Wisconsin School of Business AI for Business Summit early bird pricing ends Feb. 27

On April 16-17, the AI Hub for Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will host Ground Truth: AI for Business Summit 2026.

Why Attend Ground Truth

AI is moving faster than most organizations can keep up. Ground Truth is designed for leaders who want to move beyond experimentation and deploy AI for real business value.

Leave with one idea you can use on Monday

• Where AI drives real bottom-line impact
• Lessons from leaders deploying AI at scale
• AI strategies grounded in research, not hype
• A room full of leaders solving the same problems you are

Registration

Early Bird Registration: $495

• Ends Friday, February 27

Regular Registration: $900

• Ends Friday, April 2

Special rates available for UW affiliated and UWEBC members.

Registration includes:

• Access to all sessions
• Refreshment breaks and lunch
• Thursday evening attendee reception

Learn more and register here.

Wisconsin World Trade Day set for May 19

The Wisconsin trade community comes together for Wisconsin World Trade Day to celebrate the vital role global commerce plays in Wisconsin’s economy, and to equip new and currently exporting businesses with practical insights to grow exports.

The event features a keynote address from Jason Turner, Chief Investment Strategist, Wintrust Financial Corporation offering a forward-looking perspective on global markets and highlighting emerging export opportunities for Wisconsin companies seeking to expand internationally. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of where demand is growing, how global trends impact exports, and what this means for Wisconsin-made products and services.

The program showcases real-life experiences and lessons learned from successful Wisconsin exporters, providing candid insights into challenges, strategies, and best practices for entering and succeeding in international markets.

The day continues with interactive breakout sessions focused on the practical “how-to” of exporting, diving into actionable steps for growing exports. Sessions will introduce the tools, programs, and resources available to support companies at every stage of their export journey.

Whether you are new to exporting or looking to scale your global presence, Wisconsin World Trade Day offers valuable knowledge, connections, and guidance to help your business compete and succeed worldwide.

About the Keynote Speaker: Jason Turner is Chief Investment Strategist at Wintrust Wealth Management. He is a member of the firm’s investment committee, authors market and economic commentary, regularly presents in the media and to professional conferences, and works with client portfolio managers to support institutional and private clients. As the Head of Multi-Asset Strategy, he is responsible for portfolio strategy, asset allocation, and for overseeing the firm’s manager due diligence and selection efforts. He is also a member of the firm’s Operating Committee and Management Committee.

Event Date: May 19, 2026

Event Time: 8:00am – 3:30pm Program 3:30pm-5:00pm Networking Social

Location: Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) RTA Education Center 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072

Cost: In-person only: $125.00 Registration $100.00 Early Bird by May 8, 2026

MMSD Begins Early Planning for 2026–27 Budget, Outlines Priorities and Fiscal Outlook

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has begun early planning for its 2026–27 preliminary budget, outlining key priorities focused on supporting students, aligning resources to district goals and maintaining long-term fiscal stability amid rising costs and ongoing state funding challenges.

District leaders emphasized that budget development begins months in advance to ensure thoughtful planning, transparency and alignment with MMSD’s Strategic Framework. The process centers on meeting student and staff needs while remaining fiscally responsible stewards of public resources.

“Our budget reflects what we value most as a school district,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “We are committed to uplifting the student experience, supporting our staff and making strategic investments that move our schools forward. At the same time, we must plan responsibly for financial realities that continue to challenge public education.”

Potential cost increases for the 2026–27 fiscal year are significant. Current estimates include:

• Compensation step increases: $4.7 million
• Inflationary compensation increases (2.63%): $9.5 million
• Health insurance increases: $14 million to $16 million
• Salary compensation study outcomes: $2 million to $8 million
• Parental leave benefit expansion: To be determined

In total, MMSD is projecting between $30.2 million and $38.2 million in potential new cost pressures.

“These increases reflect contractual obligations, market conditions and our responsibility to remain competitive as an employer,” said Bob Soldner, assistant superintendent of financial services. “We begin planning early so we can evaluate multiple scenarios, manage risk and minimize disruption to schools and classrooms.”

The district’s financial outlook is shaped not only by rising costs but also by declining state support. MMSD expects to receive approximately $7 million less in general state aid, continuing a trend that places greater reliance on local property taxes to fund operations.

Because Madison’s property values exceed the state average, MMSD receives about 10 percent of its funding from general state aid. By comparison, other large urban districts in Wisconsin receive between 62 percent and 68 percent.

In addition, MMSD continues to face a $62 million gap between special education costs and state reimbursement. The district must cover those expenses to ensure students receive legally required services.

Early learning also remains a priority investment. Although 4K students are funded at 60 percent of a full pupil count, districts must cover the full cost of providing programming.

“We know early learning sets the foundation for long-term academic success,” Gothard said. “Even when funding formulas fall short, we remain committed to ensuring our youngest learners have access to high-quality, full-day experiences.”

Recent voter-approved facilities and operations referenda have helped stabilize MMSD’s financial position and allowed the district to move forward with rebuilding or reconstructing 10 schools. District leaders expressed gratitude for that community support while noting it does not eliminate structural funding challenges.

As planning continues, MMSD will evaluate expenditures, staffing needs and program investments while advocating alongside other districts for sustainable state funding solutions, particularly around special education reimbursement.

The preliminary budget will be refined in the coming months, with additional updates and opportunities for public engagement provided throughout the process.

MMSD stakeholders and community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the budget through the district’s Let’s Talk platform.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Madison Black Chamber of Commerce announces The Eras Ball

Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future

Madison, WI – February 18, 2026 – The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) proudly announces The Eras Ball, the 8th Annual Black Business Awards Recognition & Exhibition, an elegant, mission-driven celebration honoring Black business excellence, leadership, and community impact.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703
Attire: Eras of Elegance – Black Tie Affair

For over a decade, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce has advanced Black-owned businesses by expanding access, elevating visibility, and building pathways for sustainable economic growth.

“The Era’s Ball is more than a celebration – it is a reflection of the relationships, leadership, and shared commitment that shape our work,” said Camille Carter, CEO and President of MBCC. “It also marks the beginning of the next era of growth, collaboration, and opportunity for Black-owned businesses across our region.”

The evening features premium networking, curated exhibits of entrepreneurial resilience including the official traveling exhibit of Black Wall Street created by the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, live music, dancing, soulful fine dining, and an uplifting awards program recognizing Black Business Excellence.

The Era’s Ball invites community members, partners, supporters, and leaders to gather in celebration of progress, partnership, and purpose. Whether attending in person or supporting from afar, the event reflects a shared investment in the future of Black business and economic empowerment.

For tickets, sponsorship information, volunteer opportunities, and vendor participation, visit https://www.madisonblackchamber.com/businessawards26

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About the Chamber:
With over 850 member businesses, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit member organization that empowers businesses through education, advocacy, promotion, and community building throughout South Central Wisconsin.

Student Demand Drives Expansion of Career and Technical Education Opportunities in MMSD

MADISON, Wis.—As part of February’s national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month recognition, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is spotlighting the breadth of career-connected learning opportunities available to students and the growing number who are taking advantage of them.

During the 2025–26 school year, more than 4,500 MMSD high school students are enrolled in at least one CTE course, up from 3,890 just two years ago. More than 2,000 students are taking two or more courses, while more than 200 are deeply engaged in four or more classes aligned to a specific career pathway.

The increasing participation reflects both strong student interest and a deliberate effort to expand hands-on, future-focused learning experiences.

“CTE plays a vital role in helping students see what’s possible for their futures,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “These experiences connect academic learning to real-world application, build confidence and ensure students graduate with both the knowledge and the practical skills needed to thrive in college, career and community.”

MMSD offers a broad range of high school CTE programs spanning skilled trades and high-growth industries. The largest areas of enrollment include Culinary & Hospitality (1,246 students), Marketing & Sales (1,121), Business & Financial Operations (772), Healthcare Occupations (721), Auto Technology (727) and Construction & Carpentry (668). Culinary 1: The Essentials is the district’s most enrolled CTE course, with more than 880 students participating.

Additional pathways continue to expand, including Engineering & Manufacturing (281), Digital Technology & Game Design (352), Information Technology (208) and Education & Training (246), where students gain classroom experience supporting MMSD 4K programs. East High School also hosts the district’s unique Barbering & Cosmetology program (113 students).

Many programs include industry partnerships and dual-credit opportunities, including Certified Nursing Assistant coursework, school-based credit union internships in partnership with Summit Credit Union and advanced IT academies through Madison College.

At the middle school level, district leaders continue building earlier exposure to career pathways, ensuring students can begin exploring interests before entering high school. That work includes both in-school coursework and expanded out-of-school programming.

“Introducing career exploration in the middle grades helps students make more informed decisions as they move into high school pathways,” said Nar Doumbya, CTE specialist for middle schools. “It gives them time to discover strengths, build foundational skills and see how their interests can translate into meaningful careers.”

One example is the district’s free CTE Summer Discovery program for middle school students, which continues to grow in both size and scope. The program provides hands-on experiences led by licensed CTE educators, allowing students to explore fields such as skilled trades, technology and design while building connections with peers and industry partners.

CTE programming is further supported through industry partnerships, dual-credit opportunities and facilities designed to replicate professional environments. Many of these learning spaces were modernized through recent school construction and renovation projects, allowing students to train on industry-standard equipment.

Throughout CTE Month, MMSD schools will host classroom showcases, student demonstrations and partnership highlights that elevate the impact of career-connected learning across the district.

By aligning coursework to high-demand fields and providing early, hands-on exposure, MMSD aims to ensure graduates leave high school with clear direction, valuable credentials and confidence in their next steps.

For more information about the district’s CTE offerings, please visit the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.