Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Madison International Trade Association Team Up to Help Companies Think Global and Grow Local

MADISON – A new partnership was announced today by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Madison International Trade Association (MITA) to help businesses grow by selling their products and services internationally. The two organizations will collaborate on a program series titled, “Going Global,” which will explore why companies should expand their customer base in foreign markets and discuss how companies of different types and sizes have found success.

“Ninety-five percent of the world’s population lives outside the United States,” said Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon. “This is why you see so many small-to medium-sized businesses strategically pursuing opportunities to sell internationally.”

On average, companies that export grow faster and create more jobs at higher wages than non-exporting companies. In 2012, Madison-area businesses exported $2.2 billion worth of products around the world.

MITA Board President Jen Pino-Gallagher encouraged businesses of all sizes to attend the collaborative series, noting the access to insight, connections and resources that will be provided. “International business is big business in Madison,” Pino-Gallagher said. “If your business is not active in global markets, you may be missing some very large and profitable opportunities. In my opinion, the Going Global series is an easy opportunity to learn more about the potential that global sales may hold for your company.”

Brandon acknowledged that for many small businesses, the thought of conducting business in foreign markets can appear daunting at first. “There are many real challenges – you need to understand the market, the culture, the regulatory climate and establish personal relationships,” Brandon said. “Our message to Madison-area businesses is you can do this and we want to help. Together, if we think global, we will grow local.”

The first program in the “Going Global” series takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7:30-9:00 a.m. at CUNA Mutual Group. The program is free for members of either the Greater Madison Chamber or MITA, and $20 for non-members. Individuals can register at www.greatermadisonchamber.com.

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.

About the Madison International Trade Association:
MITA is a Madison, Wisconsin-based organization with the simple goal to connect and provide global know-how and resources to its members. MITA provides current, relevant and vital global and international trade information to the organizations and individuals looking to expand their international reach. From trade agreements to export documentation to economic trends and prevailing world issues, MITA keeps its members “in the know.” MITA members include a broad spectrum of professionals interested in and involved with international trade. Member companies include manufacturers, food companies, and services providers such as freight forwarders, banks, and law firms, as well as universities and governmental institutions. More information can be found at: http://mitatrade.org/.

Click here for an electronic copy of this release.

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Greater Madison Chamber Leads Community Tour of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Chicago

MADISON – On Aug. 27, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce will host members of the startup community, the Chamber board of directors, the Chamber’s small business advisory council and other business and civic leaders to locations of innovation in Chicago. The trip will include:

• Visit to 1871: As a premier coworking space, 1871 provides affordable workspace and access to mentors and investors in a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
• Discussion with J.B. Pritzker: The accomplished venture capitalist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and civic leader will host a conversation about the importance and rewards of fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Tour of Catapult Chicago: The collaborative, community-focused startup space grows later-stage technology companies and will show how it nurtures the development of talent and new business.

“Chicago is emerging as a model for cross-sector collaboration that results in the creation of jobs, community wealth and prosperity,” said Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. “This trip, and the people who have committed time and money in order to participate, reinforces that everyone – every business, every civic leader, every investor – everyone, has a role in innovation and how it advances a community.”

With the research coming out of the world-renowned university and the often acknowledged quality of life, Brandon says Greater Madison is already well-positioned to be on the map with other innovation cities. “One of the most important indicators in moving Greater Madison from a ‘great place to start a business’ to a ‘place of innovation’ is the groundswell of activity in our startup community,” said Brandon. “Entrepreneurs are leading and taking ownership of the momentum with activity such as the creation of events like Forward Technology Festival, the explosion of innovation spaces and the formation of groups such as Madisonium and Capital Entrepreneurs.”

At the 1-year anniversary, the 225 startups that grew out of 1871 have created 800 jobs, raised nearly $30 million in capital investments and added nearly $13 million in revenue to the Chicago economy.

“Entrepreneurial density, as well as proximity, matters,” said Brandon. “We know that the friction from human interaction sparks innovation. We have the spark in our community, always have. Now we are increasing the density with the rise in our local innovation spaces like gener8tor, Sector67, 100state, Bendyworks, Madworks and Horizon.”

The tour will host nearly 60 people from the Greater Madison region. Pictures and commentary of the trip can be found throughout the day and week on the Chamber’s website, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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, 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799

Click here for the electronic version.

Welcome New Members — July & August 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.

• AVID Risk Solutions, Inc
• Bio-Nutrition Intl, Inc
• Capital Connections Group
• Exact Sciences Corporation
• Hy-Vee, Inc.
• KARING Hypnosis and Massage
• Kleen Geeks Inc
• Mid America Bank
• Midwest Dental — Corporate Offices
• Minuteman Press
• MoveIn, Inc.
• Old Chicago
• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery – Eastside
• Phoenix Consulting, Inc.
• Relles, Milliken & Scheffer, LLP – Attorney Megan Phillips
• Sarah B.
• Savers Elite
• SYSDYNETICS LLC
• The Edgewater Hotel
• U-Haul Moving & Storage of Verona Road
• Uniforms Direct, LLC
• UROn Concept Salon
• Vision Graphix Group Inc
• WISConnect, LLC dba Sports Image

Governor Signs Venture Capital Bill

MILWAUKEE – Last Week, Governor Walker signed Act 41, providing much-needed investment capital support for early-stage Wisconsin companies.

Act 41 makes the state a partner in a larger “fund of funds” that matches the state’s $25 million investment, set aside in the 2013-15 state budget, with at least $50 million in private investment.

Chamber President Zach Brandon praised the bipartisan effort, saying it will make Wisconsin more competitive at fostering entrepreneurial activity and converting new ideas into sustainable businesses and jobs. With this more competitive venture capital program in place, Wisconsin is well-positioned to help companies start, stay, and grow.

Federal Economic Injury Loans Available for Small Businesses

A new loan program is available for small businesses that suffered substantial financial losses as a direct result of excessive rain and snow, and multiple periods of thawing and refreezing this year.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will facilitate the program, which provides loan amounts up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.875% for private non-profit organizations and 4% for small businesses, with terms up to 30 years.

Learn more about the program requirements and apply online here.