The Fox Cities Chamber Celebrates 150 Years of Advocating for Businesses
It’s said that when people come together, there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished, and the Fox Cities Chamber is proof of that. As the organization celebrates its 150th anniversary, it shows no signs of slowing down – in fact, it’s mastered the art of evolution.
“When you look at the future of the organization, you first need to look at the past,” says Becky Bartoszek, president and CEO of the Fox Cities Chamber. “We’ve proven that we’re good at pivoting, and we do this by keeping in touch with the community and their evolving needs.”
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The History
Begun as the Appleton Chamber in 1874 with 21 signatures on the constitution, the chamber experienced a lull in membership but never gave up. In 1920, it welcomed 612 new members – in a single day – and has been active ever since.
The organization was made stronger when the Neenah-Menasha Chamber joined forces with Appleton in 1976, forming the Fox Cities Chamber. Through the years, the organization has played a role in key community developments, including the formation of the Fox Valley Regional Planning Commission, construction of the Oneida Street bridge, opening and growth of the airport, and start of a technical and vocational school.
In 1981, the chamber’s first Octoberfest took place, a landmark event that has garnered awards and become the largest and most successful in the history of the Fox Cities Chamber.
“It was originally created by downtown merchants to give back to the community, keep downtown vibrant and support nonprofits,” Bartoszek says. “Now it’s in its 42nd year, drawing 300,000 to 320,000 people in two days.”
Stretching a mile, the event brings together craftsmen, downtown business owners and musicians playing on five stages. Over 80 food vendors also line the street, each with a sign stating which nonprofit their sales are benefiting. Plus, beer sale revenues go into a grant program to give back to the community.
The Evolution
Over the years, the chamber has been instrumental in much community development, including the Fox Cities Exhibition Center. It created Leadership Fox Cities, a nine-month program aimed at aspiring leaders, and Smart Girls Rock, which fosters STEM awareness. And the list goes on.
In 2022, when the world was trying to bounce back from COVID, they were the first in the state and one of the first in the country to launch Connect Free Membership, a free membership model for small businesses that qualify.
“This is where we realized we could really make a difference,” Bartoszek says. “When you’re starting up, that’s the time a small business needs their dollars the most. It just made sense.”
Free webinars, monthly educational opportunities and training, consulting services, networking, insurance benefits – all of this is available to chamber members. It’s no wonder that nearly 600 small businesses have signed up under the model to date, which has since been recognized at the state level as a best practice to watch, then recognized again by the folks in Washington, D.C.
The Future of Fox Cities Chamber
A business that has been a member of the chamber for 45 years is Plexus Corp., which is headquartered in Neenah. Plexus was named Large Business of the Year by the chamber in 2023 and attributes that honor to the strength of its partnership.
“The Fox Cities Chamber has been a great partner that has tirelessly championed our success,” says Kristine Groholski, senior director of brand experience at Plexus. “They have been a source of support, a forum for ideas, an enabler for local talent, and a catalyst for us to thrive as a business, employer and member of the community.”
Plexus sponsors and participates in annual Fox Cities Chamber events such as Smart Girls Rock, Future Fox Cities Career Expo and CEO Breakfast.
“Through these events, we are equipping students and young professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their studies and workplaces.”
Kristine Groholski, Plexus
“Through these events, we are equipping students and young professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their studies and workplaces,” Groholski says.
Bartoszek says it’s a joy to “lead the way” for professionals looking to connect to their community.
“We’re helping to introduce them to potential employers and partners, and they are unbelievably thankful for the support.”