Member News Archives | Page 9 of 30 | Greater Green Bay Chamber

Fox Communities Credit Union Announces Melissa Harper as Assistant Vice PResident of Mortgage Processing & CLosing

Fox Communities Credit Union has promoted Melissa Harper to Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Processing & Closing. Harper started at Fox as a Mortgage Loan Processor.

As AVP of Mortgage Processing & Closing, Harper will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and influence over the Mortgage Loan Processing & Closing functions. This includes driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance, and contributing to strategic initiatives related to the Mortgage Loan Processing & Closing Teams.

“I am excited and appreciative of the chance to lead in the role of Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Processing & Closing. In this capacity, I will continue to prioritize delivering exceptional experiences for our members, team member growth and development, and strengthen collaboration between all our mortgage teams. With member experience being our top priority, I will continue to work to enhance efficiency and uphold the highest standards across the industry. I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the future growth and success of Fox,” said Harper.

With over 88 years of experience, Fox Communities Credit Union proudly serves more than 139,000 members across 22 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.

Fox Communities Credit Union Announces Jared Anderson as Director of Cards

Fox Communities Credit Union has promoted Jared Anderson to Director of Cards. Anderson’s previous position at Fox was Business Intelligence Analyst.

The Director of Cards is a dual-function leadership role responsible for both the strategic development of cards and the operational oversight of card services within the Member Payment Systems department. This role ensures regulator compliance, drives product innovation, supports team development, and maintains high service standards across card operations. Anderson will also leverage data analytics and cross-functional collaboration to optimize performance and member experience.

“I am honored to step into the role of Director of Cards and excited by the opportunity to lead both the strategic development of our card programs and the operational excellence of card services. I look forward to supporting our talented cards team as we drive performance, strengthen vendor partnerships, and enhance the member experience. Together, we will continue delivering secure, innovative, and meaningful card solutions that empower our members and advance sustainable growth for the credit union,” said Anderson.

Element Announces Two LEadership Promotions to Support Strategic Growth

Element, a fully integrated marketing agency located in De Pere, Wis., is excited to announce two promotions within the leadership and account services teams. These changes are part of the agency’s ongoing strategic expansion, designed to support the company’s integrated approach to marketing and deliver strong results for new and existing clients.

Katie Bramschreiber, who recently celebrated a decade with Element, has been promoted to Director of Integrated Strategy. In this role, Bramschreiber will lead the development of integrated marketing strategies for clients and help drive agency growth. This role is pivotal in driving cross-department collaboration and amplifying measurable results. Her previous experience as an account executive and leading the account services team positions her to align insights, creativity, and strategy to build lasting partnerships for clients.

Liv Upstone has been promoted to Client Services Manager. In this role, Upstone will lead and grow client relationships and manage the account services team. Her previous experiences as both an account manager and brand manager uniquely position her to excel at both strategic marketing and leading the team to elevate the agency’s client relationships.

“Element’s formula for success is to connect strategy, creative, and data into one brand experience. Businesses don’t just need another vendor for their marketing. They need a partner willing to immerse in their brand and deliver results that matter. We’re thrilled for Katie and Liv to lead this charge for our clients,” said Nikki Peroutka, president of Element.

These two promotions mark an important step as Element continually develops and sharpens its strategic focus and commitment to client success. With Upstone and Bramschreiber in these new leadership roles, Element will continue to strengthen and grow its presence, supporting national and global businesses based throughout the Midwest.

For more information about Element, visit www.goelement.com.

Announcing the NEW Manufacaturing Alliance’s 2026 All Stars

The Northeast Wisconsin (NEW) Manufacturing Alliance is pleased to announce its 2026 All Stars awards. This marks the 18^th year of the annual awards featuring local manufacturing employees nominated by Alliance member companies. There are also two All Star Mentor award winners that are outstanding examples of employees who strengthen their workforce or provide outreach to schools or the community. The winners are spotlighted in a career exploration magazine. The digital version includes hyperlinks to three-minute videos highlighting each award winner.

Manufacturing offers prominent careers, and the NEW Manufacturing Alliance All Stars have been promoting that since the first issue in 2009. More than 350,000 magazines have reached the hands of students in Northeast Wisconsin high schools and technical colleges, as well as their instructors and manufacturing leaders. Over the last eighteen years, 200 manufacturing employees have been spotlighted in the publication.

The 2026 All Stars Magazine cover features Elizabeth, a quality engineer at W.E. Hoban Company in Green Bay. When asked what she likes working in manufacturing, ‘The job is a lot more hands-on than it would be elsewhere.’

All Star Award winner Levi Lesperance, a maintenance technician at Sargento shares what he enjoys most about his job, ‘ I enjoy that every day is something different and a new challenge.’ He added, ‘I appreciate that Sargento is staying on top of new technology to drive innovation and make our lives easier.’

2026 All Stars Magazine features winners from the following companies: Georgia-Pacific, Great Northern Packaging, HUI Manufacturing, Nercon Conveyor Systems, Nicolet Plastics, Nueske Meats, Rockline Industries, Samuel Pressure Vessel Group, W.E. Hoban Company

The All Stars are manufacturing employees between the ages of 18 – 36 years of age. All Star Mentors can be individuals of any age.

To view the 2026 All Stars online publication https://online.fliphtml5.com/apnek/nynf/index.html#p=1 or www.newmfgalliance.org.

The NEW Manufacturing Alliance is a group of manufacturers working together with educational institutions, workforce development boards, chambers of commerce and state organizations to promote manufacturing throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

Green Bay Innovation Group to Host 5P Expo February 24th in Green Bay

A Green Bay-based business consortium supporting the Great Lakes Region’s Packaging, Paper, Plastics, Printing, Pulp (5P) and the Converting industries will host an Expo on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Green Bay Innovation Group will present the 5P Showcase Expo, bringing together industry experts and highlighting leading innovations in the 5P Industries, converting, and food packaging. Registration is now open to attend or exhibit at the 5P Showcase Expo on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Oneida Hotel and Conference Center in Green Bay.

Industry Leaders to Speak at Event

In addition to 95 exhibitors on the Expo floor, print and packaging industry leaders will speak at the event. The morning presenter will be Laura Bix, PhD, who leads the Packaging HUB – Healthcare, Universal Design and Biomechanics at the Michigan State University School of Packaging. Prof. Bix will present “Making the World Safer with Packaging” at 9 a.m. Sun Chemical, a leading provider of inks and pressroom products, color materials and advanced materials, will feature three presenters for the 1 p.m. informational session. Rick Stokes, Vice President – Market Management at Sun Chemical, will present “Current Trends in the Printing and Packaging Markets.” Stokes has been in the packaging industry for 34 years, working in manufacturing, sales, and marketing for a wide range of adhesives, coatings, and inks.

Kim Barham, Sun Chemical Business Development Executive, and Steve Howell, Sun Chemical Advanced Application Specialist, will present “High Speed Printing is HERE!” Barham and Howell both have been in the printing industry for 30+ years.

95 Exhibitors Featured at the Expo

The 5P Showcase Expo will feature 95 exhibitors displaying innovations in products and services. The Expo is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Oneida Hotel and Conference Center in Green Bay, followed by a free, onsite networking event from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Registration is Open for Expo on Feb. 24, 2026 Registration is now open at GreenBayInnovationGroup.com. Pricing for the 5P Showcase Expo is $50 to attend and $1,000 to exhibit. A limited number of exhibitor booths are still available, so register today at the Events tab of the Green Bay Innovation Group website. For more information, contact Marty Ochs, 608-698-3333 or martinpochs@gmail.com.

The Lawton Standard Co. Named a Finalist for Wisconsin Manufacturer of the YEar

For the second year in a row, The Lawton Standard Co. is proud to announce the company has been named a finalist for the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) award. Lawton has been named a finalist for both the Grand Award-Large Group and the Spotlight Award-Community Impact. The annual WI MOTY competition is hosted by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Baker Tilly and Michael Best.

The Manufacturer of the Year award recognizes companies that are dedicated to quality careers, good business practices, financial growth, innovative processes and reinvestment into the community. Here in Wisconsin, the manufacturing industry contributes roughly $70 billion each year to the state’s economy.

Lawton Standard is a finalist for the Grand Award in the large business group. The multi-metal, multi-site, multi-capability casting-centric business is like no other. Innovation is key to staying ahead in the foundry industry and Lawton is committed to finding better, more efficient ways to provide high-quality iron and steel castings to our customers. It is a one-stop shop for people looking for iron and steel castings and has added benefits for customers like expert engineering, solidification software, in-house pattern shops, in-house machine shops and quality assurance.

Lawton was also named a finalist for MOTY’s Spotlight Award focused on community impact. Lawton De Pere is the only foundry in Wisconsin to be Green Tier 2 certified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Lawton began its Green Tier journey in 2013 after CEO Alex Lawton started the “Beyond Compliance” initiative. In 2021, Lawton earned Green Tier 2 status and recently renewed that status in 2025. The program helped Lawton take steps to improve sustainability and environmental impact. The key improvements include diverting waste streams from the landfill, raising environmental awareness through employee training and taking part in programs like “Adopt-A-Highway” and e-recycling events. Since 2022, Lawton De Pere has diverted close to 10,000 tons of spent foundry sand from the landfill. That sand is used in beneficial reuse programs like base layers for roads and parking lots, as well as in cement, concrete, bricks, roofing materials and much more.

The 37th annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year awards will take place Thursday, February 19th at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. An independent panel of judges, made up of trusted leaders from manufacturing, education and business, review each application. The judging panel is fully independent of the award program sponsors, ensuring a fair process.

Lawton Standard is not alone in Northeast Wisconsin, as 9 manufacturers from Northeast Wisconsin have been selected as finalists for awards. We wish those other manufacturers good luck at the upcoming awards banquet and look forward to catching up with many of them at the event.

Check out the full list of finalists for this year’s Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year awards: https://www.wimoty.com/winners-nominees/2025-finalists/. You can learn more about the important work WMC is doing in Wisconsin: https://www.wmc.org/.

Find out more about Lawton Standard and it’s wide range of services in the iron and steel casting industry: https://lawtonstandard.com/.

During Gov. Evers Visit, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin Announces Workforce Training Program, Career EXCELerate will expand

During a visit with Wisconsin state Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsin Representative Lee Snodgrass, and City of Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) announced the continuation and expansion of their newest innovative workforce development program, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin. The program provides training to those with barriers to employment, offering a variety of career pathways along with wrap-around personalized care to ensure successful completion and employment upon graduation. Those who complete the program receive certifications at no cost in fields within health services, manufacturing, retail, and truck driving.

Career EXCELerate Wisconsin was launched in summer 2022 thanks to a Workforce Innovation Grant from the State of Wisconsin.

“When we launched our Workforce Innovation Grant Program, we set out to support projects that get at the heart of addressing regional workforce needs, and that is exactly what Goodwill NCW and its program partners are doing here with Career EXCELerate,” said Gov. Evers. “Thanks to this program’s innovative offerings, nearly 400 students have gotten their credentialing in some of our state’s most in-demand fields, all free of cost, and it was tremendous meeting with leadership to talk about this program’s exciting future.”

The program was originally the idea of three partners, Goodwill NCW, Fox Valley Technical College, and Rawhide Youth Services. The spirit of the original partnership will live on thanks to Goodwill NCW’s commitment to invest in its future. Goodwill NCW announced that it would sustain funding for the program moving forward and expand partnerships and access in all the counties it serves by offering in-person, online, hybrid options.

“We are incredibly grateful to the state for believing in our idea,” said Chris Hess, President and CEO at Goodwill NCW. “The program has proven to be successful with outcomes that exceeded our expectations and we are excited about the next chapter that will bring further impact to our state’s workforce.”

Those who have completed the program and attained employment are benefiting from improved financial stability, as they have seen an average increase of approximately $11.36 per hour in wages from intake to their current job (data as of December 15, 2025).

Enrollment for the program is open at CareerEXCELerateWI.org.

About Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW)

Goodwill NCWis a nonprofit organization with a mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. We provide pathways to those underserved, underrepresented or 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

HSHS St. Vincent Children’s HOspital Installs “Kitten Scanner”

On Dec. 19, 2025, HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital installed a “Kitten Scanner,” a child-sized toy scanner that allows pediatric patients to “scan” stuffed animals and understand the process of their upcoming medical scan.

Ashley Thompson, a Child Life Supervisor at HSHS St. Vincent Children’s, says that medical imaging like MRIs and CTs can feel loud and intimidating for kids, making it difficult for them stay still long enough to capture the scan.

“Since kids learn best through play, pretending to scan a favorite stuffed animal helps make CTs and MRIs feel less scary,” says Thompson. “When they see their ‘special animal’ go first, the machines become more familiar and less intimidating.”

Children can choose between three toy animals to send through the scanner: Ollie the Elephant, Chris the Alligator or Doris the Chicken. The Kitten Scanner is also designed to mimic the sights and sounds of the real scanner a patient will experience— bright lights, whirring noises and even a screen showing the pretend “scans” from the stuffed animal.

As a nonprofit health care provider, HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital relies on contributions from the community to enhance the patient experience and introduce new technologies and spaces. This Kitten Scanner was made possible thanks to a donation from The Ariens Family Foundation, which fully covered the costs of the scanner and its installation.

“Donor support allows us to provide specialized tools and resources that insurance doesn’t cover but are essential to caring for children, helping us deliver the safest, most advanced care,” said Amy Bardon, Nursing Director at HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital. “To our donors: Your generosity is creating a meaningful impact for children and families.”

Amy and Ashley are excited to see all the ways this technology will help pediatric patients, reduce kids’ anxiety around scans, and reduce the need to sedate children who need medical imaging.

“When children understand what to expect, scans are more successful. Families feel more at ease, and the overall hospital experience becomes more positive,” says Thompson. “We show them we understand their fears, help them feel heard, and turn the experience into something that is predictable and makes them feel safe.”

To learn more about HSHS St. Vincent’s Children’s Hospital, please visit: www.stvincentchildrenshospital.org

To learn more about giving to HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital, please visit the HSHS St. Vincent/St. Mary’s Foundation at: https://www.hshs.org/st-marys-green-bay/giving-volunteering/giving

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About HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital

Located inside the walls of HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, Wis., HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital is Northeast Wisconsin’s first and only children’s hospital. With every detail tailored to kids, HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital delivers exceptional health care to children while making them feel comfortable and supported. As a partner of Prevea Health, it has direct access to dedicated pediatricians and a wide variety of specialty care physicians. HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital is also a member of the Children’s Hospital Association, the voice for more than 220 children’s hospitals nationwide. For more information about HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital, visit www.stvincentchildrenshospital.org.

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport Invites Public to Send Off Packers Ahead of Playoff Game Against Chicago Bears

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) invites the public to come together on Friday, January 9 to cheer on the Green Bay Packers as the team departs for their playoff game against the Chicago Bears.

Community members are encouraged to arrive before 12:30 p.m. to ensure access inside the terminal. Guests who arrive later may be required to stand outside the front entrance doors due to space and operational needs. Attendees are encouraged to drop off individuals with accessibility needs at the terminal entrance before parking.

To accommodate attendees, free parking will be available in the remote lot, which will be clearly marked with signage. Once inside the terminal, fans will find a sign-making station where they can create posters and messages to help send the team off in true Green Bay fashion.

Airport officials remind attendees that while enthusiasm is encouraged, players, coaches, and staff should not be harassed. This event is intended to be a positive, respectful show of community pride and support.

“Few things unite Wisconsin the way the Green Bay Packers do,” said Marty Piette, Airport Director of Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. “The team represents hard work, tradition, and community—values that resonate across our entire state. We’re proud to open our doors and give fans the opportunity to show their support as the Packers head out to represent Wisconsin on a national stage.”

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach emphasized the broader community significance of the event. “The airport truly is the front door to our community,” Streckenbach said. “Moments like this invite everyone—families, fans, visitors—to be part of the team. It’s a reminder that when the Packers travel, they carry all of us with them.”

Fans are encouraged to dress warmly if they arrive late, they may need to queue up under the canopy outside the airport, wear green and gold, and arrive early to be part of this memorable send-off. Event details and updates will be shared through Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport’s official social media channels.

For more information, visit www.flygrb.com

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About Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is the third largest airport in the state, serving Northeast Wisconsin and portions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Business and leisure flights are offered by American, Delta, 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.

CoVantage Unveils Finanical Strategy Simulation to Prepare High School Students for Real-World Budgeting

CoVantage Credit Union has launched an innovative financial education program designed to help high school students build practical money management skills. The new offering, Financial Strategy Simulation, is part of the Quest: A Credit Union Experience series created by CoVantage Credit Union and introduces a gamified approach to creating a balanced spending plan.

The simulation challenges high school juniors and seniors to navigate real-world financial scenarios in a vendor fair setting. Students develop a strategy to manage household wants and needs, then test their plan against unexpected challenges to determine whether they “survive” or “thrive.” The experience incorporates modern budgeting obstacles such as limited inventory, daycare waiting lists, and secondary employment opportunities.

Lindsey Mueller, Director of Advocacy and Financial Education at CoVantage Credit Union, explained the program’s evolution, “After hosting 35 successful reality fair events since 2015, we knew it was time for a change. The Financial Strategy Simulation reimagines our previous fair by focusing on financial wellness through planning while closely mirroring current consumer behaviors and budgeting challenges. It’s the students versus the game, with multiple financial curveballs along the way. Our team is excited to bring this offering to high schools in our communities.”

The program has been successfully piloted at Menasha High School in Menasha, Wisconsin, and Forest Park High School in Crystal Falls, Michigan. Schools interested in learning more or determining eligibility are encouraged to contact their local CoVantage Credit Union office.

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CoVantage Credit Union is a purpose-driven organization with a mission to welcome all regardless of wealth, providing outstanding value and exceptional service, work with members experiencing financial challenge, and remaining financially strong. Headquartered in Antigo, Wisconsin, the credit union has over $4 billion in assets and serves over 182,000 member-owners. Founded in 1953, the financial cooperative serves members in all 50 states with locations in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois.

Category: Member News