February 8, 2024

2024 Excellence in Education Shining Star Award Recipients Announced

We've announced the recipients of our 2024 Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards! Ten Fox Cities educators were honored, and an Educator of the Year will be named the evening of the awards from among these 10.

Here are this year’s recipients:

Karen Hoffman, Business & Marketing, Kimberly High School
Lisa Jelenic, 8th Grade, Seymour Middle School
Chris Jones, Science, Neenah Middle School
Sara Lawman, 2nd Grade, Chilton Area Catholic School
Elyse Lucas, Art, Appleton North High School
Paul Maronek, 4th Grade, Freedom Elementary School
Michelle Mees, 5th Grade Math, Riverview Middle School
Leila Ramagopal Pertl, Music, Edison Elementary School; Lawrence University
Dan Van Boxtel, Technology Education, Kaukauna High School
Dan Van Eperen, English/Social Studies, Little Chute Career Pathways Academy

The honorees will be formally recognized and receive their awards at the Chamber’s Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards Program at Butte des Morts Country Club on March 21. Learn more about the event and buy your tickets using the button below.

Learn more / Buy your ticket

Google Success Story!

This week we’re taking a break from our usual Grow with Google tips to share one of many success stories!

In the video below, see how this women-owned custom neon light studio, Name GLO, manages its small business using Google products. After trying to find a custom neon sign in New York City and coming up short, Sas Simon asked her high school friend, artist Lena Imamura, to create a piece for her nephew's nursery. They founded Name GLO shortly after, growing the business over 8 years from 1 commission a week to 40.

In this small business showcase, the co-founders detail their love for neon, demonstrate their process, and explain how they use Google products to keep their business organized.

Watch the Video

Show your support for our inspiring educators

Looking to show your support for education? We've introduced a brand-new $500 Champion of Educators sponsorship level for our Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards!

The “Champion of Education” sponsorship includes:

Verbal recognition at the Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards event
Logo on event web page
Logo on event signage
Social media mention
Free half-column ad in our Fox Cities Week e-newsletter

If you're interested in becoming a Champion of Educators or learning more about this opportunity, contact Eric Broten.

Contact Eric

2024-25 Leadership Fox Cities application date announced

Applications for the 2024-2025 Leadership Fox Cities class will open on May 1, 2024, with an application deadline of June 18, 2024!

Leadership Fox Cities has shaped community leaders with immersive educational experiences and engagements since 1991. Starting in fall of each year, participants gather monthly for day-long educational sessions in the community focused on topics including business, education, government and media, human services, health and wellness, law enforcement, environment, and the arts.

To learn more, and apply after May 1, click here. For questions or more information, contact Amy Schanke, Director of Leadership Fox Cities at aschanke@foxcc.net.

Visit beautiful Ireland with the Chamber!

The Chamber is hosting a 10-day trip to Ireland! On October 6-15, 2024, participants will discover the beauty of the Emerald Isle with this spectacular tour, filled with rich history and fascinating sites.

Anyone interested in learning more is invited to register for a no-obligation, informational webinar on Tuesday, February 20 at 12 PM. Webinar attendees will learn specifics of the tour, the destinations, itinerary, and can have their questions answered. Click here to register for the webinar.

Learn more

Last call for Economic Outlook Lunch tickets

The Chamber's Economic Outlook Lunch featuring "Bow-Tie Economist" Elliot Eisenberg is coming up on this Tuesday, February 13. Don't miss out on this highly anticipated annual event; register using the button below.

The Chamber's 2023 Annual Report will also be distributed at the event, and results of the 2024 Economic Outlook Survey shared.

Ribbon Cuttings celebrate new member locations!

Adorn Cosmetic & Fine Line Tattoo Studio has opened their doors in Menasha at 180 Main St., Suite 3!

View photos

Lakeland Care Inc. has added a location in Appleton at 4545 W. College Ave., bringing them up to 10 offices!

View photos

Join us for first ever Morning Mingle

Connect with your fellow members, meet the Chamber staff, and grab a cup of coffee at our brand-new Morning Mingle!

We’ve turned our former “Membership Maximizer” program into monthly “Morning Mingles” to give you the opportunity to get to know the Chamber AND other members on a more personal level. The first session will be held on February 20 from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at the Fox Cities Chamber.

Local elementary school collecting cereal box donations

Horace Mann Elementary is participating in the Do Good Wisconsin Cereal Box Challenge! They are competing against schools to collect the most cereal boxes and create the most creative video with the cereal boxes falling like dominos.

Their goal is to reach 500 boxes; if you would like to donate, please drop off any cereal boxes at Horace Mann Elementary. All of the unopened cereal boxes will be donated to local food pantries!

UA 400 and MCA to host high school welding competition

UA 400 Pipe Trades and the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) are hosting the Heat Up Your Future Skills Competition! This event is free and gives high school students the opportunity to explore their interest and aptitude for a career in the trades and meet with representatives from UA 400 and contractors in Northeast Wisconsin.

The competition involves having eighteen high school teams construct a wood-burning pipe stove per specifications to showcase specific welding techniques and processes. Each participating high school team will be entered in a drawing and one lucky school will win a Miller MultimaticÒ 255 Multiprocess Welder. Read the full news release to learn more.

Chamber Member News

Future Neenah recognizes outstanding 2023 partnerships.

People of Progression will be moving into a new space located at 333 1st Street, Ste A&B, Menasha in March of 2024.

In the spirit of Black History Month, People of Progression invites you to attend the second annual Black History & Afro Hair Fair on Saturday, February 24.

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