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Greater Green Bay Chamber is Now a Certified Family friendly WOrkplace

Family Friendly Workplaces is happy to announce that the Greater Green Bay Chamber has earned a silver-level certification as a Family Friendly Workplace, recognizing its commitment to supporting employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

“A truly great workplace is one where people are supported as individuals, not just employees. This certification affirms our commitment at the Greater Green Bay Chamber to building a culture that respects balance while encouraging growth,” said Lara Fritts, President and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Chamber. “Investing in our people generates lasting value that extends beyond our workplace and into the communities we serve.”

“This certification helps define the standard for values-driven workplaces in our region,” said Nikki Schneider, Director of Talent and Education at the Greater Green Bay Chamber. “It strengthens our ability to attract and retain talent and sends a clear message that supporting people is essential to long-term success. We hope other organizations in Greater Green Bay will follow our lead.”

The Greater Green Bay Chamber earned this certification after a comprehensive evaluation of its workplace policies, including flexible work options, parental leave, healthcare benefits, and family-centric support programs. As a certified employer, the Greater Green Bay Chamber is now entitled to use the Family Friendly Workplaces logo in its talent attraction and retention work, as well as access a range of other benefits.

“We’re proud to recognize the Greater Green Bay Chamber as a Family Friendly Workplace,” said Neil Kline, Executive Director of Family Friendly Workplaces. “Their certification leads the way in northeast Wisconsin, and we believe it is a major encouragement to other employers in the region to consider certification themselves.”

FFW is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Baldwin that certifies nearly 75 employers across Wisconsin as it works to engage employers and communities in an effort to address Wisconsin’s long-term workforce shortage.

For more information about Family Friendly Workplaces and its certification program, visit www.familyfriendlyworkplaces.org.

Registration Opens for One of Wisconsin’s largest Watershed Cleanups

Registration is now open for the 2026 Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup, a region-wide volunteer event that brings together people of all ages to remove trash from parks, trails, riverbanks, lakeshores, and more. The Cleanup will take place on Saturday, May 2, with over 65 sites available across the Fox-Wolf Watershed, including communities from Waupaca to Green Bay, throughout the Lake Winnebago shoreline, and south toward Fond du Lac.

Organized by the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, the annual event connects cities, towns, and rural areas across the Upper Fox, Lower Fox, and Wolf River basins in one of Wisconsin’s largest coordinated conservation efforts.

“This event is about protecting the waters we all depend on,” said Jessica Schultz, Executive Director of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. “Whether you’re walking a creek in Oshkosh, cleaning up a shoreline in Appleton or Green Bay, or working along Lake Winnebago, every action helps protect water quality downstream.”

Last Year’s Cleanup Made a Real Impact

In 2025, nearly 1,800 volunteers collected 8,165 pounds of trash from waterways, parks, and public spaces across the watershed.

“Those numbers show what’s possible when communities come together,” Schultz said. “Every piece of litter removed helps keep our waters clean for drinking, recreation, and wildlife.”

Volunteers of All Ages Welcome

Volunteers can register individually or with a group. Families, scout troops, service clubs, classrooms, workplaces, and civic organizations are all encouraged to join. Cleanup supplies are provided at each site, and volunteers receive a commemorative t-shirt while supplies last. Each location is led by a trained Site Leader to ensure safety and coordination.

Cleanup Day Ends with a Community Celebration

After the morning’s effort, all volunteers are invited to a community picnic at Tellulah Park in Appleton, featuring lunch, live music, bounce houses, and family activities.

“It’s an energizing way to wrap up a meaningful day,” Schultz added. “We work hard in the morning, and then celebrate what we’ve done together.”

How to Register

Volunteer registration is open now at: fox-wolf.org/cleanup

Registration is free, and early sign-up is encouraged to ensure preferred site placement and shirt availability.

Cleanup Sponsors

The 2026 Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup is made possible with support from the following sponsors: Fund for Lake Michigan, Nestle, Badger Labs, the City of Appleton, Essity, Graymont, WE Energies Foundation, Wolf River Community Bank, Evergreen Credit Union, Ahlstrom, Encapsys, Fox Communities Credit Union, Mercury Marine, WPS Foundation, Amcor Cares, Cellcom, and Menasha Corporation Foundation.

About Fox-Wolf

For 35 years, the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance has been dedicated to protecting and restoring water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin. We unite communities, businesses, and individuals to ensure clean water and healthy ecosystems for future generations.

Port of Green Bay Announces 2026 FIrst Ship Contest

As the 2025 shipping season at the Port of Green Bay comes to an end, preparation is already underway for the 2026 season. The 2026 First Ship Contest sponsored by Discover Green Bay has returned and is officially open for community participation.

Anyone who wishes to participate in the First Ship Contest is asked to share their predictions on the date and time the first ship will arrive in the Port of Green Bay this spring through Discover Green Bay’s official entry form. The individual who guesses the closest date and time of the first ship’s arrival will be the winner and recipient of a prize package from Discover Green Bay and the Port of Green Bay.

This year’s prize package includes:

A one-night stay at the historic Hotel Northland
A Port of Green Bay swag bag
A 200^th Anniversary Brown County Monopoly Game
Four admission tickets to four N.E.W. museums
- Including the National Railroad Museum, Heritage Hill State Park, Neville Public Museum and the Door County Maritime Museum sites
Dinner for two at The Depot

“The opening dates of the shipping season shifts from year to year, sometimes by as much as a month,” shared Dean Haen, Director of the Port of Green Bay. “Conditions such as ice levels on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, along with overall water conditions throughout the system, play a major role in determining when operations can begin.

Individuals who would like to participate can submit their official prediction for the arrival of the first ship of the 2026 season here: www.greenbay.com/contests/first-ship-contest/. One entry per person is allowed. If there are multiple correct guesses, the person who submitted their entry first will be chosen as the winner.

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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.

Fox Communities Credit Union Announces Sara Peterson as VP of Financial Planning & Data Analysis

Fox Communities Credit Union has promoted Sara Peterson to VP of Financial Planning & Data Analysis. Peterson joined Fox in 2019 as a Financial Analyst and advanced to Senior Financial Analyst in 2022. In 2023, she was promoted to AVP of Financial Planning & Analysis.

The VP of Financial Planning & Data Analysis provides strategic leadership across the financial planning and data analytics functions. This role also oversees budgeting, forecasting, financial and operational analytics, and performance analysis while also leading the credit union’s data analytics initiatives to support strategic decision-making. The VP ensures alignment with Fox’s mission, vision, and goals, delivering actionable insights that drive profitability, operational efficiency, and member value.

“I am pleased to take on the role of Vice President of Financial Planning & Data Analysis. Partnering with such an exceptional team of finance and data professionals is a privilege I deeply value. I am committed to elevating our financial planning and analysis function and championing the delivery of trusted, actionable insights that drive meaningful impact for Fox,” said Peterson.

With over 88 years of experience, Fox Communities Credit Union proudly serves more than 139,000 members across 23 Wisconsin locations. As a member-owned financial institution, Fox prioritizes people over profits, ensuring members receive exceptional service and support. With a dedicated team of over 500 professionals and assets exceeding $3 billion, Fox is well-equipped to meet the financial needs of members. Fox is featured as one of Wisconsin’s Leading Credit Unions in Forbes and Fortune. The 2025 Community Choice Awards voted Fox Best Credit Union in the Fox Cities and the Best in Financial Planning in Green Bay and Oshkosh. Fox is also a Gold-Certified Fox Cities Employee Friendly Workplace and is recognized as a top workplace and community partner by several respected organizations. Learn more about the Fox difference at foxcu.org.

Play Ball! 2026 Miracle League of the Fox Valley Registration Opens

Registration is now open for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley, a program of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), that offers individuals ages four–nineteen with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in an organized, non-competitive league on a safe, accessible baseball field.

Program logo

The season is eight weeks long, beginning in June. Throughout the season, players are paired with community volunteers (buddies) who assist and encourage them during the games. Volunteer pitchers, umpires, announcers, coaches and team helpers are also needed, and the public is invited to attend the games as supportive fans.

Through engaging socially with others, the players learn valuable life skills like teamwork and communication to help them overcome barriers.

“It is such a privilege and an honor to be able to bring the joy of baseball to these players and their families,” Tim Wavrunek Mission Team Leader of Community Programs at Goodwill NCW said. “It’s so much more than baseball. It’s remarkable, the smiles on their faces and the families’ faces.”

Volunteers can register online, here.

Miracle League of the Fox Valley, Appleton

Location: John Wollner Fox Cities Miracle Field at Memorial Park in Appleton

Learn more or register a player online here

Player registration ends March 31

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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

St. Norbert College President Laurie M. Joyner Recognized by Titan 100 Program

St. Norbert College is proud to announce that President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., has been selected a Titan CEO honoree by the Wisconsin Titan 100 program, which recognizes the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives. Honorees represent the most accomplished leaders in their sectors based on criteria that includes vision, exceptional leadership, and influence in their field.

“While this award bears my name, it belongs to the St. Norbert College community; our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and friends whose steadfast commitment to our mission makes achievements like this possible,” said President Joyner. “I am deeply grateful for their partnership and inspired by what we are accomplishing together.”

“We are proud to see our president recognized for her strategic foresight, decisive leadership, and impressive results that have strengthened the College,” said Board of Trustees Chair Patti Brash McKeithan ’71. “As higher education continues to evolve, President Joyner’s leadership is ensuring that St. Norbert College’s strengths are amplified and the future is ever brighter.”

Since her arrival in 2023, President Joyner has led St. Norbert College through a period of significant transformation and renewal. She launched Preserving the St. Norbert Legacy: A Shared Promise of Stewardship (PTL) designed to enhance mission integrity, educational innovation, and financial sustainability.

Through the PTL initiative, the College took decisive action to animate its Catholic, Norbertine mission, add new academic offerings, and deepen partnerships while adjusting its annual operating budget by approximately $18.5 million. These efforts balanced fiscal responsibility with strategic investment in enrollment management, new academic programs, expanded athletic offerings, and innovative revenue-generating initiatives. Guided by collaboration among faculty and staff, the initiative reflects a community-wide commitment to excellence, innovation, shared governance, and effective stewardship.

“This recognition is truly a testament to the full constellation of constituencies that care deeply about our institutional priorities: strengthening our Norbertine identity, enhancing educational quality, advancing student success, achieving operational excellence, and securing the College’s long-term vitality,” said President Joyner.

About St. Norbert College

St. Norbert College, located in De Pere, Wis., is the only Norbertine college in the world and a private Catholic liberal arts institution known for its personalized attention and commitment to educating the whole person. SNC is ranked by Niche as a top 5 college in Wisconsin for best campus, Catholic colleges, liberal arts colleges, student life and best food. Part of the greater Green Bay community, the campus fosters intellectual, spiritual and personal growth. For more information, visit snc.edu.

Emplify Health Certified as a Family Friendly WOrkplace

Family Friendly Workplaces is pleased to announce that Emplify Health has earned a gold-level certification as a Family Friendly Workplace, recognizing the organization’s strong commitment to employee well-being and life balance.

“At Emplify Health, we recognize that supporting a healthy life balance is critical to our employees’ well-being and long-term success,” said Scott Rathgaber, MD, CEO of Emplify Health. “This certification reinforces our commitment to fostering a workplace where our team can thrive both professionally and personally. When our employees feel supported, our entire community is stronger.”

Emplify Health earned this certification following a comprehensive evaluation of its workplace policies, including flexible work options, parental leave, healthcare benefits, and family-centered support programs.

As a certified employer, Emplify Health is now entitled to use the Family Friendly Workplaces logo in its talent attraction and retention efforts and gains access to additional program benefits. As a Certified Family Friendly Workplace, Emplify Health also makes an annual conduit contribution to a nonprofit organization that supports families. This year, they selected The Parenting Place in La Crosse and Encompass Early Education and Care in Green Bay.

To honor this achievement, Family Friendly Workplaces today hosted simultaneous news conferences in La Crosse and Green Bay. Governor Tony Evers attended the La Crosse event and delivered remarks recognizing Emplify Health’s leadership and commitment to families. A news conference, including Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, was held in Green Bay to celebrate the certification.

“In our conversations, Emplify Health was quick to recognize that supporting families not only strengthens their organization — it’s also simply the right thing to do,” said Neil Kline, Executive Director of Family Friendly Workplaces. “Emplify Health is the largest employer to be certified as a Family Friendly Workplace, and we are thrilled that they are leading the way for employers across Wisconsin. With Emplify Health in the family, 71 employers across Wisconsin have been certified, covering over 24,000 employees and their families.”

Wisconsin’s long-term workforce shortage threatens the state’s economic vibrancy in the years ahead. From now through 2050, Wisconsin’s workforce is expected to shrink before stagnating. This long-term human resources shortage requires a strategic response.

“Emplify Health is the latest employer to join this effort to address our workforce shortage,” said Kline. “They were quick to recognize the importance of strategically engaging with this challenge, and of securing Wisconsin’s future economic vibrancy.”

For more information about Family Friendly Workplaces and its certification program, visit www.familyfriendlyworkplaces.org.

COnsolidated Construction Honored with THree Projects of Distinction Awards

Consolidated Construction Co., Inc., a full-service design/build firm based in Appleton, Wisconsin, earned three gold “Project of Distinction” awards, and ranked all three in the top five “Projects of the Year” at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin Projects of Distinction event on January 15th 2026 in the Wisconsin Dells.

The award-winning projects span industrial, commercial, and healthcare construction and showcase Consolidated Construction’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, each pushing boundaries in their own way.

Recognized projects include:

· Midwest Refrigerated Services (MRS) Cold Storage Business Campus – Transformation of an 83-acre farm into a future-focused cold storage campus designed to prioritize employee experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

· Central Storage & Warehouse Freezer Expansion – Delivery of the company’s tallest and most innovative freezer facility in just nine months, encompassing more than 100,000 square feet of advanced cold storage space.

· Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery – Construction of a modern Appleton clinic providing specialized care for breast cancer survivors and children in need of reconstructive surgery.

“To have three projects recognized among the top five in the state underscores what our process and approach can achieve,” said John Schneider, CEO of Consolidated Construction. “Our teams take pride in competing on quality, safety, and execution, and this honor reflects the high standards we set on every project.”

The Projects of Distinction Awards Program recognizes projects built on merit, by skilled employees who choose not to belong to organized labor. The projects are judged in a rigorous process by a panel of construction experts based on several criteria, including safety, quality, owner satisfaction, execution and coordination, budgeting, difficult and unusual challenges, and overall distinctiveness.

Declaration of AI-assisted Technologies

CoPilot generative AI was used to edit this press release. All content was reviewed, edited, and approved by a human to maintain accountability.

About Consolidated Construction

Consolidated Construction Co., Inc. consolidates architecture and construction into a single source to provide streamlined building services to commercial, hospitality, industrial and food industry clients throughout the country. The company has offices in Appleton and Portage, Wisconsin; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Bismarck, North Dakota. The company’s delivery model has resulted in national awards for safety, design/build ingenuity and cost-effective construction. Project information and company history can be viewed at www.1call2build.com.

COnsolidated Construction Expands Regional Support for Industrial Clients in Wisconsin

Consolidated Construction Co., Inc., a full-service design/build firm based in Appleton, Wisconsin, announced the opening of a satellite office at 221 E. Albert Street in Portage, Wisconsin, expanding the company’s presence in the state.

The new office will allow Consolidated Construction to strategically extend its footprint into south and southwestern Wisconsin, supporting continued growth and improving service to clients in that region.

“The opening of an office in this region represents an important step in our continued growth across the Midwest,” said John Schneider, CEO of Consolidated Construction. “We serve manufacturers, cold storage providers, and food processors throughout the heart of Wisconsin – organizations whose facility needs dovetail perfectly with our self-perform capabilities. The addition of this branch office allows us to better support those clients and others with local presence and resources.”

With integrated architecture and construction management teams supported by experienced self-perform crews, Consolidated Construction delivers projects with a high level of quality, coordination, and cost control. The company self-performs critical trade scopes including concrete walls and floors, structural steel erection, rough and finish carpentry, and custom millwork fabricated in its own cabinet shop that are well-suited for complex industrial, food processing, and cold storage facilities.

Declaration of AI-assisted Technologies

CoPilot generative AI was used to edit this press release. All content was reviewed, edited, and approved by a human to maintain accountability.

About Consolidated Construction

Cornerstone Business Services Marks 25 YEars Advising Business Owners Through Company Sales

Cornerstone Business Services, a lower middle market mergers and acquisitions firm, announces its 25th anniversary, marking two and a half decades of helping business owners finish strong.

Managing Partner Scott Bushkie founded Cornerstone in 2001 after seeing firsthand how many lower middle market transactions failed to close. At the time, industry estimates suggested that only 20% to 30% of companies in this segment successfully sold.

“I saw the damage that came from firms taking on too many clients or telling owners whatever they wanted to hear just to win the engagement. Low closing ratios, broken expectations, and lasting harm to people’s financial futures. I believed there had to be a better way.”— Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner

Bushkie started the firm to serve lower middle market companies that often fall between smaller business brokers and larger firms. From the start, Cornerstone focused on quality over quantity, bringing investment-banking-level advice and a disciplined process to a limited clientele of family-owned businesses.

“The goal was never just to close a transaction. It was to help owners exit on their terms, with peace of mind and no regrets about the decision or the outcome.”— Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner.

Over the past 25 years, Cornerstone has grown from a founder-led practice into a national advisory firm serving business owners across North America. The firm focuses on lower middle market companies with annual revenues ranging from $5 million to $250 million and provides sell-side advisory, valuation services, and acquisition support.

In addition to its core advisory work, Cornerstone has expanded its reach through related platforms that extend its approach and tools to broader audiences:

Cornerstone International Alliance — A global partnership of lower middle market M&A firms focused on collaboration and expanded buyer reach.
CAPex Program — A partner program designed to support financial advisors, CPAs, and exit planners working with business owners.
DealCoach — A platform offering valuation insight and planning support for Main Street and closely held businesses.

As Cornerstone enters its 25th year, Bushkie says the firm remains focused on the same principles that guided its launch.

“This work has always mattered to me because the consequences are real. For most owners, this is the biggest financial transaction of their lives. What we’re really helping create is the ability to move forward, with the time and financial security to choose what comes next.”— Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner

Rodney Ott, Senior Vice President, joined Cornerstone in 2008 and has worked alongside business owners through a wide range of transactions and market cycles.

Selling a business is one of the biggest decisions most owners will ever make. Being part of that moment, and helping people walk away feeling confident about what they’ve achieved and what’s ahead, that’s what makes this work meaningful.— Rodney Ott, Senior Vice President

About Cornerstone Business Services

Founded in 2001, Cornerstone Business Services is an investment bank serving the lower middle market and specializing in transactions for businesses with annual revenue of $5 million to $250 million. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the firm advises business owners throughout North America on sell-side transactions, acquisitions, and valuation services, including its Real Market Analysis (RMA).

Cornerstone’s Assurance 360™ process is designed to create multiple qualified offers and improve deal certainty. Over the past five years, the firm has maintained an average closing ratio of about 85%. Cornerstone also publishes original research on business owner readiness and exits, including the 2025 National Study on Selling Your Business. Cornerstone’s mission is to create a positive life-changing event for all the lives they touch.

Category: Member News