Sheboygan event kicks off statewide Young Professional Week

SHEBOYGAN - A statewide celebration of young professionals kicks off Saturday, April 22, with a "big" event at Blue Harbor in Sheboygan.

The day begins a series of events held throughout the week in which organizations host activities and opportunities designed to engage and support millennials in the region.

YPWeek Wisconsin runs April 22-29 and includes 25 Wisconsin communities, each presenting a variety of programs that empower young professionals to take ownership and pride in their hometowns.

The event, from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, is titled "Very BIG in Sheboygan" and will be a "high-energy" kickoff of the week's festivities with lights, music, balloons and several special guest speakers.

Special guests include Louie Gentine, CEO of Sargento Foods; Paul Bartelt, CEO of The Vollrath Company; David Bolland, CEO of Plymouth Foam; and Mike Brookins, CFO at Curt G. Joa.

There, of course, will be food — cheese and brats — and beer, as well as a mascots race featuring mascots from Sargento, Kohler, Johnsonville and the Vollrath Company.

The event aims to bring young professionals together to network and learn about all the opportunities available to them in Sheboygan County.

Here’s a look at a few highlights scheduled throughout the week in Sheboygan. For more information, visit YPWeek.com:

YPWeek Kickoff: Very BIG in Sheboygan, 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at Blue Harbor Resort. The biggest statewide young professional's event and official launch of YPWeek 2017. Balloon drop, guest speakers, mascot race, and — of course — food and beer. Special guests Louie Gentine, CEO, Sargento Foods; Paul Bartelt, CEO, The Vollrath Company; David Bolland, CEO, Plymouth Foam; Mike Brookins, CFO, Curt G. Joa. There is a fee.

Sunday Brunch Trolley Tour, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, at various locations. Hop on a trolley for a tour of Sheboygan, both culinary and scenic. Pre-registration was required. There is a fee.

Behind-the-Scenes of Torke Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, April 24, at Torke Coffee. Learn about Torke Coffee's roasting and production process to get an inside view on how they bring these flavors to your coffee cup every morning. Caffeination, and a small lunch/breakfast, included. Pre-registration was required.

Workshop: Leading Across Generations, 7:30  to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, at The Berkshire (Black Pig). This fun, informative presentation covers intergenerations and what leaders can do to connect, inspire, and improve teamwork. There is a fee.

The Power of Google Apps: It's Not Just Email Anymore, 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. Anyone with a Gmail account has access to more than just email. In this professional development session, you will be introduced to the wide array of free applications offered by Google. There is a fee.

Sheboygan SOUP: Local Ideas in Motion, 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, at the Corner of N 8th Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Sheboygan. The dinner consists of soup, salad and breadsticks which are provided through local donations. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door, and all proceeds from the dinner go to the community project selected at the dinner.

Food-for-Thought with Tryg Jacobson, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, April 28, at the Sheboygan Yacht Club. A conversation with Tryg Jacobson, president and owner of Jake's Cafe.  Begin the morning with breakfast at the Sheboygan Yacht Club, followed by an interview with Tryg by Coastal Chair Grecia Fiallos, and Q&A with the audience. Sheboygan Press Top Editor Leah Ulatowski will also make a brief appearance to congratulate the young professionals on a successful week and discuss how USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin's business article series, State of Opportunity, ties in with highlighting the accomplishments of young people in Sheboygan's workforce. There is a fee.

Experience: YPs in Defense, 1 to 2 p.m.on Saturday, April 29, at Neutral Ground Sheboygan. Self-defense class designed to cover basic self-defense tactics and tools of awareness to defuse aggression. Certified instructors from Neutral Ground Sheboygan BJJ will be teaching these and other methods of self-defense. There is a fee. Pre-registration required.