Economic Development

Made Better Here

Our goal: To continue the momentum that’s made the Fox Cities Region one of the largest and fastest-growing urban centers in Wisconsin. The Fox Cities Region is comprised of some 60 towns, villages and cities located throughout our service area of Outagamie County, Calumet County, and the northern portion of Winnebago County in east-central Wisconsin.

Our mission: To enhance the local economy, expand economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for local residents by supporting the expansion of the local primary job base.

Why the Fox Cities

The formula for business success is about having the right site(s)/building and the right people inside them. The Fox Cities Region delivers.

  • The right location: 500+ available sites and buildings in the Fox Cities Region
  • The right people: Talent attraction and retention is front and center. Fortunately, the Fox Cities Region virtually sells itself.
  • The right information: We provide the data you need to make informed decisions.
  • The right connections: From talent recruitment and retention to dealing with other economic issues, we connect you to the right people.

We are a hotbed of industry, known for our history in papermaking and printing. But Fox Cities businesses large and small run the gamut, from healthcare, to business services, to transportation and logistics and so much more. Our business community’s success is a reflection of our people, some of the hardest-working, innovative and productive people you’ll find anywhere.

The community in action

The Fox Cities Region’s economic vitality would not be what it is without the efforts of the Chamber team, investors and participating communities’ wholehearted efforts. 

Our communities​

The Fox Cities Region comprises a variety of communities, each with its own personality and appeal. These include the cities of Appleton, Kaukauna, Menasha and Neenah; the villages of Combined Locks, Fox Crossing, Harrison, Hortonville, Kimberly, Little Chute and Sherwood; and the towns of Buchanan, Clayton, Freedom, Grand Chute, Greenville and Harrison.

Community Partners

These organizations work together with the communities of the Fox Cities Chamber Regional Partnership to promote business and industry growth in the region.

Regional Recognitions

  • Appleton ranked #10 on SmartAsset 2026 list of Safest Midsize Cities in U.S.
  • Appleton ranked #28 out of 280+ smaller metropolitan areas (<500,000 in population) that were evaluated in the America’s Best Small Cities list for 2026 (you can download the report here).
  • Appleton, WI, Recognized as a Top 100 Best Place to Live in 2026 by Livability.com
    • Appleton stands out for its exceptional performance in the education, safety and amenities categories, proving it is a place where people can actually afford to live, work and play.
  • Appleton, WI, Recognized as a Top 100 Best Place to Live in 2025 by Livability.com
    • Appleton stands out for its performance in the amenities, safety and transportation categories. It’s a place where people can afford to live, work and play.
  • Livability.com Recognizes Appleton as One of the Best Places to Live in America in 2024
    • Appleton earned its spot as one of the best places to live in the U.S. thanks to high scores in the housing and cost of living, safety and amenities categories. Appleton is one of only two Wisconsin cities featured on this year’s list.
  • Appleton, WI, Named on Livability.com’s 2023 Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
    • Appleton is one of the best places to live in the U.S. because of its safe neighborhoods, affordable homes and high-quality health care. The city had exceptional scores in these three categories.
  • Appleton has been named one of the 2022 Top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability.com