Message from the Chairman
Jon Doemel, Chairman of the Board, 2017-2018
The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce continues to adapt and lead the way for businesses in this wonderful community. I am proud to be serving you as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of this great organization. It is exciting to be the first member of the restaurant industry to do so in over 20 years. My industry is directly and immediately affected by changes in our local economy. I am thankful that our Chamber had the understanding of the different sectors of business and continues to rotate Chairs from these sectors to constantly keep in mind the challenges of all businesses, big and small.
It is an exciting time for Oshkosh. We are growing at an exceptional rate. The Chamber continues our push to be a force in this growth. We have been experiencing tremendous collaboration with the other leading economic leaders such as the Greater Oshkosh Area Economic Development Council, the Oshkosh Community Foundation, UW Oshkosh, Fox Valley Technical College, Oshkosh Area School District and leaders within the City of Oshkosh. At the same time, the Chamber remains an independent voice for businesses to turn to for advocacy in matters that affect us most. Our open lines of communication and forward thinking are crucial to the continued development within our City.
We are fortunate to have such economic giants in our area. Bemis continues its expansion as well as Oshkosh Corporation which just celebrated 100 years in business. We are also fortunate to have a thriving downtown and highway corridor packed with small businesses. We were chosen to be the home of the Wisconsin Herd, a team for the NBA’s G League and erected a beautiful arena impressively fast. Many of these businesses feel the importance of the Chamber’s role and are active members of our board of directors. Our board consists of a vast array of different business leaders ensuring a wide range of input from all aspects of our local business economy. This formula has proven crucial to our continued success.
Some of the lesser known facts about the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce are the successes we have had on a national level. The Oshkosh Chamber sits in the top 1% of Chambers nationwide. We are among 70 five-star accredited chambers out of 7,000. We are among the top 10% for new members, total members, member retention, grants and economic development. I would like to point out that this success comes from the leadership of the Chamber’s board and staff that make this all possible.
This leadership has created a path for growth and is aided by an extremely capable, professional staff. The Chamber has assembled a staff that is one of the finest in the State. We have found and retained some of the best talent we could ask for. I am amazed at their accomplishments and the strides made in growing this community economically. Our mission of connecting the Oshkosh Area School District students and employers continues to build relationships and paths for our children ensuring a healthy workforce for years to come. After all, it is this talent base that will be the distinguishing factor as we continue to develop the community. I have the highest level of confidence in the leadership of the Board of Directors and our Chamber staff to lead our business community into the future.
I am honored to lead this chamber and our community through the next chapter of our history. I am so proud of what our wonderful city has become and excited for what is still to be achieved. Oshkosh is where I was lucky enough to be raised, grateful to live, and look forward to retire in. I encourage you to contact me anytime during the year to discuss any suggestions or concerns you might have about Oshkosh and your Chamber of Commerce.
Welcome to Event City, where there is always somewhere to be.