The Fox Cities Chamber continues to drive economic growth and advance regional prosperity, according to its recently released Q3 2026 Economic Development Report.
During the quarter, the Chamber surpassed 2,100 members, expanded its business retention and expansion efforts, supported business attraction projects, and played a critical role in helping the region recover from July's devastating tornado.
"From supporting individual businesses to advancing initiatives that strengthen our entire region, the Chamber remains focused on creating an environment where employers, employees, and communities can thrive," said Becky Bartoszek, President and CEO of the Fox Cities Chamber. "Our third-quarter results reflect both the strength of our business community and the importance of collaboration in moving the Fox Cities forward."
Key highlights from the third quarter include:
- Business Growth and Engagement: The Chamber welcomed 66 new Connect Free members, bringing total participation in the free small business membership program to 1,244. Overall Chamber membership now exceeds 2,100 businesses and organizations.
- Economic Development: Chamber staff conducted 43 business retention and expansion visits, supported site selection and business attraction projects, completed customized wage analyses, and fulfilled several economic data requests.
- Business Recovery: Following the July 27 tornado, the Chamber mobilized within 24 hours to launch a centralized business recovery resource hub, coordinate assistance, provide temporary workspace, and advocate for additional disaster relief. Long-term recovery efforts continue in partnership with local municipalities and regional stakeholders.
- Talent and Leadership Development: Leadership Fox Cities welcomed its 2026–27 class, while 10 participants began the Chamber's Leader Lab program. The Chamber also concluded its Summer Intern Series, helping emerging professionals develop skills and build connections in the region.
- Young Professional Engagement: The Fox Cities Chamber Young Professionals Network grew to 904 active members, continuing to provide professional development, networking, and community engagement opportunities.
- Business Connections and Community Impact: The Chamber hosted three Business After Hours events, celebrated numerous business milestones through ribbon cuttings, and brought together 75 women for its inaugural Women's Golf Outing. The quarter also included License to Cruise and Octoberfest, a community festival that attracted more than 300,000 attendees for the weekend.
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About the Fox Cities Chamber
The Fox Cities Chamber is a nonprofit business-to-business membership organization that unites the regional business community for greater economic impact. Serving Outagamie, Calumet, and northern Winnebago Counties, we are the second largest Chamber in Wisconsin and were named National Chamber of the Year in 2024. We also received a Wisconsin Innovation Award in the nonprofit category for our free membership level for small businesses.
Our organization proudly captures the energy of one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic regions and transforms it into innovative programs and services to champion employers, economic development, and quality of life. The Fox Cities Chamber celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2024. For more information, visit https://foxcitieschamber.com/.
