May 11, 2023

Appleton's Octoberfest and License to Cruise named region’s Community Event of the Year by MACE

(left to right) Eric Hortness, Executive Director of the Greater Madison Area (SD) Chamber of Commerce and current chair of MACE, presenting the award to Becky Bartoszek, Fox Cities Chamber President and CEO; Aimee Herrick, Director of Events and Emerging Talent; and Laura Wiegert, Executive Vice President – Marketing & Events.

Appleton’s Octoberfest and License to Cruise, programs of the Fox Cities Chamber, were recently recognized as the 2022 “Community Event of the Year” by the Mid-America Chamber Executives (MACE). This award was presented at the 2023 MACE Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, SD, to honor excellence in Chamber-led community events. According to MACE, judging criteria included “value to the community and chamber, resonance within the community, and measurable results and innovation.” Read the full news release here.

We’re incredibly proud to be recognized on a regional level by our Chamber peers for the impact this beloved event has on our community. The event is a mile-long celebration of food, fun, and philanthropy that has become a cherished tradition for many. You can also be a part of this award-winning event by volunteering at Octoberfest. Learn more and sign up to volunteer below.

Learn More / Sign Up

Test Your Customer Service IQ:

After more than one bad experience, what % of customers would rather buy from your competitor?

31%

55%

80%

97%

Want to know the answer before next week's edition? Check out the link here.

Last Week's Quick Poll Results

Republicans in the legislature put forward a plan to dedicate 20% of sales tax revenue to go to local governments, with certain requirements (see Your Business Advocate blog). What are your thoughts on this plan?

I'm in support of it - 71.4%
I oppose it - 28.6%
I am indifferent - 0%

Your Business Advocate Blog

State budget focus of latest Public Policy forum

The Fox Cities Chamber held its latest Public Policy Forum on Tuesday, with a discussion focusing on the 2023 Wisconsin State Budget. Attendees heard about the current state of Wisconsin’s finances, the debate between the Democratic Governor and Republican Legislature as they work to compromise, and what the future may hold as we face economic headwinds. Jason Stein, Vice President and Research Director at the Wisconsin Policy Forum, provided an overview and insights on the state budget and finances in general.

Read the full blog post here.

Jon Turke

Vice President of Government Affairs

jturke@foxcitieschamber.com

Jewelers Mutual® Group named PULSE Champion of Young Professionals

Jodie Federwitz (far right) presents the Champion of Young Professionals designation to Angela Creel, CHRO, Jewelers Mutual® Group and a group of young professionals from the company.

Jewelers Mutual® Group, the insurer dedicated to protecting jewelry and jewelry businesses since 1913, has been named a PULSE Champion of Young Professionals (YPs) by the Fox Cities Chamber.

“We’re incredibly proud of how our culture has organically evolved over the years,” said Angela Creel, Chief Human Resources Officer at Jewelers Mutual Group. “This has brought record financial results and continued portfolio expansion. Our young professionals are central to this growth. Onboarding new team members with the right mindset—a balance of undying curiosity and urgency—has helped us redefine how we work across our offices and deliver on behalf of our customers.”

Read the full news release here.

The Thought Leader: Be a customer service champion in the Fox Cities

Have you ever calculated the cost of customer service? Consider these facts about the power of positive customer service:

89% of companies with “significantly above average” customer experiences perform better financially than their competitors. (Qualtrics XM Institute)
93% of customers are likely to make repeat purchases with companies who offer excellent customer service. (HubSpot Research)
Businesses can grow revenues between 4% and 8% above their market when prioritizing better customer service experiences. (Bain & Company)

Providing exceptional service is key to building customers for life. So imagine if all companies in the Fox Cities offered that level of service, and the trickledown effect that would have on our economy! Learn how to do this at our customer service workshop in June, featuring international speaker/trainer David Aaker:

Customer Service Workshop: Building Customers for Life

Monday, June 5, 2023

8-10 AM or 1-3 PM @ Poplar Hall, Appleton

Morning Workshop

Afternoon Workshop

Join Garage Experts as a Beverage Cart Sponsor for the Fox Cities Chamber Golf Outing

Contact Jim Wickersham

Growth and networking opportunities available for Chamber members on May 18

Membership Maximizer

Grow your business with Membership Maximizer to gain greater insight into the benefits your Chamber membership brings! You'll learn how the Chamber can help you promote your business, network, access resources, develop professionally, and have a voice in the business community. Our goal is to help you maximize your membership so you can grow and thrive, because when you succeed, we succeed! This event is being held from 7:30 - 9 AM at the Grand Meridian on 2621 N Oneida St. in Appleton. Sign up here.

Business After Hours at Nicolet National Bank

The Fox Cities Chamber and Nicolet Bank welcome you to join us for an after-hours event at Nicolet Bank - Grand Chute! The event will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at Nicolet National Bank on 3740 Investors Ct. in Grand Chute. Register here.

Webinar: Wage and Hour Laws for Small Businesses

Sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to keep up with all the rules. This webinar conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage & Hour Division and sponsored by the SBA, will make simple the federal wage and hour rules that apply to your business. You’ll also walk away with a firm understanding of the type of violations that are common to new and small businesses! Learn more and register here.

Attend the 21st annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference

The Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference is one of the Midwest’s premiere “how-to,” hands-on events for entrepreneurs of all ages and experience levels. The theme this year is “crossroads of innovation” and will be held on May 31 and June 1 at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. These businesses cover a broad span of categories, and attendees range from entrepreneurs who are still developing their ideas to emerging company leaders who have already attracted angel and/or venture funding. Learn more and register here.

Chamber Member News

Jewelers Mutual® Group Unveils Crime Awareness Video Series

Future Neenah is announcing the 5th annual Log Your Loops initiative to get people out and enjoying the Loop the Little Lake Trestle Trail this summer.

Consolidated Construction Co., Inc., (CCC) has been recognized with the prestigious Top Performers designation from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center announcede NiteLite Presents: Straight No Chaser: Sleighin’ it Tour date on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

People Making Headlines

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is proud to announce the 2023 representatives of the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program; Luke Calaway of Ashwaubenon High School and Lily Davis of Hortonville High School will represent the program at The Jimmy Awards®/National High School Musical Theatre Awards®.

Appleton Police Chief Polly Olson will present at the upcoming Silent Samaritan Campaign Thank You Luncheon on the relatively new Community Crisis Response Team.