Ambassadors

  • Pam Anderson
    WoodTrust Bank

    Pam Anderson has been with WoodTrust for over 30 years. Pam started as a part time teller and held several positions before becoming Assistant Vice President in Retail Banking. Being a native of Wisconsin Rapids, she loves this community and is proud to represent it as an Ambassador. Pam and her husband relax by golfing, camping and socializing with family and friends.

  • Rick Bakovka
    Bauernfeind Business Technologies

    Rick works as Business Development for Bauernfeind. He is a life long resident of Central Wisconsin and is involved with several networking groups. Rick is also a member of the local I & E (Inventors and Entrepreneurs) Club. As Ambassadors, we can help businesses learn about each other; to develop a strong and profitable local economy.

  • Joan Bikowski
    Cellcom

    Joan Bikowski is a wireless business consultant at Cellcom. She believes being an ambassador is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in the community and to get to know businesses better. Hobbies include quilting, traveling, gardening and renovating her home. She enjoys being involved in meetings, member visits, Summer Hummer, the Cranberry Blossom Festival, and Rekindle the Spirit.

  • Sue Brooks
    Bauernfeind Business Technologies
  • Joan Carroll
    Carroll Property Management

    Joan Carroll is a client services coordinator at Clifton Gunderson Financial Services. Joan believes being an ambassador offers the opportunity to meet individuals and businesses in the area while providing a benefit to the community. Joan enjoys being involved in Working Women's Luncheon, Summer Hummer, Member visits, ribbon cuttings, Business after Hours, Lunch by the River and Grand Affair. She also serves on various Heart of Wisconsin committees.

  • Christine Charewicz
    Manpower
  • Carol Davis
    Community Foundation of South Wood County

    Carol Davis is the Communications Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County. Carol believes being an ambassador means welcoming new businesses and helping to tell the good story of the Heart of Wisconsin area.

  • Bob Ebben
    Edward Jones

    Bob Ebben is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. He believes being an ambassador means expanding the ability to be part of the community, the ability to promote the Heart of Wisconsin and an opportunity for networking opportunities. Bob enjoys being involved in Summer Hummer, Business After Hours, annual meeting, membership drive, Rekindle the Spirit, and Cranberry Blossom Festival.

  • Holly Fluno
    lia Sophia
  • Butch Gehrig
    Butch Gehrig
  • Marilyn Gleue
    Arborwood Lodge

     After living in Florida for 13 years, I decided to return to my hometown.  I love the small town atmosphere and living near so many of my relatives. At Arborwood Lodge I am the Activities Director/ Administrative Assistant.  Many days though, you can find me in the kitchen helping out or moving furniture or grilling hamburgers and brats for the residents and staff.  That is what I love about my job, no  two days are ever the same.  I also work with an amazing staff.  Our residents are wonderful. I have gotten to hear some interesting life stories from them.  Wisconsin Rapids is a great place to live and feel a part of the community.  I am very happy to be back.

  • Ann Grinder
    Retired

    Ann has lived in Wisconsin Rapids for over 38 years. For 25 years she worked part time sales at Bridal Affair & Sophisticated Lady in between raising four children. She has been involved in innumerable organizations and committees in various capacities and has held various offices on community boards. She is still involved in Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre, Central Wisconsin Cultural Center and Yard & Garden Club which includes the Bud's and Sprouts Program. Ann and her husband Paul enjoy golfing and traveling. She also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

  • Heather Gygi
    US Bank
  • Lynn Hansen
    Retired

    Lynn Hansen is a retired employee of Solarus. Prior to working at Solarus, Lynn was in the banking industry for 25 years. She feels there is no better way to get a company's name before the public and business community than through Chamber membership. Lynn believes she is so fortunate to be an ambassador with so many incredible individuals, who care so much about the community we all live in.

  • Phil Hartley
    South Wood County Humane Society

    Phil is the Executive Director of the South Wood Humane Society. He is a native Maineiac, now living in Wisconsin Rapids. He enjoys being an ambassador, and is proud of this great community. Phil is active in coaching and playing many sports, is a Junior Achievement Volunteer, has graduated from the HOW's Leadership and Advanced Leadership programs, and has been involved in many community events and initiatives. He and his wife Ann are proud parents of future Pop star Rebecca (lead singer of "the Locals") and future artist Maria (building her coloring portfolio).

  • Sue Jackan
    Bull's Eye Credit Union

    Susan Jackan is the marketing director for Bull's Eye Credit Union. She develops and manages creative marketing campaigns such as direct mail, advertisements, special events, internal and external newsletters and staff training. Susan joined the credit union in January 1993. She is involved as a member of the Credit Union National Association Marketing Council and the Credit Union Executive Society.

  • Susan Lamb
    TLC Travel
  • John Lamb
    TLC Travel
  • Karen Landowski
    Corenso North America

    ·                 Karen Landowski is a customer service representative for the Board Mill with Corenso North America. Karen not only enjoys being an ambassador by representing Corenso to the area businesses and public, but enjoys giving back to the community. She believes the spirit of the ambassadors help shine a light on area businesses and our community.

  • Angie Loucks
    United Way of Inner Wisconsin

    Angela Loucks is the Campaign/Communications Coordinator for United Way of Inner Wisconsin. She has also worked for United Way of Marathon County and was co-owner of a portrait studio in Winona, MN. Additionally, she has worked as a graphic designer and photographer through the years. She loves working at United Way and enjoys volunteering for Ambassadors.

  • Christopher Luddington
    Taco John's

    Chris Luddington is the General Manager of Taco John’s and has been there for 4 years. Chris has lived in the area most of his life except for the 11 years he served in the Navy and the year he spent in New Orleans. Chris is very involved with the community and would like to see it grow. Chris believes being an Ambassador and by being involved with the Chamber is excellent way to get out and meet new people and learn more and do more for business and the community.

  • Janine Malcolm
    Mary Kay

    Janine Malcolm is a Mary Kay Independent Sales Director and loves helping women feel better about themselves. She has taught women the benefits of good skin care and glamour techniques for the past 14 years. Janine is a native of Wisconsin Rapids and with her husband was a business owner in the community for over 20 years. She feels that being an ambassador allows her opportunities to help out in the community and support local businesses. Janine has been involved in ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, Mardi Gras, Octoberfest, Summer Hummer, Rekindle the Spirit, Working Womens Luncheon. She loves spending time with her grandchildren, boating and traveling. 

  • Carolynn Martin
  • Bob McIlvain
    Retired

    Bob McllVain is retired from JCPenney and donates his time to volunteering and giving back to the community. Bob worked 40 years at JCPenney, as a store manager, at eight different store locations. He volunteers as an Ambassador for the Heart of Wisconsin, is active in his church, and volunteers at the Lincoln High School. In 2007, Bob was awarded the James Cash JCPenney Award, which recognizes volunteers who donate 500 or more hours of volunteer work. Bob also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board for 2 1/2 terms, the Mid-State College Foundation Board, and was a member of Kiwanis for over 25 years. He also enjoys volunteering, photography and traveling.

  • Michelle Michael
    Raymond James Financial

    Michelle Michael is a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and has been in the financial services industry for over 10 years. One of the things Michelle enjoys most about being an ambassador is meeting and welcoming new members into the community. She enjoys being involved in Business after Hours, member visits, Working Women's Luncheon, Rekindle the Spirit, Summer Hummer, rotary and most recently being on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls club. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, boating, vacationing and playing sports.

  • Kathy Peters

    Kathy Peters is the Print Media Coordinator for Adams Shopper's Weekly and the Adams County Times / Friendship Reporter Newspaper. Kathy is a national and state award winning graphic designer which lead her into her profession of selling advertising. Some of the things that Kathy enjoys about being an ambassador are the friendships that she has developed and working with area businesses. She is excited about all the teamwork energy that is blossoming in the Inner Wisconsin area. She enjoys being part of the: Rekindle the Spirit, Cranberry Blossom Fest Committees and enjoy's volunteering at area businesses and other community events. In her free time she spends time with her grandchildren, gardens and adds to her Mickey and Minnie Mouse Collection.

  • Tom Reichert
    Wood County Sherriff's Department
  • Mark Scheuneman
    Bardole & Wolfe CPA's
  • Larry Schmick
    Key Savings Bank

    Larry believes the Ambassadors are a great group to be involved with. Larry Schmick is a native of Wisconsin Rapids. Larry graduated from Lincoln High School and UW Madison. Larry is the president of KeySavings Bank where he started as an accountant. He enjoys welcoming new businesses to the area. In his spare time he enjoys boating, hunting, fishing and golfing.

  • Lorraine Schmutzer
    Retired

    Lorraine Schmutzer is retired as the Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager at Pioneer Bank. She was in the financial industry for over thirty years. Lorraine truly believes that being a part of the community coincides with volunteering.

  • Marlin Schneider

    Marlin began his career as a teacher.  After five years of teaching, he was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly, where he served his constituents for forty years.  In addition to his volunteer work with the Heart of Wisconsin, Marlin is an usher at Immanuel Lutheran Church, a member of Rotary and serves on the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater Board of Directors.

  • Jeff Sigler
    WFHR/ WRCW

    Jeff Sigler has enjoyed being an Ambassador since 1995. Jeff started his career in the public eye at the Johnson Hills / Klines Department Store in the late seventies. He worked his way up to store manager before the entire Klines Chain closed its doors. Shortly after this, in 1994 he was offered a position at WFHR / WGLX Radio. Jeff is now the general Manager at WFHR. Jeff and his wife Marilyn have two wonderful children a daughter Erin and son Derek. Jeff's hobbies include bow hunting, fishing, along with spending as much time as possible with family.

  • Jill Steckbauer
    NRG Media

    Jill Steckbauer is the Marketing Specialist at NRG MEDIA; which consists of Y106.5 WYTE, Mix 96.7 WLJY, 103.3 WGLX and Big Cheese 107.9 WBCV Radio. Jill believes being an ambassador means giving back to the community. Jill enjoys being involved in Lunch by the River, Working Women's Luncheon, Rekindle the Spirit and Business After Hours. Jill gives time to many organizations including the Wisconsin Rapids Kiwanis Club, The Boys and Girls Club, the Central Wisconsin Home Builders Association and MSTC Foundation to name a few.

  • Geoff Stoner
    WFHR/ WRCW

    Geoff Stoner is from Austin Texas Geoff and his wife Kathi have lived in the area for over 12 years now .Geoff  has been a ambassador now since 2009 .He enjoys welcoming new members to our community and participating in ambassador functions. Geoff loves fishing and flying& golf and has 2 Children a son James and a daughter Leslie and a grandson Cayden .  Geoff is in Marketing and Sales for WFHR,WRCW,WOMT,WDLB Radio.