MadREP Report | November 24, 2020
We at MadREP, like many of you, are preparing for a Thanksgiving holiday that looks and feels different than in previous years. To accelerate our progress towards economic recovery, we're limiting our (normally much larger) gatherings and abiding by all State and local regulations to try and flatten this curve.

Our Region's assets position us to recover from this crisis with greater ease than our peers, but economic recovery cannot begin until the virus is under control. Please take care of yourselves. Practice social distancing. Wear a mask.

For the latest reopening and recovery resources, be sure to check the MadREP website often.
RESCHEDULED: Conclusions from Conversations about Economic Inclusion from the Midwest
MadREP, along with our partners at the Urban League of Greater Madison, are pleased to announce we have scheduled a special Zoom session with Susan Longworth (Fed. Reserve Bank Chicago) for her presentation, Conclusions from Conversations about Economic Inclusion from the Midwest. Mark your calendars for Monday, November 30 at 1:00 PM and register here!

Prior to COVID-19, the Midwest experienced a decade of growth that benefited some populations and places more than others. In her recently co-authored publication “Conclusions from conversations about economic inclusion from the Midwest,” Susan Longworth summarizes findings from focus groups with 175 participants in 13 medium-sized Midwestern cities experiencing varying rates of unemployment, family poverty and labor force participation. Many of the locations represent older industrial cities with limited public and philanthropic resources, challenging demographic trends and a loss of manufacturing employment opportunities.

As the effects of the pandemic continue to impact lives throughout the region, it is useful to understand the relevance of COVID-19 to preexisting barriers and divisions; hear residents’ suggestions on what leaders can do to create sustained economic resilience; and consider implications for inclusive policy and practice.

Susan Longworth is a senior business economist in the community development and policy studies division at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Prior to joining the Fed in 2011, she had over 20 years of community development experience, with a special emphasis on community development financial institutions and community banks. She holds an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Michigan, a master’s in public service management from DePaul University and an international MBA from the University of Chicago.

Thank you again to those of you who joined the recent Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit! Hundreds of you contributed your time, financial support and insights via our discussion channel and it means the world to us. 
Four Things You Need to Know This Week
Madison selected as best place to retire by Money.com

MADISON, Wis. - Money.com announced its 10 best places to retire and selected Madison as No. 1. Money looked at 47,500 data points to determine the list. They also looked at housing, climate, diversity and safety.

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www.channel3000.com
Icons in Business | Sarah Rasmusen, Lands’ End

Today, Sarah Rasmusen is responsible for leading customer experiences. At the upcoming Icons in Business event on Dec. 10, she will share insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Lands’ End.

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www.ibmadison.com
Hospitals Make Desperate Plea To Avoid Gatherings

Hospitals caring for COVID-19 patients are making a public, last ditch plea to Wisconsin residents to heed public health recommendations at a time when the virus is spreading across the state so quickly health systems are struggling to keep up.

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www.wpr.org
UPFRONT recap: State leaders to look for common ground.

"Obviously, the citizens of Wisconsin have been speaking up, saying 'Hey, we really want you guys to get together and get something done,'" incoming WI Senate President Chris Kapenga said in an interview aired Sunday on "UPFRONT."

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www.wisn.com
Reopening & Recovery Resources
WEDC Reopening Guidelines

The future will require the gradual adoption of new business practices that reflect the evolving reality of the COVID-19...

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wedc.org
Return to Work

Businesses must show they are prepared to keep employees, customers and other guests safe.

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www.youtube.com
Greater Madison Chamber Slido

Join the Conversation! Please ask questions related to COVID-19 and business here.

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app.sli.do
MadREP Partner Spotlight
Support from partners like these make our work possible. Want to get involved? Email jmoore@madisonregion.org