The QTI Group: Edgewood Campus School Seeking New President

Endres Foundation Announces November 2022 Grants

Read the press release here

Patrick Flesch Promoted to CEO at Gordon Flesch Company

MADISON, WI – Patrick Flesch, President of Gordon Flesch Company (GFC) was unanimously elected at the recent Board of Directors meeting as the company’s new CEO. He will now carry the dual title of President and CEO.

As a part of this change, former CEO Tom Flesch will retain the title of Chairman and will continue to be involved in the strategic direction of the company. Bill Flesch will retain his title of Chief Development Officer and Mark Flesch will retain his title of Chief Operating Officer.

In addition, Brad Samuel, Vice President of Service and Logistics has been unanimously elected to the Board of Directors at the annual GFC shareholders meeting.

“These changes are in the best interest of our family and our business,” says Tom Flesch, Chairman at GFC. “I have been with GFC for 45 years and have been honored to serve as President or CEO for the past 36 years. Both Mark and Patrick have proven their leadership and dedication to the business and the industry. We look forward to their leadership in the years to come.”

About Gordon Flesch Company

The Gordon Flesch Company is one of the largest independent providers of office technology solutions in the nation. Family-owned since 1956, the Gordon Flesch Company employs more than 650 people throughout 32 offices in the Midwest, with their corporate office in Madison, Wisconsin. They deliver unique business process expertise to solve challenging problems and achieve organizational goals. This includes integrating industry-leading software and hardware to build custom solutions that are supported by technical expertise, customer service and flexible, in-house financial services. Follow us on Twitter at @GordonFlesch.

2022 American Family Insurance Championship raises more than $2.2 million for charity

After COVID-related limitations on attendance and associated events in 2021, the PGA Tour Champions American Family Insurance Championship returned in 2022 with no restrictions and raised $2,234,000 for charitable organizations, it was announced today.

This brings the total amount raised for charity to $14,813,000 since the inaugural event in 2016.

Approximately half of the 2022 proceeds will be distributed to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, and 140 other primarily local charities will share the rest in varying amounts. 

The total proceeds raised and charitable organization recipients were revealed at an event today held at American Family Insurance corporate headquarters. The event featured championship host/player Steve Stricker, American Family Insurance CEO and Enterprise President Bill Westrate, American Family Children’s Hospital President Nikki Stafford, representatives from community nonprofit grant recipients, tournament sponsors and volunteers. The celebration of the tournament proceeds results was held in-person for the first time since 2019.

“Every year we are filled with even more gratitude for the amazing support we’ve received for the American Family Insurance Championship,” said Steve and Nicki Stricker. “Six years ago, we believed we had a good idea that would work, but we could’ve never imagined what a fantastic community this event has become – from volunteers to fans to sponsors. And the best part is, year after year we’re helping those in our community who need it most. That’s what we really celebrate today.”  

The sixth American Family Insurance Championship was held in June at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison. Fans from 32 states attended during the three days of tournament play and 925 volunteers from 14 states donated 20,000 hours of time to the event. The local economic impact of the tournament was estimated to be approximately $15 million. Total economic impact from 2016-2022 is estimated at $83 million.

“This is an exciting professional sporting event and so much more – an event that brings our community together for a great cause,” said Bill Westrate, American Family Insurance CEO and enterprise president. “We’re proud to sponsor the American Family Insurance Championship and raise money for nonprofit organizations whose programs and services make life better and more equitable with meaningful impact that lasts far beyond tournament week.”

In addition to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, here is just a sample of the other organizations addressing various needs in our communities and how the grant funds will be used: 

Badger Childhood Cancer Network
The Badger Childhood Cancer Network’s (BCCN) mission is to educate, support, serve and advocate for children with cancer and blood disorders, their families, survivors of childhood cancer and the professionals who care for them. As children and their families navigate their cancer journey, they’re provided with information and resources, emotional support, advocacy, financial assistance, age-appropriate toys, games and activities during lengthy hospital stays, and gifts during the holiday season.

Camp Hometown Heroes
Camp Hometown Heroes is a free week-long overnight summer camp for children and siblings of fallen U.S. Service members that provides a place for children to bond with others who have faced the same loss and also receive grief counseling to positively move forward in their lives.

Coalition for Children, Youth & Families
At the Coalition, they believe every child deserves a champion for love and support and every champion deserves support. Our mission is to inspire, inform and support families to build strength, confidence and resiliency. Their unique programs leverage innovative technologies to offer on-demand learning and resources while still providing compassionate, individualized one-on-one support.

Little John’s Restaurant
The mission of Little John’s Restaurant (LJR) is to increase access to nutritious chef-quality meals through food-rescue and food-excess programs. Working with local grocers and farmers to rescue under-utilized food resources, they turn those items into healthy meals for families. LJR believes that Food is Love and that good food should be available to everyone.

SHARP Literacy
SHARP Literacy offers a wide range of comprehensive STEAM-based programs that encourage curiosity, creativity and discovery while sharpening critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. SHARP plays a critical role in narrowing the opportunity gap, and ultimately impacting families, communities and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. 

“The commitment of the American Family Insurance Championship to supporting the Madison and the surrounding areas has made it one of the top events on our Tour,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady. “The charitable efforts of American Family Insurance, Nicki and Steve Stricker and the tournament team have had a remarkable impact in Wisconsin, raising nearly $15 million since 2016. PGA TOUR Champions is proud to be part of an event that does so much for the local community.”

Next year’s event will be held June 3-11, 2023, with special events during the week and tournament play at University Ridge Friday-Sunday, June 9-11. Stricker will host the tournament for the seventh time and play for the sixth time.   

Anyone interested in volunteering for the 2023 event can sign up by accessing this link at the volunteer registration page.

See the complete list of 2022 grant recipients

See this infographic for statistics on the AmFam Champ from 2016-2022

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About Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation
Established in 2013 when Steve Stricker became a brand ambassador for American Family Insurance, the mission of the foundation is to inspire and develop strong families and healthy kids so they can pursue their dreams. The foundation supports organizations that produce tangible outcomes that align with this mission. Web: https://www.amfam.com/sponsorships/amfamchampionship/foundation; Twitter: @StrickerFNDN

About the American Family Insurance Championship
The American Family Insurance Championship was created in 2016 by American Family Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions and PGA player and Wisconsin native Steve Stricker. Since its inception, the championship and associated events have raised more than $14.8 million for the American Family Children’s Hospital and other charities. The 2023 championship will be held June 3 -11 at the University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information: Web: amfamchampionship.com; Twitter: @AmFamChamp; Facebook: American Family Insurance Championship; Instagram: amfamchampionship. #AmFamChamp

Dane Buy Local’s Holiday Shopping Season Kick-Off

Contact: Colin Murray, Executive Director, Dane Buy Local
(608) 729-7342/office • (608) 712-3440/cell • colin@danebuylocal.com • danebuylocal.com

Dane Buy Local’s Holiday Shopping Season Kick-Off
228 East Main St., Downtown Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Monday, November 21 at 11:30 a.m.

Madison, WI – Dane Buy Local Executive Director Colin Murray, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, and Bank of Sun Prairie Senior Vice President Retail John Loeffler join other local business leaders to commemorate Dane Buy Local’s 13th Shop Indie Local campaign. The event highlights Dane Buy Local’s 600 members and the importance of supporting local businesses throughout the holiday season.

“Bank of Sun Prairie is proud to be a presenting sponsor for Shop Indie Local for the third year,” says Chief Retail Officer John Loeffler. “We encourage you to support local, independent businesses. They’re the lifeblood of our communities. They support our local events, nonprofits, school fundraisers and provide services vital to our everyday life.” Loeffler continues, “As Bank of Sun Prairie, a locally owned, independent community bank celebrates our 125^th anniversary, we are thrilled to do our part is supporting this initiative at such an important time of year.”

“Our small businesses are unique and help define Dane County’s culture,” said County Executive Joe Parisi. “By participating in Small Business Saturday and Shop Indie Local, Dane County residents do their part to keep our community vibrant and local economy healthy through the holiday season and beyond.”

Small Business Saturday focuses on local business. Has Small Business Saturday made a difference?

  U.S. shoppers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reported spending a record high total of an estimated $23.3 billion, up from $19.8 in 2020.

  66% reported that the day makes them want to Shop Small all year long.

  Online shopping at a small business on Small Business Saturday was up slightly, with 58% of shoppers reporting that they made a purchase online, compared to 56% in 2020 and 43% in 2019.

  More shoppers were eager to support independent restaurants with 54% reporting they dined or ordered takeout from a small restaurant, bar, or café, up from 48% in 2020.

  70% of respondents reported Small Business Saturday makes them want to encourage others to shop at small, independently owned retailers.

“Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to look for holiday gifts for loved ones or yourself while supporting local businesses,” says Colin Murray, Executive Director for Dane Buy Local. “When you spend your dollars at locally owned retail businesses rather than a chain store, more money returns to the local economy.”

According to Civic Economics, when you spend a dollar at an independent business, approximately 47 cents return to the local economy. When spent at a chain store, only 14 cents return. Spent at an online giant, only a few pennies return. The 47 cents also recirculate through the local economy, generating a ripple effect that strengthens jobs, charitable contributions, and community prosperity.

Shop Indie Local activites go through December, including The Passport Program (November 1-December 18), Plaid Friday (November 25), Small Business Saturday (November 26), Artist Sunday (November 27), Local Cyber Monday (November 28), and Giving Tuesday (November 29), Shopping Local (all year long).

For more information, contact Colin Murray at colin@danebuylocal.com or (608) 712-3440, or visit danebuylocal.com.

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