January 26, 2023

Ducommun recognized as Fox Cities Employee Friendly Workplace

Congratulations to Ducommun, who has been certified as a gold-level Employee Friendly Workplace by the Chamber. This certification recognizes employers who demonstrate a significant commitment to promoting work/life integration by creating a positive work environment and experience for all employees.

According to Sean O’Hagen, Ducommun’s Performance Center Director, the certification couldn’t have come at a more exciting time for the Ducommun’s Appleton location, as they recently broke a company record with over $107 million in sales and announced an expansion to their facility which will break ground this spring. They attribute much of this success to their employee friendly workplace.

Read the full news release here.

Chamber Quick Poll

The Chamber is planning three marketing seminars for 2023, which of these would you attend?

Social Media

Branding

Marketing on a small budget

Website Management

Developing a simple marketing plan

Digital Marketing

Last Week's Quick Poll Results

Which of these auction items would you rather win?

Santorini Greek Paradise Getaway - 38.7%
Wine country resort package in Sonoma Valley - 22.5%
Hunting package at Blueberry Hill - 13.5%
Lectric XP™ 3.0 eBike - 13.5%
Guided walleye fishing on the Bay - 11.7%

Your Business Advocate Blog

Evers Delivers State of the State Address

On Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers delivered his annual State of the State and called on legislators to pass several initiatives he is planning on proposing in the 2023-2025 Wisconsin State budget. He outlined several areas of priority, including economic development, child care, and mental health, among others.

Evers announced more than $190 million in investments that will be included in his 2023-35 executive budget proposal to bolster Wisconsin’s workforce, including the healthcare, education, and clean energy sectors. He also announced his plan to continue investing in small business development across the state through the successful Main Street Bounceback Grant Program.

Read the full blog post here.

Jon Turke

Vice President of Government Affairs

jturke@foxcitieschamber.com

Nominate an exceptional educator for a Shining Star Award!

Nominate an educator for an award

Leadership Fox Cities and LFC 2.0 will open applications starting May 1, 2023.

Leadership Fox Cities has shaped community leaders with immersive educational experiences and engagements since 1991. Starting in fall of each year, participants gather monthly for day-long educational sessions in the community.

Leadership Fox Cities 2.0 was created exclusively for graduates of Leadership Fox Cities and other community leadership programs. The advanced leadership development program is an extension of the original program that takes a deeper dive into community topics, furthering participants’ knowledge and understanding of the region.

Want to learn more? Read the full news release here.

Congratulations to Era Suits Plus on their grand opening & ribbon cutting!

See photos from the event

'Branding Yourself Across Social Media Platforms'

PULSE Professional Development Committee is hosting a Lunch 'n Learn, 'Branding Yourself Across Social Media Platforms,' on February 16 from 11 AM - 1PM. Presenter Chris Burns is a published author, podcaster, and serial entrepreneur who owns and operates five different businesses and has more than 20 years of experience. You don't want to miss out on this presentation, so sign up now.

Meet James Ervin, our Livability partner

As mentioned previously, we have extended the deadline for Fox Cities businesses to partner with the Chamber on an annual publication focused on economic development. The publication, done in partnership with Livability Media, will showcase our region as a premier place to work, live, and play, and we invite you to join us in this custom talent attraction campaign.

Our Livability representative, James Ervin, is currently reaching out to Fox Cities businesses to discuss how you can be part of this program. You can also reach him directly at: 615-771-5592, jervin@livmedia.com, or schedule an appointment with him online by clicking here.

Come meet your Supreme Court candidates

Our Public Policy Series kicks off 2023 with a forum of candidates on the ballot for the State Supreme Court. The event is one week before the Primary Election, so it will be a great time for Chamber members to hear directly from the candidates before casting their vote. The forum includes Justice Daniel Kelly and Judge Everett Mitchell, and Judge Janet Protasiewicz has been invited.

The event is being held February 14, 7:30 - 9 AM, at the Fox Club. Register for the morning here.

Restaurant Week kicks off tomorrow!

Kick off 2023 with a ten day celebration of the best food and drink in the Fox Cities! With options for breakfast ($12), lunch ($17) and dinner ($28 or $34), Restaurant Week Fox Cities is the perfect way to experience all the Fox Cities dining scene has to offer. Price-fixed menus are created specifically for the event and 3-course meals are offered at lunch and dinner. Grab your friends, plan your stops, and get ready for the Fox Cities culinary excursion of the year!

The event runs from Jan. 27 - Feb. 5. Learn more about Restaurant Week here.

FVTC Seminar #2: Social Media Basics and Understanding TikTok

Secure the basics of social media for your business! First, you’ll be introduced to the social media landscape of TikTok and you’ll identify the platforms that make sense for your business. Next, learn the landscape of TikTok and you’ll leave having made and posted a TikTok video. You'll be learning from someone who has amassed 30,000+ followers on TikTok this past year.

SBDC at the Chamber on Feb. 1

Get easy, no-cost access to small business consulting services at the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce.

Now it’s easier than ever to access the pros from the Small Business Development Center, as consultants are at the Fox Cities Chamber office on a regular basis. No matter what stage you are at in starting or growing your for-profit business, their small business experts are here for you.

What we're reading

Most Wisconsin businesses think a recession is coming, but it's still too soon to tell

Wisconsin's estimated budget surplus tops $7 billion

Storms in California raising produce prices in Wisconsin

Chamber Member News

FVTC will allow students earning an AA or AS from FVTC to seamlessly transfer to UWO or UW-GB.

Capital Credit Union is now accepting applications for its Tom Young Educational Scholarship.

Faith Technologies received a gold-level 2022 Projects of Distinction Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin.

Flex-Staff, Inc. is celebrating its 50th year in the staffing and employment industry.

Registration for the 2023 BayCare Clinic Century Bayshore to Lakeshore cycling tour begins Wed., Feb. 1.

People Making Headlines

Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. announced that four members of their design staff have recently been promoted: Jon Rynish and Kurt Peeters - Senior Project Architect, Aaron Gafner and AJ Weiskopf - Senior Project Designer.

Jay McKenna previously president and COO of North Shore Bank, has been named president and CEO effective immediately.