May 4, 2023

Applications are now open for Leadership Fox Cities & Leadership Fox Cities 2.0!

The Fox Cities Chamber has opened up applications for both of its leadership programs. Leadership Fox Cities is for budding and aspiring Fox Cities leaders, shaping them via immersive educational experiences that inspire engagement. The brand-new Leadership Fox Cities 2.0 is for graduates of the first program or a similar Chamber/community leadership program. It is an extension of the original program that takes a deeper dive into community topics, furthering participants’ knowledge and understanding of the region. Apply now to be part of the 2023-24 class!

Learn More / Apply Now

Chamber Quick Poll

This week, Republicans in the legislature put forward a plan to dedicate 20% of sales tax revenue to go to local governments, with certain requirements (see Your Business Advocate blog).

What are your thoughts on this plan?

I'm in support of it

I oppose it

I am indifferent

Last Week's Quick Poll Results

When do you see your organization using AI in your operations?

Within 6 months - 36%
Never - 36%
Within 2 - 5 years - 24%
Within 1 year - 4%

Your Business Advocate Blog

Plan Put Forward to Increase Local Government Revenue

For years, county and municipal government budgets have been under strain for a variety of reasons. For some, their troubles have been a result of poor budgeting. For many others, the double hit of state-imposed levy limits and decreases in shared revenue have resulted in reduced services and staffing.

Legislative Republicans this week introduced Assembly Bill 245 which makes numerous changes to county and municipal funding. In general, this proposal would increase funding to municipalities by $176 million and $50 million for counties. Any new funding would have to be spent on “core services”, defined as police, fire protection, emergency medical services, emergency response, communications, public works, and transportation.

Read the full blog post here.

Jon Turke

Vice President of Government Affairs

jturke@foxcitieschamber.com

Small Business Owners: It’s Time to Think Big

Happy Small Business Week! As a small business owner, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day operations of your business. You’re constantly juggling tasks like managing inventory or staff, paying bills, and dealing with customer service issues. It can be challenging to find time to think about the big picture, let alone act on it. However, it’s essential to think bigger if you want your business to grow and thrive. Now’s as good a time as any.

Here are some reasons why thinking bigger is so important to your small business. Read the full Thought Leader blog.

Any business can publish your blog here! The Chamber offers a blogging program for members that showcases your knowledge in our weekly newsletter, online, on LinkedIn and in The Business News. Click here to learn more.

Congratulations to STL Staffing on their ribbon cutting

See photos from the ribbon cutting

Maximize your membership with the Chamber

Grow your business with Membership Maximizer on May 18 from 7:30 - 9 AM and gain greater insight into the benefits your Chamber membership brings! Free for members, this event will show you how the Chamber can help you promote your business, network, access resources, develop professionally, and have a voice in the business community. Our goal is to help you maximize your membership so you can grow and thrive...because when you succeed, we succeed!

Network at Nicolet at the May Business After Hours

The Fox Cities Chamber and Nicolet National Bank welcome you to join us for an after-hours event at Nicolet National Bank - Grand Chute on May 18, from 5:30-7 PM! Whether you are a prospective member, new member or a member that wants to stay engaged, the Fox Cities Chamber provides Business After Hours for our community. Bring your business cards

and connect with professionals across varying industries.

Please note: This month’s Business After Hours will start at 5:30 PM

Take part in this year's Octoberfest!

Volunteers needed for Octoberfest

Volunteer shifts are available for this year’s Octoberfest on September 30!

The most critical need is for bartenders, bar managers and block captains. Volunteers must be over the age of 21 and do not need a bartending license unless managing a bar. Learn more and apply here.

Apply to be a food vendor at Octoberfest

Applications are open for food vendors and non-profits who are interested in partnering together to serve the crowd this year. This is a great way for non-profits to raise awareness and funds for their mission. Learn more and apply here.

A Cup of Joe with John McCune

Fueled by entrepreneurs, this FREE online networking event provided by the WWBIC is for people who are focused on growing their business, expanding their business networks, and getting fresh ideas for their business. Register here for the event on May 13, from 11 AM - 12 PM.

Chamber Member News

Crane Engineering is excited to announce it has acquired Professional Pump, Inc.

A to Z Machine broke ground on a 30,000-square-foot production facility in Appleton, WI, the first expansion as an employee-owned entity.

Downtown Neenah will host the Spring Fling event on May 6, 2023 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

UA 400 and Mechanical Contractors Association host Kick Off Your Future Skills Competition on May 4th.

Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity provides free home renovations up to $10,000 at Rock the Block in Chilton.

People Making Headlines

McClone Insurance adds to its headcount with four new team members: Mary Bishop, Senior Account Executive in employee benefits; Liesl Jackson, Account Executive in commercial lines; Nick Paustian, managing general accounting duties; and Sarah Basler, Administrative Support for the personal lines team.

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Distinguished Service Award: Anne Jackson and Cathie Tierney.