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March 2026 |
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This Month's Member Matters is Sponsored by: |
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Oshkosh Chamber in Action
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A New Opportunity For Oshkosh Chamber Members
Oshkosh Chamber is looking for the next member who wants to be in the "Member Spotlight". Any and all members can apply each month and all applicants will be voted on by Oshkosh Chamber representatives on the following criteria:
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2026 This is Oshkosh Now Available |
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Contact grace@oshkoshchamber.com if you would like free copies of the 2026 edition of This is Oshkosh for your business |
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Looking to Connect with Other Oshkosh Chamber Members? |
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Get to know other people at the Oshkosh Chamber with this internal networking opportunity, Oshkosh Chamber Network Builder, presented by Elsewhere Market &Coffee House + Rise & Grind! Sign up and start connecting now! |
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Economic Development
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Oshkosh Updates
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City of Oshkosh Employment Data
The city’s unemployment rate for December showed a small bump of .2% up 2.7%, from the rate of 2.5% during November and the same rate as a year ago December. There were 34,197 Oshkosh residents working this December compared with 34,755 during the same month of 2024, marking a loss of about 550 positions in the city year over year. |
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Wisconsin and US Employment Data
Statewide, unemployment for December registered at 3%, which is up a bit from the 2.7% rate a month earlier, and still far below the national average of 4.1%. Total employment in December was just more than 3.02 million working state residents, down almost 100,000 workers from the same month a year ago. |
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Winnebago County Employment Data
Winnebago County’s unemployment rate for December was 2.7%, showing a bump of .2% over November and the same .2% increase year over year. There were 89,320 county residents working this December, down almost 1,500 workers from the same month in 2024. |
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If you’d like more information or have questions about this data, please contact Josh Koteski, Economic Development Director for the Oshkosh Chamber, at josh@oshkoshchamber.com or call 920.303.2265, ext. 20. |
Advocacy
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Resources for You
Watch for the annual Oshkosh Chamber Voter’s Guide which will be published soon. Oshkosh election results — who's moving on to April 7 election?IMPORTANT DATES:
August 8, 2026-Partisan Primary Election
November 3, 2026-General Election
Learn more about how to register to vote, voting in general, and additional information at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/ |
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Register now for the 2026 State of the Community Address |
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Oshkosh Area Primary Election Results
Oshkosh Common Council – Two Year Terms (Top Six Advance – 2 seats available (3 positions)
Name Votes Jacob Amos (Incumbent) 2,608 Meredith Scheuermann 2,104 Paul Esslinger 1,942 Alec Lefeber 1,912 Logan Jungbacker 1,904 Tim Neubauer 1,606 Eric Gumz 1,236 Dan Lenz 900
Incumbents Jacob Floam and DJ Nichols are not seeking re-election
School Board – Three Year Terms (Top 4 Advance – 1 seat available (2 positions)
Name Votes Barb Herzog (Incumbent) 3,676 Mallory Schneider Birschbach 2,846 Jacob Wolf 2,419 Paul Molitor 2,165 Jefferey Watts 568
Incumbent Kelly DeWitt is not seeking re-election
Winnebago County Board Primary – District 14 – Two Year Terms (Top 2 Advance)
Name Votes Rich Norenberg 296 Jon Doemel 175 Tom Swan (Incumbent) 116
All 36 Seats on the Winnebago County Board are up for Election
Spring Election is April 7,2026 |
Upcoming Events |
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Education & Talent Development |
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Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce: A Webinar Business Series on Engaging Students The next installment of STW is Tuesday, March 17th. from 11:30-12:15 pm on Partnering with OASD Teachers: Classroom Presentations, Curriculum Input & Industry Tours Discover how businesses can provide real‑world context for learning with minimal effort, and how these partnerships strengthen future talent alignment. Please see the series schedule below for our upcoming topics! Register now @ |
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Oshkosh Chamber Programs |
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Youth Leadership Oshkosh |
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Youth Leadership Oshkosh Education Day offered students an immersive look at the full educational pathway in our community—from K–12 to technical college to university careers. The day began with a welcome and tour at Lourdes Academy led by Principal Dave Mikesell, followed by classroom visits that allowed students to observe and participate in learning in action. At Fox Valley Technical College, John Rank shared insights on workforce pathways before the group headed to the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh for an afternoon exploring diverse career fields. From business with Dr. Jakob Iversen to education and human services with Molly Kopplin, to the creative inspiration of Donna Nelson and Taylor Brzezinski in Arts Core, students saw how passions can shape professions. The experience continued with behind-the-scenes looks at Radio, TV & Film with Justine Stokes, and the arts and music programs with Leslie Walfish at the Arts & Communications Center—highlighting the many pathways available and encouraging students to envision their own future roles in education, leadership, and community impact. Thank you to all who helped to make this an impactful day for the students. |
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Amplify |
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Technology is evolving faster than our ability to fully understand its impact. Amplify IT 2026 is a deep dive into the innovations reshaping our world—from AI and automation to cybersecurity, data ecosystems, and the increasingly intelligent tools woven into our daily lives.
This year, we’re exploring the real story: what these technologies mean for us as humans—our work, our ethics, our safety, and our future.
Join us for an honest look at the opportunities, the risks, and the choices we face as we navigate a rapidly shifting technological landscape.
Sponsorship and Registration available now! Early Bird Registration is 25% OFF through March 15th! |
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Leadership Oshkosh |
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Leadership Oshkosh Education Day started with classroom visits and was strengthened by the insight, candor, and commitment of our speakers, who collectively illustrated how education in Oshkosh functions as an interconnected ecosystem. We are grateful to Darryl Eschete of the Oshkosh Public Library for framing literacy as a lifelong, community-wide responsibility; Dr. Samuel Coleman of the Oshkosh Area School District for his thoughtful perspective on both the state of education and the critical role of literacy in our community; Rayon Brown from Fox Valley Technical College for highlighting access, workforce pathways, and community engagement; and Dr. Manohar Singh of the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh for connecting higher education to regional vitality. Their leadership challenged participants to think more broadly, act more intentionally, and recognize that education is a shared responsibility. Each of us have a vital role to play in our community’s success. Thank you to all our community partners in preparing this day. |
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Propel Oshkosh Young Professionals |
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Propel continues its upward momentum, now proudly reaching 87 members and growing.
February was a busy and exciting month for our Young Professionals Network. We kicked things off on UWO’s campus at Titan Fest and Titans Lead, where we connected with students interested in joining Propel and introduced them to our student membership discount. We also hosted a Professional Development Lunch at the Chamber, featuring an informative session on the value Propel provides to both businesses and individual members. Mid-month, we gathered at New Moon Cafe for coffee and networking, creating another opportunity to strengthen connections within our community. We wrapped up the month with a lively happy hour at Fletch’s, ending February on a high note.
To meet members where they are, Propel hosts three events each month—morning, midday, and after-work—making it easy to stay involved no matter your schedule. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, sharpen leadership skills, explore new perspectives, or simply meet other driven individuals invested in the Oshkosh community, Propel offers consistent, high-value opportunities to connect and grow.
Upcoming Events:
If you’re interested in learning more about Propel, please reach out to marlayna@oshkoshchamber.com , and feel free to attend any and all upcoming events! |
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WSA |
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Oshkosh Development Momentum Highlighted at WSA 2026 Developer’s Panel Oshkosh Chamber hosted its WSA 2026 Developer’s Panel on February 19 at Oshkosh Corporation headquarters, bringing together regional leaders to share updates on major projects shaping the future of Greater Oshkosh. Panelists outlined a strong pipeline of public and private investment across housing, hospitality, infrastructure, and commercial development. T. Wall Enterprises reported that Phase I of Mill on Main — a 114-unit mixed-use development along the Fox River — is now welcoming residents, with additional phases planned through 2030. Commercial spaces along Main Street and the riverfront are actively being marketed, supporting continued downtown vibrancy. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation provided an update on plans to replace the Jackson Street lift bridge with a new high-level fixed bridge. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028, with completion targeted for 2030. The project will include full roadway reconstruction and corridor improvements designed to support long-term mobility and economic activity. Additional updates included the transformation of the former Oshkosh Northwestern building into a 31-room boutique hotel designed to reflect the building’s original 1930s character. The redevelopment will incorporate a curated mix of retail spaces intended to activate the street level and enhance the downtown experience, including a coffee shop, candy store, Italian grocery market, flower shop, salon/barbershop, tailor, cobbler, and a high-end women’s boutique. Several of these spaces are expected to be independently operated by local entrepreneurs, further strengthening the project’s community-centered focus. Further commercial investment, including a second Tommy’s Express Car Wash location, was also announced. Collectively, the projects discussed reflect continued confidence in Oshkosh’s growth trajectory and a shared commitment to strategic reinvestment across the community |
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New Members, Renewals, Business Briefs, & More |
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New members |
Business Briefs & Press Releases |
Renewals |
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98.3 FM WISS/Civic Media Air Rhoades LLC American Red Cross Ameriprise Arrowhead Conveyor Bay Title & Abstract Bayland Buildings, Inc Blackstone Metal Works Borsche Roofing Professionals, Inc. Brio Building Cedar Yard Greetings Charles E Williams Law Office Cornerstone Processing Crownpoint Health Advisors Culligan Water Quality Cumulus Broadcasting David D. Lang Photography Dowling Construction Dreams Of Jeanne, LLC - Wellness Advocate Flights Wine And Cocktail Club Fox Valley Metrology Fox Valley Telephone FVS Bank G Reinke And Company Gauthier Chiropractic & Wellness Center Good Yolk Pancake & Café Hoffmaster Group, Inc. Image360 J. Cox Plumbing LLC J.G. Custom Cabinetry & Design Journey Together Service Dog, Inc. Julie's Touch Of Silver La Baja Chicken Lakeside Animal Hospital Laser Investments |
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Member Benefits |
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Oshkosh Chamber 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. |
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Oshkosh Chamber Members will can receive the first 60 days free of any managed website or website and marketing package. Members may also receive a 25% discount on monthly pricing or onboarding fees. |
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Mackson Corners Waterfront Mcclone Agency Memories On Market Gallery Network Health Oshkosh Corporation Oshkosh Trophy Oshkosh United Way O-town Iron Pilora's Café Pin High Capital (X-golf) Ripon Hotel Gp (Cobblestone) Robert Gluth Rusch Properties Schieks Sports Sparkle Wash Of The Fox Valley Spectrum Reach Taco Bell The BAR The Chalice The Hangar Bar & Grill Touch Of Health And Wellness True Blue Dreams Inc. Dba Culver's Westowne University Of Wisconsin Admin Valley Pest Control, Inc. Verve Credit Union Waterstone Mortgage Wolf River Expo Services LLC |
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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 inquiry@ntdcorp.com for a custom quote, tailored to your business needs. You can also check them out at www.ntd.net. |
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