November 30, 2023

Chamber launches new program that links Leadership and Culture

The Fox Cities Chamber has the unique opportunity to be the first in Wisconsin to offer a groundbreaking leadership program – “Leader Lab: Linking Organizational Culture and Leadership.” The program will be facilitated by Amy Schanke, Director of Leadership Fox Cities, the Fox Cities’ premier leadership program since 1991.

Leader Lab is a leadership training resource designed to impact leaders at all levels and across all industries. It is comprised of a combination of seven in-person sessions and a series of short video modules.

Classes will be held at the Fox Cities Chamber from 8 – 9:30 a.m. on the following Thursdays in 2024: February 8 & 22, March 14 & 28, April 11 & 25, and May 9. The program is being offered at an introductory cost of $350, and registration is limited. The registration deadline is Monday, January 8, 2024.

Learn more / Sign up

Grow with Google Grapevine: How to Get Found on Google Search and Maps

In today’s Google Grapevine, we’re going back to the basics! Creating a Business Profile can help customers find your business online, and if you have one, at your physical location. In this Grow with Google video Israel Serna, a Grow with Google Trainer, will guide you through claiming your business on Google, setting up your profile, and ensuring that it contains the information required to appear in Google Search and Google Maps. Israel also provides tips on going beyond search optimization, and discusses how to make your profile engaging to customers.

Watch the video

Help judge our local Civics Bee

The Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a first-of-its-kind civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

We're looking for essay judges to review student essays and play the pivotal role of determining which 20 students advance as local finalists. Judges should represent a cross-section of the community, from educators and youth leaders to officials and executives, and come from diverse backgrounds. Some essay judges should have experience working with students, and bring an understanding of students’ points of view.

Interested in learning more and helping to advance civics knowledge in our local community? Reach out to Aimee Herrick at aherrick@foxcc.net.

Tickets now on sale for Celebrate: A Toast to 150

Tickets are now on sale for the Fox Cities Chamber’s “Celebrate: A Toast to 150” event on Tuesday, January 16, at Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel in Neenah. This is a can’t-miss event, where attendees will enjoy dinner and a show as the 2023 Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award winners are honored and the Chamber kicks off its 150th anniversary year.

General admission for the event is $150 for Fox Cities Chamber members and $175 for non-members. Tables of 10 are also available for $1,500/$1,750.

Grab your tickets now!

Chamber hosting blood drive December 20

The holiday season is the perfect time to give back to your community, so the Fox Cities Chamber is hosting a blood drive on December 20 from 7:30 - 10:30 AM.

Did you know blood has a shelf life of 42 days and needs to be replenished constantly? Or that one person out of every seven walking into a hospital will need blood? Help keep our community safe and supplied this holiday season by donating blood. Sign up below!

Civics Bee offered for Fox Cities Middle Schoolers

A recent NPR study show U.S. history and civics test scores are at an all-time low; only 14% of students tested proficient in history and 22% in civics. In an effort to address those low scores, the Fox Cities Chamber is participating in the National Civics Bee, an annual competition that encourages young participants to have a strong civic background and be involved in their communities. Read the full article in The Business News here.

Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Wisconsin with an idea about using civics to improve their community may review the rules and submit an essay application. The application closes on January 8, 2024.

Learn more

Tickets are available for the 2024 Economic Outlook Lunch on Tuesday, February 13 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This annual event features nationally-acclaimed "stand-up" economist Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., as the keynote speaker.

Tickets are available online or using the button below. For sponsorship information, email ebroten@foxcc.net or click the button below.

Recognize an outstanding educator in the Fox Cities

The Fox Cities Chamber's Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards program recognizes 10 outstanding educators who have made a positive impact on their communities.

Nominations close on Wednesday, January 10 at 3 PM. Recipients will be celebrated on March 21, 2024. For any questions, email Aimee Herrick at aherrick@foxcc.net.

Nominate!

Interested in more networking opportunities? Sign up for Network Builder!

You may have seen an email earlier this week about signing up for our Network Builder program. This is a FREE networking program we offer all Chamber members that provides a simple way to connect with other members. Network Builder uses email to occasionally introduce you to other members of the Chamber who want to connect. The program is a little over a year old and we have already made 1,200 connections to Fox Cities Chamber members! Using it is easy:

Accept the invite below and select a few options.
Start receiving occasional email introductions to other members.
Arrange a time to connect via a call, in person meeting, or at an event.

Here's a quick how it works video.

Ready to get started? Accept Invite !

Grant Oasis: Navigating the Funding Shoreline for Nonprofits

Grant strategies are truly a long-term game, and involve many strong components. That's why the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber is hosting an event for nonprofits to learn the steps.

This event will be offered both in-person and virtually on December 4, from 10 - 11:30 AM at the Fox Cities Chamber. Learn more and sign up here.

Bergstrom is excited to host the December Business After Hours! Join us on December 14 for an after-hours event from 5 - 7 p.m. at Bergstrom Genesis on 2900 N. Victory Lane in Appleton.

Chamber Member News

Oshkosh Area Community Pantry strives to SPARK hope this holiday season.

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists recognized as one of America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

Twelve local entrepreneurial pitch contest winners advance to NEW Launch Alliance regional pitch competition.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center announced that Kessler-Fahrenkrug Funeral Home is providing a $10,000 gift match to the Center’s Year-End Giving Campaign.

Red Shoes Inc. named finalist for PR Daily’s Media Relations Awards for Exclusive Content Strategy.

Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity announces $50,000 match for donations made through Dec. 31, 2023.

SECURA Insurance donates $39,000 to nonprofits.

People Making Headlines

Three new hospital presidents are joining Ascension Wisconsin’s leadership team: Shane Carter, Ascension NE Wisconsin; Andre Storey, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital; Kurt Schley, MHA, Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospitals.

Omni Glass & Paint promotes Matt Petersen to general manager of contract glass.

Mayor Merkes announces he will not seek fifth term.