Friends and Colleagues, 

As I’m sure you are all aware, the World Health Organization (WHO) labelled the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, is the disease caused by a coronavirus strain that began spreading in people in December 2019.  Our partners in government and healthcare have issued numerous recommendations for business and employers to reduce the rate of transmission.

Here at MadREP, we’ve taken the following steps to comply with the new regulations and recommendations: 

  • Postponed our March Board Meeting. 
  • Postponed our March Economic Development Professionals Meeting.  
  • Rescheduled our Economic Development & Diversity Summit from May 5 to September 3.
  • Offered telecommuting options to staff.
  • Limited unnecessary business travel between communities. 

At the time of this statement, Wisconsin has seen over 45 cases, with ten just in our Madison Region. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you to check federal, state and local resources for the most up to date information.  

I have the utmost confidence in our Madison Region to meet this public health emergency with strength, dignity and resolve. Please follow the advice of government and health professionals. Practice social distancing, stay home if you feel sick and call before seeking medical assistance if you develop symptoms.

This too shall pass but, in the meantime, please stock up on gift cards to accelerate the recovery for some of our small businesses and, as always, BE WELL, BE INFORMED AND BE CONFIDENT.

Sincerely,

Paul Jadin
MadREP President