Member News Archives | Page 3 of 33 | Greater Green Bay Chamber

Bring Your Dog to the Zoo on April 27th

The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park invites you to emBARK on a new adventure with your pup at our first ever Bring Your Dog to the Zoo event! Join us from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27^th to enjoy this unique opportunity for dog lovers and pets alike. Guests will enjoy an evening filled with all the fun sights, sounds, and scents of the Zoo and our wild residents. A small gift will be provided to each dog on arrival.

“A ‘Bring Your Dog to the Zoo’ event is something we’ve been working towards for a while,” says Carmen Murach, NEW Zoo Director. “Many AZA accredited zoos across the country have hosted similar events successfully, so we’ve been eager to bring this experience here. After some “test runs” with our wonderful staff members, volunteers, and their dogs, our animal residents are ready to welcome their canine cousins.”

Dog tickets must be purchased in advance on the NEW Zoo’s website. Each dog must have an adult (human!) companion in attendance: a minimum of one adult guest per dog is required. Dog tickets will be $15 each and regular zoo admission rates will apply to all adults and children who attend with their furry friends. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please note that all dog owners must provide proof that your dog is up to date with rabies vaccinations, distemper and parvo vaccinations, and on a flea, tick, and heartworm prevention regimen. Dogs must also be on a non-retractable leash that’s a maximum of six feet long. Certain areas of the Zoo, such as the Aviary and animal feeding experiences will be excluded, but dog-friendly pathways will be noted, and maps will be handed out on arrival.

Guests who reserve dog tickets for the event can plan to arrive any time after 3:00 p.m. and before 5:30 p.m. on April 27^th. After purchasing a dog ticket, guests will receive a link and with an invitation to submit your dog’s proof of vaccination. This upload must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23^rd. Dogs that do not have proof of vaccination on file by the deadline will be unable to enter the Zoo on April 27^th.

*Members Pre-Sale*

NEW Zoo Members have the opportunity to purchase dog tickets immediately! Simply log into your membership account once you’re on the ticket sales page. For FAQs and info about using your Membership Discount, visit our Memberships Page.

Ticket sales for the general public will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13th. Dog ticket quantities are limited.

Dog Day Arrives This April at Green Bay Botanical Garden

Green Bay Botanical Garden invites guests and their four-legged companions to enjoy the beauty of early spring in Wisconsin during Dog Day on Sunday, April 12 or Sunday, April 19 from 10 am–2 pm.

The next two Sundays, guests can soak up early spring scenes, walk outdoor paths, and explore natural areas. It’s a way for guests to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and experience the Garden in a fun and relaxed way with their pups. Local pet vendors will also be on site, offering treats, products, and information for dog lovers.

Dog Day is included with regular Garden admission for owners and can be purchased online ahead of time. Dog admission is $7.

Garden members receive free admission, and their dogs can enjoy free entry during Dog Day hours.

Dog Day Guidelines:

Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.
One dog per adult.
Dogs must be vaccinated.
Owners must clean up after their pets. Waste stations will be located throughout the Garden.
A signed waiver is required. Interested guests can fill it out online.
The Bell Children’s Garden and Arendt Conifer Garden will be off limits to dogs to help protect plant collections.
Dogs are not allowed in the Garden outside of event hours. Service animals are welcome.

Dog Day offers a unique way to enjoy spring at the Garden, whether strolling pathways, walking wooded trails, or simply spending time outdoors with your canine companion.

For details and to plan your outing, visit GBBG.org/DogDay.

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. 

HSHS Names Chief Nursing Officer for Wisconsin Market

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, has announced that Jennifer Morton, DNP, MSN, RN, has been named Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for the HSHS Wisconsin Market. She begins her role May 4, 2026.

As CNO, Morton will oversee nursing functions, best practices, and operational efficiencies across HSHS hospitals in Northeast Wisconsin: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, HSHS Mary’s Hospital Medical Center and HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls.

“Nursing is the heart of every healthcare organization and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support and champion this team in Wisconsin,” said Morton. “Together, we’ll continue building on the incredible work already happening – work that is rooted in respect, accountability and innovation, ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care.”

Morton joins HSHS with extensive healthcare management skills and nursing leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the National Senior Director of Nursing Practice for Ascension. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, her Master’s in Nursing Administration and her Doctor of Nursing Practice all from Jacksonville University. Additionally, she was featured in Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 under 40 and is a member of American Organization of Nursing Leadership (AONL).

“As we build on our strong tradition of nursing excellence, we are excited to welcome Jennifer as our Chief Nursing Officer,” said Bob Erickson, President and CEO, HSHS Wisconsin Market. “Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our nursing practice, empowering our teams and continuing to shape the future of patient care.”

For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

About Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS)

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is a nonprofit Catholic health care ministry founded in 1875. Dedicated to our Mission to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through high-quality Franciscan health care, HSHS clinicians provide exceptional care centered on the whole person. Based in Springfield, Illinois, HSHS employs nearly 11,000 colleagues who provide care in 13 acute-care, children’s and critical access hospitals and home health and hospice programs in Central and Southern Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin. HSHS is aligned with more than 1,000 primary and specialty physicians and advanced practitioners through its owned affiliates HSHS Medical Group and Prairie Cardiovascular and its partnership with Prevea Health. For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

Spherion Wisconsin & NOrthern IL Presented Direct Hire Market Area of the YEar and Marketing Excellence Awards

Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) in Wisconsin announced today that it was presented with the Direct Hire Market Area of the Year and Marketing Excellence awards at Spherion’s 2026 National Meeting.

Locally owned and operated by Austin Kassner, the team was recognized for its strong growth and continued commitment to connecting local businesses with qualified talent, earning Direct Hire Market Area of the Year for the fifth time since 2013. As hiring dynamics have evolved, Spherion WI & Northern IL has continued to invest in its direct hire capabilities, including in skilled trades and IT, while also supporting a broader mix of workforce solutions.

Additionally, the team was recognized for its marketing innovation, including the launch of its weekly Hiring Happens newsletter, a locally written, conversational take on hiring trends and workforce dynamics across the region. In a dynamic hiring environment, with rapid changes in how companies think about talent and the growing impact of AI, Kassner’s team has leaned in to provide grounded, practical perspectives shaped by ongoing conversations with companies and candidates.

“This recognition reflects how our team shows up every day,” said Kassner. “Over the past year, we committed to spending more time in the market, talking to companies and candidates to better understand what they’re navigating. Based on what we learned, we worked to develop and deliver solutions that align with their needs. It has been an entire team effort, and this approach has been at the core of our long-term growth.”

The 2026 Spherion National Meeting was held in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel from March 18-21. Uniting franchisees, corporate leaders and strategic partners from across the country for several days of learning and celebration, this year’s company-wide gathering was especially meaningful as Spherion marks its 80th anniversary in 2026, celebrating eight decades of connecting businesses with talent and strengthening local communities.

Team members participated in educational sessions focused on topics relevant to the 2026 hiring reality, such as the importance of human interaction, legal trends, and using AI tools to grow revenue. The meeting concluded with Spherion’s Awards & 80th Anniversary Celebration, recognizing top-performing franchisees and offices whose leadership and results exemplify the brand’s commitment to excellence.

“As we celebrate 80 years of serving communities across the country, it’s incredibly inspiring to see the work our franchisees are doing in their local markets,” said Kathy George, president of Spherion Staffing and Recruiting. “Austin and the team embody the qualities that have allowed the Spherion network to thrive for so many years. Their dedication to building meaningful relationships with clients and candidates while helping businesses grow and individuals find opportunity is making a lasting impact in the Rockford and Madison communities.”

Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community by connecting businesses with talent and creating employment opportunities every day. When successful, the office and its investments flow back into the neighborhoods it serves. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.

To learn more about Spherion Wisconsin, visit https://www.spherion.com/our-offices/madison-wisconsin_1175/

About Spherion Wisconsin & Northern Illinois

Driving careers. Growing businesses. Bettering the community. These tenets have been at the core of Spherion WI & Northern IL since its doors opened over 35 years ago. Locally owned, Spherion provides comprehensive staffing and recruiting services, including: flexible staffing, temp-to-hire, professional direct-hire placement, and workforce management solutions. The Spherion WI & Northern IL team invests the time to develop relationships with everyone they work with to deliver differentiated results. Its tenured team understands the Wisconsin and Northern Illinois markets and has a proven history of matching the right candidates for the right role across a wide array of industries.

Our 4.9/5 local Google rating, based on hundreds of reviews, and national recognition as a Forbes Best Temporary Staffing Firm reflect our commitment to delivering consistent results for the businesses and individuals we support. We’re also proud to be recognized through inclusion on Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises and Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500 list. Partner with Spherion to strengthen your business or take the next step in your career.

The NExt Generation of Entrepreneurs Shine with Mini Boss on Broadway

Mini Boss on Broadway presented by Capital Credit Union is returning for another year and applications are now live!

Applications for this year’s program are open until April 30 and notice of accepted Mini Boss’ will be sent by May 19. You can find the application HERE. The application process this year will be utilizing a new software called Marketspread. If you do not already have an account, you will be required to create one before applying.

This year’s Mini Boss program will be eight weeks, June 17 – August 5. The program offers the opportunity for children 15 years old and younger to try their hand as an entrepreneur, running their small business at one of Wisconsin’s largest farmers’ markets. In 2025, the program afforded 64 kid entrepreneurs the opportunity to polish their skills and build their dream of becoming a business owner. This year’s Mini Boss program will be eight weeks, June 17 – August 5. The program offers the opportunity for children 15 years old and younger to try their hand as an entrepreneur, running their small business at one of Wisconsin’s largest farmers’ markets. In 2025, the program afforded 64 kid entrepreneurs the opportunity to polish their skills and build their dream of becoming a business owner.

“There’s something special about the energy these young entrepreneurs pour into their products.” said Mary Rhode, vice president of marketing & communications with On Broadway, Inc. “To offer area kids the chance to live out their entrepreneurial dream is such a joy, and as an organization whose mission-driven to support small businesses, it is always a goal to support that next generation of business owners.”

Also returning this year, is a local nonprofit and Broadway District business, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin. At the July 15 event, Bigs and their Littles will be taking up Mini Boss booth spaces and teaming up to promote their individual business ventures. This was a huge hit during last year’s program series, and we are delighted they are returning! More on this special feature will be released as the date approaches.

More information and the application link are available on our website.

About On Broadway, Inc.
The historic Broadway District is the vibrant, engaging business and residential urban center of Northeast Wisconsin focusing on strategic marketing and staffing, funding and sustainability efforts, event development and coordination of promotions, business and residential recruitment and retention. On Broadway, Inc. is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to strengthening the Green Bay community through economic development, historic preservation and promotion of downtown Green Bay’s Broadway District and the overall downtown community.

CElebrating National Volunteer Week, April 19-25

In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2026, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls recognize the hard work, dedication and compassion of their volunteers.

“HSHS volunteers, also known as Partners, truly make a significant difference to everyone in our hospitals,” said Mary Ann Brunette, Manager of Volunteer Services for the HSHS Wisconsin Market. “They immediately put people at ease, bringing comfort and cheer with their positive attitude. Our volunteers have our most sincere gratitude and appreciation.”

In 2025, HSHS hospitals in the Wisconsin Market had 243 volunteers dedicate 26,550 hours to our ministries:

HSHS St. Vincent Hospital had 91 volunteers put in 10,374 hours.
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center had 70 volunteers put in 7,230 hours.
HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital had 62 volunteers put in 6,747 hours.
HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital had 20 volunteers put in 2,199 hours.

Volunteers often exceed the minimum suggested 50 hours of service per year commitment. HSHS verifies and carefully matches potential volunteer qualifications with hospital needs and standards. Services include: Distribution of Holy Communion (Commissioned Catholic Eucharistic Ministers only), greeting and helping patients and their families navigate to appointments, tending to surgery waiting areas, serving in the hospital gift shops, office assistance, stocking supplies and special projects.

“We are incredibly blessed to have dedicated, long term volunteer Partners that bring hope and healing to our patients, their families and our colleagues,” said Mary Ann. “Volunteers bring a great deal of joy to everyone they meet on a daily basis! They are truly an inspiration.”

HSHS hospitals in Green Bay, Oconto Falls and Sheboygan are welcoming new volunteers to join their ministries. Those interested in volunteering for the following hospitals can find more information as well as an online application at these sites:

HSHS St. Vincent Hospital: (920) 433-8561 or www.hshs.org/stvincent/volunteer
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center: (920) 498-4383 or www.hshs.org/stmarysgreenbay/volunteer
HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital: (920) 459-4714 or www.hshs.org/stnicholas/volunteer
HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital: (920) 433-8561 or www.hshs.org/stclare/volunteer

About Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS)

WHBY Unveils Modernized Brand Identity: “Brand New Look. Same Trusted VOice.”

Following a historic year celebrating a century of service to Northeast Wisconsin, WHBY (1150 AM / 103.5 & 106.3 FM) is proud to announce the official launch of its new brand identity and logo. The update marks a pivotal evolution for the station as it enters its second century of broadcasting.

The rebranding effort comes on the heels of WHBY’s year-long 100th-anniversary celebration, which concluded last week. While the festivities honored the station’s deep roots and legacy since 1925, the new visual identity is designed to carry that legacy into a multi-platform future. The new look is encapsulated by the station’s rebrand slogan: Brand New Look. Same Trusted Voice.

A Bridge Between Heritage and Future

The updated logo features a clean, contemporary aesthetic that improves readability across digital platforms, mobile apps, and social media, while maintaining the professional authority listeners have relied on for decades.

“We spent the last year looking back at a century of service to the Fox Valley, but today, we turn our gaze forward,” said B.J. DeGroot, Market Manager for Woodward Community Media. “After retiring our special 100-year commemorative look, we didn’t want to just go back to ‘business as usual.’ We’re kicking off our second century with a fresh new look that reflects the evolution of WHBY and our unwavering commitment to the next generation of listeners.”

While the visuals have been modernized, the station’s core mission remains unchanged. WHBY continues to be the premier source for local news, insightful talk, and community-focused dialogue.

“We are excited to usher in a new era of WHBY. Our rebrand represents a new chapter of WHBY and reflects who we are today and where we are heading next,” added Alex Thomas, WHBY Brand Manager. “This transformation goes beyond a new logo. It represents our vision of strengthening community awareness, enhancing the way we deliver news and conversation in the Fox Cities and beyond. While our look may be changing, our core values remain the same. Being trusted, local, and community driven remains a pillar of WHBY”

The new branding will be rolled out immediately across all station assets, including the WHBY website, social media channels, and community event presence.

About WHBY

WHBY is Northeast Wisconsin’s “News/Talk” leader, broadcasting a mix of local news, sports, and engaging talk programming. Since 1925, WHBY has served as the community’s primary source for information and conversation, staying true to its mission of being the voice of the Fox Valley.

About Woodward Community Media

Woodward Community Media (WCM), Northeast Wisconsin, is an employee-owned (ESOP) 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.

Discover Green Bay Welcomes Wisconsin FBLA State LEadership to DOwntown

Discover Green Bay is pleased to welcome the Wisconsin Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference back to Green Bay on April 13–14, 2026. The conference will bring more than 2,400 students and advisers from across the state to the KI Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Green Bay in downtown Green Bay.

The two-day conference will feature more than 75 business and information technology competitive events, giving students the opportunity to build skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and networking. Top competitors will qualify to represent Wisconsin at the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, later this summer.

“Welcoming events like the FBLA State Leadership Conference highlight the energy and potential of the next generation of leaders,” said Brad Toll, President and CEO of Discover Green Bay. “We’re proud to host these students in Green Bay and provide an environment where they can grow, connect, and experience everything our community has to offer.”

While the KI Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Green Bay will serve as the central hub, attendees are encouraged to explore Greater Green Bay through local shops, restaurants, and attractions during their stay.

FBLA is also seeking local business professionals to serve as judges for competitive events. Those interested can find more information and apply through the organization’s online judge form.

Goodwill NCW Recognizes FInancial Literacy Month

April is National Financial Literacy month. According to jumpstart.org, “Financial Literacy Month is a nationwide, collaborative endeavor marked by a variety of activities and events across the country and throughout the month of April.” Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will be contributing to this movement by participating in Money Smart Week – Fox Cities, a public awareness initiative with the goal of helping individuals build their financial knowledge for people of all ages and income levels offering workshops on a variety of topics, including a presentation on planning for a new baby with Goodwill NCW.

Goodwill NCW sees financial literacy as supporting our overall mission of “Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment”. For many, financial challenges are an overwhelming barrier, keeping them from achieving financial stability. According to Wallet Hub, nearly 1 in 5 Americans say they couldn’t come up with $1,000 in cash within 24 hours for emergency medical care.

For those looking to improve their financial literacy, Goodwill NCW offers services like personal and bankruptcy counseling, practical budgeting guidance and help navigating student loans. “Goodwill NCW financial counselors can help people be smarter with their finances, which can make a huge difference in their future”, said Wendy Patzlaff, Manager of Mission Operations at Goodwill NCW. “We know financial wellness is a journey. Wherever you are, we can help, at little or no cost, so you can reach your financial goals.”

Improving financial literacy can lead to greater financial stability and long-term success. See if Goodwill NCW can help you: Financial Wellness Services | Goodwill NCW

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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

Ruder Ware Hosting Employment & Benefits Conference in Green Bay

Our Employment & Benefits Team is excited to invite you to one of our most popular, long-standing conferences. Designed for HR professionals, this event offers practical, actionable insights to help HR teams make informed decisions. Join us in Green Bay at The Hilton Garden Inn (map and directions) on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

7:30 a.m. Registration

8:00 a.m. Welcome & Introductions

8:05 – 8:55 a.m.

Immigration Law Update for HR Professionals: Keeping Pace With a Changing Immigration Landscape

Presenter: Attorney Sam Moheban

Immigration attorney Sam Moheban will present on current issues facing HR professionals as they navigate the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration law. His session will review key developments to immigration policy and enforcement, with a focus on policy shifts, enforcement trends, and compliance strategies. Attendees will leave better equipped to manage foreign national employees and respond effectively to regulatory audits among ongoing legal and policy changes.

8:55 – 9:00 a.m. Transition

9:00 – 9:50 a.m.

Employee Handbook Essentials and Hot Topics

Presenters: Attorneys Nicole Stangl and Morgan Sweeney

Attorneys Nicole Stangl and Morgan Sweeney will present an overview of the latest trends in employee handbooks, including updates to social media policies, PTO practices, and compliance essentials. This session will highlight what HR professionals need to know to keep workplace policies current, compliant, and culturally aligned.

9:50 – 10:10 a.m. Break

10:10 – 11:00 a.m.

Prioritizing Workplace Drama!

Presenter: Attorney Sara Ackermann

Human Resources professionals know that workplace drama isn’t just disruptive—it’s risky. Attorney Sara Ackermann will spotlight the high-stakes issues that fuel the most legal headaches, including FMLA, disability accommodations, workers’ comp retaliation, and sexual harassment. Expect practical tips, common pitfalls, and insights to help you stay ahead of the drama. Come ready with questions!

11:00 – 11:05 a.m. Transition

11:05 – 11:55 a.m.

Wage and Hour Update: Including No Tax on Tips and Overtime

Presenters: Attorneys Mary Ellen Schill and Nicole Stangl

Staying up to date with wage and hour practices is crucial for HR leaders. Attorneys Mary Ellen Schill and Nicole Stangl will walk through changes to the wage and hour landscape being imposed under H.R.1 and other common hot wage and hour topics facing HR leaders.

Noon – 1:00 p.m. Lunch, Stump the Experts: Over lunch, participants are invited to challenge the attorney team with real-world questions HR professionals face every day.

Cost to Attend: $69

Registration Includes:

PDF conference materials
Light breakfast and refreshments
Lunch

Click here to view the presenters.

Learn more about Ruder Ware’s Employment & Benefits Team.

Registration

Online
Via email at email seminars@ruderware.com
Via phone: 715.845.4336 (contact Jessica Leptien)

Category: Member News