Value, appreciation, steady growth, and even a bit of style are key components of Tracy Champagne’s vision for the Greater Greenfield Community Chamber. Originally brought in to manage the Chamber’s website approximately three years ago, she now serves as its
President and Director.
A resourceful, versatile, and skilled professional, she started honing her team building prowess years ago as a Girl Scout leader, managing cookie sales and camping outings. For 20 years, she ran a day care from her home with anywhere from four to eight children at any given time who ranged in age from 3 months to 12 years. Tracy remains self- employed as a social media strategist and web designer with her TLC Digital Media, is the founder of Small Business Milwaukee (a resource center for small business owners), and the owner of the online Friday Fish Fry Guide.
For several years she was co-host of The Connect Show with Jon and Tracy, a weekly podcast that featured guests, small business updates, education, tips, and connections. Behind the scenes, Tracy secured the guests, wrote the scripts, recruited and trained the volunteers, created and maintained the show’s website, and devised systems so that technology could support the speed of the show.
Tracy is known for her extensive business connections and regularly attends networking events held by the Milwaukee Breakfast Club, Rely Local, and Professional Women of Wisconsin. She, herself, has hosted many networking sessions over the years. Currently, that includes two for Small Business Milwaukee—a weekly Think Tank and a regular Book Swap—and a monthly one for a web design group called Divi Society.
She holds an Associate Degree in Web Design and an Associate Degree in Hospitality, both from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Tracy is an avid reader and podcast subscriber, primary interested in topics relating to small businesses and personal/ professional growth.
Speaking of the latter, one of her primary goals as President is continuing the Chamber’s steady, intentional growth. To help her achieve that objective, she has a newly-formed Membership Committee with two co-chairs. There are three others she’s created, as well: Media, Events, and Community Ambassador. Tracy says, “I want the committee people to have ownership in their positions, find value in them, and be proud of what they’re doing for the Chamber.”
Most of the GGCC Board are new as of June 2024 and Tracy is, as she says, “Curious and excited to see how all of their input and contributions are going to enhance the Chamber’s dynamics and improve the support it provides members and the community at
large.” “Powerful, intentional, and creative,” is her answer when asked to describe the energy she feels emanating from the Board. “They’re definitely a creative group,” she says.
They’re also a group that knows how to have fun. For instance, they’re not going to establish the annual and somewhat generic golf outing most Chambers sponsor. The GGCC, Tracy says, “Is going to make billiards its thing.” Several months ago, they hosted their first billiards night at Romine’s High Pockets in Greenfield and discovered something. That is, Tracy explains, “You can do tons of networking while you’re playing pool. I think it’ll be a mainstay for the Chamber for awhile. It’s different and variety is good.” Furthermore, she adds, “I think having a chamber with its own sense of style is good. It sets us apart.”
You Might Want to Know:
Tracy does not like cheese, has three children, and splits her time between Greenfield and Minocqua. While in the north woods, she enjoys the wildlife, being on the lake, their great neighbors, and magnet fishing. With all the serenity around her, she finds she can also get a lot of work done. People who know and work with Tracy will frequently hear her say, “I appreciate you.” And she means it.
Senior Writer
E-mail | by Kimberly Hand
Have as much fun with your business as I do with mine. You’ll find it easier to do once you let me take good care of your writing.