Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce

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.