Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce to Integrate MadREP’s Work, Creating a Unified Force for Regional Economic Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Dec. 12, 2025)

Contact: Communications Manager Jess Miller, jess@madisonbiz.com, (608) 443-1952

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce to Integrate MadREP’s Work, Creating a Unified Force for Regional Economic Development

Move reflects organizations’ shared commitment to region’s future 

MADISON, WI — Today, the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) announced a new chapter in regional economic development. Following a year of collaborative discussions and joint planning, MadREP will now transfer its regional economic development responsibilities, creating a more unified structure to accelerate growth and opportunity across south-central Wisconsin.  

“This transition reflects our shared belief that the region is stronger when we work together,” said MadREP Board Chair Jason Vangalis. “MadREP’s foundation of collaboration and partnership has positioned the region for success, and this move ensures that work continues with even greater capacity.” 

GMCC Board Chair Dan Bertler added: “Regional collaboration has always been essential to achieving greater outcomes. A unified structure will deliver a more effective model and enable coordinated action on our region’s shared priorities.” 

GMCC will immediately assume regional economic development responsibilities and, beginning in early 2026, will collaborate in partnership with public- and private-sector leaders on a focused regional strategy that builds upon MadREP’s foundational work.  

“This is a natural evolution built on years of partnership,” said GMCC President Zach Brandon. “Integrating MadREP’s work with the region’s largest business association will create a customer-centric approach to increase opportunities and ensure our current growth translates into lasting regional benefits.” 

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Dane County mayors to discuss regional challenges in Chamber’s next Advocacy in the A.M.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Dec. 10, 2025)

For questions and media access, contact Communications Manager Jess Miller, jess@madisonbiz.com, (608) 443-1952

Dane County mayors to discuss regional challenges in Chamber’s next Advocacy in the A.M.

Questions will cover housing, transportation, talent, economic development and more

MADISON, WI – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce will host “Advocacy in the A.M. — Mayoral Panel” next Tuesday, Dec. 16, 8–10 a.m. at the Fluno Center. This panel will bring together the leaders of seven Dane County cities to discuss the critical issues facing Greater Madison.

Panelists will include mayors Julia Arata-Fratta (Fitchburg), Luke Diaz (Verona), Emily Kuhn (Middleton), Nancy Moore (Monona), Satya Rhodes-Conway (Madison), Steve Stocker (Sun Prairie) and Tim Swadley (Stoughton). Chamber Board member and Madison Magnet President Joey Broms will moderate the panel.

Current projections show Dane County’s population will grow by 325,000 residents in the next 25 years, suggesting that by 2050, Greater Madison will be home to 1 million people. This conversation will cover some of the key challenges and opportunities this growth poses, including workforce housing, transportation and in-migration of talent.

“Since its inception, our Advocacy in the A.M. series has offered a front-row seat to the conversations shaping policy across the region,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “This panel is especially crucial at our current moment, as Greater Madison’s success demands regional alignment on issues and decisive, coordinated action on solutions.”

WHAT: Advocacy in the A.M. — Mayoral Panel

WHERE: Fluno Center, Howard Auditorium, 601 University Ave., Madison

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 8–10 a.m.

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About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 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 madisonbiz.com.

Chamber releases statement on Exact Sciences acquisition by Abbott 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Nov. 20, 2025)

Contact: Communications Manager Jess Miller, jess@madisonbiz.com, (608) 443-1952, for questions and interview requests

MADISON, WI – Today, Madison-based Exact Sciences and Abbott announced a definitive agreement for Abbott to acquire Exact Sciences. Per the terms of the deal, Exact Sciences will maintain its presence in Madison, and Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences and Chamber Board member, will remain in an advisory role to support the transition into Abbott and accelerate its global impact in helping to eradicate cancer worldwide. 

In response to the announcement, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon released the following statement: 

“We are pleased to welcome Abbott to the Greater Madison business community. Their investment in Greater Madison is the largest in our history and further validates the region’s reputation as a global leader in life sciences and research innovation. 

“Founded in Boston in 1995, Exact Sciences moved its headquarters to Madison in 2009. Building on the region’s existing talent pool, the company scaled from a two-person team to a world leader in cancer diagnostics with 7,000 employees. 

“As Greater Madison’s growth has accelerated, Exact Sciences has played a crucial role in regional economic activity, been a vital investor in our business community and worked to solve some of healthcare’s most complex challenges.  

“We appreciate Abbott Chairman and CEO Robert B. Ford’s acknowledgment of the value of Exact Sciences and the strengths of the region we call home. We are confident that Abbott will find in Madison what Exact Sciences found 16 years ago — the resources, research, infrastructure and talent needed for continued growth and impact. Greater Madison is ground level for many things, including life-changing technology.” 

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About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 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 madisonbiz.com.

Rose and Gary Molz of EZ Office Products receive 2025 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (November 18, 2025)

Contact: Jess Miller, Communications Manager, jess@madisonbiz.com, (608) 443-1952 (office), (757) 771-5616 (cell)

Rose and Gary Molz of EZ Office Products receive 2025 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership
Award recognizes contributors to the continued development and prosperity of Greater Madison’s small businesses 

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership: Rose and Gary Molz, owners of EZ Office Products.

The award recognizes true champions for small business who are leaders in their business and in the community. Previous recipients include Jim Garner of Sergenian’s Floor Coverings, Susan Bulgrin of Culver’s on Todd Drive and Echo Tap & Grill, Jeff “JP” Patterson of JP Hair Design, Mark Schmitz of ZEBRADOG, Eugenia Podestá of Synergy Coworking, Carol “Orange” Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports and Henry Sanders of 365Nation.

“It’s difficult to overstate Rose and Gary’s dedication to the betterment of Greater Madison and its businesses,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “This commitment to the community is matched only by their commitment to their customers and the causes they support, including sustainability and education.”

Rose and Gary started EZ Office Products in 2006 with a goal to save businesses time and money on office supplies, protect the environment, and create a work environment that fostered growth and well-being for all their employees.

Since then, the company has been honored more than 10 years in a row as In Business Magazine’s #1 Preferred Office Supply Company; recognized as a Sustain Dane MPower Business Champion and a Green Professional business by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council’s (WSBC) Green Masters Program; and voted one of Madison Magazine’s Best Places to Work.

Rose and Gary also work with numerous local nonprofits, including United Way of Dane County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, the Madison Children’s Museum and the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Gary Molz has served since 2009 on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, including as Board Chair in 2017.

“We started EZ Office Products with a mission to help local businesses to operate more affordably, efficiently and sustainably,” Gary Molz said. “We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to continue this mission for almost 20 years, thanks largely to the support of our community.”

“Gary and I are honored to be recognized with this award,” Rose Molz said. “Serving the community, for us, was never a competition or something we did for recognition, but what we knew was right.”

To commemorate Rose and Gary’s contributions to Greater Madison’s small business community, the Chamber recruited Emmy Award-winning video production company RAD PRODUCTIONS USA to create a video to accompany this year’s award. You can watch the video on the Chamber YouTube page.

For questions or interview requests, contact Communications Manager Jess Miller, jess@madisonbiz.com, (608) 443-1952 (office), (757) 771-5616 (cell)

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About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 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 madisonbiz.com.

Chamber to welcome nearly 1,300 business and community leaders to sold-out Annual Dinner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (October 20, 2025)

Contact: Jess Miller, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952, jess@madisonbiz.com

Chamber to welcome nearly 1,300 business and community leaders to sold-out Annual Dinner 
Event will focus future of work, talent recruitment and regional growth 

MADISON – On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce will welcome nearly 1,300 business and community leaders to its 72nd Annual Dinner at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Presented by Madison College, this is the largest business event of its kind, with a program that will set the tone for the next chapter of growth and development in Greater Madison. 

This year’s theme, Switch, evokes the pivotal juncture at which the region finds itself. This event will shed light on the Switches that must be made to keep Greater Madison on the right track. 

“Greater Madison’s success demands a Switch — in our perspective, our thinking, our willingness to work together and in our actions,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “For those in the community that are interested in understanding how we can build a better version of who we are, it starts at Annual Dinner.” 

Attendees will also be the first to hear the results of the Chamber’s second annual Next Normal (N²) employer survey — conducted to understand the future of work and workplaces in Greater Madison — and updates to the Chamber’s BeMadison suite of talent recruitment resources. 

The evening’s keynote speaker is Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at the real estate brokerage and technology firm Redfin. She was previously a senior economist at Amazon where she studied employee engagement, satisfaction and attrition. Her current work focuses on trends in the housing market, particularly those related to climate resiliency. 

WHAT: Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce’s 72nd Annual Dinner 

WHERE: Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison 

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. 

For media access or interview requests, contact Communications Manager Jess Miller at 608-443-1952 or jess@madisonbiz.com. 

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About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 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 madisonbiz.com.