This Month's Member Matters is Sponsored by: 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Presents Oshkosh Chamber with 5 Star Accreditation at July Board Meeting

On July 17th, Micah Olson, Manager of the Midwest Region from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, attended the Oshkosh Chamber board meeting to present the 5-Star Accreditation award. The Oshkosh Chamber has proudly held a 5-Star status since 1992. Every 5 years, Oshkosh Chamber staff undergoes a rigorous application process to retain this status. 

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

Our Annual Meeting with be taking place January 21, 2027 at the Oshkosh Convention Center. Part of the evening's program includes an awards ceremony. We are beginning to accept nominations for Small Business of the Year.

Do you know of a small business deserving of this award? Please submit your nominations to grace@oshkoshchamber.com! The submission deadline is October 9th.

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 member headquartered in Oshkosh.

Oshkosh Updates

• Volare Hangars unveiled new renderings and details for the proposed Oshkosh Aviation Park at Wittman Regional Airport. The approximately 80-acre development is planned to include corporate and personal hangars, aviation business space, fuel facilities, and supporting amenities. Once completed, the project is expected to strengthen Oshkosh's year-round aviation economy while creating new opportunities for business investment and job growth. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in 2028, pending approvals and infrastructure improvements.

• EAA AirVenture 2026 concluded with another record-setting year, drawing an estimated 730,000 attendees from around the world. Beyond showcasing Oshkosh as the aviation capital of the world, the event provides a substantial economic boost for local hotels, restaurants, retailers, service businesses, and manufacturers while generating an estimated $257 million in regional economic impact.

• The City continues due diligence activities related to the City Center redevelopment property as planning progresses for one of Oshkosh's most significant long-term redevelopment opportunities. The due diligence period runs through the end of September.

• The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh continues implementing its campus modernization strategy with plans moving forward to remove three obsolete residence halls. The redevelopment will create opportunities for future academic facilities, student housing, or other campus investments while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

• Our Economic Development Director, Josh Koteski, attended the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Basic Economic Development Course at the end of June. This course is the first step for international certification in Economic Development.

• Construction on the new multi-lane roundabout at WIS 21 and Leonard Point Road is entering its next phase, bringing significant traffic changes.Temporary traffic signals will control alternating one-way traffic on Leonard Point Road between WIS 21 and Pierce Lane. Drivers should expect delays and allow extra travel time while adjusting to the new traffic pattern.

During this first phase:

Leonard Point Road will be reduced to one lane through the work zone.

Access from Old Omro Road to Leonard Point Road will be temporarily closed.

Access from Pierce Lane to Leonard Point Road will also be closed.

These changes are expected to remain in place for approximately six to seven weeks. Additional construction phases will follow, with the project anticipated to be completed by the end of October.

Please use caution when traveling through the area and follow all posted traffic signs and temporary signals.

August 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. 

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. 

SBDC Office Hours at the Oshkosh Chamber

The Small Business Development Center at UW–Oshkosh will hold monthly office hours at the Oshkosh Chamber on the last Tuesday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Local entrepreneurs and small business owners can meet with an SBDC consultant at the Chamber to discuss business planning, financing, growth strategies, operational challenges, and other business needs. These confidential consultations provide an accessible opportunity to receive expert guidance and connect with valuable small business resources. Interested parties can contact Josh Koteski (josh@oshkoshchamber.com) from the Oshkosh Chamber to book a one-hour slot for August 25th or any upcoming months.

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU

Sen. Ron Johnson named Chairman of US Senate Committee on the Budget following Sen. Graham's death

What would Francesca Hong's proposed data center moratorium mean for Wisconsin? - WPR

The Tipping Point: Manufacturing, Health Care, and Two Decades of Economic Transformation - Forward Analytics

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/

FutureYOU 2026 is looking for exhibitors and sponsors! 

Set to happen on Nov 10, 2026 at the Sunnyview Expo center, this year's FutureYOU Career Expo is shaping up to be the best one yet. We will once again have three rotating 25 min sessions, through three event zones, allowing the 8th graders from OASD and other area schools to explore career pathways through hands-on activities and interactions with business representatives from 8:45-2pm that day. We will also be including a time for local high school students to have their turns in talking to potential employers about YA Placements and post-graduation employment opportunities.

This is an amazing opportunity to make a lasting impression on our future workforce! Please email Shannon@oshkoshchamber.com with any questions or to get more information! Spaces will fill up fast, so please register early! 

Concierge Lunch & Lead Series

Building strong literacy skills takes a community-wide effort and serves as a foundation for educational success, workforce development, and economic vitality.

Join us on Friday, August 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Oshkosh Country Club Event Space for Concierge Lunch & Lead: Building a Culture of Literacy, featuring presentations by Dr. Sam Coleman, Assistant Superintendent of the Oshkosh Area School District; Darryl Eschete, Executive Director of the Oshkosh Public Library; and Chu Paing, Executive Director of the Winnebago Area Literacy Council.

Leadership Oshkosh  and Youth Leadership Oshkosh Class of 2027

Leadership is taking center stage this fall as both Leadership Oshkosh and Youth Leadership Oshkosh welcome their 2027 cohorts. Leadership Oshkosh's 45-member class will kick off with orientation in August before beginning the program with a leadership retreat at the Osthoff Resort in September. Meanwhile, Youth Leadership Oshkosh will welcome 24 high school juniors from Oshkosh North, Oshkosh West, Lourdes Academy, and Valley Christian, beginning their journey with volunteer service at the Winnebago Area Literacy Council's Spellbound event (Learn more) before launching their first leadership session. Together, these programs continue to develop the next generation of leaders who will make a lasting impact in the Oshkosh community.

Leadership Oshkosh Encore

Inspired by the highly regarded Leadership Oshkosh program, Leadership Oshkosh Encore is a four-part series created in collaboration with Learning in Retirement and Evergreen for seasoned community members who are ready to continue learning, building connections, and engaging with the community in new ways.

Whether you are new to Oshkosh, returning to the area, or looking to discover more about the community you call home, this cohort-based experience offers meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and discovery. Participants will explore key aspects of Oshkosh through engaging presentations, site visits, and conversations with local leaders, covering topics such as Oshkosh history and community planning, arts and culture, education, and criminal justice.

With two half-day sessions in the fall and two in the spring, Leadership Oshkosh Encore provides a unique opportunity to stay informed, build relationships, and gain a deeper appreciation for the people, organizations, and initiatives that make Oshkosh a thriving community. For more information, contact trina@oshkoshchamber.com or to register now, click here.

Mindset Leadership Fall 2026 Cohort-REGISTER NOW

Amplify

Oshkosh Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring Small Business B(AI)sics to Oshkosh—a free, hands-on AI training program supported by Google. Designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs, the program provides practical, easy-to-use AI skills that can help save time, improve customer service, boost efficiency, and identify new growth opportunities—no technical experience required. Participants will learn AI best practices, discover tools that work with existing platforms, analyze opportunities to strengthen their business, and leave with actionable strategies they can implement right away.

Register Now

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Propel Oshkosh Young Professionals