Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub Approved for $49 Million in Phase 2 Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 2, 2024)

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

Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub Approved for $49 Million in Phase 2 Funding
Chamber celebrates announcement, calls on Congress to fully fund program

MADISON – Today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration announced the approval of $49 million in Phase 2 funding, as part of the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program, for the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub application. Wisconsin’s Tech Hub, focused on personalized medicine, was one of just 12 Tech Hubs across the country to receive funding.

In response to today’s announcement, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon released the following statement:

“This is tremendous news for Greater Madison’s and Wisconsin’s economy, and it validates our standing as a global leader in health innovation.

“The Chamber has championed the concept of a regional technology hub program going back to 2019, and it has been a cornerstone of our federal advocacy ever since. From leveraging Chamber programming to diligent behind-the-scenes work with partners and our congressional delegation, we have worked tirelessly toward the goal of creating and funding this important federal place-based economic program.

“This is a huge win for our region and our state, but our work is not done yet. We call on Congress to fund the program beyond the current appropriated amount of $500 million and reach the fully authorized amount of $10 billion to build upon today’s announced investments. This is critical to unlocking the full potential of this program and maximizing our nation’s innovation output.”

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 President Biden’s Executive Actions Impacting Dreamers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 18, 2024)

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

Statement from Chamber President on President Biden’s Executive Actions Impacting Dreamers
Policy will help address workforce shortage, grow the economy

MADISON – Today, President Joe Biden announced executive actions that will impact beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and certain other immigrants to the U.S. Specifically, the orders will ease the work visa process for DACA recipients and provide them a path to citizenship.

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce has highlighted this issue in its Belong advocacy agenda and in meetings with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, including both Senators, as recently as last month. In response to today’s announcement, Chamber President Zach Brandon released the following statement:

“Our business community has been advocating for years for a streamlined pathway for DACA recipients. For as many years, we have been told by both sides of the aisle the other side would have to give first.

“Red and blue states alike have taken it upon themselves to attempt to solve this critical federal issue, including a bipartisan delegation in the Wisconsin State Assembly. We are facing a talent imperative, and in Wisconsin alone, there are nearly 6,000 DACA recipients ready to help solve it.

“We appreciate President Biden’s leadership on this issue, and we hope this is a step toward congressional action on a permanent solution.”

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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Testimony from Chamber President Zach Brandon to the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform

Re: Support AB 822 – Eligibility to receive occupational credentials for recipients of DACA program 

Thank you, Chairman Sortwell and members of the committee. My name is Zach Brandon, and I am President of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. I am here today on behalf of our board of directors in support of AB 822, which would increase access for professional licenses to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. This proposal provides an opportunity to address our workforce shortage, grow our state’s economy and support the contributions and career aspirations of thousands of individuals here in Wisconsin.   

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,200 member businesses throughout the Greater Madison region – from new and emerging businesses in cutting-edge industries to small businesses and large enterprise. While diverse in size and industries, collectively, we are working to accelerate our region’s economy and improve Wisconsin’s global economic positioning.  

On that front, there are many good stories to share. Our region boasts steady job growth in advanced, competitive industries, has high workforce participation and robust population growth, led by Gen Z (18–26-year-olds) net migration and new hires. In fact, our region is a top 10 metro in the country for net Gen Z migration, with projections putting us on the cusp of the top five in the next two years. Young people are flocking to our region, which offers tremendous opportunities for our entire state.  

With these tailwinds come challenges. Despite our positive in-migration, we continue to have among the lowest unemployment rates in the country. That’s great if you are looking for work, but problematic if you are a growing employer in need of workers. The demand for skilled workers currently exceeds the supply. Simply put, we are facing a talent imperative in our region and in our state. We must do more – now – to make our great state a place of belonging to attract, develop and ultimately retain talent.  

DACA recipients are part of that opportunity – and a population that we should all want to keep here in Wisconsin. According to the American Immigration Council, on a conservative estimate, the nearly 6,000 DACA recipients in Wisconsin pay more than an estimated $20 million in state and local taxes. They are us. They are our friends, our family, our neighbors and our employees. We shop with them, we worship with them, and we work with them. They live here, they are invested here, and we should reduce barriers for them to further their academic and career aspirations here.  

The bipartisan collaboration on this legislative package is important and commendable. I hope the committee will join us by giving its full support.  

Thank you.

Mayor Rhodes-Conway Introduces 2024 Operating Budget

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway introduced her 2024 Executive Operating Budget earlier this week, proposing a 5.9 percent increase in spending from the 2023 budget.

The largest share of the budget comes from public health and safety expenditures, followed by general fund debt service and public works. If adopted, taxes on the average home will rise 3.7 percent, equating to $108.82 for a home valued at $424,400. Notably, the average-value home increased 12.6 percent from the prior year, demonstrating continued growth in property assessments.

In her summary statement, the mayor expressed concern with state-imposed levy limits, as well as limited additional revenue tools to fund the fast-growing city. This will also be the last budget where the city can leverage federal funds distributed in response to the pandemic to help balance the budget. As a result, the mayor calls the budget forecast beyond 2025 “bleak.”

Some notable highlights of the budget include:

• $13.7 million increase to restore the Metro transit subsidy that was removed in the 2023 budget.
• 6 percent cost of living increase for General Municipal Employees.
• 5 percent cost of living increase for certain contracts with community organizations.
• $2.2 million increase in general fund debt service payments.
• $1.5 million increase to support elections administration.

The budget goes to the city’s Finance Committee next, followed by full Common Council consideration in November.

Chamber Announces Endorsements for Madison Mayor, Common Council 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 8, 2023) 
Contact: Erik Greenfield, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Chamber Announces Endorsements for Madison Mayor, Common Council 
Business backs candidates focused on strengthening economy, supporting growing workforce

MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced their endorsements in the April 4 elections for Madison Mayor and Madison Common Council. The endorsement of the 48-member Chamber board signals a candidate’s strength on business and economic issues and is based on several factors, including alignment with the Chamber’s Emergence advocacy agenda.

“After a period of unprecedented challenges, there is a need for steady leadership to help us capitalize on the opportunities ahead for Greater Madison,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Through their focus on important issues such as workforce housing, transportation and inclusive economic growth, these candidates represent the clear choices for long-term success for Madison and our region.”

For Mayor of Madison, the Chamber endorsed Satya Rhodes-Conway for re-election.

In addition, the Chamber endorsed the following candidates for Madison Common Council:

District 1: John W. Duncan
District 2: Colin Barushok
District 3: Derek Field
District 4: Mike Verveer
District 5: Regina Vidaver
District 6: Davy Mayer
District 7: Nasra Wehelie
District 8: Charlie Fahey
District 10: Sheri Carter
District 11: Bill Tishler
District 12: Amani Latimer Burris
District 14: Isadore Knox Jr.
District 15: Brad Hinkfuss
District 16: Jael Currie
District 18: Charles Myadze
District 19: John Guequierre
District 20: Barbara McKinney

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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