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Category: Accolades

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Per Mar Security Services Honored as 2025 Gold Partner of the Yearat Axis Connect and Converge Conference

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial clients based in Davenport, IA, has been named the 2025 Gold Partner of the Year by Axis Communications at the 20th annual Axis Connect & Converge Conference. Axis Communications, a global leader in network video and security solutions, presented these annual awards to celebrate partners delivering extraordinary value and impact.

“We are honored to be named a Gold Partner of the Year by Axis. This is really a reflection of the dedication of our teams in learning and recommending video solutions, particularly our live video monitoring service. The security world is increasingly moving toward a video-centric service and I’m proud that we are leading this effort,” said Chris Edwards, President of Electronic Security, Per Mar Security Services.

“Partnerships are the foundation of success. On behalf of Axis, I congratulate Per Mar Security Services on this well-deserved award. Their commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes truly sets them apart,” said Larry Newman, Senior Director of Sales, Axis Communications, Inc.

Axis partners with more than 90,000 organizations across 179 countries through a diverse range of programs.

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 and 28 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

Clean Jobs Midwest Recognizes Mike Mannion of Sun Vault Roofing

MADISON, WI — October 20, 2025 — Clean Jobs Midwest has featured Sun Vault Roofing co‑founder and Director of Operations Mike Mannion in its Worker Profile series, recognizing his leadership in bringing integrated solar shingle roofing to Wisconsin homeowners.

The profile centers on Mannion’s on‑the‑ground project leadership, from the first customer call through final homeowner walkthrough, along with his hands‑on training and focus on pairing reroofing with clean energy. Thanks to Mike’s leadership, Sun Vault Roofing unveiled Madison’s first integrated solar roof in September 2025. The feature from Clean Jobs Midwest also explains how integrated solar shingles deliver a low‑profile look without bulky racks, helping more Wisconsin homeowners consider solar at the time of roof replacement.

Rather than a one‑off milestone, the recognition speaks to a growing skills base in south‑central Wisconsin and Sun Vault Roofing’s commitment to craftsmanship, code compliance, and homeowner education around integrated solar roofing.

Reimagine the Future of Roofing

Sun Vault Roofing is a Wisconsin contractor specializing in high‑quality asphalt roofing and integrated solar shingle systems. Their mission is to help homeowners protect their homes and power their future with great‑looking, durable roofs.

Sun Vault Roofing invites fellow Chamber members and Madison residents to explore the benefits of integrated solar shingles. Whether you’re considering a roof replacement or looking to enhance your plans for new construction, their team is here to assist.

Contact Information: 

Website: https://sunvaultroofing.com

Email: info@sunvaultroofing.com

Phone: (608) 608-1082

For a free roof inspection or to learn more about their services, please visit their website or reach out directly via email or phone.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Bergstrom Automotive recognized among the Top Dealership Organizations to Work for in the U.S. in 2025

(Neenah, WI – October 10, 2025) – Automotive News has announced that Bergstrom Automotive has been named the top dealership group to work for in the United States. In the 2025 “Top 150 Dealerships to Work For” list, Bergstrom led the nation with 39 dealerships earning this prestigious distinction—more than any other automotive group. Additionally, two Bergstrom dealerships were ranked among the top 10 dealerships in the country for minority leadership.

General managers representing the winning Bergstrom Automotive dealerships, along with their spouses, joined Tim Bergstrom, Jake Bergstrom, and John Bergstrom, and other honorees, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, October 9th for the formal recognition and ceremony.

Automotive News, the leading publication serving the North American automotive industry, selected the winners from more than 18,000 dealerships nationwide, recognizing organizations that excel in workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and leadership.

The Automotive News “Best Dealerships to Work For” list is compiled through an independent, two-part process managed by Workforce Research Group. The first part evaluates each dealership’s workplace policies, practices, and benefits, while the second part measures employee satisfaction through an anonymous survey of team members. Combined results determine the top-ranking dealerships that demonstrate exceptional workplace culture, strong employee engagement, and a commitment to supporting and valuing their people.

“We’re extremely proud of our team, and are thrilled their efforts are being recognized. As we’ve grown it’s been very important that we stay intentional to our culture. This allows us to execute on our guest service promise consistently across our company,” stated John F. Bergstrom, Executive Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive. “When you do business with people that enjoy their job, you feel it; and we want that for our guests. When your team loves what they do, and cares about each other, you attract the best to work with you. It’s a simple model, but takes all 2,500 of our teammates committed to it.”

This is one of the highest honors in the retail automotive industry. For more information about the awards and the process through which they are granted, visit www.bestdealershipstoworkfor.com.

About Bergstrom Automotive

Bergstrom Automotive, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is one of the top automotive retailers in the U.S. and the largest in Wisconsin. The company employs over 2,500 teammates statewide and proudly represents 34 automotive brands across 60 facilities. Guided by a commitment to outstanding guest service, Bergstrom sells and services Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Two Greater Madison Distilleries Up For USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards

Two distilleries in Greater Madison have been nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

J. Henry & Sons in Dane is nominated for Best Whiskey, and Dancing Goat Distillery in Cambridge is nominated for Best Distillery Tour.

The distilleries were nominated to the Top 20 lists in their respective categories by a panel of USA Today editors. You can vote for each one to be included in the final Top 10 list until voting ends on Monday, October 13 at 11 a.m. CT. You can vote up to once per day in both categories. The 10 winners for each list will be announced on Wednesday, October 22.

Learn more and cast your votes for J. Henry & Sons here, and for Dancing Goat Distillery here.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Dupaco’s Commitment to Workplace Excellence Earns Statewide Honor

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Dupaco Credit Union has once again been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Des Moines Register, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to fostering a people-first culture and continuously improving the employee experience.

This Top Workplace recognition is based on results from an employee engagement survey conducted earlier this year from over 550 employees. The survey, administered by Energage, captures authentic feedback from employees and evaluates key aspects of workplace culture including alignment, execution and leadership.

“Being named a Top Workplace is a reflection of our employees’ voices—and we take those voices seriously,” said Joe Hearn, Dupaco President and CEO. “We don’t just participate in these surveys to check a box. We use the insights to grow, to get stronger and to ensure we’re living up to our commitment to be a great place to work.”   

Team Dupaco is part of Dupaco’s strategy and one of the financial cooperative’s four Areas of Focus.  

“We’re proud of this recognition, but even more proud of the intentional work our team puts in every day to make Dupaco a great place where people thrive,” Hearn continued.  

Participation in the Top Workplace survey is a strategic decision for Dupaco. The results are more than just data points—they’re a roadmap for growth. Dupaco uses it to identify areas for improvement, reinforce what’s working and stay accountable. The credit union uses the survey results to measure progress and continuously evolve to better support our employees.   

As a people-centric organization, Hearn said he is proud of how engaged employees are at the financial cooperative. “Every employee lends a hand to make our culture special. This is what helps us work towards our vision of a brighter community for all.”     

Dupaco has earned Top Workplace recognition from the Des Moines Register in multiple years, including 2023, 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2011.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION 

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 176,000 with assets exceeding $3.6 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.