Events

Thriving at the Intersection of Economic Development and Diversity

Jessica Reilly · May 8, 2024 ·

On May 2nd, 2024, over 500 business, government, and community leaders gathered at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center for the 11th Annual Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit. Organized by the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) and the Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM), this event has become a crucial platform for addressing the economic and diversity issues impacting the Madison Region.

This year’s summit, presented by Alliant Energy and UW Health, was filled with inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, insightful panel discussions, and engaging breakout sessions. Here, we recap the key highlights and takeaways from this much-anticipated event.

Dynamic Keynote Speakers

LeRoy Butler’s Motivational Speech

LeRoy Butler, former NFL player and Pro Football Hall of Famer, took the stage with an inspiring keynote that emphasized the importance of perseverance and community support. Butler shared his personal story of overcoming adversity, from his childhood challenges in a crime-infested housing project to his triumphant career with the Green Bay Packers. His message resonated deeply with the audience, reminding everyone that no matter the circumstances, perseverance and community can pave the way to success.

Michele Ghee on Reframing Our Value

Michele Ghee, Business Transformation Visionary and former CEO of Ebony & Jet Magazine, captivated the audience with her presentation titled “Reframing Our Value.” She highlighted the transformative potential of diversity and inclusion in business practices. Ghee’s insights on how businesses can harness the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and growth were both enlightening and motivating.

Quality of Life in Wisconsin and the Madison Region

Presentation by Mckenzie Boyce

PhD student Mckenzie Boyce delivered a compelling presentation on the quality of life in Wisconsin and the Madison Region. Boyce highlighted traditional and contemporary economic development measures, emphasizing the shift from focusing solely on jobs and businesses to prioritizing people and quality of life. Her research on telework, financial literacy, broadband adoption, and community economic development provided valuable insights into the factors contributing to a higher quality of life in the region.

Workshop Highlights

Multi-Generational Teams by Chisa Miller

Chisa Miller’s workshop on “Multi-Generational Teams” explored the challenges and benefits of managing diverse workforces spanning different generations. Miller offered practical strategies for fostering collaboration and understanding across generational divides. Attendees left with actionable insights on how to leverage the unique strengths of each generation to create a more cohesive and productive workplace.

Leveraging Community Engagement to Drive Racial Equity by the Urban Institute

Led by Mikaela Tajo and Lynden Bond from the Urban Institute, this workshop focused on effective strategies for promoting racial equity and inclusive growth through community engagement. Attendees learned the importance of partnering with community members to address underlying causes of racial inequities. The workshop provided valuable resources and toolkits to help participants integrate community engagement principles into their work.

Insightful Panel Discussions

Depoliticizing DEI Efforts

The panel discussion on “Depoliticizing DEI” tackled the challenges of maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives amidst political pressures. Moderated by Dr. Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., the panel featured leaders like Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, Angela Russell, and Jim Yehle, who shared their experiences and strategies for keeping DEI efforts focused and impactful. They emphasized the business benefits of DEI and how it transcends politics, driving innovation and resilience.

Business Owners of Color

In this session, business owners of color shared their success stories and the unique challenges they face. The discussion highlighted the importance of access to resources, networks, and support systems in fostering entrepreneurial success among minority communities. Attendees were inspired by these stories and gained valuable insights on how to support and uplift minority-owned businesses.

Equity and the Green Economy

Moderated by Maria Redmond, this panel explored the intersection of environmental sustainability and social justice. Panelists Valora Gutierrez, Sam Dunaiski, and Adrienne Nienow discussed how the green economy can create new opportunities for historically underserved communities. They shared strategies for ensuring that the transition to renewable energy and sustainable practices is fair and inclusive.

Interactive Breakout Sessions

AI’s Impact on DEI

This breakout session explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Participants learned about AI-driven tools and technologies that can help organizations identify and address biases, improve hiring practices, and create more inclusive workplaces. The session also covered the ethical considerations of using AI in DEI initiatives.

Resources for Diverse Entrepreneurs

This session provided valuable information on resources and support available to BIPOC entrepreneurs. Attendees learned about funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and networking events designed to help minority-owned businesses thrive. The session aimed to empower entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive market.

Moving Forward

As the summit concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism and determination among participants. The discussions and connections made at the event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing economic development and diversity. Attendees left with actionable insights and renewed motivation to implement inclusive practices within their organizations and communities.

The Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit continues to be a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and driving progress. The lessons learned and the connections made at this year’s summit will undoubtedly contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for the Madison Region.

That’s A Wrap

The 11th Annual Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit was a resounding success, bringing together leaders from various sectors to address critical issues and share innovative solutions. The event reinforced the significance of diversity and inclusion in driving economic growth and creating resilient communities.

For those who couldn’t attend or want to learn more, consider reaching out to the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) or the Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM). Our organizations continue to provide valuable resources and support for economic development and diversity initiatives.

Ready to take action? Connect with fellow professionals, implement the insights gained from the summit, and join us in building a more inclusive and prosperous Madison Region.

Madison 365: It’s Only 10 Minutes: May 12

Jessica Reilly · May 12, 2023 ·

Source: Madison 365

A top exec is leaving Goodwill of Southeast Wisconsin. Plus, a recap of the [Madison Region Economic Partnership and] Urban League’s Economic Development & Diversity Summit and a profile of an Appleton-based culturally-focused mental health practice.

Friday, May 12, 2023 Podcast Episode

Public Service Commission: Gov. Evers, PSC announce Internet for All Wisconsin Listening Tour

Jessica Reilly · May 1, 2023 ·

MADISON – Gov. Evers, together with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), announced today the statewide Internet for All Wisconsin Listening Tour, a series of nine in-person and two virtual interactive meetings to help develop the state’s five-year action plan to deploy high-speed internet and improve internet affordability and adoption.

Community leaders and all interested members of the public are welcome to attend this free event. Prospective attendees are advised to visit the event website for additional event information as it becomes available.

Wisconsin could expect an allocation of $800 million to $1.1 billion to implement the state’s five-year action plan for broadband and approximately $25 million to implement the state’s Digital Equity Plan under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s ‘Internet for All’ programs. In December 2022, Gov. Tony Evers and the PSC announced the nearly $6 million federal investment for the state to develop these plans by gathering local input from Wisconsinites in broadband access and digital inclusion activities.

“With nearly everything about our economy, our workforce and our way of life depending on access to high-speed internet, it’s important for folks across the state to come together and share their experience and ideas to bridge Wisconsin’s digital divide,” said Gov. Evers. “We have come a long way to get more Wisconsinites connected than ever before with over 390,000 homes and businesses connected to new or improved internet, but there’s still more work to do. As we invest in Wisconsin’s infrastructure and future, the conversations during this Listening Tour will help guide this important work to ensure all can access affordable, reliable, high-speed internet.”

“Public participation is critical to the Commission’s broadband access and digital equity efforts, so I’m excited for the Commission to hit the road and hear from community members across Wisconsin as we develop the state’s five-year action plan,” said Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq. “I look forward to the robust dialogue and community engagement during the statewide Listening Tour.”

The Internet for All Wisconsin Listening Tour is hosted by the PSC’s Wisconsin Broadband Office, in partnership with Wisconsin’s nine regional economic development organizations. If someone is unable to attend an in-person or virtual meeting, they may still submit public comment here.

Event details are as follows:

Internet for All Wisconsin Listening Tour – Southcentral (Madison)

Location:
Madison College – Truax Campus | 1701 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704

Date:
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM CDT

Reserve Your Spot

Wisconsin State Journal: ‘Call of Duty’ fans to pack Orpheum as professional esports make Madison debut

Jessica Reilly · Mar 27, 2023 ·

Source: Wisconsin State Journal

With all the glitz of a rock concert and the high stakes of a pro sports qualifying match, professional esports is making its Madison debut.

Some 1,000 video game fans are expected to pack the Orpheum Theater Saturday afternoon for a heated battle among top-tier “Call of Duty” pros, as Minnesota Røkkr, the host team, faces off against the Florida Mutineers and the L.A. Guerrillas.

Billed as the “Minnesota Røkkr Home Series,” the event pits one four-player team against another in real time while the strategies and skills they employ in the military-style video game on their gaming stations is projected on a 32-foot-wide screen suspended above the stage.

“The experience is really a hybrid of a sporting event and a rock concert,” said Brett Diamond, who worked for the NFL for 11 years becoming COO of the esports organization Version1, which includes Røkkr as well as pro teams for the video games Rocket League and Valorant.

“If you’re just watching the fans, you could be at any professional sporting event,” Diamond said. “They are passionate, they are excited, they are cheering, they are chanting. The intensity and the passion that these fans bring to the event is one of the exciting things about it.”

For many years a variety of groups – from Destination Madison and the Madison Area Sports Commission to the Madison Region Economic Partnership, or MadREP — has eyed the booming world of professional esports.

But getting them to Madison is “something that we’ve been trying to figure out for probably 10 years, as esports has risen in popularity,” said Jamie Patrick, vice-president for convention sales, sports and services at Destination Madison and the Madison Area Sports Commission. “We needed to start planting our flag and hosting a really cool event.”

“Esports is a huge global industry,” said Jennifer Javornik, co-founder of the Wisconsin Games Alliance, the professional association for the video game industry in the state. “North America is a little bit behind Asia and Europe. Madison has all the components that should lead to a vibrant esports (scene). We have college teams that are doing really well and are relatively mature. We have the university, which is a huge concentration of the demographic that loves esports.”

“It was really important to get a professional esports team to Madison to start building that ecosystem and establishing Madison as an esports community,” she said. “I see esports as something that helps our cred as a hub of the video game industry.”

Making the playoffs

A subset of the broader video game industry, esports can be played online or at a live event, and at varying levels. Madison has held a few smaller live esport events, “but nothing professional,” said Joe Hanson, head esports coach at Madison Area Technical College, which has a thriving esports program and a state-of-the-art gaming facility at its Truax campus. As with a growing number of colleges, esports is now an official part of the MATC athletics department.

The atmosphere at a live esports competition — like the Minnesota Røkkr Major II in Prior Lake, Minnesota, shown here — is a hybrid of a rock concert and pro sports event, organizers say.

Importing a pro competition like the Røkkr event “is a large step in the right direction,” said Hanson, who plans to attend Saturday with his 17-year-old son. MATC, also known as Madison College, will also be welcoming the three competing teams, who can use the school’s esports space to warm up, he said.

“It’s pretty awesome to think that we’re going to have three professional esport teams just hanging out in our lab,” he said, “using it essentially as a practice arena before their weekend events.”

Saturday’s four-hour, regular seasonal competition at the Orpheum will include matches at 2 and 5 p.m., plus a live match at another location shown virtually in between. Diamond expects about a third of Saturday’s fans will come from out of state, and the rest from across Wisconsin.

Røkkr (pronounced “rocker”) and its two opponents from Florida and California all have mixed records this year, “which makes it exciting, where everyone’s fighting to make the playoffs,” Diamond said. The teams are about halfway through their season, “so the teams are jockeying for playoff contention, and every match really matters.”

Røkkr is one of a dozen teams — 10 from the U.S., one each from Toronto and London — vying for a spot in the “Call of Duty” league championships to be held in June, with a first-place prize of $1.2 million.

“These players are the best in the world at what they do. And what they happen to do is playing video games,” Diamond said.

“The time they put in, whether it’s practice, watching film, their workout routine — they put in the same amount of hours per day that an NFL player does,” he said. And “the fans are just as invested in the wins and losses as any traditional sports fan.”

Growing up with the game

Part of a team

Owned in part by the Wilf family, also owners of the Minnesota Vikings, Version1 is stepping out of its home state for the first time with the Røkkr event in Madison, Diamond said.

In 2021, the region’s software development industry, which includes game development, grossed $1.9 billion overall, according to statistics from MadREP. Jobs in the region’s software development sector number over 12,000, more than six times the national average for a region of similar size. That area job growth is projected to continue a steady 9% annual rise into 2026, according to a 2021 report.

And Madison-area colleges are well on board with the esports trend. Increasingly used as a recruiting tool, strong esports programs can give students from all walks of life a sense of camaraderie and a greater sense of connection to their school, Hanson said.

“There’s still a lot of growth that can happen in esports,” he said. “At the collegiate level, it’s exploding right now.”

“The esports world is definitely blowing up, and young people are looking to be part of a team,” agreed Suann Saltzberry, director of athletics at Edgewood College, which brought on an esports coach in early 2022 and offers scholarships for esports athletes.

“It’s an area of growth, because these kids are looking to continue to play, and to play at a competitive level,” Saltzberry said. “We’re looking to potentially renovate our esports arena space here on campus, to make it bigger and offer more PCs so more players can play at the same time. It’s been interesting for me to understand the logistics behind it and how it works, but there are kids choosing colleges for what they offer in esports.”

Fans provide a lot of the energy at live esports events, like this past competition featuring the Røkkr “Call of Duty” team out of the Twin Cities.

UW-Madison doesn’t have an esports program, but it does have an official esports club with more than 1,500 members and competitive teams for 10 different esports, said club president Michael Verban. And while the club doesn’t currently have a designated campus home, the university plans to include an esports space in the Bakke Recwell and Wellbeing Center, a student athletic facility under construction on the west side of campus that is scheduled to open this fall, he said.

Drawing a crowd

Compared to many in-person pro esports events — which can fill U.S. stadiums with crowds of 13,000 to 20,000 people, and more than double that in Asia — the Røkkr competition in Madison and a second one in St. Paul on May 6 will have a different feel, Diamond said.

That’s by design. “We’re trying something new,” he said.

After touring possible sites including the Orpheum, Version1 “picked the venue, because they thought it had the vibe they were going for with their fans,” said Patrick of Destination Madison. “It’ll create an intimate atmosphere. The Orpheum’s got a lot of history. They just felt the vibe connected with who they are as a team.”

With its Downtown location and tickets priced from $33 (Gold VIP seats go for $238), Verban thinks there will be a lot of interest in Saturday’s event among college students.

“I can guarantee,” said the UW-Madison senior, “that there will be a lot of people who would love being able to see a live event in town.”

CORRECTION

This story has been updated to correct Brett Diamond’s title. Diamond is the COO of Version1.

Article originally published on madison.com

MadREP Roundtable with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Jessica Reilly · Feb 15, 2023 ·

Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM CST

Note: The event has been updated to virtual participation only due to inclement weather.

Join MadREP in University Research Park to participate in a virtual roundtable discussion about economic initiatives impacting Wisconsin businesses. MadREP President & CEO Jason Fields and special guests Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca, Chief Economist John Koskinen and Senior Economist Emily Canfield will offer presentations before the Q&A and interactive discussions. The meeting will accommodate virtual participation via Zoom. Please be sure to register in advance.

This event will be held virtually due to inclement weather.