Connecting Students with Local Careers

The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to strengthening our local economy by fostering a thriving business community and increasing awareness of the incredible opportunities within West Bend. One of the ways we bring this mission to life is by connecting students—the future workforce—with the businesses that shape our region.

Expanding on the success of the beloved All Around the Bend, we proudly introduce the All Around the Bend Business Bus Tours—an immersive initiative designed to connect high school students with real-world career opportunities right here in West Bend. This program provides students with firsthand exposure to local industries, helping them explore potential career paths and engage with professionals shaping our community.

What Are the Business Bus Tours?

On April 10th and 11th, 2025, high school students from the West Bend School District will embark on exclusive guided tours of top local businesses. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at careers in four key industries:

April 10th:

• Group 1: Marketing/Digital Media
• Group 2: Business Entrepreneurship

April 11th:

• Group 1: Manufacturing
• Group 2: Healthcare

The Business Bus Tours are more than just a field trip—they are an investment in West Bend’s future. By exposing students to real-world work environments, this initiative helps them:

• Gain firsthand insight into potential career paths.
• Connect with professionals who can offer guidance and mentorship.
• Experience workplace culture and learn what it takes to succeed in their chosen field. 
• Engage in a business luncheon and panel discussion with industry leaders. 
• Receive a professional headshot for use on resumes and social media. 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Local businesses have the opportunity to support and enhance this initiative by becoming a sponsor of All Around the Bend. Sponsorship not only aligns your business with a meaningful initiative but also provides valuable visibility throughout the event. As a sponsor, your business will:

• Gain exposure through promotional materials, event signage, and digital outreach
• Be recognized as a leader in supporting workforce development and community engagement. 
• Help shape the future workforce by providing students with real-world career experiences. 
• Receive additional branding opportunities during the Business Showcase on April 12th. 

In addition to these career exploration tours, the All Around the Bend Business Showcase will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the West Bend High School Fieldhouse and Cafeteria. This free, public event (9 AM – 2 PM) features 100 local businesses, showcasing their products, services, and career opportunities. It's a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with the businesses that make up our thriving community.

This fun-filled, family-friendly event will be packed with vendors, giveaways, live entertainment, and more. 

Click Here to Learn More About the All Around the Bend Business Showcase

Investing in West Bend’s Future

All Around the Bend is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for growth, connection, and opportunity in West Bend. The new Business Bus Tours give students a firsthand look at local industries, sparking career inspiration and strengthening our future workforce. Meanwhile, the Business Showcase amplifies the visibility of our incredible businesses, bringing the community together in a powerful way.

By engaging students, supporting businesses, and fostering collaboration, All Around the Bend plays a vital role in shaping a stronger, more connected West Bend. If your business is ready to make an impact, contact the Chamber today.