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December 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

Oshkosh Chamber News

Advocacy

Economic Development Updates

Programs & Services

Amplify

Workforce & Talent Development

Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings

Business Briefs

New Members 

Membership Renewals

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Member Matters is sponsored by Stellar Blue Technologies

CHAMBER NEWS

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Oshkosh Chamber New Hire

The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the newest addition to our team, Ashlynn Schreiner, who joins us as the Marketing & Communications Coordinator. With a rich background in multimedia coordination for the UW Oshkosh Athletic department and, most recently, as the Talent Marketing Specialist at Employment Resource Group, Inc., Schreiner brings a wealth of experience and creativity to her new position.

Originally from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, Schreiner is a proud 2017 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Her professional journey showcases a passion for effective communication and strategic marketing. In her role at the Chamber, Schreiner will be at the forefront of promoting and communicating all Chamber-related events, programs, services, and membership development activities.

Schreiner expressed her excitement about her new role, stating, "I am eager to contribute to the Chamber's mission and be part of the positive impact we can make in our community. I look forward to connecting with our many members and enhancing the visibility of their incredible work."

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Get to know other people at the Oshkosh Chamber with our newest networking opportunity, Oshkosh Chamber Network Builder!


Watch the video below to learn more about what the Oshkosh Chamber Builder is and how it works:

Oshkosh Chamber Network Builder | How it works
SIGN UP
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The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and Board of Directors invite you to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year at our 116th Annual Meeting and Recognition Program, presented by Ascension Mercy Hospital

 

This year, we will be welcoming Kate Voss & The Hot Sauce as the entertainment for the evening, courtesy of Bank First.

 

Remember, New Oshkosh Chamber members get in FREE courtesy of Bergstrom Automotive. Contact ashlynn@oshkoshchamber.com to learn more.

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We appreciate the support of the following Corporate Sponsors: 


Advocate Aurora Health

AEGIS Financial

Amada Marvel

Amcor

Associated Bank

Baker Tilly

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)

Discover Oshkosh

Discovery Properties

EAA

Elevate Accounting LLC

FirstWeber

Fox Valley Technical College

Girbau North America

Horicon Bank

Muza Metal Products

Network Health

Nicolet National Bank

Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Marine

Regal Rexnord

Renning, Lewis, and Lacy

Rhyme

Smart IS International

Stellar Blue Technologies

UW Oshkosh

von Briesen & Roper


If you are interested in taking part as a Corporate Sponsor for this year’s Annual Meeting, please contact Rob Kleman at [email protected] or our Special Events Coordinator, Brianna Gonnering, at [email protected].  


REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!

  • One table for 10 people is $350 for non-sponsors
  • Individual tickets are $35 for Chamber Members
REGISTER HERE
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With the holiday season in full swing, consider purchasing a Gift Certificate to local Oshkosh businesses. The best part - IT IS JUST LIKE CASH!


Click HERE for the full list of participating members. 


For more information about the gift certificate program, contact us at (920)303-2266 or [email protected]

ADVOCACY

City of Oshkosh shares 2024 Budget information with Oshkosh Chamber Board

Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff and Finance Director Russ Van Gompel attended the November 16th Oshkosh Chamber Bord of Directors meeting to provide and update on the 2024 City of Oshkosh Budget. A number of highlights include:

 

  • Total Operating budget of $174.3 million
  • $56.5 million in general funding
  • 3.99% tax levy increase for 2024
  • 0% proposed increase in Stormwater Utility fees in 2024
  • Monthly costs for typical Oshkosh homeowner for City Services is $156.28
  • 46$ of General Fund Revenue comes from taxes
  • 60% of General Fund Expenditures are primarily spent on Public Safety

 

Property Tax Distribution:

  • 40% City
  • 40% Oshkosh Schools
  • 17% Winnebago County
  •  3% FVTC

                   

To view the entire budget click HERE


For a summary of the budget see below.

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Oshkosh Chamber supports AB 660, creating a new tax credit program for employers to facilitate childcare for their employees.

The Assembly Ways and Means Committee heard arguments for a tax credit program for businesses that operate child care programs for their workers on November 29. Proponents of a bill to offer a tax credit for businesses that operate child care programs for their employees said the measure would help mitigate the state’s workforce shortage. Co-author Sen. Dan Feyen told the Assembly Ways and Means Committee Wednesday a lack of child care and high costs have forced Wisconsinites out of the workforce. “This will help lift the enormous financial burden off the shoulders of these parents while helping businesses retain hardworking employees. This bill will also help businesses recruit talent to our great state,” Feyen said.

 

  • The following excerpt is from the Oshkosh Chamber’s 2023 Plan for Prosperity Agenda as it relates to childcare: Support programs, policies, and tax incentives to strengthen the early childcare workforce and increase access to affordable childcare for Wisconsin working families.  The state should provide tax credits for employers that provide childcare for employees’ children either through the establishment of a childcare center or by purchasing daycare slots for their employees.


Click HERE to learn more. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES


  • Oshkosh City Council approved the General Development Plan and the Specific Implantation Plan on November 14th for the proposed Froedtert and ThedaCare 18 bed hospital on the northwest corner of Oregon and Sixth Avenue. The 84,000 square-foot facility will have emergency care, outpatient diagnostics and surgery, a retail pharmacy, and primary and specialty care. Initial documents show the hospital is projected to cost roughly $53.5 million.   


  • The proposed 522 unit housing development along Lake Butte des Morts Drive will be reconsidered by the Oshkosh City Council. In April, the City Council passed the proposed development by Red Earth LLC unanimously, however, the approval came along with an amendment bringing the development from 4-story’s down to 3. The original 4-story development plan was reconsidered and approved by the Oshkosh Planning Commission on November 21st and will head to council for approval on December 12th, 2023. 


OSHKOSH OCTOBER 2023 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FALLS

The unemployment rates for Oshkosh and Winnebago County decreased for the second straight month in October along with other areas in our region as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). 


CITY OF OSHKOSH EMPLOYMENT DATA

The data indicated that the unemployment rate for October 2023 was 3.0%, an increase from October of 2022 but a few points lower than 3.3% in September of 2023. There were 34,540 Oshkosh City residents working this year in October vs. 33,899 last year, for a total gain of 641 workers year over year. The total labor force numbers in October were 35,612 in 2023 versus 34,803 in October 2022. 


WINNEBAGO COUNTY EMPLOYMENT DATA

The Winnebago County unemployment rate for October 2023 was 2.8%, slightly higher than the rate from October 2022, 2.3%, but lower than the September 2023 number of 3.0%. There were 92,328 Winnebago County residents working this year vs. 90,614 last year, for a net gain of 1,714 workers. Winnebago County’s labor force also increased in October from 92,762 in October 2022 to 94,940 in October 2023. 


WISCONSIN and US EMPLOYMENT DATA

The Wisconsin October 2023 unemployment rate was 3.0%, down from 3.2% in September of 2023 but higher than last year’s October number of 2.6%. In October, there were 3,053,286 statewide residents working this year vs. 2,995,715 last year, for a gain of 57,571 workers. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.3% for the second straight month.


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

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Upcoming Events & Seminars

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LEARN MORE
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REGISTER
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REGISTER
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REGISTER
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REGISTER
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Annual Meeting | January 18, 2024


Economic Outlook Breakfast | February 13, 2024


Business Expo 2024 | March 20, 2024


Amplify IT 2024 | April 9th, 2024

CHAMBER CALENDAR
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REGISTER
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REGISTER NOW
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Booth registration is now OPEN for the 2024 Business Expo. Join over 100 Oshkosh area businesses at the Oshkosh Convention Center on March 20th, 2024. This event is a great way to make new connections, learn more about area businesses’ products, services, and upcoming job openings. To claim your booth, please fill out the registration form on our website and return to [email protected].


The 2024 Business Expo also has Platinum and Gold sponsorships available. To learn more about these sponsorships, contact Brianna Gonnering at [email protected].

REGISTER & LEARN MORE

AMPLIFY

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THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US!


Join the Amplify family on Thursday, December 7th at the Oshkosh Mineshaft from 5:00pm – 7:00pm for our annual Holiday Member Mixer & Food Drive, presented by the Oshkosh Area School District! Food, drinks, networking, and games come with registration. Bring a canned item to donate to the Oshkosh Salvation Army’s Food Pantry – Everything helps during the busy winter months. We can’t wait to see everyone there! Only $5 registration. 

 

More information and registration here!

REGISTER

WORKFORCE & TALENT DEVELOPMENT

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The Chamber's Career Fair had a great turnout, with  more than 750 eighth-grade students. The event also boasted an extensive presence of over 40 businesses, signifying a diverse array of career opportunities for these young individuals. This career fair proved to be a resounding success, providing an invaluable platform for students to explore various career paths and establish connections with local businesses, ultimately creating a strong foundation for their future endeavors.

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LEARN MORE

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS

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LEARN MORE
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LEARN MORE

BUSINESS BRIEFS

DAV Chapter 17 and Oshkosh Chamber Join Forces to Launch Groundbreaking Veterans Transportation Program

Read More


Oshkosh Defense to Build JLTVS for Israeli Defense Forces 

Read More


Oshkosh Defense to Produce Medium Equipment Trailers for U.S. Army

Read More


Schedule set for first half of 2024 EAA Aviation Adventure Speaker Series

Read More


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


NEW MEMBERS

Business Bully's Bookkeeping

100 N. Main St, Oshkosh

920-238-2520

www.bizbullys.com


Oshkosh Festivals, LLC

920-420-2204

www.xroads41.com


Winnebago County Fair Association

2892 Ruschfield Dr, Oshkosh

920-685-3013

www.winnebagocountyfaironline.com


Erbert & Gerberts

240 Wisconsin St, Oshkosh

920-231-2900

www.erbertandgerberts.com

Panda Express

570 S. Koeller St, Oshkosh

920-891-3060

www.pandaexpress.com


Caring Transitions of East Central WI

1837 Eagle Dr, Neenah

920-267-4362

www.caringtransitions.com


Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce

313 N. Plankinton Ave, Suite 207, Milwaukee

414-207-4376

www.wiveteranschamber.org

CHAMBER MEMBERS SAVE WITH...

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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.

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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!

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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.

360U

990-KINSETH (TOWNPLACE SUITES)

ACCU-TECH AGAIN

AUTO ON THE GO

BADGER MILL SUPPLY

BECK'S MEAT PROCESSING

BERGSTROM-MAHLER MUSEUM

BLUE DOOR CONSULTING

BRICKHAM STAMPING CO

CARPET GALLERY & FLOORING

COVEY

D R HANSEN PLUMBING

D&M RENTALS (D R HANSEN PLUMB.)

DELTA OF OSHKOSH

FRIAR TUCKS

FVS BANK

GOLDIN (GOLDIN & LENNON)

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OSHKOSH

LAMBERS BUS LINES

LEVINE EISBERNER

LITTLE CAESARS

MCDONALD'S RESTAURANTS OF OSHKOSH

MINESHAFT OSHKOSH

N B INVESTMENTS (DUBLINS PUB)

OLSON LEGAL GROUP LLC

OSHKOSH AREA UNITED WAY, INC.

OSHKOSH COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OSHKOSH CORP

OSHKOSH FESTIVALS

OSHKOSH HERALD

PARK N PRINT

PARKER HANNIFIN

PHILIP KARSNIA / COUNTRY FINANCIAL

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL

ROGUE WAVE MARKETING

SILVER STAR

SSM FRANCISCAN COURTS

STAR PROTECTION AND PATROL

THE SULLIVAN GROUP, LLP

TRIANGLE MANUFACTURING CO

TRS HOSPITALITY / ERBERTS & GERBERTS

UNIVERSAL (SUBWAY)