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MadREP announces new strategic initiative to bridge urban, rural communities

The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) has announced a new initiative, Bridge Wisconsin, to serve as the connection point for the Madison Region, working to collaboratively close the economic gaps and drive innovation for rural and urban communities. 

“To be successful, economies must acknowledge and leverage the interdependence between their urban and rural assets,” MadREP CEO Jason M. Fields said in a statement. “When I joined MadREP two years ago, I identified this as our Region’s most pressing obstacle to achieving the next level of success.”

Bridge Wisconsin will support five strategic priority areas: housing, early childhood  education, economic equity and investment, workforce development, and sustainability. MadREP welcomes their newest team member, Tonnetta Darcel Carter, to lead the initiative.

Darcel Carter will serve as the chief strategy officer of Bridge Wisconsin, where she will develop and execute the strategic vision of the initiative across the Madison region and throughout the state. 

“I recognize that our rural and urban counties are ripe for  development, innovation, and expansion, and Bridge Wisconsin is a unique opportunity to lean into our  strongest industries and work collaboratively to provide capital and resources to bridge these  communities under a shared common goal, advancement,” Darcel Carter said in a statement. 

Darcel Carter has served in leadership roles for various public sector organizations, including New Leaders Council-Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals. 

Currently, she serves on the Advisory Committee for Waukesha County Technical College Real Estate program and WisconsinDepartment of Veteran Affairs, Board of Veteran Affairs where she helps veteran-owned business, entrepreneurs, and families thrive across the state.

Darcel Carter is a Milwaukee native and alumnae of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she received a degree in finance. 

For more information about MadREP and Bridge Wisconsin, visit their website