Madison Named 2021 Best Place to Live by Livability.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Oct. 12, 2021)

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

Madison Named 2021 Best Place to Live by Livability.com
Ranking again highlights Greater Madison as the place to make a career, life and difference

MADISON – Today, Livability.com released its list of the 2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live, with Madison being named number one. Madison has steadily climbed the Livability rankings over the past few years, having placed third in 2020 and 2019, seventh in 2018 and eighth in 2017.

In giving Madison the top spot, Livability.com cited the city’s high rate of employment, resilient economy and opportunities for recent graduates and retirees alike, among other factors. They also mentioned Madison’s architecture and natural beauty, including lakes and more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. Recent studies and analysis from Brookings Institution, Moody’s Analytics, Bloomberg, LinkedIn, U-Haul and the National Association of Realtors have all highlighted Greater Madison as an economic bright spot during the pandemic.

“As millions of Americans consider their next move, particularly with remote work allowing for more flexibility, these rankings are helpful validators to the many opportunities we have here. The Livability ranking is further confirmation that Greater Madison is the place to be as we accelerate toward recovery,” said Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon. “With the nation’s most sector-diverse economy, locally built companies exporting global solutions, an intentionality toward being a more just place, a wide variety of food and cultural attractions, and countless opportunities to drive positive change, this is truly the community where you can make a career, make a life and make a difference.”

To help tell that collective story during the pandemic and beyond, this year the Chamber launched Meet-Madison.com, a website and virtual reality platform developed to provide a virtual experience for online visitors to explore Greater Madison. Meet-Madison.com is the culmination of years of work in branding and talent recruitment, and it provides community access to a state-of-the-art VR platform that enables companies to make the Greater Madison experience portable and accessible to prospects all over the world.

Livability analyzed more than 1,000 small to mid-sized cities on factors including safety, affordability, economic stability, outdoor recreation, accessibility and community engagement. Respondents were asked if they could work from anywhere, which factors would be most heavily considered when choosing to relocate and how housing needs and priorities have changed since the beginning of the pandemic.

See the full 2021 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 the Resignation of Chancellor Blank

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Oct. 11, 2021)

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

Statement from Chamber President on the Resignation of Chancellor Blank

MADISON – Today, UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced that she is stepping down, effective at the end of this academic year, to become president of Northwestern University. In response, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon released the following statement:

“For more than eight years, Chancellor Blank has served our state’s flagship university exceptionally and effectively while ensuring students were well-positioned to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. As an economist and former U.S. Commerce Secretary, she brought tremendous insight to understanding and engaging with the business community. As a fierce advocate for research, she also supported innovation both on and off campus, ensuring Greater Madison grows as a place that solves global challenges for years to come.

“In particular, I have gotten to know Chancellor Blank as a member of the Chamber board, where her expertise, thoughtfulness and passion for the university and our region were admired and earned the unending respect and gratitude of her colleagues. We wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

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 2021 Pressure Chamber Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Aug. 2, 2021)

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

Chamber Announces 2021 Pressure Chamber Finalists
Five top emerging companies to compete Aug. 18 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, in-person, on Aug. 18 during Forward Festival, Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival.

At Pressure Chamber, emerging companies will pitch to national investors, business executives 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 2021 Pressure Chamber finalists are:

• Advocate MD (Madison) – A membership-based primary care model offering personalized patient-centered care for an affordable monthly fee, including comprehensive Family Medicine that allows patients to be informed healthcare consumers in a relationship-based, rather than transaction-based, healthcare environment.
• eCIO (Madison) – A fintech firm revolutionizing the way investment services are delivered, featuring a virtual eVestech platform that allows financial advisors to efficiently and effectively communicate by bringing together video conferencing, video messaging, document management, email, voting and meeting management in one secure, cloud-based portal.
• Mobile22 (Madison) – A community-centric Shared Mobility Platform seamlessly interconnecting businesses, riders, ride share and car share providers through a frictionless, consistent and reliable marketplace.
• Nano RED (Madison) – A builder of precision medicine platforms with the capability to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and fundamentally change the treatment of respiratory viral illnesses, including influenza and the common cold, while also developing an entirely new way to power the next generation of genomic medicine, with implications in the treatment of cancers and genetic disease.
• Pivotal Health (Middleton) – A scalable platform to deliver high-quality healthcare when and where consumers need it.

“From innovations in how we treat and care for people, to how we better collaborate, provide services and build the transportation system of tomorrow, this year’s Pressure Chamber finalists are a perfect illustration of the many global challenges being solved right here in Greater Madison,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We look forward to their pitches, hearing their remarkable stories and ultimately helping them connect with potential investors.”

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 $500 million 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, 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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Chamber Accepting Applications for Eighth Annual Pressure Chamber Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 15, 2021)

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

Chamber Accepting Applications for Eighth Annual Pressure Chamber Competition
Region’s apex live pitch contest returns in-person on Aug. 18

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today it is accepting applications for this year’s Pressure Chamber startup initiative, which returns, in-person, on Aug. 18 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, 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 provides a valuable platform for emerging companies to connect with potential investors and for us to continue to amplify our economic opportunities to audiences beyond Greater Madison,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “National data sources from Bloomberg to the Brookings Institution have highlighted Greater Madison as an economic bright spot for the nation’s recovery, and we are accelerating into that opportunity. We are looking forward to getting back to in-person programming, especially with the coastal part of the initiative, to offer more meaningful engagement for 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 $500 million 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 Dane County or plan to locate to Dane County by Aug. 18, 2021
• Must have raised at least $25,000, excluding personal investment by company founders
• Application must be received by 8 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021

The full application can be accessed at: bit.ly/Pressure21

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, 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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Employee and Consumer Confidence Remains Top Concern in Spring Business Survey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 25, 2021)

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, 608-669-7884
Rob Gard, Destination Madison, 608-441-3958
Jason Ilstrup, Downtown Madison, Inc., 608-512-1330
Jessica Cavazos, Latino Chamber of Commerce, 608-712-3522

Employee and Consumer Confidence Remains Top Concern in Spring Business Survey
Third community partners survey, of 368 Greater Madison businesses, shows declining revenue and spending, most planning return to pre-pandemic work model

MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce; Destination Madison; Downtown Madison, Inc.; Madison Black Chamber of Commerce and Latino Chamber of Commerce released the results of a Spring 2021 Business Survey, which yielded responses from 368 Greater Madison businesses representing a diverse, mostly small or locally owned, cross-section of industries, as well as a significant percentage of women- and minority-owned businesses. The survey was conducted in partnership with the DeForest Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce, Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau, Middleton Chamber of Commerce and Verona Area Chamber of Commerce.

Among the survey’s key findings are:

— 60 percent rated consumer and employee confidence as a top need, closely followed by a related need for more customers at 55 percent;

— 70 percent experienced a decline in revenue in 2020 compared to 2019, with 24 percent losing more than half their revenue;

— While businesses have worked to insulate their employees from experiencing negative impact, 52 percent have still had a reduction in employee benefits or workforce;

— While there are positive trends and fewer businesses predicting closure, 31 percent have already closed or expect to close in the next 12 months if local public health orders are unchanged;

— The most common local spending reductions were on entertainment (71 percent), meetings and events (69 percent), restaurants (67 percent), catering (48 percent) and hotels (43 percent);

— 54 percent are utilizing at least some remote work, up from 27 percent pre-pandemic;

— 18 percent rate Dane County’s business climate as above average or excellent;

— 28 percent rate local elected officials’ performance during the pandemic as above average or excellent.

“While there are reasons for optimism in this data, challenges clearly persist that demand immediate attention and action,” said Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon. “We know Greater Madison will recover from this pandemic, but the speed and equitable impact of our recovery relies on strong public-private partnerships and maintaining an equilibrium among economic needs, health concerns and instilling public confidence.”

“With the wider distribution of the vaccine and continued promotion of the safety guidelines from Dane County Public Health, we hope that consumer confidence will start to return and both residents and visitors will feel comfortable dining out, shopping, visiting attractions and attending events which help our local economy recover from the pandemic,” said Destination Madison President and CEO Ellie Westman Chin.

“Our economic recovery will not reach its full potential unless that recovery is inclusive and equitable,” said Latino Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jessica Cavazos. “Our businesses and members of our community are determined to take on the challenges ahead, but collaboration and urgent and strategic action are needed to achieve long-term success.”

“The root of a vibrant, welcoming and successful downtown is activity generated by the hundreds of thousands of employees, residents and visitors who congregate downtown each day. As we see from the survey, employee and consumer confidence continue to be significant barriers to activating downtown,” said Jason Ilstrup, President of Downtown Madison, Inc. “However, there are signs of hope with many employers wanting to return to pre-pandemic work models and consumers gaining confidence as the vaccine rollout continues.”

Among the 368 survey respondents, 81 percent have 50 or fewer employees, 89 percent are headquartered in Dane County, 73 percent have locations only in Dane County, 41 percent are women- or other gender-owned or -led, and 16 percent are owned or led by an individual who is non-white.

This is the third survey conducted since the beginning of the pandemic to collect information regarding current business operations, challenges and potential opportunities. The results of the Spring 2021 survey will be used to inform policymakers and continue a predictable path forward balancing the needs of health, the economy and public confidence.

Topline survey results are available upon request by emailing 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.

About Destination Madison:
Destination Madison is honored to play a key role in supporting the thousands of Dane County jobs supported by tourism. Promoting tourism in Madison since 1972, Destination Madison continues to work strategically to expand upon the more than $1.4 billion generated by visitor spending in Dane Country in 2019. For the most up-to-date information, visit our website at visitmadison.com.

About the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce:
The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is a group of community members working to empower African American/Black people to cultivate and expand entrepreneurship. We believe that Black-owned businesses contribute significantly to the economic well-being of Madison. Learn more at madisonblackchamber.com.

About the Latino Chamber of Commerce:
Founded in 2003, the Latino Chamber of Commerce represents the Latino and non-Latino business community in the Greater Madison area and surrounding cities. We assist and promote the interests of our members and community through advocacy and programs that make an overall impact to Dane County’s economic growth. The diverse relationship of our active members and partners is an ideal mixture of small business owners, corporate representatives and government leaders. Learn more at lccwi.org.

About Downtown Madison, Inc.:
Downtown Madison, Inc. (DMI) is committed to sustaining, planning for, and growing downtown Madison as a vibrant regional economic engine that offers a best-in-class quality of life for businesses, downtown workers, residents and visitors. Learn more at downtownmadison.org.

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