Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP): Applications for City of Madison’s new BizReady program now open

Applications are now open for a new opportunity for small business owners in the City of Madison looking to receive training, mentoring, and networking opportunities to help their businesses innovate and thrive.

The City of Madison is partnering with the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) and AFF Research to launch the BizReady program – an extensive suite of resources and activities specifically designed to meet the wide-ranging needs of Madison’s aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals.

This resource is free for local business owners and is being funded by $300,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds that were already allocated to the City of Madison Economic Development Division’s Small Business Equity Recovery (SBER) program in July 2021.

The City of Madison Common Council approved the creation of the program last summer and approved the selection of MadREP as the City’s partner in the program earlier this year. City staff have been working with MadREP since then to design the program and get it ready for launch.

The BizReady program is being modeled after the successful MarketReady program that was created in 2017 and gave prospective Madison Public Market vendors training, technical assistance, and help in creating their business plans ahead of the opening of the Public Market opening.

Applications for the BizReady program open Monday, August 26, 2024 and close at 5:00pm on Friday, September 13, 2024. Interested business owners can apply online. Those with questions can contact AFF Research by sending an e-mail to aff@affresearch.com or by calling 920-844-5006.

Additional resources and opportunities for local business owners can be found on the Office of Business Resources’ website.

The QTI Group’s 2025 Human Resources Trends Survey

For more than a decade, QTI’s annual survey results have guided employers through the ever-evolving landscape of HR. Tackling topics such as DEI, compensation, benefits, employee well-being, and workforce planning, the HR Trends Survey provides invaluable insight into the future of HR.

The survey takes just 15-20 minutes to complete. All individual responses will be kept confidential. Survey participants gain insider access to aggregate results that will be shared following the survey’s completion.

Please click on the survey link to get started: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HRtrends2025

All responses must be submitted by August 26, 2024.

M3 Insurance’s 2024 Health Care Trend Report

The M3 Health Care Trend Report is M3 Insurance’s annual review, highlighting costs and plan designs for employer-sponsored health insurance.

The 2024 Health Care Trend Report shares the trends we are seeing across M3’s book of business, which encompasses employers ranging in size from three to more than 10,000 employees in a variety of major industry sectors. We’ve categorized the data based on geography, employer size, private vs. public sector, and plan structure. For more than 20 years, we’ve gathered data to provide valuable insights to the business community.

This year’s edition follows a similar pattern to the 2023 edition: the trendline continued for overall benefit plan premiums and costs per employee continued, with some notable regional shifts.

ACCESS THE REPORT >>

M3 Insurance Announces the Launch of Ethica Pharmacy Advisors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Media Inquiries:
Angela Joyce, Director of Communications
M3 Insurance
Phone: 608.229.6409
Email: angela.joyce@m3ins.com

M3 Insurance Announces the Launch of Ethica Pharmacy Advisors

(Milwaukee, WI) – M3 Insurance is proud to announce the launch of Ethica Pharmacy Advisors, a pharmacy solutions consultancy created to bring a new level of expertise, specialization, transparency, and service to clients. Ethica Pharmacy Advisors will leverage M3’s extensive knowledge and resources to deliver unparalleled services in the pharmacy benefits consulting industry.

Ethica Pharmacy Advisors is a pharmacy benefits consultancy dedicated to helping plan sponsors manage prescription drug costs through advice, financial analysis, and clinical resources.

“M3 is proud to announce the establishment and launch of Ethica Pharmacy Advisors,” said Mike Victorson, CEO of M3 Insurance. “In the complex and often opaque universe of pharmacy benefit management, we are committed to being a trusted partner, continually finding innovative ways to manage risk and support our clients in running successful companies.”

Ethica Pharmacy Advisors will continue to uphold the values and standards that M3 Insurance is known for, ensuring a seamless experience for clients while expanding its reach and capabilities nationally.

“Our mission at Ethica is to prioritize patient care so our clients can confidently navigate the complex pharmaceutical landscape, achieving financial control and quality care.” said Connie Perry, PharmD, and Managing Director of Ethica Pharmacy Advisors. “We are excited about this important launch and are committed to delivering top-tier solutions clients have come to expect from M3’s risk and insurance advisory services.”

Ethica is set to redefine pharmacy benefit consulting by offering a comprehensive suite of services, including prescription (Rx) diagnostic assessments and Pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contract management, custom pricing arrangements, transparent pharmacy procurements and negotiation advice, full-service Rx directorship, and in-house PBM audit capabilities.

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About M3

M3 is a top insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work. For more information on M3, visit www.m3ins.com.

About Ethica Pharmacy Advisors

Ethica Pharmacy Advisors is an innovative pharmacy consulting firm. Using in-house expertise, 21st-century tech and real-time insights, Ethica empowers clients to see costs, understand usage and negotiate better terms by exploring beyond the typical vendors who dominate the marketplace. Learn more at m3ins.com/pharmacy-solutions/.

Madison Black Chamber of Commerce: Celebrate Madison Black Restaurant Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 19, 2024

Celebrate Madison Black Restaurant Week
A Delectable Journey of Flavor & Community

MADISON, WI – Get ready to savor the rich and diverse culinary tapestry of Madison’s Black-owned restaurants as we proudly announce the eagerly awaited Madison Black Restaurant Week, taking place from August 11th to August 18th, 2024. This flavorful event is the perfect occasion to celebrate local Black businesses while indulging in a delectable array of dishes that highlight the cultural richness and creativity of the African diaspora.

In honor of August being Black Business Month, Madison Black Restaurant Week aims to amplify and celebrate the vital contributions of Black entrepreneurs, chefs, and restaurateurs to our vibrant local culinary scene. This week-long celebration provides an opportunity for the community to come together, show support, and explore a wide variety of authentic, mouth watering cuisines crafted with passion and dedication.

Throughout the week, participating Black-owned restaurants across Madison will offer exciting discounts, special menus, and unique dining experiences to showcase their culinary talents. From soulful comfort food to exquisite African-inspired delicacies, there will be something to please every palate and ignite a sense of community pride.

Culminating the week-long celebration, we invite food enthusiasts and culture seekers to join us at the grand finale – the Madison Black Restaurant Week Food Taste Jamboree on August 18 in a new location ~ Olin Park!

At the Jamboree, attendees will have the chance to sample a diverse array of cuisines, mingle with local chefs, and learn about the stories and traditions behind the incredible dishes on offer.

Let’s come together to celebrate Black Business Month, embrace the diversity of our community, and savor the incredible flavors that Madison’s Black-owned restaurants have to offer. See you there!

ABOUT MADISON BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

With more than 700 member businesses in Dane County alone, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is the premier connector for Black-owned businesses, bringing together a robust network of community leaders, business owners and technical service providers across South Central Wisconsin. You can learn more here: www.madisonblackchamber.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Tiffany Kenney | Director of Communications
Madison Black Chamber of Commerce
tiffany@madisonblackchamber.com