Economic Growth Advisors


hoto Credit: Peter Hellberg

Mike Mathews

Mike Mathews is President of Economic Growth Advisors (EGA). EGA is an economic development consulting firm that works with public and private sector clients to provide customized solutions that facilitate business and economic growth. Mike has 30 years of business experience in economic and community development, strategic planning, business consulting, business development, community relations, marketing, and public and private finance.


Education

University of Wisconsin – La Crosse - Bachelor of Science - Political Science (1982)
University of Wisconsin – Madison - Master of Science - Urban and Regional Planning (1984)
University of Wisconsin – Madison - Executive MBA (1995)


Professional Experience

Mike’s business experience includes 17 years (1983-2000) with Madison Gas & Electric Company (MGE) where he developed and led the company’s Community and Economic Development programs. He also served as Vice President and General Manager of Central Wisconsin Development Corporation, a wholly-owned MGE subsidiary from 1997-2000. 

In 2000, Mike joined Grant Thornton, LLP, a national accounting, tax and management consulting firm where he was Principal and Practice Leader for the Wisconsin Management Consulting practice. 

From 2006 – 2011 Mike served as Senior Vice President of Ruedebusch Development & Construction (RDC), and was Founder and President of Technology Facility Advisors, a consulting division of RDC from 2008 – 2011.  

Mike established Economic Growth Advisors, LLC in 2011 to provide a broad range of economic development planning and implementation services.  

Mike’s formal education and professional training provide a broad understanding and appreciation of how individuals, public organizations and private firms make decisions and respond to change.  He has initiated several innovative entrepreneurial programs and achieved positive results within many public, private and non-profit organizations.


Professional Affiliations

Mike has been actively involved in several business, professional and community organizations at the board and committee level including:  Downtown Madison, Inc., the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (President – 1997), Forward Wisconsin, Wisconsin Venture Fair, Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, the Governors Business Plan Competition, City of Madison Plan Commission, City of Madison Economic Development Commission, Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Weinert Applied Ventures in Entrepreneurship (WAVE) program at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Business School, Wisconsin Business Incubation Association and the United Way of Dane County.