Women Today

Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway this month for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street give the business district its distinctive style. Here's what Sandi Walch of M&I Bank downtown had to say:

What do you like about being on Broadway? The economic redevelopment of the downtown area is very exciting. I also like the fact that I am downtown and not in a mall, and the partnership of the business owners working together.
I also enjoy events on Broadway that bring our community together.
My overall experience with the Broadway district is being a part of a group of focused people coming together to provide a creative destination for the community to work and play.
This kind of commitment from our business owners is what has made Broadway a success.

What made you choose Broadway? My banking career started in the ‘70s in downtown Green Bay. I worked at many Green Bay area branch locations and in 2004 took the opportunity to come back downtown.
I love how the Broadway District has been redeveloped and the uniqueness of the business mix. On Broadway Inc., a Wisconsin Main Street program, was very instrumental in developing the Broadway District to what it is today.
With the ideas and enthusiasm of the business owners, the events on Broadway make us a destination.
On Broadway Inc. was awarded the Great American Main Street Award in 2009, and this is an honor that will stay with our district forever.

What advice do you have for women looking into business ownership? You need a passion for what you are doing, but that is not enough to survive.
You need to be present and involved in your business and your community. You need a business plan that you review at least monthly.
You also need to understand and read your financials monthly, if not weekly, and you need enthusiasm and a positive attitude to succeed.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? I have had to cut back on my spending habits just like everyone else.
I'm analyzing which needs are important and no longer purchasing what I think I deserve. This has been a wake-up call to build a better nest egg for the future.

Sandi Walch, vice president/manager
M&I Bank downtown

Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway this month for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street give the business district a creative vibe. Here's what Michelle Zjala Winter of The Gift Itself had to say:

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? I love having the chance to invent and reinvent my business, try new ideas, create new jewelry designs and work with amazing people.

What advice do you have for women looking into business ownership? Find people you admire, look for mentors, ask for their advice and really listen.

Who would you love to see walk into your business? Donald and Betina Driver. I really admire them both, and I would love to create some Draw-lery for them.
I take children's drawings and make jewelry from them for the children's family and friends.

Michelle Zjala Winter
The Gift Itself

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street create the business district's distinct style. Here is what Gina Christenson of GreenBayNet has to say:

What made you choose Broadway? To be honest, back in 1998 we initially chose Broadway because the price was right.
Since then, however, we have become very involved with other Broadway businesses and evolved into more or less a family with all of them.
In 2005, we decided to make our location long-term by purchasing and renovating the historic building which was previously Rothe Shoes. The area, as well as the businesses around us, are culturally attractive to our diverse staff.
We have the formula for success that makes Broadway nationally recognized for greatness.

What do you like about being on Broadway? The hidden value is the multitude of like-minded women business owners whom we get to call neighbors and friends.

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? The direct reward for hard work and intelligence is a plus.
Having a great name in the community along with having a hand in picking the best team in the world are icing on the cake.

What advice do you have for other women who are looking into business ownership? Now is a great time to be a woman business owner. With all of the funding grants available, it is a great time to be a woman getting into business.
Great organizations such as the Green Bay chapter of Women in Management, Inc., (where I serve on the board) provide support mechanisms to really let women shine and lead.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? Working, working, working.
We have focused on the services we are best able to provide to customers. We are working harder than ever to provide the best value and enhanced high-impact services such as social media consulting.
The reward has been clients from all over the region. News of success travels at the speed of light in 2010.

If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be? Paperwork, bureaucracy and taxes.

Gina Christenson
GreenBayNet

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street encourage the business district's creativity. Here is what Janna Turner of On Broadway, Inc. has to say:

What do you like about being on Broadway? I enjoy the unique working environment. To contribute to a place where people shop, eat and play is very rewarding.
We get to see businesses work collectively to support the thriving Broadway culture.

What advice do you have for women looking into business ownership? As someone who works closely with entrepreneurs, I realize that it is vital for women to understand that although business is business, women can offer a softer perspective.
That said, as any business owner would attest, consistency and follow-through are vital. Women should have a strong business plan and a passion and conviction for their vision.
Owning a business may not be an easy road to follow, but it can be greatly rewarding.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? As a non-profit, On Broadway has begun to leverage technology and social media to deliver our message more efficiently and effectively. Utilizing technology to do more with less is the mantra of anyone in a tough economy.

If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be? I would reinforce perceptions of how non-profits contribute to the quality of life and economic success of a community.

Who would you love to see walk into your business? A very happy and appreciative community member. That is the best reward of this work.

Janna Turner, office and property manager
On Broadway, Inc.

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street create the business district's originality. Here is what Jennifer Bukouricz of Monzù Bistro has to say:

What made you choose Broadway as the location for your business? The sense of community among the business, and the ability to help each other.

What do you like about being on Broadway? The events; they bring excitement and new people to the area.

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? That I get to decide what I am doing today. Every day can be different.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? We are involved in several different areas. With cakes, catering and the bistro, so we are not counting on one aspect of the business to help us through.

Jennifer Bukouricz
Monzù Bistro