Chamber Announces 2022 Pressure Chamber Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 28, 2022)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Chamber Announces 2022 Pressure Chamber Finalists
Five top emerging companies to compete Aug. 16 for opportunity to pitch Silicon Valley investment firms this fall

MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the five finalists competing in this year’s Pressure Chamber startup initiative, which returns to the Majestic Theatre on Aug. 16 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 2022 Pressure Chamber finalists are:

• Benny (Madison) – A Techstars ’22 company that helps employees take full advantage of their Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) by getting them the money they need to maximize their benefits.
• Fleet Cycles (Monona) – An electric cargo bike startup focused on decreasing vehicle and equipment emissions, reducing operating costs and increasing positive health outcomes for commercial customers.
• TRACE (Madison) – A first-to-market mobile application for the Transgender and Nonbinary community and its Allies to document transition and build community.
• Voximetry (Madison) – A healthtech company with software designed to increase tumor response and overall survival in prostate cancer patients receiving Radiopharmaceutical Therapy.   
• Yips Yogurt Chips (Madison) – The first sweet and crunchy chips made from real probiotic Greek yogurt; no fridge required.

“Our largest number of Pressure Chamber applicants to date yielded five impressive companies that represent a bright future for Greater Madison’s startup ecosystem. The pandemic has changed a lot of things, but it has clearly not dulled our entrepreneurial spirit,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We are excited to welcome such an exceptional group of companies to the region’s apex live pitch contest and ultimately help them connect with potential investors and customers.”

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 & Friedrich, 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, and Reception Sponsor Fetch Rewards.

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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Livability: Madison Still Best Place to Live in 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 19, 2022)

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

Livability: Madison Still Best Place to Live in 2022
Ranking reaffirms Greater Madison’s status as the place to make a career, life and difference

MADISON – Today, for the second year in a row, Livability named Madison the Best Place to Live in the U.S.

In giving Madison the top spot, Livability cited the city’s resilient economy, affordability, industry diversity, remote work-readiness, and opportunities for recent graduates, families and retirees, among other factors. They also mentioned our abundance of parks and cultural attractions, as well as more than 200 miles of hiking, biking and snowshoeing trails.

“When asked what they were looking for in an ideal community, whether they realized it or not, respondents throughout the country were choosing Madison,” said Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon. “These rankings continue to validate the compelling story this region has to tell and the unique opportunity that exists for people seeking the place to make a career, make a life and make a difference.”

Livability examined more than 2,300 cities based on more than 50 data points that are grouped into eight categories, measuring a city’s economic stability, housing, amenities, infrastructure, demographics, social and civic capital, and health care. See the full 2022 list here.

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 Chancellor Blank’s Medical Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 11, 2022)
Contact: Helen Stewart, helen@madisonbiz.com, and Lydia Scofield, Lydia@madisonbiz.com

Statement from Chamber President on Chancellor Blank’s Medical Announcement

MADISON – Today, former UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced that she will step down as President-elect of Northwestern University to begin medical treatment for cancer. In response, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon released the following statement:

“Becky Blank has wrapped her arms around this community and our state’s flagship university for nearly a decade, and today we wrap our arms around her. 

“It is an understatement to say this cancer has picked a fight with the wrong person. Her grit and determination, combined with the world-class care she will receive at UW Health, give us the utmost hope.

“Becky is a Madisonian. She belongs here, and we welcome her home with love and support.” 

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 Ninth Annual Pressure Chamber Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 14, 2022)

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

Chamber Accepting Applications for Ninth Annual Pressure Chamber Competition
Region’s apex live pitch contest returns on Aug. 16 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. 16 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 out-of-state investors, business executives 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 began with two primary objectives, and it has been successful on both counts: providing a platform for growing early-stage companies to connect with investment opportunities and potential customers, and amplifying the innovation occurring in Greater Madison by creating stronger connectivity with key coastal investment hubs,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We are excited to kick off our ninth year of this initiative and continue to build engagement between investors, customers and entrepreneurs.”

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. 16, 2022
• Must have raised at least $25,000, excluding personal investment by company founders
• Application must be received by 8 a.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022

The full application can be accessed at: bit.ly/Pressure22

Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best & Friedrich, 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 and Rock River Capital Partners.

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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Eugenia Podestá of Synergy Coworking to Receive Chamber’s 2022 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 6, 2022)

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

Eugenia Podestá of Synergy Coworking to Receive Chamber’s 2022 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership
Award to be presented at IceBreaker on April 13

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today that Eugenia Podestá, co-founder of Synergy Coworking, will receive the Chamber’s 2022 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 event 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 and Mark Schmitz of ZEBRADOG.

“Eugenia is an innovator and collaborator who has supported so many small business leaders in Greater Madison,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Her commitment to empowering women business leaders and making our region the best place for entrepreneurs of color exemplifies why she is the perfect choice for this prestigious honor.”

At Synergy Coworking, Podestá spearheads and supports inclusive economic empowerment and leadership initiatives and collaborations. Born in Peru and raised in Madison, she is a social entrepreneur and global connector dedicated to equity through access, creating space and opportunities for women and Black and brown leaders at the intersection of business, leadership and community.

Podestá is also Senior Director of Leadership and Social Impact at Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international women’s leadership nonprofit in Washington, D.C. that invests in women leaders who are taking on the world’s greatest challenges. There, she oversees programs including the Google Impact Challenge and the VV GROW Fellowship, a reputable global one-year accelerator for women-owned small- and medium-sized enterprises. She also serves on various boards to advance economic development and support underserved communities in Madison including Dane Arts Mural Arts, Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce, Madison Community Foundation and UW–Madison Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies.

“I am honored to be chosen as this year’s recipient of the Ground Floor Award,” said Podestá. “I share this award with my partner, Spencer Hudson, our family and all our members and supporters over the years for helping us realize this vision. We are committed to supporting Greater Madison’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by addressing systemic barriers and providing needed opportunities and a supportive, inclusive space.”

In addition to the presentation of the Ground Floor Award, IceBreaker will also bring together more 750 business and community leaders to collectively recalibrate our thinking on the future Greater Madison needs. Featured speakers are Maggie Anderson, CEO of The Empowerment Experiment and author of Our Black Year: One Family’s Quest to Buy Black in America’s Racially Divided Economy; and Alondra Fernandez, a UW–Madison researcher, UW-Green Bay graduate and Dreamer, having participated in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

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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