06/10/2026
Please join us on Wednesday June 24 from 8am-Noon at the bi-annual Calumet County Connect event at The Engler Center for the Performing Arts in Chilton. To get tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/calumet-county-connect-tickets-1990563135924?aff=oddtdtcreator
Local and northeastern Wisconsin business leaders, economic development officials, and educators will gather for the half-day networking and professional development event.
Monica Ariens, Managing Director of AriensCo Hospitality, will emcee the program. The event features keynote presentations from top regional executives, dedicated networking sessions, and an expert panel addressing workforce development.
Keynote Speakers Include:
• Mike VanderZanden, President & CEO of Amerequip
• David Kapic, Chief Operating Officer of Grande Cheese Company
• Craig Briess, CEO, and Ron Schroder, Director of Marketing, of Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
A central highlight of the event is a panel discussion titled "Why Business Education Partnership Matters." Moderated by Steve Servais, Executive Vice President of Administration at AriensCo, the panel features:
• Brad Diener, Regional Manager at Lunda Construction Company
• Jason Pausma, Director of Economic Development for Calumet County, WI Government
• Cyndi Pavelski, Career Readiness Consultant at CESA 6
• Anne Troka, Senior Manager – Community & Workforce Development, Sargento Cheese
• Nathan Wesener, Superintendent of Hilbert Public Schools
The program also features an institutional spotlight by Jenie Farrell, Director of the Engler Center for the Performing Arts, discussing the venue's background and upcoming attractions.
Event networking breaks are sponsored by SelectCalumet.com, TravelCalumet.com, and Calumet County Economic Development.
