Join Login

Category: Press Releases

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. If the Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce is talking about it, you’ll see it here.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Carol “Orange” Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports to Receive 2023 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 6, 2023)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Carol “Orange” Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports to Receive 2023 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership
Award to be presented at IceBreaker lunch event on April 13

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today that Carol “Orange” Schroeder, co-owner of Orange Tree Imports, will receive the Chamber’s 2023 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership.

The award, which recognizes true champions for small business both within their business and in the community, will be presented during the Chamber’s sold-out IceBreaker lunch event on April 13 at the Kohl Center. Previous recipients include Jim Garner of Sergenian’s Floor Coverings, Susan Bulgrin of Culver’s on Todd Drive and Echo Tap & Grill, Jeff “JP” Patterson of JP Hair Design, Mark Schmitz of ZEBRADOG and Eugenia Podestá of Synergy Coworking.

“You would be hard-pressed to find someone who has been a stronger, more effective advocate for Greater Madison’s small neighborhood businesses for longer than ‘Orange’ Schroeder,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Her support for and leadership on behalf of local businesses have had a tremendous, long-lasting impact on this community.”

Schroeder and her husband, Dean, have been co-owners of the award-winning gift and gourmet shop Orange Tree Imports for nearly 50 years. Her book, Specialty Shop Retailing: How You Can Succeed in Today’s Market, is in its fourth edition and has been translated into Russian. She has also written more than 100 columns for Gifts and Decorative Accessories magazine and 750 entries in her weekly blog on a wide range of topics of interest to small business owners.

Schroeder co-founded the Monroe Street Merchants Association 45 years ago, as well as the Monroe Street Library League, and still serves as chair of both organizations. She was one of the earliest members of the Chamber’s Metropolitan Neighborhood Business Council, a group she also currently chairs.

“This year’s IceBreaker theme of belonging really resonates with me because I love being part of the community of locally owned small businesses on Monroe Street,” said Schroeder. “It has been a joy to help our neighborhood’s restaurateurs and shopkeepers, many of them women, achieve greater success. I have also found great satisfaction in expanding my circle of support to Madison and beyond through my writing as well as my work with Dane Buy Local and the Metropolitan Neighborhood Business Council.”

In addition to the presentation of the Ground Floor Award, IceBreaker will also bring together 800 business and community leaders to explore interpersonal connections and meaningful interactions as we move beyond what is to what can be. This year’s speakers – who will be revealed on the Kohl Center floor – have appeared on national television, on the cover of major health magazines and in international art exhibitions, and they are experts in the digital environment and the intersection of arts and culture.

For media access to IceBreaker and any questions about media accommodations or interview requests, please contact Erik Greenfield at 608-669-7884 or erik@madisonbiz.com. 

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 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 madisonbiz.com.

###

Photo by Richard Hurd

Chamber Announces 2022 Pressure Chamber Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 28, 2022)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Chamber Announces 2022 Pressure Chamber Finalists
Five top emerging companies to compete Aug. 16 for opportunity to pitch Silicon Valley investment firms this fall

MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the five finalists competing in this year’s Pressure Chamber startup initiative, which returns to the Majestic Theatre on Aug. 16 during Forward Fest, Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival.

At Pressure Chamber, emerging companies will pitch in front of national investors and a live audience. The winning company receives the coveted “golden suitcase,” representing a reserved spot in the Chamber’s exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.

The 2022 Pressure Chamber finalists are:

  • Benny (Madison) – A Techstars ’22 company that helps employees take full advantage of their Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) by getting them the money they need to maximize their benefits.
  • Fleet Cycles (Monona) – An electric cargo bike startup focused on decreasing vehicle and equipment emissions, reducing operating costs and increasing positive health outcomes for commercial customers.
  • TRACE (Madison) – A first-to-market mobile application for the Transgender and Nonbinary community and its Allies to document transition and build community.
  • Voximetry (Madison) – A healthtech company with software designed to increase tumor response and overall survival in prostate cancer patients receiving Radiopharmaceutical Therapy.   
  • Yips Yogurt Chips (Madison) – The first sweet and crunchy chips made from real probiotic Greek yogurt; no fridge required.

“Our largest number of Pressure Chamber applicants to date yielded five impressive companies that represent a bright future for Greater Madison’s startup ecosystem. The pandemic has changed a lot of things, but it has clearly not dulled our entrepreneurial spirit,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We are excited to welcome such an exceptional group of companies to the region’s apex live pitch contest and ultimately help them connect with potential investors and customers.”

Past Pressure Chamber winners have credited the initiative for helping their company close successful funding rounds. Additionally, Pressure Chamber has been recognized by both the International Economic Development Council and Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest Summit as an entrepreneurship and economic development best practice. Collectively, participating Pressure Chamber companies have gone on to raise more than half a billion dollars from investors.

To register for Pressure Chamber, visit madisonbiz.com/pressure-chamber.

Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best & Friedrich, with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, American Family Ventures, Baird Capital, 4490 Ventures, HealthX Ventures, Rock River Capital Partners, and Reception Sponsor Fetch Rewards.

Pressure Chamber finalists are available for interviews upon request.

For more information about Forward Fest, visit forwardfest.org.

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 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 madisonbiz.com.

###

Photo by Richard Hurd

Livability: Madison Still Best Place to Live in 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 19, 2022)

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Livability: Madison Still Best Place to Live in 2022
Ranking reaffirms Greater Madison’s status as the place to make a career, life and difference

MADISON – Today, for the second year in a row, Livability named Madison the Best Place to Live in the U.S.

In giving Madison the top spot, Livability cited the city’s resilient economy, affordability, industry diversity, remote work-readiness, and opportunities for recent graduates, families and retirees, among other factors. They also mentioned our abundance of parks and cultural attractions, as well as more than 200 miles of hiking, biking and snowshoeing trails.

“When asked what they were looking for in an ideal community, whether they realized it or not, respondents throughout the country were choosing Madison,” said Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon. “These rankings continue to validate the compelling story this region has to tell and the unique opportunity that exists for people seeking the place to make a career, make a life and make a difference.”

Livability examined more than 2,300 cities based on more than 50 data points that are grouped into eight categories, measuring a city’s economic stability, housing, amenities, infrastructure, demographics, social and civic capital, and health care. See the full 2022 list here.

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 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 madisonbiz.com.

###

Photo by Richard Hurd

Statement from Chamber President on Chancellor Blank’s Medical Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 11, 2022)
Contact: Helen Stewart, helen@madisonbiz.com, and Lydia Scofield, Lydia@madisonbiz.com

Statement from Chamber President on Chancellor Blank’s Medical Announcement

MADISON – Today, former UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced that she will step down as President-elect of Northwestern University to begin medical treatment for cancer. In response, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon released the following statement:

“Becky Blank has wrapped her arms around this community and our state’s flagship university for nearly a decade, and today we wrap our arms around her. 

“It is an understatement to say this cancer has picked a fight with the wrong person. Her grit and determination, combined with the world-class care she will receive at UW Health, give us the utmost hope.

“Becky is a Madisonian. She belongs here, and we welcome her home with love and support.” 

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 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 madisonbiz.com

###

Photo by Richard Hurd

Chamber Accepting Applications for Ninth Annual Pressure Chamber Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 14, 2022)

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Chamber Accepting Applications for Ninth Annual Pressure Chamber Competition
Region’s apex live pitch contest returns on Aug. 16 during Forward Fest

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today it is accepting applications for this year’s Pressure Chamber startup initiative, which returns on Aug. 16 during Forward Festival, Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival. The popular program includes participation and support from active regional investment firms, as well as the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Applicants for Pressure Chamber go through a screening process that may include presentations with prominent Wisconsin investors. From there, a select number of companies will be chosen to pitch to a panel of out-of-state investors, business executives and a live audience during Forward Fest. In addition to receiving the coveted “golden suitcase,” the winning company will also get a reserved spot in the Chamber’s exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.

“Pressure Chamber began with two primary objectives, and it has been successful on both counts: providing a platform for growing early-stage companies to connect with investment opportunities and potential customers, and amplifying the innovation occurring in Greater Madison by creating stronger connectivity with key coastal investment hubs,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We are excited to kick off our ninth year of this initiative and continue to build engagement between investors, customers and entrepreneurs.”

Past Pressure Chamber winners have credited the initiative for helping their company close successful funding rounds. Additionally, Pressure Chamber has been recognized by both the International Economic Development Council and Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest Summit as an entrepreneurship and economic development best practice. Collectively, participating Pressure Chamber companies have gone on to raise more than half a billion dollars from investors.

Pressure Chamber is open to any industry, as long as the company meets the following requirements:

  • Must be a member of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (startup memberships available) or support local entrepreneurial partner organizations
  • Must be located in Greater Madison or plan to locate to Greater Madison by Aug. 16, 2022
  • Must have raised at least $25,000, excluding personal investment by company founders
  • Application must be received by 8 a.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022

The full application can be accessed at: bit.ly/Pressure22

Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best & Friedrich, with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, American Family Ventures, Baird Capital, 4490 Ventures, HealthX Ventures and Rock River Capital Partners.

For more information about Forward Fest, visit forwardfest.org.

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 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 madisonbiz.com.

###