For 25 years, Madison Magazine has recognized extraordinary business leaders and their contributions to greater Madison’s economic vitality and nationally recognized livability. These four leaders have demonstrated their commitment to helping Madison grow and have the success stories to prove it. Join us for the 25th Anniversary Business Lunch on Friday, Feb. 27.

Renee Moe

President and CEO at United Way of Dane County

Boldness is necessary to achieve the “next thing,” says United Way president and CEO Renee Moe, who started at the nonprofit as an intern in 1998. “Especially in this day and age with so many changes, leaders are inventing the future every day,” she says. While her work involves daily problem-solving to help individuals and families move from crisis and poverty into self-sufficiency and well-being — whether they need access to housing, food, health care or employment — Moe always has a big-picture, future-focused outlook. United Way of Dane County works toward its goal of community wellbeing in strategic ways. “I get to be a part of the hard conversations that actually make lives better for people, and that is so inspiring and so motivating,” Moe says.

Her Advice: “By aligning your values and being courageous with what needs to get done, that’s when you see things really swing forward.”

Madison College opened its new Early Learning Campus at its Goodman South Campus to provide childcare and train the next generation of early childhood educators.

On Jan. 15, Madison College unveiled its new Early Learning Campus in the old fire station next to its Goodman South Campus. The new building, coupled with its early childhood education program, will allow for much-needed childcare for its students while they pursue their studies. The Early Learning Campus is planned to officially open on Jan. 20, serving up to 85 children Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

“This new facility couldn’t come at a more important time for many families,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “It costs more to put two young kids in child care than it does to pay for the average rent and mortgage. And even if folks can find and afford child care, families may be waitlisted for months due to space and lack of child care options.”

The opening of the new childcare center comes at a perfect time, Gov. Evers said. He noted the increased costs many face due to federal funding cuts in health care that already leave many in dire financial straits.

“That is no joke, folks. Our workforce [and] our economy cannot afford more parents leaving their jobs because they can’t find care,” Gov. Evers said. “The Early Learning Campus is filling a critical childcare gap here in Madison and connecting the dots for families that have local and high-quality care they deserve.”

In Business Madison celebrated standout organizations and top executives in Wisconsin’s Capital Region during IB’s third annual Business of the Year Awards program, held amid a festive holiday atmosphere on Dec. 11 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison.

The event attracted a sold out crowd of 350 people, including business and nonprofit leaders and community members.

Nominations for the awards were submitted to In Business Madison, which chose finalists in each category. Organizations nominated were headquartered in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock or Sauk counties.

A panel of three outside judges evaluated each of the finalists, then met virtually to compare scores and determine category winners. Each finalist was rated based on qualities including experience, service/product, accomplishments and charitable initiatives.

The six award categories included Executive of the Year; Small Business of the Year (1-50 employees); Medium Business of the Year (51-100 employees); Large Business of the Year (101+ employees); Family Business of the Year and Nonprofit Charitable Organization of the Year.