(608) 416-1610

About Us

Monona East Side Business Alliance

About

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote and foster an environment that attracts, supports and retains private-sector jobs, spurs economic vitality and enables quality educational opportunities for the area while always promoting and encouraging engagement with our members. With the help of our members, MESBA is committed to improving the economic future of our community. We are dedicated to propelling the Monona East Side community forward through sustainable and responsible business growth.

In pursuit of that mission, the Monona East Side Business Alliance offers a variety of networking events and professional development opportunities to connect and foster growth in our business community. We also advocate for business at all levels of government.

 

Board of Directors

We are governed by an 11-15 member board of directors, representing a diversity of companies, industries, and business interests. The board is actively involved in decision-making regarding our advocacy efforts, financial health, programming, and membership recruitment and retention.

Teri Erickson – Board President

  • I love the hidden parks that could be anywhere! I also love that you can walk all the way around the lake starting and stopping in Monona. I also love the little shops like Booth 121 and The Cozy Home. Mr. Brews was my favorite burger joint, best burgers ever!

Jordan Dominguez – Board Vice President

  • To help grow, and bring tourism, and smiles into the community. I am getting to know the people and local businesses. Working and being on the board with MESBA for a better Monona for our future leaders.

Trent Einbeck – Board Treasurer

  • Lake Ridge Bank
  • Originally from Monroe, WI
  • Favorite thing about Monona and the East Side:
  • all the festivals and community events. There is always something to do!

Aaron Pruefert – Board Secretary

  • It really has everything you need.

Angela Laufenberg – Board Member

  • My favorite thing about Monona is the people and the way the community shows up for one another. After more than a decade of working here, it truly feels like a second home.

Josh Bulavko – Board Member

  • I would say my favorite thing about Monona and East Madison are all of the great breweries! They are great places to meet up with friends, play games, and enjoy tasty beverages! I also really enjoy being so close to the lakes, which offer endless sources of fun during the Summer.

Jim Lampe – Board Member

  • lakes, green space, and good restaurant selections

Karen Bosold – Board Member

  • Community Member
  • Originally from Madison
  • Favorite thing about Monona and the East Side:
  • All the local restaurants.

Cara Erickson – Board Member

  • The vibe, the community, and the sunset view! The east side communities of Willy Street, Atwood Ave, and Monona Drive are home and there's no better place to watch the sunset than the Monona/east side lakeshore as the sun sets over the isthmus and downtown Madison.

Ambassadors

Ambassadors play an active role in shaping our programming and supporting membership recruitment and retention. As key points of contact, ambassadors foster meaningful connections with members, ensuring they stay informed and engaged with available opportunities.

Monica Gunderson

  • Chisel ActionCOACH
  • Originally from Cottage Grove Address | Stoughton Schools | Deerfield Phone Number
  • Favorite thing about the Monona Area:
  • The first house I ever rented was in Monona. Fond memories of rollerblading everywhere.

Stefanie Kelly

  • strong sense of community.

Krista Kuhlman

  • Homes by Krista
  • Originally from Beaver Dam.
  • Favorite thing about the Monona Area:
  • Its proximity to nature (Edna Taylor Conservation park and Lake Monona) and the great places to eat!

Lisa Lietz-Ray

  • is its hometown feel even though it is in a metropolitan area with a highly diverse and thriving business community.

Gene Sarmiento

  • Sarmac Solutions
  • Born in the Philipiines. Lived in the Oakland CA and other cities but was living in Union City CA before moving to Madison 2009 and live on the Eastside.
  • Favorite thing about the Monona Area:
  • I enjoy the bike friendly community and bike paths including biking on the frozen lake.

Teresa Plumley

  • Lake Ridge Bank
  • Originally from Stoughton and still reside there, it’s another charming city.
  • Favorite thing about the Monona Area:
  • There are so many things that I love about Monona! Some of my favorite restaurants are located in Monona and in the summer, several have waterfront areas to eat lunch, I love all of the community events and the friendliness of everyone is amazing!

Staff

Christine Welcher – Executive Director

  • MESBA
  • Originally from Bangor, WI
  • Favorite Part of the East Side:
  • The friendly small town feel with the convenience of a large city.

Laura Hofsteen – Toursim Coordinator

  • MESBA
  • Originally from Trego, WI
  • Favorite Part of the East Side:
  • Lots of public water access, a strong sense of community, and the best fireworks display I've seen anywhere in the country.

Download MESBA Logos

Are you a MESBA supporter? We love to see our members featuring our logo on their websites and on their marketing materials. Below are a variety of high-resolution and low-resolution logo files for our members to use. Please contact us if you have any questions or give us a call at 608-416-1610.

JPG Versions

PNG Versions