Sheboygan Retail Pioneer Lynn Potyen Joins Harbor Centre BID Board

ByBrian Bateman
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Empowering Downtown Businesses Through Innovative Community Engagement

Rick Grant, 570-497-1026, rick.grant@rga-pr.com

Sheboygan, WI — February 25, 2025 — The GameBoard, a forward-thinking game store in the heart of Sheboygan, is excited to announce that its award-winning owner, Lynn Potyen, has been appointed to the Harbor Centre Business Improvement District (BID) Board of Directors for 2025. This appointment underscores Potyen’s continued commitment to strengthening Sheboygan’s downtown business community, fostering creative growth, and enhancing the local economy.

Championing Downtown Sheboygan’s Growth

“Making the entire Business Improvement District more successful helps all BID businesses, but it also makes Sheboygan a better place for all residents,” said Potyen. Her dedication to revitalizing the local economy aligns perfectly with the BID’s mission to provide business owners and residents with a thriving downtown environment that promotes socialization, tourism, and economic prosperity.

According to BID Member Services Director Kristin Bahr, “We’re excited to spotlight each of the amazing individuals serving on the Harbor Centre Business Improvement District Board. We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment to supporting local businesses, enhancing community engagement, and driving positive change.” [Source: Harbor Centre BID Facebook Page]

Recognized for Game Industry Excellence

In 2024, Potyen was honored by the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) with its Outstanding Contribution to the Games Industry Award. This year, The GameBoard is nominated for a GAMA Retailer of the Year Award, reflecting its role as a beacon of creativity and community involvement. Potyen has also received multiple accolades from the local Chamber of Commerce for her innovative approaches to retail and her support of educational initiatives.

How The GameBoard Revolutionizes Play

Founded in 2006, The GameBoard was initially inspired by Potyen’s personal journey: her son’s severe speech delay led her to discover the transformative power of board games for learning and engagement. These experiences sparked a passion for harnessing games to foster communication, social skills, and cognitive development in people of all ages.

  • Game-Based Holiday Parties: Celebrating festive events with interactive gameplay.
  • Full-Day Game Labs: Providing immersive experiences that stimulate problem-solving and team-building.
  • Corporate Leadership Workshops: Using board games to enhance strategic thinking, collaboration, and leadership in the workplace.

A Commitment to Education, Therapy, and Community Building

Potyen’s story has been recognized and archived by the Library of Congress and is featured in the 2023 anthology, What Board Games Mean to Me, where she joins 28 voices from around the globe advocating for games as a tool for connection and learning. [Source: “What Board Games Mean to Me,” 2023]

Whether it’s through educational programs for children, therapeutic approaches for those with speech or social challenges, or hands-on corporate training, The GameBoard continues to showcase the positive impact of structured play.

Visit and Engage

When in Sheboygan, be sure to stop by The GameBoard at 621 N. 8th Street in the historic downtown district or call (920) 453-4263 to learn more about upcoming events and workshops. To book Potyen for speaking engagements or to explore The GameBoard’s offerings, visit the-GameBoard.com.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to like, comment, and share this story to celebrate Sheboygan’s vibrant local businesses and support the dedicated individuals driving positive change in our community. Every share, comment, and reaction helps highlight the importance of local entrepreneurship and fosters a more inclusive, thriving commercial hub in downtown Sheboygan.

About The GameBoard

Established in 2006, The GameBoard is owned and operated by Lynn Potyen, an award-winning entrepreneur recognized for her visionary approach to board games as an educational, therapeutic, and team-building resource. Over the years, The GameBoard has become a community pillar, offering both traditional and cutting-edge gameplay experiences that spark creativity, communication, and innovation.

For additional information, interview requests, or to schedule a visit, please contact Rick Grant at 570-497-1026 or rick.grant@rga-pr.com.

“Playing games together enhances creativity, fosters communication and socialization, and builds emotional skills and cognitive learning ability.” – Lynn Potyen

Sheboygan Life Publisher

Brian Bateman is a lifelong Sheboygan County resident, web developer, and founder of SheboyganLife.com. Inspired by his love for the area and a desire to give back, he created this free, community-driven platform to share local events, stories, and happenings.

A graduate of Plymouth and Sheboygan South High Schools and the UW Center in Sheboygan, Brian has spent his career building digital solutions across Wisconsin for clients around the world.

From local event coverage to boosting small businesses, Brian’s mission is simple: spotlight what makes Sheboygan special, support the locals behind it, and keep the community connected, informed, and on the grow.

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