Chamber Announces Kickoff of LGM30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (October 4, 2023)

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

Chamber Announces Kickoff of LGM30
32-person cohort to gain insight and understanding into local organizations, community issues over nine-month course

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce has announced the official kickoff of Leadership Greater Madison’s (LGM) 30th annual cohort, with the participants recently gathering for the group’s initial two-day retreat. LGM30 is a 32-person cohort representing businesses, nonprofits and government entities across a broad spectrum of industries.

LGM provides civic education, community issue literacy and leadership training. Over the next nine months, the cohort will engage in monthly daylong sessions held at various locations to help participants gain insight and understanding of significant local organizations and community issues. The program utilizes experiential learning activities to build the skills of the participants; meaningful connections with local officials, subject matter experts and fellow class members; and networking to strengthen leadership capacity. The program culminates in a series of capstone projects to address Greater Madison’s most pressing challenges.

LGM is inclusive and actively seeks out participants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Over the past 30 years, LGM has helped prepare nearly 800 graduates to become more effective community leaders and valued professionals.

“For three decades and counting, LGM has been an invaluable resource for Greater Madison’s business, government, and non-profit leaders,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We look forward to seeing what solutions and insights this year’s participants bring to the table and are excited to be part of their leadership journey.”

“Based on what we observed during the opening retreat – the energy, curiosity and willingness to roll up their sleeves – this cohort is well-poised to play an important role in the Greater Madison area’s present and future,” noted Lynn Wood, Vice President of Wood Communications Group, who has served as LGM program director for the past 15 years.

LGM is a program of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Wood Communications Group and the LGM Alumni Association. Sponsors include Lead Sponsor MGE and Program Sponsors Alliant Energy Corp., Baker Tilly, M3 Insurance, OPN Architects, Overture Center for the Arts and Summit Credit Union.

A list of LGM30 participants is attached.

To mark the program’s 30th year, KennedyC, a local full-service advertising agency and long-time community partner, designed an updated LGM brand to reflect the forward-thinking impact of the program. This updated branding includes a special LGM30 logo, which is also attached.

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 2023 Pressure Chamber Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 25, 2023)

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

Chamber Announces 2023 Pressure Chamber Finalists
Five top emerging companies to compete Aug. 22 for opportunity to pitch Silicon Valley investment firms this fall

MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the five finalists competing in the 10th annual Pressure Chamber startup initiative, which returns to the Majestic Theatre on Aug. 22 during Forward Fest, Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival.

At Pressure Chamber, emerging companies will 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 2023 Pressure Chamber finalists are:

• AyrFlo Innovation Labs (Madison) – Developing a non-invasive, real-time respiration monitoring system for clinical decision makers in post-surgical settings to predict and prevent adverse breathing events by providing comprehensive and objective monitoring of ventilation health.
• Child Health Imprints (Madison) – iNICU, Child Health Imprints’ data solution platform, places cutting-edge data science capabilities in the hands of NICU care teams with the objective of making early diagnoses of critical diseases and improving overall quality of neonatal care.
• RadUnity (Madison) – Addresses the problem of inconsistency in medical imaging by centralizing the management of image creation before radiologists or AI solutions interpret or process the images.
• SPEAK.STUDIO (Brooklyn) – A magical end-to-end podcasting platform and groundbreaking tech and content tool that enables everyone to capture, organize and monetize their voice through an AI-driven blockchain engine.
• Yam Education (Madison) – An EdTech platform that provides access to U.S.-licensed community college associate degrees, diplomas and certificates to African learners.

“In its 10-year history, some of Greater Madison’s most promising and innovative emerging companies have participated in Pressure Chamber,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We are excited to welcome another compelling group of finalists to the Pressure Chamber stage as we continue to strengthen connectivity with key investment hubs and amplify our region’s economic momentum.”

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, WVV Capital, American Family Ventures, Baird Capital, 4490 Ventures, HealthX Ventures, Rock River Capital Partners, JP Cullen, AirDeck, Fetch Rewards, and KennedyC.

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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Statement from Chamber President on Legislative Inaction on UW-Madison College of Engineering Building

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 2, 2023)

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

Statement from Chamber President on Legislative Inaction on UW-Madison College of Engineering Building

MADISON – Yesterday, the state legislative Joint Finance Committee completed its work on the 2023-25 capital budget without approving a new College of Engineering for UW-Madison. In response, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon released the following statement:

“This is beyond disappointing news. In Greater Madison, and across the state, we have historically low levels of unemployment and increased demand for advanced industry talent. UW-Madison has a significant role in developing that talent, which supports a wide array of businesses in Wisconsin. These are not just the jobs of the future; they are the jobs of today.

“Wisconsin has faced a workforce shortage largely driven by demographics. Now, for the first time, Wisconsin leads the Midwest in net migration of Gen Z (18-26) adults. They are attracted to our quality of life, global innovation and higher-education institutions. There is opportunity, but it will be missed without making the critical investments necessary to sustain this generational momentum.”

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 10th Annual Pressure Chamber Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 2, 2023)

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

Chamber Accepting Applications for 10th Annual Pressure Chamber Competition
Region’s apex live pitch contest returns on Aug. 22 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. 22 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.

“Now entering its 10th year, Pressure Chamber has helped growing early-stage companies reach investors and customers, amplified awareness of Greater Madison’s innovation and strengthened connectivity with key investment hubs,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Coming off a 2022 cycle that yielded our largest number of Pressure Chamber applicants to date, we are excited to invite a new group of emerging companies to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

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 locate to Greater Madison by Aug. 22, 2023
• Must have raised at least $25,000, excluding personal investment by company founders
• Application must be received by Friday, July 7, 2023

The full application can be accessed at: bit.ly/Pressure23

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, JP Cullen, AirDeck, Fetch Rewards, and KennedyC.

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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Carol “Orange” Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports to Receive 2023 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 6, 2023)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Carol “Orange” Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports to Receive 2023 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership
Award to be presented at IceBreaker lunch event on April 13

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today that Carol “Orange” Schroeder, co-owner of Orange Tree Imports, will receive the Chamber’s 2023 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 the Chamber’s sold-out IceBreaker lunch event on April 13 at the Kohl Center. 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 and Eugenia Podestá of Synergy Coworking.

“You would be hard-pressed to find someone who has been a stronger, more effective advocate for Greater Madison’s small neighborhood businesses for longer than ‘Orange’ Schroeder,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Her support for and leadership on behalf of local businesses have had a tremendous, long-lasting impact on this community.”

Schroeder and her husband, Dean, have been co-owners of the award-winning gift and gourmet shop Orange Tree Imports for nearly 50 years. Her book, Specialty Shop Retailing: How You Can Succeed in Today’s Market, is in its fourth edition and has been translated into Russian. She has also written more than 100 columns for Gifts and Decorative Accessories magazine and 750 entries in her weekly blog on a wide range of topics of interest to small business owners.

Schroeder co-founded the Monroe Street Merchants Association 45 years ago, as well as the Monroe Street Library League, and still serves as chair of both organizations. She was one of the earliest members of the Chamber’s Metropolitan Neighborhood Business Council, a group she also currently chairs.

“This year’s IceBreaker theme of belonging really resonates with me because I love being part of the community of locally owned small businesses on Monroe Street,” said Schroeder. “It has been a joy to help our neighborhood’s restaurateurs and shopkeepers, many of them women, achieve greater success. I have also found great satisfaction in expanding my circle of support to Madison and beyond through my writing as well as my work with Dane Buy Local and the Metropolitan Neighborhood Business Council.”

In addition to the presentation of the Ground Floor Award, IceBreaker will also bring together 800 business and community leaders to explore interpersonal connections and meaningful interactions as we move beyond what is to what can be. This year’s speakers – who will be revealed on the Kohl Center floor – have appeared on national television, on the cover of major health magazines and in international art exhibitions, and they are experts in the digital environment and the intersection of arts and culture.

For media access to IceBreaker and any questions about media accommodations or interview requests, please contact Erik Greenfield at 608-669-7884 or 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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