OSHKOSH (9/16/2026) — The Oshkosh Chamber is proud to announce the renaming of its
Propel Young Professional of the Year Award to the Tony J. Renning Propel Young Professional
of the Year Award, honoring the lasting impact of Tony Renning on Propel, the Oshkosh
Chamber, and the greater Oshkosh community.
The decision to rename the award was advanced by fellow founding Propel members and
approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors in recognition of Renning’s foundational role in
Propel and his decades of service to the community.
“Tony was a champion for young professionals, for the Oshkosh business community and for
the many organizations he served,” said Oshkosh Chamber President and CEO Rob Kleman. “His
leadership, generosity and commitment to making Oshkosh a better place left an impact that
continues today. Renaming this award in his honor is a fitting way to recognize his legacy and
the example he set for future generations of community and business leaders.”
Renning was a founding member of Propel, the Chamber’s young professionals’ organization,
and played an instrumental role in establishing the organization during its early years. He
drafted Propel’s original bylaws and eventually served as its president, helping lay the
foundation for a program that continues to engage and develop the next generation of Oshkosh
leaders.
Beyond his involvement with Propel, Renning was an active Oshkosh Chamber member and
supporter. He was a regular participant at Chamber events, including Business After Hours and
Chamber golf outings, and contributed to Leadership Oshkosh programming.
A respected labor and employment attorney with Davis & Kuelthau and later Renning, Lewis &
Lacy, Renning also dedicated significant time and talent to community service. His extensive
volunteer involvement included leadership and board roles with organizations throughout the
Fox Valley, including the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Greater Oshkosh Economic
Development Corporation (GOEDC), Evergreen Retirement Community, Oshkosh Community
YMCA, Oshkosh Area United Way, Oshkosh Family, Inc., Paine Art Center & Gardens, Boys &
Girls Club of Oshkosh, and the Wisconsin Family Business Forum.
He also served in leadership roles with the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin SHRM
Council, and other community organizations, while supporting initiatives through the UW
Oshkosh Business Success Center, Oshkosh Area SHRM, and Christine Ann Domestic Abuse
Services. His commitment to young people extended beyond professional organizations, with
many seasons spent coaching youth baseball and basketball. Renning’s lasting impact was made
possible by the unwavering support of his wife, Lori, and their children, Brogan and Addison.
The Tony J. Renning Propel Young Professional of the Year Award joins a distinguished group of
Chamber honors named for individuals whose contributions have helped shape the Oshkosh
community, including the Lynn Webster Leadership Award, Stephan Mosling Commitment to
Education Award, and Alberta S. Kimball Community Service Award.
The Propel Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies
leadership, professional achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to making a
positive impact in Oshkosh. Renaming the award ensures that each recipient will carry forward
a name synonymous with those same qualities.
“Tony believed in giving back and investing in the community around him,” said Jason Monnett,
a member of the Oshkosh Chamber Board of Directors. “He understood that strong
communities are built by people who are willing to step forward, get involved, and help create
what comes next. That is exactly what Propel represents, and it is why this award is such a
meaningful tribute to him.”
The Tony J. Renning Propel Young Professional of the Year Award will continue to recognize
emerging leaders who demonstrate the spirit of leadership, service and community
involvement that defined Renning’s career and volunteer legacy.
About the Oshkosh Chamber
For more than 100 years, the Oshkosh Chamber has served as the advocate and guardian of
business and industry to support the thriving Oshkosh and northeast Wisconsin region. As a
five-star accredited Chamber, our non-profit represents over 900 members, from small
businesses to international corporations.
