About WVCC

The WVCC unites small business owners, corporate executives, and community leaders to empower and support veterans and military-connected families. Bridging the gap between various community segments and the business world, WVCC welcomes all types of businesses and organizations, including veteran-owned, military-friendly, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives across every industry. Our partnerships extend to businesses of all sizes.

Through a diverse network of members and community partners, we prioritize accelerating business growth. Acting as a matchmaker, we facilitate connections through support, strategic networking, collaboration, and educational workshops, ultimately uniting businesses to grow our community.

Board of Directors

Frank DeGuire, JD, MBA

Frank DeGuire, JD, MBA

Quarles & Brady LLP
USN 1991-1994
Courtney Skinkis

Courtney Skinkis

Confluence Graphics
Owner
Keith Saeger

Keith Saeger

Associated Bank
Air Force 1984-1988

Chamber Staff

Christian Thornton

Christian Thornton

CEO & President

Zach Zabel

Zach Zabel

Vice President

Thomas Parr

Thomas Parr

Vice President

2026 WVCC Committee Development

Events Building Committee

Purpose: Support planning and execution of key chamber events and programs throughout the year to include monthly, quarterly, special one-time events (i.e., workshops), and the annual business conference.
Why it matters: Events are both community builders and revenue generators. Member volunteers can provide creative input and help staff with logistics, event planning, and the execution of events.
Typical tasks:

  • Planning of future events (Current events such as Sound Off, First Call Madison, and the annual conference)
  • Developing potential new events (By region that “make sense” and are “self-sustaining” to include fund raisers, monthly meetings, one-time events)
  • Help identify speakers / aide in development of the conference speaker series
  • Evaluating event ROI and suggesting new programming

Mission Statement:
To assist chamber staff in organizing enjoyable and effective events that bring members together and promote member businesses.

Purpose & Responsibilities:

  • Offer input and support for events (e.g., business expo, cyclic events, networking mixers).
  • Help recruit volunteers and sponsors when needed.
  • Suggest new event ideas based on member interests.
  • Provide feedback on event success and improvements.
  • Meet a few times a year, with most work done via email or quick check-ins.

Membership and Outreach Committee

Purpose: Grow and retain Chamber membership by educating businesses about programs and networking opportunities.

Why it matters: Strong membership ensures financial stability and supports initiatives that boost engagement and visibility.

Typical tasks:

  • Generate ideas to attract and retain members
    • Help implement membership and outreach strategies
    • Provide feedback and share lessons learned

Mission Statement:
To support the Chamber’s membership growth and engagement by promoting programs, networking opportunities, and member achievements through targeted outreach.

Purpose & Responsibilities:

  • Share member news, highlights, and success stories across Chamber channels
  • Promote Chamber events and initiatives through personal and business networks
  • Offer ideas to strengthen membership recruitment, retention, and engagement
  • Collaborate with staff to support marketing and outreach campaigns
  • Meet periodically or communicate to coordinate efforts

Education and Programs Committee

Purpose: Strengthen educational programs and resources for members and partners to enhance the local business environment and help guide the Chamber’s role in community and policy matters.
Why it matters: Education and programs form the backbone of the Chamber’s resources for our members. A strong commitment to both is essential to their continued growth and success.
Typical tasks:

  • Assisting in development of trending core educational business topics
  • Advise on implementation / deletion of WVCC programs based on member needs
  • Attending meetings with Higher Education professionals to build out our platforms

Mission Statement:
To support member business growth through programs and educational events designed to strengthen our members through practical learning.

Purpose & Responsibilities:

  • Identify emerging business needs and opportunities for collaboration within the community
  • Recommend programs and resources that help local businesses grow and thrive
  • Stay informed on local issues impacting businesses and share insights with Chamber leadership
  • Partner with schools, nonprofits, and local government on educational and workforce initiatives
  • Meet periodically or as needed to plan, coordinate, and evaluate committee efforts

Chamber Committee Overview

Our Chamber thrives when members are engaged! Serving on a committee is a fantastic way to support the chamber, meet other business leaders, and have a direct impact on our programs. Committees are designed to be flexible and manageable, with most meeting a few times a year or working virtually.

In January of 2026, the WVCC launched these three committees.  We are planning a fourth committee to address our new foundation soon.  Stay tuned!

Please email the WVCC with any questions: info@wiveteranschamber.org

#StrongerTogether!

 

Member Feedback

The Madison Public Schools Foundation proudly supports our WVCC and our state’s veterans, including Madison public schools staff and alumni who have served our country.

Our Why: I enjoy WVCC because I have the opportunity to meet community members I might not otherwise encounter. WVCC provides an easy way for the Foundation to demonstrate our support of Wisconsin veterans.

MELINDA V. HEINRITZ
PRESIDENT

Old National Bank, a community bank that has big bank resources and small bank service.
I enjoy being a member of the WVCC because its members are my community. As a veteran, I felt isolated and alone. When I am with my fellow veterans at WVCC events, I feel home.

JEFF BOUDREAU MBA
COMMUNITY BANKING MARKET MGR

We love being members of the WVCC because we take pride in not only hiring many veterans and being a Service Disabled Veteran owned company, but also because its a great group of men and women that support the Veteran community and everything we take pride in as well! I think its a fantastic group that has a lot of different activities and ways to get involved whether your company is small, large, or somewhere in between!

JAMES CHESEBRO
YOUR PERSONAL GARDENER & ARBORIST