Welcome New Members — November 2013

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce welcomes these new members. Please keep these companies in mind when doing business. View the complete directory listing of all Chamber members.

• Belle Pizzelle European Bakery & Cafe
• Blue Cat Design
• Design Concepts, Inc.
• EC Clean Solutions, LLC
• Forkforce
• IndependenceFirst Mobility Store 
• Network Cabling Solutions, LLC
• Nonprofit Tech
• Northside Business Association
• Personal Finance Company
• Red Square Flowers and European Gifts
• Ronin Studios & Consulting
• TASC (Total Administrative Services Corp.)
• Wisconsin LGBT Chamber

Governor Walker signs Crowdfunding Bill

Wisconsin is one of the first states in the nation to allow investors to purchase equity in a company via crowdfunding. The Greater Madison Chamber supported the bill which passed quickly through the Wisconsin Legislature with strong bi-partisan backing.

The legislation creates a new class of investor titled, “certified investor,” defined as a Wisconsin resident with a minimum net worth of $750,000 or minimum annual income of $100,000.  In addition, it creates new securities exemptions related to transactions originating from not more than 100 Wisconsin residents, excluding institutional, accredited and certified investors.  To qualify, the issuing business must have its principal office in Wisconsin and the majority of its full-time employees must work in the state.  Business could raise up to $2 million with an audit and up to $1 million without one.

Certain disclosures must be made to these investors and purchasers are required to acknowledge that investment losses may exceed the total investment under some circumstances.  In addition, stock purchases for Wisconsin residents who are not accredited, certified or institutional investors are capped at $10,000.

Madison High School Students Ready to Work

The Chamber is proud to facilitate the Youth Apprenticeship program for Madison high school students. Currently, there are several qualified juniors and seniors ready for employment in areas including Information Technology, Engineering, Hospitality/Food & Beverage and more. Contact Chamber Business and Education Coordinator, Jessica Holzman, to learn how you can support Madison students by hiring a youth apprentice today.