Introducing Envisioning Greater: Looking to support local? Get to know Envision Greater Fond du Lac
Who we are as a community matters and is a direct result of how we come together. Envision Greater Fond du Lac exists to bring our communities together.
I’m Tracy Qualmann, senior director of marketing and communication for Envision Greater Fond du Lac. I’m hoping to use Envisioning Greater to share more about Envision’s mission, goals and upcoming programs and events.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is Envision, and who does it serve?
Envision Greater Fond du Lac is the combined chamber of commerce and economic development office serving all of Fond du Lac County. Through collaboration and steadfast optimism, Envision Greater Fond du Lac strives to bring stakeholders together to improve the economic vibrancy of the communities it serves. With the goal of being the regional leader and convener of economic opportunities, Envision Greater Fond du Lac believes in challenging the status quo to help shape the future.
The chamber of commerce side of Envision (formerly known as the Fond du Lac Association of Commerce) is responsible for providing events and programs that further the knowledge of those who live and work in Fond du Lac County. Through events like Business Connections and Leadership Fond du Lac, coupled with program areas such as the Fond du Lac Society of Human Resource Managers and the Agri-Business Council, county residents and have engagement opportunities where they can network and gain education and information.
The economic development side of Envision (formerly known as the Fond du Lac Economic Development Corporation) works to attract and retain business throughout the Fond du Lac County footprint. Additionally, services such as business intelligence, a concierge program, and Fond du Lac ROCK (Retention, Opportunity, Community, Knowledge), are meant to provide auxiliary services to employers throughout the county.
Envision Greater Fond du Lac also provides an entrepreneurial ecosystem where budding entrepreneurs and small business owners can receive technical assistance with items such as business plans, financial assistance and marketing guidance. The Ignite Network can also provide this audience with networking and training.
In 2023, the Waupun Chamber of Commerce became an extension of Envision Greater Fond du Lac. This transition provides increased value, resources and opportunities to businesses throughout the Waupun area. This alliance focuses on leveraging resources for members and works more collaboratively for the growth of the Waupun community.
Envision Greater Fond du Lac is multi-faceted and provides opportunity for our county’s youth, young professionals and young at heart.
The Career Connections Academy seeks to provide career exposure to students in eighth grade. In 2023, more than 300 students took part in this event.
Throughout the school year, nearly 80 students are participating in the 15th annual Project G.R.I.L.L. program where groups of students conceptualize, build, then test hand-crafted grills. This summer, more than 100 interns and co-ops will engage in the Summer Series for Interns and Co-ops, where they will have the opportunity to immerse in conversations and activities to showcase the value of calling Fond du Lac County home.
In the 2022-23 school year, the Ag Ambassador program will provide agricultural education to more than 10,000 elementary students. Envision Greater Fond du Lac works purposefully to bring the right people around the right table for the right conversation. This approach is the foundation for a three-year strategic plan that focuses on our economy, our identity and our next generation.
Tracy Qualmann is senior director of marketing & communication for Envision Greater Fond du Lac.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Introducing Envision Greater Fond du Lac's new column
