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.

Savant Wealth Management Named to Inc. 5000 List

ROCKFORD, Ill. (Aug. 15, 2023) – Inc. announced today that Savant Wealth Management, a nationally recognized, fee-only registered investment advisor (RIA), has been named to the Inc. 5000 annual list of fastest-growing private companies in America. Ranking No. 4,589 overall and No. 248 in the financial services industry, this is Savant’s inaugural year of being recognized on the prestigious list. Savant and all companies paid an entry fee to be considered for the recognition but did not pay to be included on the list.

The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents U.S. companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and hiring challenges. This year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years.

“We are honored to be recognized by Inc. as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S.,” said Brent Brodeski, CPA, CFP®, CFA®, MBA, CEO of Savant Wealth Management. “The honor is a direct reflection of Team Savant’s long-term and accelerated growth plan that’s focused on impacting the lives of a million people through retaining and recruiting top-tier talent, investing in new technology, and focusing on strategic acquisitions, marketing, and practice management.”

A three-year revenue growth of 89 percent helped Savant earn a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, and the firm’s projected growth is expected to continue to climb as Savant focuses on achieving its goal of three-to-five times growth over the next five years.

“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 it requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.”

Savant, headquartered in Rockford, IL, has 35 offices in 13 states, and employs 464 team members with 136 employee owners.

Savant and all the honorees will be celebrated at the Inc. 5000 Gala in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 2. To view the complete list of Inc. 5000 companies, visit inc.com/inc5000.

About Savant Wealth Management

Savant Wealth Management is a leading independent, nationally recognized, fee-only firm serving clients for over 30 years with approximately $20 billion in assets under management and assets under advisement (as of 7/20/2023). As a trusted advisor, Savant Wealth Management offers investment

management, financial planning, retirement plan and family office services to financially established individuals and institutions. Savant also offers corporate accounting, tax preparation, payroll and consulting through its affiliate, Savant Tax & Consulting, and estate planning document preparation and other legal services through its affiliated law firm, Savant Legal LLP.

2023 Inc. 5000: This annual ranking was published in August 2023. 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, be based in the U.S., and be privately held, for-profit, and independent (not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies) as of December 31, 2022. The minimum revenue required for 2019 was $100,000 and the minimum for 2022 was $2 million. Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places. Savant paid an entry fee to be considered for this ranking.

Savant is a registered Investment advisor. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Neither rankings and/or recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, publications, media, or other organizations, nor the achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license, or any amount of prior experience or success, should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Savant is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. Please read our Important Disclosures at savantwealth.com.

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.

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Summit Credit Union recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2023

Media Contact:     
Jason Waller
(608) 243-5000
publicrelations@summitcreditunion.com

Summit Credit Union recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions
Values-based banking supports people, planet and prosperity as shared purpose 

MADISON, Wis. — Summit Credit Union has been recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions by Forbes magazine.  

The magazine, in partnership with survey company, Statista, asked approximately 26,000 US consumers to rate credit unions where they have or previously had a checking or saving account. They rated the credit unions in six different areas around trust, terms & conditions, branch services, digital services, customer services and financial advice.  

“We are thrilled to be recognized by Forbes as Best in State that includes branch service, digital service and financial advice,” said Summit CEO & President Kim Sponem. “Our award-winning financial wellness programs help people take control of their finances and secure a solid financial retirement, while reducing stress, making things easier with personal and online service and being there for our members when they need us.”   

Large nationwide banks and credit unions with branches in more than 15 U.S. states—like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Navy Federal Credit Union—were excluded so that the lists reflect the best of the smaller, regional institutions. 

Online reviews and ratings posted on Google Reviews between March 2020 and April 2023 were also evaluated for each credit union. These reviews and ratings accounted for 20% of the scoring, while the surveys accounted for 80%. 

Summit Credit Union Background 

Established in 1935, Summit Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative. Summit holds $6.6 billion in assets and has more than 250,000 members, and 948 employees across 56 locations throughout south-central and southeastern Wisconsin. Since 2002, Kim Sponem has been CEO & President of Summit Credit Union, formerly known as CUNA Credit Union/Great Wisconsin Credit Union.  

Recognized for its excellence in employee engagement, in 2021, 2022 and 2023 Summit was named both a Top Workplace in the USA by Top Workplaces USA and a Top Workplace in the Madison area by the Wisconsin State Journal. In 2023 it has added a Top Workplace award in Milwaukee by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 

For more information, visit www.summitcreditunion.com or call 608-243-5000 or 800-236-5560.

For additional media information, visit https://www.summitcreditunion.com/about-summit/press-room or follow Summit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.