SMBA July 2014 Lunch Meeting

While summer meetings are typically smaller groups, this month's speaker drew lots of members and guests!  Everyone was happy to leave the beautiful weather to see what Dr. Jack Daniels of Madison College had to say about the future plans of the technical college, and how it impacted Madison and our surrounding area.  It was interesting to hear about the challenges they face, what employers can expect from their graduates, and how we as a community can support our local colleges.

SMBA also welcomed Jim Sauter of NovaONE Networks as our featured member speaker.  The group enjoyed hearing about their services and offerings, and how they stand out from other communication providers.

We also wanted to give a shout out to Badger Bowl for being such great hosts!  The food and the service exceed our expectations, and we are happy to hold our monthly meetings at such a great spot!

Dr. Jack Daniels of Madison College, SMBA's July Featured Speaker

Jim Sauter of NovaONE Networks, featured SMBA member

SMBA June 2014 Annual Meeting

SMBA held our annual members-only Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 19.  Along with elections of our Board of Directors, we also thanked Rob Waterman and Jim Mankowski for their many years of service on the Board, and wished them well as they retired from our leadership team.

Our members also heard from each of our committees, including the Finance Committee, the Membership Committee, and the Expo Committee.  Susan Thomson, President of SMBA, announced that we are also adding a Programming Committee and Networking Committee.  SMBA is always looking for volunteers, so please let our Administrator, Jodi, or any Board member know if you would like to get more involved.

SMBA 2014 Annual Meeting

Susan Thomson, SMBA President

Mike Flynn of the SMBA Finance Committee

Gail Johnson, former Chair of the SMBA Expo Committee

SMBA May 2014 Meeting

It was a pleasure to have Dan Kennelly of the City of Madison as our featured presenter at SMBA's May meeting!  Dan briefly touched on the Public Market and where that project stands, and also informed the group of the City of Madison's Economic Development Strategy.  It was a very interesting topic, and we hope to have Dan back periodically with more updates on the City of Madison.

Our featured member of the month was Tom Johnson of Kavanaugh Restaurant Supply.  Thanks for sharing more about your business and services!

SMBA May 2014 Member Meeting at Badger Bowl

Dan Kennelly, City of Madison

SMBA April 2014 Meeting

April's lunch meeting was very well attended, and we had some great speakers!  Sandy Riley of Upper Iowa University was our featured member speaker, and Frank Staniszewski of Madison Development Corporation, a local non-profit, was our featured presenter.  He spoke to the group about redevelopment plans in South Madison and how they are serving the community by demolishing old, run-down homes and putting up new, energy efficient income-based housing.

Sandy Riley of Upper Iowa University, Featured Member

Networking at the SMBA April 2014 Meeting

Frank Staniszewski of Madison Development Corp and Susan Thomson, SMBA President

Great turnout at the SMBA lunch meeting!

SMBA March 2014 Meeting

We had another great lunch meeting for SMBA!  Networking, referrals, and informative presentations were all benefits of our monthly program.  Want to check our group out?  First time guests are free!  Simply register on our website at smba-madison.org.

Peter Cherchian of Coakley Brothers was our featured member, and we were happy to have Badger Honor Flight come and talk about their amazing organization!  Tears were shed, and we were proud to make a donation to support their cause.

Peter Cherchian of Coakley Brothers, Featured Member

Networking at the SMBA March 2014 meeting

Donation from SMBA to Badger Honor Flight

SMBA February 2014 Meeting

As always, the South Metro Business Association (SMBA) converged on Badger Bowl for our February 2014 member meeting. Dan Piazza, owner of the Daniel Piazza Agency, was the member speaker and Paul Jadin from the MadREP was the guest speaker. About sixty members from a wide range of Madison area businesses turned out for the lunch, along with several guests.

Paul Jadin, Sue Thomson, and Dan Piazza at the SMBA February 2014 meeting

Paul Jadin, Sue Thomson, and a guest from Jobmob at the SMBA February 2014 meeting

A guest from JobMob explained what JobMob does for local job seekers. SMBA donated $200 to JobMob . ShredIt, a local Madison company and member of SMBA also donated $100 to JobMob.

Lorelle Micklitz of ShredIt presenting donations from SMBA and ShredIt to JobMob.