| |
| |
| |
| |
| Oshkosh Chamber News Advocacy Economic Development Updates Workforce & Talent Developement Programs & Services Amplify | | | Leadership Oshkosh January Recap Business Briefs New Members Membership Renewals | | |
| |
| |
| Member Matters is sponsored by StellarBlue.ai | | |
| |
| |
| |
| Annual Report Released You can view our 2023 Annual Report by clicking HERE. | | |
| |
| Oshkosh Chamber Releases Business Outlook Survey Results Each year the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce surveys business leaders in the area to gage confidence levels throughout the business community. This year, despite the ongoing labor and supply chain challenges, there is an immense amount of optimism.
Read the press release HERE See full results HERE | | |
| |
|
Oshkosh Chamber Releases 2024 This Is Oshkosh
We are thrilled to announce that the Oshkosh Chamber's 2024 resource for newcomers and residents guide, This Is Oshkosh, is officially out!
If you would like a box or two, please give us a call or email [email protected]. Our team would be happy to deliver to your location. Thank you to the Fox Cities Magazine team for their hard work in putting this together.
You can also access this publication by clicking HERE. | | | |
| |
| |
| | |
The Oshkosh Chamber is excited to announce our presenting sponsor for 2024's Business After Hours. This year's events will be brought to you by Fox Communities Credit Union.
What does this mean for our members? This sponsorship allows Oshkosh Chamber members to attend Business After Hours for free during 2024! If you plan to attend, we still ask that you register as registration numbers help us with the planning process.
Save the Dates! *The cost to attend Business After Hours as a non-member: $20 |
| | | | |
| |
| |
| | | 2024 BENCHMARK COMPENSATION SURVEY
The Oshkosh Chamber has partnered with the Eau Claire Chamber and MRA to commission a wage and compensation 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 Benchmark Compensation Survey (the first of three available) is $195 to participate (normally $2,399) and the results will be released to participants in mid-May 2024.
The survey is only open until February 23. Once the registration form is completed and payment is received, you will be emailed the link to participate in the 2024 Benchmark Compensation survey. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please click here.
Should you have any questions, please contact Rob Kleman, President & CEO of the Oshkosh Chamber at [email protected]. | | | | | | |
| |
| |
| The Oshkosh Chamber is excited to announce Elsewhere Market + Rise & Grind as our presenting sponsor for the Oshkosh Chamber Network Builder.
Network Builder fosters peer-to-peer connections within the Oshkosh Chamber through introductory emails.
Watch the video below to learn more about what the Oshkosh Chamber Network Builder is and how it works: | | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| WE NEED YOUR INPUT ON STREET ASSESSMENTS Survey will take 1 minute or less
The Oshkosh Common Council is considering a new Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF) coupled with Utility fee increases to replace special assessment costs for annual street and sidewalk construction.
As an Oshkosh Chamber member, we want your thoughts on whether we should support the new proposal, keep our current system of street assessments, perhaps fund the improvements through the general tax levy, or some other approach. The first reading is planned to be heard by the Common Council on February 13th, 2024 with the 2nd reading and consideration for approval on February 27th, 2024. The City of Oshkosh will hold multiple Q&A sessions on the topic throughout the month of February.
PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO ANSWER A BRIEF SURVEY WHERE YOU CAN PROVIDE YOUR OPINION.
The following is more detailed information on the proposal and the current system used for street assessments:
- The City is considering a new funding approach to raise the $3.75 million needed (on average) to cover annual street/sidewalk improvement costs. The new approach includes a Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF) per vehicle under 8,000 pounds licensed in the City of Oshkosh of $35 per vehicle, combined with a .25%-.50% increase in utility charges in each of three utilities (Water, Sewer, and Storm Sewer) for all property owners. Under this scenario, 58% of the funds will be raised through the utility increases and 42% through the VRF. From a business perspective, the largest hit to business will be the utility increase, depending on an entity’s fleet size under 8,000 pounds.
- The current street assessment program consists of property owners being assessed for street improvements only when a project occurs along their property. On average, the City paves 2 miles of streets per year resulting in a project occurring approximately once every 50 years. The typical homeowner street assessment cost increased from $3,360 in 2008 to $7,440 in 2023. Commercial and industrial property owners with significant street frontages receive very large assessments under this approach (ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions in some cases). Note that sidewalk improvements are also assessed separately under the current approach in addition to street assessments.
- A third option discussed at our most recent Chamber Board meeting was to include all street and sidewalk improvement costs in the general tax levy. Note that 1/3 of all residential street improvement costs and 1/4 of all commercial assessments are currently included in the general tax levy. This would not change under the City’s new proposal. This could be accomplished through an advisory referendum by asking City residents if they would support funding street improvements by increasing the general tax levy by the amount needed to fund annual street/sidewalk improvements. However, it is notable that this approach would exempt non-taxable property from their share of road reconstruction costs, which would then fall on taxable property owners.
For more information, please click HERE for a link to the City of Oshkosh's frequently asked questions page or click HERE for the full presentation.
| | |
| |
| |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES | | |
| |
- The approved 86,000 sqf, 18 bed ThedaCare/Froedtert Micro-Hospital which is planned to be developed on the corner of W 6th Avenue and Oregon Street will be asking for roughly $4.5MM in TIF assistance. The reason for the TIF assistance is due to the increased awareness of contaminated soil conditions on the former Jeld-Wen site. The Oshkosh Common Council heard the initial proposal from the ThedaCare/Froedtert staff during the January 23rd Council meeting and will be followed by a formal application.
- The Jefferson Street Redevelopment Project by Commonwealth Development Corporation has submitted their application for funding through WHEDA for their low-income mixed-use development which is to be located on the 600 blocks of Jefferson and N. Main Street. The development is to include 2, 8-unit townhome buildings and a 39-unit midrise mixed-use building which will include a childcare facility in its commercial space. The development is planned to begin construction in Spring of 2025 pending the approval of the WHEDA funding which will be announced in May of 2024.
DECEMBER 2023 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FALLS FOR 4TH STRAIGHT MONTH
The unemployment rates for Oshkosh and Winnebago County decreased for the fourth straight month in December 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 December 2023 was 2.4%, an increase from December of 2022 but one point lower than the November 2023 number of 2.5%. There were 34,468 Oshkosh City residents working this year in December vs. 33,789 last year, for a total gain of 679 workers year over year. The total labor force numbers in December were 35,307 in 2023 versus 34,417 in December 2022.
WINNEBAGO COUNTY EMPLOYMENT DATA The Winnebago County unemployment rate for December 2023 was 2.3%, higher than the rate from December 2022, 1.9%, but one point lower than the November 2023 number of 2.4%. There were 92,134 Winnebago County residents working this year vs. 90,319 last year, for a net gain of 1,815 workers. Winnebago County’s labor force also increased in December from 92,062 in December 2022 to 94,334 in December 2023.
WISCONSIN and US EMPLOYMENT DATA The Wisconsin December 2023 unemployment rate was 2.7%, the same as November of 2023 but significantly higher than last year’s December number of 2.2%. In December, there were 3,039,182 statewide residents working this year vs. 2,977,529 last year, for a gain of 61,653 workers. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.3% for the fourth 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.
| | |
| |
| |
| WORKFORCE & TALENT DEVELOPMENT | | |
| |
| | |
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
In an effort to develop and expand upon our Education & Talent Development programs, we have created a short survey for our chamber businesses & organizations.
The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and the Oshkosh Area School District are looking for local organizations to partner with us in being a presence within the education system on every level from literacy help in elementary to facility tours and apprenticeships in high school and our Adopt-A-School program!
Your feedback is essential in the success of these efforts - THANK YOU!
| | | | | | |
| |
| FEBRUARY PROGRAMS & SERVICES | | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | This is your LAST opportunity to catch Brian Beaulieu speak in Oshkosh before his retirement!
REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN! - Per-person admission is $65 for members, $75 for non-members
- Corporate tables of 8 are $500 for members, $650 for non-members
EVENT SCHEDULE: - 7-7:30 AM: Registration
- 7:15-8:00 AM: Breakfast, sponsored by Davis Painting & Decorating
- 8-9:00 AM: Speaker (Brian Beaulieu)
About Brian Beaulieu Brian Beaulieu has served as CEO and Chief Economist of ITR Economics™ since 1987, where he researches business cycles and economic forecasting as tools for improving profitability. Brian has shared his highly valued research results via presentations, workshops, and seminars in numerous countries to hundreds of thousands of business owners and executives for the last 40 years.
He is coauthor of Prosperity in the Age of Decline, a powerful look at how to make the most of the US and global trends over the next 20 years, as well as Make Your Move, a practical and insightful guide to increasing profits through inevitable business cycle changes. Brian also coauthored But I Want It!, ITR Economics’ first children’s book.
Brian serves on the board of directors for the Ariens Company, a leading global manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, as an advisor to Ackerberg Investors Fund III, as well as the board for Bellwether Wealth, an investment management and strategic wealth planning firm based in Lincoln, NE.
Brian has shared his expertise through various media outlets, including: USA Today, Knight Ridder, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, The Washington Post, Kudlow and Friends, First on Fox, and numerous other outlets.
| | | | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Economic Outlook Breakfast | February 13, 2024
Business Expo 2024 | March 20, 2024
Amplify IT 2024 | April 9th, 2024
Senior Talent Track | April 24th, 2024 | | | | | | |
| |
| | | THERE ARE STILL A FEW BOOTHS AVAILABLE 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]. | | | | | | |
| |
| | |
The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch a spring hiring event in 2024!
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. | | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Leadership Oshkosh Business Day took place in January. The class visited 7 area companies.
A special thank you to: Amcor, Blended Waxes, Castle Pierce, Paul L. Jansen & Son, 4imprint, Muza Metal and Oshkosh Defense.
| | | | |
| |
| | | The Leadership Oshkosh Trivia Night Fundraiser is going to come up fast!
Don't miss your chance to secure a table for a fun evening of friendly competition, and a fantastic opportunity to support Damascus Road Project, Incorporated.
To learn more about Damascus Road Project, click HERE. | | | | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Thank you to the over 500 attendees who took part of our 116th Annual Meeting Awards & Recognition program on January 18th, presented by Ascension Mercy Hospital. A very special thank you to our sponsors. | | | | |
| |
| |
| Congratulations to our 2023 Award Winners: | | |
| | |
- Milestone Anniversary: Lifest (25 years)
- Milestone Anniversary: Ardy & Ed's (75 years)
- Milestone Anniversary: Oshkosh Marine Supply (100 years)
- Milestone Achievement: Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League 2022-23 Franchise of the Year)
- Ambassador of the Year: Justin Schmick
- Chamber Volunteer of the Year: David Gundlach
- Distinguished Service Award: Wilson Jones
- Lynne Webster Leadership Award: John Casper
- Young Professional of the Year: Jenna Thiel
- Horizon Award: Steve Hoopman & Randy Schmiedel
- Enterprise of the Year: Muza Metal Products
- Alberta S. Kimball Community Service Award: Tiny House Village by Oshkosh Kids Foundation
- Small Business of the Year: Revs Bowl Bar & Grill
| | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Ballpark Digest Honors Neuroscience Group Field as Ballpark of the Year for 2023 Read More
von Briesen & Roper, s.c. Celebrates 120th Anniversary Read More
Westhaven Golf Club: A New Era of Golf and Dining Read More
Frecce Tricolori Aerobatic Team from Italian Air Force to participate at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 Read More
Oshkosh business owner recognized for mentoring, elevating women in business Read More
Top air show performers commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 Read More
Become a volunteer driver for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Network! Read more
Taste, Toast & Tour: Join Us for an Inspirational Evening with Fox World Travel & Globus Read more
Have something you'd like to share in Business Briefs? Contact Ashlynn Schreiner at [email protected]!
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| Good Yolk 1009 W. 9th Avenue, Oshkosh (920) 385-0609
Eyemart Express 1682 S. Koeller Street, Oshkosh (920) 376-9626 www.eyemartexpress.com
Merchants' Choice Card Services LLC 118 N. Nash Street, Hortonville (920) 779-9000 www.mccs-wi.com
MDS Communications 300 N Main St Suite 100, Oshkosh (920) 252-7171
The Wit Apartments 2609 Witzel Avenue, Oshkosh (920) 230-7300 witoshkosh.com
Father Carr's Place 2B 1062 N. Koeller Street, Oshkosh (920) 231-2378 www.fathercarrs.org
RE/MAX on the Water 814 Knapp Street, Oshkosh (920) 230-8882
www.remax.com | | | |
| |
| CHAMBER MEMBERS SAVE WITH... | | |
| | | 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. | | | | |
| |
| | |
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! | | | | | | | 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. | | |
| ALGOMA FINANCIAL GROUP AMERICAN RED CROSS AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC ANSAY & ASSOCIATES ASCENSION ASSURANCE TITLE SERVICES B Q SERVICES BAKER TILLY BASLER FLIGHT SERVICE BAYLAND BUILDING BEHNKE FINANCIAL GROUP BERGSTROM AUTOMOTIVE BORSCHE ROOFING CANTEEN CARL M. HENNIG, INC CERESET CHICK-FIL-A CLIFFS TIRE & BATTERY COBBLESTONE - RIPPON COVANTA ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS CR MEYER CUMULUS MEDIA DEMPSEY LAW FIRM DON'S AUTO BODY INC EAA EDWARD JONES FASCO APPLIANCE FIRST WEBER FLETCHER CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE FOX CITIES MAGAZINE GANNETT - OSHKOSH NORTHWESTERN GANTHER CONSTRUCTION GENERAC GENESYS GROUP (ACCU-COM) GKM WI GLOBAL SUPPLY GARTMAN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS GYR ACQUISITIONS INC | | | HOFFMASTER HUBERTY & ASSOCIATES JACK KIEFER HEATING & AIR JAMES CHITWOOD KINGSBURY KITZ & PFEIL KUNES FOX VALLEY RV LAKESIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL LINDA NADOLSKE LIVE WIRE COMMUNICATIONS LOWE'S MATHFAB MIKES PLACE FAMILY RESTAURANT MUZA METAL PRODUCTS MUZA SHEET METAL NICOLET NATIONAL BANK NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL NOVA COUNSELING PAUL SUNDQUIST R.J. ALBRIGHT REIMER JEWELERS SANITARY DISTRICT TOWN ALGOMA SECURITY LUEBKE ROOFING SMART IS SNC MANUFACTURING SUSHI LOVER TACO BELL THE HANGAR BAR & GRILL THE INSURANCE CENTER TIMOTHY RYAN AND ASSOCIATES TURN KEY AUTO SALES UW OSHKOSH UW OSHKOSH FOUNDATION WINNEBAGO CTY LITERACY COUNCL WINNEBAGO ORAL SURGERY WITZKE ELECTRIC WOODWARD RADIO GROUP ZILLGES MATERIALS | | |
