MadREP’s multi-pronged international program focuses on export and import facilitation, promoting foreign direct investment, and connecting the Madison Region’s industry clusters and start-up ecosystem with like organizations and consortia in other parts of the world.
In 2015, MadREP hosted 50 private-sector and academic leaders from 27 countries in the Americas as part of the third America’s Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACE), an initiative of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Organization of American States. This and future ACE events provided MadREP and its Advance Now Strategy significant exposure to the U.S. government and several Latin American governments, centers, and organizations. Ultimately, MadREP was identified as a national best practice for mid-sized regions, and the U.S. Embassy in Argentina invited MadREP to help guide the Argentinian region of Cordoba in the development of an economic development program.
Last month, SVP of Economic Development Michael Gay — who is fluent in Spanish — spent a week in Argentina sharing MadREP’s operational programming with chambers, economic development organizations, business leaders, innovators, and academics in the Cordoba region. Additionally, one-on-one meetings were held with targeted businesses to create linkages with Madison Region industries and companies.
Building on new insights and networks formed during this mission, MadREP plans to connect innovators from Cordoba with markets in the Madison Region as well as introduce businesses in the eight-county region to opportunities and partnerships in Argentina — especially in our shared industries of strength: Agriculture, Food & Beverage Manufacturing, Information Communications Technology, and Medical Devices.
For more information on MadREP’s international activities, contact Michael Gay at 608.571.0402
