Great Decisions 2026 at Manitowoc Public Library

Manitowoc Public Library is proud to present Great Decisions 2026, our twentieth year of hosting this preeminent eight-week grassroots lecture series that provides the citizens of the Lakeshore area with the opportunity to discover, discuss, and decide how to meet some ......More

Manitowoc Public Library is proud to present Great Decisions 2026, our twentieth year of hosting this preeminent eight-week grassroots lecture series that provides the citizens of the Lakeshore area with the opportunity to discover, discuss, and decide how to meet some of the world’s greatest challenges head-on. Increasingly, global events have become domestic concerns and Great Decisions takes you beyond the headlines with essential background information, relevant facts, ever-shifting policy options and impartial analysis.   PLEASE NOTE: Great Decisions 2026 will be presented in a hybrid format—offered in-person in MPL’s Balkansky Community Room from 6-8 PM on Monday evenings during February and March, as well as livestreamed simultaneously online on both our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/manitowoclibrary) and YouTube channel (unless otherwise indicated)   The lecture schedule is as follows:   February 2       Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy, Pablo Toral, PhD, Beloit College February 9       Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation, Martin Farrell, PhD, Ripon College (Retired) February 16     U.S.-China Relations, Shale Horowitz, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee February 23     Ukraine and the Future of European Security, Yoshiko Herrera, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison March 2           Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World, Amitabh Pal, Journalist/former Editor of The Progressive, Adjunct Professor at Edgewood College, Madison March 9           America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy, Beth Dougherty, PhD, Beloit College March 16         U.S. Engagement of Africa, Heinz Klug, S.J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School March 23         *ONLINE ONLY*: The Future of Human Rights and International Law, Alise Coen, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay   The Great Decisions Series is FREE and open to the public. No registration is required. For a more detailed description for each of the above topics, please head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/great-decisions.

Manitowoc Public Library Balkansky Community Room 707 Quay Street Manitowoc, WI 54220

Advanced Leadership: Coaching & Mentoring for Business

The Chamber of Manitowoc County in partnership with Lakeland University, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus and Lakeshore College are pleased to offer ADVANCED LEADERSHIP: Educate. Empower. Elevate.  This  program has been developed for the mid to seni......More

The Chamber of Manitowoc County in partnership with Lakeland University, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus and Lakeshore College are pleased to offer ADVANCED LEADERSHIP: Educate. Empower. Elevate.  This  program has been developed for the mid to senior-level managers, nonprofit administrators, and entrepreneurs seeking advanced leadership and communications skills to move their careers and organizations forward.  Each session will be taught by instructors from the partner colleges. COACHING & MENTORING FOR BUSINESS Presented by: Dr. Lorinda Lewis, Lakeland University This course empowers leaders with practical coaching and mentoring strategies to intentionally develop, engage, and retain their teams. Participants will learn how to use structured tools and templates to guide purposeful mentoring conversations, set meaningful goals, and track progress with clarity and consistency. Grounded in the belief that strong leaders grow strong people, the course highlights why effective coaching and mentoring are essential to building accountability, sustaining motivation, and creating a culture of continuous professional growth within today’s organizations. Learning Outcomes: Learn practical coaching and mentoring techniques to develop and support team members. Use structured templates and tools to guide mentoring conversations and track progress. Build a culture of growth by fostering accountability, motivation, and professional development in the workplace. Meet the Instructor: Lorinda Lewis is retired from the U.S. Air Force and Fortune 500 executive role with extensive experience in organizational development. She is a certified coach, scholar, and practitioner, holding two doctorate degrees. Currently, she serves as Vice President of Cooperative Education and Workforce Strategy and Dean of the College of Business at Lakeland University. Her career spans military, corporate, and academic leadership, grounded in strong academic foundations that inform her strategic and practical expertise.  

Lakeshore College Downtown Manitowoc Campus 600 York Street Manitowoc, WI 54220

Manitowoc County Business Expo - Exhibitor Registration

Join us at the Manitowoc County Business Expo, where local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members will converge in a dynamic environment to showcase innovation, foster partnerships, and ignite growth. Explore our exhibitors and events designed to inspire and e......More

Join us at the Manitowoc County Business Expo, where local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members will converge in a dynamic environment to showcase innovation, foster partnerships, and ignite growth. Explore our exhibitors and events designed to inspire and empower. Whether you're an innovative startup or an established business, this is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure, interact with potential customers, and build valuable connections within the community. This is an event you don’t want to miss. The Manitowoc County Business Expo is the perfect opportunity to... Increase brand awareness and business credibility. Showcase existing and/or new products/services. Sell products/services - “cash and carry” is allowed and encouraged. Make key business contacts and “seal the deal”.  (People like doing business with people they know!) Network with attendees throughout the county and beyond. Promote employment opportunities and fundraising campaigns. Any business located in Manitowoc County is welcome and encouraged to exhibit. What's included... 8ft Covered table Pipe & Drape (Booth Size is 10'x8') Electricity is available (at exterior tables and on a first come, first-served basis) Exhibitors will have the option of creating their own activity/demo/giveaway Wi-Fi Please feel free to bring along.... SWAG, giveaways, etc. Your own branded items like banners, backdrops, and tablecloths.  Business cards, flyers, menus, etc. 

UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus 705 Viebahn St. Manitowoc

Manitowoc County Business Expo - Attendee Registration

If you like supporting local businesses, and making connections this is an event you don’t want to miss. The Business Expo is the perfect place to discover new products and services, get exclusive offers, and learn more about the businesses in your community. The exp......More

If you like supporting local businesses, and making connections this is an event you don’t want to miss. The Business Expo is the perfect place to discover new products and services, get exclusive offers, and learn more about the businesses in your community. The expo exhibitors are businesses that care about our community and are true pillars in Manitowoc County.  The Business Expo will include…    • local Manitowoc County businesses    • food and beverages sample from area restaurants and caterers    • exhibitor activities, demonstrations and giveaways    • door prizes and raffle drawings   Turn clicks into customers. Attend our FREE e-commerce session for small businesses, during the Business Expo     Intro to Selling on Ecommerce Presented by: Jessica Gillett, Director of Ecommerce, Marketing, and Customer Service, The MetalWare Corporation   Time: TBA Getting started in ecommerce doesn't have to be overwhelming. This session walks small business owners through a practical, four-part framework. From laying the right foundation and choosing your platform, to driving sales and growing a loyal customer base online.   Jessica Gillett is an ecommerce and marketing strategist specializing in digital growth for consumer brands and retailers. She began her career as a Category Manager before leading the Marketing and Ecommerce team at Fleet Farm. She now leads ecommerce and marketing for brands including Nesco, Chard, and Magic at The Metal Ware Corp with a focus on digital growth and performance based marketing.   

UW-Green Bay Manitowoc Campus - Hillside Hall 705 Viebahn St. Manitowoc

Shipwrecks & Charcuterie

Have you ever wondered how an artifact gets from the bottom of Lake Michigan to a display case in a museum exhibit? Join conservator Katie Linder for a discussion about the collection of 10,000 shipwreck artifacts brought to the surface by Allen 'Butch' Klopp in the 19......More

Have you ever wondered how an artifact gets from the bottom of Lake Michigan to a display case in a museum exhibit? Join conservator Katie Linder for a discussion about the collection of 10,000 shipwreck artifacts brought to the surface by Allen 'Butch' Klopp in the 1960s. In her presentation, she will show you the complex behind-the-scenes work to preserve these remarkable artifacts. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Tickets are $35 for WMM Members and $40 for non-members. Tickets are available in person or online.

Wisconsin Maritime Museum - 75 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220

Spring Baby Fever

Springtime is upon us, and that means baby animals are visiting Farm Wisconsin! Join us on March 28 and March 31–April 4 as we celebrate the new season with adorable baby farm animals and hands-on learning experiences for the whole family. Meet and pet piglets, lambs, g......More

Springtime is upon us, and that means baby animals are visiting Farm Wisconsin! Join us on March 28 and March 31–April 4 as we celebrate the new season with adorable baby farm animals and hands-on learning experiences for the whole family. Meet and pet piglets, lambs, goat kids, rabbits, and more!

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center 7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc

USS COBIA's 83rd Birthday Party!

Happy 83rd Birthday, USS Cobia! Join us on Saturday, March 28th, for a day of family fun as we celebrate our submarine. We’re offering $10 admission all day for everyone to enjoy the museum and special birthday activities. Festivities include: Tour the boat with ......More

Happy 83rd Birthday, USS Cobia! Join us on Saturday, March 28th, for a day of family fun as we celebrate our submarine. We’re offering $10 admission all day for everyone to enjoy the museum and special birthday activities. Festivities include: Tour the boat with our Living History Crew Test your luck in the Cobia Carnival Games Race for glory in the Rubber Duck Derby at 1:30 PM Enjoy a free and delicious slice of cake from Hartman’s Bakery at 2:30 PM Visit our sensory area in the Riverview Room for button-making and crafts The birthday cake is generously donated by Hartman’s Bakery in Manitowoc. Discounted admission is generously provided by the Helen Gajdys Reis & Lester Reis Endowment Fund.

Wisconsin Maritime Museum - 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, WI

Kids Easter party with Gracious Givers

Kids ages 1-12, come out for an eggciting Easter egg hunt, arts & crafts, coloring cookies and get your pictures taken with our Easter Bunny!

2601 S. 10th St. Manitowoc, WI 54220

Reality Store - Manitowoc Lutheran High School - 2026

  The Reality Store is a financial literacy event in which students learn basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making, and career planning. The Reality Store will help students examine their attitudes about their futures and career expectations......More

  The Reality Store is a financial literacy event in which students learn basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making, and career planning. The Reality Store will help students examine their attitudes about their futures and career expectations. After their trip through The Reality Store, students will have developed a more realistic idea of the financial impact their future decisions will have.   Event Overview: Prior to the event students choose the future career and receive their monthly salary deposited in their checking account. Students enter The Reality Store with their check book. They first stop at “Uncle Sam” for their tax deduction. They then proceed to “The Bank/Credit Union” for their student loan deduction. Students then have to visit 13 other booths making purchases for their life. Ex: buy a car, home, groceries, utilities, etc... Volunteers: Staff one of the various booths Assist students in making wise financial choices based on their salary  No experience necessary Event goals for the students: Learn basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making and career planning Help students examine their attitudes about their futures and career expectations Develop a more realistic idea of the financial impact their future decisions will have. In order to keep this event focused on education, we ask that volunteers do not bring promotional items to The Reality Store. If you would like to donate promotional items for the students, contact The Chamber. Please feel free to wear your company’s logo apparel. We appreciate your commitment to our area youth and look forward to your participation and support in this most exciting event. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Melissa Radandt at (920) 684-5575 or [email protected]. Please note:  Volunteers will receive an email approximately one week prior with specific start times (times will differ based on each school’s specific schedule – but will remain close to the 7:45-11:15am schedule) as well as instructions on where to park and where to enter.  If you are not a Chamber member, but would like to volunteer, please contact [email protected].

Lutheran High School 4045 Lancer Cir. Manitowoc, WI

Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club at Manitowoc Public Library’s Second Floor Balkansky Community Room from 6-7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 1! The game of chess offers man......More

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club at Manitowoc Public Library’s Second Floor Balkansky Community Room from 6-7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 1! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits—and it's just fun! Those of all abilities and ages (6-years plus, please) are welcome, but staff will not offer formal instruction. Chessboards provided and library materials are available for further learning. No registration is required, but please remember that children under the age of 8 (even prodigies!) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Manitowoc Public Library Balkansky Community Room 707 Quay Street Manitowoc, WI 54220