Stay informed and check out everything happening with the Chamber!
Member Matters.jpg

APRIL 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

Oshkosh Chamber News

Advocacy

Economic Development Updates

Programs & Services

Amplify

Leadership Oshkosh

March Recap

Business Briefs

New Members 

Membership Renewals

Oshkosh Chamber Ad - 600x300px (2).png

Member Matters is sponsored by StellarBlue.ai

CHAMBER NEWS

SAVE THE DATE - SIGNATURE EVENT S.png

We're thrilled to announce the eagerly awaited dates for three of our most anticipated signature events of the year!


  • 117th Annual Meeting & Recognition ProgramJoin us for an evening of celebration and acknowledgment as we highlight the remarkable achievements within our business community. Mark your calendars for Thursday January 16th, 2025.


  • Economic Outlook Breakfast: Get ready to gain valuable insights and strategic perspectives at our highly anticipated Economic Outlook Breakfast! On Tuesday February 11th, 2025, industry expert Danielle DiMartino Booth, CEO & Chief Strategist for QI Research, will join us for the first time to discuss current market trends, economic forecasts, and share invaluable strategies to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve!


  • Business Expo: Our annual Business Expo is back, bigger, and better than ever. Scheduled for Wednesday March 19th, 2025, this event promises unparalleled networking opportunities! Get ready to connect and collaborate with so many great local businesses at our 2025 Business Expo! Interested in an early bird special or becoming an event sponsor? Please contact Connie Carmical at [email protected]


Make sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details on these exciting events. We can't wait to see you there!

APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH!

Thank you to all of our fantastic Chamber Ambassadors

5.png
2.png
6.png
4.png

Join us in celebrating the invaluable contributions of our dedicated team of Chamber volunteer Ambassadors. These passionate advocates serve as the backbone for our Chamber and play a vital role in bolstering the success of all of our numerous Chamber events. From managing registrations to supporting ribbon cuttings and grand opening celebrations, their unwavering assistance ensures the seamless operation of each event. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these remarkable individuals for making what we do possible!


A special shoutout to:

  • Matthew Borkovec, Remley Law, S.C.
  • Jeremy Burri, Veritas Financial Services
  • Katie Cook, J & R Auto Service, Inc.
  • Darlene Darrow, First Weber Realtors, Oshkosh
  • Tina Fillmore, Cedar Yard Greetings
  • Kelsy Hayes, Creative Sign Company Inc
  • Barbara Herzog, Oshkosh Area School District
  • Jodi Jensema, Discover Oshkosh
  • Ann Marie Koleske, Accede, LLC & Hands to Heart LLC
  • Patti Langkau, RE/MAX On The Water
  • Greg Linse, BQ Services LLC
  • Mary Murken, Dimond Bros Insurance
  • Justin Schmick, Schmick Agency
  • Pam Schubert, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation
  • Dianna Stiefvater, Fletcher Chiropractic
  • Brian Wendt, FVSBank
  • Wendy Wiedmeyer, Celerity Staffing Solutions


Thank you for all you do to support both our chamber and local businesses!


For more information on how to become an ambassador, please contact Connie Carmical at [email protected] or Brianna Gonnering at [email protected].

NOW INTRODUCING CHAMBER CHATTER!

Chamber Chatter.png

The Oshkosh Chamber and NewsTalk 1490 WOSH are very excited to feature a new segment on the WOSH Morning News with Phil Cianciola, called Chamber Chatter!


Tune in at 8:15 AM every 3rd Monday of the Month for a lively segment where we delve into the heart of our Chamber's initiatives. From unveiling details about upcoming signature events to shedding light on our economic and workforce development programs, Leadership Oshkosh, Amplify Oshkosh, and the latest community developments, Chamber Chatter promises to keep you informed throughout the year. 


Listen to a recap of our first-ever segment of Chamber Chatter, featuring President/CEO Rob Kleman and Special Events Coordinator Brianna Gonnering, by clicking HERE!

LISTEN NOW

OUR SECOND SURVEY IS NOW AVAILABLE!

2024 MRA & Eau Claire Chamber Survey.png


2024 INDUSTRIAL & PRODUCTION TRADES SURVEY


The Oshkosh Chamber has partnered with the Eau Claire Chamber and MRA to commission an Industrial & Production Trades study that is exclusively available to our Chamber members.  What makes this opportunity different than others you’ve seen? Timely results at a low cost to your business. The Industrial & Production Trades Survey (the second of three available) is $195 for new participants (normally $2,399) or $175 if you participated in the first Benchmark Compensation survey. Results will be released to participants in July 2024.


The survey is only open until April 12th. Once the registration form is completed and payment is received, you will be emailed the link to participate in the 2024 Industrial Production Trades survey. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Rob Kleman, President & CEO of the Oshkosh Chamber at [email protected].


TAKE SURVEY HERE

ADVOCACY

Voters Guide and Reminder for April 2nd Election!

2024 Voters Guide.png


Elections for the Oshkosh Common Council and the Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education will be held TOMORROW Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Your Oshkosh Chamber has established a Voters Guide with candidate questionnaires that are tailored for the business community. The responses are provided here and are available on the Oshkosh Chamber website under Advocacy > 2024 Spring Elections.


We hope that the candidate responses will help in your decision making process when heading to the polls on Tuesday, April 2. 

CLICK HERE FOR VOTER'S GUIDE

Governor Evers Signs BTC Modernization Bill into Law

BTC Bill Picture.jpg


Gov. Tony Evers has signed Assembly Bill 627 into law as 2023 WI Act 143. The legislation modernizes the state’s Business Development Tax Credit (BTC), changing it from a job-focused incentive to a capital expenditure-focused program. The bill was approved by the Assembly earlier this year and cleared the state Senate on March 12 – the last day of the 2023-24 legislative session. 


While the BTC – a performance-based, refundable income tax credit designed to encourage business development – has been used successfully to attract new businesses to Wisconsin, the program had lost considerate value due to the state’s changing economic environment. The outdated law had also put Wisconsin at a competitive disadvantage. 


Under previous law, BTC awards were based on job creation, which was extremely challenging amid a growing and likely long-term workforce shortage. One of the biggest challenges currently facing Wisconsin employers is their inability to find enough workers, and they are increasingly turning to automation and other substantial capital expenditures to bridge the labor gap. The new law will make the BTC program more flexible and competitive, by steering primary eligibility for tax awards away from job creation and instead emphasizing capital investment. 


Working alongside the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), the Oshkosh Chamber played a large part in pushing this bill past the finish line. We are excited to see the opportunity that comes from the modernization of this bill.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

  • The Oshkosh Common Council extended the developers agreement for the “Mill on Main” multifamily apartment complex to the Fall of 2024 during their March 26th meeting. The proposed development by T. Wall Enterprises is to include 295 market rate apartments, close to 20,000 square feet of commercial space, underground parking, a club house, and more. T. Wall Enterprises is working through the financial process for the development. 


  • The Oshkosh Common Council approved a $4 MM TIF for the Froedtert / ThedaCare Micro-Hospital project during their March 26th meeting. The remediation of the contaminated soil of the former Jeld Wen site is the driving factor for the city assistance. The construction for the project has begun and is to include 18 beds, a drive-through pharmacy, and an ER to help better serve the residents living on the East side of HWY 41. 



FEBRUARY 2024 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE RISES FOR 1ST MONTH SINCE AUGUST


The unemployment rates for Oshkosh and Winnebago County rose for the first month since August of ‘23 as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). 


CITY OF OSHKOSH EMPLOYMENT DATA

The data indicated that the unemployment rate for February 2024 was 2.7%, an increase from January of 2024 and several points higher than the February 2023 number of 2.0%. There were 33,744 Oshkosh City residents working this year in February vs. 33,730 last year, for a total gain of only 14 workers year over year. The total labor force numbers in February were 34,679 in 2024 versus 34,720 in January of 2024. 


WINNEBAGO COUNTY EMPLOYMENT DATA

The Winnebago County unemployment rate for February 2024 was 2.8%, higher than the rate from February 2023, 2.1%, and higher than the January 2024 number of 2.3% as well. There were 90,199 Winnebago County residents working this year vs. 90,162 last year, for a net gain of only 37 workers. Winnebago County’s labor force decreased in February from 92,817 in January 2024 to 92,788 in February 2024, a decrease of 29 people. 


WISCONSIN and US EMPLOYMENT DATA

The Wisconsin February 2024 unemployment rate was 3.3%, the same as February of 2023 but higher than the January 2024 number of 2.8%. In February, there were 3,012,206 statewide residents working this year vs. 2,977,874 last year, for a gain of 14,332 workers. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.9%. 


Please contact Colan Treml, Economic Development Director at the Oshkosh Chamber at [email protected] or 920-303-2265, ext. 20 for more information or any questions relating to this data. 


CITY OF OSHKOSH
WINNEBAGO COUNTY

APRIL PROGRAMS & SERVICES

MONDAY, APRIL 1ST | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Propel_Feb 5.jpg
REGISTER
2024 Ribbon Cutting - Copper Hall PNG.png
LEARN MORE
Nova.png
LEARN MORE
General Announcement Post 2.jpg
REGISTER HERE
OC Connection.png
REGISTER
Lunch & Learn April 10th (1).png
REGISTER
Erbert & Gerberts.png
LEARN MORE
E-Power.png
LEARN MORE
592 Korean BBQ.png
LEARN MORE

THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM

Propel Oshkosh YPN April Member Mingle at Becket's

Member Mingle - Beckets.jpg
REGISTER
The Wit.png
LEARN MORE
BAF - The Wit.png
REGISTER
2024 - AM Oshkosh (Father Carrs).png
REGISTER
Senior Talent Track 2024 Intro.png


Senior Talent Track 2024 is intended to connect outgoing local high school seniors that do not have an after-graduation plan with local businesses that have career opportunities for them! Please keep an eye out for more information or contact Shannon Seaman at [email protected] directly with questions.

REGISTER
Osh Chamber Save the Date.png


Amplify IT 2024 | April 9th, 2024


Senior Talent Track | April 24th, 2024


Oshkosh Corporation Bank First Chamber Golf Invitational | May 20th, 2024


Oshkosh Corporation Bank First Chamber Golf Classic | August 19th, 2024


CHAMBER CALENDAR
2024 May Golf Outing Graphic (1).png
REGISTER

AMPLIFY

AmplifyIT 2024, Artificial Intelligence - Keynote Breakdown.jpg


Amplify IT 2024 will explore the cutting edge world of Artificial Intelligence and dive into its numerous uses throughout a variety of areas. A.I. in manufacturing, cybersecurity, education, and so much more will be discussed by experts in their fields, leaving you with incredible information on one of the most transformative and influential technologies of the last century. We will clarify widespread A.I. myths, how A.I. can enhance jobs, talk through the technology’s most common concerns, and highlight exciting opportunities.


Find out more about our speakers and register today at www.AmplifyOshkosh.com.

REGISTER

LEADERSHIP OSHKOSH

LO Application Now Open (2) (1).png

Leadership Oshkosh is designed to bring together a diverse group of individuals who share a basic interest in and commitment to the Oshkosh community. Its mission is to inspire and empower people to make a difference in the community.


Leadership participants share these basic characteristics:


  • Demonstrated or potential community involvement through volunteering.
  • Present or potential leadership role in an organization relative to an individual’s interests or experience.
  • Ability and interest to complete the Leadership Oshkosh program and contribute to the future success of the Oshkosh community through professional and personal development.


For more information, contact Trina Woldt at [email protected].


CLICK TO APPLY
Leadership Oshkosh Presents... (4).png


Leadership Oshkosh Class of 2024 presents Trivia Night on Thursday, April 25th, 2024. The class is fundraising for Damascus Road Project, Inc. an organization dedicated to fighting sex trafficking and exploitation. 


The event is sold out, but you can support the fundraising effort by bidding on a silent auction item Leadership Oshkosh 2023-2024 Trivia Night | Free Online Silent Auction Fundraisers | 32auctions or by purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets for $10. Only 1000 tickets will be sold. 


Contact Leadership Oshkosh Class of 2024 members El Clune [email protected], Brianna Gonnering [email protected] or the Director of Leadership Oshkosh Trina Woldt [email protected].


CLICK FOR SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

MARCH RECAP

Business Expo, Presented by Network Health 

Expo   (1).png

Nearly 100 exhibitors joined us for our 2024 Business Expo, presented by Network Health. 


A HUGE thank you to all the incredible businesses and individuals who participated and made this a very special event! 

March Business After Hours

BAH - Mr Brews (2).png

Over 100 people joined us at Mr Brews Taphouse for our March Business After Hours!


A special shoutout to Fifth Ward Brewing Company providing the drinks and Fox Communities Credit Union for sponsoring Business After Hours, making it FREE for all members. 


Registration is now open for April, hosted by The Wit Apartments, click here!

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Copper Hall Marks 100 Years at Chamber Grand Opening

Read More


Oshkosh Corporation Named to Fast Company’s 2024 World’s Most Innovative Companies List

Read More


Oshkosh's Paine Art Center one of just six organizations to win a 2024 Governor's Tourism Award

Read More:


Excellence in Leadership Invites You to Our Spring 2024 Event, Featuring Speaker Steve Jones

Read More


592 Korean BBQ Celebrates Grand Opening April 1st


Main Street, City of Oshkosh Fox River Bridge Update


4th Annual Sunshine Kids Charity Golf Outing Sponsored by BHHS Fox Cities Realty & Water City Realty

Read More


“Turning the Tide – 1944” 80-Year Commemoration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024

Read More


LIFT Consulting Presenting Workshop for Sales and Business Development

Read More


Road construction season is coming. Here's a look at the planned projects in Winnebago County.

Read More


Travel + Leisure lists EAA Aviation Museum among 10 best aviation museums in U.S

Read More


Have something you'd like to share in Business Briefs? Contact Ashlynn Schreiner at [email protected]!


NEW MEMBERS

Pest Badger

2230 W. Pershing Street, Appleton

(715) 451-4274

www.pestbadger.com


Lift Consulting

434 Yellowstone Drive, Ste. 102, Madison

(608) 515-8163

www.lift.sandler.com


Home State Bank

650 N. Westhill Blvd., Appleton

(920) 858-5363


Mary Kay - Cindy Palecek

(920) 379-5820

www.marykay.com/cpalecek


Kalbus Country Harbor Inc.

5309 Lake Road, Oshkosh

(920) 426-0062

www.camplife.com/campground/kalbus



State Representative Michael Schraa

(920) 267-0217

legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/53/schraa/


Leon's Frozen Custard, Inc.

121 W Murdock Ave, Oshkosh

(920) 231-7755

www.facebook.com/LeonsCustard


Nova Medical Centers

600 N. Koeller Street, Oshkosh

(920) 799-4696

www.n-o-v-a.com


Reformed Beauty LLC

558 North Main Street, Oshkosh

(920) 267-0110

booking.cojilio.com/reformedbeauty


Taqueria La Patrona

257 Wisconsin Street, Oshkosh

(920) 385-0229

Taqueria La Patrona Oshkosh (FB)

CHAMBER MEMBERS SAVE WITH...

NTD color.jpg

Oshkosh Chamber Members will receive up to (3) free months of service plus an Oshkosh Chamber Gift Certificate when they sign up for services. 


Contact NTD at [email protected] for a custom quote, tailored to your business needs. You can also check them out at www.ntd.net.

RXcard_20230331.jpg


A printable, pre-activated prescription savings card for Oshkosh Chamber members. Everyone is eligible to save up to 75% on prescriptions with no paperwork to fill out and no limits on usage. It even covers many pet prescriptions!

NETWORK_HEALTH.jpg

Have you gotten your Network Health Insurance quote?


Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce members have access to high-quality health care coverage at an exclusive, cost-effective premium through Network Health. 


Contact your health insurance agent or call 800-276-8004 to learn more about the exclusive premium discount through Network Health.

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following members who renewed their memberships.

4 IMPRINT

ADASHUN JONES

ALBAN

AQUIRE RESTORATION

BAR 430

BAYSHORE DEVELOPMENT

BLUE DOOR

BOWMAN & CO (AEGIS FINANCIAL)

BRIGHT ORTHODONTICS

BROWN AND WILLIAMS (DOE HOUSE)

CHARLES WILLIAMS LAW OFFICE

CHILDRENS HOSPITAL 

CHRISTINE ANN DOMESTIC ABUSE

CLARITY CARE, INC

CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING

CULVER'S OF OSHKOSH

CULVERS TRUE BLUE DREAMS

DAVID GIRARD (DJ'S INSECT)

DAVIS PAINTING & DECORATING

DOWLING CONSTRUCTION

DRUCKS SUDDEN SERVICE

FIFTH WARD BREWING CO

G. REINKE & COMPANY

GAUTHIER CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER

GRABNER GLASS

GROVER ELECTRIC

GUNDERSON CLEANERS

HARSHBARGER REFORMED BEAUTY

HEALTH CARE CREDIT UNION

HERRLING CLARK LAW FIRM

HOME STATE BANK

HORICON BANK

JAMES MATHER

JIMMY JOHNS

KNIGHT BARRY TITLE SERVICES

LEGACY PRIVATE TRUST CO

LEON'S FROZEN CUSTART

OSHKOSH  AREA HUMANE SOCIETY

OSHKOSH CITY CAB/CABULANCE

OSHKOSH TROPHY

PARTNER'S INSPECTION LLC

PFEFFERLE COMPANIES

PHILLIPS TAX & ACCOUNTING

PHYSICAL ACHIEVEMENT CENTER

PHYSIOTHERAPY (NOVA CARE)

PRECISION INSTALLATIONS

PROSPERA CREDIT UNION

RAYS SANITATION

RIVERSIDE ENDODONTICS

ROBERT GLUTH

RYF HEATING 

SADOFF IRON & SHEET METAL

SCHIEK SPORTS

SERV-ICE

SILVER STAR

SNAP 180 MEDIA

SONEX 

SPARE SPACE SELF STORAGE

STAINLESS PIPING SPECIALISTS

STATE OF WI (OSH CORRECTIONAL)

SUTTNER ACCOUNTING

TENNIES JEWELRY

THE HANGAR BAR AND GRILL

U S BANK

VALLEY PEST CONTROL

VON BRIESEN & ROPER

WENDTS ON THE LAKE

WI INSTITUTE OF CPA