Your next update from Envision Greater Fond du Lac

It is officially the end of an era. Debbie Froh, Senior Executive Assistant, has officially retired after nearly 20 years of service. Debbie started with the Association of Commerce and was integral in the merger that formed what is Envision Greater Fond du Lac. Debbie has been the resident historian, accountant, office manager, CRM expert, and head cat herder. She has done all of this with grace and professionalism. To say she will be missed is an understatement. We all wish her a happy and relaxing retirement!

Today, there was an important announcement about the future of high-speed passenger rail in Wisconsin. Wisconsin DOT will receive grant funding to study the feasibility of 5 different rail line expansions, including a service line from Milwaukee to Green Bay. This could include a stop in Fond du Lac and has the potential to connect businesses with talent and boost tourism. There are several phases before any of us will be stepping onto a passenger train in Fond du Lac, but this is an important step forward.

Stay Safe,

Sadie Vander Velde

President/CEO

Upcoming Events (registration required)

Coffee Connection - Get your java fix at this Coffee Connection on December 11. This one will take place at Envision with the coffee provided by none other than Caribou Coffee and guests will have the opportunity to update their professional headshot courtesy of Ken Bauer's Little Studio! Pre-registration is greatly appreciated.
Travel Program: A Culinary Journey Through Tuscany Information Session - Ever thought about traveling to Italy? How about if someone else planned it, too? Join us for this information session on a culinary journey through Tuscany on December 12 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. An in-person and virtual option is available. Register today!
Business Connection - The December Business Connection, December 12, will take place at Wisconsin Lighting Lab (WiLL). This one will include house-brewed beer, local pizza, and plenty of "shop" talk!
A.I. for Nonprofits - This workshop is specifically designed for those who work at and with nonprofits. Join us on December 14 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. to learn the latest in AI technologies. Spaced is limited so register today.
SHRM Jingle & Mingle - This event is meant to celebrate SHRM members! Register today for this December 14 event.
YPF Holiday Social - Join other YPF'ers on December 14 for an unforgettable evening of merriment and networking as we gather to celebrate the holiday season with your fellow young professionals!
Holiday Break - Envision Greater Fond du Lac and the Waupun Business Alliance will be closed December 22, 2023 - January 1, 2024.

Business Spotlight

CLA (Clifton Larsen Allen)

CLA (Clifton Larsen Allen) is a professional services firm providing audit, tax, wealth advisory, and consulting services to businesses, individuals, and organizations. They serve all industries from agribusiness to government. Learn more here or watch this video.

Chamber News

Debbie Froh Retires

After nearly two decades, Debbie Froh has retired from Envision Greater Fond du Lac. Debbie will be dearly missed. She is a wealth of knowledge and an instrumental member of the team.

Debbie says she looks forward to not having to get up early to shovel before coming to work but will miss the friendships of her colleagues.

The Envision team wishes her well in all her future adventures with her husband, Tim.

Running for Local Office

We hear constantly how important local elections are and how important it is to vote. We’ve also learned that there isn’t a lot of information on how to actually run for local office. What elected positions are in Fond du Lac County? Where do you start? Who do you talk to? Visit our website for answers.

All spring, nonpartisan elections need to have their nomination papers signed and turned in to the County Clerk (or City Clerk) by January 2, 2024. You still have time!

Envision Greater Fond du Lac Agri-Business Council Agricultural Ambassador Program Named 2023 ALL Award Recipient

The Envision Greater Fond du Lac Agri-Business Council Agricultural Ambassador Program received the 2023 Ag in the Classroom Agriculture Literacy Leadership (ALL) Award during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 3. The ALL Award was established in 2022 to honor the on-going work of volunteers who continually contribute leadership in advancing agriculture literacy through shared time, talents, and creativity. The Agricultural Ambassador Program, run by the Envision Greater Fond du Lac Agri-Business Council, offers free virtual or in-person presentations on a range of agricultural topics tailored for grades K-4 to 8th grade. Read more here.

Travel Program Information Session

You won't want to miss our upcoming information session about the fantastic trip to Italy we have planned! Please join us on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. to take a deep dive into the itinerary where we will share more information on places we'll visit, experiences we'll have and the cultural gems we will explore. This is a no-pressure information session. This is simply an opportunity to learn and ask questions. If you plan to attend, in-person or virtually, we kindly ask you pre-register.

Waupun IceFest

On February 17 and 18, the newly formed Waupun City of Sculpture organization will host its first art & cultural event of the year, Waupun IceFest! This inaugural festival will celebrate the city’s brand with indoor and outdoor activities and sidewalks embellished with ice sculptures!

Waupun City of Sculpture is passionate about adding a winter sculpture event to their growing community. This requires the help of the whole community coming together to honor the history of sculpture and celebrate the new! In fact, this event was created to sculpt the future of Waupun, using all proceeds from this annual festival to add more modern sculptures to our city.

If your business is interested in a sponsorship, click here to learn more.

Gift Certificates

From restaurants, entertainment, and retail/specialty shops, to health care and automobile repair services, Envision Greater Fond du Lac Gift Certificates work just like cash and offer community members the chance to support more than 700 local businesses or organizations who are a member of Envision Greater Fond du Lac.

Gift certificates can be purchased at the Fond du Lac office Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and at the Waupun Business Alliance office (in $20 increments only) on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. For orders of 10 or more, please contact us ahead of time so we can prepare them for you. Envision can be reached at [email protected] or 920.921.9500.

Economic Development News

Wisconsin Proposal Would Give Tax Breaks to Businesses That Help Their Workers Afford Child Care

The Business Childcare Tax Credit (AB 660) would create a refundable tax credit to incentivize employers to provide child care benefits for their employees. The bill will help address the lack of access to affordable child care in Wisconsin, which is an obstacle to strengthening the state’s workforce. The total amount of the credit for eligible businesses would be equal to:

The amount of capital expenditure made to establish an employee childcare program, not to exceed $100,000 per tax year; and/or
The amount of expenses incurred in operating an employee child care program or proving direct payments to a childcare program for an employee’s child, not to exceed $3,000 per participating child of an employee.

This bill could be voted on by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee in mid-December.

Business Retention Expansion Update

Thank you to the 116 businesses that have met with members of the economic development team or responded to the Business Climate Survey. If you would like to meet with a member of the team, or would like to complete the survey, please do so by December 22, 2023.

What is Fond du Lac County’s “Living Wage”?

With inflation outpacing wages more and more workers are trying to keep up with the necessities. As a result, there has been more conversations nationally about providing living wages. But what does it mean to have a living wage and what is the living wage for Fond du Lac County? Read this month's Business Intelligence blog to learn more.

Please send us your news releases! We want to share your news. Send them to [email protected]

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Other Helpful Information

Ken Bauer Professional Portraiture - Ken Bauer Professional Portraiture specializes in portrait photography. Ken has more than 30 years of experience in crafting beautiful outdoor and in-home family and senior portraits.
The Stretch Restaurant - The Stretch Restaurant is back! This iconic diner is open for business. Stop by for classic favorites and new specials. Open daily. Stop by 565 N. Pioneer Road or call 920.701.7191.
Eden Impressions - Eden Impressions is your laser engraving source for that unique gift, personalized drinkware, custom wood signs, recognition awards and so much more!
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