The Fox Cities Chamber released results of its 2026 Economic Outlook Survey at their annual Economic Outlook Breakfast on Feb. 18, highlighting a region positioned for growth in 2026 and businesses expressing strong confidence in the local economy.
Local Performance Strong in 2025, Positive Outlook for 2026
More than half of respondents (55%) reported higher gross sales in 2025 compared to 2024, and nearly 49% reported higher profits. Looking ahead to 2026, 56% expect revenue to increase, and nearly 50% anticipate higher profits
Employment remains steady, with 35% expecting to increase hiring this year and nearly 59% anticipating stable employment levels
Business leaders continue to express strong confidence in the region. Nearly 88% rate the Fox Cities as an “excellent” or “good” place to do business, and more than 83% rate the region’s economic vitality as excellent or good
Respondents identified worker productivity and work ethic (29%) and cost of doing business (28%) as the most beneficial aspects of operating in the Fox Cities
Despite overall confidence, talent attraction and retention continue to be the region’s top business challenge, cited by 45% of respondents. When asked what should be prioritized over the next two to three years to strengthen the Fox Cities economy, respondents most frequently selected:
These findings reinforce the Chamber’s continued focus on workforce development, talent, small business support, and regional collaboration
While local confidence remains high, sentiment toward the national economy is more cautious. Nearly 47% of respondents rate the nation’s economic vitality as “average,” and roughly 17% rate it below average or poor. More than half of respondents believe the country will enter a recession within the next year or say the nation is already in one
The survey also measured progress in generative AI adoption. Nearly 40% of respondents report experimenting with AI, and 22% say they are incorporating it into their strategy. This aligns with results of the Chamber’s AI Readiness Survey conducted late last year, where businesses on average scored 2.3 on a 5-point scale, reflecting a region solidly in the developing stage of AI adoption. It also reinforces the Chamber’s strategic emphasis on helping regional businesses leverage emerging technologies
The full 2026 Economic Outlook Survey results are available at https://foxcitieschamber.com/economic-data/ .
About Fox Cities Chamber
The Fox Cities Chamber captures the energy of one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic regions and transforms it into innovative programs and services for its business members. The Fox Cities Chamber serves all of the Fox Cities communities within the counties of Outagamie, Calumet and the northern portion of Winnebago. The Fox Cities Chamber plays a leadership role in regional economic development efforts in Northeastern Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.foxcitieschamber.com.