Forward Janesville - TheReport - Second Quarter 2024

I love a passionate chef who hates when I reach for the pepper, a server who knows exactly how to recommend a dish, and the experience of meeting my team at a brewery to toast another valiant effort on the field and sink our teeth into something spicy that delivers a surprisingly sweet aroma. This is where we truly experience the power of community - in these moments. We all come together around a table. The Summer edition of our FJI Report will take you on a culinary tour of these moments that is uniquely Janesville and showcases our diverse dining and drink options in Jim Lyke’s feature “Not Standing Still.” Wondering where local talent learns their trade? Read about Blackhawk Technical College’s CulinaryArts program and hear from local restaurateur Matt Kealy about his journey in the industry. Finally, our community is full of people working to make Janesville and Rock County the best place to live, work, and play. Get to know Jennifer Johns, Jessica Locher, andAmanda Stefl and gain an understanding of why they devote their time to FJI programs and initiatives that support this work. For me, this edition is also an opportunity to share my professional history, personal passion, and what makes working in Janesville feel like coming home. My professional marketing journey began with the weekly shopper known as The Jotter. The building and the publication are gone, but they were across the street from our Forward Janesville office on Jackson Street. My career took me to several notable media companies, including WCLO and WJVL radio, The Janesville Gazette, and most recently Mid-West Family Madison. While most people can walk across the street in mere seconds, it took me 27 years to get across the street to my new home at Forward Janesville. Community touches truly built me as a young professional in Janesville. In 2008, I attended the Forward Janesville Annual Dinner, where John Beckord called us to be ambassadors of optimism and lean into rebuilding this community at a time that was really challenging. That day planted a seed in me, and now I will ask you to share your tools and resources with young professionals, as well. Invite them to a Business After Five, coffee meeting, or other FJI events as your guest. Together, we can build our most important resource – a strong community of leaders who will champion change and carry on our mission forward. Experience the power of our culinary community and take this opportunity to invite your friends to Janesville, share your favorite restaurant, or try a new flavor. This is where we have a great opportunity to engage the future leaders of our community working their summer jobs. I look forward to seeing you at the many exciting events planned. Of course, I will also be trying some new dishes as well. You can visit www.forwardjanesville.com to learn more about upcoming events and see our current member list. Join us, and let’s make Janesville a place where every business and individual can flourish. Experience the Power of Community with Forward Janesville 4 | FORWARD JANESVILLE Shar Hermanson President & CEO Forward Janesville Photo courtesy of Full Spectrum Photography