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February 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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Congratulations to our 118th Annual Meeting award recipients! This years Annual Meeting took a look back at all the wonderful accomplishments and leadership that happened in 2025. 14 award winners were honored with over 500 Oshkosh Chamber members in attendance.
Thank you to all of our sponsors for making this event possible. |
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2026 Business Outlook Survey Results Now Available
What are local business leaders anticipating in Oshkosh for 2026? That is the question we asked local CEOs, business managers, and owners. While it is impossible to predict our economic future with a high degree of specificity, and despite some concerns about workforce availability, higher operating costs, and economic uncertainty, locally, Oshkosh is doing well and has a position of strength in the marketplace.
To read more and to see full survey responses click here |
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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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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN |
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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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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 |
Economic Development
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Oshkosh Updates
Unemployment numbers for the end of the year are largely unavailable due to the government shutdown. Reporting for October has been cancelled, and November numbers are finally available for local reporting. December data is currently only available for national and state numbers |
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City of Oshkosh Employment Data
The city’s unemployment rate for November was 2.5%, down from the rate of 2.7% during September and down .1% from a year ago November. There were 34,311 Oshkosh residents working this November compared with 34,957 during the same month of 2024, marking a loss of about 650 positions in the city year over year. . Click here to view data. |
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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 November was 2.5%, keeping it flat with the numbers for September and only a .1% increase year over year. There were 89,618 county residents working this November, down almost 1,700 workers from the same month in 2024. . Click here to view data. |
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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. |
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Advocacy
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Resources for You
Oshkosh area Spring Elections are on the horizon with primaries scheduled for February 17! Oshkosh Chamber members encouraged to head out to the polls on February 17 and watch for the annual Oshkosh Chamber Voter’s Guide which will be published after the primary elections are completed.
Election Information | Winnebago County, WI
Oshkosh candidate forum set for Feb. 3 ahead of primary election Oshkosh spring election ballot led by council, school board races |
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Chamber President and CEO Rob Kleman and Economic Development Director Josh Koteski participated in the annual WEDA Legislative Day advocating for critical economic developemnt issues at the State Capitol on January 21. hey participated with statewide Chamber and Econ Dev reps from throughout the state of wis advocating for important housing and childcare policies that will be beneficial to support economic development growth in Oshkosh and the State of Wisconsin. |
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Upcoming Events |
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Education & Talent Development |
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Link2Learn Join us for the 2nd Link2Learn event this Friday Morning at Oshkosh North High School! 7:30-8 is registration and networking over a light br4eakfast, and the program will start at 8 featuring Dr. Sam Coleman sharing some insights on the vision for CTE. This is an opportunity to get into the schools and classrooms, to learn more about the curriculum and create lasting impact! Registre now @ Link2Learn - Oshkosh North High School
Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce: A Webinar Business Series on Engaging Students The next installment of STW is Wednesday, February 18th. from 11:30-12:15 pm on Job Shadows & Career Exploration:
Honoring Future Leaders: College, Career & Community Ready Award This year marked the second year we have awarded two Oshkosh students with the College, Career & Community Ready Award. At this year’s Annual Meeting, we were proud to recognize Avah Walter and Giovannie Haralson as recipients of the College, Career & Community Ready Award and Scholarship. These outstanding high school students exemplify what it means to be prepared not only for academic success, but also for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship. We were honored to support Avah Walter and Giovannie Haralson with a $250 scholarship each as they take their next steps toward higher education, career pathways, and continued community impact. Please join us in congratulating them on this well‑deserved recognition. |
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Oshkosh Chamber Programs |
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Youth Leadership Oshkosh |
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Youth Leadership Oshkosh Government Day which took place on a bitter cold day in January, provided students with an immersive, hands-on introduction to local government, civic responsibility, and public service . Participants met the district attorney and a Judge at the Winnebago County Courthouse, engaged in a mock City Council meeting at Oshkosh City Hall, learned how to vote, and explored careers in government and law. Through direct interaction with community leaders and elected officials, students gained a deeper understanding of how local government works and how their own leadership and civic engagement can shape the Oshkosh community. Thank you to City of Oshkosh staff-City Manager, Rebecca Grill, Kami Zuercher, Michelle Behnke, Dani Hoeper, Emma Dziengeleski, James Rabe; our District Attorney, Eric Sparr; Judge Bissett; Darla Salinas, Oshkosh City Clerk; Nate Olson, Olson Legal Group; Mayor Mugerauer, |
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Amplify |
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Leadership Oshkosh |
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In January, Leadership Oshkosh Business Day immersed participants in the role of business leadership in shaping Oshkosh’s economic vitality and community well-being, combining executive dialogue, hands-on learning, and behind-the-scenes access to key organizations . The day featured a dynamic executive panel, engagement with UW–Oshkosh’s Small Business Development Center and CEED, company visits, and an in-depth experience at Oshkosh Corporation, including a defense vehicle demonstration and headquarters tour . Through these experiences, participants explored how mission, vision, and values guide real-world decision-making while strengthening the connection between business success and civic impact. Thank you to 4imprint, Amcor, Blended Waxes, Castle Pierce, Fox Valley Metrology, Oshkosh Corporation and Oshkosh Door Company for hosting tours for the class. Thank you to our executive panelists. |
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Propel Oshkosh Young Professionals |
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Propel kicked off the new year strong with 78 members! This month, we hosted our Holiday Party at Tipsy Tinsel, where members enjoyed bingo, great food, and raffle prizes. All proceeds from the event benefited Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and we’re proud to share that we raised $350! Enough to provide a bed for a child right here in Oshkosh. We also held our monthly Morning Mingle at Elsewhere Market and Coffeehouse, welcoming around 15 attendees for networking and conversation to start the day. Propel and Discover Oshkosh collabed during Restaurant Week where we hosted a lunch at Greene's Pour House. During the event all attendees learned more about Restaurant week and what Discover Oshkosh has been up to!
Looking ahead, Propel is working toward hosting three events each month, including: - Morning Mingles - Professional Development & Leadership Lunches - Night Shifts
Upcoming Propel Events: · What is Propel? Development Lunch on February 12th @Oshkosh Chamber 11:30-12:30 · Morning Mingle on February 19th @New Moon Café 7:30-9am · Night Shift February 26th @Fletch’s 4:30-6:30pm
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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READ MORE Campaign
The READ MORE Oshkosh campaign was launched last week under the Dome at the Oshkosh Public Library with a clear and inspiring goal: to build a stronger community by encouraging more reading, especially with the children in our lives. Born out of Leadership Oshkosh’s Education Day, READ MORE brings together residents, educators, and community partners to promote literacy as a foundation for opportunity, workforce development, economic growth, and lifelong learning. With more than 600 books already donated, the campaign is turning vision into action. The Oshkosh Chamber is proud to be a community partner in this effort, supporting a movement that reminds us that reading truly makes better communities. For more info visit https://readmoreoshkosh.com/ |
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New Members, Renewals, Business Briefs, & More |
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New members |
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Business Briefs & Press Releases |
Renewals |
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Ansay & Associates Baker Tilly Bergstrom Automotive Blue Door Consulting Carl M Hennig Inc Cedar Yard Greetings CR Meyer Creative Sign Co. Inc. Crownpoint Health Advisors D R Hansen Plumbing David D. Lang Photography Dempsey Law Firm, LLP Disabled American Veterans Discher Dreams Of Jeanne, LLC - Wellness Advocate Dublins Irish Pub Edenbrook Omro Edward Jones - Nick Jensen Eureka Dam Campsites Excellence In Leadership Fletcher Chiropractic Office Flights Wine And Cocktail Club Fortifi Bank Fox Valley Physical Therapy Friar Tucks - Oshkosh Gordon Flesch Co Hoffman Planning, Design, Cons Holiday Inn Express Oshkosh Image 360 J.G. Custom Cabinetry & Design James Marketing Company Kitz & Pfeil Legacy Edge Realty Team - RE/MAX 24/7 Real Estate LLC Lighthouse Title |
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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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Mathfab Michael Hert Mineshaft Motel 6 Muthig (Weller Metalworks) National Exchange Bank & Trust Nicolet National Bank On-site Studios, LLC Oshkosh Area School District Oshkosh Festivals Oshkosh Herald O-town Iron Paul Sundquist Physical Achievement Center Pioneer Marina Provident Financial Rj Albright Construction Security Luebke Roofing Snc Manufacturing The Insurance Center (T.I.C.) Touch Of Health And Wellness U.S. Air Force & Space Force Recruiting Venue 404 Vivid Orthodontics Wally Schmid Excavating Winnebago Area Literacy Council Winnebago Oral Surgery Witzke Electric Woodward Communications |
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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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