February 15, 2024

2024 Economic Outlook Survey results revealed

We released the results of our 2024 Economic Outlook Survey at our annual luncheon on Tuesday. The survey is conducted every January to provide insights and inspire dialogue in the community. It is sent to employers throughout the region, with questions that look at topics such as profits, sales, employment, challenges, and doing business in the Fox Cities. Here are some highlights from the 2024 survey:

Most respondents reported that they expect 2024 profits and gross sales to be ahead of 2023; while employment should remain the same.
The vast majority view the Fox Cities favorably as a place to live, work, and do business, while employers’ biggest challenge is still talent retention and attraction; though not as significant as it has been over the past several years.
When asked if they feel we will enter a recession, responses were varied: 27.2% feel we are currently in one; 27.8% said not at all, while the remainder expect it to happen at various times in the next 6-12+ months.

The Fox Cities Chamber 2024 Economic Outlook Survey was sponsored by The Business News.

View the survey results

Chamber Quick Poll:

When does your budget fiscal year start?

January 1

April 1

July 1

October 1

Previous Poll Results:

Do you know? How many members did the Chamber have to close out 2023?

1,294 - 41.7%
1,339 - 30%
1,183 - 18.3%
999 - 10%

The Chamber ended 2023 with 1,294 members! Learn more Chamber 2023 stats by reading our Annual Report to the Community.

Nominations opening soon for Best of the Valley WI Community’s Choice Awards

Recognize your fellow Chamber members and community organizations by nominating them for a Community Choice Award!

There are more than 170 categories, giving you the opportunity to nominate multiple Fox Cities gems and community staples, such as Octoberfest! Nominations open March 1 and close March 21.

Learn more

Food vendor applications open for Octoberfest weekend

Food vendor applications are now open for Appleton's Octoberfest and License to Cruise on September 27-28, 2024!

Food, fun, and philanthropy have defined Appleton’s Octoberfest for more than four decades, and we are proud of the tradition this festival brings to the community. Learn more about becoming a food vendor during the Octoberfest weekend by clicking the buttons below.

Appleton's Octoberfest

License to Cruise

Don't forget to sign up for the informational webinar on the Chamber's 10-day trip to Ireland.

This no-obligation, informational webinar will be held on February 20 at 12 PM for anyone interested in learning more about the October trip.

Last chance to register for Morning Mingle

Our first business before hours, Morning Mingle, is next week Tuesday, February 20 from 8 - 9:30 AM. Connect with your fellow members, meet the Chamber staff, and grab a cup of coffee at this brand-new event!

Attend PULSE's Lunch 'n Learn on February 21

PULSE is hosting its annual Lunch ‘n Learn on February 21! Chris Burns returns along with James Kilsdonk to cover a myriad of topics from AI and cyber security to marketing and personal branding.

The event will begin with lunch and networking from 11 - 11:30 AM and the presentation will follow from 11:30 AM - 1 PM. All are welcome, with members receiving a discounted price. Bring a friend, grab some lunch, and gain some useful knowledge at this annual event.

Recent Chamber events draw huge crowds!

Our February Business After Hours hosted by OSMS was a hit, with lots of food, networking, and the opportunity to tour their surgery center.

View photos

The Chamber's annual Economic Outlook Lunch brought in members from all over the Fox Cities to learn about our current economy in an entertaining fashion.

View photos

Chamber Member News

Sign-up now available for NEWCA’s Construction Leadership Academy.

Join the Amazon DSP Team on February 21 for an in-person informational event.

SECURA Insurance announced its leading agencies for 2023, naming Vizance, Inc. as the Top-Performing Agency.

UA 400 Pipe Trades and Mechanical Contractors Association announce winners at Heat Up Your Future Skills Competition.

Avenue of Ice warms up Downtown Appleton with "Summer on Ice" theme.

Appleton now accepting applications for the 2024 Memorial Day and Flag Day Parades.

The 33rd annual Community First Fox Cities Marathon Presented by Miron Construction opens registration for the 2024 season.

People Making Headlines

Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society will recognize FVTC President Dr. Chris Matheny with the Paragon Award for New Presidents.

Fox Communities Credit Union announces Jose Villa as VP of Commercial Lending; Tommie Preslaski as Chief Experience Officer; Melanie Draheim as Chief Marketing Officer; Cathy Harvath as the first Executive Director of the Fox Cares Foundation.