Boardman Clark Attorney Bill O’Connor Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Gathering Waters

Boardman Clark Attorney Bill O’Connor has received the 2023 Harold “Bud” Jordahl Lifetime Achievement Award from Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts.

Gathering Waters gives this award to those who have devoted their time, talents, and energy to support land conservation throughout their lives and, as such, have helped permanently safeguard Wisconsin’s natural treasures.

Bill has been a key player in Wisconsin’s land trust movement for over 40 years. Over his career, he’s founded two conservation nonprofits, Groundswell Conservancy and Gathering Waters Conservancy (now known as Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts).

“Bill is incredibly deserving of this award,” says Boardman Clark Attorney Julia Potter, who practices conservation easement law alongside Bill. “His depth of knowledge and leadership in the area of conservation law is something to aspire to.”

Bill’s practice is focused on water law, conservation, land use, local government, and nonprofit organization matters. Bill has represented a broad range of clients in these areas, including the Wisconsin Association of Lakes, Gathering Waters Conservancy, and the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors, as well as numerous lake districts, nonprofit organizations, and individuals.

Boardman Clark is one of Madison’s largest and longest-standing law firms. The firm serves individuals, businesses, school districts, and local governments. Its areas of service include litigation, franchise and dealership law, business law, taxation, estate planning and probate, intellectual property, family law, municipal law, banking, labor and employment, land use, elder services, real estate, and school law.

Bank of Sun Prairie Awarded Cottage Grove’s Best Financial Institution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2023

Contact: Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Bank of Sun Prairie
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com
www.bankofsunprairie.com

Bank of Sun Prairie Awarded Cottage Grove’s Best Financial Institution
In Cottage Grove for 24+ Years, Bank of Sun Prairie Recognized by the Community

Cottage Grove, Wis.— Bank of Sun Prairie won Best Financial Institution in the 2023 Best of Cottage Grove Awards conducted by The Herald Independent. Luke McElhenie was also named Best Financial Advisor* as part of the bank’s Sun Prairie Financial Services. Bank of Sun Prairie offers personal, digital, and business banking, mortgage, and wealth management services.

Bank of Sun Prairie has been in Cottage Grove for more than 24 years. Its dedication to Cottage Grove area residents, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations is unmatched. Last year, the bank’s employees volunteered 4,200 hours and Bank of Sun Prairie supported more than 100 organizations, many based in Cottage Grove. The bank’s strong commitment to improving financial literacy through their Financial Fitness Center offering 50+ digital courses and workshops in English and Spanish for schools, businesses and nonprofits is expanding.

“Thank you for recognizing Bank of Sun Prairie and our thriving team in Cottage Grove. The community of Cottage Grove has been very important to us over the past few decades, and we are happy to be an integral part of the community. This is a wonderful honor! We promise to continue to deliver our high level of excellent service and dedication to Cottage Grove as it continues to grow.” shared Jimmy Kauffman, Bank of Sun Prairie’s president and CEO.

Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $719.3 million in assets and five locations in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

*Not insured by FDIC or other federal government agency. Not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, any bank or their affiliates. Subject to risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested.

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National Guardian Life Insurance Company named Best Places to Work 2023

Madison, Wis. (October 20, 2023) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work 2023 by Madison Magazine.

The Best Places to Work award is based on an employee engagement survey administered by Quantum Workplace, a third-party human resources technology provider that measures employee feedback on six key areas: communication and resources, individual needs, manager effectiveness, personal engagement, team dynamics and trust in leadership.

“We are honored and excited to be named as one of the Best Places to Work in the Madison area. NGL is a great place to work because of our employees, culture and mission to be there when others need us,” said Kim Shaul, Interim President & CEO at NGL. “Our employees are dependable, compassionate people who are dedicated to supporting funeral homes in their mission to serve families. When families are grieving and focused on celebrating the life of their loved one, having a prearranged funeral funded through an NGL whole life policy removes the financial burden of funeral expenses and offers peace of mind.”

According to Quantum Workplace, the Best Places to Work survey is administered annually and honors superior organizations where voices are heard, cultures are thriving and employees are engaged. The Best Places to Work award is given to the top 10 businesses in the size categories of small, medium and large, with the placement on the list determined by survey results.

“Employees tell us NGL is a great place to work because of the people and the benefits provided. Continuous feedback is encouraged and helps us better understand employee needs and thoughts. We’re committed to listening and turning feedback into actionable items by evolving policies and initiatives impacting our employees,” shared Jessica Grann, Senior Vice President and Chief Culture and Communications Officer at NGL. “We remain focused on enhancing and improving areas that are important to our employees. We strive to create an environment where employees can bring their whole, authentic selves to work through our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers the financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind to lead a life filled with confidence, dignity and grace. With nearly 115 years in the industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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Bank of Sun Prairie Awarded Best Financial Institution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2023

Contact: Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Bank of Sun Prairie
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com
www.bankofsunprairie.com

Bank of Sun Prairie Awarded Best Financial Institution
125-Year Community Bank Assumes Title of Best Financial Institution

Sun Prairie, Wis.— Bank of Sun Prairie won Best Financial Institution in the 2023 Best of Sun Prairie Awards conducted by the Sun Prairie Star. Bank of Sun Prairie offers personal and business banking, mortgage, and wealth management services with more than 100 employees at its five branch locations with its newest housed at Sun Prairie West High School.

Bank of Sun Prairie is the only financial institution headquartered in Sun Prairie and its dedication to area nonprofits and community organizations is unmatched. Last year, the bank’s employees volunteered 4,200 hours and Bank of Sun Prairie supported more than 100 organizations through sponsorships and contributions. The bank’s strong commitment to financial education through their Financial Fitness Center offering 52 digital courses via their website and 17 workshops for schools, businesses and nonprofits continues to grow.

“Thank you for recognizing Bank of Sun Prairie and our colleagues. It is an honor to work in this amazing community, and we promise to continue our high level of service and dedication to the communities we serve.” shared Jimmy Kauffman, Bank of Sun Prairie’s president and CEO.

Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $710 million in assets and five branches in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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Everlight Solar Ranks No. 632 on the Inc. 5000

With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 929.562% Percent, Everlight Solar Ranks No. 632 Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Inc. revealed today that Everlight Solar ranks No. 632 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other household name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

 “We are incredibly honored to have earned a place among the distinguished Inc. 5000 list,” says Will Creech, President and CEO of Everlight Solar. “This recognition underscores our relentless commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the dedicated efforts of our team.”

The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years.

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 23.

“Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000—with the fast growth that requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.”

Everlight Solar has emerged as a frontrunner in reshaping the solar industry, offering seamless solar solutions to homeowners without any upfront costs. By streamlining the entire process — from initial consultation through installation to post-installation communication — Everlight Solar ensures an effortless transition to solar power. As Everlight Solar continues to lead the way in making renewable energy attainable for homeowners, this accomplishment is a testament to the company’s growth trajectory and unwavering focus on customer satisfaction.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 

Methodology
Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places.

About Inc. 
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work reaches more than 50 million people across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About Everlight Solar
Everlight Solar is the fastest-growing solar company in the Midwest, with operations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. To learn more about open jobs or about going solar for your own home, visit www.everlightsolar.com.