Jorden Ludeking

CG Schmidt Joins MadREP Investor Network to Help Shape the Future of South-Central Wisconsin

Madison, WI — CG Schmidt, a trusted name in construction and community building for more than a century, has joined the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) investor network, reinforcing its commitment to driving regional economic growth and community development across south-central Wisconsin. Through its new partnership with MadREP, CG Schmidt brings both industry expertise and a deeply-rooted regional perspective to a coalition of public and private stakeholders working collaboratively to strengthen the economic future of an eight-county region.

 

 

“At CG Schmidt, we’re proud to support MadREP and the vital work they’re doing to strengthen our region. As a company deeply rooted in south-central Wisconsin, we recognize the value of collaborating with local leaders to shape the future of our eight-county region.” – Sarah Dunn, Senior Vice President.  

 

This investment aligns with CG Schmidt’s long-standing mission of not just building buildings but helping build better communities. As MadREP continues to lead strategic initiatives around workforce development, business expansion, infrastructure, and innovation, CG Schmidt’s involvement will help amplify those efforts with a boots-on-the-ground perspective and a legacy of delivering impactful projects, including the construction of UW-Madison Union South, MYArts-Madison Youth Arts Center, St. Paul’s Catholic Student Center, SSM Health Monroe Hospital, and renovations at the school districts of Baraboo, Barneveld, Beaver Dam and Lodi among others.  

 

About CG Schmidt:
CG Schmidt, a family-owned company since 1920, is a leader in quality construction management, general construction, and design-build services with offices in Madison, Milwaukee, and Arizona. The company serves the markets of education, healthcare, senior living, multi-family, corporate, industrial, community, and religious facilities. As a fifth-generation, family-owned construction firm, CG Schmidt is a respected industry leader. The company has built a reputation for delivering some of the most recognizable projects that shape communities, with an increasing emphasis on community-based initiatives that directly enhance the quality of life in the areas where we build. For additional information about CG Schmidt, visit www.cgschmidt.com. 

 

CG Schmidt Press Contact:
Sarah Dunn
Senior Vice President 
(608) 630-3075
sarah.dunn@cgschmidt.com
 

About MadREP:
The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is the economic development organization for the eight-county Madison Region of south-central Wisconsin, serving as a catalyst for economic growth and regional collaboration. MadREP partners with businesses, communities, and organizations to support innovation, workforce development, business expansion, and inclusive economic opportunities. By fostering strong public-private partnerships, MadREP works to ensure the long-term vitality and competitiveness of the region. 
 

MadREP Press Contact:
Everett Butzine 
Interim President & CEO 
608.571.0404 
ebutzine@madisonregion.org

Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) Welcomes Strategic Investment from BSI and Smart Spaces

Madison, WI – May 30, 2025  – The Madison Region Economic Partnership, Inc. (MadREP) proudly announces an investment from BSI and Smart Spaces, further strengthening the organization’s mission to drive sustainable, inclusive economic growth across the eight-county Madison Region. As committed partners in regional economic development, BSI and Smart Spaces are aligning their strategic priorities with MadREP’s proven expertise and regional vision. Their investment underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and opportunity across diverse communities in south-central Wisconsin.

“BSI and SMART SPACES are proud to support the Madison Region Economic Partnership, Inc. (MadREP) and its strategic efforts to foster economic growth throughout our state,” said Rachel Rivera, Director of Business Development. “MadREP has a deep understanding of the economic landscape in the eight-county Madison Region and offers guidance to align local resources with regional and statewide priorities. Working alongside MadREP, BSI and SMART SPACES aim to create many meaningful opportunities throughout the Madison region.”

BSI and Smart Spaces bring decades of experience in workplace strategy and innovative design to the partnership. Their support enhances MadREP’s capacity to lead high-impact projects, attract and retain businesses, and ensure all communities in the region have access to the resources they need to thrive.

“We are honored to welcome BSI and Smart Spaces as key partners in our mission to enhance regional economic development,” said Everett Butzine, Interim President & CEO of MadREP. “Their commitment reinforces the importance of cross-sector collaboration and helps us continue building a dynamic regional economy rooted in innovation.”

Together, MadREP, BSI and Smart Spaces will work to leverage local strengths, align public and private sector priorities, and create a vibrant economic future for the Madison Region and beyond.

About BSI and Smart Spaces
BSI (Building Service Inc.) is a leading provider of workplace solutions, specializing in integrated design, construction, and furnishing services that transform the way people work. With over 70 years of experience, BSI delivers environments that inspire collaboration, support well-being, and drive organizational success.

Smart Spaces focuses on creating intelligent, connected work environments through cutting-edge audiovisual and technology solutions. By blending innovative design with digital integration, Smart Spaces helps businesses adapt to the evolving demands of modern work. Together, BSI and Smart Spaces deliver comprehensive, future-ready workplace solutions that empower organizations across sectors to maximize productivity, employee engagement, and long-term growth.

Rachel Rivera
Director of Business Development
rrivera@buildingservice.com

About MadREP

The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is the economic development agency for the eight-county Madison Region of south-central Wisconsin. MadREP works to drive job creation, innovation, and economic growth while promoting equity and inclusion across all communities in the region.

Everett Butzine
Interim President & CEO
608.571.0404
ebutzine@madisonregion.org

MadREP Announces Sponsorship from Madison Executive Coaching

Madison, WI – Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is proud to announce a sponsorship from Madison Executive Coaching, a premier leadership coaching firm dedicated to empowering business owners and executives. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening South Central Wisconsin’s business landscape through leadership development and strategic growth.

Madison Executive Coaching, led by Jessica Eley, an experienced coach with eight years of expertise in leadership development, culture building, and communication, partners with business leaders to enhance employee retention, improve team effectiveness, and drive innovation. The sponsorship signifies Madison Executive Coaching’s investment in the region’s economic health and its dedication to fostering a thriving business community.

“Madison Executive Coaching invested in MadREP to support its mission of economic growth and development in South Central Wisconsin,” said Jessica Eley owner of Madison Executive Coaching. “We understand the value of supporting leaders in driving growth and look forward to working with MadREP to increase the health and vitality of the region’s businesses and communities.”

MadREP continues to seek and develop partnerships that bolster economic development efforts, ensuring that businesses in the region have access to the resources, guidance, and leadership support they need to succeed. With the support of organizations like Madison Executive Coaching, MadREP remains committed to driving sustainable growth and innovation across South Central Wisconsin.

 

About Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP)
MadREP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic development across the Madison region. It serves as a resource for business attraction, expansion, and retention while focusing on long-term strategies to promote regional growth and prosperity.

For more information on MadREP, please contact:

Everett Butzine
Interim President and CEO
communications@madisonregion.org

The Sigma Group Announces Sponsorship of MadREP to Support Economic Development in South Central Wisconsin

Madison, WI – March 26, 2025– The Sigma Group proudly to announce its sponsorship of the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP), reinforcing its commitment to fostering economic growth and community development in the greater Madison area. This investment reflects The Sigma Group’s dedication to strategic business development and regional prosperity.

As part of its expansion efforts, The Sigma Group has recently opened a new office in Madison, Wisconsin to better serve the growing needs of South-Central Wisconsin. Through this sponsorship, The Sigma Group is not only supporting MadREP’s mission but also deepening its engagement with the regional business community.

The Sigma Group invested in MadREP to demonstrate our commitment to the long-term growth of South-Central Wisconsin.” said Josh Neudorfer, Director of Business Development at The Sigma Group. “We share in the vision of building and strengthening our communities to enhance economic vitality.”

MadREP plays a crucial role in strengthening the economic landscape of the Madison region by creating strategic connections, facilitating investment, and promoting business development. By supporting MadREP, The Sigma Group aims to contribute to sustainable growth and innovation across industries.

About The Sigma Group

The Sigma Group provides a broad platform of consulting services to clients, including due diligence assessment and planning, subsurface soil, groundwater, and vapor assessments, civil/site engineering, landscape architecture, environmental compliance, wastewater treatment system design and implementation, health and safety compliance, process engineering and design, control systems engineering, surveying, construction management, and facility planning.

For more than 30 years, The Sigma Group has served private and public sectors, including manufacturers, real estate developers, utility companies, government entities, and professional sports and entertainment venues. The company prides itself on delivering customized, innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients.

For more information about The Sigma Group and its commitment to community development, contact:

Joshua Neudorfer, Director of Business Development
jneudorfer@thesigmagroup.com
414.643.4132

Patrick Finn, PE
pfinn@thesigmagroup.com
414.688.9479

About Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP)
MadREP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic development across the Madison region. It serves as a resource for business attraction, expansion, and retention while focusing on long-term strategies to promote regional growth and prosperity.

For more information on MadREP, please contact:

Everett Butzine
Interim President and CEO
communications@madisonregion.org

 

 

MadREP Appoints Dr. Mark Thomas as New Board Treasurer

Madison, WI– The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark Thomas as the organization’s new Board Treasurer. Dr. Thomas brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, finance, and workforce development to the role, further strengthening MadREP’s commitment to fostering economic growth in south-central Wisconsin.

Dr. Mark Thomas
Dr. Mark Thomas

Dr. Thomas currently serves as the Executive Vice President for Policy and Strategy at Madison College, where he is also the institution’s Chief Strategy Officer. In this capacity, he oversees the college’s economic development policy and strategy, serves as the liaison for workforce strategy, manages government relations, and directs its global strategy initiatives. Over the past decade, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Madison College’s policy, strategy, finances, administration, and operations, having previously held the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Prior to his tenure at Madison College, Dr. Thomas accumulated over 20 years of executive leadership experience as a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief of Staff, Budget Director, and Property Manager across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. As a first-generation college graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Public Policy, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration. His diverse background, combined with his passion for social justice, positions him as a strong advocate for inclusive regional economic development.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thomas is deeply engaged in his personal interests, including family, music, soccer, and mountain biking. His extensive international travel experience for business and cultural exchanges has further shaped his perspective on workforce development and global economics.

In his new role as Treasurer of the MadREP Board, Dr. Thomas will support the Board Chair in leading the Executive Committee. He expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, “I’m excited about working through the next several months to determine the best way forward to serve the economic development needs of south-central Wisconsin.”

MadREP looks forward to the leadership and financial stewardship that Dr. Thomas will bring to the organization as it continues its mission to drive regional economic prosperity.

About MadREP:

MadREP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic development across the Madison region. It serves as a resource for business attraction, expansion, and retention while focusing on long-term strategies to promote regional growth and prosperity.

For more information, please visit madisonregion.org or contact:

Everett Butzine
Interim President and CEO of MadREP
communications@madisonregion.org