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MadREP Report: July 12, 2018
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Since the presentation of the overview findings in May, the final report has been released. As this was the third year using the same survey, we are now beginning to develop a baseline of results to better identify potential trends moving forward. |
MadREP's Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Survey: A Deeper Dive
In the 5/31/18 edition of eNews, we reported on the newly released overview of the findings for this year's Madison Region Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Survey.
As reported earlier, that survey was conducted in February and March when a random sample of 1,903 employers with 10 or more employees were asked to participate. Of that number, 367 companies and organizations completed the survey, for a confidence level of plus/minus 5%.
Comparative highlights from the 2016, 2017, and 2018 surveys:
- When reviewing the composition of boards of directors, top-level leadership, and other supervisory positions. the participation rates over the three years for non-Whites and women vary within a narrow range, As such, the data to date does not indicate definitively that participation by non-Whites and women in these positions is increasing or decreasing. Any such trends will be more identifiable with data from future surveys.
- The percentage of organizations with a separate written diversity statement has increased since 2016, from 14% that year to 22% in 2018, indicating progress.
- The percentage of organizations with staff dedicated to diversity and inclusion efforts has shown a modest increase from 10% in 2016 to 15% in 2018, indicating progress.
- Since 2016 there has been a statistically significant increase in the percentage of organizations that have workforce demographic goals, from 11% in 2016 to 17% in 2018, further indicating progress.
- The percentage of respondents who believe their turnover rate for non-white employees is equal to white employees has remained within a narrow range of 67%-71% between 2016 and 2018.
- The percentage of organizations with a diversity supplier program has changed little between 2016 and 2018, increasing from just 2% to 4%, but the trend is positive.
"A number of the metrics measured in the survey are moving in a positive direction over time, which is encouraging," said Gene Dalhoff, MadREP V.P. of Talent & Education. "However, there is much work for our region to do before we are seen as a model for diversity and inclusion in the workplace."
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Staff at Teel Plastics in Baraboo, Wisconsin
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Company Spotlight: Teel Appeal
The Madison Region's manufacturing sector includes a number of innovative companies utilizing advanced processes and materials.
In Baraboo, Teel Plastics engineers and manufactures plastic tubing that finds its way into products used in industries as diverse as aerospace, automotive, construction and medical.
Products made for the medical sector, for example, include catheter packaging, swab sticks, pipettes and tubing for IV sets.
A division of the company, Teel Analytical Laboratories, is involved in material science and polymer analysis.
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What's next for the MadREP and the Madison Region?
In 2013, the Madison Region's existing regional economic development organization underwent rebranding, becoming MadREP, the Madison Region Economic Partnership. Having seen notable implementation successes with the first strategy, MadREP is embarking on a second five-year plan,
Advance Now
2.0, to continue the Madison region's economic momentum. Market Street Services is currently executing the competitive assessment portion of the strategy. MadREP's partner for the remainder of the strategic planning initiative will be determined after its RFP and selection process are complete.
We believe that every person is an expert about the place in which they live. We want to hear your perspectives on what it's like to live and work in the Madison Region. MadREP has launched a survey that will be a major component informing the recommendations in Advance Now 2.0. It will take roughly 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Your responses are confidential.
Take the Survey
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MadREP in the News:
Madison MSA ranks first for industry diversity
The Madison Region/MSA ranked No. 1 for industry diversity in a study conducted by EMSI, an Idaho-based research firm.
Paul Jadin, president of the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP), commented on the Madison Region's top spot in a release: "The report validates the collaboration among our counties as the rural areas are clearly more dense in agriculture and manufacturing while Dane County excels in the new and emerging sectors. By itself, Dane County ranks 10th while, with the other three in the MSA, the Region becomes the most diverse economy in the country."
Healthcare:
Navitus builds new headquarters, keeps distance from big drug benefit managers
With a new headquarters going up at a prominent intersection on Madison's West Side, Navitus Health Solutions [owned by SSM Health] is gaining visibility at a time when some of its competitors are trying to avoid attention.
Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, have come under increased scrutiny as the country's prescription drug costs continue to rise. The companies, which act as brokers between drug makers, insurers, employers, patients and pharmacies, help determine which drugs people can take, where they can get them and how much they will pay.
Life Sciences:
Zurex Pharma moves toward filing for FDA approval of its surgical antiseptic
Zurex Pharma, a Middleton company with a new type of antiseptic for surgical wounds, is getting a boost from investors as it prepares to file for approval of its first product from federal regulators.
Zurex has added $9 million to its coffers, raising the total received so far to $28 million.
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Agriculture, Food & Beverage:
Wisconsin cheesemakers facing double whammy
Wisconsin cheesemakers are facing rising prices sparked by a budding trade war between the United States and its key trading partners around the world.
But some analysts believe the current price spikes are No. 2 on the long-term problem list for the state's cheese industry, behind product naming restrictions put in place in recent years by the European Union as part of its international trade policy.
Information Technology:
Mobile App Now Available for Cover Crop Field Guide
The Midwest Cover Crops Council has reformatted its popular field guide to create the Midwest Cover Crops Field Scout mobile app for cellphones and tablets. The app allows farmers, crop advisers and conservation professionals to access vital cover crop information from mobile devices.
"The app improves upon the printed pocket guide by providing useful links to more in-depth articles on many topics covered in the printed guide," said Anna Morrow, MCCC program manager. "The digital version of the guide also provides additional photos beyond what's found in the printed guide."
Advanced Manufacturing:
State producers battling through trade war
Wisconsin, with an economic backbone of manufacturing and agriculture, has become a heated battlefield in the trade war that was started by President Donald Trump earlier this year as part of his quest for more equitable agreements with the United States' primary trading partners.
Steel imports from China, Canada, Mexico and the countries of the European Union were slapped with a 25 percent tariff, and aluminum imports from those four entities were hit with a 10 percent tariff.
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WEDC's FY19 Global Business Development Grant application packet is now available
Wisconsin companies can apply for the International Market Access Grant (IMAG) to be reimbursed for specific expenses associated with executing their international export activities.
The project level funding is up to $10,000.
Companies that have graduated from the ExporTech™ program are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 for assistance in implementing their export strategy.
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Lift Wisconsin, Inc. was established by the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and a coalition of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) with a mission to invest in severely economically distressed areas of Wisconsin communities and to serve as a catalyst for economic development and job creation.
In order to compete for New Markets Tax Credits we are soliciting projects to include in our application with the U.S. Department of Treasury. This pipeline pre-application gives us the potential to compete for NMTC but does not ensure that Lift Wisconsin, Inc. will get an allocation of NMTC.
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Presenter Applications Due: 2018 AgTech Venture Day, July 15
The day-long event in Johnson Creek - roughly halfway between Madison and Milwaukee - will bring together companies in fields such as precision farming, food packaging, food safety, organics, resource conservation and other disruptive technologies for pitches to Midwest angel and venture capitalists.
The application deadline is July 15. All applicants will receive notification and feedback prior to August 20, 2018.
There is no charge to present at this event.
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Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program, August 29
The Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program grant competitions are now open.
Applications are now being accepted for the i6 Challenge and Seed Fund Support Grant Competition.
The submission deadline for applications will be Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
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2018 AgTech Venture Day, October 2
The day-long event in Johnson Creek - roughly halfway between Madison and Milwaukee - will bring together companies in fields such as precision farming, food packaging, food safety, organics, resource conservation and other disruptive technologies for pitches to Midwest angel and venture capitalists.
Hosted by Golden Angels Investors, the conference provides access to one of the Midwest's largest angel networks.
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M+DEV is a video game development conference for professional game developers and those seeking to become professional game developers.
This conference provides a gathering place for game developers in the state, the region and beyond to discuss and share the latest information on the science, art, mechanics and business of making games.
M+DEV is for anyone who is currently a professional video game developer or contractor, or who wishes to become one.
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