Press Releases
Welcome to the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Member Press Releases page! Here, we proudly showcase the latest news, achievements, and announcements from our valued member businesses and organizations. Whether you're launching a new product, expanding your team, celebrating a milestone, or hosting an event, this is the place to share your story with the broader community.
This page is designed to highlight the innovation, growth, and community spirit that make the Madison area thrive. We encourage our members to submit their press releases to keep fellow members, residents, and local media informed and engaged.
Stay connected, stay informed—and celebrate local success!
A New Chapter for Early Learning in Jefferson County
Madison, Indiana (September 9, 2025) - Bethany Legacy Foundation is proud to award $3 million to Madison Consolidated Schools for the new Madison Early Learning Center. A project that will expand access to safe, high-quality childcare for families across Jefferson County.
Right now, our county is a childcare desert. Many parents struggle to find reliable options, which impacts families, employers, and the strength of our local workforce. The Early Learning Center will help change that reality by growing from a 4-room pilot program to a 23 classroom facility that can serve up to 366 children and their families.
To encourage community support, we are also committing a $1 million match. Every dollar contributed by local businesses, organizations, and residents will be matched up to $1 million, doubling impact and ensuring the long-term success of this project.
“Quality childcare is a family and community issue,” said Dora Anim, President and CEO of Bethany Legacy Foundation. “This investment is about supporting working parents, strengthening our local workforce, and making Jefferson County a place where families and talent want to put down roots.”
Visit Madison Welcomes Second Trolley to Enhance Transportation and Tourism
Madison, Indiana (September 4, 2025) – Visit Madison is proud to announce the arrival of its second trolley, expanding transportation options for both residents and visitors. On Tuesday, August 19, Madison welcomed its new Villager model trolley, manufactured by Hometown Trolley in Crandon, Wisconsin. The delivery was made possible with the support of Mason & Mefford Inc., the local trucking company that also transported Madison’s first trolley last fall. The purchase of both trolleys was funded through generous grants from the Jefferson County Board of Tourism, T-Mobile, as well as Hanover College and the Jefferson Together Lilly Endowment. The new trolley began regular service for public guided tours on September 1.
Visit Madison proudly shares the City’s goal of better connecting Hanover College & community with both the hilltop and the downtown district. With the arrival of the newest Madison trolley, as well as the Madison-Hanover Connector Trail, this dream is one step closer to reality.
Read Full Press Release Here
54th Annual Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art, held September 27-28, 2025.
Madison, Indiana (September 3, 2025)– This fall, Madison’s scenic riverfront and historic downtown will once again be transformed into a vibrant, open-air gallery for the 54th Annual Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art, held September 27-28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
Recently named “Best Small Town in the Midwest” by USA Today’s 10Best, two years in a row, Madison continues to capture national attention for its welcoming charm, walkable historic district, and dynamic cultural offerings. The Chautauqua Festival of Art is a shining example of what makes this riverside community such a special destination.
Recognized as Southern Indiana’s premier juried outdoor arts and crafts festival, the Madison Chautauqua features over 200 talented artists from across the country showcasing and selling their original, handcrafted work. Attendees will discover everything from fine art and photography to handcrafted woodwork, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry; each piece juried and selected for quality and originality.
Ivy Tech Madison Announces Partnership with Bethany Legacy Foundation and FSH Works to Expand Jefferson County Support Services
MADISON, Ind. (August 25, 2025) – Ivy Tech Community College Madison is pleased to announce a collaborative partnership with Bethany Legacy Foundation and FSH Works, based in Louisville, Kentucky, to expand student support services and address affordable housing needs in Jefferson County. The initiative is designed to improve student retention and success by providing critical services for students with families.
As an initial step, the partnership will bring a Regional Coordinator to the Ivy Tech Madison campus beginning this fall. This position, jointly funded by FSH Works and Bethany Legacy Foundation, will serve as a key connector for students navigating housing insecurity, childcare needs, transportation barriers, and other challenges that may impact academic success. The Regional Coordinator will lead efforts to gather data, identify evolving student needs, and support retention strategies.
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IU Southeast MBA Makes The Princeton Review’s List for Best On-Campus Programs for 19th Year
NEW ALBANY, Ind. (July 24, 2025) – The Princeton Review ® —known for its education services and annual school rankings in dozens of categories—this week posted its Best Business Schools for 2025. Indiana University Southeast made the list locally for Best On-Campus MBA Programs. This is the 19th consecutive year that the MBA
program has made the prestigious list.
“This honor is a testament to the exceptional dedication and hard work of our faculty and
staff, whose commitment to excellence made this possible,” said Dr. David Eplion, Dean of the IU Southeast School of Business.
“Their efforts enable us to provide a transformative educational experience for our students and meet the needs of our business community.”
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LEADERSHIP JEFFERSON COUNTY ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR 2026 CLASS
Applications Are Due October 31, 2025
MADISON, IN. (July 24th, 2025) - Leadership Jefferson County, a program at the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County, is now accepting applications for the 2026 course.
The course consists of 11 sessions that will help participants have a better understanding of resources and relationships in the community. Throughout the course, community members and topic experts will speak and share their insights on the following subjects: Agriculture & Natural Resources, Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Health, Education, Government Agencies & Organizations, History,
Industry & Economic Development, Nonprofits & Volunteerism, Social Services, and Tourism.
Participants will begin the course with the Introduction & Orientation session on January 13, 2026, from 8am to 4pm at Ivy Tech Community College-Madison. All remaining sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 8am to 1pm, with lunch provided, and meeting locations will vary. Leadership Jefferson County is an action project that evolved from Envision Jefferson County.
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