About Us
Monona East Side Business AllianceAbout
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
- One Community Bank
- Originally from Indiana
- Favorite part of the East Side:
- 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 – Vice President
- Ho Chunk Gaming Madison
- Originally from Chicago, IL
- Favorite part of living on the East Side:
- 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.

Ryan Ackerman – Board Treasurer
- Monona Bank
- Originally from East Side of Madison
- Favorite Part of the East Side:
- The small-town neighborhood feeling with easy access to the bike path.

Aaron Pruefert – Board Secretary
- Country Inn & Suites
- Originally from East Troy, WI
- Best Part of Living on the East Side:
- It really has everything you need.

April Carlisle – Board Member
- Farmer's Insurance
- Originally from Monona
- Favorite part of living on the East Side:
- I love the people! I love that it is a beautiful community and that we all somehow know each other and if by chance we don't, we are excited to meet and support each other because that's how the Eastside works!

Joe Long – Board Member
- Guild Mortgage
- Originally from Madison
- Favorite Part of the East Side:
- All the amazing restaurants!

Jim Lampe – Board Member
- Dane Building Concepts
- Originally from
- Favorite part of living on the East Side:

Karen Bosold – Board Member
- Community Member
- Originally from Madison
- Favorite part of living on the East Side:
- All the local restaurants.

Cara Erickson – Board Member
- Aldo Leopold Nature Center
- Originally from Dane County
- Favorite part of living on the East Side:
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
- Modern Woodmen of America
- Originally from Lexington, KY
- Favorite thing about the Monona Area:
- strong sense of community.

Trent Einbeck
- Lake Ridge Bank
- Originally from Monroe, WI
- Favorite thing about the Monona Area:
- all the festivals and community events. There is always something to do!

Lisa Lietz-Ray
- Laffey, Sebranek, Auby & Ristau, S.C.
- Originally from a dairy farm outside of LaValle in northwestern Sauk County
- Favorite thing about the Monona Area:
- 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!

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!
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.
The MESBA Logo
The MESBA logo was designed by Kristie GoForth with two different possible perspectives in mind.
The Forward Together Arrow
The Forward Together Arrow logo embodies our unified business community, symbolized by an arrow moving forward in harmony. It represents our collective strength and resilience, showcasing how collaboration fosters progress. Each triangle within the arrow signifies the diverse sectors of businesses and individuals contributing to our shared journey. Inspired by the rich Native heritage of Monona and its connection to the Ho-Chunk people, the triangles pay homage to the traditional artistry of Native cultures, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and honoring the land on which we thrive.
The Fish
The Fish icon embodies the essence of unity and collaboration within our business community. Inspired by the synchronized movement of a school of fish, the shape symbolizes strength in numbers and mutual support. Just as fish swim together for safety, we thrive when we unite and work collectively. The vibrant array of colors within the icon reflects the eclectic nature of our chamber’s member businesses. Together, we harness our collective energy to propel us forward as a cohesive force.
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.





