Category: Archived Press Releases
Photo by Richard Hurd
Welcome New Members — March 2014
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.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Local, Regional and National Investors Heat Up Pressure Chamber
MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced a growing list of investors that will participate in Pressure Chamber, a new pitch contest for early-stage Madison-area companies. Pressure Chamber, a concept similar to ABC’s Shark Tank, launches April 8 at neXXpo: Business in Fast Forward at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall.
“The attention and support we have received from the global investment community is a validation of our region’s reputation as a place of innovation and a home for startups,” said Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon.
Pressure Chamber applicants will first be screened by contest partners, including local investors. The highest-rated candidates will then go on to the April 8 live pitch contest starting at 4 p.m. in front of a panel of judges that includes these respected regional and national investors:
- Chris Olsen – Drive Capital; Ohio
- Ned Hill – Mercury Fund; Texas
- Benedict Rocchio – Baird Capital; Illinois
- Greg Robinson – 4490 Ventures; Wisconsin
The national exposure continues for the live contest winner, who will join a summer delegation with four other Madison-area startups to pitch representatives from a growing list of top Silicon Valley firms, including:
- Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
- Mohr Davidow Ventures
- August Capital
- Foundation Capital
- Emergence Capital Partners
Pressure Chamber is supported locally by Michael Best & Friedrich, State of Wisconsin Investment Board, 4490 Ventures, Kegonsa Capital Partners, Venture Investors, Lindsay Stone & Briggs, Accelerate Madison and Capital Entrepreneurs.
“Access to prominent local, regional and national investment firms is a unique opportunity for our growing community of startups,” said Brandon. “We have the talent and now a visible platform to share our stories with the world.”
Companies have until March 10 to apply. To be eligible, the company must be located in Dane County and have raised at least $25,000 from private sources. The application and instructions for companies interested in competing in the Pressure Chamber along with tickets to be in the live voting audience can be found at greatermadisonchamber.com/programs-events/pressure-chamber/.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 7,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at greatermadisonchamber.com.
Contact: Jo-ell Carson, Communications Director, at 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799
Click here for a pdf version of the press release.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Greater Madison Chamber Takes the Lid off Pressure Chamber Pitch Competition
MADISON – Greater Madison’s most promising early-stage companies will have the chance to promote their work, connect with investors and potentially join an exclusive delegation of Madison-area startups in meetings with global venture investment firms, all as part of a new business pitch contest called Pressure Chamber. The live competition will be held in conjunction with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce neXXpo: Business in Fast Forward on April 8 at the Alliant Energy Center.
Chamber President Zach Brandon said the contest is another example of the Chamber’s work to support new business creation and visibility for the area’s growing startup community.
“There are many examples of new business innovation happening right here, right now,” said Brandon. “The Pressure Chamber will be a stage to showcase that work at home, in Silicon Valley and beyond.”
To be eligible, companies must:
- Be members of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce
- Be located in Dane County
- Have raised at least $25,000 in private equity, excluding personal investment from founders
The winner of the Pressure Chamber will join a delegation of top Greater Madison startups in a series of meetings with prominent venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, organized by the Chamber and supporting partner organizations. Brandon said the Pressure Chamber and California trip will establish new relationships, new opportunities and greater exposure for all Madison businesses.
“This is not only a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs, this is an opportunity for Greater Madison to be recognized nationally as a place where talented people are building great businesses,” said Brandon. “Our message will be: if we are not already on your radar, we should be. Because this region is what is next.”
The Pressure Chamber is presented by Michael Best & Friedrich with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Accelerate Madison, Capital Entrepreneurs, Kegonsa Capital Partners and Venture Investors. The application and instructions for companies interested in competing in the Pressure Chamber along with tickets to be in the live voting audience are available on the Greater Madison Chamber website.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 6,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, Madison businesses vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at www.greatermadisonchamber.com.
Contact: Jo-ell Carson, Communications Director, at 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799
Click here for an electronic version of this press release.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
J.B. Pritzker to Keynote Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce neXXpo on April 8
MADISON – J.B. Pritzker, co-founder and managing partner of Pritzker Group and founder of 1871 – Chicago’s digital startup center – will keynote the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce neXXpo: Business in Fast Forward. Through its Venture Capital and Private Capital divisions, Pritzker Group has backed or acquired more than 100 entrepreneur- and family-owned companies throughout the United States in business sectors ranging from manufactured products to transportation services to health care and technology.
“Successful startup economies have deeply engrained and energetic entrepreneurial ecosystems that reach every aspect of the business culture and community,” said Mr. Pritzker. “Bridging the relationship between the startups and established businesses to accelerate an already vibrant economy will be an important part of my talk at neXXpo.”
In his keynote luncheon address, Mr. Pritzker will speak about the critical need for both large and small businesses to embrace the innovations being developed by startups, to capitalize on key business trends and to propel new companies.
“J.B. Pritzker has the ability to reflect on the past, react in the present, predict the future and most importantly, apply it to business for undeniable success,” said Greater Madison Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We are honored to host J.B. Pritzker’s first speaking engagement in the Greater Madison region. His commitment to speak at neXXpo is a great example of the caliber of what attendees can expect.”
Last summer, the Greater Madison Chamber hosted members of the startup community and business and civic leaders to locations of innovation in Chicago. The trip included a visit to 1871 and a discussion with Mr. Pritzker, number three on Chicago Magazine’s 2013 list of the “100 Most Powerful Chicagoans” and a 20-year driver of growth in Chicago’s entrepreneurial community.
“The energy and forward momentum at 1871 was palpable and contagious,” said Greater Madison Chamber Board Chair and President and CEO of TDS Telecom David Wittwer. “Gaining insight and knowledge from an accomplished business thought leader, investor, philanthropist and civic instigator of Mr. Pritzker’s stature is an opportunity that does not present itself often. I, and my employees will benefit from his business acumen and forward thinking.”
The first-ever neXXpo will showcase emerging businesses, breakthrough products and what is next in the Greater Madison business community. neXXpo – and J.B. Pritzker’s keynote luncheon sponsored by EZ Office Products – is April 8 at the Alliant Energy Center.
“It is an understatement to say I am excited about this event and feel all businesses in Greater Madison need to attend,” said EZ Office Products President Rose Molz. ‘neXXpo is now, here and this year. It is not just about ‘we’ as business owners, it is about ‘we’ as a business community. I say, go neXXpo or go home.”
Registration and tickets are available on the Greater Madison Chamber website.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 6,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, Madison businesses vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at www.greatermadisonchamber.com.
Contact: Jo-ell Carson, Communications Director, at 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799
Click here for an electronic version of the press release.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Greater Madison Business Leaders Invited to White House to Give Local Perspective on National Issues
MADISON – On Dec. 9 Greater Madison business leaders attended a four-hour White House Business Council Briefing. The invitation to the briefing grew from strategic partnerships with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, the White House Business Council and Business Forward.
“This was a unique opportunity for Chamber members large and small to deliver feedback from our local business community to the highest levels of the federal government,” said Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon. “The Greater Madison region was invited to the national stage to share our story. It is exactly where we want to be.”
The briefing included presentations from the U.S. Chief Information Officer, the Special Assistant to the President and Director of Private Sector Engagement, the Special Assistant to the President for Manufacturing Policy, the Senior Policy Director for Immigration and the Assistant Secretary for Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as other high level White House officials.
Chamber members attending the trip were:
- Wayne Harris, President, 6AM Marketing
- John Rainbolt, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Alliant Energy
- Jack Salzwedel, Chairman and CEO, American Family Mutual Insurance Co.
- Scott Seymour, Vice President, Gov’t Affairs/Compliance, American Family Mutual Insurance Co.
- Diane Ballweg, Vice President, Endres Manufacturing
- Marsha Lindsay, CEO, Lindsay, Stone & Briggs, Inc.
- Mary Turke, Office Managing Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
- Zach Brandon, President, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce
The briefing covered topics such as small business investment, the Affordable Care Act, tax reform, immigration, exports and more.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 6,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, Madison businesses vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at www.greatermadisonchamber.com.
Contact: Jo-ell Carson, Communications Director, at 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799
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Click here for pdf of the press release.