MGE Energy's main subsidiary, Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), works to help grow a strong local economy through its support of business incubators, venture funds and local collaboration. More than two decades ago, we helped establish the MGE Innovation Center in the University Research Park. Since 1989, this successful business incubator has expanded and has helped more than 70 high-tech or biotech firms grow.

These early steps to grow a technology-based economy have paid off. Here are recent ratings that recognize the potential of the Madison region:

• Madison ranked among the 20 strongest-performing metropolitan economies in the United States, according a study published by the Brookings Institution. The December 2009 report lists the Madison area with the third lowest unemployment rate in the country. Madison is one of 13 metro areas with growth in economic output and jobs in the third quarter of last year.
  
  
• The Madison metro region has been better than any other in Wisconsin at sustaining jobs during the economic downturn, according to a Milken Institute study. Milken's Best-Performing Cities Index highlights metro areas that have adapted to weather the recession—and Madison is among them.
  
  
• The Wisconsin Department of Revenue expects the Madison-area economy to grow out of the recession through 2012. The department forecasts growth in employment, total personal income and per capita personal income in Madison over the next three years.