Chamber Launches “Wayfarers” Video for Talent Attraction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Dec. 9, 2024) 

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell) 

Chamber Launches “Wayfarers” Video for Talent Attraction
Video part of project package aimed to position Greater Madison as the ultimate destination for talent and innovation 

MADISON – Today, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of “Wayfarers,” a talent recruitment video that captures the essence of why Greater Madison is the place to make a career, make a life and make a difference. This project is part of a comprehensive package of initiatives designed to showcase Greater Madison as the ultimate destination for talent, innovation and opportunity. 

“This video is not just a promotional piece – it is also an invitation to discover and explore Greater Madison,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “It reflects the vibrant energy, opportunities and sense of belonging that define this place. This is about putting our region into the decision set for global talent, and we are thrilled about the message it delivers.” 

Developed in collaboration with project partners Sam Li and Sunday Paper, “Wayfarers” draws upon decades of brand research to authentically position Greater Madison as a top choice for talent recruitment. The video is available to organizations for embedding on their websites, ensuring its message reaches audiences far and wide. 

You can watch the video here: madi.sn 

In addition to the video, the Chamber is launching several complementary initiatives in partnership with Sunday Paper: 

• BeMadison.com: A dynamic portal to support talent recruitment by amplifying Madison’s unique place-based positioning. 

• The Madison Pitch: An annually updated presentation toolkit that empowers organizations with the winning playbook for promoting Greater Madison. 

• MakeMadison.com: A multicultural recruitment website featuring diverse voices and stories making the authentic case for Greater Madison. 

• Virtual Reality Talent Recruitment Platform (Version 2.0): Offering expanded experiences, opportunities and space for organizations to engage prospective talent.

For more information about the “Wayfarers” video or to obtain the embed code, please contact Erik Greenfield at: erik@madisonbiz.com 

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. 

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SixLine Semiconductor Wins 2024 Pressure Chamber Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Aug. 20, 2024)

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

SixLine Semiconductor Wins 2024 Pressure Chamber Competition
Earns trip to San Francisco to pitch top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall

MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced SixLine Semiconductor as the winner of the 11th annual Pressure Chamber live pitch competition. The winner was chosen by a combination of votes from national investor judges and the live audience at the Majestic Theatre.

SixLine Semiconductor commercializes breakthroughs in carbon nanotube processing to unlock the next generation of high-performance, cost-effective semiconductor devices. As Pressure Chamber champion, SixLine Semiconductor receives the coveted “golden suitcase,” representing a reserved spot in the Chamber’s exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms taking place Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.

“SixLine Semiconductor exemplifies what Pressure Chamber has always been about – solving global challenges and offering a glimpse into the future of Greater Madison’s economy,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “This year’s Pressure Chamber finalists reflect the diverse industry strengths that exist here. We are proud to offer these companies a platform to tell their stories here and in Silicon Valley. We will continue to amplify the innovation happening in our region.”

“We are honored to be recognized as this year’s Pressure Chamber champion,” said Dr. Katy Jinkins, CEO and co-founder of SixLine Semiconductor. “We are excited to continue to grow our business in Greater Madison’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we look forward to connecting with top Silicon Valley investors in the Bay Area this fall.”

Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best, with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board; Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement; Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation; American Family Ventures; Baird Capital; HealthX Ventures; Rock River Capital Partners; AirDeck; Johnson Financial Group; JP Cullen; The Gialamas Company, Inc.; and Fetch.

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.

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Chamber Announces 2024 Pressure Chamber Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 31, 2024)

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Chamber Announces 2024 Pressure Chamber Finalists
Six top emerging companies to compete Aug. 20 for opportunity to pitch Silicon Valley investment firms this fall

MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the six finalists competing in the 11th annual Pressure Chamber startup initiative, which returns to the Majestic Theatre on Aug. 20 during Forward Fest, Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival.

At Pressure Chamber, emerging companies pitch in front of national investors and a live audience. The winning company receives the coveted “golden suitcase,” representing a reserved spot in the Chamber’s exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.

The 2024 Pressure Chamber finalists are:

• CranioSure (Madison) – A mobile application that screens the head shapes of infants to distinguish between benign self-resolving head shape differences and craniosynostosis, helping provide guidance to healthcare providers and parents.
• Cubby (Madison) – Helps busy families with active kids stay on top of events and incoming messages, with software that leverages integrations, AI and community to make parenting easier.
• Maize (Verona) – Maps the local food system to show users where their food comes from while giving small food businesses a platform to build community around sustainable practices.
• SideShift (Madison) – Revolutionizes the part-time job search for Gen Z and the hiring process for local businesses through a universal application for students to apply to multiple jobs with one tap.
• SixLine Semiconductor (Madison) – Commercializes breakthroughs in carbon nanotube processing to unlock the next generation of high-performance, cost-effective semiconductor devices.
• Terra Bioforge (Middleton) – Pioneers next-generation genome engineering tools to discover and overproduce billion-dollar bioactive compounds and therapeutic drugs, thus improving product yield, decreasing costs, and increasing revenues for agrichemical and pharma companies.

“As we kick off Pressure Chamber’s second decade, this initiative continues to be a prime opportunity to enhance connectivity with coastal investors while amplifying the innovation happening in our regional economy,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We look forward to hearing from this exciting new group of emerging companies that will help write the next chapter in Greater Madison’s story.”

Past Pressure Chamber winners have credited the initiative for helping their company close successful funding rounds. Additionally, Pressure Chamber has been recognized by both the International Economic Development Council and Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest Summit as an entrepreneurship and economic development best practice. Collectively, participating Pressure Chamber companies have gone on to raise more than half a billion dollars from investors.

To register for Pressure Chamber, visit madisonbiz.com/pressure-chamber.

Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best, with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, American Family Ventures, Baird Capital, HealthX Ventures, Rock River Capital Partners, AirDeck, Johnson Financial Group, JP Cullen, The Gialamas Company, and Fetch.

Pressure Chamber finalists are available for interviews upon request.

For more information about Forward Fest, visit forwardfest.org.

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.

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Chamber Accepting Applications for 11th Annual Pressure Chamber Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 5, 2024)

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Chamber Accepting Applications for 11th Annual Pressure Chamber Competition
Region’s apex live pitch contest returns on Aug. 20 during Forward Fest

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today it is accepting applications for this year’s Pressure Chamber startup initiative, which returns on Aug. 20 during Forward Festival, Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival. The popular program includes participation and support from active regional investment firms, as well as the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Applicants for Pressure Chamber go through a screening process that may include presentations with prominent Wisconsin investors. From there, a select number of companies will be chosen to pitch to a panel of national investors and a live audience during Forward Fest. In addition to receiving the coveted “golden suitcase,” the winning company will also get a reserved spot in the Chamber’s exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.

“Pressure Chamber offers a unique platform for early-stage companies to connect with investors and potential customers across the country,” said Chamber Vice President Kevin Little. “This initiative has proven to be an excellent predictor of what’s next in Greater Madison’s economy.”

Past Pressure Chamber winners have credited the initiative for helping their company close successful funding rounds. Additionally, Pressure Chamber has been recognized by both the International Economic Development Council and Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest Summit as an entrepreneurship and economic development best practice. Collectively, participating Pressure Chamber companies have gone on to raise more than half a billion dollars from investors.

Pressure Chamber is open to any industry, as long as the company meets the following requirements:

• Must be a member of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (startup memberships available) or support local entrepreneurial partner organizations
• Must be located in Greater Madison or plan to relocate to Greater Madison by Aug. 20, 2024
• Must have raised at least $25,000, excluding personal investment by company founders
• Application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, 2024

The full application can be accessed at: bit.ly/pressure2024

Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best, with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, American Family Ventures, Baird Capital, 4490 Ventures, HealthX Ventures, Rock River Capital Partners, WVV Capital, AirDeck, Johnson Financial Group, JP Cullen, The Gialamas Company, and Fetch.

For more information about Forward Fest, visit forwardfest.org.

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.

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Henry Sanders of 365Nation Receives 2024 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 21, 2024)

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Henry Sanders of 365Nation Receives 2024 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership
Award recognizes mentors, advocates and contributors to the continued development and prosperity of Greater Madison’s small businesses

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today that Henry Sanders, CEO of 365Nation, has received the Chamber’s 2024 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership.

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 and Carol “Orange” Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports.

“For more than two decades, I have had a front-row seat to Henry’s commitment and dedication to the betterment of Greater Madison and its businesses,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We met through politics, but we bonded over business. I am proud to call Henry a friend and to honor him with this well-earned and well-deserved award.”

For more than 20 years, Sanders has been a force for community development, economic development and entrepreneurship in Greater Madison, Wisconsin and the Midwest. He worked for the City of Madison and then-Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin before joining the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce as Vice President. In that capacity, he started the Small Business Advisory Council, Latino Chamber of Commerce and African American Black Business Association. He founded the young professionals organization Madison Area Growth Network (MAGNET), Madison Network of Black Professionals and Capacity 360, a government relations firm that brought more than $15 million to Wisconsin businesses.

In 2011, Henry joined the Obama Administration as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Region V Advocate, speaking up for small businesses across six states. He is a recipient of In Business Magazine’s Startup Company Executive of the Year award, was given the Amigo Award by La Movida Radio and was named Outstanding Experiential Learning Host by the Madison Metropolitan School District for allowing students to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Summit.

“I am deeply grateful to the Chamber for this recognition. For me, it’s always been about serving the community first,” said Sanders. “We started Madison365 almost nine years ago with the mission to amplify voices from the community, and we started Blueprint365 last year to amplify the small businesses, executives and leaders doing the work every day. In both cases, we saw a need and filled it, and that’s almost always where successful small businesses start. And, like many other small businesses, we couldn’t have made it this far without the support of that same community.”

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.

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