We’re diving into the 608’s largest industries + looking at who’s hiring. | Photo by @bestcoastmichelle
More than 500,000 people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Madison metro area’s economy. But have you ever wondered about the 608’s heaviest hitters?
Consider this Madison Business 101 — your guide to our region’s key industries and major employers.
Note: Wisconsin’s Madison region refers to Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk counties.
🔑 Key industries
Five key industries represent the region’s economy.We’ve listed them in order of employment numbers based on data from the Madison Region Economic Partnership.
Advanced Manufacturing| 71,508 manufacturing employees We’re great at making things, blending traditional manufacturing with high-tech innovations from local universities.
Major employers include Trek Bicycles, John Deere, and Sub-Zero Wolf.
Healthcare| 68,755 employees Healthcare jobs make up 12% of regional employment. Advanced technology and training ensure quality services and attract and retain workers. As the population ages, Madison is ready to meet growing healthcare needs.
Major employers include UW Health, SSM Health, and American Family Children’s Hospital.
Agriculture, Food, and Beverage| 61,096 employees We’re not just farming — our infrastructure supports food production, processing, and distribution. Local entrepreneurs thrive in food incubators, while established companies benefit from our strong industry.
Major employers include Hormel Foods, Del Monte, and Frito-Lay.
Information Communications Technology | 37,081 employees Forbes recognized Madison as a hub for information jobs. A hot spot for career growth and entrepreneurship, start-ups thrive in our supportive community, drawing talent with our high quality of life.
Major employers include Epic Systems, Nordic Consulting, and Filament Games.
Bioscience| 11,281 employees Madison is an innovation hub known for groundbreaking discoveries like vitamins and stem cells. UW-Madison’s research prowess attracts over $1 billion in funding, driving major life science companies to the area.
Major employers include Promega, Labcorp Drug Development, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Bob Marley Birthday Celebration Food Drive | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 7:30-11:59 p.m. | Crystal Corner Bar, 1302 Williamson St., Madison | $5-$10 | Celebrate Bob Marley while supporting community organizations.
Friday, Feb. 9
International Winter Bike Day | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7-9 a.m. | Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison | Free | Enjoy free coffee and donuts at the Cap City Trail’s commuter station.
Drake Night | Friday, Feb. 9 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Majestic Madison, 115 King St., Madison | $15-$35 | DJay Mando will be spinning your favorite Champagne Papi hits.
Saturday, Feb. 10
Family Fun | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 1-4 p.m. | Alumni Park, 650 N. Lake St., Madison | Free | Join Badgers of all ages for an afternoon of family-friendly, winter-themed activities.
Euchre Tournament Fundraiser | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 6:30-10 p.m. | VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison | $20 | You ready for some euchre to support local youth?
Winter Festival of Poetry | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 2 p.m. | Arts + Literature Laboratory, 111. S. Livingston St., Madison | Free | What rhymes with “you should attend this reading”?
The Madison Plan Commission just paved the way for a Veridian Homes development on the West side. It would deliver a mix of 600 homes and apartments to a stretch of farmland. The “Midpoint Meadows” development site largely sits on Mid Town Road near Elver Park. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Civic
The city has announced a new program aiming to help rental housing owners pay for repairs and improvements at their properties. The Rental Rehab Program gives funding to owners to prevent property deterioration, reduce safety risks, and extend buildings’ lives. During the first year, the city is waiving application fees. (Channel 3000)
Festival
Organizers of the Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival announced that due to warmer temperatures, the iconic Lady Liberty inflatable will move to Library Mall from Lake Mendota. The festival, running Feb. 7-10, will proceed with some modifications or cancellations of ice events. (NBC 15)
Biz
Thinking about opening your own business? Madison Workers Cooperative, a membership organization of local worker-owned cooperatives and their supporters, is now offering a four-week class through Madison College to teach locals about cooperative businesses and how to start one. Classes start Tuesday, Feb. 20. (Cap Times)
Outdoors
The Wisconsin DNR is giving you s’more reasons to be outdoors. The DNR is looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts at various parks throughout the state. Hosts would stay at a campsite while volunteering for a few hours every day. They would greet campers, answer questions, and help with daily operations. (Channel 3000)
Holiday
Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Juneteenth are now official Dane County holidays. Juneteenth was first recognized as a paid holiday in 2020. Both days are now codified as holidays in county statutes. (Channel 3000)
Open
Amanda Chen, owner of both Takumi and Fugu, has a new restaurant. Niji Asian Cuisine, located in one of the outbuildings at East Towne Mall, has a plethora of dining options, including sushi, ramen, hibachi, and more. (Cap Times)
History
A statue of Vel Phillips in the Capitol is becoming closer to a reality. Phillips, who died in 2018, was the first African American woman to graduate from UW-Madison Law School and served as Wisconsin’s Secretary of State (1979-1983). Around $50,000 is still needed. (Yahoo News)
Finance
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Six & Main’s snacks, cards, and home goods might just be our love language. | Graphic by 6AM City
Consider this your official reminder that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. We’re making it easy for you to find the sweetest, most unique gifts for friends, family, and significant others. Bonus: These gifts ship right to your door. Scroll and shop your favorites.
I have two of the LEGO bouquets, as well as a variety of real and fake houseplants. I much prefer cute planters to live plants, and could spend all day wandering around World Market’s plant accessories section.
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