February 9, 2023

2023 economic outlook survey results unveiled

The results from our 2023 economic outlook survey were shared at Tuesday’s Economic Outlook Lunch, with nearly 400 attending the annual event. In case you missed it, click here to see the full survey results. If you didn’t get a chance to take the survey, take our Quick Poll to see how your thoughts compare to our respondents on how the Fox Cities economy will do in 2023. If you want to see photos from the Economic Outlook Lunch, click here.

Chamber Quick Poll

By the close of 2023, do you anticipate the Fox Cities economy will have...

Grown

Remained the same

Declined

Last Week's Quick Poll Results

Who do you plan on voting for in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice election?

Janet Protasiewicz - 32.1%
Jennifer Dorow - 25.9%
Everett Mitchell - 22.2%
Dan Kelly - 19.8%

Your Business Advocate Blog

Your Chamber goes to Washington

This week our VP of Government Affairs, Jon Turke, had the opportunity to travel with our state chamber affiliate, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, to our nation’s capital to visit with key stakeholder partners and members of our congressional delegation. Attendees were able to dive into policy details on federal issues including comprehensive immigration reform, the debt ceiling, international trade, and the overall federal budget.

They met with the National Association of Manufacturers, the Canadian Embassy, the US Chamber, and every member of the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation.

Read the full blog post here.

Jon Turke

Vice President of Government Affairs

jturke@foxcitieschamber.com

Chamber accepting applications for marketing seminar presenters

The Fox Cities Chamber is now accepting speaker applications for its Grow Seminar Series. The focus in 2023 will be on marketing, specifically in these areas:

Social Media
Branding
Marketing on a small/shoestring budget
Developing a marketing plan

Seminars must be educational in nature. The Chamber will review all applications and select speakers for three programs in 2023 (April, July, October). The number of applications received will determine the format of each program (individual presenter, panel, etc.). Applicants are welcome to apply for more than one category. Applications are due by Monday, February 20, 2023.

Apply to present

Learn about career and technical education programs during special month

The city of Appleton has proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month to encourage people to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by the career and technical education programs in our community, and to support and participate in these programs to enhance individual work skills and productivity.

The Chamber whole-heartedly supports this proclamation and encourages members to learn more about our career events and partnerships like Fox Cities Days, Future Fox Cities Career Expo, and Smart Girls Rock! Click here to learn more about these events.

Appleton’s Octoberfest seeking nonprofit organizations for vendor partners

Appleton’s Octoberfest, a program of the Fox Cities Chamber, is currently seeking nonprofit organizations for 2023 who may be interested in pairing up with a food vendor for the event. Participating nonprofits will receive a percentage of food sale proceeds from the day. At least one member of the nonprofit has to be in and/or at the booth the day of. Octoberfest 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, September 30 from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Any nonprofit interested can sign up here.

Learn how to get more value from your Chamber membership

Both new and seasoned Chamber members have the opportunity to learn how to maximize their membership at our next Membership Maximizer event on Thursday, February 21. The program is being held from 7:30 – 9 AM at the Grand Meridian. Feedback from participants at the first session was overwhelmingly positive: “I loved hearing about what the Chamber had to offer. It was more than I realized. I also made some new connections, including two new businesses that are less than one mile from mine!” said one attendee. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Early voting for spring primary open, with key races on the ballot

Wisconsin has key primary elections coming up on Feb. 21, with polls open from 7 AM – 8 PM at your local polling station. While lines will likely be very short, if past voter turnout for these nonpartisan primary elections is any indication, you can still do your civic duty now and not worry about an inconvenience later, as early voting opened on Feb. 7 in many municipalities. Be sure to check with your local clerk on hours. You can also request a mail-in absentee ballot be sent to your home, and that one be sent automatically in advance of the April general election, so you do not have to fill out the form again.

Read the full article.

Fox Cities Employment Fair presented by the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board

10 AM – 2 PM|Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Fox Cities Exhibition Center, 355 W Lawrence St., Appleton

Job seekers can expect the companies attending to be searching for a wide range of talent in a number of industries and occupations. Those attending do not need to pre-register, but can use the link below to do so if they wish.

Companies can register for a booth here.

What we're reading

Wisconsin farmers expect to see record costs to plant crops

Evers unveils plan to fund local governments with sales tax

U.S. Trade Deficit Hit Record in 2022

Chamber Member News

Appleton International Airport will present a free Business Travel Forum to help businesses and individual travelers maximize their travel experience and cut costs by taking advantage of airline programs.

McMahon is pleased to announce its continued services to grow and shape communities throughout the Fox Cities and beyond.

Capital Credit Union is now accepting applications for its Elevate Communities program.

Scooter’s Coffee making a difference in the community.

People Making Headlines

Krista Draheim has joined Fox Communities Credit Union as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Delivery.

Nicole Hanneman has joined Fox Communities Credit Union as Director of Executive Operations.

Drs. Christopher Howson and Ryan Clark of BayCare Clinic Pain & Rehab Medicine offer the Intellis and Vanta spinal cord stimulation implant systems for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Pam Seidl, executive director of the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (FCCVB), has been elected as chair of the Destinations Wisconsin Board of Directors.

James M. Kotek will retire from his position as Menasha Corporation's President and CEO in March. The Board of Directors has appointed Christopher D. Drees to succeed Kotek. Drees will also join the Menasha Corporation Board on that date.