year, 91% of consumers plan to celebrate the winter holidays, and, according to the survey, part of their shopping strategy will be to look at secondhand or upcycled gifts. Over half (59%) would consider buying a secondhand gift for someone else. Those attending get-togethers with friends and co-workers can turn to Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) for budget-friendly options for holiday sweaters, white elephant gifts, cocktail attire and cozy accessories.
“Not only can Goodwill NCW help you stay on budget and save money during the holiday season”, Goodwill NCW Vice President of Donated Goods and Retail Operations Chris Talton said, “but we’re also a great option for finding creative — and sustainable — ways to make this holiday season your best one yet”.
Shoppers at Goodwill NCW not only find one-of-a-kind gifts, but they can also feel good about their holiday purchases. Goodwill NCW store sales support the nonprofit’s mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. On average, 90 cents of every dollar in store sales is reinvested back into local communities to provide pathways that lead to sustained employment and improved financial stability.
Nicole Hurd, Auvia Health Win 2025 NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event
Auvia Health, a company dedicated to changing the way families receive emotional support during and after their maternity journey, was the winner of the NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event, held Dec. 3 at TitletownTech in Green Bay. The Chill Daddy took second place, while The Nook Lounge and Bookstore placed third. The three winning entries emerged from a group of 10 entrepreneurial pitches which had advanced from local pitch competitions held across Northeast Wisconsin in mid-November.
Along with receiving prize money, the three winners will be invited to give an update to an even wider investor and business audience during the New North Summit on June 9, 2026, at Lambeau Field.
“The pitch event demonstrated that there is no shortage of quality business ideas germinating within the New North region,” says Patti Habeck, president and CEO of New North Inc. “Economic growth is helped by a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, and that clearly exists in Northeast Wisconsin.”
The winning entrepreneurial pitch was Auvia Health, presented by Nicole Hurd of Appleton. She received the first-place prize money of $2,000. Her digital health company redefines how families receive emotional support throughout the maternity journey. Designed as a 24/7 lifeline, Auvia Health provides accessible care using voice-based technology, backed by science and emerging clinical data with an opted-in support network, along with guiding users toward professional care.
The company’s genesis was from Hurd’s personal pain. She began suffering pre-birth depression at 26 weeks of her own pregnancy, followed by post-partum depression for the first nine months after giving birth.
“I started the company from a place of pain,” says Hurd. “I felt an empathetic pull to create a better world for new parents. I wanted them to have 24/7 support outside of traditional health care.”
Hurd plans to put the prize money towards the mission of getting the Auvia Health product to market as soon as possible.
Second place and $1,000 in prize money went to The Chill Daddy, presented by Shane Henderson of Manitowoc. His product is a customizable, wall-mounted refrigerator that features an environmentally friendly R-600 refrigeration compressor and includes both 110V and 12V adaptors, making it fully portable.
The Chill Daddy grew out of earlier products made by his company, Metal Art of Wisconsin, which started manufacturing patriotic metal art in 2013 and, according to Henderson, has had gross sales of more than $22 million over the past 12 years.
The Chill Daddy originated from the company’s Concealment Cabinet product, adding a compressor and other elements. Since its creation in December of last year, the company has sold almost 500 Chill Daddy units, says Henderson.
He plans to use the prize money for additional marketing during the upcoming holiday season.
Third place was won by The Nook Lounge and Bookstore, presented by Lily Schuette and Jessica Nicholson. It is Manitowoc County’s first-ever mocktail lounge, coffee shop and bookstore, providing a variety of popular community events, including “Nook Club” book clubs, trivia and bingo nights, open-mic events and pottery painting sessions.
According to Schuette, she and Nicholson saw a need in their community for this type of venue. They were excited about their idea, thought it would work and moved forward. It opened just under one year ago, on Dec. 14, 2024.
The duo plan to direct the prize winnings towards the purchase of an expresso machine for The Nook Lounge and Bookstore. They hope to reach a new market by offering hot beverages.
Others making entrepreneurial pitches at the competition were Backyard Acres and Bite the Farm (presented by Miranda Hottenroth), Dream Catcher Energies (presented by Jared Soto), EQRx AI (presented by Arul Jayapal), GRiTedu (presented by Kurt Wismer), Re-Specht Adventure (presented by Hal Specht II), Sloppy Hog BBQ (presented by Cody Krepline), and ASK BOLD QUESTIONS by the BOLD Marketing Agency & BOLD Events (presented by Amanda Miceli).
Judges for the pitch competition were Tara Carr of UW-Green Bay SBDC, Chris Gromowski of The Village Companies, Kitty Johnson of Big Frog Focus, Kyle Kuntz of WBD Inc., Ashley Potter of CLA, and last year’s winner, Peggy Sonnenburg of Peggy Bakes.
In all, 37 entrepreneurial pitches were made during the local qualifying events in collaboration with the local partners. These events – Accelerate Sheboygan County, Pitch Greater Geen Bay , Fast Pitch, LevelUp and Lighthouse Launch – were hosted by the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corp., Lakeland University, SBDC at UW-Green Bay, Greater Green Bay Chamber, Door County Economic Development Corp., Kewaunee County Economic Development, UW-Madison Extension Brown and Kewaunee counties, FVTC Venture Center, Oshkosh Chamber, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, UW Oshkosh SBDC, UW-Madison Extension-Outagamie & Winnebago counties, Progress Lakeshore and Envision Greater Fond du Lac.
Both the local and regional entrepreneurial pitch contests were supported by the NEW Launch Alliance of New North Inc., along with WBD Inc. Supporting sponsors included Headway.ai, CLA and TitletownTech.
The NEW Launch Alliance was formed to support business discoveries and idea creators in Northeast Wisconsin, connecting entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, educators, accelerators and other resources.
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About New North, Inc.
New North, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporationfostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. www.thenewnorth.com
About WBD Inc.
WBD Inc. helps businesses finance owner-occupied commercial real estate, utilizing the SBA 504 loan program, and reinvests in economic-development activities in line with its mission to grow businesses, create jobs and build communities. It serves all of Wisconsin, Minnesota and a portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with a portfolio of more than $1 billion. www.wbd.org
Foth Expands Capabilities in the Food Manufacturing Sector with Acquisition of Food Plant Engineering
Foth Production Solutions, LLC (Foth), a science and engineering firm headquartered in Green Bay, Wisc., will acquire Food Plant Engineering, LLC and Food Plant Construction, LLC, an architecture, engineering, and construction firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. This strategic acquisition significantly enhances the capabilities and reach of both firms within the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
The food and beverage market continues to see unprecedented evolution of consumer preferences for health conscious, variety, and private label offerings. Food Plant Engineering’s history of supporting this dynamic sector of the market is a strong complement to Foth’s existing partnerships within the consumer-packaged goods industry.
Over the last 72 years, Food Plant Engineering has created innovative solutions to the unique production and facility challenges of food processing companies. This expertise includes facility planning and design, process planning and design, facility construction, and process installation for organizations that are reshaping the pace and direction of the industry. Food Plant Engineering’s location also allows Foth to more quickly and efficiently serve clients throughout the Ohio River Valley, and their architectural service offerings will contribute to greater efficiencies for design-build project delivery.
The acquisition will provide Food Plant Engineering’s existing clients with a broader range of services, addressing the increasing demand for integrated, multi-disciplinary expertise. By leveraging Foth’s extensive experience with mission-critical capital projects, deep bench of knowledgeable employee-members, and vast network of contractors, we can deliver more comprehensive solutions, specifically in the areas of food, beverage, paper, and industrial manufacturing and automation; civil design and engineering; and environmental services.
Together, we are uniquely positioned to deliver the speed, flexibility, and full-service solutions manufacturing clients need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing environment.
Employees of both firms will benefit from enhanced professional growth opportunities. The combined resources and expertise will create a dynamic and supportive environment for innovation and career development. This acquisition underscores Foth’s commitment to investing in people and fostering a culture of continuous learning and advancement.
“We are proud to announce that we have combined our resources and expertise with those of Food Plant Engineering to more broadly serve new market segments and emerging companies within the food and beverage manufacturing sector,” said Foth CEO Randy Homel. “We look forward to welcoming our new employee-members who have demonstrated a proven track record of success as designers, builders, and creators for sustainable food production facilities.”
Food Plant Engineering President Mark Redmond reiterated that, “Joining Foth is a tremendous opportunity, not only for our FPE team but, most importantly, for our clients. We are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish alongside some of the best food manufacturers, and I’m excited to enhance their access to an even wider range of capabilities.”
About Foth:
Founded in 1938, Foth is an employee-owned science and engineering consulting firm that delivers technical solutions for public and private clients around the globe. Professional services are focused in the areas of production manufacturing engineering, infrastructure, and environmental science and engineering. Foth is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with more than 700 employee-members across 30 locations. For more information, visit foth.com.
Brown County United Way & Greater Green Bay Labor Council Announce Results of 14th Annual Brown Co. Diaper Drive
Brown County United Way (BCUW), in partnership with the Greater Green Bay Labor Council, successfully hosted the 14th Annual Brown County Diaper Drive, resulting in the collection of nearly 119,000 diapers, pullups, and wipes for families with young children. This year’s total was made possible through a flagship donation from Kimberly-Clark, along with contributions from community members and businesses across the county. The items collected carry an estimated value of $47,400.
“We are grateful for the incredible generosity shown during this year’s Diaper Drive. These donations directly support families who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet,” said Robyn Davis, President and CEO of Brown County United Way. “Because of this strong community response, 14 local nonprofits serving families with young children received essential items that ease the everyday burden for parents.”
“This drive reflects the strength of our community and what can be accomplished when we come together,” said Steve McFarlane, President of the Greater Green Bay Labor Council. “These donations help ensure that our youngest community members have the essentials they need.”
Despite the strong community response, many families still face challenges in meeting their children’s most basic needs. Nearly one in three households in Brown County lives below the ALICE® Threshold, including 25% of families with children who struggle to afford everyday essentials such as diapers. Drives like this help ease that strain.
Brown County United Way and the Greater Green Bay Labor Council extend their sincere thanks to Kimberly-Clark and all partnering collection sites for their commitment to families across Brown County:
ACC Management Group BMO Brown County Library Festival Foods Humana Hy-Vee IBEW Local 158 Love Life Ministry partner churches Pomp’s Tire Woodman’s Market
About Brown County United Way Brown County United Way is the local partner in mobilizing Brown County communities to action so all can thrive. Every day, we focus on our mission: to unite people, ideas and resources to co-create solutions that strengthen every person and every community in Brown County.
About Greater Green Bay Labor Council We are one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils of the AFL-CIO and are the heart of the labor movement. We are democratically elected bodies dedicated to represent the interests of working people at the state and local level. We mobilize our members and community partners to advocate for social and economic justice and strive daily to vanquish oppression and make our communities better for all people—regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin.
Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity Selected as CoVantage Cares Foundation
Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity has been selected as the Greater Green Bay area nonprofit partner for CoVantage Credit Union’s 10th anniversary Giving Tuesday campaign, which runs December 2–16 at CoVantage branches and online. During the two‑week effort, donations made in support of Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity through CoVantage Cares Foundation will be matched dollar‑for‑dollar up to $10,000, with the potential to receive additional matching funds from a $200,000 campaign‑wide match pool.
CoVantage Cares Foundation’s annual Giving Tuesday campaign has raised more than $3.2 million over the past decade to support nonprofits across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois that address basic needs and strengthen local communities. This year, CoVantage aims to raise $650,000 across its footprint—its most ambitious Giving Tuesday goal yet.
Funds raised locally through the campaign will support Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program, which partners with qualified Habitat homebuyers in Brown County to build decent, affordable homes. Future homeowners complete 250–500 sweat‑equity hours alongside volunteers and participate in homebuyer education to prepare for long‑term success in homeownership.
“Being chosen as CoVantage Credit Union’s Giving Tuesday nonprofit is an incredible honor for our Habitat for Humanity mission and the future homeowners we serve,” said Jessica Diederich, CEO, Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity. “This match opportunity means every gift can go even further toward building safe, affordable homes and helping more families in Brown County achieve strength, stability, and self‑reliance through homeownership.”
From December 2–16, community members can support Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity’s Giving Tuesday campaign in several ways. Donations can be made at the Green Bay and Suamico CoVantage Credit Union branches, through the MyCoVantage mobile app, or online via CoVantage’s Giving Tuesday donation platform. Every dollar donated through the campaign during this period will be matched by CoVantage Cares Foundation, multiplying the impact for families in need of affordable housing.
“This 10th year is a testament to the power of community and compassion,” said Charlie Zanayed, CEO of CoVantage Credit Union and president of the CoVantage Cares Foundation Board. “We’ve seen firsthand how generosity can transform lives. This campaign is more than just giving − it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities together.
Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity builds and sells affordable homes to qualified Habitat homebuyers in Brown County, empowering individuals and families to build generational wealth and stability. Through the support of volunteers, donors, ReStore shoppers, and partners like CoVantage Credit Union, the organization advances its vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
How to give: – Visit CoVantage Credit Union’s Green Bay or Suamico branch December 2–16 to make a Giving Tuesday donation for Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity. – Log into the MyCoVantage mobile app and use the CoVantage Cares donation option to support Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity. – Give online via CoVantage’s Giving Tuesday donation page, selecting Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity as the nonprofit of choice. – Visit Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity’s website, www.greenbayhabitat.org/ for donation instructions and a link to donate.
Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope in Brown County, Wisconsin. Since its founding in 1987, the organization has built 140 homes in partnership with hardworking people and families in the community. Please visit www.greenbayhabitat.org for more information.
Survey Reveals Challenging Environment for Local Nonprofits
A recent survey confirms the pressures facing nonprofit organizations in Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties. Nearly 9 out of 10 organizations report reductions in funding this year, while more than 70% are experiencing a rise in demand for their services.
Launched in September 2025 by a group of seven regional funders* including the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, the survey collected responses from 210 nonprofit leaders in Northeast Wisconsin. Participants shared insights into the growing gap between what communities need and the capacity of local nonprofits to provide those services.
More than half of nonprofit leaders in Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties who responded to the survey reported:
Difficulty meeting operational costs.
A reduction in individual donations.
A cut, freeze, or delay in federal funding.
The impact is more pronounced in Kewaunee and Oconto counties, where 60% of organizations report a cut, freeze, or delay in federal funding.
Leaders cited rising community needs, policy changes affecting services, limited public awareness, and volunteer recruitment and retention as top challenges. They identified several types of support that would be most valuable, including policy advocacy, capacity building and leadership development, amplification of nonprofit voices, and rapid-response funding.
“When the funding landscape changes, the missions of these organizations doesn’t – and in fact right now there is growing demand to support the community’s needs,” said Amber Paluch, Senior Vice President of Community Impact. “Food pantry shelves still need to be stocked, community clinics still need to see patients, and organizations need the support to keep these operations going for those most in need.”
The survey underscores the importance of continued support for local nonprofits and offers funders, policymakers, and community members actionable insights to strengthen the capacity of organizations serving the region.
For more information about the survey, contact Amber Paluch at amberpaluch@ggbcf.org.
To learn more about community needs and ways to get involved, visit ggbcf.org.
*The seven regional funders are the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Nonprofit Leadership Initiative, Shawano Area United Way, United Way Brown County, and United Way Fox Cities.
Goodwill NCW Makes It Easy to Make an Impact oN giving Tuesday
On Tuesday, December 3, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will join millions by participating in the global generosity movement known as Giving Tuesday. Through its mission, Goodwill NCW makes it easy to make an impact locally. Our communities’ generous donations and purchases fuel programs for individuals who have a goal of learning new skills to achieve sustained employment and improved financial stability.
Last year, individuals served by Goodwill NCW’s mission programs increased their collective annual income by more than $4.5 million across north central Wisconsin. Here are three easy ways to support Goodwill NCW’s mission this season:
Goodwill NCW Giving Tree: December 2 through December 15, Goodwill NCW invites shoppers to consider rounding up their total at the register by $1 or more to support Goodwill NCW mission programs. By rounding up, they’ll receive an ornament to place on Giving Trees located in the 27 Goodwill NCW retail locations. Ornaments will stay on the trees through the end of the year as a testament to the generosity of the communities.
Donate: Gently used items that are donated to Goodwill NCW provide job training and other employment services. As a nonprofit, retail sales generated from donations are the primary source of funding to support the mission and operations of the organization. On average, each donation supports 3 hours of job skill training through Goodwill NCW programs building transferable employability skills.
Shop: In addition to finding great deals, customers should also know that by simply shopping at Goodwill NCW they are giving hope to those who need a hand-up. On average, 90 cents of every dollar from sales in Goodwill NCW retail stores is reinvested into the organization’s mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment.
During this season of giving, Goodwill NCW would like to thank shoppers and donors for their ongoing support to transform lives.
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About Goodwill North Central Wisconsin(Goodwill NCW)
Goodwill NCWis a nonprofit organization with a mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. We are committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs of our communities. We empower individuals and families, creating a lasting impact by breaking cycles of poverty and transforming lives through skill-building for sustained employment and improved financial stability. We see people for who they are and believe in the power of work, within our retail stores and workplaces throughout our community. We are proud of the life-changing impact we make in our communities and to our planet with the help of our donors and shoppers. Learn more at goodwillncw.org
Garden of Lights Returns to Green Bay Botanical Garden with NEw Interactive LIght displays
As the days grow shorter and winter approaches, Green Bay Botanical Garden is preparing to light up the night where nature shines bright with Garden of Lights presented by Wisconsin Public Service Foundation!
Starting Friday, November 28, enjoy a stroll on a one-mile path filled with luminous lightscapes, sparkling outdoor scenes, and endless magical moments. Experience the shimmer and shine of more than 40 nature-themed light displays, including two brand new displays: an interactive Tic Tac Snow game and a thrilling Aurora in Bloom laser show. Plus, get tickets for themed Bright Nights including Kids Glow Free, Frozen Magic, and more!
There are also accessible ways to experience the light show! Guests can purchase tickets for a whimsical ride in a horse-drawn wagon, or make a reservation for a Golf Cart Tour of the displays. Purchase tickets ahead of time for the best seat in the house with a stunning view of the displays.
While exploring the show, guests are invited to enjoy a snack or warm beverage at the Concessions Building on the WPS Foundation Plaza. Be sure to stop by the Fischer Visitor Center as well, which is full of fun activities for kids of all ages. In the Visitor Center, guests can shop for gifts in the WPS Trellis Gift Shop, enjoy the Green Bay Area Model Railroaders Club display, send a letter to Santa, and discover other fun activities during theme nights!
To learn more about the Garden and this beloved community event, call 920.490.9457 or visit GBBG.org/Lights.
Dates & Times
November 28-30
December 4-7
December 11-14
December 18-23
December 26-30
4:30-9 pm
Closed: November 27, December 24-25, 31, January 1-4
Guests have 30 minutes after the selected entry time to arrive. Entry times are every 30 minutes beginning at 4:30 pm with last entry at 8:30 pm (7 pm for wagon riders). Lights out at 9 pm.
Bright Nights
Kids Glow Free
Your family night just got brighter! Kids 12 & under get free Walking Tickets with one paid adult Value Night ticket. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers. Wagon rides are not available due to limited capacity.
Frozen Magic
Let it glow! Meet Anna and Elsa, pose for photos, and be inspired by the magic, ice, and light of the North Wind. Included with Garden of Lights ticket. Frozen Magic experiences conclude at 8:30 pm, but guests may continue to enjoy the lights until 9 pm.
Reindeer Cheer
Celebrate the magic of Santa’s reindeer with themed activities, festive photo ops, and twinkling lights. Included with Garden of Lights ticket. Reindeer Cheer experiences conclude at 8:30 pm, but guests may continue to enjoy the lights until 9 pm.
After thoughtful consideration, we’ve made an adjustment to this year’s Garden of Lights lineup: Afterglow (21+) Bright Night on Saturday, November 29 will now be a peak Garden of Lights evening.
We’re grateful for the enthusiasm around an adults-only night and look forward to exploring something similar in the future. For now, we’re excited to welcome everyone to enjoy the lights, glow, and magic that make the Garden shine bright.
Afterglow ticket holders should check their email for next steps.
Other Activities
Photos with Santa
Select dates before Christmas
November 28, 30, December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 | 5–8 pm
Get your photos with Santa! Check our website before your visit for updates on availability. Photo packages have an additional fee.
Letters to Santa
All Nights Through December 23 | 4:30–9 pm Bring your letters to Santa to place in his North Pole Mailbox.
Natural Holiday Trees All Nights | 4:30–9 pm Check out our natural holiday trees featuring ornaments and decorations made from flowers and plants found in the Garden!
Green Bay Area Model Railroaders Club All Nights Through December 23 | 4:30–9 pm Check out their display this year with stunning scenery and detailed model trains.
WPS Trellis Gift Shop
All Nights | 4:30–8:30 pm
Pick up a unique ornament, browse selections from local makers, or treat yourself (or a friend) to a new gardening tool. Stop in while you’re here for WPS Garden of Lights or visit us during the week – shop hours are the same as the Garden’s.
Adult Garden members receive a $3 discount per ticket every event night, and can buy additional tickets at this discounted rate based on their membership level.
Event capacity is limited, so purchase your dated and timed entry tickets early and in advance to ensure your desired date is available.
Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride
Includes a half-mile walk on paved paths through the upper areas of the light show before the start of the wagon ride (over mulched paths). Transport assistance to the wagon ride area is available, please ask at Admissions. Tickets for the Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride must be purchased in advance. Walking tickets cannot be upgraded at the door.
There are three large steps up into the horse-drawn wagon, so individuals with limited mobility are strongly encouraged to bring someone to assist with boarding the wagon.
Accessible Golf Cart Ride
Wheelchair and motorized scooter users and up to three other guests can receive a golf cart ride around the .4 miles of the lower gardens mulched pathways. Mobility device users need to be able to get into the golf cart without their wheelchair or motorized scooter (no ramp available). Their party can assist them if needed.
Guests will need to purchase an Accessible Golf Cart Ticket at least 24 hours in advance before their preferred date (and Walking Tickets for the up to three additional members of their party). The ticket also includes a half-mile Walking Tour of the paved pathways in the upper gardens after the golf cart ride.
Questions? Contact our Events Team at events@gbbg.org or 920.490.9457.
Group Rates Reduced-rate tickets are available for groups of 25 or more. Tickets must be purchased from the Events Team at least two weeks in advance at 920.593.5662 or events@gbbg.org.
Event Sponsors
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation; Boldt; Community First Credit Union; IBEW Local 158; K.C. Stock Foundation; Nicolet National Bank; Sunbelt Rentals; Seiner Tree & Shrub Care, LLC; 400 Pipe Trades; Emplify Health by Bellin Sports Medicine & Orthopedics; Cornerstone Foundation of Northeastern Wisconsin, Inc.; Festival Foods; Green Bay Packers Give Back; Green Bay Packaging George Kress Foundation; Meijer; OSMS; Robert E. Lee & Associates, Inc.; Schneider; TDS; Dar Stumpf; US Bank; Mary Zaborski; Cellcom; CoVantage Credit Union; Fox Communities Credit Union; Hemophilia Outreach Center; Janssen Law; Prevea Health; Tie the Knot Bridal Boutique; Terri Trantow-Witek & Paul Witek; Ansay & Associates, LLC.; Hawkins Ash CPAs; Bank of Luxemburg; Laurie Sales Venture Foundation of Lakeshore Community Foundation; Bay Towel; Schroeder’s Flowers; Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
NEWCA Announces Winners of Initial Champions of Construction Awards
Four Northeast Wisconsin skilled trades professionals have been named as the initial recipients of the Champions of Construction Awards, presented by the NEW Construction Alliance (NEWCA). The winners are:
Youth Apprentice of the Year – Machaela Mader of Miron Construction
Rising Star Award – Kristen Vera of Tweet Garot
Craftsman Legacy Award – Tom Gerlikovski of J.F. Ahern
Excellence in Mentorship Award – Rod Dax of Tweet Garot
Designed to recognize the top skilled trades professionals within the region, the awards will be presented in front of peers and industry leaders at the NEW Construction Alliance annual meeting on Jan. 14, 2026. The winners also will be highlighted on the NEWCA website and social-media channels, along with promotional materials.
“Congratulations to the recipients of the first annual Champions of Construction Awards,” says Jason Mathwig, industry alliance director for New North, Inc. “Reading through the stories and accomplishments of the award winners is inspiring and spotlights the many outstanding individuals we have in the construction trades in Northeast Wisconsin. The more we can celebrate our great local leaders in construction, the better the industry is positioned to build its next-generation workforce.”
The Youth Apprentice of the Year Award winner is Machaela Mader, a virtual construction youth apprentice who works in the virtual construction trade at Miron Construction. She was nominated by co-worker Kacie Hokanson, who described Mader as “an exceptional team member…she truly deserves recognition and reward for her hard work, dedication and positive attitude. From the moment she walks into the office each day, she comes ready and willing to take on any task presented to her, no matter the size, scope or challenge. She approaches her responsibilities with a proactive mindset, showing not only a willingness to contribute but also a determination to excel.”
A senior at Kimberly High School, she has worked at Miron for 1 year, 8 months. Hokanson shares that, though young in her professional career, Mader demonstrates great maturity and talent in her work, saying, “What sets Machaela apart is her ability to remain composed and resourceful when faced with difficult or complex projects. She has encountered challenges that required her to dig deep, think critically and find creative solutions, and each time she has risen to the occasion, delivering results that speak to her talent and resilience. A prime example of her skill and impact can be seen in her recent work designing two conference rooms for client. The owner’s representative praised her design and the client has decided to move forward with her vision, which is an incredible accomplishment that highlights her professional growth, creativity and ability to produce work that not only meets, but exceeds, client expectations.”
Hokanson additionally notes the soft skills that have made Mader successful as a youth apprentice at Miron, saying, “Machaela’s demeanor makes her a joy to work with. She consistently has a smile on her face, creating a positive and uplifting environment for those around her. She actively engages by asking thoughtful questions, absorbing information and applying feedback in a professional and respectful manner. Her eagerness to learn something new each day is evident, and this drive has allowed her to continually build her skills and expand her contributions to the department. It is rare to find someone who balances professionalism, creativity and a cheerful spirit so seamlessly at such a young age, but Machaela manages to embody all these qualities with ease.”
The Youth Apprentice of the Year Award, presented by AGC of Wisconsin, is designed to recognize a recent spring high school graduate or second-year youth apprentice starting his or her senior year. He or she will exemplify dedication to a trades skillset; outstanding communication skills; possess a clear interest in pursuing a long-term career in construction; maintain a high level of reliability, safety awareness and teamwork; and demonstrate eagerness to learn with continuous improvement and a mastery of technical construction skills.
The Rising Star Award winner is Kristen Vera, a construction technology specialist who works in the pipefitting trade at Tweet Garot. She was nominated by co-worker Ben Delcore, who wrote of Vera, “Kristen represents a new generation of construction professionals, demonstrating an exceptional blend of hands-on experience and cutting-edge technological leadership. Her years at Tweet Garot are defined by rapid progression and a commitment to technical mastery. Her work has resulted in measurable improvements in efficiency and productivity.”
Vera began her career on the shop floor, successfully earning her Journeyman card in August 2019. Her hands-on expertise gave her the ability to transition seamlessly from welding and fitting to the position of pipe spool detailer. In Vera’s current role of construction technology specialist, she harnesses digital tools to optimize the construction process. She also is an active instructor with UA Local 400.
Delcore also shared in his nomination, “Kristen’s most significant contribution is her leadership in implementing the Stratus workflow. This project was not merely adopting new software, but completely redefining the company’s approach to prefabrication and project management. Kristen was the integral, behind-the-scenes force for this system; she tested it thoroughly, was the primary problem-solver who customized it for Tweet Garot’s unique needs and trained her colleagues on its use…(Her) ability to transfer her shop-welding experience into the virtual world was key to making Stratus a success, ensuring the system was practical and effective for the people who use it.”
He additionally notes, “Kristen manages to drive this level of professional transformation while also being the parent of five children, demonstrating incredible discipline, time management and dedication.”
The Rising Star award, presented by Milwaukee Tool, is designed to honor an individual who demonstrates outstanding craftsmanship, technical ability and rapid skills growth beyond his or her years of experience. He or she will actively seek out training, certifications and mentorship opportunities to enhance his or her expertise in the trade, along with showing creativity and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
The Craftsman Legacy Award winner is Tom Gerlikovski, sheet metal shop manager within the sheet metal trade at J.F. Ahern. He was nominated by his supervisor, General Manager Gavin Barfknecht, who wrote of Gerlikovski, “Tom is the embodiment of craftsmanship, leadership and legacy in the construction trades. With over 27 years in the industry, he has built a reputation not only for his exceptional technical skill, but also for his dedication to mentoring others and advancing the trade. His career reflects every facet of the award’s criteria.”
A 25-year employee of J.F. Ahern, Gerlikovski spent 16 years honing his craft as a sheet-metal worker in the field before being promoted to his current position in 2014. Barfknecht describes his skills, “His technical expertise is unmatched. He’s a mechanic at heart and has a rare ability to assess complex situations and engineer practical, cost-effective solutions. Whether it’s designing custom insulation cutting machines for job-specific needs or repurposing a winch to power a flange-turning tool, Tom’s ingenuity has saved countless hours and dollars. His innovations have directly impacted the productivity of Ahern’s operations and have introduced tools that many in the industry have never seen.”
Barfknecht also shared in his nomination, “Tom’s leadership extends to overseeing every piece of ductwork that leaves the shop (more than one million pounds annually). His precision and oversight ensure that each piece meets the highest standards before reaching the field. His leadership style is hands-on and deeply respected. He’s rarely found at his desk; instead, he’s on the shop floor, working alongside his team, optimizing equipment and mentoring apprentices. His presence is constant, his work ethic tireless. He leads by example, stepping in when help is needed and holding high expectations for performance and accountability.”
He additionally notes the impact Gerlikovski has made in developing the next generation’s workforce, along with his devotion to safety, saying, “Tom has cultivated a pipeline of talent, guiding pre-apprentices into full apprenticeships and ensuring they’re prepared for the field. His ability to teach extends beyond the shop – he’s known for educating project managers, superintendents and colleagues on technical and safety matters…Safety is central to Tom’s leadership; he shows genuine care for every team member…and fosters a safety culture. His initiative, creativity and mentorship have influenced the broader construction community…He is the kind of leader people talk about outside of work, the one who can fix anything, teach anyone and always find a way to make things better.”
The Craftsman Legacy Award, presented by Nicolet Bank, is designed to recognize a construction trades industry professional with 25-plus years of experience, and is an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill, expertise and technical knowledge in his or her trade, along with consistently producing high-quality work that exceeds industry standards. The winner also will have left a lasting impact on projects, colleagues and the trade as a whole. He or she also will have upheld the highest standards of safety, ethics and professionalism, in addition to actively supporting the construction industry, local community and his or her employer.
The Excellence in Mentorship Award winner is Rod Dax, sheet metal labor coordinator within the sheet metal trade at Tweet Garot. He was nominated by co-worker Ben Delcore, who wrote of Dax, “What sets Rod apart is his unwavering commitment to workforce development and his unique ability to communicate complex sheet metal concepts in ways that resonate with learners at all levels. He actively recruits for the trades at high schools and career fairs, and his passion extends beyond formal settings – he’s known for recruiting promising young people wherever he encounters them, even at the grocery store.”
Dax has 41 years of distinguished service within the construction industry, all at Tweet Garot, where he oversees hiring for the largest portion of the company’s Northeast Wisconsin operations. Within his own career, he rose from pre-apprentice to apprentice, foreman, shop foreman and labor coordinator, providing him with a deep understanding of every stage in the career of a tradesperson. Under his 27 years of leadership, the sheet-metal workforce of Tweet Garot has grown from approximately 30 employees to more than 200 today; he has personally hired and mentored 150-plus individuals through the Local 18 five-year apprenticeship program.
Tweet Garot President Hope Voigt is complimentary of the straightforward and supportive approach Dax takes in mentoring the company’s young employees, saying, “Rod invests in giving the next generation critical feedback in a way that makes them feel believed in and cared about. When others might take the easy road and find a way to avoid difficult conversations, Rod leans in, invests in our people and helps them find their journey to success.”
The Excellence in Mentorship Award, presented by DeWalt, is designed to recognize an individual who has worked in the construction trades industry for 6-25 years, and who has mentored youth, registered apprentices and/or industry peers. He or she should possess a track record of developing successful industry professionals, along with inspiring others to pursue long-term careers in construction.
The four Champions of Construction Award winners were selected from a pool of nominees within field crafts and construction trades (non-office positions) across the 18-county New North region, who are employed by a NEW Construction Alliance investor company.
New North Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporationfostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. www.thenewnorth.com
NEW Construction Alliance
The NEW Construction Alliance (NEWCA) is an association of employers in the construction trades within Northeast Wisconsin. Members collaborate to work with educators, workforce- and economic-development organizations, and government to promote careers in the building and construction trades. www.newconstructionalliance.org
