FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Mary Rhode, Director of Marketing & Communications; mrhode@greatergbc.org
Green Bay, Wis. - (Sept. 13, 2023) - This evening, the Greater Green Bay Chamber gathered both Chamber and community members alike to celebrate the successes of the past year along with awarding the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award and others to selected recipients.
This year’s ATHENA Leadership Award recipient is Ann Franz, Executive Director of the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA). Ann is a visionary leader whose dedication has transformed northeast Wisconsin's landscape. In her role, she’s transformed the region into a national model of industry collaboration. She created NEWMA 17 years ago and it’s grown to include over 360 companies throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Ann’s leadership has elevated the region’s industry sector employing over half of the workforce. Her neutral approach shattered barriers, empowering competitors to unite, advancing workforce development. Her legacy, marked by humility, persistence, and a commitment to building bridges continues to shape communities, and inspire change.
“It is truly challenging to find an adequate amount of kind words to genuinely describe Ann,” said Laurie Radke, President and CEO, Greater Green Bay Chamber. “Her remarkable humility often obscures the fact that she is an unwavering champion for transformative change, an unyielding force in breaking down barriers, and a steadfast pillar of support for manufacturing and our community. The Greater Green Bay area is a better place because of Ann.”
Other respected award recipients who will be recognized at this evening’s event include Kelsey Lutzow, recipient of the Daniel Whitney Award, and Liz Krumwiede, recipient of the Ambassador of the Year Award. For more information on the awards and a list of past recipients, please click here.
As we reflect on our past fiscal year, the Chamber has also released its 2022/2023 Annual Report. You’ll find details on the success of our programs, initiatives, and collaborations in the pages of our Collective Impact magazine. Read our full Annual Report here.
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About the ATHENA Leadership Award:
The ATHENA Leadership Award has been given by the Greater Green Bay Chamber since 1985 to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their business or professions, have generously assisted in the advancement of women, and have devoted time and energy to serving their community. The award not only recognizes the accomplishments of the recipients, but it celebrates the wisdom, strength and enlightenment of the recipient. Both men and women who are employed by members of the Chamber are eligible for the award. Recipients are chosen by previous ATHENA Award winners.
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Established in 1882, the mission of the Greater Green Bay Chamber is to strengthen member businesses, enhance economic and workforce development, and improve the quality of life in our community and region. For more information, call 920.593.3400 or visit greatergbc.org.
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