PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Oshkosh business leaders – CEOs, owners and managers of businesses big and small – shared insight into the local economic outlook for 2026 in a recent survey.
Here are three takeaways:
No. 1: Employers are having a difficult time finding qualified workers
This can be difficult for employers but also a positive sign for workers and the overall economy – Oshkosh’s unemployment rate is 2.7%, compared to the nationwide average of 4.1%.
“The Northeast Wisconsin economy in general is still very healthy,” said Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Rob Kleman. “So I mean, that’s the low unemployment rates, a combination of businesses doing well and growing and demographics. I mean, while the labor issue for employers has loosened up a little bit, labor is always still a challenge, finding the adequate supply.”
No. 2: Businesses aren’t too worried about tariffs, but they do have concerns about interest rates and inflation
Though Kleman says the 2026 outlook for interest rates and inflation is more stable, but businesses do have some concerns.
“[They’re watching] interested rates and inflation. As it rises, operating costs rise,” said Kleman. “That affects expansion and bottom lines for businesses and profitability.”
No. 3: Fewer businesses met profit expectations in 2025
Only 63% of the 52 respondents said their companies met or exceeded profit expectations, down by 9% from last year. The two biggest employers based here in Oshkosh had slight dips in profit – a 5% drop for Oshkosh Corp. and 3% drop for 4imprint. Yet almost all (83%) businesses believe this year’s sales will outperform 2025’s sales total.
“I think more certainty in the economy certainly helps things,” said Kleman. “And that helps when, as manufacturers, thinking about expanding or purchasing that next piece of capital equipment, I think having more certainty in your decision-making is helpful.”
Small businesses reported strong fourth-quarter earnings as well, which bodes well for them to endure the first quarter of 2026, expected to be slow.
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