Category: Press Releases
Extra! Extra! Read all about it. If the Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce is talking about it, you’ll see it here.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Announces Pressure Chamber Finalists
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Aug. 8, 2019)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)
MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the five finalists competing in this year’s Pressure Chamber startup initiative, which returns Aug. 27 during Forward Festival, an eight-day celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in Madison.
At Pressure Chamber, emerging companies pitch in front of a panel of regional investors, business executives and a live audience. The winning company is decided based on a combination of judges’ scoring and audience votes.
The 2019 Pressure Chamber finalists are:
- American Provenance (Mount Horeb) – Manufacturer of handcrafted, natural personal-care and wellness products founded by a former middle school science teacher and launched on his fourth-generation family farm.
- Goods Unite Us (Madison) – Makes it easy for consumers to align their purchases with their politics, with a free app allowing customers to instantly see the politics of more than 4,000 brands and companies and to search by politician to see which companies are donating to them.
- NovoMoto (Madison) – For-profit social enterprise that provides clean electricity, with rent-to-own solar-powered systems, to off-grid communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
- OnLume (Madison) – Medical device company developing an intuitive platform for precise fluorescence image-guided surgery, providing surgeons with critical information on tissue types, features and function in real time during surgery.
- The Virtual Foundry (Stoughton) – Materials company that makes and sells metal 3D printing filaments that work in printers made for plastics.
“Once again this year, Greater Madison’s apex live pitch contest will feature a diverse array of top emerging companies ready to showcase their innovation,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “With all the success enjoyed by past winners and competitors, Pressure Chamber continues to send a strong message to the world that Greater Madison is a place of economic acceleration.”
The winning company receives the coveted “golden suitcase,” a trip to San Francisco this fall as part of the Chamber’s exclusive Madison-area startup delegation for meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms. 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.
Pressure Chamber returns this year as part of neXXpo, a showcase of Greater Madison’s most exciting companies that includes attendee voting for the fourth annual Most Innovative Company (MIC) Award. To register for these events, visit madisonbiz.com/nexxpo.
Pressure Chamber is presented by 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, LSB and Rock River Capital Partners.
Pressure Chamber finalists are available for interviews upon request.
For more information about Forward Fest, please visit http://www.forwardfest.org/
About the Greater Madison
Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business
with nearly 1,300 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 Sixth Annual Pressure Chamber Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 12, 2019)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)
MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today it is accepting applications for this year’s Pressure Chamber startup initiative, which returns Aug. 27 during Forward Festival, an eight-day celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in Madison. The popular program includes participation and support from active regional investment firms, as well as the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation 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 in front of a panel of out-of-state investors, business executives and a live audience during Forward Fest. The winning company is decided based on a combination of judges scoring and audience votes. In addition to receiving the coveted “golden suitcase,” the winning company will also earn a spot on the Chamber’s exclusive Madison-area startup delegation to San Francisco this fall for meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms.
“Pressure Chamber is about highlighting the best of Greater Madison’s startup scene and enhancing the economic connection between two of the fastest-growing technology job creators in the country,” said Chamber Vice President Kevin Little. “This year’s competition represents another golden opportunity to showcase Greater Madison’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and give our community an up-close look at the innovative ideas driving the future of our 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. Participating companies have included EatStreet, Propeller Health, Redox, Datica, Fetch Rewards, HealthMyne, Cardigan, AkitaBox, Moxe, LÜM, DotCom Therapy, Fishidy, bluDiagnostics, POLCO and more.
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 or support local entrepreneurial partner organizations
- Must be located in Dane County or plan to locate to Dane County by Aug. 27, 2019
- Must have raised at least $25,000, excluding personal investment by company founders
- Application must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2019
The full application can be accessed at bit.ly/Pressure19
Pressure Chamber is presented by 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, Lindsay Stone & Briggs 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 nearly 1,300 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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Photo by Richard Hurd
Jeff Patterson of JP Hair Design to Receive Chamber’s 2018 “Ground Floor Award” for Small Business Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Nov. 6, 2018)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)
MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today that Jeff “JP” Patterson, owner of JP Hair Design in Madison – which houses the Men’s Health and Education Center – will receive the Chamber’s third annual 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 a special nex7 Stage event Nov. 13 at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA). Previous recipients include Jim Garner of Sergenian’s Floor Coverings and Susan Bulgrin of Culver’s on Todd Drive and Echo Tap & Grill.
“JP’s work with everyone from students to at-risk populations to entrepreneurs, not to mention his considerable skills as a business owner and barber, have made an immeasurable impact on Greater Madison,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “His leadership, passion and commitment to giving back to our community make him the ideal recipient of this year’s Ground Floor Award, and we look forward to honoring him on the nex7 Stage.”
Patterson opened JP Hair Design in 1998, ultimately moving the business to its current westside location and expanding to a full-service barbershop with 10 chairs. He has served on the state Cosmetology Examining Board, as well as the state Barbering Advisory Committee, where he served as chair. He has also taught Men’s Haircutting, State Laws and Sales and Marketing at Madison College.
In the community, Patterson coaches football in the Madison Memorial youth program and speaks to middle and high school students about entrepreneurship and creditability during the YMCA of Dane County’s “Friday Nights at the Y” summer events. At JP Hair Design, Patterson and his team provide free haircuts, compensation and mentoring through their “Kids Cleaning Crew” program for kids grades four to 10 that work at the shop. JP Hair Design’s biggest community campaign is the Back to School Event, which has reached 12 years of serving the community with back-to-school haircuts.
“I am honored to be recognized by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce for the Ground Floor Award. This award is a tribute to our wonderful team of barbers and our partnership with Aaron Perry of the Men’s Health and Education Center,” said Patterson. “As the leader of the company, an award like this creates accountability, creditability and great exposure. We will continue to be mentors, advocates and contributors to our community.”
In addition to the presentation of the Ground Floor Award, nex7 will also feature compelling pitches from the seven finalists for the Chamber’s third annual Most Innovative Company (MIC) award. The MIC finalists represent a diverse cross-section of industries, missions and locations across Greater Madison. The winner will be determined by audience vote.
To register for this free event, visit: www.greatermadisonchamber.com.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 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 greatermadisonchamber.com.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
One of World’s Most Powerful Women Announced as Chamber’s 66th Annual Dinner Speaker
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Aug. 16, 2018)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)
MADISON – Beth Comstock, driver of innovation for one of the world’s largest companies, top-10 LinkedIn influencer and twice one of Forbes’ most powerful women in the world, was announced today as the keynote speaker for the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce’s 66th Annual Dinner on Oct. 11 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Her new book, Imagine It Forward, about summoning courage and creativity in the face of change, will be published Sept. 18.
“Beth Comstock is a change-maker who knows how to drive the innovation that comes with the kind of economic momentum we are seeing in Greater Madison,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Beth’s career and life are filled with stories of helping to transform and reinvent established brands and fearlessly seeking new ideas, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Annual Dinner to help us Imagine Forward.”
In nearly three decades at GE, including as Vice Chair, Comstock led efforts to accelerate new growth and innovation, initiated GE’s digital and clean-energy transformation, seeded new businesses and enhanced GE’s brand value and inventive culture. As President of Integrated Media at NBC Universal, she oversaw TV ad revenue and new digital efforts, including being one of the founders of Hulu. Comstock is also a director at Nike, trustee of The National Geographic Society and former board president of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum.
Presented by BMO Harris Bank, the Chamber’s 66th Annual Dinner will bring together more than 1,000 business and community leaders for an engaging program featuring speakers, networking, music and more. To register, visit here: http://greatermadisonchamber.com/annual-dinner
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 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 greatermadisonchamber.com.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Announces Finalists for Pressure Chamber
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 24, 2018)
Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)
MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the five finalists competing in this year’s Pressure Chamber startup program, which returns Aug. 16 to kick off Forward Festival, an eight-day celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in Madison. The popular initiative includes participation and support from active regional investment firms, as well as the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Pressure Chamber is a “Shark Tank”-style contest in which emerging companies will pitch in front of a panel of regional investors, business executives and a live audience. The winning company is decided based on a combination of judges’ scoring and audience votes.
The 2018 Pressure Chamber finalists are:
- AmebaGone – Harnesses the power of the soil microbiome to develop safe, sustainable solutions to treat plant disease.
- Breathe For Change – Co-creates the global education system of the future in which all students and teachers unleash the potential of their mind, body and spirit, with trainings that certify educators as experts in wellness and social-emotional learning and a platform that empowers teachers to transform their lives, relationships and communities.
- DataChat – Democratizes data analytics by allowing users to glean insights from data by simply holding a conversation with a chatbot in plain English and enabling business users to “drive” through data using a (patented) conversational approach, discovering patterns they couldn’t have before and in a timely fashion.
- GymDandy – Helps parks, schools and sport complexes sell, schedule and manage their athletic space online, making booking a gym, field, diamond, rink or court as easy as booking a hotel room.
- LÜM – A social music discovery application that focuses exclusively on the growth of emerging artists and gamifies music streaming for the next generation of fans and musicians.
“Greater Madison is Ground Level for the Next Big Thing, and the innovative startups who will compete at this year’s Pressure Chamber prove it,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Following the recent acquisition of inaugural champion Fishidy and other past Pressure Chamber winners having closed successful funding roads, we look forward to experiencing even more of what makes this the region’s apex live pitch contest.”
The winning company receives the coveted “golden suitcase,” a trip to San Francisco this October as part of the Chamber’s exclusive Madison-area startup delegation for meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms. 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. Participating companies have included EatStreet, Propeller Health, Redox, Datica, Fetch Rewards, HealthMyne, Cardigan, AkitaBox, Moxe, DotCom Therapy, Fishidy, bluDiagnostics, POLCO and more.
Pressure Chamber returns this year as part of neXXpo, a showcase of some of Greater Madison’s most exciting companies that includes attendee voting for the third annual Most Innovative Company (MIC) award. To register for these events, visit http://greatermadisonchamber.com/programs-events/nexxpo/
Pressure Chamber is presented by 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, Lindsay Stone & Briggs and Rock River Capital Partners.
Pressure Chamber finalists are available for interviews upon request.
For more information about Forward Fest, please visit http://www.forwardfest.org/
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 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 greatermadisonchamber.com.
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