2012 Expo & Conference Exhibitors Information
January 13, 2012

BOOK YOUR BOOTH TODAY.  Exhibitors Information:  Reserve your booth today!  Why Exhibit?  Exhibiting at the Chamber Business Expo provides an environment for your business to connect with new as well as current customers while showcasing your brand's products and services in front of top-level executives, professionals, and key decision makers.  The Expo brings together some of the brightest business leaders from the most dynamic companies throughout Madison.  … Read more...

2012 Expo & Conference Schedule
January 13, 2012

REGISTER - CLICK HERE Event Schedule:    9:00 - 9:55   a.m. - Expo Kickoff Breakfast10:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Exhibition Hall Open 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Chamber Cafe  The Chamber Cafe is a casual lunch buffet for exhibitors and attendees.  Food choices will range from salad bar, soups and sandwiches.  Grab a quick bite to eat and network with fellow Chamber members and attendees.  10:30, 12:30, and 2:30 p.m. - Small Business Conference Seminars… Read more...

2012 Expo & Conference Exhibitor Sponsors
January 13, 2012

Thank you to our 2012 SponsorsPlatinum Sponsor:  Wisconsin State JournalGold Sponsor:  Mid-West Family BroadcastingSilver Sponsors:  Fast SIGNS Konica Minolta Business Solutions Read more...

Ask the Experts: HR 101 (Archive)
January 12, 2012

You probably didn't go into business to be an expert on employment law, hiring or payroll. But if you're running a business that has or is hiring employees, then you really do need to understand the ins and outs of hiring and keeping good employees. The third Webinar in our Ask the Experts series, “HR 101- HR Basics Every Business Needs to Know,” gave a good introduction to these important HR topics. The webinar, brought to you by Ask Sam, the Chamber’s… Read more...

New Chamber Members - December 2011
January 01, 2012

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members to our organization for December 2011:Answer I.T., LLCBrian Becker629 River Street, Suite CBelleville WI  53508(608) 424-9111  FAX:  (866) 591-6201office@answerit.netwww.answerit.netTechnology & Web ServicesArt GeckoNosheen AJmal507 State StreetMadison WI  53703(608) 280-8053   RetailBowl-A-Vard LanesDon Bussan2121 E. Springs DriveMadison WI  53704(608) 244-7246  FAX: … Read more...

Important Chamber Announcement
December 15, 2011

Dear Chamber members, Today, I make the bittersweet announcement that 2012 will be my final year as president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Thrive, the eight-county Madison Region economic development partnership. While I love what I’m doing, the timing makes sense for both organizations. Looking out a year allows for a smooth transition. It also happens to be a pivotal moment in time for both organizations as we prepare to implement Advance Now, a roadmap to guide economic… Read more...

Ask The Experts Webinar: Make Your Social Media Sing (Archive)
December 08, 2011

Has it been too long since you updated your business’ Facebook status or posted to your Twitter feed? Are you still trying to think of what to say and how to say it, without being off-brand, irrelevant, or even a bit boring? The second Webinar in our Ask the Experts series, “Make Your Social Media Sing,” brought to you by Ask Sam, the Chamber’s business resource desk. This Webinar was held on Thursday, December 8. Maggie Baum, Founder and President of Maggie B. Communications,… Read more...

New Chamber Members - October & November 2011
November 21, 2011

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members to our organization for October and November 2011:Beth Plutchak Consulting LLCBeth Plutchak1510 Meadowlark LanePrairie Du Sac WI  53578(608) 393-8843    beth.plutchak@charter.netwww.bethplutchak.comProfessional Services & ConsultingBusiness ServicesCALIBRADiane Hamilton5325 Wall Street, Suite 2500Madison WI  53718(608) 442-1121    Business ServicesDickey's BBQ Pit of… Read more...

Ask The Experts Webinar: Putting Facebook & Twitter to Work For Your Business (Archive)
November 10, 2011

Everyone’s talking about social media – some are using it in their business – yet most of us still have questions about how to make the most of it. The first webinar in our “Ask the Experts” webinar series, “Putting Facebook & Twitter to Work For Your Business,” brought to you by Ask Sam, the Chamber’s business resource desk. This webinar was held on Thursday, November 10. Social Networking Specialist Megan Cabalka of Neckerman Insurance Services… Read more...

Let's Build The Edgewater Hotel!
November 07, 2011

Dear Greater Madison Chamber Member: Here we are, on the cusp of seeing The Edgewater Hotel vision become a reality. The lawsuit against the project has been dismissed, the entitlements are secured and the project is ready to move forward! There is one more hurdle to clear and the Edgewater Hotel needs your support.  On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, the Madison Common Council will take a vote to amend the Capital Budget and reinstate their original decision to invest $16 million in the necessary… Read more...

Updated Company Data Needed For 2012 Member Directory and Buyer’s Guide
November 01, 2011

Updated Company Data Needed For 2012 Member Directory and Buyer’s Guide Chamber members want to do business with other Chamber members. Help these people find you with an accurate listing in the print 2012 Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide. To get the most value from your Chamber membership be sure your company information is updated by this Friday, November 4 using the email sent to your company’s primary Chamber contact.  For more details or to be sure your information… Read more...

Chamber and Madison Schools Partner to Grow Youth Apprenticeships
October 25, 2011

                  For Immediate Release: October 25, 2011 Contact: Miles Tokheim, MMSD – 663-5265 Jessica Burda, GMCC – 443-1952 Click here for printable version of this release (PDF). Chamber and Madison Schools Partner to Grow Youth Apprenticeships New Position Seeks to Connect Students and Teachers with Local Businesses Madison – The Madison Metropolitan School District and Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced… Read more...

New Chamber Members - September 2011
October 01, 2011

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members to our organization for September 2011:Alan Koa Salon SpaYvette Frasier202 State StreetMadison WI  53703608-284-1956  Salon and SpaAssociation Management PartnersLynda Patterson22 N. Carroll Street, Suite 300Madison WI  53703(608) 251-5940  FAX: (608) 251-5941www.associationmanagementpartners.comProfessional Services & ConsultingAudio Contractors, LLCJohn Deem1015 N. Main Street, Suite FOregon… Read more...

Edgewater TIF Reduction Disappointing Says Chamber President
September 06, 2011

For Immediate Release: September 6, 2011 Contact: Jessica Burda, 608-443-1952 jburda@greatermadisonchamber.com Edgewater TIF Reduction Disappointing Says Chamber President Madison – In response to Mayor Paul Soglin’s decision to substantially reduce previously approved TIF dollars for the Edgewater Hotel redevelopment project, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Alexander released the following statement: The Mayor’s decision today to reduce previously approved… Read more...

New Chamber Members - July and August 2011
September 01, 2011

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members to our organization for July and August 2011:AIDS Network, Inc.Dan Curd600 Williamson StreetMadison WI  53703(608) 252-6540  FAX:(608) 252-6559info@aidsnetwork.orgwww.aidsnetwork.orgNon-Profit OrganizationsAmerican Risk Management Resources Network, LLCCynthia Statz Dybdahl7507 Hubbard Ave., Suite 200Middleton WI  53562(608) 836-9590  cindy@armr.netwww.armr.netInsuranceAutism Society of Greater… Read more...

Who's Your Advisor?
July 26, 2011

Running a business requires you to know (or learn) about everything from marketing to accounting, HR to operations and more. It can be a daunting task – and a little bit lonely at times. The answer may be a mentor or advisor (or an entire advisory board). In a 2005 survey of small businesses*, 93% of businesses with advisors saw the advisory relationship as a “vital component to the success of their business. “ Yet more than half of the businesses didn’t have a key advisor… Read more...

Do You Just Need Some Space?
July 12, 2011

Maybe you’ve grown tired of sharing a small office with your coworkers... or weary of having your dog and cat participate in every conference call from your home office… or just ready to have air conditioning that actually keeps you and your staff cool.  Whatever the motivation, many businesses reach a point where it’s time to look for a new location. Ask Sam has some resources for you to consider when thinking about new digs for your business: Use Online Resources to Get… Read more...

New Chamber Members - June 2011
July 01, 2011

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members to our organization for June 2011:Badger PressLisa Franke100 E Blackhawk DriveFort Atkinson WI  53538(920) 728-2138  lisaf@badgerpress.comPrintersCenter for Psychological ConsultationKenneth Kobak22 N. Harwood CircleMadison WI  53717(608) 239-3919 kobak@charter.netProfessional Services & ConsultingCenterXChristopher Marshall108 S Webster St, #201Madison WI  53703(810) 358-1614 christopher@centerx.comTechnology… Read more...

Hiring Help from Ask Sam
June 07, 2011

A member contacted Ask Sam this week with a great question – what should he be thinking about when contemplating hiring his first employee? Hiring is a big step for a small business. Ask Sam shared a few tips for things to keep in mind: Do you actually need to hire someone?  Much work can be outsourced, including accounting, web design, marketing, and more. You may want to use outside expertise if you can’t afford to hire someone as knowledgeable in-house, particularly if that function… Read more...

Let Ask Sam Be a Winner for Your Business
May 24, 2011

Ask Sam is the Chamber’s new business desk, here to answer your business questions and connect you with other members and resources. We’re new – in fact, Ask Sam just launched at the GMCC’s Business Expo earlier this month. We’ve already answered a wide variety of questions that have come in members, and now we’d like to answer yours. Contacting Ask Sam is a win for any business, since we’ll help you with information, research and connections. Now we’re… Read more...

Are You Going Green?
May 17, 2011

Making your business more “green,” by saving energy and reducing emissions, does more than make you feel good. It can also save your business a lot of money.  GMCC member designCraft, a Madison advertising and design firm, is living proof that sustainable business is good business. Their business approach, “Advertising with a conscience,” led them to seek out earth-friendly energy sources, office space and materials.They did it so well that Madison Gas & Electric… Read more...

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Announces 2011 Executive Committee of Board of Directors
April 06, 2011

April 6, 2011 Contact: Jessica Burda, 608-443-1952 jburda@greatermadisonchamber.com Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Announces 2011 Executive Committee of Board of Directors Madison, Wis. – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome new leadership to the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors. The Chamber's Board of Directors guides the strategic direction, policies and positions of the organization. This diverse group of business leaders represents a wide variety… Read more...

Remember To Vote Today!
April 05, 2011

Today is Election Day, and with several important races on the ballot, the outcome will have a significant impact on our region. We need experienced elected officials who understand and consider business and economic impacts when making policy decisions. To support these candidates, and to help educate our membership and the general public on which candidates support our mission, the Chamber Board made endorsements in key races. For Madison Mayor, the Board endorses Dave Cieslewicz. Mayor Dave has… Read more...

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Partners With Google To Help Madison Businesses
March 29, 2011

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Google on a new initiative to help Dane County businesses improve their presence online. “The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is thrilled that Google has chosen Madison as its fourth city to launch its Google Places campaign,” Chamber President Jennifer Alexander said. “Google Places will make the online search results for our businesses more personal, relevant and trustworthy, helping businesses in our community to… Read more...

Greater Madison Chamber Announces Common Council Endorsements
February 24, 2011

For Immediate Release:February 24, 2011Contact:Jessica Burda, 608-443-1952jburda@greatermadisonchamber.comGreater Madison Chamber Announces Common Council EndorsementsMadison – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced today their candidate endorsements for Madison Common Council. A Chamber endorsement recognizes a candidate’s ability and desire to implement proactive, impactful economic development strategies to improve the business climate and create and… Read more...

GMCC Update to Members: State of Wisconsin Budget Bill
February 18, 2011

All Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce members received this e-mail today from GMCC President Jennifer Alexander: Dear GMCC Member: I know that many of you have grave concerns regarding the issues that are in the forefront in Madison.  I do too. These are diffficult times.  Like the private sector, the state is faced with difficult decisions.  It is a time and an economy that requires everyone to tighten their belts, private sector and public sector alike. The GMCC supports the work… Read more...

GMCC Board Endorses Mayor Cieslewicz
January 27, 2011

GMCC Board Endorses Mayor CieslewiczToday, the GMCC Board announced its endorsement of Dave Cieslewicz for Madison Mayor. This is the first time the Board has given an endorsement in an executive race. Mayor Cieslewicz has made it his top priority to focus on economic development and providing high quality city services. His notable accomplishments include creation of a cabinet-level economic development director position; creation of an economic development implementation plan; supported innovative… Read more...

Media Advisory: Celebrate University Avenue’s Grand Re-Opening Tuesday, December 7
December 06, 2010

For Immediate ReleaseDecember 6, 2010Greater Madison Chamber of CommerceJessica Burda, 608-443-1952jburda@greatermadisonchamber.com MEDIA ADVISORYCelebrate University Avenue’s Grand Re-Opening Tuesday, December 7The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to join the Chamber and businesses along the University Avenue corridor to host a “Grand Re-Opening” of University Avenue on Tuesday morning, December 7.  The Chamber has heard from numerous business owners that… Read more...

Media Advisory: Chamber’s November 4 Eggs & Issues Program Asks “What’s Next For The Overture?”
October 27, 2010

For Immediate Release October 27, 2010 Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Jessica Burda, 608-443-1952 jburda@greatermadisonchamber.com MEDIA ADVISORY Chamber’s November 4 Eggs & Issues Program Asks “What’s Next For The Overture?” After months of complex negotiations on a myriad of issues, the future of the Overture Center for the Arts will be decided in the coming weeks by the Madison Common Council. The proposal to save Overture raises a lot of questions about the impact… Read more...

2011 Member Directory & Buyer's Guide
October 21, 2010

Dear GMCC Members: Production of the 2011 Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide is now underway. The directory is one of the first places business leaders look to find quality organizations. To ensure that this year's Directory remains a great resource, we are counting on YOU to review, verify and update your company information sent to your company's main contact via e-mail. Your company is eligible to advertise in the Membership Directory — an… Read more...

Business Leaders Urge Support for Madison College Referendum
September 29, 2010

For Immediate Release:                                                     September 29, 2010                                                                   … Read more...

Greater Madison Chamber Aims to Make City Approval Process Consistent
August 10, 2010

 August 10, 2010                                                                         Contact: Jessica Burda, 608-443-1952 Greater Madison Chamber Aims to Make City Approval… Read more...

Video: GMCC & SBAC Chamber Cafe - Preventing Fraud, Loss and Liability through Privacy and Security Best Practices
May 17, 2010

Protecting business assets goes beyond preventing theft of hard assets. Today, business and consumer information may be the most valuable asset of a business. Through the work of the GMCC’s Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC), the May 12 Chamber Café held at Madison College’s West Campus provided attendees with a valuable morning of education and insight from four local expert and small business leaders on protecting your business through prevention of fraud, loss and liability.… Read more...

GMCC Media Statement: High-Speed Rail Station at Monona Terrace
May 06, 2010

MEDIA STATEMENTMay 6, 2010 Contacts: Jennifer Smith, Thrive Communications Dir. (608-443-1961 or jsmith@thrivehere.org)Jessica Burda, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Communications Dir. (608-443-1952 or jburda@greatermadisonchamber.com)Jennifer Alexander headshot online: http://www.thrivehere.org/media In response to Governor Doyle’s announcement that the Monona Terrace Convention Center would be the location for a Madison high-speed rail station, Jennifer Alexander, President of the Greater… Read more...

GMCC Welcomes Business Community to 58th Annual Dinner October 7
April 29, 2010

For Immediate Release:                        April 29, 2010                                Contact: Jessica Burda, 608-443-1952jburda@greatermadisonchamber.com GMCC Welcomes Business Community to 58th Annual Dinner October 7IBM Director of Corporate Strategy Dr. Colin Harrison to be Keynote… Read more...

GMCC Seeks Your Questions!
April 08, 2010

Health care worries can keep you up at night and understanding the recently passed federal health care legislation isn’t easy for most of us. Many business executives like yourself have questions about how this will impact your business and the GMCC wants to help you figure it out. But the Chamber needs your help. What questions do you have about federal health care legislation? What information is most important to you? E-mail your questions to our staff at beat@greatermadisonchamber.com.… Read more...

Privacy and Information Security — Best Practices - Part 3 of 3
April 01, 2010

Privacy and Information Security — Best Practices The following article is part three of a three-part series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) on privacy and information security written by members of the GMCC Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC). This article series is also featured in the GMCC Business Beat (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) Most privacy and information security laws and regulations embody fundamental best practices. By focusing on implementing these practices, instead of following strict… Read more...

RTA Begins Work
March 02, 2010

By Jennifer Alexander President, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Thrive This column was originally featured in the March 2 IN BUSINESS Open Mic Blog. The newly created Dane County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) meets for the first time on March 4. The public is encouraged to actively participate in discussions about the scope, cost and deliverables of an integrated transportation system designed to provide regional transportation for workers, visitors, and residents. These decisions are… Read more...

Privacy and Information Security — Laws - Part 2 of 3
March 01, 2010

Privacy and Information Security — Laws The following article is part two of a three-part series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) on privacy and information security written by members of the GMCC Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC). This article series is also featured in the GMCC Business Beat (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) The fi rst part of this series discussed why all businesses and organizations should care about privacy and information security in the workplace. In addition to laws requiring… Read more...

GMCC Announces Dane County Board Candidate Endorsements
February 11, 2010

For Immediate Release:                        February 11, 2010Contact: Jessica Burda, (608) 443-1952GMCC Announces Dane County Board Candidate EndorsementsMadison – For the first time in its history, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) has endorsed candidates for the Dane County Board of Supervisors. Representing more than 1,500 member businesses, the GMCC serves as a voice for businesses… Read more...

Regional Transit Authority Moving Forward
February 01, 2010

By KEVIN LITTLE GMCC Director of Public Policy klittle@greatermadisonchamber.com This column was originally featured in the February 2010 GMCC Business Beat. Last November, the Dane County Board approved creation of a Dane County Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The GMCC testified in support of the RTA as a way to manage a comprehensive, regional transportation system. The GMCC has no position on any particular mode of transit. While many shared our perspective, there were plenty of opponents that… Read more...

Privacy and Information Security - Why Care? - Part 1 of 3
January 28, 2010

Privacy and Information Security — Why Care? The following article is part three of a three-part series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) on privacy and information security written by members of the GMCC Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC). This article series is also featured in the GMCC Business Beat (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) Why care about information security and privacy issues? There are three reasons: 1. Privacy and information security best practices offer competitive advantages to your company… Read more...

GMCC Small and Medium Business Economic Surveys - August & November 2009
December 10, 2009

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce issued informal surveys to all of our small and medium-sized business members in early August 2009 and then again in November 2009. GMCC 2009 Small and Medium Business Survey - August 2009 (PDF) GMCC 2009 Small and Medium Business Survey - November 2009 (PDF) The GMCC also held a related Eggs & Issues Economic Panel on December 8. Click here to see video and more information on this Economic Panel. Read more...

2010 GMCC Member Directory & Buyer's Guide Information
Download 2010_memdir_categories.pdf
November 10, 2009

Dear GMCC Members: Production of the 2010 Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide is now underway. The directory is one of the first places business leaders look to find quality organizations. To ensure that this year's Directory remains a great resource, we are counting on YOU to review, verify and update your company information sent to your company's main contact via e-mail. Your company is eligible to advertise in the Membership Directory — an… Read more...

GMCC Supports RTA Enabling Language in State Budget
November 10, 2009

To encourage regional transportation and increase economic competitiveness, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) urged state legislators today to enable creation of a Dane County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) as part of the state budget bill.  Click here for more information on this issue. Read more...

GMCC Accomplishment Report 2008-2009
Download gmcc_accomplishment_report_2008_09.pdf
October 06, 2009

PROACTIVE. CONNECTED. Lead by Board Chair Mark Bugher and President Jennifer Alexander, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce strengthened the connections that bind our business community together and worked to change the political landscape of our city and region to one that is more conducive to economic growth. Made available at the GMCC 57th Annual Dinner on Tuesday, October 6, the GMCC Accomplishment Report highlights some of the GMCC’s key accomplishments throughout 2008 and 2009. Click… Read more...