Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Directory

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) is the state chamber of commerce representing businesses statewide with a focus on legislative advocacy, statewide policy research, and safety council services. WMC operates at the state level, lobbying for business-friendly legislation and regulations.

Local chambers (like Milwaukee MMAC, Greater Madison, Green Bay) focus on community-specific needs including local networking events, community economic development, city/county government relations, and regional business promotion. Local chambers provide direct member-to-member connections and community visibility.

Best practice: Many businesses join both WMC for statewide advocacy and their local chamber for community connections, maximizing benefits at both levels.

Chamber membership dues in Wisconsin vary significantly based on chamber size, business size, and membership tier. Typical ranges include:

• Small local chambers: $100-$500 annually for small businesses (1-10 employees)
• Mid-size regional chambers: $300-$1,500 annually (often tiered by number of employees or revenue)
• Large metropolitan chambers (Milwaukee MMAC, Greater Madison): $500-$5,000+ annually depending on company size
• WMC (state chamber): Varies by business size and industry; typically $500-$10,000+ for larger corporations

Membership fee structures typically consider:

• Number of employees
• Annual revenue
• Nonprofit vs. for-profit status (nonprofits often receive discounts)
• Membership level/tier (basic, premium, executive circle, etc.)

Recommendation: Contact your local chamber directly for current pricing. Most chambers offer free initial consultations to discuss membership benefits and costs specific to your business size.

Yes. Many Wisconsin chambers partner with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to administer revolving loan funds specifically for small businesses.

FY2024 Results:

• 150 loans processed through chamber partnerships
• $5.4 million in total financing provided
• 627 jobs created and retained statewide

Typical loan programs include:

• Revolving loan funds: Low-interest loans for business expansion, equipment purchases, working capital
• Microloans: Smaller loans (typically under $50,000) for startups and very small businesses
• Technical assistance: Business planning, financial projections, loan application support

How to apply:

1. Contact your local chamber to inquire about revolving loan fund availability
2. Prepare business plan and financial statements
3. Work with chamber staff to complete loan application
4. Chamber reviews and may provide technical assistance
5. Approved loans typically funded within 30-60 days

Not all chambers offer loan programs. Contact WMC at (608) 258-3400 or your local chamber to determine which chambers in your area provide financing assistance.

Wisconsin chambers offer diverse networking opportunities designed to connect businesses at all levels. Common event types include:

Regular Monthly/Quarterly Events:

• Business After Hours: Informal evening networking at member businesses (typically monthly)
• Chamber Networking Breakfasts: Morning meet-and-greet events with brief business updates
• New Member Appreciation: Quarterly events introducing new chamber members (Greater Wausau example)
• Business Card Exchange: Speed networking format for rapid connections

Special Programs:

• Next Wave (Greater Wausau): Bi-monthly young professionals networking group (free for chamber members, limited to first 40 registrants)
• Women in Business Luncheons (Greater Brookfield): Annual signature event for women business leaders
• Industry-Specific Groups: Manufacturing roundtables, retail councils, professional services networks

Annual Signature Events:

• Annual Meetings: State-of-the-chamber presentations with keynote speakers
• Golf Outings: Summer networking tournaments
• Awards Galas: Business excellence recognition ceremonies

Frequency: Active chambers like Greater Brookfield host at least 3 networking events per month. Contact your local chamber for their specific event calendar and registration details.

Wisconsin chambers connect businesses with the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI), which helps companies sell products and services to federal, state, and local government agencies as well as prime contractors.

FY2024 WPI Impact:

• 917 companies engaged
• $841 million in contracts obtained
• 1,063 jobs created and retained

WPI Services Include:

• Government contracting guidance: Understanding RFP (Request for Proposal) processes
• Bid assistance: Proposal writing support and technical review
• Certification help: Veteran-owned, minority-owned, women-owned business certifications
• Contract matching: Identifying opportunities matching your capabilities
• Prime contractor connections: Subcontracting opportunities with large defense and infrastructure contractors

How to Access WPI Services:

1. Contact your local chamber to request WPI connection
2. Register with WEDC procurement programs at wedc.org
3. Attend WPI training workshops (often hosted by chambers)
4. Work one-on-one with WPI specialists on active opportunities

Best for: Businesses with products/services suitable for government use (construction, IT services, professional consulting, manufacturing, equipment suppliers, etc.). WPI assistance is available at no cost through WEDC partnership.

The Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives (WCCE) is the professional association for chamber executives across Wisconsin, providing leadership development, education, and networking for chamber professionals.

Purpose & Mission:

• Professional development for chamber staff and executives
• Best practices sharing among Wisconsin chambers
• Chamber leadership training and education
• Recognition programs (Chamber of the Year awards)
• Statewide chamber community building

2024 Leadership:

Becky Bartoszek, President/CEO of Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, serves as 2024 WCCE Chair. The Fox Cities Chamber was named National Chamber of the Year in 2024 and celebrated 150 years of service.

Impact on Businesses:

• WCCE-trained chamber executives deliver higher quality services to members
• Chambers learn from each other's successes and innovations
• Statewide coordination improves consistency of chamber benefits
• Recognition programs motivate chambers to excellence

For Businesses: While WCCE primarily serves chamber professionals (not directly serving businesses), the organization's work ensures Wisconsin chambers remain effective, innovative, and valuable to their business members. Strong chamber leadership translates to better member services and stronger business communities statewide.

Generally, yes - but with important limitations under current IRS regulations.

What IS Deductible:

• Chamber membership dues are typically deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense under IRC Section 162
• Networking event fees and sponsorships
• Educational seminar registration costs
• Chamber advertising and promotional costs

What is NOT Deductible:

• Portion of dues used for lobbying activities (chambers must notify you of this amount)
• Political contributions through chambers
• Personal social events unrelated to business

Lobbying Limitation:

Under the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act of 2020, chambers of commerce are required to notify members of the portion of dues that goes toward lobbying activities. This amount is NOT tax deductible. Most chambers send annual statements detailing the deductible vs. non-deductible portions of your dues.

Documentation Required:

• Keep chamber invoices and receipts
• Retain chamber's annual lobbying expenditure statement
• Document business purpose of chamber events attended
• Record networking connections made for business development

Tax Advice Disclaimer: This information is general guidance only. Consult your tax advisor or CPA regarding your specific situation, as tax laws change and individual circumstances vary. Your chamber may provide an annual tax statement outlining the deductible portion of your membership dues.

Wisconsin has 265+ local chambers of commerce serving different cities, counties, and regions. Finding the right chamber depends on your business location and service area.

Step 1: Identify Your Geographic Service Area

• Single-location businesses: Start with the chamber for your city/town
• County-wide service area: Consider county chamber or multiple city chambers
• Multi-county region: Look at regional chambers (Momentum West, South Suburban, etc.)
• Statewide operations: Consider WMC (state chamber) in addition to local chambers

Step 2: Use Chamber Finder Resources

• WMC Local Chamber Directory: Complete listing at wmc.org/local-chambers
• U.S. Chamber CO- Directory: Search by city at uschamber.com/co/chambers/wisconsin
• County websites: Most county economic development pages list local chambers
• Direct contact WMC: Call (608) 258-3400 for chamber referrals

Step 3: Compare Chambers in Your Area

If multiple chambers serve your area, evaluate:

• Membership size: Larger chambers offer more networking but may be less personalized
• Industry focus: Some chambers specialize (manufacturing, tourism, tech)
• Event frequency: How many networking events per month?
• Services offered: Loans, marketing, advocacy, workspace, etc.
• Membership cost: Compare dues structures and benefits received

Major Chambers by Region:

• Southeast: MMAC (Milwaukee), Waukesha County, Kenosha, Racine
• South-Central: Greater Madison, Forward Janesville
• Northeast: Greater Green Bay, Fox Cities (Appleton), Sheboygan County
• Central: Heart of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac
• Western: Eau Claire, La Crosse, Momentum West

Pro Tip: Many chambers offer free "trial" attendance at networking events before joining. Attend 2-3 events to experience the chamber culture and member mix before committing to membership.

Wisconsin chambers partner closely with economic development organizations to support business growth, expansion, and attraction. Key support areas include:

Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Programs:

• Greater Green Bay Chamber: Direct employer meetings to understand needs and connect with resources
• Early warning system for businesses considering relocation
• Connection to incentive programs and financing
• Workforce development partnerships
• Site selection assistance for expansion

Partnership with WEDC:

Chambers work with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to provide:

• Tax credit programs (Business Development, Manufacturing & Agriculture)
• Capital access programs (revolving loan funds)
• Export assistance through Global Trade division
• Rural business development (Office of Rural Prosperity)
• Entrepreneurship and innovation support

Regional Economic Development:

• Momentum West: 10-county regional development serving west-central Wisconsin
• Metropolitan chambers: Lead strategic economic plans (Greater Green Bay example)
• Tourism development: Wisconsin Dells CVB drives 5 million annual visitors

Workforce Development:

• Partnerships with technical colleges for skilled workforce training
• Talent attraction initiatives (especially in competitive markets)
• Youth career exploration programs (connecting schools with businesses)
• Immigration workforce programs (where applicable)

Infrastructure & Real Estate:

• Commercial district revitalization (Business & Community Development division)
• Transportation and broadband advocacy
• Site certification for industrial parks
• Available properties database

Access Support: Contact your local chamber to request connection to economic development resources. Most chambers employ economic development professionals or partner directly with county/regional development authorities.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) will relocate its headquarters on June 3, 2025, marking the first move in nearly 40 years.

Current Address (through June 2025):

New Address (effective June 3, 2025):

Historical Context:

• 1911: Founded as Wisconsin Manufacturers' Association in Milwaukee
• 1975: Merged to form WMC (combining state chamber, manufacturers association, and safety council)
• 1986: Moved to 501 E. Washington Ave. in Madison (current location)
• 2025: Relocating to American Center Business Park

Why the Move?

While WMC has not publicly detailed all reasons for relocation, the move represents:

• Modernization of facilities for growing staff and services
• Potential for expanded meeting and event space
• Parking and accessibility improvements
• Room for future organizational growth

What Stays the Same:

• Phone number: (608) 258-3400
• Website: www.wmc.org
• Mission and services to Wisconsin businesses
• Statewide advocacy and member programs

Impact on Members: The relocation is designed to better serve WMC's growing membership with modern facilities while maintaining the organization's strong presence in Madison and proximity to state government for advocacy work. Members will be notified of specific transition details as the June 2025 move date approaches.