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Category: Archived Press Releases

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Chamber Statement Re: UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank

MADISON – Responding to the announcement that Rebecca Blank has been confirmed as the next chancellor at UW-Madison, Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce said:

“Given Rebecca Blank’s diverse and complementary background in business and academics, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce welcomes Dr. Blank and believes she is a great choice to solidify the link between the university and the business community. Choosing Dr. Blank is proof of the university’s commitment and understanding of the importance of their role in fueling economic growth for all of Wisconsin.

UW-Madison has a long-standing commitment to cultivating and supporting a spirit of innovation on campus. The Chamber looks forward to having Chancellor Blank join our board of directors and working with her to retain the bright minds being fostered at the university and transforming their entrepreneurial potential into a regionwide success story. Together, it is a story we will aggressively tell beyond Greater Madison’s borders.”

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

Click here for an electronic copy of this release

Photo by Richard Hurd

Spotlight on Innovation at BizExpo 2013

New Chamber President Highlights Entrepreneurial Excellence April 23

MADISON – Greater Madison is poised to take its position on the global stage. To inspire tomorrow’s business leaders, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce BizExpo 2013 will highlight the innovative people, the entrepreneurial businesses, new ideas and experts located here.

BizExpo 2013 is April 23 at Alliant Energy Center. It is open to the public and offers free attendance, free professional seminars and free parking.

“Greater Madison is unique. Our businesses are no different and it is vital to our economic growth that we shine the spotlight on these enterprising ideas,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “BizExpo will inspire our current and future leaders to take thoughtful risks and think of themselves as the innovators they already are. Their efforts make Madison identifiable and it is time for the secret of our entrepreneurial potential to be told globally.”

BizExpo will feature hundreds of local businesses showcasing new ideas and panel discussions with area experts on health care, social media, technology, employee retention and entrepreneurial advice.

“This isn’t your typical ‘business as usual’ expo,” said Brandon. “We will help business owners and their employees rethink how they do business and serve their customers. From the tow-truck driver to a web developer, BizExpo will provide the tools for them to catapult their ideas and their business to the next level.”

Get a complete list of BizExpo 2013 seminar topics, speakers and exhibitors.

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

Click here for an electronic copy of this release

Photo by Richard Hurd

Chamber Statement Re: Election Results for Madison Common Council

MADISON – Voters elected 11 of the 14 Madison Common Council candidates endorsed by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. The winners are: Lauren Cnare, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, Steve King, Scott Resnick, Paul Skidmore, Maurice Cheeks, Chris Schmidt, Larry Palm, Joe Clausius, Mark Clear and Matt Phair. Responding to the election results, Delora Newton, vice president of advocacy for the Chamber said:

“Greater Madison is in a time of remarkable change and needs leaders with the right vision and commitment. Through their votes, the Madison community reinforced the need for city leaders who demonstrate their dedication to creating a climate that will help grow businesses and the jobs they create.

We appreciate the commitment of the business community who supported our endorsed candidates through their vote, participated in our candidate endorsement process and individually contributed through our Direct Givers Conduit Program at an average of $61 to the candidate of their choice. We look forward to working with the entire council throughout the next two years to translate the region’s innovative small business culture into increased jobs and wages.”

Note: The Chamber does not, and is not legally allowed to, use membership dues for political candidates.

 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

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Download the electronic version here.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Greater Madison Chamber Joins National Business Coalition on Skilled Worker Immigration Reform

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce today announced its participation in “Business for Skilled Worker Immigration,” a growing coalition of 42 Chambers of Commerce to date, from across the country. The coalition is working to advance skilled worker immigration reform as a means of driving job creation, innovation and other economic growth.

Joining the coalition is an example of the new partnerships being forged by the Greater Madison Chamber as President Zach Brandon outlines his vision to put the Madison region on the global stage as an innovation hub.

“Some of the world’s best and brightest come to the Greater Madison region to advance themselves at our globally recognized universities,” Brandon said. “As these foreign nationals complete their education and look to create new opportunities, we send them home to work for companies which compete with Wisconsin businesses. It makes no sense. It sends the wrong message and hurts our own competitiveness.”

The coalition will urge Congress to address this important talent issue as part of broader-based immigration reform expected to be taken up this session.

Business for Skilled Worker Immigration represents a strong cross section of the nation’s business community, with broad geographic diversity among its members.  With talent a key driver of the economy, coalition members seek to bring increased focus on the critical challenge of improving access to top international talent.  Combined with current programs to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training domestically, the coalition believes its efforts can help improve long-term economic competitiveness.

“The Greater Madison region is a natural location for great minds wanting to pursue a career in our thriving biotech sector,” Brandon said. “Regardless of the industry, we need to always be looking for, and educating, the next generation of entrepreneurs making sure they have the support to start their businesses here. It doesn’t matter where they come from. It matters that we keep them here.”

Business for Skilled Worker Immigration provides a full list of coalition members, along with additional information about the group.

 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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Download electronic file here.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Chamber Announces Remaining Alder Endorsements

MADISON – The board of directors for the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce has released its remaining endorsements for the spring election of the Madison Common Council.

District 2: Bryan Post
District 6: Scott Thornton
District 12: Larry Palm

“The Chamber endorsed these candidates because they understand the city should balance regulations, development plans and public input to find ways to help businesses innovate, grow jobs and succeed,” said Delora Newton, vice president of advocacy.

Early endorsements for 11 candidates were announced Feb. 8, 2013 in conjunction with private-sector unions. Endorsements were not made in every district.

The endorsements are being released as President Zach Brandon is laying out his vision to put the Madison region on the global stage as an innovation hub.

“Madison leads in innovation and entrepreneurialism,” said Newton. “The Chamber’s endorsement highlights candidates who understand the region’s potential and have the commitment to achieve it.”

 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 region 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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Download the electronic version here