Sheboygan Chapter Past Programs

2012 May

Michael Kline, Vice President of Human Resources with Bemis Manufacturing, met with us in May to share his thoughts on Leadership and Innovation. His relaxed conversation with us was enlightening and presented a clear vision of the company's and his philosophies on leadership.  Bemis leaders are servant oriented and believe in including employees at all levels in decision making and problem solving. There are high expectations of their leaders and they effectively grow in multiple directions instead of vertically up the corporate ladder. The company is reconsidering the effectiveness of annual performance reviews and considering other methods of measuring performance and celebrating successes. Michael shared a wonderful strategy to evaluate past jobs and experiences gained in those positions to compare to one's dream job and help them get there.  Thank you, Michael, for your wonderful chat with us!  We appreciate you sharing your time and experience with us!

2012 April

Maureen Kolb, founder of Cr8ive Energies and author of Stop Telling Start Asking, joined us for our April membership meeting. Her focus promoted asking questions in communication to achieve results and shared wonderful examples to explain her points. Maureen’s positive approach to asking versus telling is enlightening and we appreciate her time with our group.  Thank you, Maureen!

2012 March

Stephanie Klett, with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, shared her love of Wisconsin with us in March. Her wonderful sense of humor and ability to relate to everyone present at the meeting was amazing. Stephanie had much wisdom to enlighten our crowd including: talent is everywhere in Wisconsin, know your value and understand your worth, your life can and will change on a dime—sometimes it will be great and sometimes it will be the fight of your life, always look at the work with an open mind—there are possibilities that can arise that would never have crossed your mind.  Thank you, Stephanie, for your time and candor with our group!

2012 February

Kathryn Schwark and Martha Vandeleest, of the Atrium Tea Room, presented to the Sheboygan Chapter in February. They shared their inspiration from European shops, which include tea rooms.  Also, they revealed how they reinvented the atrium space in the Richardson Retail Furniture building in Sheboygan Falls.

Their marketing strategies, to increase sales and knowledge of their store, include: using media articles, billboard signs, radio commercials, networking, local support, word of mouth, email lists, open houses, hosting meetings, and holding educational tea classes. Their use of marketing and education in tea has helped their business be successful. They increased the quantity of teas offered from 24 in 2007 to 120 today and their business comprises 30% of the sales in the furniture store, while they only take up 2% of the space.

Thank you, to Kathryn and Martha, for their time spent with our chapter and enlightening us on the wonderful aspects of the Atrium Tea Room!

2012 January

Caitlin Brotz, of Olivu visited us in January sharing the story of her successful natural products boutique. Her presentation was speckled with humor and stories enlightening us of her personal strife. Caitlin discussed the importance of marketing and the vision of her company to expand nationally using their web site for sales and exposure. We appreciate her time spent with us at our monthly membership meeting! 

2011 December

Our December membership meeting welcomed Alan R. Konetzki, Sr. Vice President at Community Bank & Trust and Carla B. Hameister, Certified Public Accountant with Biwan & Biwan S.C. 

Alan reviewed the market volatility and economic denial experienced in 2011. His forecast for 2012 includes: global consumer frugality, government tax reform / spending cuts, and other economic changes. His portfolio suggestions include SIRP (Secure Income at a Reasonable Price), safe yield (quality bonds), equities with reliable dividend / growth yield, and other recommended guidelines.

Carla shared tax preparation strategies and helpful tips. Helpful reminders include starting a fund for your child's education, begin contributing to a ROTH or regular IRA if you are self employed and eligible, take advantage of your employer's health or dependent care programs, take advantage of your employer's retirement plan to get the maximum matching contributions, and other useful tips.

Thank you to Alan and Carla for sharing their time and knowledge with the Women in Management, Inc Sheboygan Chapter! 

2011 November

Mayor Randy Pohlman of Plymouth, Mayor Meyer of Sheboygan Falls, and Mayor Ryan of Sheboygan spoke to the Sheboygan Chapter on the develpment and economic state of Sheboygan County. The mayors shared a variety of projects they are focusing on for further developing their cities as well as sharing how they work closely together to ensure they are sharing ideas and collaborating.  Thank you to the very busy mayors for their time spent sharing and chatting with our chapter!

The Sheboygan chapter also held a members only spa reception and open house at the Kohler Waters Spas in November.  Members were treated to comlimentary massages as well as facials, manicures, and makeup applications.  Thank you to the friendly staff at the spa for their expertise and gift of services!

2011 October

Mary Lou Haen, Marketing and Promotions Director for Road America  shared her career journey and the many facets of her job at the 14-turn race track in Elkhart Lake, WI.

2011 September

Sandy Livermore, creator of Bookworm Gardens, shared her story of inspiration and determination to take a small idea and work steadfast to make it a reality. Sandy never gave up on her dream even when dealing with set backs. She shared the story of Bookworm Gardens as well as wonderful photos of the garden areas.

2011 August

The Sheboygan chapter started August hosting their annual golf outting at Riverdale golf club.  They enjoyed networking with members and non-member attendees.

Later in the month, members represented Women in Management at the Sheboygan Chamber Business After Hours event at the Shops at Woodlake Kohler.

2011 July

Speed networking took a twist at the July member meeting utilizing elevator style speeches to briefly share information about each member, their job, and company. Members were provided the opportunity to share advertising materials with all present.

The basic elevator speech quickly states:
  1. Who you are.
  2. Your company, their product/service, and your position/jobs.
  3. One important benefit with widespread relevant appeal.
      a. Your benefit fixes an important problem for the prospect.
      b. The prospect is motivated to solve the problem now.
      c. The benefit reflects your competitive advantage-focus on a benefit
          attached to an important problem for your prospect.

Members had a maximum of one minute to present their elevator speech. They brought their business cards, stapled to any other handouts. Bags were filled with all handouts to take after the meeting.

2011 June

The June membership meeting was a relaxed atmosphere to honor the recipients of two $500 scholarships from Women in Management. Heather Cleveland and Claire Path were the honored recipients.