Category: Member News

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

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. 

2025/26 Tonnage TOtals of the Port of Green Bay

The 2025-26 shipping season at Port of Green Bay has officially concluded with strong late-season momentum. The port handled 1,587,620 tons of cargo throughout the year, in range of 2024-25’s total of 1,696,097 tons. A total of 155 vessels moved cargo through the port, supporting a wide range of regional industries. 

“As we wrapped up this shipping season, cargo volumes accelerated and carried us through to a solid finish,” said Dean Haen, Director of the Port of Green Bay. “The diversity of commodities moving through the port continues to be a strength.”

While the season began at a slower pace, increased activity across multiple commodities drove gains as the year progressed. Salt volumes increased 9.74% from the previous shipping season, supported by winter maintenance needs across the region. Based on the 2025/26 winter season, this trend will continue with significantly more salt shipments throughout the 2026 shipping season. Wood pulp shipments also went up 145.7%, pointing to renewed demand from manufacturing and paper-related markets. This growth underscores how diversified cargo activity helped stabilize the season and position the port for continued strength moving into the next shipping year.

“The Port of Green Bay plays a vital role in keeping goods moving for agriculture, industry and communities throughout the region,” Haen said. “We value the strong partnerships with our public and private stakeholders that make this work possible and support long-term economic stability.”

As the 2025 shipping season at the Port of Green Bay comes to an end, preparation is underway for the 2026 season. The 2026 First Ship Contest sponsored by Discover Green Bay has returned and is officially open for community participation. Individuals who would like to participate are encouraged to submit their official prediction for the arrival of the first ship of the 2026 season here: www.greenbay.com/contests/first-ship-contest/.

Those interested in recent and historical tonnage information for the Port of Green Bay can 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, Holcim, RGL, Sanimax, St. Mary’s Cement and U.S. Venture.

Green Bay Botanical Garden Classes & Event Schedule February – April 2026

Carol & Bruce Bell Children’s Garden 
Open Now | During Garden business hours 
 
Stomp in the snow and frolic in the flowers – the Bell Children’s Garden is open for 2026! 2.5 acres of outdoor adventure await, packed with fun and learning in every season.

Free/Garden Members; Daily Admission/General Public

Visit GBBG.org/BellChildrenGarden for more details.

Stitches & Stems 
Thursday, March 19 | 5–7 pm (Meet the Artists)

Saturday, March 20 | 9 am–5 pm

Sunday, March 21 | 9 am–4 pm
 
Stitches & Stems weaves together plants and fiber art in a beautifully detailed exhibit inspired by nature. Take a stroll and discover how creativity blooms — one stitch at a time.

Presented by The Embroiderers Guild of America – Green Bay Area Chapter

Visit GBBG.org/Stitches for more details.

Self-Guided Daily 
Drop-In Activities  
During Garden business hours

Stop & Learn Signs

Seek out educational signs placed throughout the Garden to dig deeper into nature.

Winter Scavenger Hunts

Using the Garden app, hunt for clues and discover plants and animals in the Garden.

S.E.E.D. Packs | During Garden business hours 

Check out a S.E.E.D. Pack to help you Search, Explore, Experience, and Discover the winter Garden. 
 

Snowshoe Hikes | During Garden business hours 

During the winter months, snowshoes are available to use on site and are free with Garden admission (with at least 6+ inches of snow). We have sizes suitable for kids (6 years and older) and adults, as well as marked paths in the Garden. Watch our social media for pop-up snowshoe hikes if the snow falls just right! 

Programs & Events 

February  


Mondays, February 9, 16, 23

Hatha Yoga

5:30–6:30 pm 

Tree Janzen,

Tree’s Yoga

Full Series:

$45/Garden Member
$50/General Public

One Day: $12

Tuesdays, February 10, 17, 24
Story Time

10–10:30 am 

Garden Education Team

Free/Garden Member
Daily Admission/General Public

Wednesday, February 11

Tap into Life & Learning (T.I.L.L.) Talk: An African Adventure

12–1 pm
Diane & Steve Lenz,

Garden Members
Free/Garden Member
$5/General Public

Friday, February 13

Pick Your Project: Woodburned Coasters or Bottle Opener
6–8 pm
Jennifer Frisch,

Coneflower Creations
$41/Garden Member
$49/General Public

Wednesday, February 18

Cottage Gardening Series:
Cottage Garden Design – How to Get Started
6–8 pm
Lindsay Hendricks,

Horticulture Manager
Full Series:
$35/Garden Member
$42/General Public
One Day: $16

Tuesday, February 24

Winter Pruning

1–3 pm 

Jimmy Van Meter,

Horticulturist

$13/Garden Member

$16/General Public

Wednesday, February 11

Tap into Life & Learning (T.I.L.L.) Talk: Brain Play – Where Music Meets Motion

12:30–1:30 pm
LaReina Tripping, Brain Center of Green Bay
Lisa Pritzl, Empowered by Movement
Free/Garden Member
$5/General Public

Friday, February 27

Cooking with Chef Ace Champion

5–7 pm 

Ace Champion,

Celebrity Chef

$49/Garden Member

$55/General Public 

March

Mondays, March 2, 9, 16
Breath Work for Better Health 

5:30–6:45 pm 

Cujo,

Exercise Physiologist

Full Series:

$29/Garden Member
$35/General Public

One Day: $13


Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Story Time

10–10:30 am 

Garden Education Team

Free/Garden Member
Daily Admission/General Public

Thursday, March 5
Gong & Guided Meditation 

5:30–6:45 pm 

Brenda Brayko,

Celestial Sound

$15/Garden Member
$18/General Public
 
Friday, March 6 

iPhone Photography Series:
Camera Basics

10 am–11:30 am 

Kasey Hock,

Kasey & Ben Photography

Full Series:

$96/Garden Member
$116/General Public

One Day: $32

Wednesday, March 11

Cottage Gardening Series:
Cottage Garden Plants – Favorite Flowers and Combinations
6–8 pm
Lindsay Hendricks,

Horticulture Manager
Full Series:
$35/Garden Member
$42/General Public
One Day: $16

Friday, March 13 

iPhone Photography Series:
10 Tips for Better Pictures

10 am–11:30 am 

Kasey Hock,

Kasey & Ben Photography

Full Series:

$96/Garden Member
$116/General Public

One Day: $32

Wednesday, March 18
Tap into Life & Learning (T.I.L.L.) Talk: Tropical Travel Adventures

12–1 pm 

Jim LaFond,

Garden Member & Volunteer

Free/Garden Member
$5/General Public

Friday, March 20 

iPhone Photography Series:
Editing on iPhone

10 am–11:30 am 

Kasey Hock,

Kasey & Ben Photography

Full Series:

$96/Garden Member
$116/General Public

One Day: $32

Tuesday, March 24

What’s New in Gardening for 2026

10–11:30 am 

Rob Zimmer,

Rob Zimmer Outdoors

$15/Garden Member

$18/General Public

Wednesday, March 25

Cooking with Chef Ace Champion

5–7 pm 

Ace Champion,

Celebrity Chef

$49/Garden Member

$55/General Public

Friday, March 27

iPhone Photography Series:
Keeping Your Photos Safe

10 am–11:30 am 

Kasey Hock,

Kasey & Ben Photography

Full Series:

$96/Garden Member
$116/General Public

One Day: $32

Monday, March 30–Friday, April 3
Camp: Arbor Artists (Ages 6–8) 

9:30 am–12:30 pm 

Garden Education Team

Full Series:
$85/Garden Member 
$105/General Public 

April 
 
Wednesday, April 1
Tap into Life & Learning (T.I.L.L.) Talk: Our Native Plants – Uses & Folklore

12–1 pm 

Jackie Johnson, MH ND,
Herb Society of America

Free/Garden Member
$5/General Public

Thursday, April 2
Gong & Guided Meditation

5:30–6:45 pm 

Brenda Brayko,

Celestial Sound

$15/Garden Member
$18/General Public


Thursday, April 9

Woodburned Planter Box

6–8 pm 

Jennifer Frisch,

Coneflower Creations

$41/Garden Member

$49/General Public

Mondays, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11

Hatha Yoga

5:30–6:30 pm 

Tree Janzen,

Tree’s Yoga

Full Series:

$45/Garden Member
$50/General Public

One Day: $12

Wednesday, April 15

Cottage Gardening Series:
Cottage Garden Support – Build Unique Structures to Grow Vertically
6–8 pm
Lindsay Hendricks,

Horticulture Manager
Full Series:
$35/Garden Member
$42/General Public
One Day: $16


Tuesday, April 21

A Guide to Hydrangeas and Other Amazing Flowering Shrubs

10–11:30 am

Rob Zimmer,

Rob Zimmer Outdoors

$15/Garden Member

$18/General Public

Tuesday, April 28

Sound Healing Submersion

6:30–7:45 pm 

Kristie DeMoney,

Great Moon Healing, LLC

$24/Garden Member

$29/General Public 


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 visitors annually on average from northeast Wisconsin and beyond. For more information about other happenings, visit GBBG.org or call 920.490.9457.

NEW Manufacturing Alliance Debuts Safety VIdeo

The Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA) debuted its newest video spotlighting safety called, ‘Safety First, Always: Our Shared Responsibility. The video was a work product of the NEWMA’s Safety taskforce. The video can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS6pNKgTR-A

NEWMA’s Safety taskforce formed in January 2024. The idea was initiated by Mark Callow with Samuel Pressure Vessel Group. He believed that there was a void for safety professionals not having a network of other EHS professionals. He believed NEWMA could fill that void. There are over 60 companies that are actively involved with the taskforce. One of the concerns many of these companies had with new hires, especially those that did not have any manufacturing experience, did not understand the importance of safety in the workplace. In addition, there were many vendors that came into their facilities that did not have proper safety training. It was decided that there should be a universal safety video produced that all manufacturers could use spotlighting the ‘why’ safety is important not only the ‘how’. Ann Franz, executive director of NEWMA stated, ‘Our members wanted to speak in one voice that safety isn’t a guideline, but a core value.’

The companies that are featured in the video are: ErgoFactor, Fosber America, Graetz Manufacturing, Keynecta, Marion Body Works and MARTOR USA. The topics spotlighted are forklift safety, ergonomics, machine guarding, accident prevention, HazCom, emergency procedures, PPE, and using the right tool for the job.

Peter Nickel with Keynecta explained the importance of the video, ‘At Keynecta, we believe an organization’s safety performance is not only defined by its procedures but by the behaviors and commitments of every individual.’ He added, ‘This video powerfully conveys that safety is a shared responsibility, and we are proud to amplify a message that supports our efforts to cultivate an engaged, proactive safety culture.’

For more information regarding the video and other NEWMA resources to www.newmfgalliance.org. Further questions should contact Ann Franz at 920-606-7691 or email franza@uwgb.edu.

Green Bay Austin Staubel International Airport Lands $4 Million FEderal Grant

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is happy to announce that it has received a $4 million federal grant to support critical taxiway upgrades and other airfield rehabilitation projects that enhance safety, efficiency, and long-term operational reliability.

The funding is part of $12.4 million in community funding projects secured Tuesday by U.S. Representative Tony Wied for Northeast Wisconsin, along with multiple community funding projects for Northeast Wisconsin by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. Additionally, it was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations package approved by Congress, and signed into law by the President earlier this week.

“We believe in making important investments in our infrastructure to help keep passengers safe and provide for a better travel experience,” said GRB Airport Director Marty Piette. “These taxiway and rehabilitation projects strengthen the foundation of our airfield operations and makes GRB even stronger. We are grateful to Representative Wied for his leadership and advocacy in securing this vital funding and to Senator Baldwin for her support of this funding package.”

The investment will be used to improve airfield infrastructure, and ensuring GRB continues to meet federal safety standards while supporting current and future air service. Taxiways are a critical component of daily airport operations, supporting safe aircraft movement, reducing delays, and maintaining efficient access to runways. Continued investment in airfield rehabilitation helps extend the life of airport assets while minimizing long-term maintenance costs.

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach highlighted the broader economic and regional importance of the funding.

“Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport plays a vital role in Brown County’s economy and connectivity,” Streckenbach said. “This federal investment supports infrastructure improvements that keep the airport operating safely and efficiently, while reinforcing its role as a key transportation hub for Northeast Wisconsin.

# # #

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, Frontier, 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.

Brown County United Way and AARP Partner to Provide Free Tax Preparation at City East Center

Brown County United Way is partnering with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide to offer free, IRS-certified tax preparation services at City East Center, expanding access to critical financial support for households across Brown County.

The no-cost service is open to taxpayers of all ages and income levels; AARP membership is not required. Tax support will be held at City East Center, 111 N. Roosevelt Street in Green Bay, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the dates below.

  • February 6, 11, 17
  • March 6, 12, 23
  • April 7

To participate, taxpayers must schedule an appointment and pick up a tax preparation packet prior to their appointment. To schedule, call 920-393-7863.

Nearly one in three households in Brown County live at or below the ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold—meaning they are one unexpected expense away from not being able to meet their basic needs. Through its work, Brown County United Way focuses on investing in individuals, improving systems and advocating for policy solutions that help households not just get by, but thrive.

“This partnership allows us to live out our mission in a very tangible way,” said Jill Sobieck, Impact Initiatives and Outreach Strategist, Brown County United Way. “For many ALICE® households, the cost of tax preparation can be a significant burden. By eliminating that expense and ensuring taxes are filed accurately by certified professionals, we’re helping individuals and families stay financially stable and access refunds and credits they may otherwise miss.”

In 2025, the AARP Tax-Aide program at City East Center served 151 taxpayers, preparing 160 tax returns, including multiple-year filings. To date, the service has helped community members secure more than $172,000 in federal and state tax refunds and credits, providing critical financial relief through excess withholding returns, Child Tax Credits, Earned Income Tax Credits and other Wisconsin-based credits.

“Programs like this reflect Brown County United Way’s role as a convener of trusted community partners,” said Shruti Sriram, Chief Impact Officer, Brown County United Way. “We are not the tax experts, but we know how to bring the right resources together to meet people where they are. By connecting families to services that save time, reduce stress and put real dollars back into their households, we are helping ALICE® families thrive by moving closer to economic stability.”

“This partnership with Brown County United Way and the location at City East Center has been perfect for us,” said Tom Burzinski, AARP Foundation Tax Aide and WI District 3 Coordinator. “They offer a welcoming and friendly environment and the location is in the heart of an area this program is meant to serve. It is on a bus line, and many are within walking distance,” Burzinski shared.

About Brown County United Way

Brown County United Way leverages data to mobilize the Brown County region in three ways: helping individuals, improving community systems and advancing policy change, while keeping ALICE® at the center. Further, its mission is to unite people, resources and ideas to co-create community solutions that strengthen every person and every community in Brown County.

About AARP Foundation Tax Aid

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance program, helping low- to moderate-income taxpayers file accurate tax returns and access the credits they deserve.

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