Member News Archives | Page 10 of 23 | Greater Green Bay Chamber

North Shore Bank Welcomes tom Staszak as Mortage Loan OFficer in Green Bay

North Shore Bank announced today that Tom Staszak has joined the team as a mortgage loan officer for the bank’s Northeast Region of Wisconsin. In this role, Staszak will manage relationships with existing and prospective customers and guide them through the mortgage process to ensure efficient and successful transactions.

“Tom brings a wealth of experience in the Wisconsin banking and mortgage industry and is committed to transparent communication with customers so they can make informed decisions about their financial goals and homeownership plans,” said Mike Murphy, vice president of consumer lending. “We are excited to add Tom and his expertise to our team.”

Staszak has more than ten years of mortgage experience throughout northeast Wisconsin, most recently working as a mortgage consultant at the Bank of Luxemburg and previously worked as a Mortgage Loan Officer with Marine Credit Union and Wells Fargo. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Outside of work, he volunteers with Neighborworks Green Bay on the member resource development committee and spends time with family.

As a resident of Green Bay, Staszak will be based at North Shore Bank’s Green Bay East branch, located at 1901 Main Street.

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, North Shore Bank is a mutual savings bank with assets of over $2.5 billion and 43 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, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Donate Your Old Holiday Lights to the NEW Zoo

The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park is preparing to make this holiday season sparkle – and we need your help! As we get ready for our annual Merry & Bright Canopy Lights events, we’re asking the community to donate used holiday lights – whether they’re working or not! – to help us create a dazzling holiday experience for everyone to enjoy.

All donated lights will be put to good use. Working lights will help illuminate the Neil Anderson Canopy Tour during the event, and non-working lights will be recycled responsibly, helping to reduce waste and support sustainability efforts. A collection bin is conveniently located just outside the main entrance of the Zoo’s Visitor Center building, allowing donations to be dropped off any time between now and February 1^st.

“The Merry & Bright Canopy Lights event brings the community together to celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday season,” says Nathaniel Wagner, Adventure Park Supervisor. “When you donate your old lights – whether they work or not – you’re helping us brighten the holidays for our guests and helping us keep recyclable materials out of landfills.”

Any type of lights can be donated! The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park will accept all used or new string lights, either working or non-working, including both indoor or outdoor varieties, and all colors and lengths of strings. Your donations will help make the Merry & Bright Canopy Lights events a truly magical experience. Together, we can light up the season in the most sustainable way!

For more information about lights donations, please contact Nathaniel Wagner, Adventure Park Supervisor at 920.662.2148 or at nathaniel.wagner@browncountywi.gov

NEW Zoo and adventure Park Announce Winter Hours of Operation

The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park will return to Winter Hours of Operation starting this Saturday, November 1^st. The NEW Zoo will be open daily (including on all holidays!) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the Neil Anderson Canopy Tour will also be open daily (except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day) starting at 9:00 a.m. The Adventure Park’s Ropes Course, Ziplines, Climbing Wall, and Kids Kourse will be closed for the season, but groups can schedule private experiences through advanced reservations. Fat tire bikes are also available to rent through the Adventure Park’s Base Camp building, with ski and snowshoe rentals coming as soon as conditions allow.

Although Zoo hours are shortened, there’s no shortage of fun things to do on your next visit! Many animals are more active in cooler weather compared to in the heat of summer, so this is a great time of year to enjoy the Zoo. We’re excited to share that our popular zookeeper-led VIP Experiences will continue throughout the winter, too! Guests can purchase tickets to daily Penguin Feedings, Snow Leopard Den Tours, and Aldabra Tortoise Experiences, either online in advance or at the door (when not sold out in advance). A variety of other private animal encounters are also available throughout the season, with tickets sold online or reserved in advance with our Education Team. Visit our website to learn more about those opportunities.

On your next visit, consider dropping off some of your old string lights! We’re currently collecting donations of both working and non-working lights. The Zoo Crew is gearing up for the return of our popular Merry & Bright Canopy Lights tours on the Neil Anderson Canopy Tour! Stay tuned for more information about those festive, fun events, as well as for information about our upcoming Holiday Fest event.

LaForce Acquires Piper-Weatherford Co.

LaForce, a national leader in doors, frames, hardware, building specialties, and security solutions, proudly announces the acquisition of Piper-Weatherford Co. This is a significant milestone in LaForce’s strategic growth trajectory and reinforces its commitment to innovation, customer service, and industry leadership.

Founded in 1954, Piper-Weatherford Co. built a legacy of excellence spanning over seven decades as a premier supplier of doors, frames, and architectural hardware. Rooted in integrity, dedication, and exceptional service, the company continues to set industry standards in materials supply and distribution. Under the leadership of President Scott Boswell, Piper-Weatherford Co. employs 72 professionals across five locations: Dallas, TX, Austin, TX, Mansfield, TX, Garland, TX, and Oklahoma City, OK—making it a trusted partner in construction and design.

This acquisition brings together two highly respected organizations with complementary strengths, shared values, and a united vision for the future. By integrating Piper-Weatherford Co.’s specialized expertise and state-wide presence with LaForce’s national infrastructure and operational excellence, the combined entity is poised to deliver enhanced value to clients, partners, and employees across North America.

“This is so much more than a business transaction—it’s a strategic alignment of values and vision,” said Brian Mannering, CEO and President of LaForce. “Together, we are stronger and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Piper-Weatherford Co. has built a respected, long-standing business rooted in integrity and excellence, and we deeply value and respect the trust, experience, and leadership they bring to this partnership. Partnering with Piper-Weatherford Co. allows us to expand our capabilities, deepen our talent pool, and accelerate innovation across every facet of our business.”

The integration process is already underway, with a focus on maintaining business continuity and delivering seamless experiences for clients. Both companies are committed to preserving the strong relationships and reputations they’ve built over decades of service.

“We are thrilled to join the LaForce team,” said Scott Boswell, President of Piper-Weatherford Co. “Our teams share a deep commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction. LaForce and Piper-Weatherford Co. both bring a rich history to the doors, frames, and hardware industry. This partnership opens exciting new doors for growth and innovation.”

This acquisition reinforces LaForce’s long-term strategic vision and its commitment to driving innovation in building security and architectural solutions. It marks another step in shaping the future of the industry through purposeful growth and expertise.

Piper-Weatherford Co. will operate under its own name and stay in its current locations throughout Texas and Oklahoma. There will be no immediate changes for their customers or vendors.

About LaForce:

LaForce is one of the largest distributors of door opening products, solutions, and services in the United States. We offer services in doors, frames, hardware, keying, building specialties, architectural services, fire door inspections, pre-install, install, and customized pre-finishing, along with our security division, known as Electronic Security Systems. Headquartered in Green Bay, WI, since 1954, we now operate at 22 locations throughout the country. For more information, please visit www.laforceinc.com.

President & CEO of McClone Insurance Recognized Among Wisconsin’s Top Business Leaders

McClone Insurance is proud to announce that President and CEO Dustin McClone has been named a 2026 Wisconsin Titan 100 honoree for the second consecutive year. The recognition highlights Wisconsin business leaders who demonstrate vision, integrity, and measurable impact in their organizations and industries.

Since becoming CEO in 2018, Dustin has guided McClone through a period of sustained growth, doubling revenue, expanding into new markets, and achieving record performance across every division. His leadership has centered on clarity, discipline, and a willingness to challenge industry norms. Through its RiskMAP™ process, McClone has redefined how businesses identify and manage risk, helping clients make smarter decisions and achieve stronger results.

“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects the results of doing things the right way,” said McClone. “We’ve built a model that rewards discipline, clarity, and curiosity, and the market continues to respond. It’s proof that challenging the status quo works.”

McClone is a proud sponsor of the Wisconsin Titan 100 program, which celebrates leadership and fosters connection among business professionals across the state. Through sponsorship, the company supports opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and shared growth that align with McClone’s drive to move the industry forward.

In addition to his role at McClone, Dustin serves as a Director for Nicolet Bank, a Board Member and past Chair of United Way Fox Cities and is actively involved with several nonprofit and community organizations across Wisconsin. His leadership philosophy, “When in doubt, do the right thing. The rest will take care of itself,” continues to guide the company’s approach to growth and performance.

This recognition reflects not only Dustin’s leadership but the collective efforts of the McClone team, whose focus on results, innovation, and continuous improvement continues to strengthen the company’s position and impact.

About McClone Insurance

McClone Insurance is a leading provider of risk management and insurance solutions headquartered in Wisconsin, serving clients nationwide through regional offices across the state. Founded in 1949, McClone offers business insurance, employee benefits, HR outsourcing, retirement plans, and personal insurance, all built on a foundation of people, community, and exceptional service. With a reputation for challenging convention and driving results, McClone continues to transform how risk is managed through its proprietary RiskMAP™ process and the McClone M.A.D.E. program, making a meaningful difference for clients and communities alike.
To learn more, visit mcclone.com.

Grand Opening of Children’s Discovery Room at the Neville Public Museum

To kick-off the Grand Opening of the new Children’s Discovery Room there will be a ribbon cutting with the Greater Green Bay Chamber after comments at 3:30pm, followed by Storytime with the Museum Educator at 4:00pm, and an art project with the Modern Warriors of SAGE at 4:30pm.

Speakers will include Neville Public Museum Foundation Director Kasha Huntowski, Neville Public Museum Educator Ali Smurawa, and Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach.

About the Exhibit

The new Discovery Room will be a more engaging and inclusive space for families and children birth to eight years old and will focus on science, curiosity, reading, and discovery in our own backyards. The new space will help us address several community issues: the need for affordable access to quality early childhood education, school readiness instruction, early childhood literacy, and more arts and culture opportunities for community members.

About the Neville Public Museum

The Neville Public Museum of Brown County is an accredited cultural institution that champions history, science, and art. Located in downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin, the museum is dedicated to the collection and preservation of significant objects relevant to Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The museum seeks to bridge these multi-generational regional communities through engaging exhibits and dynamic programming.

Provides Management Training Opportunity for Emerging Leaders within the Construction Trades

Registration now is open for the third cohort of the highly successful Construction Leadership Academy, a management training program for new or emerging leaders within the construction trades. The skills-development opportunity is offered by the NEW Construction Alliance (NEWCA) in partnership with the business & industry services department of Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC).

An 18-hour, in-depth curriculum delivered in-person over seven weeks, the training is specific to first-time or new supervisors engaged within the commercial construction industry. The program is organized around themes of managing self, a team, the work, and processes/systems.

Expected outcomes for participants in the Construction Leadership Academy include an understanding of the skills, behaviors and attitudes needed for effective leadership in a commercial construction environment; acquisition of the tools for connecting and engaging teams and individual team members; an understanding of the psychology of employee engagement and satisfaction; skills for analyzing employee developmental needs and the ability to customize an approach for improving employee performance; the communication skills needed to coach, provide feedback, initiate change and manage conflict; and the development of skills used to create high-performing teams.

A link to register for the Construction Leadership Academy is at https://t.ly/constructionleadershipacademy. A detailed, session-by-session listing of the curriculum also is available on the page.

“Past participants in the Construction Leadership Academy, along with their supervisors, have shared how impactful the curriculum has been in their professional development,” says Jason Mathwig, industry alliance director for New North Inc. “The practical takeaways they receive greatly benefit their everyday work, especially as they take on additional responsibility within their commercial construction firm. The program also gives them the opportunity to interact with those in the industry in a consequential way.”

Three 30-minute informational sessions are being held virtually for those interested in learning more about the program and to have their questions answered. The dates for these discussions are Nov. 10 from 4:30-5 p.m., Dec. 10 from 8-8:30 a.m., and Jan. 8, 2026, from 12-12:30 p.m. Each session has an individual registration link on the Construction Leadership Academy website.

The third cohort of the Construction Leadership Academy will run on six Thursdays over a seven-week period from 7-10 a.m., beginning Jan. 29, 2026, through March 12, 2026 (there is no session on Feb. 26). All sessions will be held at FVTC’s D.J. Bordini Center, and the cohort will be limited to 20 participants.

Judy Ruhl, a trainer/consultant with the Management Development Department at Fox Valley Technical College, will lead the sessions. She has a proven track record in helping leaders across multiple industries to meet their full potential. Her enthusiastic style keeps the training curriculum moving with a focus on skill building.

A management support session with specific content designed for the managers of Construction Leadership Academy participants is available on three 2026 dates: Jan. 21 from 8-10 a.m., Jan. 22 from 12-2 p.m., and Jan. 26 from 3-5 p.m.

The cost to take part in the Construction Leadership Academy is $750 per participant for current NEWCA investors and $1,500 per participant for non-members. The investment includes all assessments, materials, catering, learning-management system access and facilitation expenses.

Participants who complete the curriculum will receive one associate degree credit and have the potential to earn advanced standing in the three-credit Supervision course.

Those with additional questions on the Construction Leadership Academy can reach Mathwig by email at contact@newconstructionalliance.org.

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New North, Inc.

New North Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporation fostering 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.

Create a Spending Plan, Visit Interactive Booths, Track Expenses & More

Get ready to embark on a fun and educational journey with Capital Credit Union and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. During the Reality Fair on April 15, 2026, students will learn valuable life skills that will prepare them for the real world! Students will navigate through responsibilities and choices that adults face every day, like managing money, making decisions and planning for your future.

What to Expect

Create a spending plan: Learn how to create your very own spending plan to make smart financial decisions.
Visit interactive booths: Complete activities that simulate real-life choices, such as choosing a place to live, deciding on transportation, and budgeting for entertainment.
Track expenses: Use your booklet to track your expenses and see how your decisions impact your total balance.

Why Attend?

Make smart spending choices.
Understand how to balance wants and needs.
See how decisions today can impact the future.
Gain a better understanding of financial responsibility.

Cutting Edge 9-1-1 App That Empowers Citizens to Save Lives

Green Bay Metro Fire Department and Emplify Health by Bellin on Thursday announced the local launch of PulsePoint, a free 9-1-1 integrated app that:

1) Alerts CPR-trained citizens to nearby cardiac arrests in real time.

2) Helps build a verified Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Registry

3) Informs the community of emergency activities in real-time

PulsePoint puts the power to save lives in people’s hands. It empowers CPR-trained citizens to save lives by alerting them instantly to nearby sudden cardiac arrests. The app guides the user to the victim and closest AED, enabling fast, life-saving action alongside emergency responders.

The companion app, PulsePoint AED, encourages users to report and update AED locations, building a verified registry that helps responders and citizens find lifesaving devices fast. The free app is available for download via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Early bystander CPR and swift defibrillation with an AED are proven to significantly increase survival chances for sudden cardiac arrest victims.

“PulsePoint transforms everyday citizens into lifesavers by delivering real-time alerts and guiding them to cardiac arrest victims and nearby AEDs. This technology empowers our community to act fast, dramatically improving survival chances while our firefighters are en route,” said Chief Matthew Knott, Green Bay Metro Fire Department.

The department handles over 18,000 incidents yearly, including 216 cardiac arrests in 2024.

During a Thursday news conference announcing the launch of PulsePoint, area resident and Emplify Health by Bellin Licensed Athletic Trainer Mark Husen shared his wife’s story of survival thanks to a nearby AED.

“July 1, 2011 was a day that changed our lives forever,” Husen said. “My wife Ann, who is still here today, was saved as a direct result of having easy access to Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and trained individuals who knew CPR.”

Emplify Health by Bellin Chief Operating Officer Sharla Baenen also addressed media during the news conference, sharing why the health system chose to be a major funding partner for PulsePoint.

“Emplify Health is proud to help bring PulsePoint to our community,” Baenen said. “In cardiac emergencies, every second counts — early CPR and quick access to an AED can mean the difference between life and death before patients reach the emergency room. By empowering residents with these tools, we’re helping save lives and build a stronger, healthier community.”

Business owners and community members are encouraged to register an AED with PulsePoint AED App or online at aed.new to help build a safer, stronger community where everyone has the tools to act fast and save lives.

Why register your AED?

· Increase the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims

· Support emergency responders and community lifesavers

· Join a community-wide effort to build a safer environment for all

About Emplify Health by Bellin

Formed in December 2022, Emplify Health is a not-for-profit, patient-centered, community-focused healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Emplify Health has nearly 15,000 employees, including more than 1,000 clinicians, in 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. With community partners, Emplify Health strives to lead local, regional and national healthcare transformation to enrich individuals for their healthiest lives at every stage. Learn more at emplifyhealth.org.

About PulsePoint Foundation

PulsePoint is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates apps for public safety agencies to boost community response during emergencies. The PulsePoint Respond app alerts trained citizens to nearby CPR needs, while the PulsePoint AED registry maps AED locations for public and 9-1-1 use. Free downloads available on the App Store and Google Play. Learn more at pulsepoint.org.

About Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

SCA is a sudden heart malfunction causing the heart to stop beating. Over 326,000 out-of-hospital SCAs occur annually in the U.S., with survival under 8%. Immediate bystander CPR, given in only one-third of cases, can double or triple survival by maintaining blood flow until EMS arrives—typically in nine minutes. Without CPR, brain damage or death can occur within minutes.

On Broadway Continuing Holiday Season Excitement with Winter Wine & Beer Walk

The Winter Wine & Beer Walk presented by Vos Electric Inc will take place the first three Fridays in December, December 5, 12 and 19 from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Attendees purchase a ticket and will sip and stroll their way through the festively decorated Broadway District, enjoying wine, beer or non-alcoholic samples inside many of our businesses!

*NEW THIS YEAR:

Elevated wine and beer offerings
Enhanced non-alcoholic ticket that includes a sample choice at each wine walk stop!
VIP Package that includes a commemorative glass with complimentary champagne splash at check-in, voucher for a free appetizer, voucher for a free dessert, a four-pack of the 2025 Draft commemorative beer – 8^th Round Downtown, and an entry into our grand prize raffle.
All attendees will have a chance to win a $50 gift card to a business featured in the walk
A special Small Business Saturday promotion!

Early bird pricing is just $35 per person, per event day for the standard event ticket, $20 for the enhanced non-alcoholic ticket and $70 for the VIP Package. Early bird pricing ends at 11:59pm on November 10 when the prices will increase.

Additional event details can be found here: https://downtowngreenbay.com/explore/broadway-events/WWBW and on Facebook.

Category: Member News