April 2026

This Month's Member Matters is Sponsored by: 

Oshkosh Chamber in Action
What's going on at your Chamber?
 

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:

  • Involvement with the Oshkosh Chamber
  • #of events attended, program involvement, sponsorships, etc.
  • Summary of “what it it means to be an Oshkosh Chamber member and how your business has benefited from becoming/being a member”.
  • Supporting materials/testimonials
 

Looking to Connect with Other Oshkosh Chamber Members? 

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!

Economic Development
 

Oshkosh Updates

 

  • The new Mill on Main multi-family unit officially completed Phase 1 and is currently leasing. The luxury apartment building is comprised of 114 units, featuring studios to 3-bedroom units. There is also big news in the commercial space of the building with Badger Tavern from Madison set to open a second location, right here in Oshkosh. Badger will be a high-end tavern occupying the large restaurant space facing the Fox River, on the back side of the property. Representatives of Mill on Main are still searching for potential commercial tenants. There will be a ribbon cutting and a Grand Opening on April 23rd. The total project will bring roughly 300 units to the area by 2030. 

 

  • Burlington retail store will be having it’s Grand Opening on May 15, 2026. Burlington has taken over the space next to T.J. Maxx on Koeller St, which was previously occupied by Joann Fabrics. They have rebranded away from solely a coat retailer into more of a major department store, offering discounted prices on home goods, footwear, accessories, and clothing. 

 

  • The renovations of the old Oshkosh Northwestern building continue as T.J. Rogers’ group, now rebranded as a Rogers Company (aRc), work to bring a boutique hotel to downtown Oshkosh. The building will bring 31 rooms and a 1930’s feel throughout the property. The hotel will serve breakfast, feature a large lobby bar open to the public, and will be connected to the Truffle Pig restaurant. Completion is likely to come a bit behind schedule in Spring of 2027, but the lobby bar may open sooner than that target date. The team is currently to include a coffee shop, candy store, a tailor, a hair salon/barbershop, an Italian market, and a high-end women’s boutique. We will continue to keep our proverbial finger on the pulse as more updates come through. 

 

  • Winnebago County recently approved a $4.5 million Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for housing developments in the area. The county maintains that at least 10,000 new housing units are required to attract new families, support the aging population, and sustain local businesses. The RLF will offer low-interest gap financing for housing development. Winnebago County would work with municipalities to streamline approvals and remove barriers, enabling projects to move forward efficiently. Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz will oversee the fund on a board with several other stakeholders. 
 

  • Also in the spotlight this month is Derek Lind and his business, the Handy Husband. Derek is skilled in many facets of home and commercial projects. Don’t hesitate to reach out to him if you are in need of quality work from a great person. 

April Small Business Spotlights

 

 

  • Author Apothecary & Bookstore will be a new addition to N Main St, as owner, Felicia Clark will be opening the doors on June 6th! To follow more about her journey, you can find them on Facebook. 

  • Maxwell Mastandrea of Carpet Healing has been filling up his calendar with the emergence of some spring-like weather. In addition to high quality carpet cleaning using enzymes and other effective technology, Maxwell also offers installation services.  

  • Healing Hands Premier Home Care officially opened for business at the beginning of April and hit the ground running. Owner, Kayla Spain, is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to the Oshkosh area and is looking for clients that need home care, as well as care providers and transportation drivers looking for employment.  

If you or someone you know has a small business, wants to start a small business, or has the mind of an entrepreneur, the Oshkosh Chamber is here for all your needs. We would be happy to help you start, grow, develop, or transition your small business. 
 

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. 

Click here to view data. 

Wisconsin and US Employment Data

 

Statewide, unemployment for December registered at 3%, which is up slightly 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.

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. 

Click here to view data. 

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
 

Elections for the Oshkosh City Council and the Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education will be held TOMORROW Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Oshkosh Chamber has established a Voters Guide with candidate questionnaires that are tailored for the business community.
 
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
 
August 8, 2026-Partisan Primary Election
  • Nominates candidates to be voted at the General Election and referenda (if necessary)
November 3, 2026-General Election
  • Election held in even-numbered years to elect the President of the United States (in presidential years), U.S. Senator, Representatives in Congress, State Senator, Representatives to the Assembly, District Attorney, Court Partisan Offices, and referenda (if necessary) 

 

Learn more about how to register to vote, voting in general, and additional information at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/

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
 

Education & Talent Development
 

Help Shape the Future of Oshkosh Schools

 

What should our public schools focus on for the next five years? The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) is inviting business owners, residents, and community leaders to help decide the direction of our schools and district.

 

The Oshkosh Schools Summit is a collaborative, three-day community event designed to identify our city’s top priorities. This isn’t a sit-and-listen presentation; it’s a hands-on workshop where your perspective as a community member helps shape the district’s five-year goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). You’ll work alongside parents, students, staff, and community members. 

RSVP Today: Help us build a future that reflects our community’s values. Click here to RSVP or call 920.424.0160. For more details, visit oshkosh.k12.wi.us/summit.

Oshkosh Chamber Programs
 

Youth Leadership Oshkosh

The Youth Leadership Oshkosh Business & Business Etiquette Day offered students an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at a variety of local industries and career pathways, beginning with a tour and career discussion at Amcor Flexibles Healthcare, followed by a unique manufacturing-focused visit to Blended Waxes and a digital marketing perspective at E-power Digital Marketing Agency. Participants then developed professional skills during a business etiquette lunch led by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Student Success Center and continued with interview preparation. The day ended with insights into local tourism and economic development through Discover Oshkosh and the Oshkosh Chamber. Students designed their perfect day in Oshkosh and finished with Chamber Bingo! The day provided a well-rounded experience that combined workplace exposure, skill-building, and community connection. Special thanks to Amcor Flexibles Healthcare, Blended Waxes, E-power Digital Marketing Agency, UWO, Discover Oshkosh, and the Oshkosh Chamber for making this impactful learning experience possible.
 

Amplify

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. 

 

Register now

Leadership Oshkosh

The Leadership Oshkosh Health & Human Services Day provided participants with a comprehensive, hands-on exploration of the local health and human services ecosystem in Winnebago County, beginning with a welcome and interactive activities at Evergreen Retirement Community and continuing through presentations from public health leaders, senior service providers, and community organizations. Through a senior living panel, group discussions, and a United Way 211 overview, attendees gained insight into how individuals and families navigate systems of care, while experiential learning opportunities—including tours of Father Carr’s and the Day by Day Warming Shelter—deepened empathy and understanding of the connections between health, housing, aging, and dignity. The day concluded with reflection and journaling to encourage thoughtful leadership and actionable next steps. Special thanks to Evergreen Retirement Community and its staff, as well as Miravida Living, for organizing a meaningful and engaging day, and to Winnebago County Public Health, our panelists, Father Carr’s, and the Day-by-Day Warming Shelter for sharing their time, expertise, and experiences.
 

Propel Oshkosh Young Professionals
Propel continues its upward momentum, now proudly reaching 97 members, and still growing.
Designed to connect and engage young professionals across Oshkosh, Propel hosts three events each month, offering morning, midday, and after-work options to fit a variety of schedules. Whether you're looking to expand your network, grow professionally, or simply connect with other driven individuals in the community, Propel provides meaningful opportunities to do so.
March was another strong month for Oshkosh's Young Professionals Network. Propel kicked things off with a Morning Mingle at Elsewhere, followed by a Professional Development session with Toastmasters, and wrapped up with a Night Shift at Dublin’s.
Looking ahead, Propel is excited to host its very own Young Professionals Week, taking place June 22–25. This fun, interactive, and educational week will be packed with engaging events. The week will kick off on Monday with a volunteer opportunity at Evergreen Retirement Community. On Tuesday, Propel will host a Professional Development Panel at Oshkosh Corporation, featuring inspiring young leaders and entrepreneurs from the Oshkosh community. Wednesday will bring a Night Shift at Wendt’s, and the week will wrap up on Thursday with a Golf Outing at Westhaven.
Registration is now open for all events, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and support the week. For more information, please contact Marlayna at marlayna@oshkoshchamber.com
 
 

New Members, Renewals, Business Briefs, & More
 

New members

Business Briefs & Press Releases

Goodwill NCW recognizes Financial Literacy month 

 

Northeast Wisconsin Housing Analysis for Individuals with Autism & I/DD

 

Celebrate Earth Month

 

Kite flying, model airplane showcase, highlight four new events coming to the EAA Aviation Museum 

 

2026 OASD Education Foundation Gala

 

 

Fox Communities Credit Union Celebrates Financial Literacy Month with Two Major Youth-Focused Partnerships

 

WERNER ACQUIRES ETCO ELECTRIC SUPPLY, INC.  

 

VERVE NAMES JAMIE VAN WAGONER AVP OF EXPERIENCE & GROWTH - DIGITAL BRANCH

 

Verve, a Credit Union Recognized as Best of the Best for Mortgage Experience

 

Companies and job seekers of all skill levels encouraged to attend the April 8, 2026 Oshkosh Area Employment Fair on Wednesday April 8

 

Oshkosh Kids Foundation to Host Cow Pie Bingo Fundraise

 

Renewals

4 Imprint 

Adashun Jones 

Adventure Games, LLC 

Advocap 

Algoma Financial Group 

AMS Hospitality 

Aquire Restoration 

Aspire 

Associated Bank 

Beez Electric, Inc 

Beiser Realty 

Be's Refreshments 

Boys & Girls Club Of Oshkosh 

Cedar Yard Greetings 

Chick-fil-a 

Child Care Resource & Referral 

Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. 

Clarity Care, Inc. 

Continental Laundry Systems 

Crownpoint Health Advisors 

David D. Lang Photography 

Davis Painting & Decorating 

DMB Community Bank 

Don's Auto Body 

Dreams Of Jeanne, LLC - Wellness Advocate 

Druck's Plumbing & Heating 

First Business Bank 

Flights Wine And Cocktail Club 

Fox Valley Veterans Council, Inc. 

Ganther Construction 

GMS 

Grabner Glass 

Honkamp 

Insight Eye Care LLC 

Interim Healthcare Fox Cities 
 

Member Benefits 

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.

 

 

J.G. Custom Cabinetry & Design 

James Chitwood 

Jimmy John's 

Lifest 

Lowes Of Oshkosh 

Mike's Place Family Restaurant 

Muza Sheet Metal Co 

Northside Chiropractic Center 

Olson Legal Group 

Oshkosh Area Humane Society 

Oshkosh Farmers Markets 

O-town Iron 

Pacur, LLC 

Pfefferle Companies 

Quandt Plumbing, LLC 

Ray's Sanitation LLC 

Renning, Lewis & Lacy, S.C. 

Rogge's Foods 

Sadoff Iron & Metal Co 

Schwab Realty - First Weber 

Servicemaster Restoration Services 

Silver Star 

Smart IS 

Spare Space Self Storage 

Suttner Accounting 

Team Winnebagoland 

The Hangar Bar & Grill 

The Osthoff Resort 

Touch Of Health And Wellness 

Turn Key Auto Sales 

University Of Wi Oshkosh Foundation 

Vesta 

Von BRIESEN & ROPER, SC 

WBD 

Wihlm Dental 

Winnebago Co Fair Association 

Zillges Materials 
 

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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