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Category: Archived Chamber Updates

Photo by Richard Hurd

Chamber Announces Remaining Alder Endorsements

MADISON – The board of directors for the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce has released its remaining endorsements for the spring election of the Madison Common Council.

District 2: Bryan Post
District 6: Scott Thornton
District 12: Larry Palm

“The Chamber endorsed these candidates because they understand the city should balance regulations, development plans and public input to find ways to help businesses innovate, grow jobs and succeed,” said Delora Newton, vice president of advocacy.

Early endorsements for 11 candidates were announced Feb. 8, 2013 in conjunction with private-sector unions. Endorsements were not made in every district.

The endorsements are being released as President Zach Brandon is laying out his vision to put the Madison region on the global stage as an innovation hub.

“Madison leads in innovation and entrepreneurialism,” said Newton. “The Chamber’s endorsement highlights candidates who understand the region’s potential and have the commitment to achieve it.”

 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 region 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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Download the electronic version here

Photo by Richard Hurd

“School Makes A Difference” Speakers Needed!

School Makes A Difference, a career exploration and planning activity for Madison 8th grade students and alternative high school students, gives students the opportunity to hear local professionals talk about their career journey, learn about various career paths, and engage in a brief dialogue with presenters.

Each year we are looking for new speakers to join our lineup. Don’t want to wait until next year to tell your story? We still need speakers for two of our 2013 dates!

March 6 – Spring Harbor Middle School (7:45 am – 9:45 am)

March 15 – Work & Learn High School (8:45 am – 11:00 am)

To learn more about School Makes A Difference and how you can get involved, contact Jessica Holzman, Business and Education Coordinator at jholzman@greatermadisonchamber.com or Julie Tokheim, Program Coordinator for Madison Metropolitan School District at jtokheim@madison.k12.wi.us.

Photo by Richard Hurd

TIF Policy Advances to Council Committee

Madison’s Economic Development Committee has recommended approval of a new draft policy for Madison’s use of Tax Incremental Financing. The Chamber supported the draft policy that is more flexible and competitive than the existing approach.

Extensive staff research has demonstrated that while Madison has created a tremendous amount of value using the financing tool, the approach is much more conservative and cautious compared to other municipalities in Dane County and larger cities across the state.

Some of the changes from the existing policy include removing an equity participation payment for profitable projects and modifying some of the conservative assumptions used to evaluate projects, including the “50% rule” that says no more than 50% of the new tax increment generated by a project can be made available to the project as gap financing.

Another way the draft policy is more flexible to existing policy is its determination for meeting the “but for” standard. The “but for” standard means but for city assistance, the project would not otherwise occur. The new draft policy allows for additional competitive factors to be considered for employment-oriented projects that would demonstrate that but for the city’s TIF assistance, the project would not otherwise occur in the City of Madison. Providing flexibility for the interpretation of this standard will allow for more conversation on projects with potentially significant public benefit.

While the new policy provides more flexibility, all projects will still require a comprehensive staff review and Common Council approval for any expenditures. This process ensures public discussion and that taxpayer dollars are used prudently and strategically.

Before recommending approval, some minor changes were made to the draft, including changes to the job standards section and making the language more applicable to workforce development.

The document now goes to a special ad hoc committee of Madison alders for review.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Welcome New Members — January & February 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

Transportation Moves Commerce

A well developed and maintained transportation infrastructure is vital to Wisconsin’s economy.  Businesses and consumers expect a well maintained system to efficiently move people and goods.  And we aren’t just talking roads.  Transit, airports, ports and rail are all important components of the transportation equation.

That’s why the Greater Madison Chamber Board of Directors supports a bi-partisan, state constitutional amendment to protect the segregated transportation fund.  Chamber staff, serving as your business voice, testified in support at Legislative hearings this past week.  If the Legislature approves the amendment, voters will get their say in November 2014.

For more information on the transportation fund, read this memo by the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau.