Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/76892
"Economic development is very competitive. You need to spend money on economic development initiatives in order to see a return." – DOUGLAS S. KINSINGER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE GREATER TOPEKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND GO TOPEKA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP out who is in their supply chain and talk with other industries who may have the same suppliers and then work to bring those suppliers to the Fox Cities. "That would lower companies' costs and improve their bottom line – since it would be cheaper if the suppliers were closer – while also adding jobs," Full says. She's also impressed with the collaboration among Another idea is to work with companies to find Spending comparison communities when it comes to economic development. "I've been overwhelmed with the positive support from the public and private sector and that people realize we need to invest in the region even though I'm from Neenah or Little Chute, also understand that even though that expansion isn't coming to my backyard that as a region, we'll see more rooſtops, additional spending and the tax base throughout the area. "When I came here, people told me that it was very " Full says. "They " he Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce allocates $180,000 annually towards economic development. Here's a look at what two areas similar in size to the Fox Cities spends on economic development annually: » Cedar Rapids, Iowa: $1.8 million » Topeka, Kansas: $5 million T parochial, but I think there's a difference between that and pride. There's a lot of community pride, but there are many municipality leaders who are working hand- in-hand to improve economic development. The changing market economic development services. C W hambers of commerce were initially formed as a way to bring business owners together. Today' chambers are much more. They offer leadership programs, education programs, programs that help build a more competitive workforce, advocacy, affiliate programs (a popular one is health insurance for small businesses) and s Defining the Fox Cities e hear the term a lot, but what are the Fox Cities? It's an area of 18 cities, towns and villages with a total population of 250,000 people. Communities include Appleton, Kaukauna, Neenah, Menasha and Kimberly. For more on the Fox Cities and the chamber, visit www. foxcitieschamber.com. www.insightonbusiness .com everything the organization does so she worked with her team to put together a helpful handout that clearly identifies all the areas the chamber is active in and the various services under each set. "We're much more than a networking opportunity, Full admits chamber members may not realize she says. As for the economic development piece, about half " of the nation's economic development associations are run through chambers of commerce (as in Green Bay) while the other 50 percent are run as some off-shoot of the county (as in Sheboygan). "Both ways are successful. We just felt in this particular case, running the economic development group out of the chamber made better use of our resources," Full says. "For example, we can utilize the services of our competitive workforce staff member for both the chamber programs and the economic development initiative. require an infusion of capital to add resources, whether for additional staff or technology. Full says the community's response to the new Adding more to the chamber's umbrella will " initiatives has been positive. Whether it's switching up annual events – such as combining the annual expo with the small business luncheon – or major initiatives like Ignite Fox Cities, Full is optimistic about the future. "I couldn't be happier where the chamber is going and the tremendous momentum we're having in moving forward, " she says. Augus t 2012 • INSIGHT | 27