As someone who’s partial to finding a good slice of pizza, a creative cup of coffee or a boutique that will awaken my desire to buy something shiny, I think it was inevitable that I’d find myself as a business reporter.

I know it’s been a while since Fond du Lac readers have seen “Streetwise” in a headline, and Oshkosh readers have been in good hands with Katy Macek’s expert eye on business news, but I’m pleased to report that I’m taking the helm for both papers as the new Oshkosh-Fond du Lac Streetwise reporter.

I couldn’t have asked for a better pair of communities. Fond du Lac has always been my home, where I've watched businesses grow and shift, and Oshkosh’s charm often drew me in for not only school, but also weekend lunch dates and shopping trips.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with an English degree in 2019, I started as a news assistant for The Northwestern and The Reporter. Afterward, as a reporter, I wrote for the Door County Advocate before spending the last nine months focused solely on Fond du Lac.

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My favorite stories to write have centered on business news, especially when I get to see the passion of local business owners as their community supports them and cheers them on.

I watched an ongoing upswing of businesses starting in downtown Fond du Lac the last few years, including a new bookstore, a jewelry store, a restaurant in a church, a boutique full of products from local businesses and many other successful and creative ventures.

The area’s industrial businesses continue to thrive as well, and nationally known chain stores like Big Lots and Hobby Lobby have seen the city as a viable place to put down roots and fill one of its empty big-box properties.

I’m excited to dig as deep into Oshkosh’s business side, from its own downtown sector to the Sawdust District and the hidden gems scattered throughout the city.

Streetwise thrives on the participation of readers sending in their questions and tips, so I encourage any and all input on business in both areas. What have I overlooked in Fond du Lac? What am I missing out on in Oshkosh?

Tell me what you want to see by emailing me at dlemke@gannett.com or calling me at 920-907-7968. You can also follow me on Twitter at @daphlemke.

This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Oshkosh, Fond du Lac's new Streetwise reporter focuses on businesses