Since 2013, CONNECT Madison has been thrilled to host Greater Madison’s premiere event for emerging leaders and those who support their growth and development at the Overture Center for the Arts. This event is designed to connect business and community leaders with up and coming emerging local talent. 

 Bring a friend and join CONNECT Madison at our biggest event of the year!

Our 2016 Annual CONNECTtion Event features keynote speaker

Paul Grangaard

President and CEO of Allen Edmonds Corporation

Paul came to Allen Edmonds in 2008 and has led a major turnaround at the company - decline that was present upon arrival. This success was driven by Paul’s reconstituted leadership team of experienced executives who implemented new strategies in product offerings, focused growth in Allen Edmonds store locations and e-commerce capabilities, brand development, marketing, PR and quality assurance.

At this event you will learn leadership skills and marketing strategies from Allen Edmonds' great American comeback story and apply them to your workplace.  

Read more about Paul's story HERE.

Our featured community organization is

United Way

About CONNECT Madison

CONNECT Madison is an exclusive young professionals group in that hosts meetings on a monthly basis at a variety of unique locations around the Madison area. Our goal is to enrich the Greater Madison community by offering professional development, community engagement and relationship building opportunities to local young leaders. By creating a gathering place for these young professionals, we will make Madison a more attractive place to live, work and play.

OUR CORE GOALS:
NETWORKING
In addition to networking opportunities at each monthly meeting, we host a variety of social events to help develop and strengthen personal and professional relationships between members as well as business and community leaders.

Past examples include:
• YP Week Events - Connect Socially, Eat Locally
• Betty Lou Cruises
• Wine Tasting for a Cause
• Madison Mallards games

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
We feel community engagement is an incredibly important aspect of being a strong leader. At each monthly meeting we highlight a learn about their mission and how we can get involved. Since inception in 2013- CONNECT Madison has provided volunteers and donations to over 30 local charities. We organize several opportunities each year to give back by being a part of a CONNECT Madison volunteer team.

Past examples include:
• Toys for Tots
• Second Harvest Foodbank
• The Canopy Center
• Books for the World with MadCity Rotary

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Each month, we present an opportunity to hear from dynamic and impactful local business leaders on topics that will help our members enhance their careers. Each month, our members leave with a takeaway that they can implement in their day-to-day careers.

Past examples include:
• Mark Tauscher - Former Green Bay Packer and part owner of Isthmus Newspaper
• Leanne Cordisco - Owner of Christine’s Gourmet Toffee and Chocolaterian Cafe
• Wayne Breitbarth - CEO of Power Formula LLC, and author of “The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success”
• Ed Chamberlain - President of Madison Capitols

We would like to thank the following organizations who are sponsoring this event.  Their support for recruiting, engaging and retaining emerging talent in the Madison Area is greatly appreciated!