Member News Archives | Page 11 of 35 | Greater Green Bay Chamber

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airprot Named Best Overall Nonhub Airport in the U.S. for 2025

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) has been named the 2025 Best Overall Nonhub Airport in the United States by Swelbar-Zhong Consultancy, a leading aviation research and advisory firm recognized nationally for its rigorous, data-driven analysis of airport performance.

The designation recognizes GRB’s excellence across air service, airport service quality, strong financial platform for airline economic performance, and overall value delivered to passengers and the region. Swelbar-Zhong’s annual rankings evaluate airports nationwide using a comprehensive blend of quantitative performance metrics and industry benchmarks.

“Being recognized as the best overall nonhub airport in the country is an extraordinary honor,” said GRB Airport Director Marty Piette. “This achievement belongs to our entire community. I want to thank the people of Brown County, Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan for their continued support, trust, and loyalty to GRB. I also want to extend sincere gratitude to every vendor, partner, and every single employee who works at this airport. Their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork are what make this level of excellence possible.”

Swelbar-Zhong is led by William Swelbar, an aviation industry expert with decades of experience in airline economics, network planning, airport strategy, and market analysis, widely regarded as one of the most respected voices in U.S. commercial aviation.

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach emphasized the broader regional impact of the recognition.

“A high-performing airport is essential to business growth, tourism, workforce development, and competitiveness” says Streckenbach. “GRB’s growth demonstrates the confidence our airline partners have in the opportunities here, reinforced by a community that prioritizes flying local and investing locally.”

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport continues to play a critical role in supporting regional connectivity, economic development, and customer-focused air travel for Northeast Wisconsin. The 2025 recognition underscores GRB’s commitment to delivering exceptional service while remaining a reliable, efficient, and welcoming gateway for travelers.

Watch for some special activities at the airport, including a FREE to the public 1940’s Big Band Hangar Dance at the Pilotsmith hangar (date to come). The airport will be surprising passengers, private aircraft passengers and pilots, students, rental car customers, visitors and the community throughout the next few weeks with treats as a huge thank you. Watch the airport Facebook page for more details.

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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 by American, Delta, http://www.frontier.com/ 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.

Peshtigo National Bank Uncovers 125 Years of HIstory Inside Former Vault

Sometimes history isn’t found in archives — it’s discovered behind layers of concrete and steel.

In February 2026, as part of preparations tied to Peshtigo National Bank’s 125th anniversary year, the bank undertook a unique project at its former building: gaining access to the original vault that had long remained sealed. The task was anything but routine.

Ed Langer of Ed’s Concrete and Masonry, who is preparing for retirement, accepted what may be one of the most memorable jobs of his career — carefully breaking through the heavily reinforced vault wall. Over the course of several days, Langer worked methodically through dense concrete and embedded rebar before finally achieving a breakthrough.

What waited inside proved to be well worth the effort.

Among the discoveries was the bank’s original Diebold Safe, shipped March 16, 1901, from Diebold Safe & Lock Co. of Chicago, Illinois. The historic safe — built to be anti-dynamite and weighing just shy of 2,000 pounds — carried an original price tag of $850, a significant investment at the time and a powerful symbol of the bank’s early commitment to security and trust.

Also found inside the vault were documents prepared by bank staff ahead of Y2K, offering a fascinating snapshot of a very different moment in banking history.

After the wall was opened, Case Financials’ Kyle Dolata assisted by accessing the vault from the interior, helping complete the process and allowing the team to fully document the find.

For Peshtigo National Bank, now celebrating 125 years of service since its founding in 1901, the discovery was especially meaningful.

“This discovery is a powerful reminder of the legacy we’re entrusted to carry forward,” said Kelly M. Heroux, President & CEO. “Seeing our original 1901 safe firsthand brings our history into sharp focus and reinforces the pride we feel in continuing to serve this communities 125 years later.”

What began as a challenging demolition project ultimately became a powerful reminder of the bank’s long-standing legacy of stability, preparedness, and community trust.

Peshtigo National Bank plans to incorporate the discovery into its ongoing 125th anniversary storytelling throughout 2026.

About Peshtigo National Bank:

Celebrating 125 years of community banking, Peshtigo National Bank is a locally owned, community-focused bank dedicated to providing personalized banking solutions and exceptional customer service to individuals, families, and businesses throughout Northeast Wisconsin. With a longstanding commitment to community involvement and local economic growth, Peshtigo National Bank continues to be a trusted partner in the communities it serves. Office locations include Antigo, Coleman, Gillett, Marinette, Green Bay, Oconto Falls, and Peshtigo.

Green Bay Botanical garden INvites Artists to Submit Work for Woodland Wonders Exhibit

Green Bay Botanical Garden is seeking creative submissions like original outdoor art, sculptures, and live demonstrations from local artists for Woodland Wonders, an exhibition celebrating the beauty, wonder, and significance of trees and the natural world.

Woodland Wonders invites artists to explore themes of forest life, imagination, and discovery through outdoor art pieces that reflect the magic and importance of trees.

“As we look ahead to another exciting season at the Garden, Woodland Wonders reflects who we are: a place where plants, people, and possibility come together,” says Laura Nelson, M.D., President & CEO of Green Bay Botanical Garden. “We’re proud to open our landscape as a canvas for artists who share that vision.”

Artists are encouraged to submit pieces that capture creative interpretations of woodlands, from their physical forms to the stories they tell and the inspiration they evoke. This call aims to bring together artistic voices that celebrate nature and encourage community engagement at the Garden through the exhibit.

Bees & Honeycomb in Bug B&B by Casey Early-Krueger and Naomi Moes-Jenkins (Courtesy of Green Bay Botanical Garden/PC: Lindy J Gilson Images)
Life Underground Toadstool Mushroom by Buschke Carving. (Photo courtesy Green Bay Botanical Garden/PC: John Oates Photography)

Submission Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Exhibit Art Duration: May 1, 2026–October 4, 2026 (on the Garden grounds)

Solo artists, collaborations, and/or groups are welcome. Up to 10 pieces will be accepted for the show.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for local artists to share their work in a setting that’s both inspiring and enlightening,” says Linda Gustke, Director of Education. “We’re excited to create an exhibition that invites guests of all ages to slow down, explore, and discover something unexpected.”

Whether you’re an artist or art enthusiast, Woodland Wonders offers a unique opportunity to connect creativity with the natural world and share your vision with the wider community.

Interested artists should visit GBBG.org/WoodlandWonders for submission guidelines and details.

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About Green Bay Botanical Garden 

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. 

PUlaski Community School District hosting 15th Annual goody, Adaptive Duathlon

On May 8th, the Pulaski Community School District will be hosting the 15th Annual Goody: an adaptive duathlon for students with disabilities. In this race, students will be biking and running/walking a route in and around the village of Pulaski.

One of the cornerstones of this event is to teach students about achieving a goal through training, goal setting, dedication, and hard work. As the District prepares for our 2026 race, they are looking for community partners that share our values. Organizers are hopeful that businesses or organizations will consider donating towards this event to help offset the cost. They also encourage as many schools as possible to participate. It is a goal to offer this event at zero cost to the athletes, their teammate mentors, and their support staff. A generous way to support the Goody is to donate money.

Your donation will be used for customized race t-shirts, goody bags, awards, race expenses, and our celebration lunch. All of these items require financial contributions.

Click here to learn more about donating.

Questions? Contact Joe Diefenthaler at jsdiefenthaler@pulaskischools.org.

BayCare Medical Center HOsting Move to Improve Event for Employers

Join BayCare Clinic for Move to Improve a FREE booth‑style event designed to help employers support
the health and well‑being of their workforce. In anticipation of National Employee Health & Fitness Day (May 20, 2026), this event brings together BayCare Clinic clinicians and community partners to showcase
resources that encourage movement, wellness, and healthier workplaces.

Attendees will have access too:

Insights from BayCare Clinic, Aurora and Aurora BayCare specialists
Local wellness resources and partners organizations
Tools employers can take back to their teams
Ideas to inspire more physical activity at work
Free materials for celebrating National Employee Health & Fitness Day

Who Should Attend

Employers, HR professionals, wellness program leaders, benefits managers, and anyone involved in supporting employee well‑being.

When: Thursday, April 23rd

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where: Aurora BayCare Medical Center Campus, 1160 Kepler Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311

OSMS Adds First Female Hand-to-Shoulder Specialist to Team of Physicians

Dr. Paige Chapman, an Upper Extremity Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeon, is joining the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) team starting on March 18, 2026, at their Green Bay and Marinette Clinics. With Dr. Chapman joining the team, OSMS now has added their first female hand-to-shoulder specialist to their team, and their second female orthopedic surgeon at the practice. In the US, only 6% of orthopedic surgeons are female.

A Midwest native, Dr. Paige Chapman, received her medical degree from Michigan State University. She completed her residency at the University of Toledo and went on to complete her upper extremity (hand to shoulder) fellowship training at the University of Buffalo.

Dr. Chapman provides specialized hand-to-shoulder care to patients of all ages, treating conditions including, but not limited to, chronic shoulder injuries, upper extremity trauma and stress fractures, nerve, tendon, and vascular injuries, chronic overuse injuries, hand, wrist, thumb, and elbow arthritis, tendonitis, Dupuytren’s disease, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, tennis elbow and golfers’ elbow, hand and wrist cysts, and nerve compression disorders such as carpal, cubital, and radial tunnel syndromes.

Procedures Dr. Chapman performs include carpal and cubital tunnel release, nerve, tendon, and vascular repairs, wrist and hand denervation, wrist arthroscopy, finger, hand, and wrist fusions for arthritis, small joint replacement, endoscopic carpal tunnel, fracture fixation, ligament repairs in the hand, wrist, and elbow, and more.

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) is a physician-owned orthopedic, sports medicine, rheumatology, and pain management practice servicing patients in Northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with clinics in Green Bay, Marinette, Neenah, Oshkosh, Chilton, Oconto Falls, Ripon, and Fond du Lac. 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, along with one of the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers for Orthopedics in the United States 2024-2025 by U.S. News & World Report and also offers MRI, EMG, lab services, infusion therapy and bone density screening. Visit osmsgb.com for more information.

Goodwill NCW welcomes new board members

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) recently elected new members to its volunteer board of directors.

New board members elected to serve a three-year term include:

Jonny Glassco, Partner/Broker, Pfefferle Companies (Board Term: 2026-28)
Joel J. Hansen, CFO, Pomp’s Tire Service (Board Term: 2026-28)
Dawn Ruchala, Senior Manager, Community Engagement, U.S. Venture (Board Term: 2026-28)
Stan Blakney, Group President, Converting, BW Converting (Board Term: 2025-27)
Jeff Danen, Partner, Hawkins Ash CPAs, LLP (Board Term: 2025-27)
Rosie Golebiewski, Assistant Controller, Flexagon (Board Term: 2025-27)

The board of directors is made up of local leaders and key stakeholders who govern the nonprofit organization and ensure its mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment advances in communities across north central Wisconsin.

“Our Board plays an essential role in guiding the strategic direction that keeps Goodwill NCW mission-driven, community-focused, and future-ready,” said Dr. Christyn Abaray, Board Chair. “We are excited to welcome our new directors and the valuable experiences and perspectives they will bring to our governance work as we advance our mission.”

Goodwill NCW’s Board Chair, Christyn Abaray, Chief of Staff at Lawrence University, Chris Hess, President and CEO at Goodwill NCW, and the entire board are leading the organization into year one of its 2026-28 Strategic Plan, which focuses on expanding the organization’s mission impact in the communities it serves across north central Wisconsin.

“We are grateful to welcome these respected leaders to our Board,” said Chris Hess, President and CEO of Goodwill NCW. “Their experience, values and commitment to our communities will help guide our work as we launch our newest Strategic Plan and invest in programs that elevate people across our region.”

Goodwill NCW extends its appreciation to outgoing Board member, Mike Lutz (Retired), for his dedicated service, leadership and contributions to advancing the organization’s mission.

For the full list of Goodwill NCW Board members and leadership, please visit the Leadership page on our website. Learn more about Goodwill NCW’s mission, impact and programs at goodwillncw.org.

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

Celebrating Impact: Rhonda Chandler Selected as 2026 Nancy Armbrust Impact Award Recipient

The Women’s Fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation is excited to announce this year’s Nancy Armbrust Impact Award recipient. Rhonda Chandler, Founder and Executive Director of Lovin’ the Skin I’m In, has been selected as the 2026 Nancy Armbrust Impact Award Winner. Chandler will be honored at “Impactful, an event by the Women’s Fund” on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Rhonda truly embodies the heart of this award. She turns lived experience into leadership, creates spaces where women and girls are seen and valued, and delivers sustained community impact through action.

Through Lovin’ the Skin I’m In, Rhonda has built a nonprofit rooted in her personal commitment to ensure Black and Brown girls feel safe, confident, and proud of who they are. Over the past five years, her work has resulted in 20+ programs annually, serving more than 700 participants in 2025 alone – including students, caregivers, educators, and mentors. Her leadership is deeply relational and intentional; with many women she has mentored now serving as leaders themselves. One even progressed from participant to mentor.

While her work is deeply rooted in Brown County, Rhonda’s impact reaches across Northeast Wisconsin through schools, nonprofits, shelters, civic organizations, and regional partnerships. Her influence truly ripples, from classrooms to communities to the next generation of leaders.

The Nancy Armbrust Impact Award, given in partnership with Schreiber Foods and the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, includes a grant of $5,000 to be awarded to the recipient’s nonprofit organization of choice through the Women’s Fund biannual grant cycle.

What to Expect at Impactful

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

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

About the Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay

The Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay invests in women for a stronger community. A fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation led by community volunteers, the Women’s Fund provides funding to local nonprofit programs to improve the lives of women and girls. These investments strengthen families, our community, and society. For more information, visit www.womensfundgb.org.

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 for donors, impactful grants for nonprofit organizations, and collaborative leadership around critical community initiatives. Since inception, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in grants to strengthen our community. In the past year, almost $15 million was distributed to support a broad range of community needs. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Community Foundation manages 778 charitable funds with assets exceeding $183 million. www.ggbcf.org.

Forward 48 announces star-studded faculty lineup for landmark 10th cohort

Wisconsin’s premier leadership development program is proud to announce an extraordinary lineup of faculty speakers for its 10th cohort, coming Spring 2026. This milestone cohort will feature some of the most respected and impactful leaders across Wisconsin’s business, philanthropy, finance, arts and community development landscape, offering participants rare, direct access to the people shaping Wisconsin’s future.

New North Inc. partnered with Forward 48 in 2022 to grow the next generation of diverse leaders within Northeast Wisconsin. It also strives to help connect the region’s emerging talent with high-profile executives. The kickoff speaker in the Spring 2026 cohort is New North’s own Maria Van Laanen, president & CEO of Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.

“A pillar of economic development is keeping – and developing – the next generation of leaders within the New North region,” says Patti Habeck, president and CEO of New North Inc. “We encourage Northeast Wisconsin companies to consider utilizing Forward 48 for their professional-development needs. I know from personal experience that Maria is one of the region’s more effective leaders and am confident that participants will benefit from hearing her personal and professional story.”

With six immersive sessions spanning across Northeast Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Madison, the Spring 2026 cohort will showcase C-suite executives and founders whose leadership has transformed organizations and communities statewide.

Forward 48’s Spring 2026 faculty speakers include:

Craig Culver, co-founder of Culver’s
Anne Norman, chief marketing & product strategy officer of UW Credit Union
Maria Van Laanen, president & CEO of Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Dan Bader, president & CEO of Bader Philanthropies
Kevin Newell, founder & CEO of Royal Capital Group
Greg Wesley, president & CEO of Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Tina Chang, chairman & CEO of SysLogic

Forward 48’s May 7 session will feature a powerful dual-speaker conversation with Kevin Newell and Greg Wesley, two primary collaborators behind Milwaukee’s transformative ThriveOn King project – offering participants an inside look at cross-sector collaboration, community investment and place-based leadership in action.

In addition, sessions led by Maria Van Laanen and Craig Culver will take the program beyond Milwaukee, bringing the Forward 48 experience to the Fox Cities and Madison, respectively, and reinforcing the program’s statewide reach.

“Reaching our 10th cohort is a major milestone for Forward 48, and this faculty lineup reflects exactly why,” says Ian Abston, co-founder & president of Forward 48. “These are leaders who don’t just talk about impact, they’ve built it. Our participants will learn directly from the people making decisions that shape Wisconsin’s economy, culture and communities.”

As Wisconsin’s only statewide leadership development pipeline, Forward 48 brings faculty speakers together with rising leaders to share candid lessons from the front lines of leadership, offering participants insight into how bold decisions are made, cultures are shaped and long-term impact is sustained across sectors.

Combined with small-group learning, these conversations challenge participants to think bigger about their influence, responsibility and role as leaders in shaping the future of Wisconsin.

Spring 2026 cohort schedule and locations:

April 16 – 1-6 p.m., Northeast Wisconsin
April 23 – 2-5 p.m., Milwaukee
April 30 – 2-5 p.m., Milwaukee
May 7 – 2-5 p.m., Milwaukee
May 14 – 2-5 p.m., Milwaukee
May 21 – 1-6 p.m., Madison

While the majority of sessions take place in Milwaukee, participants in the Forward 48 program come from across the state. There are 43 Forward 48 alums from the New North region.

Transportation options are provided for each session for participants traveling outside of their region, ensuring equitable access to the full Forward 48 experience.

Applications for the Spring 2026 Forward 48 cohort are live at www.forward48.com.

Applicants submitting prior to Feb. 16, 2026, will save 10 percent through Forward 48’s early-bird application period.

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 Forward 48

Developed in 2020 in partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Marquette University and the Hoan Group, Forward 48 is Wisconsin’s premier leadership development program, designed to connect the next generation of changemakers with the people, knowledge and resources to move their companies and communities forward. Its mission is to create strong learning connections between established and future leaders, while growing an active network of next-generation changemakers prepared to fill critical leadership roles across the state. With 500-plus past participants from more than 200 organizations statewide, Forward 48 has built a powerful alumni network spanning business, nonprofit, government and civic leaders – strengthening Wisconsin’s leadership pipeline and shaping the future of the region.

BayCare Clinic Helps Build the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals in Northeast Wisconsin

As healthcare needs continue to grow across Northeast Wisconsin, BayCare Clinic is taking an active role in inspiring the future workforce. On Thursday, February 13, the clinic will host a Healthcare Career Exploration Event designed to introduce local high school students to the many careers required to care for the community.

Healthcare depends on more than physicians and nurses alone. Careers in diagnostic imaging, surgical support, clinic operations, technology and patient services all contribute to creating a strong healthcare system. BayCare Clinic created the “Love Your Future in Healthcare” event to help students understand the importance of these roles in community health and how attainable they can be with the right education and support.

Throughout the day, BayCare Clinic providers and employees will host informational tables and share real-world insight into their careers. Students will learn how local healthcare professionals build meaningful careers while caring for neighbors, friends and family close to home.

Representatives from St. Norbert College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay will also participate, helping students explore educational pathways that align with workforce needs in the region. By connecting students directly with both healthcare professionals and educators, the event highlights how early awareness can help sustain access to care across the Fox Cities and Greater Green Bay area.

The event will take place at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, with participating high schools rotating through scheduled sessions during the school day. The event is coordinated directly with schools and is not open to the public, allowing students to focus on learning and engaging with professionals. BayCare Clinic coordinates logistics and transportation as part of its commitment to reducing barriers for schools and families.

About BayCare Clinic

BayCare Clinic, baycareclinic.com, is the largest physician-owned specialty-care clinic in Northeast Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. BayCare Clinic offers expertise in more than 20 specialties, with more than 100 physicians serving in 12 area communities. BayCare Clinic is a joint partner in Aurora BayCare Medical Center, a 167-bed, full-service hospital. Follow BayCare Clinic on Facebook, Instagram and X.

About Aurora BayCare

Aurora BayCare Medical Center is a 167-bed, full-service tertiary care hospital located at 2845 Greenbrier Road on Green Bay’s east side. It opened in September 2001 as a joint venture of Aurora Health Care and BayCare Clinic. Aurora BayCare is committed to creating a better way to provide high-quality tertiary healthcare, the latest in medical technology and superior service.

Category: Member News