Promoting the economic growth and prosperity of our business community since 1874
The Fox Cities Chamber (formerly the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry) is the result of a marriage of two business organizations, with roots forming more than 150 years ago. Those original groups were the Appleton Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce of Neenah-Menasha.
In 1874, businesses were starting to thrive in the Fox Cities, and a group of forward-thinking business men realized that they could achieve more as a group. By uniting the interests of all local businesses, they knew they could advance the prosperity of the region better. Thus the idea for the Appleton Chamber of Commerce was born and the start of a collaborative organization created to be a strong voice of business in the community.
The Chamber was formed on September 9, 1874, with 21 members signing the constitution. The first president was Augustus Ledyard (A.L.) Smith, a mayor of the young city and a founder of the First National Bank. The Chamber had its ups and downs in the early years but endured, and in 1920 it was reorganized amid much fanfare, when 612 men became members in one day. It was incorporated April 3, 1920, with W.C. Wing as its first chairman.
Little is known of the early history of the Chamber of Commerce of Neenah-Menasha, except that it, too, traces its history back more than 100 years. It is believed that during the first half of the twentieth century, several businessmen’s associations were started in Neenah, but none of them existed for more a few months or a few years.
In 1940, a group of Neenah business men formed the Chamber of Commerce of Neenah, with Otto Lieber elected as first president. In 1946 the directors of the Neenah Chamber invited Menasha businesses to join with them and reincorporated as the Chamber of Commerce of Neenah-Menasha.
On August 1, 1976, the Appleton and Neenah-Menasha organizations consolidated to become the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry, creating a broader geographical service base and range of business interests. At the time, the Appleton Area Chamber of Commerce had 749 members, and the Chamber of Commerce of Neenah-Menasha had 210. John Bergstrom of Neenah was elected president of the newly formed Chamber, which made its headquarters in what had been the offices of the Appleton group.
Through the years, the Fox Cities Chamber has a been a driving force in economic growth of our community and ensuring the success of our business community.
A group of Appleton business leaders met at the Waverly House in August to consider a Chamber for the city.
In September, 21 men officially signed the Chamber charter. Membership was $3 and mayor A.L. Smith was board president.
Ulysses S. Grant was president of the U.S., and Harry Houdini was born in Budapest but later moved to Appleton with his family.
The Menasha Chamber of Commerce was organized around this time, just 7 years after the U.S. Chamber formed.
The Appleton Chamber of Commerce reorganized and re-energized amid much fanfare and with great success. On March 29 it was officially relaunched, with 612 enthusiastic members signing up immediately.
Chamber offices were located on the second floor of the old AAL building, on the corner of Superior and College Ave.
Always working for businesses, transportation was a huge focus of the Chamber, from securing faster train service to creating a traffic bureau and an aviation committee.
The Neenah Chamber of Commerce was formed by a group of Neenah merchants and businessmen to align the interests of the business community.
The directors of the Neenah Chamber invited Menasha to join with them to become
the Neenah- Menasha Chamber of Commerce, a true “twin cities” chamber.
The Chamber helped advocate for construction of a new airport in Greenville, which opened in 1965 along with the start of Air Wisconsin.
An action plan from this time stated how the Appleton Chamber was instrumental in projects such as the establishment of FVTC, Appleton Redevelopment Authority, and the downtown Appleton rejuvenation project.
The Appleton and Neenah/Menasha chambers consolidated to become the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Appleton’s Octoberfest was held for the first time as a way to promote businesses
and showcase downtown Appleton.
With a growing focus on destination marketing, the Chamber founded the Fox Cities Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, which later spun off as a separate corporate entity.
The Chamber was instrumental in the planning and development of Highway 441, a beltway designed to relieve traffic on
US 41.
The Chamber’s Appleton Downtown Business Association morphed into the new Appleton Downtown, Inc., still a thriving business organization today.
The Chamber starts a new networking and professional development group specifically for young professionals called PULSE. Today the group has over 600 members.
From a feasibility study in 2008 to opening in 2017, the Chamber was a vital partner in making the Fox Cities Exhibition Center a reality.
The Chamber identified a need for a division focused on economic development and launched the Fox Cities Regional Partnership.
The Chamber coordinated efforts and resources for Fox Cities businesses when an unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic swept through the world.
The Chamber was the first in the state to roll out a free membership level for small businesses who qualify and added nearly 500 new members by year-end 2023.
After years of discussion between ATW and American Airlines, as well as a helpful push from the Chamber and other entities, the airline announced they selected Appleton for their regional direct flight to Dallas.
Studies show that consumers are 74 percent more likely to be aware of a business — and 80 percent more likely to spend money there — if that business is a Chamber member. Let us help you connect, lead, and grow your business as an official member. Learn more about how the Fox Cities Chamber can serve your business
