February 2027 Chapter Meeting

DATE: Wednesday, February 17, 2027
TIME: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
LOCATION: St. Norbert College | Bemis Conference Center | De Pere

Join us at our February Event!

Event Timeline

• 12:30 - 12:55 PM
  Event registration
  
  
• 1:00 - 2:30 PM
  Baker Tilly Professional Development Workshop
  
  
• 2:30 - 3:00 PM
  Networking & Business Announcements
  
  
• 3:00 - 4:00 PM
  Dr. Fred Johnson Keynote Presentation
  
  
• 4:00 - 5:30 PM
  Social / Dinner
  
  

Location

St. Norbert College
Bemis Conference Center
299 3^rd Street
De Pere, WI 54115

Keynote Presentation Time
3:00 - 4:00 PM

Keynote Topic

Growing Through Fear. Leading Through Conflict. 

Summary & Learning Objectives

In today's reality, change is constant, uncertainty is unavoidable, and fear is often the hidden force that shapes our decisions. The leaders who thrive aren't those who avoid discomfort, they're the ones who learn to grow through it.

This keynote challenges leaders to transform the way they think about fear, conflict, and change. Rather than managing conflict or reacting to change, you'll learn to lead both with confidence and purpose. By embracing difficult conversations, navigating uncertainty, and viewing change as an opportunity for growth, you'll build stronger trust, healthier teams, and greater organizational results.

When leaders grow through fear and lead through conflict, they don't just adapt to change, they create the conditions for others to succeed through it.

Keynote Presenter & Biography

Dr. Fred Johnson
Founder | InitiativeOne

Dr. Fred Johnson is a powerhouse in elite leadership transformation and the visionary Founder of InitiativeOne. His proprietary methods don’t just improve organizations; they redefine them, driving measurable gains in morale, productivity, profitability, and efficiency at the highest levels.

A nationally recognized expert in leadership dynamics, Dr. Johnson mentors Fortune 100 executives and works with NFL coaches, administration, and players to instill side-ways accountability-revolutionizing locker room culture by fostering trust, ownership, and peak performance.

His work is a catalyst for deep, personal transformation, shifting leadership identity from what you do to who you are. Elite leaders don’t just seek Dr. Johnson’s expertise, they rely on it. His impact is felt at the highest levels, guiding executives, entrepreneurs, and industry pioneers to redefine success, master change, and lead with lasting influence. 


Professional Development Workshop
Topic: From Reactive to Predictive: Building the Next Generation Supply Chain 
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Presented By:

Summary & Learning Objectives

Global supply chains are entering a new era. Tariffs, geopolitical tensions, forced labor enforcement, industrial policy, AI, and rapidly evolving trade regulations have transformed volatility from an occasional disruption into a permanent operating condition. Organizations that continue relying on historical data and reactive decision-making will find themselves perpetually behind the curve.

This session explores how leading companies are embracing predictive technologies, data-driven trade intelligence, and AI to anticipate regulatory change, model geopolitical risk, and make faster, more informed supply chain decisions. Rather than focusing solely on today’s tariff landscape, we’ll examine the paradigm shift required to build resilient, intelligent supply chains capable of navigating an increasingly unpredictable global economy. 

Presenter & Biography

Pete Mento
Director, Global Trade Management | Baker Tilly 

Pete Mento is a licensed Customs House Broker and one of the most widely recognized voices in global trade, customs and duty‑minimization strategy. As Director of Global Trade Advisory at Baker Tilly US, he helps companies identify savings, reduce risk and design efficient, defensible trade‑compliance programs.

With more than three decades of experience—including senior leadership roles at DSV Air & Sea and other major logistics and advisory firms—Pete brings a rare combination of operational depth and strategic perspective. His expertise spans customs operations, transfer-pricing alignment for importers, audit defense, trade‑tax integration, valuation, cargo security, and global supply‑chain risk.

Pete holds a master’s degree in Government with a concentration in trade theory from Harvard University, a PhD in Customs and Economics from the University of Durham in the UK and completed his undergraduate studies at Maine Maritime Academy, where he served five terms as a member of the advisory board. Known for his engaging, insightful speaking style, he translates complex global‑trade issues into clear, practical guidance for executives, compliance teams and industry audiences worldwide. 

CPE Credit

Baker Tilly Professional Development Workshop from 1:00 - 2:30 PM = 1.5 credits
Dr. Fred Johnson Keynote Presentation from 3:00 - 4:00 PM = 1 credit

Registrations, Cancellations, or Questions?

Michelle Weiss
920.750.9110
michelle@mwcommunications.org
Register and send cancellations by noon on 2/10/27.

Register Now