December 7, 2023

Two major announcements mean a potential boon for the Fox Cities area

Two major announcements were made this morning that have the potential for a major economic impact in the Fox Cities.

First, congratulations to U.S. Venture Inc., who announced plans to purchase and renovate the landmark 222 Building on West College Avenue in downtown Appleton for use as its new corporate headquarters. The company estimated it would invest $56 million in the project. About 550 employees would be based in the 10-story building. All of us at the Chamber look forward to welcoming our new neighbors!

In a separate announcement, the state learned that they will receive federal grants to study passenger rail expansion in Wisconsin; an important first step to determining the feasibility and potential economic benefits that trains could provide. The grants from the US DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) provide for federally-funded planning to be undertaken to look at expanding service on current routes and adding train service to new cities around the state, including the Fox Cities.

Both are exciting news for our local economy, as the Fox Cities continues to grow and thrive!

Chamber Quick Poll:

Do you know a middle schooler interested in civics?

Yes

Not sure

Previous Poll Results:

What Q1 Chamber event are you most looking forward to?

Celebrate: A Toast to 150 - 45.6%
Excellence in Education Awards - 27.8%
Economic Outlook Lunch - 26.6%

Get your tickets! Register for Celebrate: A Toast to 150 here. Register for the Economic Outlook Lunch here.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for all three events. Contact Eric Broten for more information.

Donate at Chamber's Holiday Blood Drive on Dec. 20

The Fox Cities Chamber, in partnership with The Community Blood Center is hosting a blood drive on Dec. 20 from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Chamber. Donations help patients right here in the Fox Cities.

The need for blood never takes a holiday; donated blood has a shelf life of 42 days and needs to be replenished constantly. In fact, the need for blood is higher during the holidays and winter than any other time of the year. Help keep our community safe and supplied by donating blood.

Middle School students can win up to $11,500 and a trip to Washington D.C.!

The Fox Cities Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a first-of-its-kind civics essay competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes!

Students will compete at the local level for a first place prize of $500, then move on to the state level for a first place prize of $1,000. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the inaugural National Civics Bee national championship for a chance to win at least $10,000.

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 / Apply

Purchase your tickets to 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.

Join us in celebrating the Fox Cities Chamber's Lifetime Achievement awards, a distinguished set of awards recognizing the leaders in our community. Also enjoy music by Michael Prusinsky, a dinner show performed by Let Me Be Frank, and a celebratory toast to 150 years! There will be a silent auction held throughout the night with a variety of exciting auction packages that everyone is welcome to participate in.

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!

Fox Cities Chamber first in Wisconsin to offer Leader Lab: Linking Organizational Culture and Leadership

There's a new leadership opportunity coming to the Fox Cities! The Fox Cities Chamber is the FIRST in Wisconsin to offer Leader Lab: Linking Organizational Culture and Leadership.

Leadership is a mindset. It’s a way of thinking – a way of viewing the world. The most capable leaders see opportunities that others miss to build culture, strengthen teams, develop employees, and motivate performance. ANYONE can be a leader, whether it’s at your job, in your community, or even within your family. This course will give you the tools to succeed at any level; the program consists of seven in-person classes, with self-study and reflection between class sessions.

Leader Lab is being offered at an introductory cost of $350 - registration is limited and the deadline is Jan 8, 2024.

Learn more / Sign up

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

When you give during the month of December, SECURA Insurance will match your gift dollar for dollar up to a total of $35,000.

Changes to WEDC’s Brownfield Site Assessment Grant Program affecting asbestos abatement projects in small communities.

Red Shoes Inc. named finalist for Best Workplace of the Year in 2023 MARKETPLACE Governor Awards.

Fox Cities CVB Announces New Culinary Event in 2024.

People Making Headlines

OTIS DAY Returns to Northeast Wisconsin Radio at 95.9 KISS FM (WKSZ-FM).

NEW Compost LLC, an eco-friendly business idea of entrepreneur Connor Freimuth, was the winner of the NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event.

Menasha Corporation is pleased to announce that Denise Starcher, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, has been named to the list of Top Women Leaders of Wisconsin for 2023 by Women We Admire.