Category: Chamber Updates
Our members are shaking things up. The entrepreneurial spirit in our community means our members are always looking for ways to grow and improve their businesses. Keep up with the movers and shakers to see what they’ve been up to lately.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Announces Launch of Together Truax
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Jan. 9, 2017)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)
MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced Together Truax, the next step of an initiative designed to support the effort to base the F-35A aircraft at Madison’s 115th Fighter Wing. The initiative includes a new website and social media pages in addition to ongoing advocacy.
“This community supports the men and women of the 115th Fighter Wing, and this initiative is just one more way to demonstrate that as federal officials review the finalist sites,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “The base’s $100 million in annual economic impact, the emergency response services it provides for Dane County Regional Airport and the tuition assistance paid to our colleges and universities for area students who serve in the Guard mean that having the F-35 at Truax is more than a national defense asset, it is an economic opportunity.”
The Air Force announced in December that the 115th is one of five finalist sites, with the two bases that will receive the next-generation jets to be named at a later date. Meanwhile, federal, state and local elected officials representing Dane County have already shown strong support for the Truax base.
“Truax, which is home to the dedicated men and women of the 115th Fighter Wing, is an ideal candidate for the F-35A mission,” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. “We bring to this mission tremendous strategic, geographic and economic capabilities. The base and its personnel play an essential role in protecting the safety and security of Wisconsin and our nation, and I have been proud to serve as their champion in Congress for more than 17 years. I will continue to advocate for Truax’s selection for this new mission, which will provide an enduring economic benefit to the local community and Wisconsin.”
“The economic impact that the 115th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard plays in the Madison and surrounding area is immense,” said Madison Mayor Paul Soglin. “This unit, in addition to the 750 Guard members, results in quality employment for 450 individuals. These employees and their families live, work and play in the Madison area and are respected members of our community. The value these jets bring to the city is immeasurable.”
“As a former fighter pilot stationed at Truax and the State Senator who represents the airport, I know the value of hosting the F-35s to our community,” said State Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona). “Wisconsin, Dane County and Madison have much to offer and I believe that our 115th Fighter Wing will rise above the other four contenders.”
“Truax Field has been a crucial economic cornerstone of the Northside of Madison for generations. The men and women who work there support our country and our community. Their children attend our schools, they support our local businesses, and live in our neighborhoods,” said State Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison). “As the State Representative for this area, and a lifelong resident of Madison, I know that it is important that we continue to support our friends and neighbors who are the bedrock of our community.”
“We greatly appreciate the many business, community and elected leaders from all levels of government who are supporting this effort,” added Brandon. “We look forward to continuing to build support as we make the case for the 115th in the coming months.”
TogetherTruax.com will feature the latest news and frequently asked questions, as well as opportunities to sign up for updates and ways to contact elected representatives. You can visit the website here, like Together Truax on Facebook here and follow Together Truax on Twitter here.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 9,500 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 greatermadisonchamber.com.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Agrace Dane County Volunteer & Grief Opportunities for February 2017
Agrace to Offer Orientation for Prospective Volunteers in February
Volunteering for Agrace can be a very rewarding experience. In February, Agrace will offer orientation for people interested in volunteering to make a difference in the lives of patients with advanced illnesses. Agrace has opportunities for volunteers who would like to work directly with Agrace patients, as well as support roles that do not involve patient care. Areas of most immediate need are for customer-service volunteers at the Agrace Thrift Store on East Springs Drive, Madison, and café and kitchen help at Agrace’s campus on East Cheryl Parkway, Madison.
Agrace’s next volunteer orientation opportunities will be held Monday, February 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, February 22, from 8 a.m. to noon, at Agrace’s Madison campus. Before they attend orientation, prospective volunteers will complete an application and an interview process with Agrace’s Volunteer Services staff to identify skills and interests. Call (608) 327-7163 to begin the pre-orientation process.
Agrace to Offer Grief Support Groups Beginning in February
- Bridges Weekly Support Group is held every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison. This ongoing group is for adults who are grieving the death of a loved one. Pre-registration is not required.
- Spouse/Partner Loss Support Group is a six-week grief support group series for adults whose spouse or partner has died. Be comforted and build a consistent, natural support system. Held at Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, each Tuesday, February 21 through March 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. To register, call Jody at (608) 327-7118 or visit agrace.org/griefgroups.
For details on all Agrace grief support groups, visit agrace.org.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Madison-Based 115th Fighter Wing One of Five Finalists for State-of-the-Art F-35A Aircraft
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (December 7, 2016)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)
MADISON – Today the United States Air Force announced it has selected the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard as one of five finalist sites for the F-35A aircraft. The Air Force will announce at a later date the two bases that will receive the next-generation jets.
In response to today’s announcement, Chamber President Zach Brandon released the following statement:
“Today’s news is not only great for the 115th but also for the Greater Madison economy. Being chosen for the F-35s would mean a tremendous investment in the base, adding to its already-substantial effect on the region. With $100 million in annual economic impact, as well as providing emergency response services for Dane County Regional Airport and tuition support for area students who serve in the Guard, the 1,200 airmen of the 115th make significant contributions to our community.
“We are thrilled but not surprised by this announcement. The Air Force has rightfully recognized the incredible work being done at the 115th Fighter Wing and the base’s tremendous potential going forward.
“With its exceptional facilities, infrastructure and personnel – as well as its strategic proximity to Volk Field and the Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee – the 115th is uniquely positioned to be the future home of the F-35. The Chamber and the Badger Air Community Council look forward to working with our federal, state and local leaders over the coming months to help make that case.”
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 9,500 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 greatermadisonchamber.com.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Sergenian’s CEO Garner to Receive Chamber’s Inaugural “Ground Floor Award” for Small Business Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (November 30, 2016)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)
MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today that Jim Garner, CEO of Sergenian’s Floor Coverings, will receive the Chamber’s inaugural 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 a special nex7 event Dec. 14 at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMOCA).
“The Chamber’s motto is ‘Business. Community. Leadership.’ and that is Jim Garner personified,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Throughout his career, Jim has been a mentor, an advocate and a major contributor in Greater Madison’s small business community. His hard work, innovation and leadership have made the Chamber, our businesses and our economy stronger.”
Jim Garner joined Sergenian’s in 1963 and today serves as the company’s CEO and a majority partner. Under Garner’s leadership, Sergenian’s has won numerous awards based on quality and service and is now one of the top 50 floor covering retailers in the country. Garner and Sergenian’s started Wisconsin’s first and only comprehensive carpet reclamation program, which has kept more than 11 million pounds of carpet and padding out of landfills.
Garner serves on the Chamber’s Executive Committee and has been a Chamber Board member for more than 20 years. As founding chairperson of the Chamber’s Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC), an advisory committee to the Chamber’s leadership and the Mayor of the City of Madison, he led several citywide initiatives to support small businesses, including development of the Madison Small Business Conference and implementation of process changes to improve road construction in addition to the creation of a nationally adopted road construction survival guide for small businesses.
Garner has also held leadership roles with the Metropolitan Neighborhood Business Council and South Metropolitan Business Association. He was inducted into the InBusiness Hall of Fame in 2012.
“It is a great honor to receive the Chamber’s first-ever Ground Floor Award,” said Garner. “It means a lot to be commended by an organization that serves as the voice of nearly 1,300 businesses in the Greater Madison area.”
In addition to the presentation of the Ground Floor Award, nex7 will also feature compelling pitches from the seven finalists for the Chamber’s inaugural Most Innovative Company (MIC) Award. The MIC finalists represent a diverse cross-section of industries, missions and locations across Greater Madison. The winner will be determined by audience vote.
To register for this free event, visit: www.greatermadisonchamber.com.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 9,500 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 greatermadisonchamber.com.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Greater Madison Startups Meeting with Investors in Silicon Valley
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (October 11, 2016)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)
MADISON – Some of Greater Madison’s most promising startups are in Silicon Valley this week to meet with prominent venture capital firms as part of an exclusive delegation led by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the five companies, the delegation features state economic development partners and Chamber leaders including Board Chair Beth Donley of Stemina Biomarker Discovery.
“The Chamber is proud to provide an opportunity for these growing companies to meet with top investors as we promote Greater Madison’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Our economic momentum is real, and it is important that we continue to tell Greater Madison’s story as a world-class place to build and invest. We are thrilled to be able to do that by showcasing an exciting group of companies and helping them make important connections in Silicon Valley.”
The Silicon Valley trip is the culmination of the Chamber’s popular Pressure Chamber startup pitch competition, which took place in August during the Forward Festival, an eight-day celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in Madison. This year’s Pressure Chamber winner, the top vote-getter from both the audience and a panel of investor judges, is POLCO, a platform that improves civic engagement by connecting members of the community with their local representatives on active policy proposals.
It has been an exciting year for POLCO. In addition to their Pressure Chamber victory, they also won the best presentation award at the Madworks business accelerator pitch night and the “Peoples’ Choice” award at the Wisconsin Innovation Awards. They also won in the Information Technology category at the statewide Governor’s Business Plan Competition and are the first company-in-residence at Bunker Labs Wisconsin, a nonprofit that helps military veterans start and grow businesses.
Joining POLCO on the trip are four other exciting, emerging companies representing diverse industries driving Greater Madison’s economy. They include:
- AkitaBox (Madison) – A SaaS application for proactive building management that automates maintenance, planning and inspections, AkitaBox is a gener8tor company and 2016 Pressure Chamber finalist.
- GrocerKey (Madison) – Another gener8tor company, GrocerKey helps grocery and convenience stores leverage their brand through eCommerce by providing a mobile optimized online store, management dashboard and a back-end app for operational efficiency.
- Markable (Madison) – A fashion technology company and member of 100state that helps social network users shop using visual search technology to connect photos and products.
- Moxe (Madison) – A technology-driven, service-oriented group helping vendors and health systems navigate the challenges of interoperability.
The trip began with a tour of YouTube, led by the founder of Vidmaker, a Madison company acquired by YouTube in 2014. Later in the evening, an exclusive invite-only dinner provided an opportunity for investor interaction and private discussion with business partners. The second day includes company pitches with a dozen global investment firms, followed by a reception sponsored by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation with support from the Badger Entrepreneurship Forum, a Bay Area organization of UW-Madison alumni.
Pressure Chamber and the Silicon Valley trips are supported by Michael Best & Friedrich, with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, American Family Ventures, Baird Capital, 4490 Ventures, HealthX Ventures, Lindsay, Stone & Briggs, Three Oaks Venture Capital and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 9,500 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 greatermadisonchamber.com.
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