Category: Member News

Tweet Garot Mechanical Acquires prime specialty contracting, Expanding into michigan’s upper peninsula

Tweet Garot Mechanical, a 127-year-old mechanical contracting firm, has acquired Prime Specialty Contracting, a full-service mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and custom metal fabrication contractor with offices in Marquette and Escanaba, Michigan. The acquisition establishes Tweet Garot as the leading mechanical contractor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and strengthens the company’s growing statewide
presence.


“I’ve known Prime’s founder Cory Bushong for many years, and I’ve watched him build something truly unique,” stated Tweet Garot Chairman and CEO, Christopher Howald. “In just six years, Cory and his team have built a business and a culture that stand out in this industry. We didn’t pursue Prime because of geography alone — we pursued them because of the people, the reputation, and the values they’ve established. Together, we believe we can create the dominant destination for both employees and customers in Upper Michigan.”


Prime Specialty Contracting operates through three divisions — Prime Mechanical Contracting, Prime Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, and Prime Welding & Fabrication — serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout the Upper Peninsula. Both the Marquette and Escanaba facilities will remain open and in full operation. Bushong will remain with the company permanently, continuing to lead his team of approximately 90 employees.


“When I started Prime in 2019, the goal was always to build something our team and community could be proud of,” stated Bushong. “Partnering with Tweet Garot gives us the resources, technology, and scale to take that vision even further — without changing what makes us who we are. I’m excited for what this means for our employees, our customers, and the Upper Peninsula.”


Tweet Garot President and COO Hope Voigt added, “The synergies between our organizations are natural. We share the same commitment to culture, employee development, and customer relationships. With Prime’s deep roots in the UP and Tweet Garot’s resources and technology platform, we’re positioned to offer something no one else in the region can match.”


The acquisition closed in February 2026. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


About Tweet Garot Mechanical
Tweet Garot Mechanical specializes in HVAC, plumbing, process piping, mechanical engineering, building automation systems, sheet metal and plate fabrication, industrial ventilation, and mechanical service. Tweet Garot currently employs approximately 1000 people across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Arizona.www.tweetgarot.com

EggStravaganZoo Tickets At The NEW ZOO on Sale Now

Hop over to the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park to enjoy this year’s EggStravaganZoo presented by Leaf Filter Gutter Protection! From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4th, guests can enjoy family-friendly springtime fun. EggStravaganZoo is a tradition you won’t want to miss!


Throughout the event, guests can take photos with the EggStravaganZoo Bunny, play games, get candy at treat stations, and search for the adorable, elusive slither-hoppers while playing an interactive scavenger hunt activity all around the Zoo. Kids and adults alike can also enjoy carousel rides (weather permitting) and feed the giraffes and Children’s Zoo animals. The Dog House will be on-site, serving up a selection of delicious foods like their fan-favorite cheese curds, and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will be here offering an assortment of both hot and cold beverages.


Tickets to EggStravaganZoo are $15 per person OR $20 per person for a COMBO EggStravaganZoo + Canopy Tour ticket. Kids under 3 are free. Members receive a 20% discount that will be automatically applied at the door or to your online shopping cart as long as you are signed into your membership account at the time of purchase. See our website for details on how to sign in and/or create your account if you haven’t already.


The NEW Zoo will be open until 6:00 p.m. on April 4th, with all event activities ending at 2:00 p.m. For
those who wish to visit the zoo after the event on April 4th, regular-priced admission tickets will be
available at the door starting at 2:00 p.m.


Tickets and additional information can be found online at www.newzoo.org

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport Announces 3rd Annual Art Exhibition Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

The countdown to America’s 250th birthday starts now at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB). Calling on museums, organizations and individuals to include their artifacts in our terminal A display. The GRB Arts Program is looking for patriotic artifacts to greet travelers and fuel the celebration. 

Themed “Patriotic | Historic | Americana,” this year’s exhibition will highlight pieces from local collections that celebrate American history, heritage, and culture. With thousands of travelers passing through the airport each week, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to share meaningful artifacts and artwork with a broad public audience.

Who Can Apply

All types of museums, individuals, and appropriate membership organizations are encouraged to submit. While special consideration will be given to participants from Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, submissions from outside the region are also welcome.

Types of Work Accepted

·       Framed photography

·       Artwork

·       Ephemera

·       3-D objects

·       Wall hangings

·       Clothing

Participants may submit up to four (4) pieces for consideration. Pieces will be reviewed by a selection panel, with final placement determined based on space and exhibition needs.

“For many travelers, the airport is both a gateway and a first impression of our region,” said Airport Director Marty Piette. “Public art plays an essential role in creating a welcoming, enriching environment for those flying through GRB. Through strong partnerships with local museums, organizations and individuals we can add depth, perspective, and visual interest to our terminal spaces while celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States.”

The 2026 exhibition is designed to promote local history and honor the nation’s milestone anniversary. Displays will be installed in May 2026 and must be in place prior to the airport’s 2026 Honor Flight for Veterans in June.

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach emphasized the community-wide significance of the initiative. “Our community is proud to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States,” said Streckenbach. “The displays at the airport are an important part of that celebration, showcasing the stories, artifacts, and expressions that connect us to our shared history. We’re excited to see the patriotism our region will bring forward.”

Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026 (end of day)

How to Submit: Email required materials (photos and documentation as JPG or PDF attachments) to: susan.levitte@flygrb.com with subject line “250.” For full submission requirements and official rules, visit the airport’s website or contact the airport administration office.

Through its arts program, GRB continues its mission to enhance the airport user experience while promoting local artists and cultural institutions throughout Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

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About Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is the third largest airport in the state, serving Northeast Wisconsin and portions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Business and leisure flights are offered American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, and two fixed base operators (FBOs), JetAir Group and Avflight. As the Gateway to Lambeau Field, GRB is the official airport of the Green Bay Packers.

Additionally, GRB is one of only two commercial airports in Wisconsin designated as a Landing Rights Airport by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for international flight arrivals.

Find GRB online:

www.flygrb.com | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

New North’s Rebecca Deschane Named Chair of WEDA Board

New North Inc. Vice President of Talent Development Rebecca Deschane has been named chairperson of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) board of directors. She is scheduled to serve as board chair through January 2027.

WEDA, comprised of 450-plus members, is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to advancing and strengthening Wisconsin’s economy. It represents the economic development interests of both the private and public sectors through leadership on state-level initiatives, providing advocacy, networking and education to its members.

“I look forward to supporting the work of WEDA President & CEO Melissa Hunt, in conjunction with other board members, to enhance economic development in Wisconsin,” says Deschane. “As WEDA launches its 2026-28 strategic plan, our focus will be on strengthening advocacy efforts, expanding education and professional development opportunities, and fostering meaningful member connections. Our members increasingly seek strong data and emerging trend information; it is incumbent on us to provide that.”

As part of her commitment to inclusive governance, Deschane is working to bring an ex officio Tribal representative onto WEDA board later this month.

Deschane, a long-time member of WEDA, first joined the board in February 2023. She additionally has been chair of the Economic Development Women of Wisconsin (ED WOW) committee for the past two years.

At New North, Deschane coordinates and manages initiatives, projects and programming around talent development, including industry alliances in construction, information technology, and healthcare. She collaborates with local and regional partners in her talent-attraction efforts, which have included the New North Talent Hub, military-veteran attraction, and college-alumni recruitment with area institutions of higher learning. Deschane additionally has led regional upskilling initiatives such as the Microsoft/gener8tor Skills program and the NEW BOOST™ for Hidden Talent digital literacy training.

“We are tremendously proud to have Rebecca represent the New North region on a statewide level as WEDA board chair,” says Patti Habeck, president and CEO of New North Inc. “In my short time with New North, I have seen firsthand her expertise in talent development and attraction, and know that her voice will be an impactful one in Wisconsin’s economic development efforts.”

Deschane has served New North in her current role for the past five years. She previously spent a decade with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), working in legislative and public policy as well as talent attraction and development roles, implementing statewide talent strategies to meet current and future workforce needs.

A native of the New North region (Crivitz), Deschane is a graduate of Marquette University.

# # #

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.

North Shore Bank MOrtgage Profsesionals Receive Prestigous INdustry Recognition for Customer and Community Excellence

North Shore Bank today announced mortgage professionals Robin Tegel, Claudio Lanza , and Steve Luebke have been awarded the Five Star Mortgage Professionals designation, a prestigious honor given to the top-rated mortgage professionals in a given market.

This is the 16th year in a row that AVP, Senior Mortgage Lender Steve Luebke has been recognized as a Five Star Mortgage Professional, the fifth year for Mortgage Loan Officer Robin Tegel, and the first year for Claudio Lanza. Tegel, Lanza, and Luebke all serve Southeast Wisconsin markets for North Shore Bank with Tegel out of the Kenosha office at 5117 Green Bay Rd., Lanza out of the Grafton office at 2301 Wisconsin Ave., and Luebke out of the Brookfield office at 15700 W. Bluemound Rd.

“Being recognized as Five Star Mortgage Professionals reflects the exceptional commitment these team members show to our customers and communities every day,” said Mike Murphy, vice president and consumer lending manager at North Shore Bank. “Working alongside Robin, Claudio, and Steve is truly a privilege and I’m proud know our customers are guided by some of the best in the industry.” Five Star Professional conducts market-specific research throughout the U.S. to identify service professionals who demonstrate professional excellence and provide quality services to their clients. The Five Star Mortgage Professional program is the largest and most widely published award program for mortgage professionals in North America, covering more than 40 major markets. The Five Star Professional research team contacted thousands of recent homebuyers, consumers and industry leaders to identify Milwaukee-area mortgage professionals who stand out in their industry and community.

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, North Shore Bank is a mutual savings bank with assets of over $2.5 billion and 42 offices throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Wisconsin locations are in metro Milwaukee, Germantown, Ozaukee County, Racine, Kenosha, Appleton, Menasha, Green Bay and surrounding areas, Burlington, Union Grove, Muskego, and Door County. Locate a North Shore Bank office. You can also connect with the bank on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Prevea WElcomes Dr. Ahmed Elakkad to HSHS St. Vincent HOspital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center care team

Prevea Health is proud to welcome Ahmed Elakkad, MD, to the nationally recognized Comprehensive Stroke Center care team, located at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, 835 S Van Buren St., in Green Bay.

Dr. Elakkad specializes in non-invasive care for strokes and brain aneurysms, as well as treatment for spinal fluid pressure conditions. He also provides treatment for pediatric malformations of the blood or lymph vessels, occurring in the head or neck.

“Inspired by a family member’s experience, I developed a special interest in the care of stroke patients, recognizing the critical difference effective triage can make,” says Dr. Elakkad. “My passion is patient advocacy, and I strive to ensure my patients get the best care.”

Dr. Elakkad earned his medical degree from Cairo University in Egypt and completed his residency with The Diagnostic Radiology Department at Cairo University’s Faculty of Medicine. He is certified with the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Appointments with Dr. Elakkad can be scheduled by calling (920) 272-1610.

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About Prevea Health 

Prevea Health is a community of passionate and accomplished physicians, caregivers and staff working together to provide exceptional health care. Patients have trusted Prevea with their medical care needs since 1996 when the organization was founded in Green Bay, Wis. Today, Prevea provides primary care and a wide range of specialty medical care in clinic, hospital, and workplace settings across Northeast Wisconsin. It is partnered with Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) which operates hospitals in Wisconsin. For more information about Prevea Health, visit www.prevea.com.

9th Annual Give BIG Green Bay raises record $3.7 million

During the 24 hours of Give BIG Green Bay 2026, a record $3.7 million was raised to support 50 local nonprofits working to meet needs across Brown County — bringing the event’s nine-year total to more than $20 million generated for 164 local nonprofits.

The 9th annual giving day inspired a record 5,954 donors to make 11,342 gifts to the participating nonprofits of their choosing. Notably, 42% of donors identified themselves as new supporters to at least one organization they chose to donate to. These milestones reflect Give BIG Green Bay’s continued success in raising awareness and connecting new donors to the vital work of local nonprofits.

“We continue to be amazed by the generosity and enthusiasm our community brings to this event,” said Dennis Buehler, President and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation. “The energy around Give BIG Green Bay lasts far beyond a single day, fueling year‑round collaboration and momentum. We’re proud to help amplify that spirit and connect people with the causes that make this community so special.”

More than $550,000 in matching funds will now be distributed across all 50 participating organizations, thanks to a $250,000 impact grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation and contributions from other generous donors. Donors who opted to help “increase the match” contributed an additional $18,943 to ensure every gift will go even further.

Of the participating nonprofits, three will receive a $5,000 incentive for securing the most unique donors in their size category: Freedom House, Happily Ever After, and Foster the Village. 

The Mark Murphy Give BIG Green Bay Spirit Award was awarded to the Volunteer Center of Brown County for best embodying the values and spirit of Give BIG Green Bay, as voted on by their peers. As the award recipient, the Volunteer Center received a commemorative football and $1,000 incentive to further its mission. The award, started last year, is presented annually to honor the collaborative spirit of the event while celebrating Murphy’s lasting impact on our community throughout his tenure with the Green Bay Packers.

The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation underwrites all Give BIG Green Bay program expenses, allowing all donations, match dollars, and incentives to support the work of local nonprofits. Participating nonprofits will receive a portion of the match based on the percentage of dollars they raised.

For more information and results, visit givebiggreenbay.org. Leaderboard rankings reflect donor contributions but do not include matching funds.

About the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation

Established in 1991, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation inspires and encourages charitable giving in Northeast Wisconsin by providing simple and smart giving tools, impactful grants, and collaborative leadership to address critical community needs. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $224 million in grants supporting a broad range of organizations and initiatives. In the last fiscal year, together with its donors, $19.4 million was distributed. Today, the Foundation manages more than 800 charitable funds with assets exceeding $193 million. www.ggbcf.org

About the Green Bay Packers Foundation

The Green Bay Packers Foundation was established in 1986 as a vehicle to assure continued contributions to charity. It supports a variety of nonprofit organizations across the state of Wisconsin through its annual grant cycle and impact grants. The Foundation has distributed more than $29.55 million for charitable purposes since its inception and is a component of Green Bay Packers Give Back, the organization’s all-encompassing community outreach initiative. Packers Give Back includes appearances by players, alumni, coaches and staff, monetary and in-kind donations, community events, Make-A-Wish visits, football outreach and much more. These efforts contribute to an annual charity impact in excess of $13 million.

Amanda Giannunzio Joins Insight Creative as Second Web Developer

Insight Creative, Inc. has hired Amanda Giannunzio as its second Web Developer, strengthening a web team that continues to see steady growth.

Amanda builds and maintains websites with a focus on clear structure and strong content organization. She understands both the technical and human sides of the web, helping clients turn ideas into functional digital experiences.

Giannunzio began coding in middle and high school during the Neopets and MySpace era. She studied history at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point before earning her associate degree in web development from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in 2016.

She spent nearly eight years as a web developer at a Green Bay marketing agency before pursuing freelance work at the end of 2024. During that time, she served in a remote webmaster role for Tivnu in Portland, Oregon, and supported small business websites.

Giannunzio is also a part-time co-manager at Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary.

Insight Business Development Director Brian Brost said, “We’re excited to welcome Amanda to the team. Adding a second web developer allows us to move projects forward efficiently and continue delivering thoughtful, high-performing websites.”

To learn more about Insight’s web services, visit https://insightcreative.com/services/web-design-development-services/.

About Insight Creative, Inc.

Since 1988, Insight Creative has delivered Communication with substance to consumer, business and industrial brands. For ultimate efficiency, Insight Creative houses all services—including web, creative, digital, media, PR and a full-service video-photo studio—under one roof in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Visit insightcreative.com for more information.

Wisconsin Vex Robotics State CHampionships Bring Hundreds of Students to Ashwaubenon

More than 720 elementary, middle, and high school students and mentors from across Wisconsin will compete at the Wisconsin VEX Robotics State Championships March 6–8 at the Resch Expo Center.

The three-day event, hosted by Fox Valley Competitive Robotics, Inc., will feature more than 120 teams competing in the 2025–26 VEX robotics season. Students will compete using robots they designed, built, and programmed, testing skills in engineering, coding, and teamwork.

Elementary and middle school teams will compete in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition game Mix & Match on March 8, while middle and high school teams will take part in the VEX Robotics Competition game High Stakes on March 6–7. Teams will advance through qualifying rounds, with top performers earning spots at the VEX Robotics World Championships in St. Louis, April 21–30.

“Hosting the Wisconsin VEX Robotics State Championships highlights Greater Green Bay as a destination for education-focused events that bring students and families together,” said Brad Toll, President and CEO of Discover Green Bay. “We’re excited to welcome teams from across the state and support an event that celebrates innovation and learning.”

The Wisconsin VEX Robotics State Championships are part of a global series of competitions recognized as one of the largest competitive robotics programs in the world, engaging students from more than 60 countries.

Fox Valley Competitive Robotics, Inc., founded in 2015, is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization focused on promoting STEM education through competitive robotics.

The Boldt Group Appoints Schulze as Vice President of Human Resources

The Boldt Group announces the appointment of Lisa Schulze as Vice President of Human Resources, reflecting her significant leadership contributions since joining the organization in 2020 and the strategic role she will play as the employee-owned company continues to grow and evolve.

Schulze, who previously served as Human Resources Director, has been instrumental in shaping Boldt’s enterprise-wide human resources support model. In her new role, she will continue to lead Talent Acquisition, the Human Resources Service Center and the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) model, while expanding her strategic responsibilities in alignment with The Boldt Group’s organizational goals and its 100% ESOP structure

“Being part of Boldt right now is incredibly exciting,” Schulze said. “As a 100% ESOP
organization, every employee has an opportunity to positively impact our business. I’m grateful
to continue contributing in a role that allows me to help employees navigate change, grow their
careers and make meaningful connections across the organization.”

Since joining Boldt in January 2020, Schulze has brought extensive human resources expertise to the organization. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and maintains both Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) designations. Throughout her tenure, Schulze has led and supported teams across the HR function to strengthen recruitment, retention, employee development, and engagement. She has served as a key advisor to business leaders, ensuring alignment between HR initiatives and organizational objectives, and has contributed to major cross-functional projects aimed at improving processes, efficiency and employee experience.

“Lisa brings a remarkable combination of strategic insight, operational strength and genuine care for our people. Her ability to connect the dots across the organization, and guide our HR teams through meaningful change, has been invaluable,” said Holly Lifke, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President, The Boldt Group. “Lisa’s promotion reflects not only her outstanding performance, but also the trust and respect she has earned from leaders and employees across Boldt. I am confident she will continue to elevate our HR capabilities and play a key role in supporting the company’s growth and the success of our employee-owners.”

About The Boldt Group
The Boldt Group is a 100% employee-owned family of companies driven to transform the built environment and beyond, through innovation, Lean methodology and continuous process improvement.
Headquartered in Appleton, Wis., our employee-owned businesses focus on creating extraordinary
opportunities for employees, partners, customers and communities. The Boldt Group companies serve
customers nationwide.

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