News

Golf season will be here before we know it — and we’ve got three great reasons to start planning now! Registration is open for the Fox Cities Chamber’s 2026 golf outings, featuring a returning summer favorite, a brand-new women’s 9-hole outing and our festive fall event to help kick off Octoberfest season.

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.

Fox Cities Chamber program to be held March 27 & 28, 2026

The Fox Cities Chamber has announced that the next session of its IMMERSION Fox Cities program will be held March 27-28, 2026.

The Fox Cities Chamber is a collection site for The Family Radio’s Help for Homeless Hygiene Drive, held from February 22 – March 15, 2026.

The Fox Cities Chamber is now accepting applications from industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners interested in presenting at its AI Business Summit.

The Fox Cities Chamber partners with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Oshkosh to have a consultant onsite at the Chamber on a monthly basis. Business owners seeking guidance growing their small business, or those thinking of starting a business, are welcome to reach out for no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.

Buy your tickets today for the March 12 event

The Fox Cities Chamber has announced the 10 recipients of the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards.

The Fox Cities Chamber has released its Q4 2025 Economic Development Report, highlighting continued growth in membership, expanded workforce, and leadership initiatives, as well as increased support for local businesses. The report reflects a strong finish to the year and positions the region for continued economic momentum in 2026.

Start 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a strategic edge in today’s ever-changing economy. Limited tickets are still available for the Fox Cities Chamber’s 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast, taking place Wednesday, February 18 at the Hilton Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton. After several years as a luncheon, the event returns to its morning roots, offering attendees the chance to start their day with fresh insights, networking, and a breakfast.

The Fox Cities Chamber is offering a professional development opportunity for local entrepreneurs and small business owners: “AI for Small Business,” a 90-minute webinar designed to help individuals leverage artificial intelligence to work smarter, save time, and grow their businesses.

The Fox Cities Chamber has partnered with On-Site Studios to offer an innovative and affordable video production solution to its members. This new benefit provides businesses of all sizes with the opportunity to create high-quality videos with ease, without the high costs typically associated with professional video production.

Being happier sounds great – but how can we actually make it happen? Find out by attending the Fox Cities Chamber’s first Fox Talk of 2026, “How to Create More Happiness in Your Life” on Wednesday, February 11, from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at Community First Credit Union, 1575 Dresang Way in Neenah. The talk will be presented by Kari Meixl, MBA, Director of Business & Industry Services at Fox Valley Technical College.

The Fox Cities Chamber partners with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Oshkosh to have a consultant onsite at the Chamber on a monthly basis. Business owners seeking guidance growing their small business, or those thinking of starting a business, are welcome to reach out for no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.

Don’t miss the opportunity to start 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a strategic edge in today’s ever-changing economy. Tickets are now available for the Fox Cities Chamber’s 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast, taking place Wednesday, February 18 at the Hilton Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton. After several years as a luncheon, the event returns to its morning roots, offering attendees the chance to start their day with fresh insights, networking, and a breakfast.

Local employers also highlighted for sustained engagement

The Fox Cities Chamber has released its 2025 Leadership Development Report to the Community highlighting the Chamber’s leadership development pathways designed to support leaders at every level.

Join the Fox Cities Chamber for the next session of the Innovate for Tomorrow: Education & Business Partnership Series, a new initiative designed to strengthen connections between schools and businesses while shaping the future of our regional workforce.

As workforce needs evolve and competition for talent grows, communities that win are the ones that invest early and often - in students, educators, and the next generation of leaders. In the Fox Cities, that investment is happening through the Fox Cities Chamber’s Talent Titans program. Talent Titans play a critical role in strengthening the region’s workforce by supporting talent development at every stage — from education and career exploration to leadership and professional growth.

The Fox Cities Chamber’s Pulse Young Professionals Network recently welcomed several new members to its Advisory Board. Additionally, several current members moved into new leadership positions.

Area employers invited to weigh in on business conditions and priorities for 2026

The Fox Cities Chamber has opened its 2026 Economic Outlook Survey and is inviting local employers and professionals to share their insights on the current business environment and local economic priorities. The survey is open to anyone who works in the Fox Cities region, including Outagamie, Calumet, and northern Winnebago Counties, regardless of industry or organization size.

Buy your tickets today for the March 12 event

The Fox Cities Chamber has announced nominees of the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. Nearly 250 nominations were received from school districts across the Fox Cities.

Recipients to be recognized at January 20 “Celebrate” Event

The Fox Cities Chamber has announced the recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Awards. These annual awards recognize individuals who embrace principled leadership, strategic thinking, balanced workplace values and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Each has a unique blend of vision, energy, perseverance and skill, demonstrating outstanding achievements in operating businesses as well as leadership in the community.

Data shows strong momentum as local businesses embrace emerging technology

The Fox Cities Chamber has released the region’s first AI Readiness Survey, providing a snapshot to date of how local employers are preparing for - and already using - artificial intelligence. The assessment, compiled from 45 organizations across the Fox Valley, reveals a business community that is highly curious, increasingly engaged, and moving quickly from experimentation to structured adoption.

The Fox Cities Chamber is seeking local professionals to help shape the next generation of talent through a new initiative launching in summer 2026. Launch: Summer Intern Series is an eight-week program designed to better connect local interns to the Fox Cities while helping them develop essential workplace and life skills. The series will run June 10 - July 29, 2026, with sessions held Wednesday mornings from 8 - 9:30 AM (July 8 only from 8 - 10 AM) at rotating host sites across the region.

Members of the Fox Cities Chamber receive a special discount to attend an upcoming professional development seminar, Enhancing Emotional Intelligence, offered by Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC). This in-person session will take place on November 25 from 8:30 - 11:30 AM at the D.J. Bordini Center.

The Fox Cities Chamber kicked off its Innovate for Tomorrow: Education & Business Partnership Series with a highly engaging first session dedicated to Work-Based Learning. Held at RGL Logistics and attended by educators, employers, and community partners from across the region, the event highlighted how real-world learning experiences are reshaping the talent pipeline and preparing students for high-demand careers.

Nearly 300 attendees gathered at the Fox Cities Chamber AI Business Summit on November 5 in Appleton, bringing together business, technology, and community leaders to explore how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly to drive growth, productivity and competitiveness across the region.

Don’t miss the opportunity to start 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a strategic edge in today’s ever-changing economy. Early bird tickets are now available for the Fox Cities Chamber’s 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast, taking place Wednesday, February 18 at the Hilton Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton. After several years as a luncheon, the event returns to its morning roots, offering attendees the chance to start their day with fresh insights, networking, and a breakfast.

The Fox Cities Chamber has announced an update to the speaker lineup for its AI Business Summit, taking place Tuesday, November 5 at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel. Jim Dobinski, Founder and Managing Director of StellarBlue.ai, and Lauren Welter, AI and Marketing Director at the company, will lead a session titled “Not Your Grandma’s Marketing: AI-Powered Storytelling, Automation, and Engagement.”

Winners to be recognized at January 20 “Celebrate” Event

The Fox Cities Chamber has announced the recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Awards. These annual awards recognize individuals who embrace principled leadership, strategic thinking, balanced workplace values and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Each has a unique blend of vision, energy, perseverance and skill, demonstrating outstanding achievements in operating businesses as well as leadership in the community.

Fox Cities Chamber Regional Partnership, the economic development arm of the Chamber, released its Q3 2025 Economic Development Report, highlighting continued business growth, strong community engagement, and national recognition for innovation.

Join the Fox Cities Chamber for the kickoff of Innovate for Tomorrow: Education & Business Partnership Series, a new initiative designed to strengthen connections between schools and businesses while shaping the future of our regional workforce.

Limited tickets remain for the Fox Cities Chamber’s AI Business Summit, presented by Miron Construction. The regional summit, happening Wednesday, November 5 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley, will bring together innovators, tech leaders, and business professionals for a day of inspiration and practical insights on AI.

The Fox Cities Chamber partners with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Oshkosh to have a consultant onsite at the Chamber on a monthly basis. Business owners seeking guidance growing their small business, or those thinking of starting a business, are welcome to reach out for no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.

‘“Ignite Your Brand: From Social Media to the Winner’s Circle,”’ to be Topic of Next Seminar

Registration is now open for the next Fox Cities Chamber Fox Talks session, “Ignite Your Brand: From Social Media to the Winner’s Circle,” to be held on Wednesday, November 19, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Community First Credit Union, 1575 Dresang Way, Neenah.

The Fox Cities Chamber is excited to announce Wendy Woelfel as the winner of its WaveRunner Raffle, featuring a 2025 Yamaha WaveRunner JetBlaster and trailer. All proceeds from the raffle will help ensure that Appleton’s beloved Octoberfest remains a free community event for years to come.

Recognizing the people and programs driving business and community growth across the Fox Cities

The Fox Cities Chamber is joining chambers across the country to celebrate National Support Your Local Chamber Day on October 15, a day to recognize the vital role chambers play in supporting businesses, building communities, and driving regional prosperity.

It’s a golden year for the Fox Cities’ brightest young leaders! The Fox Cities Chamber’s Pulse Young Professionals Network is rolling out the red carpet for the 15th Annual Future 15 Awards on Wednesday, October 23, 2025.

The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), together with long-time sponsor Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, proudly honored the 30th Anniversary of the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards on Monday, September 22, 2025, during the 70th Anniversary of the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo presented by atVenu, held this year in Palm Springs, California, U.S.A.

The Fox Cities Chamber, in partnership with Fox Cities Magazine, is proud to announce Forward Fox Cities, an annual publication highlighting the economic development and business growth shaping the Fox Cities region.

by U.S. News & World Report

Today, Children’s Wisconsin was recognized as a 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report. Ranked as the number one pediatric hospital in Wisconsin and among the best in the nation in five pediatric specialties, Children’s Wisconsin is the only health system in Wisconsin with the depth of services to achieve this level of recognition by the U.S. News & World Report for pediatric specialty care.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Fox Cities Chamber’s 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. The Excellence in Education Awards program recognizes the outstanding achievements of educators in the Fox Cities Region. A skilled workforce of tomorrow relies on high quality education today, and this event will acknowledge and celebrate the unparalleled contributions of full-time, Pre-K through 16 classroom educators working and shining in Fox Cities schools, colleges, universities and other educational settings.

Premier Wisconsin Festival Debuts Innovative Mobile App Feature to Enhance Visitor Experience with Interactive Maps, Vendor Discovery, and Artist Previews

Appleton's Octoberfest, one of Wisconsin's most celebrated festivals, announced its partnership with MyStage Music, Inc. to launch an enhanced digital experience through the MyStage app's new Festival Guides feature. This collaboration marks the inaugural deployment of MyStage's comprehensive festival navigation and discovery tools, designed to help attendees maximize their Octoberfest experience.

Forty-four area professionals have been named to the 2025-2026 Leadership Fox Cities program through the Fox Cities Chamber.

Exhibitor registration is now open for the 2026 Fox Cities Chamber Future Fox Cities Career Expo. New for 2026, the expo will be just one day, Wednesday, April 15, at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center in downtown Appleton.

Awards to be presented include ATHENA Leadership Award®, Business Leader Hall of Fame, Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award, and Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor Award

The nomination deadline has been extended to September 26 for the Fox Cities Chamber Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards recognize individual professional excellence in the region, which includes Outagamie County, Calumet County, and the northern portion of Winnebago County.

7 additional artists to perform at Durkee St. pop-up stage

Appleton’s Octoberfest™, an event of the Fox Cities Chamber, is excited to announce that an additional music stage will be at this year’s festival, thanks to a grant from the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau and support from EPS (Event Production Systems). The stage will be located on Durkee Street and feature performances by Fox Cities singer-songwriters, showcasing music across multiple genres, including folk, rock, indie pop, country, blues, and more.

Classes Available in both Outagamie and Calumet Counties

Registration is open for the next sessions of the Fox Cities Chamber’s groundbreaking leadership program – “Leader Lab: Linking Organizational Culture and Leadership.” To date, almost 100 participants have gone through the program, and the Chamber is now seeking its next cohort of inspiring leaders or those who wish to lead culture change in their organizations.

The Fox Cities Chamber partners with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to have a consultant onsite at the Chamber on a monthly basis. Business owners seeking guidance growing their small business, or those thinking of starting a business, are welcome to reach out for no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.

The early bird deadline to buy reduced price tickets for the Fox Cities Chamber’s AI Business Summit has been extended – buy tickets by September 19 at 12 Noon to save money and be entered to win a pair of Meta AI Glasses or other AI-themed prizes.

The Fox Cities Chamber’s Pulse Young Professionals Network is hosting a Rise & Learn event on Monday, September 15, from 8 – 10 a.m. at Fox Communities Credit Union, 2201 E. Enterprise Avenue, Appleton.

Early bird deadline is September 10 – Save money and score a chance to win!

The early bird deadline to buy reduced price tickets for the Fox Cities Chamber’s AI Business Summit is approaching – buy tickets by September 10 to save money and be entered to win a pair of Meta AI Glasses or other AI-themed prizes.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the state chamber of commerce – each year partners with local chambers from across the state to celebrate September as Chamber of Commerce Month in Wisconsin. Throughout the month, WMC and its affiliate organization,

As the Fox Cities Chamber prepares for the AI Business Summit on November 5, they are partnering with Midpoint Consulting on an AI Readiness Survey to learn where local businesses are in their AI adoption and how prepared the Fox Cities region is for what’s ahead.

Fox Cities Chamber members are invited to attend a Fox Valley Technical College virtual seminar and receive a special discount. “Communication & the Customer Experience” will be held on Monday, September 8, from 8:30 – 11:30 AM. Please note that this is an online training and you will need access to the internet and a web camera.

District Working with Hoffman on $51.2 Million Referendum Project

Community members, school district representatives, and students attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, for the Shawano School District to celebrate the start of improvements to Shawano Community High School.

The Fox Cities Chamber is hosting its annual Women in Leadership Breakfast on Wednesday, October 1st from 8 – 10 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Neenah. Participants will hear four local, influential women take the stage to talk about their experiences, challenges, rewards and surprises they've encountered as women in leadership positions. Men and women alike are invited to join and learn from each other during a morning of learning, growing and inspiration.

The area’s signature Appleton’s OctoberfestTM weekend celebration will kick off in style with License to Cruise, taking over downtown from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, September 26. This year’s event promises more cars, more entertainment, and exciting new additions for festival-goers.

The Fox Cities Chamber is launching Leadership Fox Cities (LFC) 2.0, an exclusive new leadership development experience designed specifically for graduates of Leadership Fox Cities or a similar program.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year also announced; All to be recognized October 23

Pulse Young Professionals Network, a program of the Fox Cities Chamber, has announced the 15 individuals from across the Fox Cities region who will be honored as the 2025 class of Fox Cities Future 15 Young Professionals. These individuals were chosen based on their professional dedication, strong sense of vision for the future of the Fox Cities, and personal commitment to philanthropy in the community they call home.

The Fox Cities Chamber is holding a raffle to win a 2025 Yamaha WaveRunner JetBlaster and trailer. All proceeds go toward helping keep Octoberfest a free event for years to come.

Fox Cities Chamber program recognizes employers who demonstrate a significant commitment to promoting work/life integration for their employees

Miron Construction Co., Inc. has been certified as a platinum-level Employee Friendly Workplace by the Fox Cities Chamber. This certification recognizes employers who demonstrate a significant commitment to promoting work/life integration by creating a positive work environment and experience for all employees.

Awards to be presented include ATHENA Leadership Award®, Business Leader Hall of Fame, Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award, and Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor Award

Nominations are open now through September 18 for the Fox Cities Chamber Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards recognize individual professional excellence in the region, which includes Outagamie County, Calumet County, and the northern portion of Winnebago County. The eligibility requirements for each are:

The Fox Cities Chamber Regional Partnership, the economic development arm of the Fox Cities Chamber, has released its Q2 2025 Economic Development Report, detailing a busy and impactful quarter focused on business support, workforce development, and leadership programming across the region.

Touchmark on West Prospect has been recognized as a Pulse Champion of Young Professionals by the Fox Cities Chamber, honoring the community’s commitment to creating a positive environment for young professionals to thrive and grow in their careers.

Those attending Appleton’s Octoberfest on Saturday, September 27 have a new, nearby option to escape the crowd. Octoberfest is offering a VIP option this year, which offers exclusive access to a lounge area at the Fox Cities Chamber building to relax, rejuvenate and unwind. VIP’s can come and go from the lounge as often as they please from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Governor Tony Evers has reappointed Fox Cities Chamber President/CEO Becky Bartoszek to the Council on Workforce Investment (CWI). This council is the federally-mandated entity under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that assists the governor in developing innovative and dynamic approaches to develop Wisconsin's workforce.

Early bird deadline is September 10 – Save money and score a chance to win

Register early for the Fox Cities Chamber’s AI Business Summit and you won’t just save money—you could walk away with a pair of Meta AI Glasses or other AI-themed prizes.

‘Social Media for Small Business’ to be Topic of Next Seminar

Social media is one of the most powerful tools small businesses can use to grow their brand...and now, two local experts are teaming up to help entrepreneurs harness that power. The upcoming Fox Cities Chamber Fox Talks seminar, Social Media for Small Business, will feature Alayna Hansel of We Rose Marketing and Ashley Johannes of Ashley Kalbus Photography, offering practical strategies and insights to help small business owners confidently show up online and connect with their ideal audience.

The Fox Cities Chamber partners with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to have a consultant onsite at the Chamber on a monthly basis. Business owners seeking guidance growing their small business, or those thinking of starting a business, are welcome to reach out for no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.

Fox Cities Chamber program to be held September 12 & 13, 2025

The Fox Cities Chamber has announced that its IMMERSION Fox Cities program will launch September 12-13, 2025.

The Fox Cities Chamber is hosting a Legislative Luncheon, Unlocking Housing: Challenges, Solutions & Updates, on Monday, June 23, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Appleton Public Library, 200 N. Appleton Street, Appleton.

Classes Available in both Outagamie and Calumet Counties

Registration is now open for the next sessions of the Fox Cities Chamber’s groundbreaking leadership program – “Leader Lab: Linking Organizational Culture and Leadership.” To date, almost 80 participants have gone through the program, and the Chamber is now seeking its next cohort of inspiring leaders or those who wish to lead culture change in their organizations.

Applications Due June 19 for Class of 2025-2026

The Fox Cities Chamber hosted a commencement ceremony for its 2024-2025 Leadership Fox Cities (LFC) program on Tuesday, May 20 at Butte des Morts Country Club in Appleton. This year’s class was comprised of 41 distinguished individuals from various industries within the Fox Cities.

Applications will be accepted now through June 19, 2025

Applications for the 2025-2026 class of the Fox Cities Chamber’s Leadership Fox Cities Program, The Fox Cities’ premier leadership program since 1991, are still being accepted, with an application deadline of June 19, 2025.

Among the 251 urban areas that participated in the first quarter of the 2025 Cost of Living Index, the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living ranged from more than twice the national average in New York (Manhattan), NY to more than 20 percent below the national average in Harlingen, TX. The Cost of Living Index is published quarterly by C2ER – The Council for Community and Economic Research.

The Fox Cities Chamber and its Pulse Young Professionals Network are ready to select the 15th annual class of Fox Cities Future 15 Young Professionals. Nominations are open now through July 10, 2025.

The Fox Cities Chamber is now accepting vendor applications for its AI Business Summit on Wednesday, November 5. This is the premier event for businesses, innovators, and professionals looking to explore the power of artificial intelligence in the workplace. This event will bring together industry experts, thought leaders, and cutting-edge businesses to discuss practical AI applications, emerging trends, and real-world case studies that are shaping the future of business.

Registration is now open for the Fox Cities Chamber Octoberfest Golf Outing – a fun event that will give participants a chance to raise their steins (and their golf clubs!) to raise funds and have some fun along the way.

New Tool Helps Small Businesses With Environmental Compliance

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in honor of National Small Business Week, today launched the new Environmental Responsibility Navigator (Enviro-Nav) to help small businesses with environmental compliance.

At the Wisconsin Lions State Convention, held May 1-3 in LaCrosse, the Fox Valley Lions MJ Tassoul Memorial Medical Equipment Loan Locker was presented the Lions International Kindness Matters Service Award.

Small businesses do more than drive the local economy—they shape the character and vitality of our communities. The Fox Cities Chamber is recognizing the contributions of local small businesses during National Small Business Week, May 4–10.

Applications will be accepted now through June 19, 2025

Applications for the 2025-2026 class of the Fox Cities Chamber’s Leadership Fox Cities Program, The Fox Cities’ premier leadership program since 1991, are now being accepted, with an application deadline of June 19, 2025.

Livability.com's 2025 Best Places List Puts Affordability First, Lets Users Find Their Ideal City

Livability.com unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live list, showcasing the nation's most vibrant and livable small to mid-sized cities, and Appleton has earned a coveted spot among the nation's most livable cities.