Business and Professional Coalition
Welcome, business owners and professionals!
The Carthage Business and Professional Coalition comprises the leading business, civic, and professional leaders in the region. Members meet regularly for luncheons that feature guest speakers and discussions that highlight important national and local issues affecting businesses and organizations.
Through programming that includes prominent guest speakers, the Coalition will engage leading business, civic, and professional leaders in the region, and provide a space to engage in substantive conversations that further the region’s growth and prosperity.
“Carthage College is a vital partner to industry, not-for-profits, and government in the Chicago-to-Milwaukee corridor,” Carthage President John Swallow said, “The College works to align our educational programs with the needs of our local and regional communities.”
The Coalition is guided by a steering committee of business and community leaders and chaired by Ms. Karla Krehhbiel, Regional President of Johnson Financial Group.
Upcoming Events
The BPC is excited to share our entire 2024-25 program.
In our programs this year, speakers will explore the many ways Wisconsin is preparing for growth—from the growing draws on our electrical grid, to increasing population. This year’s BPC luncheons will present new perspectives on our electrical and information infrastructures, AI, and the coming housing crisis.
Learn more about Our Next event
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 11:30-1pm AI and Cybersecurity Panel
Microsoft’s $3.3B investment in Wisconsin’s data infrastructure will pave the way for increased AI applications in manufacturing and corporate enterprises. As our use of big data systems grows, what does that mean for cybersecurity? Join us for this all-alumni panel of Corporate IT and Security experts who will share their insights on the possibilities and dangers presented by AI-driven data systems.
Thursday, February 27, 2025 11:30-1pm Equity and Property Development
Southeast Wisconsin’s current housing shortage of over 100,000 units is affecting nearly every income bracket, and is a top obstacle for new corporate investment in our region. Join us for a riveting discussion between two national property developers about how to expand housing access and equity through new models of development. Moderated by faculty from Carthage’s School of Business and Economics.
All BPC events are free and open to the public.
Steering committee members and program sponsors
- Karla Krehbiel; Regional President, Southeast; Johnson Financial Group (Chair)
- Bob Lee; President, Lee Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors, Inc. (Past Chair)
- Tatjana Bicanin; Executive Director, Building our Future Kenosha
- Carolyn Friesch, CEO United Way of Kenosha County
- Mike Gentile; President Operations and Product Management, Snap-on Tools
- Kimberly Kane; President and CEO, Kane Communications
- Samantha Kerkman; Kenosha County Executive
- Seth Klugherz; Vice President of Marketing, HARIBO of America
- Tom Mahoney; Market President, Wintrust Commercial Banking at State Bank of the Lakes
- Mark Molinaro, Jr.; Principal, Partners in Design Architects
- Mike Pitts, Jr.; Real Estate Agent, Pitts Brothers, LLC
- Dave Riley; Chairman and Director of the Board, Riley Construction Company, Inc.
- Nicole Ryf; President Kenosha Area Business Association
- Ric Schmidt; President, CEO, and General Counsel, Froedtert South, Inc.
- Chris Tenuta; Owner, Tenuta’s Delicatessen & Liquors
- Jenny Trick; Executive Director, Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC)
Honoring the legacy of Ralph Tenuta
Carthage Trustee Emeritus Ralph Tenuta, a prominent Kenosha businessman who passed away on Jan. 15, 2020, founded the Carthage Business and Professional Coalition in the early 1990s. He aimed to provide a forum for area leaders to gather and discuss mutual concerns and opportunities. To honor the contributions Mr. Tenuta made to Carthage and the local community, a portion of the proceeds raised through sponsorships will support the Ralph Tenuta Experiential Learning Fund, which will help Carthage students to participate in internships and hands-on learning that prepares them for future careers. This fund is managed by The Aspire Center, Carthage’s renowned comprehensive four-year career development program.
Contact us
To learn more about the Business and Professional Coalition and our corporate sponsorship opportunities, please contact Katharine Keenan at 262-551-6464 or kkeenan@mblayst.com.
- Learn about sponsorship opportunities
- Join our email list to stay up-to-date on Business and Professional Coalition events and news/community/business-professional-coalition/news-events/upcoming-event/
Our 2024-25 Corporate Sponsors
The Business and Professional Coalition is made possible by the Sam and Gene Johnson Distinguished Visitors Program.