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Learn who’s growing, changing, moving and more! Stay on top of what’s new with your neighboring businesses. We share news releases and announcements from your peers in the Madison area. Want to toot your own horn? Use our Submit Member News form to share your own stories.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Per Mar Security Services ranks 14th in SDM’s 2024 Top Systems Integrators Report

Contact:

Jordin Wilson
Director of Marketing, Per Mar Security Services
(563) 344-7313 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2024

Per Mar Security Services ranks 14th in SDM’s 2024 Top Systems Integrators Report

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial customers based in Davenport, IA is ranked 14th on SDM’s 2024 Top Systems Integrators Report. Per Mar’s commitment to both internal development and strategic external growth has allowed them to provide comprehensive security solutions and exceptional service to customers.

Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer of Per Mar Security said, “We have a very knowledgeable, experienced sales and technical staff that has fed the growth of our integration business. We are proud to continue moving up this list.”

The SDM Top Systems Integrators Report ranks the top 100 companies based on their 2023 security system integration revenue. This revenue includes services like design, project management, product installation, programming, startup, and training, sold directly to end-users or through contractors.

About Per Mar Security Services

Established in 1953, Per Mar Security Services is the largest, family-owned, full-service security company in the Midwest with more than 3,000 team members, operating in 25 branch locations. The company provides full-service security solutions for homes and businesses including live video monitoring, security officer services, smart home automation, burglar and fire alarms, access control, security cameras, alarm monitoring, investigative services and background checks. For more information about Per Mar Security Services, please visit permarsecurity.com.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Madison Black Chamber of Commerce: Celebrate Madison Black Restaurant Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 19, 2024

Celebrate Madison Black Restaurant Week
A Delectable Journey of Flavor & Community

MADISON, WI – Get ready to savor the rich and diverse culinary tapestry of Madison’s Black-owned restaurants as we proudly announce the eagerly awaited Madison Black Restaurant Week, taking place from August 11th to August 18th, 2024. This flavorful event is the perfect occasion to celebrate local Black businesses while indulging in a delectable array of dishes that highlight the cultural richness and creativity of the African diaspora.

In honor of August being Black Business Month, Madison Black Restaurant Week aims to amplify and celebrate the vital contributions of Black entrepreneurs, chefs, and restaurateurs to our vibrant local culinary scene. This week-long celebration provides an opportunity for the community to come together, show support, and explore a wide variety of authentic, mouth watering cuisines crafted with passion and dedication.

Throughout the week, participating Black-owned restaurants across Madison will offer exciting discounts, special menus, and unique dining experiences to showcase their culinary talents. From soulful comfort food to exquisite African-inspired delicacies, there will be something to please every palate and ignite a sense of community pride.

Culminating the week-long celebration, we invite food enthusiasts and culture seekers to join us at the grand finale – the Madison Black Restaurant Week Food Taste Jamboree on August 18 in a new location ~ Olin Park!

At the Jamboree, attendees will have the chance to sample a diverse array of cuisines, mingle with local chefs, and learn about the stories and traditions behind the incredible dishes on offer.

Let’s come together to celebrate Black Business Month, embrace the diversity of our community, and savor the incredible flavors that Madison’s Black-owned restaurants have to offer. See you there!

ABOUT MADISON BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

With more than 700 member businesses in Dane County alone, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is the premier connector for Black-owned businesses, bringing together a robust network of community leaders, business owners and technical service providers across South Central Wisconsin. You can learn more here: www.madisonblackchamber.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Tiffany Kenney | Director of Communications
Madison Black Chamber of Commerce
tiffany@madisonblackchamber.com

Photo by Richard Hurd

Dane Buy Local: Eat Local, Give Local

Photo by Richard Hurd

WWBIC: Kathryn Dunn Named New Vice President of Programs and Operations

WWBIC is pleased to announce the return of Kathryn Dunn to WWBIC as Vice President of Programs & Operations.

Dunn began her career in the Milwaukee community serving as Vice President of WWBIC from 1993-1997. Kathryn was part of the dream team that began WWBIC over 38 years ago alongside President, Wendy K. Baumann. Kathryn’s work within the Milwaukee community as well as the State of Wisconsin has been instrumental to women’s economic empowerment movement as well as community based programming to serve the underserved.

Kathryn is leaving one of WWBIC’s long standing partners, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF) after 13 years of providing leadership and partnership in developing several key programs and initiatives. Kathryn’s work is reflected in the current GMF strategic plan, and the “Milwaukee for All” vision. She served as a key partner in the development of ThriveOn King Community HUB and supported the Greater Together Campaign.

Kathryn’s work has deepened strategic partnerships within the broader Milwaukee region. Most recently, her work on ThriveOn Community HUB, a historic partnership between Greater Milwaukee Foundation, The Medical College of Wisconsin and Royal Capital ensured the community’s vision and voice was reflected.

Ms. Dunn has partnered across teams at the Foundation throughout her time on projects such as creation of the Centennial Plan and Gifts to the Community, Match Day, On the Table, Impact Investing and the early work of the Foundation’s role in addressing racial inequities. After WWBIC and prior to her work with the GMF, Kathryn served as Community Investment Officer for the Helen Bader Foundation.

In her role as Vice President of Programs and Operations, Kathryn will complement the work and talent of WWBIC’s continuing Vice Presidents – Jon Gaines, Vice President of Business Services and Finance; and Christina Knudsen, Vice President of Development and Communication.

Baumann, Dunn, Gaines & Knudsen will work as a team to lead a staff of over 50 employees and continue forward with the WWBIC strategic plan under the supervision of WWBIC’s Board of Directors. Since 1987, WWBIC has served 72,709 individuals and loaned $107 million to small business owners. Their technical and capital support has created or retained 18,027 jobs with 9,009 businesses started, strengthened, or expanded.

Coming this fall, WWBIC is eagerly anticipating the opening of their 6th regional office in the state thanks to funding from the Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership. The new North Central office will be based in Hayward and operated in partnership with Native Tribal support and offices on the campus of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University.

Dunn will start in her new role with WWBIC on August 5th. Please join us in welcoming Kathryn back to WWBIC! WWBIC looks forward to continuing its mission of “Putting Dreams to Work” through 2024 and beyond.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Do you want to be WiscNet’s next Chief Technology Officer?

We are seeking a collaborative and innovative Chief Technology Officer to lead our team of highly skilled network engineers and technicians. This role is responsible for daily operations and the planning and execution of long-term strategic technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong mission-oriented mindset, excellent leadership skills, a deep understanding of advanced networking technologies, and a dedication to service.

If you are passionate about leveraging technology to serve educational and community institutions, and you thrive by working with others to solve problems, explore new ideas, and keep innovating, we encourage you to apply for this exciting leadership opportunity at WiscNet.

Apply now

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement high-level strategies for managing and expanding WiscNet’s network infrastructure

Oversee the research, evaluation, and implementation of emerging technologies, making definitive recommendations on their integration into WiscNet’s operations and infrastructure.

Collaborate with partner research and education entities in-state, regionally and nationally on strategies and shared services

Ensure successful deployment and ongoing operation of these advanced technologies to enhance service offerings and operational efficiency with a member-centric approach.

Collaborate with executive management to align technological resources with strategic goals

Focus on building and maintaining positive and supportive relationships with WiscNet members, Board of Directors, staff, community, and beyond

Platform Team Management

Provide direction and structure to a group of highly advanced technical staff responsible for WiscNet’s network and infrastructure platform

Foster a positive and productive team environment, with intentional efforts to support not just the work, but the people doing it

Leverage the team’s abilities to innovate and create value for our membership

Encourage professional growth and development within the team

Operational Oversight

Oversee daily operations of network and related services with a member-centric approach

Manage technology budgets and project timelines efficiently

Provide daily oversight and escalation for the 24/7/365 Network Operations Center (NOC)

Oversee service-provider class technologies for optical and packet networking, data center infrastructure, next-generation firewalls, and network management systems

Oversee integration of cloud services, peering, and caching providers

Oversee the development and management of strategic partnerships with service providers to ensure cost-effective and diverse connectivity options for members

Oversee the administration of WiscNet’s headquarters enterprise applications and technology needs

Innovation and Advancement

Drive technology advancement and innovations, including the creation of new technical services and solutions, that benefit our member organizations

Work with other WiscNet leaders to deliver ongoing value to the membership

Be intentional in embracing and moving through challenges, and fostering organizational growth

Member Relations and Value Proposition

Manage the budget for the Member Platform team

Ability to navigate the complexities of making technological decisions and providing high-quality services while being mindful of members’ budget constraints

Work closely with other teams to develop strategies that reflect both the quality of our services and the varying needs of our membership

Clearly articulate the value proposition of our services

Qualifications

Proven leadership experience in a technology-focused role, preferably in a non-profit or research and education-related environment

Deep understanding of advanced networking technologies and infrastructure

Strong written and oral communication skills

Ability to balance technical expertise with strategic thinking, including a willingness to stay open-minded and adapt, pursue unconventional ideas, and think creatively and cooperatively

Experience managing and motivating high-performing technical teams

Commitment to working collectively toward organizational goals, cross-collaborating internally and externally

Track record of successful project management and budget oversight

Familiarity with cloud services

Conceptual understanding of Internet transit, peering and caching technologies

Strong financial acumen and ability to make strategic technology investments that balance innovation with cost-effectiveness

Commitment to a service-oriented mission and non-profit values

Commitment to work onsite at WiscNet World Headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin

Education and Experience

Total of 10 years of education and practical experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field and/or;

5+ years of progressive experience in IT and network management roles

Compensation

Salary starting at $140,000/year based on qualifications.

Benefits

Excellent health insurance

Group Life insurance

Long-term disability

Flexible Spending Plan employer contribution

401K employer contribution

Paid vacation, personal time, holidays, and sick leave

Work-from-home flexibility

Apply now