Good Morning, Fitchrona!

Today, back in 1811 German chemist Robert Bunsen was born…hence the Bunsen Burner. Nerd out, light something (safely!) in a lab, or just wear a lab coat. You might not be aware, but we are going to explain how the Fitchburg/Verona area has become a biotech hub.

The Focus will be the highlight of your Monday morning - something you can enjoy in under 5 minutes with your coffee!

Let’s fill our cups ☕!

-Liv - Fitchrona Focus Founder

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Lab Coats & Local Roots: Fitchrona’s Biotech

You might not think of lab coats and RNAi therapies as being right here in our own backyard, but Fitchburg and Verona are quietly becoming major players in Wisconsin’s fast-growing pharmaceutical and biotech scene.

Fitchburg: The OG Biotech Hub

Fitchburg’s been in the biotech game since the early 2000s, thanks to the creation of the Fitchburg Technology Neighborhood—a sprawling 2,000-acre district designed to attract high-tech innovation. Think biotech, advanced manufacturing, and IT all thriving in one spot.

At the heart of it? Promega Corporation, a global life sciences heavyweight based right in Fitchburg Center. They’re known worldwide for their genomics and molecular biology work, but they’re also fantastic neighbors—investing in education and community programs through the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTCI).

And they’re not alone. The Fitchburg Technology Campus and RDC Tech Lands offer top-notch lab and office space, especially handy for startups fresh out of UW–Madison’s talent pipeline. A few more local biotech stars worth a shout-out:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific – offering a range of biotech products and services right off Verona Road.

• ibidi USA, Inc. – a Nobel Drive gem specializing in cell-based assays and imaging.

• Coating Place, Inc. – longtime Fitchburg staple, mastering pharmaceutical coating tech for decades.

Verona: The New Kid Making Big Moves

Not to be outdone, Verona is stepping into the biotech spotlight in a big way.

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is setting up a new $250 million campus in the Verona Technology Park—a huge facility that’ll handle drug manufacturing and cutting-edge research into therapies that literally silence disease-causing genes. Once it’s up and running, it’s expected to bring over 230 jobs to town.

Backing from both the city ($16M) and the state ($2.5M in tax credits) shows just how seriously everyone is taking this project. And Arrowhead isn’t the only biotech name calling Verona home:

• JangoBio – exploring hormone restoration through regenerative medicine.

• Stem Pharm – creating advanced biomaterials for stem cell and regenerative therapies.

Looking Ahead: A Biohealth Powerhouse

Together, Fitchburg and Verona are anchoring a regional biotech corridor that’s part of Wisconsin’s Biohealth Tech Hub—an ambitious initiative aiming to add $9 billion and 30,000 jobs to the state’s biohealth economy over the next decade. And with other regional leaders like Exact Sciences, MilliporeSigma, and Catalent in the mix, our area’s reputation for scientific innovation is only growing.

The bottom line? Fitchburg built the blueprint. Verona’s scaling it up. And together, these two are quietly powering some of the most exciting biohealth innovation in the country—right here in our corner of Dane County.

The Science of Sweetness: Ice Cream Season Is Officially Back at The Creekside Scoop

Good news for local ice cream lovers—The Scoop is officially back and ready to serve up joy by the coneful. After a tough season that included weathering a flood, this beloved neighborhood treat spot is rolling into spring with more sweetness, spirit, and sprinkles than ever before.

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 2nd—because The Scoop’s Grand Reopening is set to be one for the books.

From 2:00 PM on, the doors will be open and the first scoops of the season will be flying fast. Fans of The Scoop’s homemade waffle cones and classic twist cones have been waiting patiently, and now it’s finally time to dig in.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Here’s what else is in store:

• Doors open at 2:00 PM – Be the first to taste the start of a sweet new season.

• Meet the Scooping Team from 5–8 PM – Stop by and say hello to the friendly faces who’ll be dishing out the joy all summer long.

• Cotton Candy & Popcorn Giveaway – Because opening day deserves a little extra sugar.

• Exclusive Reopening Day Specials – Sweet deals you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of your go-to flavor or curious to see what new creations have made it onto the menu, The Scoop promises something for everyone.

As they like to say, “Where troubles melt like lemon drops,” The Scoop is more than just a place to grab a cone—it’s a community hub built on smiles, sunshine, and sweet memories.

Follow them @thecreeksidescoop

Bonus: Celebrating a birthday? The Scoop is the perfect spot for a sweet celebration—no matter the age. Guests are welcome to bring decorations, good vibes, and their party crew. While tables can’t be reserved during open hours, a little heads-up goes a long way—they’ll do their best to make it festive!

-Bonus: Groups of 10 or more frozen treat lovers earn the birthday guest a free Crazy Happy Shake, complete with a slice of @miggysbakes confetti cake on top.

See you at The Scoop!

The Science of Sipping: Vingård Brings Smart Wine to Four Winds Farm

Introducing Vingård: A Wine Club Rooted in the Land 🍇
Our friends at Four Winds Farm are pouring something new into the community—Vingård, a thoughtfully curated wine club celebrating sustainability, quality, and connection to the land. (Fun fact: “Vingård” is the Scandinavian word for vineyard and wine farm!)

Led by Jay—Four Winds’ Director of Strategy and Business Operations, and a former Michelin-star sommelier—Vingård brings world-class wine expertise right here to Fitchburg. With over 15 years of winery connections around the globe, Jay knows a thing or two about a good pour.

How it works:
📦 Monthly Pickup: Last Thursday of each month (next up: Aril 24, 2025)
🍾 Choose Your Level:

• 2 bottles – $80/month

• 4 bottles – $160/month

• 6 bottles (Explorer’s Six) – $240/month

You pick red, white, or a mix - easy as that.

Member Perks Include:
✨ Early access to farm events
🍷 10% off wine event tickets (Explorer’s Six members)
🔍 Exclusive tastings & personalized wine sourcing

Only a 3-month commitment to get started. To join, email [email protected] or call (608) 835-5834.

Support sustainable wine, local agriculture, and treat yourself to something special. Cheers to that!

HAPPENINGS

🗓️ - Check out FitchronaFocus.com for details & to see all events!

• Monday, March 31st

  • 📖 Preschool Storytime (Age 2-5yrs) @ Fitchburg Library

  • 🍺 Industry Night @ Delta Beer Lab

• Tuesday, April 1st

  • 🧑‍🍳 5:30 pm - Campsite Chef @ Lussier Family Heritage Center

  • 🍷 5:30 pm - Bowls & Bottles with Forage Kitchen @ The Wine Reserve

  • 🌱 6:00 pm - Basics of Agronomy @ Virtual

  • 🍺 7:00 pm - America’s Pub quiz Trivia @ Hop Haus Fitchburg

• Wednesday, April 2nd

  • 🎵 Cocktails & Crescendos - Guest Bartender Fundraiser: WI Chamber Orchestra @ Flight Wine & Bourbon Bar

  • 🎨 2:00 pm - Girl Power - Mixed Media Painting on Canvas @ Bad Art Co

  • 🍨 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm The Creekside Scoop’s Grand Reopening

  • 🍺 7:00 pm - Premier Trivia @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🎵 7:00 pm - Live Music: John Massino Solo @ Paddy Mac’s

  • 🎵 7:00 pm - Indie TuneUp @ COPA

• Thursday, April 3rd

  • ☕ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Cross Plains Night Market @ Crossroads Coffeehouse

  • 🍷 6:30 pm Guess The Grape - Fun Wine Tasting Adventure @ The Wine House

  • 🍺 6:30 pm - Trivia: America’s Pub quiz @ Hop Haus Verona

  • 🍰 7:00 pm - Start Your Cottage Food Business (Free) @ Virtual put on by WI Cottage Food Association

  • 🎵 8:00 pm - Karaoke Night @ Paddy Mac’s

• Friday, April 4th

  • 🐴 Tara Davis Clinic @ Indigo Trails Farm

  • 💆‍♂️ Oil & Cold Wax @ Shake Rag Alley

  • 🍺 Hoppy National Beer Day (4/4-4/8) @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🧶 5:00 pm - Queer (and Ally) Crafting Night @ Sows Ear

  • 🎵 4:00 pm - Coffee Party with DJ FNU @ Alice Good Specialty Coffee

  • 🎵 6:00 pm - Girl Crush Due Live @ Hop Haus Verona

  • 🍽️ 6:00 pm - Supper Club Dinner (with Youngblood Brewing) @ Frostwood Farms Kitchen

  • 🍝 6:30 pm - Community Dinner Spaghetti Night @ Guidepost Montessori at Verona

  • 🎂 7:00 pm - Monthly Birthday Party @ Sow’s Ear

• Saturday, April 5th

  • 🎨 Silent Auction Bidding - Monroe Street Arts Center @ Virtual

  • 🧘‍♀️ Barre Teacher Training @ Dragonfly Hot Yoga

  • 🐑 8:00 am - Sheep Lambing Workshop @ Four Winds Farm

  • 🌱 9:00 am - Globe Planter (Free Must Register) @ Home Depot

  • 🧶 10:00 am - DIY Macrame Plant Hanger Class @ North Edge Nutrition

  • 🎵 6:00 pm - Live Music: Dan Plourde @ Hop Haus Verona

• Sunday, April 6th

  • 🐶 9:00 am - Community Pack Walk @ Maude And The Bulldogs

  • 🎨 10:30 am - I am Love Day Retreat @ Stephanie Locchetta Art

  • 🍷 11:00 Bingo, Brunch & Bevvies @ Flight Wine & Bourbon Bar

  • 🌷 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Spring Vendor Market @ Icki Sticki Mt Horeb

  • 🎵 1:00 pm - Live Music: Eli Abraham @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🐶 1:00 pm - Paint your Pet @ Doundrins Distilling

MAKER FEATURE

This week’s maker feature is Alhambra Flower Farm.

Alhambra Flower Farm was created out of a passion for growing things and connecting with nature. The name was inspired by the world-famous Spanish castle and its enchanting gardens. The owner, Blake, has been growing plants for over a decade and still is in awe of what mother nature can create. Flowers embody beauty, joy and love - a rare gift for oneself or for someone special. They force us to pause, appreciate, and be present. We are a business that produces and sells sustainably-grown local & seasonal flowers and plants to the greater Madison area.

We sell at markets, direct through our CSA/subscription service as well as to local florists and other makers. We offer wedding services & cost-conscious DIY floral buckets for special occasions. We're passionate about bringing florist-grade blooms to our community and are proud to be part of the local flower movement. Outside of our usual engagements, we're excited to announce that we'll be speaking at the Royal Botanical Garden in early April and also selling our specialty cut flower seedlings to the Green Haven Garden plant sale in early May!

Know a local maker who should be featured - submit here!

CHECK IT OUT

This week’s business to check out is Ether Wellness.

Check Out Ether Wellness: More Than a Studio, a Haven.

Ether Wellness was born from a desire to create a space where movement, mindfulness, and community come together. What started as a vision for a tranquil wellness studio has evolved into a unique escape—a place where you can step away from the daily grind, reconnect with yourself, and move in a way that feels good for your body.

Unlike traditional gyms or yoga studios, Ether Wellness offers more than just a place to workout. It’s a space to breathe, reset, and find balance—whether you’re here for a mindful movement class, a moment of stillness between meetings, or to connect with like-minded souls. We believe in honoring the body’s natural rhythms, offering classes and workshops that support women’s health, stress relief, and sustainable movement practices.

Now is the perfect time to experience Ether Wellness! We’re excited to introduce upcoming workshops on midlife women's hormonal health and cycle-syncing fitness, plus new membership options that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Come visit and see how Ether Wellness can become your personal retreat.

NEIGHBORHOOD DEAL

This week’s neighborhood deal is from Bodihow!

Kickstart your week with a boost! Every Monday enjoy 30% off our entire selection of coffee drinks! Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just need a morning pick-me-up, Bodihow’s got you covered. So mark your calendars and get ready to save big on your favorite coffee drinks every Monday!

THANK YOU!

Thanks for reading the Fitchrona Focus today! If you found something useful, please share it with someone who isn’t embarassed to admit that they needed to Google to figure out what RNAi stands for.

Was The Focus forwarded to you?

Submit An Event or Promotion

Suggestions or Ideas For Future Newsletters