Meet another pair of participants in the new Next Wave+ program

Beginning last month, the Chamber launched Next Wave+ to build upon the success of the Next Wave program. Next Wave+ is an advanced professional development series for young professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. This six-session series dives deeper into leadership, community understanding and cross-industry collaboration. Each session is designed to give participants executive-level insights, real-world perspectives and opportunities to connect with influential leaders shaping the region.

The Chamber will profile current participants in this blog, this time with Chelsea Brusky and Matt Hoenecke:

Chelsea Brusky, Personal Banker, Nicolet National Bank:

Your hometown: Wausau, Wisconsin

What do you love about the Wausau area? Having watched Wausau transform and thrive over the past 20 years, I am inspired by the city’s growth and the strong sense of pride shared among its residents.

If you could waive a magic wand and change one thing about the Wausau area, what would it be? I wish I could wave a magic wand to fix the needs I see within the community, most notably the shortage of affordable, middle‑class housing. This awareness fuels my desire to better understand the people I serve and to make a meaningful, positive impact through my work.

What are you hoping to achieve by participating in the Next Wave+ program? As I continue to grow through the Next Wave+ program, I hope to deepen my connection to the community that has shaped me. I want to carry forward the insights I gain into every stage of my career and life. My commitment to both personal development and community well‑being guides my approach as a banker, a neighbor and an advocate for Wausau’s future.

Matt Hoenecke, Manager, TLC and Esports, Northcentral Technical College:

Hometown: Wausau, Wisconsin

What do you love about the Wausau area? Wausau is a beautiful city with a multitude of opportunities both professionally and recreationally, the perfect place to raise a family!

If you could waive a magic wand and change one thing about the Wausau area, what would it be? I would bring down the cost of living, specifically housing. Wausau is trending away from home ownership, and the rising costs to rent are pushing more and more families into economic hardship.

What are you hoping to achieve by participating in the Next Wave+ program? Grow my professional contacts and learn more about the history of Wausau and the people who have shaped it into what it is today.

More details and a schedule for the Next Wave+ program are available on WausauChamber.com. The cost for members to participate in Next Wave+ is $300 annually.

More Next Wave+ profiles:

Meet Casey Rogers and Lyssa Edwards

Meet Audrey Webster and Christopher Ashburn