|
|
May 2026 |
|
This Month's Member Matters is Sponsored by: |
|
Oshkosh Chamber in Action
|
|
|
|
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:
|
|
|
Know a business that isn't a member of the Oshkosh Chamber? Send them our way for our Splash into Summer deal! (valid for new members only) |
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
May Small Business Spotlights
|
|
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 February showed a bump of .4% up to 3.8%, from the rate of 3.4% during January and up from the 2.9% in February of 2025. There were 33,924 Oshkosh residents working this February compared with 34,153 during the same month of 2025, marking a loss of about 230 positions in the city year over year. |
|
Wisconsin and US Employment Data
Statewide, unemployment for February registered at 4.3%, which is up a bit from the 3.9% rate a month earlier, and still far below the national average of 4.7%. Total employment in February was just under 3 million working state residents, down almost 50,000 workers from the same month a year ago. |
|
Winnebago County Employment Data
Winnebago County’s unemployment rate for February was 3.7%, showing a bump of .4% over January and a .5% increase year over year. There were 88,014 county residents working this February, down almost 1,200 workers from the same month in 2025. |
|
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
|
|
|
|
OSHKOSH COMMON COUNCIL DELAYS VOTE ON CITY CENTER PURCHASE
At it’s April 22nd Meeting, the Oshkosh Common Council voted to lay over a resolution that directs City staff to proceed with the acquisition of City Center, including 101 Commerce Street and 201 Pearl Avenue. During the meeting, the Common Council did vote to add the proposed acquisition price of $12.5 Million to the resolution for consideration at the upcoming May 12th Council meeting. The Oshkosh Chamber did provide testimony at the Council meeting on April 22nd in favor of the City’s proposed acquisition along with other community partners including GOEDC, Discover Oshkosh and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. The Chamber also provided a statement to the Common Council in advance of the meeting. Read the Oshkosh Chamber’s statement stated below. Please contact Oshkosh Chamber President & CEO Rob Kleman with any questions or comments.
STATEMENT FROM THE OSHKOSH CHAMBER REGARDING CITY CENTER One of the Oshkosh Chamber’s four core pillars is to advance economic development throughout the Oshkosh region. For decades, we have served as a consistent champion of downtown redevelopment and a strong advocate for strategic, long-term investment in the heart of our community. We have been a leader and active partner in multiple downtown planning initiatives, including the original Downtown Action Plan from 2000, the Imagine Oshkosh Plan in 2017, and the most recent Downtown Visualization Plan completed in 2024. These efforts have produced many community success stories including the Leach Amphitheater project, multiple riverwalk projects, the Marion Road Redevelopment, and the advancement of the Sawdust District. The reimagining of City Center stands as a central component of the 2024 Redevelopment Plan. We recognize that the City of Oshkosh’s proposed acquisition of the 17-acre City Center site involves numerous considerations, including the retention and preservation of existing business tenants, the significant investment required to purchase the property, and the potential need for substantial long-term reinvestment. However, we are concerned that without meaningful city involvement, this anchor property may continue to stagnate—dampening surrounding business activity, suppressing property values, and increasing the risk of broader economic decline and blight. The Oshkosh Chamber has consistently supported the City’s long-term strategy of proactive and responsible downtown redevelopment. The City Center site is simply too large, too central, and too critical to the future of Oshkosh to be left to chance. Its transformation represents a multi-generational opportunity for our community, and we fully support the vision for a reimagined City Center and the long-term benefits it will deliver |
|
Resources & News For You
The WMC Foundation’s Future Wisconsin Project released its Wisconsin Competitiveness Report in February 2026. The report takes a detailed, metric-driven look at where Wisconsin is falling behind on key competitive indicators and offers policy solutions to put the state back on track. Read the Report below: Wisconsin Competitiveness Report | Future Wisconsin Project
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
August 11, 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/ |
Upcoming Events |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Education & Talent Development |
|
|
|
We are EXCITED to launch Oshkosh Area Teacher Appreciation Week! |
|
Teacher Appreciation Week has long served as a time for students and families to show gratitude for the educators who shape and support our community. In 2026, the Oshkosh area is expanding that appreciation beyond the classroom with a new, community‑wide effort to recognize teachers throughout the city. Oshkosh Area Teacher Appreciation Week will take place May 4–May 8, 2026, offering local educators special offers and discounts at 24 participating dining and retail businesses.
This local initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Oshkosh Chamber, Discover Oshkosh, and the OASD, along with participating Oshkosh‑area businesses. Teachers can take advantage of these offers by presenting a valid school ID. A full list of participating businesses and special offers is available at https://www.visitoshkosh.com/event/oshkosh-area-teacher-appreciation-week/141215/ |
|
|
FutureYOU 2026 date has been set! Pencil in Nov 10th to take part in our annual Career Expo! Registration will be open soon! |
|
Oshkosh Chamber Programs |
|
|
|
|
|
Youth Leadership Oshkosh |
|
Youth Leadership Oshkosh’s Community Leadership Skills Day introduced students to the mindset and real-world impact of leading with purpose in their community. Through sessions like Future Ready Leadership with Kayla Werner of Boldt Construction and discussions on why community leadership matters, participants explored how their choices and involvement can shape the future. Speakers including Donny Sell of Oshkosh Country Club. Speakers shared personal career journeys and emphasized the importance of giving back while building a meaningful career. Experiential learning, such as the “Dining in the Dark” lunch, led by student Kymani Stephen, Oshkosh West, encouraged empathy and awareness, Karlene Grabner presented the Smart Social Project, while Sue Panek from the Civility Project presented on social responsibility and civility highlighted the role of respectful engagement and community involvement. The day concluded with a tour of Oshkosh Country Club, reinforcing connections between leadership, community service, corporate social responsibility, and local impact, leaving students with a clearer understanding of how they can contribute to and lead within their communities. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amplify |
|
Amplify welcomed just over 100 attendees to the UWO Culver Family Welcome Center on April 15 for the annual Amplify IT conference. The event brought together leaders from technology, education, and business to explore how technology is amplifying the human experience—in good, bad, and often questionable ways. Conversations throughout the day focused on ethics, education, and the real‑world impacts of rapidly evolving technologies, particularly as AI becomes more deeply embedded in work, learning, and community life.
The conference featured a keynote from Paul Gibbons, who challenged attendees to consider leadership, culture, and responsibility in times of technological change. Sessions also explored the “digital dilemma” facing education, examining how technology is reshaping teaching and learning while raising important questions about balance and long‑term outcomes. A well‑attended data center panel emphasized the importance of educating yourself and encouraged proactive engagement before decisions are made. Building on this year’s momentum, planning is already underway for Amplify IT 2027, which will move to September 2027, continuing the conversation around technology, humanity, and community impact.
UW-Oshkosh amplifies human-centered AI at Amplify IT26 conference |
|
|
Leadership Oshkosh |
|
Leadership Oshkosh’s Criminal Justice Day gave participants a focused, firsthand look at law enforcement, prosecution, and corrections. Beginning at the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, the group explored criminal justice, the prosecution process, and key challenges facing law enforcement, alongside interactive demonstrations, and training experiences. A visit to Oshkosh Correctional Institution provided deeper insight into incarceration through a facility tour and an impactful inmate panel, highlighting accountability and rehabilitation. The day concluded at the Oshkosh Police Department with exposure to modern policing technology and training. Overall, the experience encouraged participants to reflect on justice, leadership, and the importance of empathy and collaboration across the system. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propel Oshkosh Young Professionals |
|
Propel has officially reached an exciting milestone—100 members and 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.
April was another strong month for our Young Professionals Network. We kicked things off with a Professional Development session with Northwestern Mutual, followed by a Morning Mingle at Carmel Crisp Corner, and wrapped up with our Night Shift at Fire Escape.
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. We’ll kick things off on Monday with a volunteer opportunity at Evergreen Retirement Community.
On Tuesday, we’ll 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 we’ll wrap up the week on Thursday with a Golf Outing at Westhaven.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including two presenting sponsorships and golf outing hole sponsorships, which are expected to fill quickly, so get yours today!
Registration is now open for all events, with plenty of ways 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 |
Renewals |
|
2impress 5Gbenefits, LLC Air Rhoades LLC Albright Construction Ascension Behnke Financial Group Blackstone Metal Works Blue Door Consulting Bon Voyage Boutique Travel Capital Credit Union Castle Pierce Clubhouse Indoor Golf & Bar Crownpoint Health Advisors Dairyland (Dunkin & Baskin Robins) David D. Lang Photography Derby Molded Products Dimond Bros Insurance Discover Oshkosh Discovery Properties Dreams Of Jeanne, LLC - Wellness Advocate Edward Jones Elsewhere Market Evco Plastics Fifth Ward Brewing Co Flights Wine And Cocktail Club Floorquest Fox Valley Memory Project Inc. G & Z Food (Sushi Lover) Generac Good Yolk Harters Fox Valley Disposal Horicon Bank Hrnak's Flowers & Gifts Impact Martial Arts J.G. Custom Cabinetry & Design Jack's Maintenance Service James Marketing Company Lakeside Plastic Landscape Solutions Living Water |
|
|
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. |
|
|
Miller Clock New Hydraulics Newview Technologies Noffke Lumber Nolte's Service Northern Star Tax & Accounting Northstar Commercial Real Est Omni Glass Oshkosh Coil Spring Oshkosh Rotary Southwest O-town Iron Paul Jansen And Son Phoenix Printing Pickle And Bags Rhyme Roe Nurseries Scharpf's Embroidery/Art Unlimited Schmitt Title Space Provider (Ogden Dev) Swanson Sweet T.R. Karrels & Associates The Jor-mac Company The Paine The Taqueria The UPS Store #1250 The Wit Apartments Thedacare Thrive Architects Timothy Ryan And Associates Tj's Harbor Restaurant Touch Of Health and Wellness Watermark 47 Witzke Electric Woodward Communications |
|
|
|
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. |
|
