Forward Janesville - TheReport - First Quarter 2024

www.forwardjanesville.com | 17 specializing in small business resources. A former coworker at the library had been serving as an ambassador but moved out of the area. I migrated into the volunteer space she vacated. I continue to enjoy the opportunity to help the chamber and its members in my new role in workforce and community development at Blackhawk Technical College (BTC). I oversee contract training for business and industry, school districts, and community organization partnerships as well as perform general operations tasks for the division. Meeting, connecting, or learning about businesses is relevant to the role I play at BTC, so being an FJI Ambassador is a perfect fit. I love where I work. No two days are ever the same. When you’re not being a community connector, where would we fi nd you? At home helping to maintain the house and property, the pets and farm animals, and spending time with the family. There are places I’d love to visit, but I try to enjoy where I’ve set down my roots. I have lived in Rock County since 2013. With so many wonderful local options now for - American Belle, Velvet and Tulle, Genisa, drafthouse, Mocha Moment, the Janesville Farmers Market, and Ironside Fitness, and more - it’s easy not to go far to find a great place to spend time. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? To do what I think is right and that I will be supported. People close to me know that I am independent. I always thoroughly analyze and then make my own decision. They don’t often say to me “you should do this…!” TODD NEEDHAM Principal, R.H. Batterman Government Relations Council Todd is the Vice Chair of the Government Relations Council and co-chair of the Centennial Park and Zoning work groups. He’s been a member of the Government Relations Council (GRC) for 8 years. His tenure with GRC, along with his experience managing complex engineering projects with multiple stakeholders and public-private dimensions, makes him a great fit for GRC’s leadership team. Why do you think GRC is important to the work of Forward Janesville? It’s important to understand what’s happening at all levels of government. We all collectively have a voice but when we’re unified and have all our arrows pointed in the right direction with a consistent message, we truly can impact decision-making on important issues. GRC workshops critical topics in our community and provides the structure that is key to making an impact. Batterman joined Forward Janesville in 2009 and I’ve been active since 2016. FJI has really helped us stay engaged and get involved in important community initiatives. What motivated you to be GRC’s vice chair and what do you hope GRC accomplishes this year? With our recent office addition in Janesville, I felt it was important to be more engaged with FJI. Becoming a part of GRC’s executive team was a step in that direction. GRC’s chairman, Seth Frisbee, is a good salesman and great leader. I think the initiatives we’re focusing on this year are all important but I’m really excited for what’s to come for our community with the recent move by the city to acquire the old GM site. There’s lots to do and nothing will happen overnight, but I’m hopeful the knowledge that our Centennial Park work group brings to the table will be an asset to the city as the site enters a new chapter. You’re an avid boater. Where are your favorite spots to be on the water? On any given weekend, you’ll find me on the lake or listening to a live band - ideally both at the same time! I’ve been around the water since I was a kid and we recently moved to the shores of the Rock River near Lake Koshkonong, so I’m hoping to put a lot of hours on our pontoon boat this year. Although we spend most of our time on the Rock River/Lake Koshkonong, we take an extended family trip to Castle Rock Lake every year. It’s only an hour and a half away but it feels very “up north” to me and the lake has a lot of interesting establishments to visit.