Communications Engineering Company (CEC) Celebrates 75-Year Milestone

Company positions itself to remain sustainable and relevant for the next 75 years

Hiawatha, IA (Jan. 26, 2021) – CEC (Communications Engineering Company), a nationally recognized technology solutions provider and systems integrator in the Midwest, announces today a year-long celebration of its 75^th anniversary.

CEC was established in 1946 by founder Paul Parmer to support the growing need for communication via radio transmission. From post-WWII to a worldwide pandemic, CEC evolved as communication systems became increasingly sophisticated and pervasive. Jim and Lisa Smith, CEC owners, share, “When we purchased CEC 30 years ago, we acquired a company steeped in 45 years of technology history, and, most importantly, an amazing team of people focused on solving customers’ complex needs. We are here today because of our employees’ passion for bringing tools that help our customers face organizational challenges.”

A year-long series of celebrations will be held across Iowa and Wisconsin to honor the company’s history, showcase emerging technologies, and put a spotlight on the talented people creating premier customer experiences. This includes re-launching the popular Business Technology Conference (BTC) in October 2021. With a historic and timely focus – 75 Years of Technology & Innovation: Past, Present, and Future – the conference will be an opportunity for organizations to assess their technology foundation, learn about trends, and work on their technology vision and roadmap.

“CEC is a trusted partner of hospitals, manufacturers, educators, governments, and financial institutions because we deliver great technology experiences,” states Kim Lehrman, CEO. “Technology is in a constant state of change and evolution. To position ourselves for the next 75 years, we will continue to invest in building the talent that customers want beside them as they choose, engineer, implement, and integrate their mission-critical systems. That has been the foundation for CEC’s success in the last 75 years and will continue to be for the next 75 years.”

In anticipation of renewed growth, CEC has developed industry-leading training and mentoring initiatives, including: Department of Labor-sanctioned apprenticeships, Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI)-certified training, and manufacturer certifications. In addition, planned summer internships will focus on developing knowledge of technology and associated career paths within CEC. Discovering the potential in each individual and growing and nurturing that passion is what leads the company to success. These premier programs promote a deep understanding of the specific skills needed to impact the next generation of technology masters – and CEC is leading the way.

About CEC

CEC employs more than 300 professional and technical staff in eight locations in Iowa and Wisconsin. The company offers solution design, integration, and technical services specializing in audio/video, fire and security, healthcare communications, IT, and two-way communications. Focused on creating world class technology experiences, the CEC team partners with clients to understand their businesses, tailor solutions, and plan for future technology needs. Visit www.cecinfo.com.

Media Contact: Angie Worrell, aworrell@cecinfo.com, 319.731.1245

Photos available upon request.

DeWitt Appoints Practice Group Chairs to its Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle M. Friedman
mmf@dewittllp.com / 262-754-2877

DeWitt Appoints Practice Group Chairs to its Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group

MADISON | MILWAUKEE | MINNEAPOLIS – Today DeWitt announced the appointment of partners Eric Chadwick, Joseph Miotke and Harry Van Camp as Co-chairs of its Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation Practice Group. 

The Co-chairs practice from DeWitt’s Minneapolis, Metro-Milwaukee, and Madison offices and the members of the IP Litigation Group represent clients nationally.

About Chadwick:

Chadwick, who is in the firm’s Minneapolis office, represents clients in various technology and commercial disputes throughout the U.S.  He works with his clients to achieve goal-oriented litigation.  Chadwick has taken ten cases to verdict, in matters ranging from life-saving medical devices to farming technology.  ​His IP litigation focus includes copyrights, IT software, licensing and technology transfers, medical devices, patents, trade secrets, trademarks.  Chadwick earned a J.D., ​cum laude, ​from William Mitchell College of Law and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University.  He is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association, and the Minnesota State Bar Association.

About Miotke:

For more than twenty years Miotke, who is in DeWitt’s Metro-Milwaukee office, has distinguished himself as a leading IP litigator, patent attorney, and IP strategist.  Recognized by leading IP publications as among the top patent attorneys and IP attorneys in the United States, he has worked across a wide spectrum of patent, trade secret, copyright, and trademark matters involving technologies ranging from artificial intelligence and machine learning to energy production and hydraulic fracturing.  Miotke speaks across North America and publishes frequently on IP-related matters. He has extensive experience with patent and other IP Litigation as well as with IP transactional and strategy matters including IP monetization. Miotke earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from Marquette University Law School and a B.S. in Civil Engineering, from Marquette University.  He is a Past-President of the Wisconsin Intellectual Property Law Association, serves as the national chair for IP Basic Education for the Licensing Executives Society (LES), and serves on the leadership of the Wisconsin Chapter of LES.

About Van Camp:

Van Camp has extensive experience litigating complex cases in state and federal court. After a jury returned a large verdict in favor of his client, the judge commented, “You should win the attorney-of-the-year award!” He has achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts on behalf of clients. After receiving a favorable jury verdict, he was greeted in chambers by a judge who said, “Well, here comes the magician!”  His litigation focus includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, computer software, trade secrets, major business disputes, and environmental litigation.  Van Camp earned a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma City and a B.A. from the University of Denver and also attended the University of Oslo – Norway.  He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, , Oklahoma Bar Association, and DeWitt’s Executive Committee.  In addition, Van Camp was a Co-founder of BOS (Business Owner Solutions) an organization of business owners and professionals formed to support small business entrepreneurs.

About DeWitt

DeWitt LLP was founded in 1903 and is one of the ten largest law firms based in Wisconsin, with an additional presence in Minnesota. It has more than 120 attorneys practicing in Madison and Metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a variety of legal areas and has the experience to service clients of all scopes and sizes. The firm is known for its work in several areas, including intellectual property, patents, trademarks and copyright law, construction litigation, corporate law, employment, environmental, employee benefits, estate planning, family business, family law, government relations, health care, litigation, real estate, and tax law.  More information is available at dewittllp.com.

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The Wisconsin Union Team Will Hold Winter Carnival With In-Person and Virtual Events Feb. 3-7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 25, 2021     

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Wisconsin Union
Phone: (608) 262-8862
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu

THE WISCONSIN UNION TEAM WILL HOLD WINTER CARNIVAL WITH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL EVENTS FEB. 3-7

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival will return Feb. 3-7 with new events to help attendees enjoy the outdoors during Wisconsin’s winter season while practicing physical distancing and other public health guidance related to COVID-19.

The Wisconsin Union team invites all, including UW-Madison students, staff and faculty, Wisconsin Union members, and guests, to experience the Carnival. Some events and activities require pre-registration and have limited capacities.

This season, some community favorites will return with changes to ensure the health and safety of patrons in light of COVID-19.

During past Carnivals, the team has placed inflatable portions of Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota; instead, this year, the team will host a new Winter Lady Liberty DIY Contest. The Union team invites participants to create Lady Liberty out of any materials and to submit photos of their creations to the Wisconsin Union team by messaging or tagging the Wisconsin Union on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or by completing this Google Form between Feb. 3 and Feb. 14.

The Wisconsin Union team has added a new, free experience to the 2021 Winter Carnival: an Ice Fishing Derby on Feb. 6 from noon-7 p.m. Patrons can participate as competitors or as learners in the Union’s first ever educational fishing competition. The Union team will provide equipment and free hot chocolate for participants.

The Carnival will include a flurry of additional events throughout the week, including the following:

• Virtual Flannel Day, Feb. 3: The first 50 people to submit a photo of themselves in a flannel via a form here on Feb. 3 will receive a coupon for a small order of deep fried cheese curds from der Rathskeller in Memorial Union.
• Avalanche Awareness Workshop, Feb. 3, 8-10 p.m.: Individuals can learn about avalanches, including gear, how to avoid avalanche terrain, and training.
• Terrace Sweatshirt Bundle Up Sale, Feb. 3-7: The Wisconsin Union team will offer a 20 percent discount on new sweatshirts in its online Terrace Store and is currently offering free shipping on most store items for a limited time.
• Sledding, Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or Feb. 4, 3 p.m.-Feb. 5 with sled drop-off on Feb. 5 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.: The Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club will provide University of Wisconsin-Madison students with rental sleds and maps of sledding spots at the UW-Madison campus.
• Snowshoe Rentals
  • Hourly rentals for $5 per hour, pick-up on Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • 10 percent discount on weekend rentals, pick-up on Feb. 5 from 9 a.m.-noon and drop-off by Feb. 9
• Adventure Learning Programs (ALPs) Virtual Scavenger Hunt, Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m.: ALPs will host a web-based scavenger hunt of puzzles, brain teasers and more.
• Free Art Friday, Feb. 5, 1 p.m., while supplies last: Wheelhouse Studios invites community members and visitors to get crafty with take-to-make snowman luminary kits.
• Lakefront Ice Climbing, Feb. 5, 3-5 p.m.: Hoofer Mountaineering Club members will share the basics of ice climbing on an ice block set up by Memorial Union.
• Night Snowshoe Hike on Lake Mendota, Feb. 5, 4-5:30 p.m.: Attendees can join the Hoofer Outing Club for a physically distanced snowshoe experience on Lake Mendota.
• Nordic Skiing 101, Feb. 6, noon-1 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.: Hoofer Outing Club members will lead an introductory, hands-on Nordic skiing lesson.
• Student Leadership Program (SLP) Scavenger Hunt, Feb. 6, noon-5 p.m.: SLP will host a scavenger hunt around various campus locations, such as Alumni Park and the Memorial Union Terrace. This event is presented by Associated Students of Madison, SLP at UW-Madison, and the Wisconsin Union.
• Kites on Mendota, Feb. 6-7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Guests can enjoy the sight of large show kites on Lake Mendota. Kites on Mendota is produced by the Clean Lakes Alliance, with support from the Wisconsin Union and the Edgewater Hotel.
• Curling Tournament, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: UW-Madison students can take part in a curling tournament on Lake Mendota for the chance to win a championship t-shirt. This event is presented by University Recreation and Wellbeing and the Wisconsin Union.

“Wintertime presents many unique opportunities to be outside and stay active, some of which people can experience during our Winter Carnival,” Outdoor UW Director Joe Webb said. “We have held Winter Carnivals for more than 80 years, but this year required a whole new level of creativity that our team was happy to take on to make the Carnival possible.”

Winter Carnival events are subject to change. For the most up to date Winter Carnival information, including registration links, visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.  

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/winter-carnival-2021.

Event Essentials acquires A LA CRATE RENTALS

MADISON, WI: Event Essentials (a division of A to Z RentAll), which started in 1954, acquires A LA CRATE RENTALS.

If the pandemic has taught them anything, it is that they are better together!

Introducing A LA CRATE RENTALS as a Boutique Division of Event Essentials. A healthy marriage of respect and admiration. They compliment one another’s inventory and teams well. Their goal is not to change either division but bring out the best in one another.

Read more here

Wisconsin Union: Wisconsin Sound, a New Event Series Featuring Wisconsin Artists, Will Begin Jan. 24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 19, 2021

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

WISCONSIN SOUND, A NEW EVENT SERIES FEATURING WISCONSIN ARTISTS, WILL BEGIN JAN. 24

MADISON –  The Wisconsin Union Theater’s new online event series, called Wisconsin Sound, will exclusively feature Wisconsin artists, beginning with the virtual streaming of a concert by the Willy Street Chamber Players on Jan. 24 at noon CDT.

In addition to the Willy Street Chamber Players performance, the series will include performances by flutist Iva Ugrčić and pianist Satoko Hayami on Feb. 21, the Johannes Wallmann Quintet on March 21, modern classical band Mr. Chair on April 11, and the Pro Arte Quartet on May 2. All performances will take place at noon CDT on their respective dates.

Tickets for this online series cost $15 per event or $50 for a subscription to all Wisconsin Sound performances. Each event will be available for ticket holders to enjoy on-demand for one week following its initial livestream, with the program becoming unavailable at 1 p.m. CDT one week after its initial livestream. For example, the first event will be available to ticket holders until 1 p.m. CDT on Jan. 31.

The Theater team created this new series both for its patrons as well as to help support performance artists, many of whom have experienced canceled performances due to COVID-19.

“We, at the Wisconsin Union Theater, want to do our part to support the great talent right here in Wisconsin,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “We want artists to have the opportunity to continue to create art and enrich lives with their artistry.”

The debut event with the Willy Street Chamber Players will include a performance of Fantasiestücke for Cello and Piano, Op. 73 by Robert Schumann; Fantasy No. 2 for Violin and Piano by Florence Price; Kiép Nào Có Yeu Nhau for Violin and Piano by Rachel Eubank; and Adagio and Allegro for Cello and Piano, Op. 70 by Robert Schumann.

The Players’ performers include violinists Paran Amirinazari and Eleanor Bartsch, cellists Mark Bridges and Lindsey Crabb, and pianist Thomas Kasdorf. The Players aim to create community through music and bring imaginative approaches to classical music.

On Feb. 21, the Theater team will livestream Ugrčić and Hayami performing Flute Sonata, Op. 167 “Undine” by Carl Reinecke, “Chant de Linos” by André Jolivet, and “Fanmi Imen” by Valerie Coleman.

Serbia-born Ugrčić, a University of Wisconsin-Madison alumna, is known not only for her incredible talent as a flutist and teacher but also for her work to make a difference for women in the arts. Hayami, a native of Japan, won the Paul Collins Wisconsin Distinguished Fellowship and has performed at venues throughout the world. She is currently working toward her doctorate in musical arts at UW-Madison.

The series will continue on March 21 with a performance by the Johannes Wallmann Quintet. The Quintet includes pianist Johannes Wallmann, trumpeter Russ Johnson, tenor saxophonist Tony Barba, bassist Peter Dominguez, and drummer Jon Deitemyer. Wallmann works not only as a pianist but also as a composer and the UW-Madison director of jazz studies. The in-demand winner of many national scholarships and competitions has gained a reputation as a versatile performer adept at a wide range of musical styles.

The next performance by Mr. Chair on April 11 will include “Abandoned Cities,” “Appellation Spring,” and “Better Days” by Mark Hetzler; “Britten’s Written Rhythm” and “March” by Jason Kutz; “Elegy” by Ben Ferris; and “Fuchsia” by Jason Kutz with a poetry and reading performance by Buzz Kemper.

The group features trombonist Mark Hetzler, pianist Jason Kutz, drummer Mike Koszewski, and bassist Ben Ferris. Established in 2016, Mr. Chair does not limit itself to one genre; it fuses jazz, classical, rock and more, making it a band enjoyed by people of many musical interests.

The series will conclude on May 2 with Pro Arte Quartet’s performance of quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven in connection with the Quartet’s celebration of the composer’s 250th birthday in the 2020/2021 season. The celebrated Quartet began in 1912 and boasts a long history of accomplishments, including serving as the court quartet to the queen of Belgium. Stranded in the United States when Nazi forces invaded Belgium in 1940, the Quintet began a residency at UW-Madison, where it continues today. The group is the first and only quartet to reach its 100th anniversary.

“We are committed to our mission of delivering high quality performing arts to our community, despite the challenges we face this year and even if our shared experience can only be through a virtual space right now,” Snodgrass said.

For more than 75 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a cultural center for community members and visitors.

The Theater team strives for all of its spaces to be accessible. Those that need accommodations can email wisconsinuniontheater@union.wisc.edu.

The Wisconsin Union Theater team has committed to taking action in standing against racial inequities. For a full statement on the Theater’s stance and efforts, click here.

This season of Wisconsin Union Theater programming is made possible in part by Wisconsin Arts Board funding from the State of Wisconsin and financial assistance from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about Wisconsin Sound, visit union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-sound-series.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 75 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The Theater hosts performances in multiple locations, including Memorial Union, and has an expansive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Theater: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/wisconsin-sound-2021.