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Category: Archived Chamber Updates

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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

Photo by Richard Hurd

Congressman Mark Pocan Hosts Small Business Seminar May 1 on ‘The Affordable Care Act: What does it mean for your business?’

Congressman Mark Pocan is hosting a small business seminar: The Affordable Care Act: What does it mean for your business?

  • Wednesday, May 1, 2013
  • Grainger Hall, Room 5120
  • UW-Madison Campus 975 University Ave
  • Madison, WI 53706
  • 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Join Congressman Mark Pocan and Small Business Administration officials to learn:

  • What the Affordable Care Act will mean for your business and your employees.
  • What federal resources exist to help small businesses succeed, including tax credits, trainings and procurement opportunities.

Presenters Include:

  • Marianne Markowitz, Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Eric Ness, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration

The event is FREE, but registration is required. To register for the seminar, please visit http://Pocanseminar.eventbrite.com or call Rep. Pocan’s office at 608-258-9800.

Click here for electronic flyer.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Chamber Supports Bipartisan Investment Capital Bill

MADISON – Responding to today’s announcement of the bipartisan investment capital legislation set to create a $25 million investment fund, Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce said:

“The net gain of new jobs in the U.S. comes from startups. It’s an ongoing trend, not up for debate, even during a tough economy. This bipartisan legislation aligns the public and private sectors around the same goal with a simple formula: To grow jobs and wages, we must help companies start, stay and grow.

We look forward to working with all cosponsors of the bill including Dane Country area legislators: Rep. Fred Clark, Sen. Tim Cullen and Rep. Robb Kahl. In Greater Madison we are well-positioned to be a world-renowned place for innovation – a place where the best and brightest choose to start and expand their businesses. This bill will make Wisconsin more competitive at fostering entrepreneurial activity and converting new ideas into sustainable businesses and jobs.”

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 Announces New Officers and Members for Board of Directors

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the newest officers and members of the 2013 board of directors. Officers for 2013 are:

  • Jay Loewi, CEO, The QTI Group, Inc.: Board chair
  • David Wittwer, president & CEO, TDS: Vice chair
  • David Stark, president, Stark Company Realtors®: Immediate past chair
  • Ginny Gilbert, CEO, Gilbert Cost Control Consultants: Treasurer
  • Jim Garner, CEO, Sergenian’s Floor Coverings, Inc.: Secretary
  • Gary Molz, vice president, EZ Office Products: Membership committee chair

New 2013 board members are: 

“Our new board members were strategically chosen to ensure we continue to gain fresh and credible perspectives on innovation and entrepreneurialism in the Greater Madison region,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Coupled with the passion, enthusiasm, experience and knowledge already on our board, these new board members are yet another way to accomplish the global recognition of Greater Madison as an innovation hub.”

“I’m confident this board will help diversify our strategic thinking even further to ensure an innovative climate and training ground for organizations of all shapes and sizes in Greater Madison,” said Jay Loewi, chamber board chair and CEO of The QTI Group, Inc. “We’re proud of our past successes and energized to build on those with the new ideas already coming from the 2013 board.”

The Greater Madison Chamber will also be welcoming UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank to the board of directors in the near future. Click here for the full roster.

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