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Year: 2013

Photo by Richard Hurd

Step forward in immigration reform

Bipartisan momentum is building toward immigration reform aimed at improving job creation and growth. The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is supporting this initiative as a member of the Business for Skilled Worker Immigration Coalition – a nationwide partnership of 50 Chambers of Commerce.

On May 21, 2013, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the comprehensive immigration bill, Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744).

The vote is hailed as good news for skilled immigrant workers according to the Coalition. The coalition is working to advance skilled worker immigration reform as a means of driving job creation, innovation and other economic growth.

The Senate bill up for debate includes the three key immigration reforms that are the focus of the coalition’s efforts including:

  • Expansion of H-1B skilled worker visas.
  • Creation of entrepreneur visas.
  • Increased availability of green cards for science, technology, engineering, mathematics graduates. (STEM)

In addition, the Judiciary Committee adopted an important Hatch-Schumer amendment designed to facilitate the H-1B worker recruitment and hiring process for employers.

The bill now moves to the floor for a vote by the full Senate. It is expected to take place in June 2013.

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

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

Welcome New Members — May 2013

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

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

Welcome New Members — April 2013

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.