Member News Archives | Greater Green Bay Chamber

NeighborWorks Green Bay Announces 2026 Annual Celebration, Invites Community to Gather Around Housing and IMpact

NeighborWorks Green Bay will host its Annual Celebration on Thursday, June 11 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Stadium View, bringing together community members, partners, and supporters for an evening focused on housing, connection, and local impact.

The event is open to the public, with free registration available at:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/neighborworksgreenbay/event/ac2026

To ensure accessibility for all, tickets are free, with a suggested donation of $30 to cover the cost of a meal. Guests who are able are encouraged to contribute additional support to help make the event accessible for others in the community.

The Annual Celebration will feature a sit-down dinner, cash bar, and a full program highlighting NeighborWorks Green Bay’s work to solve housing challenges and build stronger communities. Attendees will experience stories of impact, community awards, and presentations that bring local housing efforts to life.

Interactive elements throughout the evening include the Birdhouse Auction, a one-of-a-kind showcase of locally crafted pieces; a 50/50 raffle supporting ongoing community work; and the Good Neighbor Tour, which highlights real stories from neighbors impacted by housing and community-building efforts.

The 2026 event is proudly supported by title sponsor American Foods Group.

“Every year, this event is a reminder that strong communities don’t happen by accident; they’re built by people who care,” said Noel Halvorsen, President and CEO of NeighborWorks Green Bay. “When neighbors come together around housing, opportunity, and connection, we see real, lasting change take shape.”

NeighborWorks Green Bay’s impact continues to grow. Since its founding, the organization has helped more than 4,000 families achieve homeownership and leveraged over $672 million in community investment . Recent efforts include building new homes, expanding homeownership support, and launching the Green Bay Housing Partnership to create permanently affordable housing options .

The Annual Celebration offers an opportunity for anyone who cares about housing, neighborhoods, and the future of the Green Bay community to learn more, get involved, and celebrate what’s possible when people work together.

About NeighborWorks Green Bay
NeighborWorks Green Bay is a nonprofit organization dedicated to solving housing challenges and building stronger communities. Since 1982, the organization has provided homebuyer education and counseling, developed housing, and supported neighborhood revitalization efforts throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

Bailey Named Director of Marketing for the Boldt COmpany

The Boldt Company promotes Michelle Bailey, CPSM, to Director of Marketing.

In this expanded role, Bailey oversees the company’s integrated marketing teams in operating groups across the U.S., fostering collaboration and consistency across the organization. She also directs key market research initiatives and develops internal processes and marketing tools that support Boldt’s pursuit and acquisition strategy. Her leadership ensures that Boldt’s marketing function is aligned, data‑driven and positioned to strengthen the company’s growth.

Bailey has been with The Boldt Company since 2015, serving in a variety of marketing roles, including most recently as Marketing Strategist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Processes from the University of Wisconsin — Green Bay and is a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)

About The Boldt Company
The Boldt Company (Boldt) is a leading professional construction services firm with customers across the
United States and is a subsidiary of The Boldt Group. Founded in 1889, Boldt is a 100% employee-owned firm
headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin. Boldt is recognized as a pioneer in Lean construction and in the
industrialized construction space. Boldt operates 17 offices across the U.S. that serve customers in healthcare, power, industrial, education, automotive and commercial markets

Pollinator Pocket Kits oPen for Public Registration on Earth Day

Green Bay Botanical Garden invites the community to celebrate Earth Day by taking action for pollinators. Pollinator Pocket Kits are now open for registration to the general public, offering an easy and impactful way to support bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators right at home.

Each kit includes a curated selection of five native plants chosen to thrive in northeast Wisconsin while providing critical habitat and food sources for pollinators. Designed for gardeners of all experience levels, Pollinator Pocket Kits make it simple to create a small but meaningful pollinator-friendly space.

“Native plants are essential to supporting pollinators because they’ve evolved together over thousands of years,” said Mark Konlock, Director of Horticulture at Green Bay Botanical Garden. “When you plant natives, you’re not just adding beauty to your landscape, you’re also helping restore the natural systems that pollinators depend on to survive.”

Pollinators play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting food production, yet their populations continue to decline due to habitat loss and environmental changes. By planting native species, individuals can help restore biodiversity and create connections between fragmented habitats, which has been the main goal of the Northeast Wisconsin Pollinator Corridor Project.

This partnership between the City of Green Bay Conservation Corps and the Garden has produced several pollinator paradises in parks on both sides of the city, which gives pollinators in our community connecting points of habitat for rest and food for fuel.

“The more people we can get to plant these native kits in their own living spaces, the more pit stops we’ll have for pollinators to fuel up in our city,” explains Konlock.

Whether working with a large backyard or a small garden space, Pollinator Pocket Kits empower people to make a difference while enjoying the beauty and benefits of native plants.

Registration is now open, with limited quantities available. A donation of $25 is suggested to help support future programming.

For more information and to reserve your kit, visit GBBG.org/PollinatorPockets.

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About Green Bay Botanical Garden 

Celebrating 30 years, Green Bay Botanical Garden connects people with plants by providing year-round educational and recreational experiences for everyone in an environment that engages, inspires, and refreshes. First opened in 1996 and now featuring 47-acres of display gardens and natural areas, the Garden touches the lives of more than 200,000 guests annually on average from northeast Wisconsin and beyond. For more information about other happenings, visit GBBG.org or call 920.490.9457. 

Curative COnnections President and CEO, Jeanne Stangel to Retire by YEar-End

Curative Connections President and CEO, Jeanne Stangel has decided to retire at the end of December 2026. This was a personal decision rooted in her desire to spend more time with loved ones, family, grandkids and friends.

Reflecting on her time at Curative Connections, Stangel said, “Serving this remarkable organization over the past five years has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life.” Regarding the future of the organization she commented, “Curative Connections is in a wonderful place—financially strong and poised for continued success. I have no doubt that its best years are still ahead.”

Stangel has served the organization for the past 5 years as the 4th President and CEO, and first female leader in Curative Connections’ history. During her tenure, she led a milestone celebration of the organization’s 75th anniversary, orchestrated major projects including a $570,000 solar panel installation that helps reduce annual electric costs by $25,000; led a $5.3 million capital campaign that brought Yesteryear Village to life, a first of its kind reminiscent dementia care facility in the U.S.; and most recently joined forces with nine other non-profits to form the Northeast Wisconsin Family Care Advocacy Group, a group of leaders for home and community-based services that collectively advocate for the aging population and those with disabilities.

Curative Connections Board Chair, Lisa Bos commented, “On behalf of the Curative Connections Board of Directors, we extend our sincere gratitude for Jeanne’s exceptional leadership and service. She has guided the organization with vision, compassion, and purpose—strengthening Curative Connections as a trusted community partner and positioning a 78-year legacy for long-term sustainability.”

Bos will lead the search for the next President and CEO, with support from the Executive Committee officers and Employment Resource Group (ERG) as the engaged professional search firm. The proposed timeline to appoint a successor is in the Fall of 2026 to ensure a seamless transition

About Curative Connections: Curative Connections has adapted to meet the needs of our community since 1948, with a mission to help individuals meet their goals for independence. Through 11 person-centered adult day programs and specialized transportation, Curative provides memory loss classes, dementia care, cognitive
rehabilitation and wellness, and training and employment services. With two locations in Green Bay and one in Shawano, approximately 1,600 members are served each week. Through transportation services, 200 rides a day are provided.

For more information about Curative Connections, visit www.curativeconnections.org.

O’Connor Connective Announces Strategic Leadership UPdates, Launching New Leadership Model as Company Grows

O’Connor Connective, a strategy-driven marketing and communications consultancy known for elevating purpose-driven organizations, announces leadership updates that reflect its continued investment in people, clients and community. The updates include the promotion of Joanna Schreurs to Marketing Director, the hiring of Heather Bawyn as Accounting and Operations Director and the adoption of a shared leadership model designed to strengthen the firm as it continues to grow.

Schreurs’ promotion represents an evolution of her role within the organization, with increased focus on managing and developing the internal team while contributing to marketing strategy and client work. As Marketing Director, she supports collaboration across disciplines and helps ensure strategy aligns with both client goals and organizational priorities.

The firm also welcomed Heather Bawyn as Accounting and Operations Director. Bawyn brings more than a decade of experience in accounting, budgeting, audits and financial reporting, along with a strong background in nonprofit management and operations. Her experience includes accounting and leadership roles, most recently at the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County. Known for her organized, analytical approach and ability to streamline processes, Bawyn oversees accounting and operations while helping position the firm for continued growth and long-term sustainability.

Heather Bawyn
Joanna Schreurs

Schreurs and Bawyn join the company’s leadership team along with Michelle Dejno, Executive Vice President and Linda Bodden, Production Director. Each report to the CEO and owner, Bridget Krage O’Connor. This group drives company strategic planning and client service as the industries of marketing and communications rapidly evolve.

“We’re excited about the continued momentum of our work and what it means for our team and clients,” said O’Connor. “As client partnerships continue to expand, investing in our team and adopting a shared leadership model allows us to support our people and innovation more intentionally. This structure helps us collaborate and evolve more effectively as we deliver the level of excellence our clients deserve.”

About O’Connor Connective: Founded in 2013 and based in De Pere, Wisconsin, O’Connor Connective advises CEOs, presidents and senior leaders seeking to communicate their vision to get results. The company integrates strategy, marketing, creative, public relations and fund development to achieve

organizational goals. Clients include privately held and service-based companies and nonprofits. O’Connor Connective is a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE).

Legacy of Growth: Celebrating 15 Sessions of the Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protege PRogram

Join us as we celebrate a significant milestone—15 sessions of growth, partnership, and impact through the Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program. This special event highlights the program’s continued commitment to supporting small businesses across Wisconsin by fostering meaningful mentor-protégé relationships that drive economic development and job creation.

The celebration will take place at Lambeau Field and will bring together business leaders, program participants, and community partners to recognize the success and legacy of this impactful initiative.

Date: June 15, 2026

Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay

Goodwill NCW Makes Protecting the Planet Easy

This year for Earth Day, April 22, earthday.org has selected the theme of “Our Power, Our Planet”, stating that, “Local systems continue implementing solutions that strengthen energy reliability, conserve resources, and reduce risk…” Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will support and commemorate Earth Day with a “donation drive”, in partnership with Woodward Media, on April 25.

Since 1971, Goodwill NCW has been contributing to a more sustainable future through the promotion of reuse. By collecting and selling donated goods, Goodwill NCW helps our communities extend the life of usable items. On April 25, at the Darboy Goodwill location from 10am-12pm, the public is invited to support these practices by dropping off their gently used donations during a live remote broadcast with 95.9 KISS FM and celebrating with fun giveaways.

“Donations are the lifeblood of our mission—Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment,” said Chris Hess, President and CEO of Goodwill NCW. “Every donation fuels that mission while also helping divert an average of 35 million pounds of material from Wisconsin landfills each year. We’re grateful for the community support that makes both possible.”

Data from a current UW-Madison study shows that Goodwill NCW donors and shoppers help contribute to the local circular economy. On average, Goodwill NCW diverts 35 million pounds of items from landfills annually (enough to fill, approximately, 875 semi-truck trailers). Other sustainable data points include:

Since Goodwill NCW went plastic bag-free three years ago (2023), more than 11 million bags have been kept out of landfills.
Goodwill NCW building upgrades have cut CO₂emissions by 1.76 pounds
Secondhand shopping and donating can extend the lifecycle of clothing by over 2 years and reduce textile emissions by 50%.
Donations fuel job programs for those who have a goal of learning new job skills.

Goodwill NCW Donation Drive
Date/Time	Saturday, April 25 from 10am-12pm
Location	Goodwill NCW Darboy storeN189 Stoney Brook Rd, Appleton
Details	Live remote broadcast with 95.9 Kiss FMGiveaways

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW) is a nonprofit organization with a mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. We provide pathways to those who are disadvantaged who have a goal of building job skills that lead to 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

Unity raises Nearly $95,000 During Give Big Green Bay 2026

Unity is celebrating the impact of this year’s Give BIG Green Bay campaign, which generated $94,786 in support of compassionate end-of-life care and grief support services across Northeast Wisconsin.
During the 24-hour giving event, 362 donors contributed $78,435 directly to Unity, with an additional $16,786 in matching funds and incentives through Give BIG Green Bay, hosted by the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation.

This year’s event raised a total of $3.69 million for 50 participating nonprofits, highlighting the continued generosity and engagement of the greater Green Bay community.

Additional highlights from the 2026 event include:

37% of Unity’s monetary donations were contributed by new donors, indicating increasing awareness and a broader base of support
Unity received monetary donations from 44 states, along with contributions from Washington, D.C., Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom

“This level of support is a powerful reminder that our community truly shows up for one another,” said Jenifer Allen, Director of Development for Unity. “Every donation represents a commitment to ensuring that individuals and families facing serious illness or grief have access to compassionate care, support, and dignity. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed, shared our story, or helped elevate our mission.”

Funds raised will support Unity’s mission to provide hospice care, palliative care, and grief support services to individuals and families throughout Northeast Wisconsin, regardless of their financial means. Community support also sustains Unity’s unique programs, including Respecting Valor Veteran Care, pediatric hospice services, Gifted Wishes, and complementary grief support for individuals and families.

About Unity Grief and Education Center
Established in November 2021, Unity Grief and Education Center is the first-of-its-kind facility in Northeast Wisconsin offering grieving individuals of all ages a safe haven to learn about grief, share experiences, and find hope.

Located at 2079 Lawrence Drive in De Pere, Unity Grief and Education Center features dedicated counseling rooms to accommodate adults, children, and families in need of grief support, as well as a large room for education and public outreach. The Center is staffed by Unity’s experienced Grief Services team consisting of licensed counselors, social workers, and trained volunteers. Recognizing that every individual grieves in a unique way, Unity offers a wide variety of services to anyone who has experienced a death including:

Individual grief counseling
Family grief counseling
Grief support groups for children, teens, families and adults
Supportive telephone calls
Memorial services
Newsletter and literature resources
Holiday support
Grief consultation and support for businesses and schools

For more information about Unity Grief and Education Center or the 4th annual Luminary Walk, call
(920) 339-6700 or visit unityhospice.org/luminary-walk.

About Unity
Unity is Northeast Wisconsin’s pioneering not-for-profit healthcare provider that offers a full complement of care solutions including nonmedical home care, supportive palliative care, hospice care, and grief support. With a commitment to seamlessly adapt care to the everchanging needs of each patient and family, Unity works tirelessly to enhance quality of life through innovative services and unique programs ensuring the wishes and goals of patients and families are always met. As the only locally owned and operated advanced illness provider in the region, Unity partners with area skilled nursing facilities, assisted-living facilities, and pharmacies, ensuring seamless care in all settings.

Unity is the sole organization offering inpatient hospice at seven area hospitals and is a collaboration between Emplify Health by Bellin, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital. Established as the third hospice program in the nation, Unity launched Wisconsin’s first palliative care program in 2002, the area’s first hospice residence in 2007, the region’s only Grief and Education Center in 2021, and the area’s first pediatric hospice program in 2024. Learn more at https://unityhospice.org/.

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine specialists’ Surgery Center of Gree

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) – Orthopedic Surgery Center of Green Bay, the only ambulatory surgery center in the Green Bay area focused solely on orthopedic procedures, is proud to be recognized for the second time by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best Ambulatory Surgery Centers for orthopedics & spine in the United States. Out of the 4,421 Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) evaluated, not only is OSMS one of six high performing Orthopedic & Spine ASCs in Wisconsin to have received this recognition, but it is also one of two ASCs in Northeast Wisconsin and the only ASC in Green Bay to be recognized.

“National recognition like this demonstrates a clear pattern of excellence and consistency from our dedicated team,” describes Amanda Sosnosky, Administrator of Orthopedic Surgery Center of Green Bay and Orthopedic Surgery Center of the Fox Valley. “Providing our patients with the highest-quality safety and care is our top priority. We hold ourselves to high standards that are meticulously practiced day in and day out, so receiving recognition like this, and for multiple years in a row is a testament to our entire team.”

This is the fifth time the OSMS’ Orthopedic Surgery Center of Green Bay has been nationally awarded. The ASC was first recognized in 2024 by both US News & World Report as one of the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers 2024-2025 and by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers 2024. Since then, the ASC has been recognized consecutively by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers in 2025 and 2026. OSMS has a postoperative infection rate of 0.15%, which is significantly lower than the national ASC average of 0.85% and the hospital average of 2.5%.

U.S. News & World Report, partnering with Arcadia for the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers report, rated the surgery centers across the U.S. on several criteria, including how successfully they avoided complications, ER visits, unplanned hospitalizations and other undesirable outcomes, patient outcomes, risk-adjustment and more. U.S. News awards the designation of “Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers” only to those surgical centers that satisfy U.S. News’ statistical assessment of performance. Only the highest-rated surgery centers earned a “Best” rating.

For more information on OSMS, including its nationally recognized Ambulatory Surgery Centers visit osmsgb.com. 

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) is a physician-owned orthopedic, sports medicine, rheumatology, and pain management practice with clinics in Green Bay, Marinette, Neenah, and Oshkosh, serving northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Services at OSMS include hip, knee, and shoulder care; hand and wrist care; foot and ankle care; sports medicine; work-related injuries; fracture care; spine care; pain management care; and rheumatologic care. Recognized as the best orthopedic/sports medicine clinic in the Green Bay Area, OSMS has one of America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers 2026 by Newsweek and one of the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers in the United States 2026 by US News & World Report, and also offers MRI, EMG, x-ray, CT scans for extremities, lab services, infusion therapy and bone density screening. Visit osmsgb.com for more information.

North Shore Bank Advances Next Generation of Leadership while Honoring decades of service in Northeast Wisconsin

North Shore Bank today announced a series of leadership transitions across northeast Wisconsin, reflecting the organization’s long-standing commitment to developing talent from within and investing in the future of community banking.

These changes come as two highly respected leaders — Vice President and District Manager Kerri Collins and Area Manager Mickey Adams — prepare to retire this spring. Collins and Adams represent nearly 80 years of combined service to North Shore Bank, helping shape the customer-focused culture and strong community relationships that define the community bank today.

“We are incredibly grateful for Kerri and Mickey’s decades of leadership, expertise and tenured dedication in northeast Wisconsin,” said Susan T. Doyle, senior vice president of retail banking at North Shore Bank. “They leave behind a legacy of customer care and community service, and we wish them continued success as they embark on their next chapter. We’re grateful as they have helped mentor and prepare the next generation of leaders who will carry that legacy forward.”

As part of this transition, North Shore Bank is promoting experienced team members into key leadership roles across the area — ensuring continuity for customers and maintaining high-quality, personalized service across the region.

Katie Presser, with 14 years at North Shore Bank, has been promoted to North District Manager. She has held positions at the bank overseeing multiple offices, most recently as Area Manager for Pulaski and Howard branches and Community Engagement Manager. Through its Community Engagement Manager program, North Shore Bank invests in current leaders through a rigorous, yearlong training initiative and ongoing development focused on strengthening community connections and local partnerships.

“Katie is ready to take on this next leadership role,” said Doyle. “Her passion, positivity, and expertise will directly benefit our customers and continue to strengthen the vibrant communities we serve across northeast Wisconsin. Having served as our Community Engagement Manager, Katie has a strong understanding of our engagement-driven approach to supporting our customers and community. We are confident she will make a meaningful and lasting impact in her new role.”

Additionally, Caitlin Maloney, who has been Assistant Manager for the past three years at the Pulaski branch will now take the lead; Emmeline Knight-Guzman, a 12-year North Shore Bank veteran, will head the Howard-Suamico team; Aubrey Abrahamson will lead the Allouez branch with six years of North Shore Bank experience; and Mariah Hintz, who has served the Green Bay Community for three years, will lead the Green Bay East team. All four of the women are members of North Shore Bank’s Emerging Leaders Group, a development program for high-performing professionals that supports leadership growth and meaningful participation in bankwide initiatives.

“These promotions reflect the depth of talent within our organization and our intentional focus on developing leaders from within,” added Doyle. “Our Northeast region is widespread, spanning from the Appleton and Green Bay areas to Door County, and we are proud to have served these communities with trusted financial services for nearly 40 years. These new leaders are deeply connected to the communities we serve, and they are well positioned for continued success.”

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, North Shore Bank is a mutual savings bank with assets of over $2.5 billion and 41 offices throughout eastern Wisconsin with locations in metro Milwaukee, Germantown, Ozaukee County, Racine, Kenosha, Appleton, Menasha, Green Bay and surrounding areas, Door County, Burlington, Union Grove, and Muskego. Locate a North Shore Bank office. You can also connect with the bank on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Category: Member News