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September 9, 2022
APPLETON – The Fox Cities Chamber has launched a new program aimed at helping small businesses make connections on their path to success.
Connect Free provides small businesses (located in Outagamie, Calumet and northern Winnebago counties) with five or fewer full-time employees (or equivalent), nonprofits with 10 or fewer employees and freestanding restaurants in the Fox Cities with a free membership to the chamber.
Fox Cities Chamber President and CEO Becky Bartoszek said Connect Free is cutting edge for both the chamber industry and for economic development.
Bartoszek said the initiative will have a domino effect on the Fox Cities economy and promotes a welcoming environment for businesses; one where their employees want to live, work and play, in turn helping all businesses succeed and the economy thrive.
“Connect Free is going to help our small businesses not only connect with each other, but connect with the resources they need to make a difference,” she said. “I would hope it’s an easy decision for a small business to join the Chamber for free and reap the many benefits and resources we offer to help your business grow.”
Bartoszek said they took things one step further.
“We reached out to the U.S. Chamber, and for all of those small businesses or any businesses that are connected with our organization, they will qualify for a free U.S. Chamber membership as well,” she said.
Grow with Google
Bartoszek said as a 138-year-old organization, the chamber has a lot of tools it can share with small businesses already, but wanted more.
“So we went out and we met with Google, and we struck a new partnership with Google,” she said. “And guess what, Google is coming here to meet with our small businesses Oct 4 for (an in-person seminar).”
Bartoszek said moving forward, Google will host a webinar every other week for regional small- to medium-sized businesses – all part of “Grow with Google,” a national initiative that offers digital tools, resources and training to small businesses.
“Working with Google we can help businesses work with and embrace digital technology to help them stand out online, reach more customers and work more efficiently using Google tools and programs,” she said.
Bartoszek said the two, in-person, kick off workshops are “Reach your Customers Online with Google” and “Launch your Business with Customer-Focused Marketing.”
Logo
The chamber also unveiled a new logo and visual brand, which includes a revamped website and a remodeled office space.
“With everything going on, we looked at our old logo and thought that just doesn’t cut it,” Laura Wiegert, vice president of strategic communications for the chamber, said. “It’s a little outdated and doesn’t represent who we want to be in the direction we’re taking.”
Bartoszek said the chamber wanted a new visual identity to represent the energy and excitement of “today’s chamber.”
“This new logo and brand identity capture the vibrancy of the chamber and the Fox Cities, representing how we bring people, businesses and communities together for the success and betterment of the area – to connect, grow, and lead,” she said.
