Jorden Ludeking

ARCO/Murray Joins MadREP as a New Sponsor

Jorden Ludeking · Mar 5, 2025 ·

Madison, WI –– The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is proud to announce that ARCO/Murray, a Top ENR Rated Contractor, has joined as a new sponsor. This investment underscores ARCO/Murray’s dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting innovative development programs across the region.

ARCO’s sponsorship will directly contribute to MadREP’s mission of advancing economic development initiatives that empower businesses, strengthen communities, and drive regional prosperity. Through this partnership, MadREP and ARCO aim to create impactful opportunities that benefit residents and businesses alike.

“Our team has deep family roots in Wisconsin, further fueling ARCO’s motivation and support for groups,like MadREP, that actively keep Madison and its eight surrounding counties a thriving place to live and work,” stated Kelly Beck, Director of Business Development for ARCO/Murray’s Wisconsin office. She continued “As the area continues to see new developments and the revitalization of existing buildings, we’re excited about the value that our design-build construction approach can bring and feel fortunate to have advocates like Everett Butzine, Interim President of MadREP, helping foster those relationships.”

ARCO/Murray’s involvement comes at a pivotal time as the Madison region continues to focus on strategic initiatives designed to enhance the area’s economic vitality.

For more information about ARCO/Murray, please contact Kelly Beck, Director of Business Development. She can be reached at kbeck@arcomurray.com or 630-936-9036.

About ARCO/Murray

ARCO/Murray is a single source national design and construction firm that specializes in commercial construction for Fortune 500 companies and individual businesses. From planning to execution, ARCO/Murray’s integrated team uses the most advanced design-build methodology to deliver the best client experience. ARCO/Murray partners with engineers and designers who leverage the most advanced tools for a complete project solution – from initial planning, due diligence and design through construction and warranty. Our breadth of experience ranges from large-scale warehouse developments and build-to-suit cold storage and manufacturing facilities to extensive adaptive reuse, office, and entertainment projects. Visit: www.arcomurray.com.

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

Spherion Joins MadREP as a New Sponsor

Jorden Ludeking · Feb 21, 2025 ·

Madison, WI — February 21, 2025— The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is proud to announce that Spherion South Central WI & Northern IL, a leading workforce solutions provider, has joined as a new sponsor. This investment underscores Spherion’s dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting innovative development programs across the region.

“We understand the vital role a strong, skilled workforce plays in the success of this region”, said Austin Kassner, Spherion President & Franchise Owner. “By investing in MadREP, we are helping to grow critical sectors in South Central Wisconsin – such as biohealth, technology, and advanced manufacturing – that are essential to the region’s continued growth.”

Spherion’s sponsorship will directly contribute to MadREP’s mission of advancing economic development initiatives that empower businesses, strengthen communities, and drive regional prosperity. Through this partnership, MadREP and Spherion aim to create impactful opportunities that benefit residents and businesses alike.

“We are delighted to welcome Spherion as a valued partner,” said Everett Butzine, Interim President & CEO of MadREP, “Their support demonstrates a shared commitment to building a resilient and thriving regional economy.”

Spherion’s involvement comes at a pivotal time as the Madison region continues to focus on strategic initiatives designed to enhance the area’s economic vitality.

For more information about MadREP or Spherion, please contact:
Everett Butzine – MadREP
Interim President & CEO
608.571.0404
communications@madisonregion.org

Austin Kassner – Spherion
President & Franchise Owner
608.572.0252
austinkassner@spherion.com

About Spherion

Driving careers. Growing businesses. Bettering the community. These tenets have been at the core of Spherion South Central WI & Northern IL since our doors opened over 30 years ago. With a deep understanding of local markets, we take great care in matching the right candidate with the right role across a wide array of industries.

The tenured Spherion team takes the time to develop relationships with everyone we work with to deliver differentiated results. Through continued investment in local partnerships and programs, Spherion remains dedicated to positively impacting both businesses and the workforce.

About Madison Region Economic Partnership

The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is dedicated to advancing economic development and enhancing the quality of life in an eight-county region of south-central Wisconsin. As a collaborative organization, MadREP focuses on fostering innovation, supporting businesses, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.

Through strategic initiatives in areas such as workforce development, business expansion, and community engagement, MadREP helps build a robust regional economy that benefits residents and businesses alike. With a commitment to inclusivity and long-term success, MadREP continues to drive economic progress and position the Madison region as a hub of opportunity and prosperity.

Madison Regional Economic Partnership Welcomes Jason Vangalis as New Board President

Jorden Ludeking · Feb 19, 2025 ·

Madison, WI – Madison Regional Economic Partnership (MadREP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Vangalis as its new Board President. With over a decade of experience in community and economic development, Jason brings a wealth of expertise to MadREP, having worked on large-scale business attraction projects from diverse industries and countries.

Jason Vangalis, New MadREP Board President

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason as Board President,” said Everett Butzine, Interim President and CEO of MadREP. “His expertise in economic development and our shared vision for the Madison Region will be invaluable as we continue to foster growth and innovation.”

Jason’s most recent role involves leading Amazon’s central US expansion and economic development policy efforts. His extensive career includes advising international businesses and governments on attraction and expansion projects, as well as working on in-house economic development teams for two multinational corporations. His achievements in the field of economic development have contributed to the creation of over 20,000 jobs and more than $10 billion in capital investment in communities in Wisconsin and around the county.

“The region is an economic engine aimed at growth. I am excited to help create intention and direction in the growth of the Madison region,” said Vangalis. “And this is an exciting opportunity to build on the success MadREP has seen in the last few years. This organization has a solid foundation and partnership with Everett’s depth of economic development knowledge will help immensely in building on that. We’ve got plenty of work to do, let’s get to it!”

Jason’s leadership goals for MadREP include:

Building upon the organization’s strategic planning foundation, with a focus on traditional economic development.
Strengthening the region’s economic ecosystem by fostering connections between stakeholders throughout Madison and beyond.
Driving industry diversification across the Madison region with targeted business attraction efforts.

The Madison Regional Economic Partnership extends sincere thanks and appreciation to Peter Tang, former Board President and Vice President at Strang, Inc. Peter’s leadership over the past term was instrumental in MadREP’s growth and continued success. Under his guidance, MadREP strengthened its regional partnerships and played a vital role in attracting new businesses and fostering economic development in the area.

“We are incredibly grateful for Peter Tang’s dedication to MadREP’s mission,” said Everett Butzine, Interim President and CEO of MadREP. “Peter’s leadership has had a lasting impact on the organization, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

As MadREP moves forward under Jason Vangalis’ board leadership, the organization remains committed to driving sustainable economic development and fostering long-term growth in the Madison region. For more information, please visit madisonregion.org, or contact:

Everett Butzine
Interim President and CEO
communications@madisonregion.org

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.

Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) Announces New Leadership Direction

Jorden Ludeking · Nov 18, 2024 ·

Madison, WI – Nov. 18, 2024 – The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP), a leading non-profit dedicated to economic development in the eight-county Madison Region, today announced the resignation of its President and CEO, Jason Fields, effective December 1, 2024.

Jason M. Fields, CEO & President of MadREP

Fields has been with MadREP for four years, during which time he has made significant contributions to the organization’s mission of fostering economic growth and development. Under Fields’ leadership, MadREP has expanded its partner base, supported regional businesses through multiple programs during the pandemic, and most importantly developed a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a designation from the US Economic Development Administration that positions MadREP to secure additional resources to further is mission.

“It has been an honor to serve as the President and CEO of MadREP,” said Fields. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident that the organization will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on our community.”

The board Executive Committee will appoint Everett Butzine, now MadREP’s Vice President of Economic Development, to the role of Interim President and CEO to ensure a smooth transition.

“We are grateful for Jason Fields’ dedication and leadership over the past four years,” said Peter Tan, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We wish Jason all the best in his future endeavors and are committed to making sure the next phase of leadership drives our mission forward.”

For more information, please contact: Peter Tan, MadREP Board Chair, ptan@strang-inc.com

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About Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is dedicated to advancing economic development in the eight-county Madison Region, which includes Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk counties. Our mission is to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life in our communities through strategic initiatives and partnerships.

Abingdon Health Expands to Madison, WI: New Office and Lab Set to Enhance Bioscience Innovation

Jorden Ludeking · Oct 24, 2024 ·

Abingdon Health plc (“Abingdon”), a UK-based leading developer and manufacturer of medical devices worldwide, just announced its expansion to Madison, WI. The company has signed a lease at University Research Park and expects to become fully operational in early 2025.

“We are excited to be opening our Abingdon Health USA commercial office and laboratory in Madison. We look forward to being closer to our existing and future customers and contributing to this rapidly growing bio and animal health community with our unique end-to-end value proposition for point-of-care diagnostics.” – Chris Yates, CEO of Abingdon Health

Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) played a key role in facilitating Abingdon Health USA’s decision to set up operations in Madison. MadREP’s economic development plan, Elevate Strategy, outlines the goal of increasing the bioscience sector in the broader Madison region.

“Attracting Abingdon Health USA to the Madison Region underscores our organization’s commitment to enhancing the bioscience sector and positioning Madison as a global leader in life sciences. This collaboration aligns with our ‘Elevate Strategy,’ as it leverages Madison’s rich bioscience infrastructure and fosters innovation by bringing world-class companies to the region. Abingdon Health’s decision to expand here highlights the unique advantages Madison offers to bioscience companies, including a highly skilled workforce, cutting-edge research, and a rapidly growing ecosystem.” – Everett Butzine, VP of Economic Development at MadREP

“All along the way, we have appreciated and benefited from the support of MadREP. Abingdon Health USA is eager to continue our partnership with MadREP and leverage its extensive regional network to bring complementary expertise and economic development to the region.” – Chris Yates, CEO of Abington Health

Findorff has also worked closely with MadREP and Abingdon Health USA, and played a significant role in the company’s decision to select Madison.

“I’ve been in the region so long, and after going through this process with Abingdon I’m reassured how special Wisconsin is for development. We look forward to working with MadREP to bring the next company to Wisconsin.” – Chad Eschler, VP of Business Development at Findorff

MadREP is dedicated to maximizing the potential of Madison’s bioscience sector, highlighting the region’s unique advantages compared to other areas. With over 330 establishments and a rapidly growing industry, Madison has emerged as a significant player in the bioscience field.

Employers and employees are increasingly drawn to the Madison area, which boasts a job market 64% above the national average. Forecasts indicate a remarkable 19% growth in the bioscience industry over the next five years. Companies like Abington Health plc are just one example of the vibrant growth and opportunity in this sector.

Madison, WI, is nationally recognized as a hub for bioscience companies, fostering a culture of education and innovation. In 2020 alone, over 1,900 industry-recognized degrees and certifications were awarded, supported by esteemed research institutions such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This influx of talent from around the globe contributes to the ongoing success of Madison’s bioscience community.

To find out more about Abingdon Health, check out their website: https://www.abingdonhealth.com/

Press Release: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/ABDX/opening-of-us-commercial-office-and-laboratory/16714258

To find out more on University Research Park, check out their website: https://universityresearchpark.org/

Jorden Ludeking

Madison RegionEconomic Partnership

Madison Region
Economic Partnership