Forward Janesville - TheReport -Third Quarter 2022

In 2022, Forward Janesville hired its first woman President & CEO, Ms. Angela Pakes, P.E., LEED AP . Interesting fact: Forward Janesville led the formation of the Interstate 39/90 NOW Coalition, a group of lawmakers, community and business leaders, and concerned citizens who supported the expansion of Interstate 39/90 to six lanes from the Wisconsin state line to Madison. This $1.2 Billion project is now complete and is considered one of the state’s finest. Forward Janesville has a 80 percent success rate for new member outreach turned to active members since January 2022. Forward Janesville has 42 Ambassadors representing 38 businesses and with a combined total of 222 years of volunteer service . We are proud to share that one of our Ambassadors has served for over 28 years! Did you know? Forward Janesville spent 93 hours lobbying state government in 2021 (a non-budget year) and spent 199 hours lobbying in 2020 (COVID Pandemic + state budget year). Forward Janesville sold out our 22nd Annual Golf Outing in record time . We welcomed 149 golfers to the Janesville Country Club and provided a prize package valued at $22K. Although we had to call a rain-out, golfers found a way to network with their peers and enjoy the balance of the day. And yes…there were plenty of shenanigans on the course! We have the pictures to prove it! Forward Janesville welcomed over 1900 guests at 9 Business After Fives hosted by our members . We collaborated with our neighboring chambers on a few events to provide enhanced networking opportunities for businesses in the Rock County area. That’s an average of 211 per event which is higher than the industry average in our area. WORKING FOR YOU Forward Janesville Fast Facts Jenny Tschudy • Membership Development, Marketing & Events Director • jennyt@forwardjanesville.com What drew you to FJI and JOIN Janesville? I am a Janesville native that grew up in the 90s, when Janesville was a much different place. I have been so impressed with the positive changes in our community since I was a kid. Janesville is now truly a place I am proud to call home. I wanted to join these two amazing organizations to help influence that growth and be a true ambassador for our community as well as show others who grew up here that anything is possible. Networking and professional development along with some incredible new friendships are added membership bonuses. What do you hope to accomplish through these roles? My hope is to share my story along with Janesville’s story with businesses and other professionals to increase community participation and the overall family friendliness of our city. I want others to see that they can achieve their dreams here, and I want my children to grow up and love where they live and choose to stay here, raise their families, and add to our community. Best quality - Positivity and friendliness. Worst habit - Over-thinking. What I love about my work - Being able to build relationships with the community and being fortunate enough to work with an incredible group of people. The book on my bedside table - Garden City by John Mark Comer and my Bible. Can’t miss podcast - On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Favorite local spot - Bodacious Brew. My foodie obsession - Anything Thai or chocolate. Number one item on my bucket list - To visit a rainforest before they’re gone. Best piece of advice - Self care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Worst piece of advice - Just do whatever makes you happy. Favorite place in the world - Anywhere in nature or Holy Wisdom Monastery because it is where I find the most peace and connection with God. What one word best summarizes you? - Giving. If I ruled the world, everyone would … love like Jesus loves us. Ambassador Profile: FJI Ambassador and JOIN Janesville Member Brittany Brandt Marketing/Administrative Specialist at MAKING DREAMS Realty and MDR Home Styling & Design