Ambassadors
Mary Lou Haen, 2011 Royal Ambassador
Company: Road America
Position Title: Marketing & Promotions Director
Responsibilities: Sponsorship, client development and advertising for international motorsport complex.
How long as an ambassador: 12 years
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: Networking with area businesses and helping to build the chamber core membership
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: Have assisted on all event but of late been active on the ceremonial committee as chairperson – assisting with Ribbon Cuttings. Business After Hours events and PR activities.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: As a Sheboygan county native, I feel I know the history of the area well and can proudly tell the
Sheboygan County story and share its assets without hesitation.
Hobbies: Travel, Corvette enthusiast, University of Wisconsin Badger football games and UW alumni activities
Phone (direct line): 920-893-3704
Email: Marylou@roadamerica.com
Barry Kreft, Ambassador
Company: Shorewest United Realtors
Position Title: Realtor, Career Development
Responsibilities: Market and sell real estate. Also recruit and train new and experienced agents.
How long as Ambassador: 7 years
Why did you join the Ambassador committee: As a Realtor I am continually promoting Sheboygan County as a great place to live and do business. Being an Ambassador has allowed me to help my customers and clients by confidently referring them to Chamber member businesses that can provide the products and services they need.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an ambassador: It has been rewarding and enjoyable to be on the Scholarship Committee for many years. I also enjoy meeting new and expanding businesses at ribbon cuttings and networking opportunities at Business after Hours events.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber Staff and membership: By being a member of the chamber and Ambassador’s Committee I have found that you do not get the full benefit unless you are involved. There are many opportunities to be involved and help the Chamber throughout the year and assisting in events such as the golf outing, Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings and monthly meetings has been important to me.
Hobbies: Golf, bicycling, traveling, Internet surfing, snowmobiling, and ATV riding
Phone (direct line): 920-783-2111
Email: barrykeft@shorewesthomes.com
Laura Gumm, Ambassador
Company: Alliant Energy
Position Title: Key Account Manager
Responsibilities: Manage large electrical industrial and commercial utility accounts for customers, assist in energy conservation, rate and tariff analysis, outage response, high bill complaints, service upgrades and contractor facilitation.
How long as an ambassador: Since 2006
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: I wanted to be involved in the Chamber to learn more about my community. Becoming an Ambassador was an excellent opportunity to meet business owners/professionals and network. The Chamber helps link businesses and promotes community growth and I want to be a part of that. Giving back to the community in a volunteer role is important to me.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: I served as Royal Ambassador in 2010 and was recognized as Ambassador of the Year in 2009. Serving as Chairman of the annual Chamber golf outing since 2009 and on the golf committee since 2006 has been enjoyable and challenging. My involvement in the Scholarship Committee since 2006 has helped provide scholarships for local education. Monthly Business After Hours is a fun way to network and I attend as many of them as my schedule allows. The Ribbon Cuttings we do for new businesses provide an excellent opportunity to meet owners/managers and hear their success stories. We have a wonderful, dedicated group of Ambassadors and I always look forward to attending Chamber events.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: I can assist in the promotion of the Chamber to existing members and new members because I love working with people. My account management background brings a friendly and outgoing perspective to the Chamber. Blending businesses to work together to grow the community is a goal of the Chamber that I believe in. I am ready to help in any way the staff needs my assistance.
Hobbies: Golf, volleyball, swimming, skiing, biking, jogging, traveling, cooking, gardening, camping, fishing, being with my family, and volunteering for exceptional organizations
Phone (direct line): 920-459-6353
Email: lauragumm@alliantenergy.com
Company: Harmony Living Centers, LLC
Position Title: Executive Director
Responsibilities: Manage Harmony Living Center’s Sheboygan Campus
How long as an ambassador: 1 Year
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: To work with other area businesses in helping grow the local economy.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: I have participated at Business After Hours events.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: I enjoy working with other and serving on committees that help others. I believe that we can promote Sheboygan and Sheboygan County through events that showcase the positive events and activities being planned by area businesses.
Hobbies: Biking, Reading, and spending time with family.
Phone (direct line): 920-457-4036
Email: sheboygan@harmonyresidence.net
Dr. John Reitz, Ambassador
Company: Better Life Chiropractic and Wellness
Position Title: Owner, Chiropractor, etc..
Responsibilities: Improve the health of Sheboygan County, one person at a time.
How long as an ambassador: 1.5 years
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: I like to be involved in the community and noticed that the Ambassadors were always engaged in local activities. I was approached by one to consider joining and I went for it! As a small business owner, I can vouch for the importance of being in the Chamber and business success.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: I have gone to many Business After Hours Events, Business Connections, new member orientations and of course the annual golf outing.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: I contribute a lot of energy and positivity to the group so we all stay reminded of our purpose to help all of those that we contact.
Hobbies: Tennis, biking, golf, and singing along while I play my guitar.
Phone (business): 920-459-8477
Email: betterlifechiro@yahoo.com
David Prigge, Ambassador
Company: Discovery Coach-charter motorcoach transportation; and Travel Leaders-a full service travel agency with six offices in southeastern WI.
Position Title: Marketing Coordinator
Responsibilities: Promote both companies through various marketing avenues including website, print, yellow pages, outdoor, and radio advertising. Plus provide IT support for the motorcoach company.
How long as an ambassador: Since January 2010
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: Been active in the Chamber for over 25 years. Wanted to meet other small business owners and exchange ideas and network to promote my companies in Sheboygan County and beyond.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: Was a member of the 2010 Chamber Golf Outing committee, hosted a Business After Hours at Discovery Coach in September of 2010, attended almost every monthly meeting and Business After Hours , attended many of the ribbon cuttings since becoming an ambassador.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership:
I’ve been a Chamber member for over 25 years in my positions with Discovery Coach and Travel Leaders. I have been a great supporter of the Chamber and its efforts. Becoming an Ambassador allows me the opportunity to expand my support by becoming more involved in Chamber events. My flexible schedule allows me to be able to attend many of the ribbon cuttings and Ambassador events.
Hobbies: Fitness, Novice guitar playing, social networking (Facebook Fanatic) and lounging in my backyard pool in summer.
Phone: 920-459-2960
Email: davidprigge@discoverycoach.com
Laurel Schirmer, Ambassador
Company: Sheboygan Area School District
Position Title: Admin. Assistant, Facility Services Dept.
Responsibilities: Clerical/management support for the daily cleaning and maintenance operations and for any renovation and construction projects required in all 19 buildings that comprise the SASD.
How long as an ambassador: 10+ years
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: The Ambassador Committee has access to many businesses thru Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours events and is a good way to learn about the local business community and what Sheboygan County has to offer.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: I have served on the Winter Fundraiser, Golf, Scholarship, and Ceremonial Ambassador Committees, serving as chair of the winter fundraiser twice.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: Through my volunteer life, I have gained a lot of experience in planning events and coordinating with others toward a successful end result. I can also serve as a liaison to anyone with questions about partnering with the Sheboygan Area School District.
Other affiliations: Sheboygan Noon Optimist Club (20 years), WI-North Optimist District Conference Chair, Co-Chair 2012 Optimist Int’l Convention Host Committee, former Sheboygan Jaycee (12 years).
Phone (direct line): 920-459-3572
Email: lschirmer@sheboygan.k12.wi.us
Mark J Miller, Ambassador
Company: Mark J Miller, CPA
Position Title: Owner
Responsibilities: Accounting, Tax, and Investment Services
How long as an ambassador: 10 years
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: To give back to the Chamber and the Community. To do what I can to encourage a healthy business environment.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: As many as I can. Involvement is paramount to benefitting from Chamber membership.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: By being involved and active, encouraging other members to be involved.
Hobbies: Community Involvement, Travel.
Phone (direct line): 920/ 457-1227
Email: mjmil@charter.net
Judi Greinke, Ambassador
Company: The Sign Shop of Sheboygan
Position Title: Co-Owner, Store Manager
Responsibilities: Customer Service, Sign Design and Creation,
Production Coordinator, etc.
How long as an Ambassador: 5 Years
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: I enjoyed Chamber Events and thought it was a great way to meet existing businesses as well as greet the new businesses joining the Chamber. My contact with these people enabled me to ask about their business, express my interest and ask if they need our services. Leaving my card at each of the Blue Ribbon Cuttings has helped insure they would remember me. Being an Ambassador has introduced me to some of the most amazing people who have volunteered to share their commitment to the Chamber of Commerce. Ambassadors are involved, cheerful, inventive, enthusiastic people you want to meet and get to know.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador:
I have organized and participated in the Winter Events for several years, worked the Annual Golf Outings and organized the basket raffle. The Business Connections/Business After Hours are the best opportunity to meet and greet and I try to attend as many as possible.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber sta. and membership: Energetic participation at meetings and events. Encourage other businesses to attend the events and become active members, not just listings in the Directory. The staff puts in many hours and need support and helping hands during many of the events, and I feel that one of our responsibilities is to give that support.
Hobbies: Quilting, Cooking, Collecting Recipes, Reading and Walking.
Phone: 920-694-0242
e-mail: judi@getsigns.biz
Company: Maywood Environmental Park
Position Title: Naturalist/Education Coordinator
Responsibilities: Developing, implementing and evaluating school and public environmental education programs and summer camps.
How long as an ambassador: Started February 2011
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: I liked the idea of being involved with promoting good news in the community. It also seemed like a great way to network with other folks and businesses who are trying help Sheboygan County grow and diversify.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: Just started this winter, so looking forward to see where I can be the most helpful to the Chamber and community.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: I feel I have lots of energy and a willingness to support new ideas. I also hope to highlight not only Sheboygan County’s great business opportunities but our many great natural resources as well.
Hobbies: Fishing, canoeing, volleyball, camping, music, watching the Brewers and Packers, of course.
Phone (direct line): 920-459-3906
Email: rclarke@ci.sheboygan.wi.us
Wendy Rainer, Ambassador
Company: Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Position Title: Director of Operations & Financial Representative
Responsibilities: As a Financial Representative with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, I work with clients to identify their financial security needs and then focus on solutions that can help make their goals a reality. I rely not only on my own knowledge and experience, but can call on the expertise of a team of specialists available through the network. As their Director of Operations I assist in the management of the Sheboygan District Office under the direction of the Managing Director.
How long as an ambassador: About 1 year
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: I believe joining the Chamber Ambassador team was imperative to the success of our business as we transitioned our leadership team and experienced growth in our area. The benefits of networking and building relationships with such a diverse group within the county has been tremendous. To increase company awareness and develop public relations by working with the Chamber we have created a connection to the community that can never be tarnished.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: I have participated in Leadership Institute, and currently take part in the various scheduled Business After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings, the Annual Golf Outing, the Winter Event, and I look forward to attending and being a corporate sponsor of the 1st Annual Chamber Gala.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: I feel that I contribute a positive energy to this team and to the community. I have always had a passion for making my “home turf” a better place. I enjoy working shoulder to shoulder for organizations and fundraisers. I bring light to the leadership skills of our young professionals and endeavor to find ways to attract & retain them for the future of our community. Investing yourself in the Chamber is the best community investment any person or business could make.
Hobbies: Shopping, Horseback riding, golf, wine tasting and international travel.
Phone: 920-457-5596
Email: wendy.rainer@nmnf.com Or
Visit my Web site at http://wendyrainer.nmfn.com for additional information.
Niel Larsen, Ambassador
Company: Maritime Insurance Group
Position Title: Executive Vice President
Responsibilities: Oversee our employee benefits division and serve as a trusted advisor to my clients.
How long as an ambassador: 13 years
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: I wanted to have an opportunity to mentor new members as well as network with existing members.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: I served as the chairperson of our annual golf outing for 9 years and have also served as the Royal Ambassador twice.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: I am very connected with other business owners in the area so I have a good understanding of what the members would like the Chamber to do for them and what they can do for the Chamber.
Hobbies: Golfing, Hunting, Gaming, and Traveling
Phone (direct line): 920 453-9003
Email: nlarsen@maritime-ins.com
Sandy Prahl, Ambassador
Company: Bank Mutual
Position Title: Bank Manager
Responsibilities: To assist personal people and commercial businesses with a banking relationship to fit their needs.
How long as an ambassador: Less than 1 year
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: I love to be involved in the community and meeting new people. Being an ambassador gives me the opportunity to meet new people and be involved. I also believe the Chamber is a great way for business to expand and grow. I would like the bank to grow as well as help other businesses grow.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: I have participated at Business After Hours Events and The golf outing. I am looking forward to getting more involved.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: The chamber helps promote businesses. As I meet new businesses in the community I will spread the benefits of the chamber.
Hobbies: Travel, snowmobiling, boating, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Phone: 920-458-4678
Email: sandy.prahl@bankmutual.com
Brian Gensch, Ambassador
Company: ACUITY Insurance
Position Title: Senior Staff Accountant
Responsibilities: Account for the activity of our investment portfolio managers
How long as an ambassador: Less than 1 year
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: I am an events chairperson for Coastal Connections. In the position, I have grown a sincere caring and appreciation for the Sheboygan business community. I hope to further expand on my appreciation by doing what I can as an ambassador for the Chamber.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an
Ambassador: I really am brand new, so I’ve only really been to one monthly meeting of which was the Christmas meeting. What fun that was!
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: By promoting the Chamber and what it does for the business community to area businesses and acquaintances.
Hobbies: Disc Golf, going to Milwaukee Admirals hockey games, Traveling, going to performing arts shows (e.g. Broadway, Cirque Du Soliel)
Phone (direct line): 458-9131
Email: bgensch@yahoo.com
Anna Frankovis , Ambassador
Company: Associated Bank
Position Title: Branch Manager
Responsibilities: Managing bank sales activities by establishing goals and activities to attain new customer relationships and retain existing relationships. I work directly with my team through ongoing coaching sessions, to ensure that all are personally committed to consistently exceeding customer expectations every time, everywhere. Controls bank operations, ensuring that established policies and procedures are followed. Actively being involved in the community by looking for ways to use my financial expertise to address the challenges impacting the community and ways to support the community.
How long as an ambassador: Previously an Ambassador, rejoined in December 2010
Why did you join the Ambassador Committee: Living in Sheboygan for the past 15 years the Lakeshore Community has become a very important part of my life. I believe that being part of the Ambassador team I can work with local businesses to improve the community that we live in.
What special projects/activities have you participated in as an Ambassador: As an Ambassador and as a member of the Chamber of Commerce I have participated in many Business After Hours Events throughout the years. Being a new Ambassador, I look forward to joining one of the special committees to play a more active role with the team.
How do you feel you can support the Chamber staff and membership: I feel with my strong financial background and people management skills I will be able to add value to the Chamber staff and the businesses that are members of the Chamber. Through my community involvement I will also look to attract new businesses to become members of the Chamber and support the businesses that are currently Chamber members.
Hobbies: Traveling, Golf, Cooking, Wine Tasting, and Networking
Phone (direct line): 920-451-4808
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