Inspiring independence: VPI encourages clients, employees to become heroes of their own stories
INSIGHT PUBLICATIONS
Ruben Ortiz went from living behind bars to becoming an award-winning mentor for young adults with special needs. It didn’t happen overnight, but with the support of Valley Packaging Industries, Inc., Ortiz was able to find a job, turn his life around and make his second chapter much brighter than his first.
“I didn’t know what direction I was going to go,” says Ortiz, 67, who began working at VPI through a prison work release program about 18 years ago and continued with the organization after his release... Man on a mission: Steve Janke
INSIGHT PUBLICATIONS Steve Janke is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and self-described “Wisconsin nerd” who in 2020 founded the nation’s first for-profit talent attraction business focused on transitioning service members: Mission Wisconsin. With 70% of transitioning service members saying their next step is strictly about finding the next best opportunity, Janke believes wholeheartedly that opportunity is in his home state...
Stepping forward: New momentum for women-, minority- and veteran-owned business certifications
INSIGHT PUBLICATIONS
Since 1983, minority-owned businesses have been encouraged to pursue official certification in Wisconsin and gain bid preference through the state’s supplier diversity program, with a goal of at least 5% of contracted business going to these certified entities each year. Women-owned businesses were added to the program in 2006. In 2007, the state met its 5% goal for the first time. In its nearly 40-year history, the state has met its goal for the program only four times.
Critics say the lackluster results are the result of a clunky program that hasn’t had enough will and support to succeed. But as we enter an era in which diversity consultant Anna Steinfest says “businesses are laser-focused on supplier diversity,” the conversation around certification takes a different tone...
These Black-owned beauty supply stores in Appleton aim to boost customers' confidence
NBC 26
APPLETON — For many people, putting time into their appearance can be a form of therapy or a pick-me-up during difficult times. That's why helping customers look and feel their best is the passion of two beauty supply store owners in Appleton.
For Fadia Baldeh Colley, the owner of Val U Beauty Supply in downtown Appleton, her love of styling hair started during her childhood in West Africa...
Inclusiveness at the core of new UWGB barbershop
WLUK
GREEN BAY -- A local barbershop is bringing its services to a college setting.
Starz Barber & Beauty held its grand opening on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus on Tuesday.
It's more than just a haircut. A trip to Starz Barber & Beauty is therapeutic for UW-Green Bay freshman Liam Tumblin. “It's kind of like a family atmosphere. Everyone is chill with each other," said Tumblin.
Tumblin is excited more students can experience that same dynamic...
Leading change at work: Wisconsin employers establish LGBT networks to foster inclusion
INSIGHT PUBLICATIONS
In the 10 years since Jason Rae founded the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, he has seen his vision of “changing hearts and minds through business” become reality. Rae believes business has consistently led the way when it comes to advancing society.
To date, more than 675 Wisconsin businesses have signed on as official members of the chamber, which provides a job board and career fairs for companies looking to be strategic about recruiting LGBT talent as well as trainings to help make companies more inclusive....
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Motion maker: Sheboygan's VibeTech provides mobility solution for patients
INSIGHT PUBLICATIONS
How does an expert in biomechanics go from studying the effects of zero-gravity exposure on astronauts to inventing a machine to help senior citizens regain their mobility?
Jeff Leismer’s career trajectory might be unconventional, but the result — a Sheboygan-based company called VibeTech that is poised to bring a new kind of therapeutic treatment to people everywhere — is an example of how high-level research in space can have a real impact here on Earth...
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New owners have big plans for Stonehedge Golf Course
DOOR COUNTY PULSE
A pair of television executives are still dreaming up what to add indoors and out at Stonehedge Golf Course in Egg Harbor after closing on the purchase just before the new year.
And future patrons, whether they enjoy golf or like having a beer with friends, might just brace themselves for something interesting at the nine-hole golf course and clubhouse east of Egg Harbor.
The buyer, Kevin Wehrenberg, has produced and developed action-comedy game shows such as Fear Factor and Wipeout, as well as the summer Netflix obstacle-course game show Floor Is Lava. His wife, Erin, is senior vice president of network comedy for ABC Entertainment, where she hires writers and guides the development and direction of TV series. She has also worked as an executive for Walt Disney Television. For nine years, she served as the head of comedy development at Warner Bros. TV...
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Oconto boutique has new owner and name
GREEN BAY PRESS GAZETTE
OCONTO – A boutique in downtown Oconto has a new name and owner.
Like its predecessor, Olive + Birch offers women's clothing and accessories, such as jewelry and purses, but owner Magan Holz plans to expand to provide shoes, athletic wear and eventually men's clothing.
Holz launched her business' website, olivebirchboutique.com, just before Black Friday, then held a grand opening at 1102 Main St. on Jan. 15...
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Emerging companies may seek 'speed dates' with major firms at March 14 Tech Summit
WISCONSIN TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
MADISON – Emerging companies may apply through Feb. 11 to meet with major
firms and explore potential business relationships around technology needs and
innovation as part of the ninth annual Wisconsin Tech Summit, which will take place inperson at Lambeau Field.
The day-long event will be held in-person Monday, March 14, 2022. More information, including the online application form, can be found at wistechsummit.com. Past emerging companies are encouraged to apply.
The Tech Summit will feature a series of brief meetings, or “speed dates,” to foster communication and partnership. It is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and the Wisconsin Healthcare Business Forum....
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