Green Bay Reporter

The Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program celebrated its 14th anniversary this week by recognizing participants from the latest session at an event held at Lambeau Field. The program, designed to support business growth and economic development in Wisconsin, pairs established mentor companies with developing protégé companies. It aims to foster competitive standing, job creation, and economic growth.

"Created in part to match up minority-owned, veteran-owned, or woman-owned businesses with experienced mentor companies," the program has seen 86 percent of protégé businesses fall into these categories.

This year's celebration included awards for Most Valuable Mentor, Most Valuable Protégé, and Comeback Player of the Year. Matthew Timler from Plug Light Bulb Electrical Services received the Most Valuable Protégé award, while John Bozec from Schneider National was recognized as Most Valuable Mentor. Daniel Doyen with D&T Construction was honored as Comeback Player of the Year.

A new accolade named after Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy—the "Mark Murphy Hall of Fame Award"—was introduced this year. It will be given in future years to those who have made significant contributions to the program or local business community. Murphy himself received the inaugural award for his support during his tenure.

Over its 14-year history, the program has contributed to creating more than 431 jobs across 147 protégé companies in 46 Wisconsin communities. Participants have collectively increased their annual revenue by $107.3 million.

The partnerships recognized for this session include Barb LaMue from New North mentoring Stephanie Krubsack with Purevant Living; John Bozec from Schneider National mentoring Melinda Stuart with Smart Moves; Gary Vaughan from Guident Business Solutions mentoring Connie Vargas with Barlash; Refilwe Magasa-Bockhort and LaTonya Fourté-Lyles from Northwestern Mutual mentoring Daniel Doyen with D&T Construction; Mike Cornell from Arch Solar mentoring Matthew Timler with Plug Light Bulb Electrical Services; Gary Vaughn from Guident Business Solutions mentoring David Sun with SY Visual Solutions; and Jerry Mader from RAM Business Advisors mentoring Daniel Gould with Uncommon Grounds Specialty Coffee Roaster.