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October 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

Oshkosh Chamber News

Advocacy

Economic Development Updates

Programs & Services

Amplify

Workforce & Talent Development

Business Briefs

New Members 

Membership Renewals

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Member Matters is sponsored by Stellar Blue Technologies

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Get to know other people at the Oshkosh Chamber with our newest networking opportunity, Oshkosh Chamber Network Builder!


Watch the video below to learn more about what the Oshkosh Chamber Builder is and how it works:

Oshkosh Chamber Network Builder | How it works
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The Oshkosh Chamber has hired Shannon Seaman as its new Education and Talent Coordinator. Originally from Waupun, Wisconsin, Seaman has an Associates of Arts and Science from UW Fond Du Lac and a Bachelors of Art-Graphic Design from UW Stout. Shannon also owns and operates EllaFisch Seafood with her husband, Aaron. 

In Shannon’s new role, she will be collaborating with the Oshkosh Area Public Schools, Lourdes Academy, Valley Christian School, Fox Valley Technical College, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and the Oshkosh business community. These relationships will help create workforce development programs that strengthen the existing workforce development system, open the lines of communication between education and business and address the critical workforce dilemmas faced by our community.  Shannon will also be working closely with the Amplify Oshkosh Consortium to address and implement programs that support the merging technology sector in the Oshkosh region.


Shannon currently lives in Winneconne with her husband, three children, Fishcher, Ella, and Jasper, along with their two dogs, three mice, ducks, quail, gecko and various fish.

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Leaders and Legends Podcast

The Leaders and Legends Podcast is a live audience podcast featuring notable Oshkosh and greater Fox Valley business leaders. It is hosted by the Venture Project and Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. The podcast educates listeners by interviewing community expert "legends" on the topics of leadership and entrepreneurship.


In this captivating interview, meet Bill Wyman, a native of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and a distinguished graduate of UWO. Bill's journey is a testament to his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, having spent 25 years with the iconic "Oshkosh B'Gosh" family business, ultimately rising to Senior VP of Licensing and a position on the board of directors. Following the sale of the business in 2005, Bill embarked on a diverse range of ventures, from revitalizing neighborhood houses to transforming the American Legion into the renowned event venue, "The Waters." Now serving as the CEO of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Bill shares his insights on family, community, and his passion for activities like competitive sailing and skiing, all while embracing the joys of being a grandfather. Join us for an inspiring conversation with a true Oshkosh legend, highlighting the values that have shaped his extraordinary journey. Like, subscribe, and share to celebrate the remarkable stories that enrich our communities.

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Small Business of the Year Submission Guidelines

The business will be selected by a committee of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and awarded at the Chamber’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Recognition Program on January 18th. Submissions must be returned to the care of Blaz Daul, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce (120 Jackson St., Oshkosh, WI

54901), or e-mailed to [email protected]. The submission deadline is October 15th.


The winner will be featured in Oshkosh Chamber print and electronic publications, and submission information will be given to the local media for their consideration. The winner’s name also will be submitted for consideration as the “Wisconsin Small Business of the Year.”


GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be an independently owned, profit-making enterprise for at least 5 years.

• Must have fewer than 200 full-time employees.

• Must be an Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce member headquartered in Oshkosh.


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Milestone Awards

If you are celebrating a milestone of 25, 50, or 100 years in business at any time this year, please contact Blaz Daul at [email protected]

ADVOCACY

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The Oshkosh Chamber supports the newly-formed coalition of business organizations from across Northeast Wisconsin called Housing NOW that has launched a public education campaign called Say Yes to Housing! 


Like the rest of the country, Northeast Wisconsin is currently experiencing a significant housing crisis. Extensive housing studies have been conducted, numerous workgroups and taskforces have been convened to identify the causes of the significant lack of inventory and the skyrocketing costs of housing. A variety of steps have been outlined to start tackling the problem. However, public education has been identified as the first and most vital step to progress.


The hope is that raising awareness of the housing crisis will increase public support for changes in local regulations and future development projects.


Follow the Housing NOW Coalition on Facebook for updates here

LEARN MORE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES


  • Foodies Mediterranean Grill, a drive through only eatery, will be coming soon to the corner of Jackson Street and Snell Road on the north side of Oshkosh. There is also a 2nd location being planned for development on the west side of Oshkosh on WI-44, the former location of the Area 44 pizzeria.    


  • The Oshkosh Chamber is partnering with several area businesses to bring back the 2023 ‘Fast Pitch’ contest. The pitch event will be on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Stadium. Presenters will have 4 minutes to pitch their business idea for a chance to win cash prizes as well as an opportunity to advance to the regional pitch event on November 30th. Applications for the event open on October 1st - For more information, contact Colan Treml at [email protected].  


OSHKOSH AUGUST 2023 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE RISES 

The unemployment rates for Oshkosh and Winnebago County increased in August along with other areas in our region as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). 


CITY OF OSHKOSH EMPLOYMENT DATA 

The data indicated that the unemployment rate for August 2023 was 3.8%, an increase from August of 2022 and significantly higher than 3.0% in July of 2023. There were 34,237 Oshkosh City residents working this year in August vs. 33,830 last year, for a total gain of 407 workers year over year. The total labor force numbers in August were 35,580 in 2023 versus 34,899 in August 2022. 


WINNEBAGO COUNTY EMPLOYMENT DATA 

The Winnebago County unemployment rate for August 2023 was 3.5%, higher than the rate from August 2022, 2.9%, and July 2023, 2.9%. There were 91,517 Winnebago County residents working this year vs. 90,430 last year, for a net gain of 1,087 workers. Winnebago County’s labor force also increased slightly in August from 93,153 in August 2022 to 94,861 in August 2023. 


WISCONSIN and US EMPLOYMENT DATA 

The Wisconsin August 2023 unemployment rate was 3.7%, up from 3.2% in July of 2023 as well as higher than last year’s August number of 3.1%. In August there were 3,052,911 statewide residents working this year vs. 3,008,174 last year, for a gain of 44,737 workers. For the second straight month, the 3.7% statewide unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.3%. Please contact Colan Treml, Economic Development Director at the Oshkosh Chamber at [email protected] or 920-303-2265, ext. 20 for more information or any questions relating to this data. 

CITY OF OSHKOSH
WINNEBAGO COUNTY

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Upcoming Events & Seminars

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Booth registration is now OPEN for the 2024 Business Expo. Join over 100 Oshkosh area businesses at the Oshkosh Convention Center on March 20th, 2024. This event is a great way to make new connections, learn more about area businesses’ products, services, and upcoming job openings. Members save $50 if paid in full by November 17th, 2023. To claim your booth, please fill out the registration form on our website and return to [email protected].


The 2024 Business Expo also has Platinum and Gold sponsorships available. To learn more about these sponsorships, contact Brianna Gonnering at [email protected]

REGISTER
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Annual Meeting | January 18, 2024


Economic Outlook Breakfast | February 13, 2024


Business Expo 2024 | March 20, 2024


Amplify IT 2024 | April 9th, 2024

CHAMBER CALENDAR

AMPLIFY

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SAVE THE DATE!


Amplify Oshkosh will be hosting our 9th Annual Conference on April 9th, 2024 at the Culver Family Welcome Center in Oshkosh. This years theme: Artificial Intelligence!


More information to come later this year - stay tuned!

Workforce & Talent Development

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The Oshkosh Chamber has partnered with the Oshkosh area schools for the 8th Grade Career Fair happening October 30th at the Culver Family Welcome Center. The Oshkosh Chamber is still looking for exhibitors in the area of IT, Hospitality, Finance, Arts/Communications, Architecture/Construction, and Agriculture/natural resources. For questions, contact Shannon Seaman at [email protected].

REGSITER

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Housing NOW Launching a Public Education Campaign Called "Say Yes to Housing!" 

Read More


Aurora Medical Center - Oshkosh Named a Top 100 Hospital in the Country

Read More


Sturgeon Spirits Craft Distillery's Mushroom Gin Nominated for "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" Contest

Read More


September 12 Oshkosh Job Fair Features More than 80 Employers Hiring for Open Roles - and a NEW Food Truck Rally

Read More


Wisconsin-based Blue Door Consulting and wisnet.com Unite, Blending Marketing and Technical

Expertise for Enhanced Service Offerings

Read More


Business Day in Madison at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center Taking Place October 19, 2023

Read More


Have something you'd like to share in Business Briefs? Contact Blaz Daul at [email protected]!


NEW MEMBERS

GameTime Sports Bar

2836 Fond Du Lac Road, Oshkosh

920-376-1544

www.gametime-sportsbar.com


Diverse Options

571 Fenton Street, Oshkosh

920-748-6387

www.diverseoptions.org

Behringer Photography

831 Snell Road, Oshkosh

www.behringerphotography.com


Oshkosh Productions

920-376-5902

www.oshprod.com


CHAMBER MEMBERS SAVE WITH...

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Oshkosh Chamber Members will receive up to (3) free months of service plus an Oshkosh Chamber Gift Certificate when they sign up for services. 


Contact NTD at [email protected] for a custom quote, tailored to your business needs. You can also check them out at www.ntd.net.

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A printable, pre-activated prescription savings card for Oshkosh Chamber members. Everyone is eligible to save up to 75% on prescriptions with no paperwork to fill out and no limits on usage. It even covers many pet prescriptions!

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Have you gotten your Network Health Insurance quote?


Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce members have access to high-quality health care coverage at an exclusive, cost-effective premium through Network Health. 


Contact your health insurance agent or call 800-276-8004 to learn more about the exclusive premium discount through Network Health.

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following members who renewed their memberships during the month of September.

Advocate Healtch Care

American Red Cross

Annex 71

Area Water Roofing

Boptone & Associates

Buffalo Wild Wings

Computer Corner & Cartridge World

Conger

Corrim Company FRP LLC

Day by Day Warming Shelter

Drucks Plumbing

E C Merill

E D Chase

Evergreen

Fleet Farm

Flowers & Leaves

Guathier Chiropractic & Wellness Center

Grabner Glass

Greater Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods Inc. 

Greif

Holiday Inn Express

Kobussen Buses LTD
KSV (Re/Max On the Water)

Lamar Companies

Lasure's 

Learn (WI Early Autism Project)

Lee Beverage of Wisconsin

Lowes of Oshkosh

Mackson Corners Apartments

Michelle Jarabek (Copper Box)

Midwest Taco (Taco John's)

Millwork Distributors

Mr. Vinyl Enterprises

Oshkosh Marine Supply

Oshkosh Smiles Dentistry

RJ Albright Construction

Red Robin

Schroeder Moving Systems

Shea Electric

Sunbelt Rentals

Tutor Doctor

Vinance (Diedrich Agency)
Witzke Electric

Woodward Communications

XDS Holdings