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Chamber delight: An Epic impact on Madison
The influence of the medical records giant spreads far beyond its Verona headquarters
This is a story about the local impact of the company that is the world leader in the health care software market. But for once with Epic Systems, let’s not begin with electronic medical records.
Instead, let’s start with boomerangs and acorns.
Once upon a time—say, roughly prior to the past decade—Madison was what is sometimes called a “boomerang” city. Young people came to the University of Wisconsin–Madison to be educated, but then left to start careers and build their business chops. Once they reached their mid-thirties, some might return to Madison—boomerang—seeing it as a nice place to raise a family.
The business model of Epic Systems, started in Madison by entrepreneur Judy Faulkner in 1979, has rendered the boomerang label obsolete. Epic’s aggressive, constant recruitment of recent college graduates has brought an influx of Millennials (roughly speaking, those born after 1980) to greater Madison, and their influence is nearly impossible to overestimate.
Epic declined to comment for this story, but its impact has been well documented.
A Boston Globe story this past July—one testament to Epic’s importance is the stream of out-of-town journalists arriving to write about the company—put the number of Epic employees at 8,500 (with $1.7 billion in annual revenue), many of them working at the company’s headquarters in Verona, a compound the Globe called “whimsical” because of its various Disney touches.
A Boston Globe story this past July—one testament to Epic’s importance is the stream of out-of-town journalists arriving to write about the company—put the number of Epic employees at 8,500 (with $1.7 billion in annual revenue), many of them working at the company’s headquarters in Verona, a compound the Globe called “whimsical” because of its various Disney touches.
A source close to the company told Spectrum in August that the actual number is now closer to 9,400. The exact number at any given moment hardly matters. An Isthmus cover story in 2014 quoted a Madison city official suggesting Epic could have 10,000 employees by 2018—many of them in the once-scarce twenty-three to thirty-five age group of young professionals. That number might turn out to be low. Ever since 2009, when President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package included subsidies for digitizing medical records, Epic’s hiring has been accelerating.
Perhaps because the Epic business model demands a great deal of its employees—long hours, frequent travel, large responsibility—some of those employees leave the company within a few years, while often remaining in the Madison area.
Which brings us to the acorns.
Which brings us to the acorns.
“It’s an acorn story,” says Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce president Zach Brandon. He sees the Epic alumni taking their energy and ideas to other companies in the tech arena, and in some cases, launching startups of their own.
“Digital acorns are falling from this tree and they’re taking root,” Brandon says. “It’s not to say Epic did it all alone—it’s fertile soil. But their people are able to stay here, working for other companies and starting their own.” Read more: Channel 3000
Chamber news: Paducah to see nearly $200 million from spending bill for diffusion site clean-up
On Friday, Congress passed a $1.1 trillion spending bill that will fund the government through September 2016.
Almost $200 million of that budget is coming right here to Paducah. It’s for the Department of Energy to continue to clean-up the gaseous diffusion site. The President’s original budget allocated $168 million for the clean-up next year. It was a combined effort of city, state, and national leadership that brought that number to $199.9 million.
Almost $200 million of that budget is coming right here to Paducah. It’s for the Department of Energy to continue to clean-up the gaseous diffusion site. The President’s original budget allocated $168 million for the clean-up next year. It was a combined effort of city, state, and national leadership that brought that number to $199.9 million.
Sandra Wilson, Paducah’s Chamber of Commerce president, says a face-to-face meeting at the nation’s capital in September, paid off today. “They know how important it is to our area from an environmental standpoint also an employment standpoint, to keep those employees working,” Wilson said.
Without the $30 million dollar increase for next year, Wilson said the gaseous diffusion clean-up site would probably have fewer projects and less employees. “It is critical for our community. I mean, its 1,600 employees that are working out there.”
Wilson says she, along with other local leadership, will continue to communicate Paducah’s needs to D.C. Wilson wants Paducah to get it’s “fair share of what needs to be spent in this community.” Read more: WPSD TV 6
Elkhart leaders applaud Regional Cities funding announcement during gathering at Lerner Theatre
When the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative Strategic Review Committee finalized its recommendation to fund three regional development plans instead of two — including the north-central region that includes Elkhart — at $42 million each, the crowd in the Crystal Ballroom at the Lerner Theatre broke out in applause.
But there also was apprehension.
Community leaders were curious how big of a hurdle the legislative approval required to appropriate an additional $42 million — originally, only $84 million was budgeted to be shared between two regions — would be.
But the 50 people gathered in the Crystal Ballroom Tuesday afternoon to watch the funding announcements from Indianapolis via a Periscope stream did not let the uncertainty overshadow their celebration.
Related Stories
- Elkhart-South Bend area's Regional Cities proposal to receive $42 million in state funds Dec. 15, 2015 at 1:35 p.m.
- Regional Cities Initiative proposal includes $17 million for Goshen projects Nov. 23, 2015 at 4:15 a.m.
- Elkhart-South Bend area plan one of three 'leading contenders' for a piece of $84 million in state development money Nov. 10, 2015 at 4:00 a.m.
“It is one of the most exciting things to happen in north-central Indiana ever, probably,” said Diana Lawson, executive director of the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
She said she considers the state funding a “40 percent off sale” for developers, as private investors will only need to raise 60 percent of a project cost, with 20 percent to come from local public coffers and the other 20 percent to come from the Regional Cities funding.
“I think we’ll immediately hear a lot of good ideas and the energy will start right away,” Lawson said. “Within the next five years, we’re going to see a lot of changes here in the Elkhart area.”
Kyle Hannon, president and CEO of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, said the announcement is “unquestionably very good news” for the region.
“This will help Elkhart, as well as the rest of the region, really attract the talent, the new jobs and the livability we’ve been looking for for a really long time,” he said.
The money also will help the region fill jobs already available, said Mark Dobson, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County. Read more: Elkhart Truth
The local economy continues to strengthen and grow, and this message was reiterated by multiple speakers as they addressed a sold-out crowd of more than 400 business leaders at the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Business Awards Dinner on Dec. 3.
Chamber board Chair Robert Parks shared this message in conjunction with the 2015 Annual Report and improved position of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce with regard to programming and support of the business community. Other speakers during the event included Mike Barber, mayor of Christiansburg; Ron Rordam, mayor of Blacksburg; Bill Brown, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors; and Timothy Sands, president of Virginia Tech.
This year proved to be the strongest in recent history for the Montgomery County Chamber, with new members totaling more than 118, increased educational programming and movement into providing legislative and local ordinance awareness to members, plus support to local educators, two local scholarships to Virginia Tech and New River Community College.
Parks turned the program over to master of ceremonies Steve Matuszak, who focused on the awards portion of the program, given to individuals and businesses that are making a difference in the community with the objective of creating shared value and building a stronger region.
The chamber also chose to add two awards in 2015 in light of recent news in our area, both of which were bestowed upon individuals from Virginia Tech. Lawrence “Larry” Hincker was recognized for Community Impact. Hincker, who recently retired from Virginia Tech as associate vice president of university relations, had served as a camber board member pre-merger and immediately following the merger in 2002. He was also the face of the community during the events of April 16, 2007. Frank Beamer, head coach of the Virginia Tech football program, was recognized for Regional Impact on our community, neighboring communities, the region and state. Beamer’s contribution in building a longstanding winning football program contributed greatly to the growth of the business community. He was recognized with a standing ovation and a proclamation in his honor. Read more: Roanoke Times
Cynthia Sutton (left) and Margaret Miller work on preparations for the Peter Anderson Festival in this 2012 file photo. Come Jan. 1, Sutton will succeed Miller as the executive director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Inaugural Keweenaw Business Ball is a success
On Wednesday, December 9, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, Keweenaw Young Professionals (KYP), Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce came together at the Continental Fire Company to host the Keweenaw Business Ball, a collaborative holiday celebration. The reason for this seasonal gathering was more than just good cheer, dressing up and networking, but to raise funds to help feed our hungry neighbors
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles and Custom Maps
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your publication proposal, Click here
Montgomery Chamber's annual meeting recognizes stronger economy, businesses
The local economy continues to strengthen and grow, and this message was reiterated by multiple speakers as they addressed a sold-out crowd of more than 400 business leaders at the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Business Awards Dinner on Dec. 3.
Chamber board Chair Robert Parks shared this message in conjunction with the 2015 Annual Report and improved position of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce with regard to programming and support of the business community. Other speakers during the event included Mike Barber, mayor of Christiansburg; Ron Rordam, mayor of Blacksburg; Bill Brown, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors; and Timothy Sands, president of Virginia Tech.
This year proved to be the strongest in recent history for the Montgomery County Chamber, with new members totaling more than 118, increased educational programming and movement into providing legislative and local ordinance awareness to members, plus support to local educators, two local scholarships to Virginia Tech and New River Community College.
Parks turned the program over to master of ceremonies Steve Matuszak, who focused on the awards portion of the program, given to individuals and businesses that are making a difference in the community with the objective of creating shared value and building a stronger region.
The chamber also chose to add two awards in 2015 in light of recent news in our area, both of which were bestowed upon individuals from Virginia Tech. Lawrence “Larry” Hincker was recognized for Community Impact. Hincker, who recently retired from Virginia Tech as associate vice president of university relations, had served as a camber board member pre-merger and immediately following the merger in 2002. He was also the face of the community during the events of April 16, 2007. Frank Beamer, head coach of the Virginia Tech football program, was recognized for Regional Impact on our community, neighboring communities, the region and state. Beamer’s contribution in building a longstanding winning football program contributed greatly to the growth of the business community. He was recognized with a standing ovation and a proclamation in his honor. Read more: Roanoke Times
Chamber, Decatur business groups: Think small during holidays
As holiday shopping season continues, business and community groups are encouraging consumers to patronize small businesses.
“(Small businesses) make up the heartbeat of our community,” said Mirinda Rothrock, president of the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce. “They are the businesses that invest in their neighborhoods … they play a major role in our overall quality of life.”
Bennie Strumpher, owner of Decatur Coin and Jewelry, said he has seen an increase in the number of shoppers in downtown Decatur, a change he attributes in part to improvements in parking.
“We have had a lot of people in and out of this shop, and this parking situation that they’ve created has been really helpful, because people can park close and walk right in,” Strumpher said. Source: WAND TV 17
Longtime assistant Cynthia Sutton tabbed to replace Margaret Miller as Ocean Springs chamber director
Cynthia Sutton is a petite woman -- but now one with big shoes to fill.
Sutton has been named to succeed Margaret Miller as the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director when Miller retires at the end of the month after 28 years at the helm of the chamber.
The chamber board of directors made its decision during its monthly meeting early in December. Sutton, in her current capacity as the chamber's Events Coordinator -- in essence, Miller's assistant director, was taking minutes during the meeting, as usual, when the appointment was made.
"I was just sitting there, taking minutes, doing my job," Sutton said. "I had a feeling -- I had hoped it would go in that direction. I know Margaret's going to leave behind some big shoes to fill, a huge task to live up to."
Sutton, a native of Ocean Springs, has served as Miller's right (and sometimes left) hand for the past nine years. As such, she has been instrumental in helping Miller organize and stage the Peter Anderson Festival, which annually draws upwards of 150,000 people to downtown Ocean Springs, and overseeing Ocean Springs' award-winning Main Street association, along with a variety of other events and tasks.
Messages left for chamber board president Chad Wade were not returned.
Sutton graduated from Ocean Springs High School in 1996. She went on to earn an associate's degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, a bachelor's in speech communication from William Carey University and a master's in public relations from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Cynthia Sutton (left) and Margaret Miller work on preparations for the Peter Anderson Festival in this 2012 file photo. Come Jan. 1, Sutton will succeed Miller as the executive director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce.
She is also a graduate of Leadership Jackson County and the Southeast Tourism Society's Marketing College. In 2010, she was named one of the Top 50 Leading Business Women in Mi
Inaugural Keweenaw Business Ball is a success
On Wednesday, December 9, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, Keweenaw Young Professionals (KYP), Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce came together at the Continental Fire Company to host the Keweenaw Business Ball, a collaborative holiday celebration. The reason for this seasonal gathering was more than just good cheer, dressing up and networking, but to raise funds to help feed our hungry neighbors
and provide local scholarships.
Brian Donnelly, a chairperson of the committee explained, “We wanted to bring together our local business and community by hosting an event where they can relax, network and still help out two great causes; a local food pantry and the high school skilled trades scholarship program.”
The entrance donations of $1,500 will be donated to the Community Action Agency (Western UP Food Bank) during a check presentation on Tuesday, December 15, at 11 a.m. These generous donations will allow the food pantry to purchase around 18,750 pounds of food for distribution locally.
“When our organizations work together, we see so much more success. Our counties were created with collaboration and looking out for our neighbors; so it was a perfect fit to benefit a community action group that works to improve lives and reduce poverty in our area,” explains Amanda McConnon, President of Keweenaw Young Professionals. Read more: UPmatters.com
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles and Custom Maps
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your publication proposal, Click here
