Non-profit, municipal and business groups offer ‘information central’ at the festival
MADISON – Located on Front Street, the MidTown Madison and NonProfits Area will assemble City of Madison departments alongside many outstanding nonprofit organizations that serve residents year-round.
Also in this vicinity, the Business Showcase Area features local and regional companies showcasing their products, services and expertise. Jennifer Burns is the chair.
Whether looking for home improvement ideas, financial services, healthcare resources, unique products or other local options, MSF visitors can meet business representatives, ask questions and gather information about Madison companies, Burns said.
Stop by to make new connections and support the businesses that invest in Madison, Burns said.
MidTown Madison consolidates city departments in one location – not scattered all over the festival. “During our reevaluation of MSF’s footprint during COVID-19, we decided in 2022 to designate an area for our City of Madison Departments, Mayor and all that make our city run,” Crystal Mc-Brayer said. McBrayer is MSF President and chairs the Nonprofit Area.
“We with MSF are excited to welcome a new Mayor, new City Council and new members of city departments. The city is excited, as well,” McBrayer said. “This area is a great opportunity for our community to meet our new city leader and department employees that make our city so special.”
With Madison City Departments on-site in Midtown Madison, McBrayer is pleased with the opportunity to continue to foster a solid relationship between the MSF Planning Committee and the City of Madison.
Also at this site, the nonprofit organizations are registered in the Business Showcase area during registration. “Then, they are split out and positioned in the field with city departments,” McBrayer said. All groups must qualify with nonprofit status. “There are many facets to the nonprofit world, so holding nonprofit status allows for participation.”
Fifteen nonprofit organization will be on-site this year.
These groups cover a broad range of interests . . . from Madison Greenway and Trails Inc. to local churches and amazing groups like Madison Visionary Partners who are truly making a difference in our community, McBrayer said.
To avoid duplications and monotony, MSF uses a ‘two-alike rule.’ They only allow two of the same type of nonprofit, she said.
For any group that wants to apply for MSF, all applications (in all areas) close on July 15. “Our application to participate in vendor areas runs yearly from May 15 until July 15 or until an area hits capacity,” McBrayer said.
McBrayer advises residents and out-of-town visitors to “come to MSF and visit the nonprofits who are doing amazing work in the community.”
By chairing this area, McBrayer benefits from a sense of fulfillment when a person connects and communicates with a nonprofit. “The nonprofits are truly the heartbeat of our community. Many are all-volunteer, just like MSF, and their heart is set to serve the community,” she said.
