Let the testimonials of business leaders who are thriving here — some you may already know or be linked to —tell you their experiences with the business climate, availability and quality of workers, individualized training opportunities, and close proximity to major markets and suppliers.

For even more specific information, contact our Economic Development professionals at the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Navigate through our web site for a broad array of information on our market, and our people.

We know your experience will be Top Rated!

Central Location with Workforce Population of 700,000       

BY THE NUMBERS…
▪ 225,000 Number of people living in its 18 communities

▪ 370,000 People living in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) – three-county area

▪ 700,000+ Population within 40 minutes of the Fox Cities

▪ 1,300,000 People living in the New North, the 18-county region surrounding the Fox Cities

▪ 33 Percentage of U.S. population within 500 miles of the Fox Cities

▪ 38 Percentage of all U.S. manufacturing volume within 500 miles of the Fox Cities

▪ 18 Number of cities, towns and villages that make up the Fox Cities and the average commute

Favorable Cost of Doing Business
The business environment in the Fox Cities is bolstered by Wisconsin's reputation for developing financial programs and grants to help businesses launch, expand and succeed.

▪ Wisconsin business taxes are lower than 35 other states, according to a study by the
Federal Reserve Bank in Boston, which measures more than 15 taxes that can affect corporate profits.

▪ A Milken Institute study found Wisconsin's cost of doing business is 4.6 percent lower than the national average – considerably better than much of the country.

▪ Wisconsin was one of only seven states to make the Corporation for Enterprise Development Honor Roll based on high grades for economic performance, business vitality and developmental capacity.

Forward-Thinking Infrastructure and Technology
Whether you're moving supplies or product by truck, rail, sea or air, the Fox Cities' transportation infrastructure becomes an asset.

▪ The centrally located Fox Cities market offers one-day shipping to more than a third of the
country's population.

▪ Wisconsin boasts a comprehensive network of toll-free, controlled access highways.

▪ The 18-county New North business region is also known for its trucking and warehousing capabilities, including the nation's single largest carrier, Schneider National.

▪ The Canadian National Railroad provides regular and reliable freight railway service from industrial parks throughout the Fox Cities. Trailer on flat-car (TOFC) and container on flat-car (COFC) rail services are available.

▪ The Outagamie County Regional Airport (ATW) is a Class A airport featuring a state-of-the-art terminal and a full contingent of passenger, freight, executive charter flight, and repair services. The fourth largest airport in Wisconsin, ATW has daily direct flights to many major hubs – Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, and Milwaukee – where you can connect to any location worldwide.

The Fox Cities are within:
▪ 1.5 hours from Milwaukee

▪ 1.5 hours from Madison

▪ 3 hours from Chicago

▪ 4.5 hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul

A Region Ranked as a Top 50 Manufacturing Center

▪ Forbes Magazine has named the Fox Cities as one of its top U.S. metro areas to do business thanks to a low cost of living and low state business taxes, including exemptions on computers and manufacturing equipment, while Inc. magazine has listed Appleton as one of its best markets for starting and growing a business.

▪ While the Fox Cities rank as one of the 50 largest manufacturing centers in the country, the region has broadened its economic base in industries such as Teleservices, Finance, Administrative Services & Field Operations, Insurance, Health Care, and Retail.
 
▪ Global companies like Kimberly-Clark, RR Donnelly, Appleton, and Menasha Corporation –  have corporate headquarters or significant operations here.  Companies such as Plexus, C3 Corporation, Surface Mount Technology Corporation, Advanced Tooling Specialists and Q Comp Technologies are among the numerous advanced engineering and manufacturing operations.

Funding for Customized Training     

▪ Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is a nationwide leader in providing employee education and training.  Offering degrees in more than 80 programs, FVTC works with businesses of all sizes to design customized training solutions for practical and advanced applications in Transportation, Package and Label Printing, Organizational Performance, Security/Crime Prevention, Healthcare, Supervisory Management, Entrepreneurship and Small Business.

▪ The University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley offers associate degrees and collaborative degree programs in engineering, organizational administration and American Studies at its Menasha campus. UW-Oshkosh and UW-Green Bay, both within 30 minutes of the Fox Cities, provide undergraduate and graduate level courses, with UW-Oshkosh offering one of the nation's top MBA programs. Several highly rated private colleges designed with working adults in mind have outreach campuses in the Fox Cities while downtown Appleton serves as home to Lawrence University, consistently voted one of the nation's top private schools.

Ample Building and Site Availability

▪ By working in unison, the private and public sectors in the region are meeting and exceeding the challenge of adding 1,000 acres of industrial/ commerce sites by 2015 to accommodate the demand from local businesses looking to expand plus out-of-the-area businesses who are seeking the right manufacturing environment for relocation.

Business Incentives and Support

▪ Financing
▪ Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB) are available for manufacturing, and the Wisconsin Business Finance Corporation and local banks offer Small Business Administration (SBA) funding for real estate, equipment and working capital. Also available are low-interest loans through the state and local revolving loan programs to build/expand facilities and create jobs.

▪ Early Planning Grants (EPG) can be accessed through Wisconsin for the development of a business plan or market feasibility study. If the project proves to be viable, additional low-cost funding may be available. Trade zone status for businesses involved in international commerce is available.

▪ Tax Credits
▪ The Fox Cities are located within the Northeast Wisconsin Technology Development Zone that provides tax credits to companies that embrace new technology and create high-paying jobs. Additional tax credits are available via Wisconsin's Enterprise Development Zone Program.
▪ Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is utilized by local communities to facilitate economic development.

 ▪ Favorable Tax Structure/Exemptions for Business
▪  A flat corporate tax rate of 7.9 percent
▪  Exemptions from sales tax for manufacturing machinery and equipment, pollution control  
 equipment, and manufacturers' raw materials and fuel and electricity used in  
 manufacturing
▪  Property tax exemptions for critical items such as computer equipment, manufacturing
     machinery and equipment, and inventories
▪ In 2006, Wisconsin began phasing in a single sales factor apportionment formula to assist businesses.