Economic Development

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/

Wisconsin Celebrates Tech Hub Status and $49M Investment in Biohealth

Jessica Reilly · Jul 3, 2024 ·

The announcement that Wisconsin has been officially designated as a U.S. Regional Tech Hub is a game-changer for the state’s biohealth and personalized medicine sectors. This milestone brings with it a $49 million federal grant designed to boost research, innovation, and job creation. For biohealth industry professionals, investors, and site selectors, this news marks a significant step forward in establishing Wisconsin as a leader in cutting-edge health technologies. Read on to discover how this development will impact the region and what you can expect in the coming years.

Today’s Announcement and its Impact on Wisconsin

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved $49 million in Phase 2 funding for the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub. This approval is part of the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program and positions Wisconsin as one of just 12 Tech Hubs across the nation to receive such funding. The announcement is a testament to the state’s growing influence in the biohealth sector and its potential to lead in personalized medicine.

Madison Region’s Growing Role as a Biohealth Leader

For the Madison Region, this designation means significant economic growth and job creation. The Tech Hub is projected to create up to 30,000 jobs over the next decade and generate $9 billion in economic activity. The Madison Regional Economic Partnership (MadREP) will play a crucial role in these developments, working alongside other consortium members to implement technology and workforce projects.

MadREP will be instrumental in coordinating efforts between public and private partners. This includes managing projects that span from health data analytics to mobile cancer screening initiatives. By leveraging its local expertise and industry connections, MadREP will ensure that the Madison Region fully capitalizes on this opportunity.

“This is a landmark achievement for Wisconsin’s Madison Region,” said MadREP CEO Jason M. Fields. “The $49 million in funding will not only bolster our biohealth capabilities but also set the stage for long-term economic growth and job creation. We’re excited to be part of the team leading this charge and demonstrate the power of collaborative innovation.”

Madison is already well-known for its concentration of bioscience companies. This sector has been a driving force behind the regional economy, supporting thousands of high-paying jobs and fostering innovation. The new funding will only strengthen this sector, providing resources to expand lab space, enhance research capabilities, and improve manufacturing coordination.

What’s Next for Wisconsin?

Looking ahead, Wisconsin and the Madison Region will focus on several key projects to advance personalized medicine and biohealth technologies. These include:

Wisconsin Health Data – Led by UW-Madison, this project aims to accelerate product development and improve clinical treatments through personalized health data.
CAREScan Mobile Cancer Screening – Managed by the Medical College of Wisconsin, this initiative will deploy mobile screening units to increase early cancer detection rates.
Image-Guided Personalized Therapies – Overseen by GE Healthcare, this project will integrate AI and personalized health data to develop new therapeutic technologies.

These projects are expected to have a far-reaching impact, not just in terms of healthcare outcomes but also in driving economic development. By fostering innovation and collaboration among various stakeholders, Wisconsin aims to set a new standard in biohealth technology.

Engaging the Biohealth Community

MadREP is committed to fostering a sense of community among economic developers and biohealth professionals. Are you an ED pro? Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events where you can learn more about the Tech Hub’s initiatives and how you can get involved. Sign up today to stay updated on all the latest news and opportunities.

Call to Congress

While today’s announcement is a significant achievement, the work is far from over. The Chamber and consortium members call on Congress to fully fund the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program to its authorized amount of $10 billion. This additional funding is crucial to maximizing the program’s potential and ensuring sustained innovation and economic growth.

Final Thoughts

The designation of Wisconsin as a U.S. Regional Tech Hub is a monumental step forward for the state’s biohealth sector. With $49 million in federal funding and the promise of creating thousands of jobs, the future looks incredibly bright for the Madison Region. This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment in driving economic growth and improving healthcare outcomes.

The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub is set to revolutionize the industry, and we invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Sign up today to get involved and make a lasting impact.

For further details, visit the Wisconsin Tech Hub website and stay connected with the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub community.

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