Photo by Richard Hurd
Initiatives
Greater Madison’s economic momentum is real, and the Chamber’s economic initiatives are helping accelerate that momentum.
The Next Normal (N²) Workgroup:
Since 2024, the Chamber, in partnership with local organizations, has conducted an annual survey of regional employers to assess current and projected economic conditions in Greater Madison. These surveys are designed to help us understand the Next Normal (N²) for work and workplaces in our region.
The 2025 regional employer survey was conducted this September. View a summary of the key survey findings here.
Click here to watch Chamber President Zach Brandon and members of the N2 workgroup discuss the results of this year’s survey on an episode of Lunch(UP)date, a virtual Chamber program.
The N² workgroup includes the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission, City of Madison, Destination Madison, Downtown Madison Inc., Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, Madison Area Builders Association, Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, Madison Gas and Electric Company, StartingBlock, University Research Park, Urban Land Interests, Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin.
Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership:
Nominations are now closed for this year’s Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership. A winner will be announced soon.
Recipients of the award are leaders both in their business and in the community and, through their efforts, have helped other small businesses succeed. They are mentors, advocates and contributors to the continued development and prosperity of Greater Madison’s small businesses.
Criteria:
— Must be the owner or operator of a small business in Greater Madison.
— Demonstrated commitment to innovation within their business.
— Demonstrated leadership beyond their business and a commitment to community service and support for other small businesses.
Past recipients include:
— Henry Sanders, CEO, 365Nation (2024)
— Carol “Orange” Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports (2023)
— Eugenia Podestá of Synergy Coworking (2022)
— Mark Schmitz of ZEBRADOG (2019)
— Jeff “JP” Patterson of JP Hair Design (2018)
— Susan Bulgrin of Culver’s – Todd Drive (2017)
— Jim Garner of Sergenian’s Floor Coverings (2016)