Category: Archived Press Releases
Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Says Political Disclosure Ordinance Distracts from Real Challenges Facing the City
MADISON – In response to Madison Mayor Paul Soglin’s proposed political disclosure ordinance, Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce said:
“The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce believes in, and demonstrates, transparency of political contributions and supports a fair and equitable awarding of procurement contracts. The Chamber does not support this proposed ordinance given the lack of historical concerns in this area, the barriers it would impose to entrepreneurs attempting to do business with the city, the potential to chill political engagement and the wrong message it sends that politics are important in the Madison procurement process.”
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,400 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 electronic version of press release
Photo by Richard Hurd
The Pop Up Agency Stops in Madison During Worldwide Tour of Cities Such as Tokyo, Berlin and Hong Kong
MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Pop Up Agency – a team of young international entrepreneurs – making stops during their 15-week worldwide tour in cities such as Shanghai, Singapore,Los Angeles and London. Madison is the thirteenth out of 15 stops for the innovative startup gaining popularity for its fast-paced methodology where six interactive art directors immerse themselves in a challenge and deliver a concept and strategy within a 48-hour project window.
“The Pop Up Agency is a team with varied skills, an entrepreneurial spirit and an innovative style that allows for free flowing ideas without the time or structure for perceived barriers,” said Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber. “Their current worldwide tour, international background and project concept allows for a unique perspective on the Chamber’s goal of making Greater Madison a global hub for innovation.”
The Pop Up Agency is based on the trend for pop-up museums, pop-up shops and pop-up events where needs are identified and met in a fast-paced method where ‘paralysis by analysis’ is not an option.
“Madison is the smallest city on our tour, yet, it has many similarities to the others we have visited,” said Maksimilian Kallhed, co-founder of The Pop-Up Agency. “The Pop Up Agency is energized to experience Madison and design a concept to keep its name on the list of innovative destinations the likes of New York City, Tokyo and Amsterdam.”
Brandon brought The Pop Up Agency to Madison May 26 and has been making cultural and business stops throughout the region. The team will work their 48-hour project window May 29-30 before presenting their concept May 31. The Chamber staff, along with its board of directors, will evaluate The Pop Up Agency’s strategy to determine if its suggestions will fit with the goals and priorities in the Chamber’s long-term vision.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,400 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.
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Contact: Jo-ell Carson, Communications Director, at 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799
Click here for electronic version of press release.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Statement Re: TechStars Selection of Local Startup, SnowShoe
MADISON – TechStars, one of the top startup accelerators in the world, announced today that a local technology company, SnowShoe, has been accepted to their spring program in Boulder, Colo. In response to the announcement (linked below), Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce said:
“SnowShoe is a perfect example of the innovation and talent that exists in the Greater Madison region. Our area continues to be a leader in producing companies selected for the TechStars program. This is a validation of Greater Madison’s potential to be a global hub for innovation – a place where the best and brightest choose to start and grow their businesses.
Congratulations to the SnowShoe team for being recognized and selected from thousands of startup companies for their innovation and potential. We look forward to their continued growth upon their return to Greater Madison.”
Matt Younkle, co-founder and CEO of Murfie Inc, is a 2012 TechStars grad and a recently-announced board member of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,400 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 6,000 employees. With 75 percent of the membership consisting of small businesses with 50 employees or less, the Chamber is working to translate our innovative culture into increased jobs and wages. 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
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Contact: Jo-ell Carson, Communications Director, at 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799
Click here for electronic version of SnowShoe’s press release.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Supports Bipartisan Investment Capital Bill
MADISON – Responding to today’s announcement of the bipartisan investment capital legislation set to create a $25 million investment fund, Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce said:
“The net gain of new jobs in the U.S. comes from startups. It’s an ongoing trend, not up for debate, even during a tough economy. This bipartisan legislation aligns the public and private sectors around the same goal with a simple formula: To grow jobs and wages, we must help companies start, stay and grow.
We look forward to working with all cosponsors of the bill including Dane Country area legislators: Rep. Fred Clark, Sen. Tim Cullen and Rep. Robb Kahl. In Greater Madison we are well-positioned to be a world-renowned place for innovation – a place where the best and brightest choose to start and expand their businesses. This bill will make Wisconsin more competitive at fostering entrepreneurial activity and converting new ideas into sustainable businesses and jobs.”
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,400 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 6,000 employees. With 75 percent of the membership consisting of small businesses with 50 employees or less, the Chamber is working to translate our innovative culture into increased jobs and wages. 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
Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Announces New Officers and Members for Board of Directors
MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the newest officers and members of the 2013 board of directors. Officers for 2013 are:
- Jay Loewi, CEO, The QTI Group, Inc.: Board chair
- David Wittwer, president & CEO, TDS: Vice chair
- David Stark, president, Stark Company Realtors®: Immediate past chair
- Ginny Gilbert, CEO, Gilbert Cost Control Consultants: Treasurer
- Jim Garner, CEO, Sergenian’s Floor Coverings, Inc.: Secretary
- Gary Molz, vice president, EZ Office Products: Membership committee chair
New 2013 board members are:
- Brian Burns, vice president & chief operating officer, Morgan Murphy Media
- Kevin Conroy, president & CEO, Exact Sciences Corporation
- Michael F. Hamerlik, president & CEO, WPS Health Insurance
- Wayne Harris, president, Glowac+Harris+Madison
- Kevin Heppner, managing partner, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
- Gary Schaefer, executive vice president, Commercial Banking Madison, Associated Bank
- Kim Sponem, CEO, Summit Credit Union
- Mary Turke, office managing partner, Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP
- Matt Younkle, co-founder & CEO, Murfie, Inc.
“Our new board members were strategically chosen to ensure we continue to gain fresh and credible perspectives on innovation and entrepreneurialism in the Greater Madison region,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Coupled with the passion, enthusiasm, experience and knowledge already on our board, these new board members are yet another way to accomplish the global recognition of Greater Madison as an innovation hub.”
“I’m confident this board will help diversify our strategic thinking even further to ensure an innovative climate and training ground for organizations of all shapes and sizes in Greater Madison,” said Jay Loewi, chamber board chair and CEO of The QTI Group, Inc. “We’re proud of our past successes and energized to build on those with the new ideas already coming from the 2013 board.”
The Greater Madison Chamber will also be welcoming UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank to the board of directors in the near future. Click here for the full roster.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,400 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 6,000 employees. With 75 percent of the membership consisting of small businesses with 50 employees or less, the Chamber is working to translate our innovative culture into increased jobs and wages. 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