Category: Public Policy News
Here you’ll find out who’s making the decisions shaping our community: Policy-makers are always busy creating new ways to advance the Madison region. Stay informed on the latest policies that may impact the way you do business.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Step forward in immigration reform
Bipartisan momentum is building toward immigration reform aimed at improving job creation and growth. The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is supporting this initiative as a member of the Business for Skilled Worker Immigration Coalition – a nationwide partnership of 50 Chambers of Commerce.
On May 21, 2013, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the comprehensive immigration bill, Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744).
The vote is hailed as good news for skilled immigrant workers according to the Coalition. The coalition is working to advance skilled worker immigration reform as a means of driving job creation, innovation and other economic growth.
The Senate bill up for debate includes the three key immigration reforms that are the focus of the coalition’s efforts including:
- Expansion of H-1B skilled worker visas.
- Creation of entrepreneur visas.
- Increased availability of green cards for science, technology, engineering, mathematics graduates. (STEM)
In addition, the Judiciary Committee adopted an important Hatch-Schumer amendment designed to facilitate the H-1B worker recruitment and hiring process for employers.
The bill now moves to the floor for a vote by the full Senate. It is expected to take place in June 2013.
The Business for Skilled Worker Immigration coalition provides a full list of coalition members, along with additional information about the group.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Congressman Mark Pocan Hosts Small Business Seminar May 1 on ‘The Affordable Care Act: What does it mean for your business?’
Congressman Mark Pocan is hosting a small business seminar: The Affordable Care Act: What does it mean for your business?
- Wednesday, May 1, 2013
- Grainger Hall, Room 5120
- UW-Madison Campus 975 University Ave
- Madison, WI 53706
- 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Join Congressman Mark Pocan and Small Business Administration officials to learn:
- What the Affordable Care Act will mean for your business and your employees.
- What federal resources exist to help small businesses succeed, including tax credits, trainings and procurement opportunities.
Presenters Include:
- Marianne Markowitz, Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
- Eric Ness, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration
The event is FREE, but registration is required. To register for the seminar, please visit http://Pocanseminar.eventbrite.com or call Rep. Pocan’s office at 608-258-9800.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Supports Bipartisan Investment Capital Bill
MADISON – Responding to today’s announcement of the bipartisan investment capital legislation set to create a $25 million investment fund, Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce said:
“The net gain of new jobs in the U.S. comes from startups. It’s an ongoing trend, not up for debate, even during a tough economy. This bipartisan legislation aligns the public and private sectors around the same goal with a simple formula: To grow jobs and wages, we must help companies start, stay and grow.
We look forward to working with all cosponsors of the bill including Dane Country area legislators: Rep. Fred Clark, Sen. Tim Cullen and Rep. Robb Kahl. In Greater Madison we are well-positioned to be a world-renowned place for innovation – a place where the best and brightest choose to start and expand their businesses. This bill will make Wisconsin more competitive at fostering entrepreneurial activity and converting new ideas into sustainable businesses and jobs.”
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,400 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 6,000 employees. With 75 percent of the membership consisting of small businesses with 50 employees or less, the Chamber is working to translate our innovative culture into increased jobs and wages. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, Madison businesses vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at www.greatermadisonchamber.com
Contact: Jo-ell Carson, Communications Director, at 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799
Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Announces New Officers and Members for Board of Directors
MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the newest officers and members of the 2013 board of directors. Officers for 2013 are:
- Jay Loewi, CEO, The QTI Group, Inc.: Board chair
- David Wittwer, president & CEO, TDS: Vice chair
- David Stark, president, Stark Company Realtors®: Immediate past chair
- Ginny Gilbert, CEO, Gilbert Cost Control Consultants: Treasurer
- Jim Garner, CEO, Sergenian’s Floor Coverings, Inc.: Secretary
- Gary Molz, vice president, EZ Office Products: Membership committee chair
New 2013 board members are:
- Brian Burns, vice president & chief operating officer, Morgan Murphy Media
- Kevin Conroy, president & CEO, Exact Sciences Corporation
- Michael F. Hamerlik, president & CEO, WPS Health Insurance
- Wayne Harris, president, Glowac+Harris+Madison
- Kevin Heppner, managing partner, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
- Gary Schaefer, executive vice president, Commercial Banking Madison, Associated Bank
- Kim Sponem, CEO, Summit Credit Union
- Mary Turke, office managing partner, Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP
- Matt Younkle, co-founder & CEO, Murfie, Inc.
“Our new board members were strategically chosen to ensure we continue to gain fresh and credible perspectives on innovation and entrepreneurialism in the Greater Madison region,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Coupled with the passion, enthusiasm, experience and knowledge already on our board, these new board members are yet another way to accomplish the global recognition of Greater Madison as an innovation hub.”
“I’m confident this board will help diversify our strategic thinking even further to ensure an innovative climate and training ground for organizations of all shapes and sizes in Greater Madison,” said Jay Loewi, chamber board chair and CEO of The QTI Group, Inc. “We’re proud of our past successes and energized to build on those with the new ideas already coming from the 2013 board.”
The Greater Madison Chamber will also be welcoming UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank to the board of directors in the near future. Click here for the full roster.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,400 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 6,000 employees. With 75 percent of the membership consisting of small businesses with 50 employees or less, the Chamber is working to translate our innovative culture into increased jobs and wages. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, Madison businesses vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at www.greatermadisonchamber.com
Contact: Jo-ell Carson, Communications Director, at 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799
Photo by Richard Hurd
Chamber Statement Re: UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank
MADISON – Responding to the announcement that Rebecca Blank has been confirmed as the next chancellor at UW-Madison, Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce said:
“Given Rebecca Blank’s diverse and complementary background in business and academics, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce welcomes Dr. Blank and believes she is a great choice to solidify the link between the university and the business community. Choosing Dr. Blank is proof of the university’s commitment and understanding of the importance of their role in fueling economic growth for all of Wisconsin.
UW-Madison has a long-standing commitment to cultivating and supporting a spirit of innovation on campus. The Chamber looks forward to having Chancellor Blank join our board of directors and working with her to retain the bright minds being fostered at the university and transforming their entrepreneurial potential into a regionwide success story. Together, it is a story we will aggressively tell beyond Greater Madison’s borders.”
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,400 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 6,000 employees. With 75 percent of the membership consisting of small businesses with 50 employees or less, the Chamber is working to translate our innovative culture into increased jobs and wages. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, Madison businesses vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at www.greatermadisonchamber.com
Contact: Jo-ell Carson, Communications Director, at 608-443-1952 or 608-213-1799