Welcome to our twice-per-month Member Connect newsletter—where Forward Janesville member businesses share events, news and opportunities with one another.

From CivicCon and Business After Five to ribbon cuttings, nonprofit fundraisers, leadership programs, and downtown events, there are plenty of ways to stay connected this spring.

If you’d like to share your news or upcoming events in the next Member Connect edition, submit your items by May 8.

Forward Janesville Events & Partner Opportunities

• Register for May 7 CivicCon: The Affordable City, As We Dive Deeper Into Housing — Join us for CivicCon: The Affordable City on May 7 as we continue the conversation around housing affordability and community growth. This event will explore practical ideas and solutions related to one of Janesville’s top priorities.
• JOIN Janesville Young Professionals Membership Now Free For Forward Janesville Member Employees — Employees of Forward Janesville member businesses can now join JOIN Janesville Young Professionals at no cost. As Forward Janesville’s official young professionals affiliate, JOIN offers networking, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities for emerging professionals.
• Elks Lodge Hosts Our Next Business After Five On May 14 — Connect with fellow members at our next Business After Five networking event at the Janesville Elks Lodge. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen relationships and grow your professional network in a relaxed setting.
• Leadership Development Academy Seeking Next Class Of Local Leaders — Applications are now open for the next Leadership Development Academy class. This program helps cultivate future leaders across our business and nonprofit communities.

Community Events & Downtown Happenings

• Janesville Farmers Market Returns For Weekly Downtown Fun This Saturday — The Janesville Farmers Market returns for another season of fresh produce, local shopping, and community gathering in downtown Janesville.
• Stroll Downtown Janesville During The May 16 Wine Walk — Enjoy an evening downtown with local shops, restaurants, and tastings during the popular Janesville Wine Walk on May 16.
• Weekly Music At The Marv Returns Downtown On June 2 — Music at The Marv returns this summer with weekly live music performances in downtown Janesville, creating another great reason to enjoy the city center.
• Ice Age Trail Alliance – Rock County Chapter Hosting May 2 Trail Cleanup — Volunteer to help maintain local trails and support outdoor recreation during this upcoming community cleanup event.
• Exhibition Features Art From Loving Life Creatively — Celebrate local creativity through this featured exhibition showcasing artwork from Loving Life Creatively.

Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings

• Join Us For The Sol Sanctuary Wellness Center Ribbon Cutting And Open House On Friday — Help welcome Sol Sanctuary Wellness Center with a ribbon cutting celebration and open house this Friday.
• Attend Bank Of Brodhead’s Grand Opening Of Their New Milton Branch On May 12 — Celebrate the opening of Bank of Brodhead’s new Milton branch and connect with their team during the grand opening event.
• May 13 Is The Grand Opening Of Marigold Speech And Davis Physical Therapy — Join the celebration as Marigold Speech and Davis Physical Therapy officially open their doors.

Fundraisers, Golf Outings & Nonprofit Support

• Register For Boys & Girls Club’s Scramble For Youth On May 15 — Support local youth programs while enjoying a day on the course at the annual Scramble for Youth golf outing.
• Go All In For The Kids At CASA Of Rock County’s Break The Cycle Gala — This important fundraising event supports CASA’s work advocating for children in the foster care system.
• Rock County Cancer Coalition Seeks Sponsors, Participants, Volunteers For Cancer Honor Walk — Support the annual Cancer Honor Walk through sponsorships, participation, or volunteer involvement.
• Support Rock Valley Community Programs At The May 30 Beloit Sky Carp Game — Attend this special Beloit Sky Carp game benefiting Rock Valley Community Programs and enjoy a fun community fundraiser.
• Build Your Foursome For The YWCA CARE House Golf Outing June 12 — Gather your team and support CARE House services through this annual golf outing fundraiser.
• Sign Up To Play In The Leadership Development Academy Golf Outing — Support leadership development and enjoy a day on the course by registering your foursome for the upcoming LDA Golf Outing.

Professional Development & Business Resources

• Use Code Forward26 For $100 Discount On EntreCon Midwest 2026 — Forward Janesville members can save $100 on registration for EntreCon Midwest 2026 using promo code Forward26.
• Attend The Lt. Governor’s Small Business Academy Designed For Entrepreneurs And Startups — This event offers valuable resources, networking, and education for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners.
• Register For MRA’s “HR Unbound” Human Resources Conference — HR professionals can gain new insights and practical strategies at MRA’s annual HR conference.
• Nominate Your Business For The Wisconsin Business Friend Of The Environment Awards — Recognition is open for businesses demonstrating environmental leadership and sustainability efforts across Wisconsin.

Member Promotions & Special Opportunities

• “DeWalt Days” Coming Up At Blain’s Farm & Fleet — Take advantage of special promotions and featured products during upcoming DeWalt Days at Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

There’s a lot happening across our member community, and we’re proud to help keep those connections strong. Stay engaged, support fellow members, and we’ll see you around town.