Member News Archives | Page 18 of 23 | Greater Green Bay Chamber

Greater Green Bay Community Foundation Launches Press Forward NE WIsconsin

The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of Press Forward Northeast (NE) Wisconsin, part of Press Forward Locals—a growing national network of 36 chapters working to revitalize local news. This new effort brings national funding and momentum to Northeast Wisconsin to build a stronger, more sustainable future for local journalism.

Press Forward is a national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news and information. A coalition of funders has committed more than $500 million to closing longstanding gaps in journalism coverage, advancing public policy that expands access to local news, and scaling the infrastructure the sector needs to thrive. The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation secured a $175,000 catalyst grant to establish the NE Wisconsin chapter.

Press Forward NE Wisconsin builds on a foundation of strong collaborative reporting established by the Northeast Wisconsin Journalism Initiative and the NEW News Lab. While the NEW News Lab focuses on delivering impactful, in-depth local coverage, Press Forward NE Wisconsin works to ensure that kind of journalism can thrive for the long term—strengthening the entire local news ecosystem through strategic partnerships, coordinated fundraising, and capacity-building. The Foundation serves as a convener and connector, aligning national investment with local commitment to keep that momentum growing.

“When people have access to reliable news, they can understand issues and help shape solutions,” said Dennis Buehler, President & CEO of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation. “By leading Press Forward NE Wisconsin, we help to ensure that everyone has access to the information and ideas that spark innovation and create lasting change.”

The first phase of the NEW News Lab’s in-depth reporting on health, education, housing, and community demographics was shared by more than 125 news organizations and reached an estimated audience of over 23 million people. As part of Press Forward Locals, Press Forward NE Wisconsin will unite donors, foundations, and community partners to expand the group’s resources for advancing local news. By being closest to their communities, local chapters identify local approaches, rally supporters around a shared vision, and create strategies that reflect the unique needs of their region.

With support from the Press Forward grant, Jess Adams, director of partnerships for Northeast Wisconsin at Wisconsin Watch, is serving as the Chapter’s lead. Early priorities include:

Creating a landscape study led by the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay to identify gaps in local media.
Convening partners and donors to build a shared vision for strengthening local news.
Growing the fundraising capacity needed for long-term sustainability.

The Community Foundation invites community members, donors, and local leaders to join them in supporting and sustaining local news.

“The catalyst grant allows us to launch Press Forward NE Wisconsin, but it’s local investment that will carry it forward,” said Buehler. “When we invest in local news, we’re not just funding journalism—we’re investing in stronger connections, better solutions, and a more engaged community.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Press Forward NE Wisconsin and ways to support it can contact the Foundation’s team at (920) 432-0800 or by emailing ggbcf@ggbcf.org.

Port of Green Bay Sees Uptick in July Tonnage

(Green Bay, Wis.) – During July, 214,573 tons of cargo passed through the Port of Green Bay, 76,826 tons more than last month. Tonnage totals are currently down 36% compared to the same time period last season. At this time last month, totals were down 47% year over year.

“July brought a welcome uptick in traffic through the Port, with salt shipments resuming and vessel traffic double that of two months ago,” noted Dean Haen, Port of Green Bay Director. “While we are still working to close the gap from earlier this year, volumes of commodities such as wood pulp, cement and petroleum products show encouraging momentum. We remain confident we’ll come close to matching last season’s tonnage.”

A total of six commodities moved through the Port in July, led by salt (63,855 tons), cement (57,755 tons) and limestone (57,389 tons), and followed by coal (16,194 tons), petroleum products (10,462 tons) and wood pulp (8,918 tons). A total of 20 vessels visited last month, compared to 15 ships in June. In total, 52 ships have visited the Port of Green Bay this year.

“Whether it’s handling essential construction materials, supporting manufacturers navigating trade uncertainties or ensuring access to critical raw materials, the Port remains a critical link in the supply chain. We are encouraged by July’s progress and remain committed to supporting the economy here in Northeast Wisconsin.”

To learn more about recent and historical tonnage information for the Port of Green Bay, visit https://www.portofgreenbay.com/cargo-quantities-shipped.

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About the Port of Green Bay: The Port of Green Bay exists to enhance the prosperity of the people of Northeast Wisconsin by providing facilities and infrastructure able to effectively and efficiently move commodities and goods across the nation. As the western-most port of Lake Michigan, the Port of Green Bay offers a direct route for shipping from the Midwest to the rest of the world.

The Port of Green Bay has 14 active terminal operators located along three miles of the Fox River involved in shipping commodities: Ace Marine, C. Reiss Company, Construction Resources Management, Flint Hills Resources, Fox River Terminals, Georgia-Pacific, Graymont, GLC Minerals, KK Integrated Logistics, Lafarge Northern America, RGL, Sanimax, St. Mary’s Cement and U.S. Venture.

Senior Citizen Day at the NEW Zoo presented by Mobility City

The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park is proud to honor seniors this week during Senior Citizens
Day, presented by Mobility City! All senior adults (aged 62 and above) will receive FREE
admission to the NEW Zoo and to the Neil Anderson Canopy Tour on Thursday, August
21st. Both discounts will be applied in-person, on arrival to the Zoo or to the Adventure Park
Base Camp Building.

Mobility City will be here at the Zoo from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, sharing
information about their solutions for mobility equipment, repairs, rentals, and sales. Visit their
table to learn more and test drive a mobility scooter yourself! Veterans can also stop by the
table and enter to win one of two mobility scooters that will be given out during a special
drawing on Veteran’s Day in November.

Also joining us until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday is Homes for Independent Living (HIL),
Wisconsin’s largest provider of customized care for adults with disabilities in small residential
settings. HIL’s table will have information available about their services, along with some free
gifts for guests.

The NEW Zoo will also provide some tasty treats for our senior guests of honor: free cookies,
coffee, and soda will be available in the Mayan Restaurant while supplies last. As an “extra fun”
bonus this year, seniors will be invited to enjoy a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel for
free between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 p.m.

The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park is currently open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the final
tour for the Canopy Tour departs at 5:30 p.m.

Regular Zoo admission rates are Adults: $14.50; Children (3-15) $10; Seniors (62+): $11; Kids
under 3: Free. Regular Canopy Tour admission rates are Adults: $8; Children (3-15) and
Seniors (62+): $6; Kids under 3: Free.

OSMS Adds Two Orthopedic Surgeons – Including First Female Orthopedic Surgeon

GREEN BAY, WI (August 18, 2025) – Dr. Abbey DeBruin, a Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeon, is joining the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) team starting on September 2, 2025, at their Green Bay Clinic. With Dr. DeBruin joining the team, OSMS now has added their first female orthopedic surgeon to their team. Additionally, Dr. DeBruin is the only female sports medicine fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon in Northeastern Wisconsin. In the US, only 6% of orthopedic surgeons are female.

A Kaukauna native, Dr. Abbey DeBruin completed both her medical degree and residency at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Following her time in Madison, Dr. DeBruin went on to complete her Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. During her time at the University of Virginia, Dr. DeBruin was the team doctor for both the University of Virginia and James Madison University.

Caring for patients of all ages, Dr. DeBruin sees and treats ACL tears, multi-ligament knee injuries, meniscus tears, patellofemoral instability, AC joint separations, shoulder instability, and more.

Procedures Dr. DeBruin performs include, but are not limited to, tibial tubercle and femur/tibia osteotomies, rotator cuff repairs, arthroscopic labral repairs, partial and total knee replacements, and anatomic and reverse shoulder replacements. Dr. Debruin also performs the MISHA procedure, which is a joint sparing treatment option for mild to moderate knee arthritis.

Dr. Brandon J. Stradel, an Orthopedic Surgeon, is joining the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) team starting on September 2, 2025, at their Green Bay Clinic. With this addition, OSMS will grow to a team of 25 orthopedic physicians specializing in and treating a wide variety of conditions in all ages.

Advanced fellowship trained in both sports medicine and shoulder surgery, Dr. Stradel received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin – Green Bay. He completed his residency training at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine in Kalamazoo, MI. He went on to complete advanced fellowship training in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at the University of Minnesota & TRIA Orthopedic Center. During his fellowship, he was able to provide medical care for the University of Minnesota Football and Wrestling teams. As a former wrestler himself, Dr. Stradel has a special interest in treating athletes and helping them safely and confidently return to competition.

Dr. Stradel treats patients of all ages and specializes in a wide variety of conditions, with a focus on conditions affecting the shoulder and knee. This includes fracture care, rotator cuff tears, anatomic and reverse shoulder replacements, shoulder instability, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal surgery, cartilage restoration, patellofemoral instability, robotic assisted knee replacements, and more. Dr. Stradel also treats common hand and elbow conditions, as well as lower extremity injuries such as hamstring and Achilles injuries.

About Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists

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 2025 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.

Unity Hospice Receives $20K from the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer

For the tenth consecutive year, Unity Hospice has been chosen as a recipient of funds from the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer. These contributions help Unity provide compassionate hospice, palliative, and grief care to individuals and families across Northeast Wisconsin.

The Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer, a motorcycle ride to benefit cancer patients and families throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, presented checks totaling $185,000 to eleven local cancer support organizations at Vandervest Harley-Davidson. Since its inception 21 years, ago, Cruise for Cancer has donated $3 million to local cancer organizations.

“We at Unity are grateful to Jerry Parins, Vandervest Harley-Davidson, the Packerland Harley Owners Group and the Green Bay Police and Fire Departments, as well as all event participants, for raising money to support families with cancer. Funding such as this from the 2025 Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer helps ensure patients and families who are underinsured or lack financial resources can receive the dignified, holistic care they deserve” says Unity Development Director Jenifer Allen.

To help support Unity’s CommUnity Care program which helps provide end-of-life care to all regardless of ability to pay, call Development Director Jenifer Allen at 920.338.1111.

Woodward Community Media Extends Partnership with Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. Empowering Students at JA BizTown

APPLETON, WI – August 15, 2025 – Woodward Community Media (WCM) is proud to announce the extension of its long-standing partnership with Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Northeast region, continuing to provide an engaging and educational media experience at JA BizTown in Appleton.

The Woodward Community Media radio station, a vibrant part of the JA BizTown community, offers elementary and middle school students a unique opportunity to step into the world of media. With a professional-quality setup, students take on the roles of radio personalities and journalists, learning firsthand how media plays a crucial role in informing and entertaining a community.

Students have the chance to broadcast live to their peers within JA Biztown, taking song requests and playing music and programming from the various Woodward Community Media stations, including 105.7 WAPL, 95.9 KISS FM, News/Talk WHBY, Razor 94.7/104.7, 104.3 The Fuse and Sports/Talk 95.3 The Score. Beyond the fun of being a DJ, they also develop critical literacy and public speaking skills by crafting and reading news stories and advertisements over the air.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Junior Achievement of Wisconsin,” said Kelly Radandt, Director of Broadcast at Woodward Community Media. “This program is a perfect example of our commitment to community engagement and education. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch these young students discover a passion for communication and see the positive impact they have on their BizTown community.”

Matt Juedes, Director of Development & Stewardship at Junior Achievement of Wisconsin – NE Region, added, “The Woodward Community Media radio station is a highlight for our students at JA BizTown. It provides a real-world, hands-on learning experience that goes beyond the classroom, teaching them about collaboration, creativity, and the power of media in our society. We are grateful for Woodward’s continued support.”

The extended partnership solidifies both organizations’ dedication to fostering the next generation of community leaders and media professionals, providing a memorable and impactful learning experience for all participants.

About Woodward Community Media

Woodward Community Media (WCM), Northeast Wisconsin, is an employee-owned company that informs, entertains and connects our communities through audio, video, digital, print and event content for our audiences and customers. WCM operates six broadcast brands in the Oshkosh, Appleton, and Green Bay, Wisconsin markets, including 103.5|1150AM|106.3 WHBY, 105.7 WAPL, Razor 94.7|104.7, 92.9|95.9 KISS FM, 104.3 The Fuse and 99.1|1570AM| 95.3 The Score, in addition to the Insight business publication. Good People. Real Solutions. Shared Results.

About Junior Achievement of Wisconsin

Junior Achievement (JA) of Wisconsin is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant,

hands-on experiences that give students knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. See Junior Achievement BizTown in action here: JA BizTown Video.

Unity Receives $25K Grant from K.C. Stock Foundation to Expand Home-Based Palliative Care Services

Unity is honored to announce the award of a $25,000 grant from the K.C. Stock Foundation to support its Supportive Care Management (SCM) program, which provides compassionate, home-based palliative care to individuals in Northeast Wisconsin facing serious illness.

“We are deeply grateful to the K.C. Stock Foundation for recognizing the growing need for accessible palliative care,” says Unity Executive Director Alisa Gerke. “This generous grant ensures that more people throughout our region can receive the relief, dignity, and support they deserve during some of life’s most difficult moments.”

Unity’s Supportive Care Management program provides an extra layer of support and education for individuals and their family when living with a serious illness, delivering expert care wherever a patient calls home. The program focuses on symptom relief and quality of life through skilled nursing visits, 24/7 nurse consultation, emotional and spiritual support, and connection to critical resources. Recognizing some would otherwise lack access to this superior level of specialized care, Unity maintains its commitment to care for everyone who is eligible for services, regardless of their ability to pay.

In 2024, Unity served 424 patients through SCM, providing more than 5,100 care team visits. Data confirms that patients enrolled in the program are less likely to require emergency room visits or hospitalization. The program also helps reduce the emotional toll of illness by addressing social isolation and supporting informed decision-making for patients and their caregivers.

With renewed support from the K.C. Stock Foundation, Unity anticipates serving 594 patients in 2025 – helping individuals remain at home, avoid unnecessary hospital visits, and receive holistic care tailored to their unique medical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs.

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, 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/palliative-care or call (920) 338-1111.

Greater Green Bay COmmunity Foundation Welcomes Vicky Xiong as Vice President of Finance And Administration

Green Bay, WI –The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation is pleased to announce Vicky Xiong as our new Vice President of Finance and Administration. As a member of the senior leadership team, Vicky will oversee our administrative operations and lead fiscal strategies that help create lasting impact across the community and ensure the Foundation’s long-range health and sustainability.

Xiong brings nearly 20 years of experience in leadership and financial management. She most recently served as Division Controller at KBX Logistics, where she provided financial oversight and strategic guidance. Prior to that, she spent more than a decade at Schneider National in a variety of financial leadership roles, including Division Controller and Finance Manager.

“We’re excited to welcome Vicky to our leadership team,” said Dennis Buehler, President and CEO. “Her enthusiasm for collaborative work, along with deep financial expertise and commitment to operational excellence, will be instrumental in strengthening our foundation as we continue to grow and serve the community.”

As Vice President of Finance and Administration, Xiong will lead the Foundation’s commitment toward a more integrated approach to supporting the organization’s impact, growth and effective delivery of programming. She joins the leadership team alongside Buehler, Senior Vice President of Community Impact Amber Paluch, and Vice President of Donor Relations & Communications Annie Dart.

To learn more about the Community Foundation and its team, visit ggbcf.org.

North Shore Bank Names VP, Commercial Banking Manager

Brookfield, Wis. – North Shore Bank has announced Craig Plazak as the community
bank’s new Vice President and Commercial Banking Manager. In this new role, Plazak will focus
on building strong relationships with business clients, offering tailored financial guidance, and
delivering solutions such as commercial loans, credit, and treasury management services.
Leading a skilled and trusted team, Plazak will provide the strategic support businesses need to
succeed and grow with confidence while strengthening partnerships throughout the community.

Craig Plazak, Vice President Commercial Banking Manager 2025 (Business Banking)

“We are thrilled to welcome Craig to North Shore Bank,” said Michael Kellman, senior
vice president of commercial and consumer lending for North Shore Bank. “Craig brings a
wealth of experience in commercial banking, a strong track record of building lasting client
relationships, and developing high-performing teams. We are confident he will make an
immediate and lasting impact in his new role.”

Plazak has over 30 years of experience in commercial banking and previously held the
role of Vice President, Milwaukee Market Manager at Summit Credit Union. He has lived in New
Berlin, Wis. for over 30 years and is a graduate of Marquette University. He has been an active
member of his community, serving on various community and professional organizations
throughout his career.

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, North Shore Bank is a
mutual savings bank with assets 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, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

New North VP Barbara Koldos Earns CECD Designation from IEDC

NEW NORTH, August 12, 2025 – Barbara Koldos, vice president of business development for New North Inc., has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The certification establishes her technical expertise, comprehensive conceptual knowledge, and mastery of economic development skills and strategies.

Koldos leads New North’s regional business attraction efforts, which includes the site-selection process, marketing of Opportunity Zones, the Gold Shovel site-certification program, and engagement with local partners and real estate professionals to proactively identify and market sites/buildings. She also guides Global New North efforts around Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and export activity, represents the region at trade shows and site-selector events, and coordinates regional broadband efforts.

She becomes one of 32 CEcDs in Wisconsin and 1,200-plus active CEcD economic development professionals throughout the world.

“Congratulations to Barbara on achieving CEcD certification,” says New North President and CEO Barb LaMue, CEcD, EDFP. “It is the most prestigious credential in the economic development field and requires expertise in a comprehensive sphere of industry-related subjects. In her nearly five years with New North, Barbara has become a highly-regarded economic development professional within Wisconsin and beyond.”

IEDC is the world’s largest membership organization for economic development professionals, and is comprised of approximately 5,000 members. A non-profit, non-partisan organization, IEDC offers the CEcD designation as an industry benchmark of excellence, signifying the world’s most knowledgeable and dedicated individuals in the field of economic development.

To receive the CEcD certification, candidates must successfully complete all prerequisite coursework and pass a rigorous and thorough examination which evaluates the practitioner’s knowledge across a range of essential economic development subject areas.

An active member of the community both personally and professionally, Koldos has served on the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband since November 2022, along with a position on the membership engagement advisory committee of IEDC. She additionally is president of the Northeast Wisconsin chapter of ACEL (Asian Corporate + Entrepreneur Leaders), and has been named as one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American Leaders.

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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

Category: Member News