Get to know: Andy Linton
Executive director, VenuWorks of Oshkosh
When Andy Linton moved from Alabama to Oshkosh last September, he was on a clear mission: make profitable the beleaguered Oshkosh Arena that was in foreclosure.
With a year under his belt as executive director, Linton oversees operations for Iowa-based VenuWorks, the company contracted to manage the arena that was in receivership. “I took the job fully expecting that we were taking over this building that was in receivership to bring it back to life, to get it busy,” says Linton, a West Virginia native.
The executive chef-turned-arena director has spent his career following opportunities across the South, from Florida to Kentucky to Alabama. His background includes a stint as executive director of tourism and events in Kentucky, giving him unique insight into both venue operations and economic impact.
“A building like [the Oshkosh Arena] is very, very needed for quality of life,” Linton says. “If you don’t have something for people to do in your city, they’re not going to stay in your city. They’re not going to spend money in your city.”
Since it opened in 2017, the arena has hosted more than 200,000 guests at a variety of events, including Wisconsin Herd basketball games, but stalled when its previous owners filed for bankruptcy.
“The biggest challenge is just changing people’s perspective of the building,” says Linton, who wants to see the arena “in the black by year three” of VenuWorks’ five-year contract. “I’ve been trying to rebuild the trust not just with our hometown clientele, but also the major part is rebuilding relationships with promoters.”
Under Linton’s leadership, the arena has launched successful new programming including a Friday fish fry, murder mystery dinners and Oshkosh’s Funniest Comedian. The venue has also secured its first major concert since 2023 — Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band on Oct. 18 — with additional concerts in November and December.
“It’s like a train,” Linton says. “It was slow getting started, but we’re starting to move pretty fast.”
— Amelia Compton Wolff
Far out
The University of Wisconsin‑Green Bay hosted the 35th annual Wisconsin Space Conference in August, where scientists, engineers, educators, students and industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of space and energy for space operations. The event featured keynote speaker Lindsay Kaldon, fission surface power project manager at NASA Glenn Research Center, and showcased student research, workforce connections and aerospace innovation. Statewide employers highlighted how Wisconsin businesses are strengthening the regional workforce. As a member of the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, UW-Green Bay is part of a statewide alliance powered by NASA and dedicated to advancing aerospace innovation. WSGC connects Wisconsin innovators with the tools, funding and networks needed to drive discovery and economic growth in the space sector.
Driving out poverty
The 40th annual U.S. Venture Open held Aug. 13 raised $5.19 million to end poverty in Northeast Wisconsin. Two thousand attendees and 1,000 golfers gathered for the nation’s largest one-day charitable event, joined by celebrity guest of honor Jeremy Renner. Since its inception in 1986, the event has raised more than $75 million and granted $60 million through the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, which was founded in 2007 by the J. J. Keller Foundation and U.S. Venture. “Each year, the U.S. Venture Open reminds us of the incredible things we can accomplish when purpose and generosity align,” said Greg Vandenberg, director of giving and community engagement at U.S. Venture. In 2024, the Basic Needs Giving Partnership awarded $6.6 million in new grant commitments and $5.1 million in grants distributed to nonprofits across regions in Green Bay, Fox Valley and Oshkosh.
Market makeover
Woodlake Market, which has operated in the village of Kohler since 1986, temporarily closed beginning in August as it began a full‑scale, year‑long renovation. The redesigned space will include gourmet stations such as a fresh deli and pizza oven, an expanded selection of wellness and sustainability-focused products, and a dedicated space for Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates. “This transformation reflects our commitment to innovation and to creating dynamic spaces that serve both our residents and the many guests who travel to Kohler,” said Stephen Beaumont, president of Kohler Hospitality. “We are creating a destination that celebrates wellness, community and the simple joy of exceptional food.” The updated market is expected to reopen next summer.
