Madison Banker to Serve as Officer of Wisconsin Bankers Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Eric Skrum, Wisconsin Bankers Association
608-441-1216 | (c) 608-445-6430 | eskrum@wisbank.com
Twitter: @wisbank

Madison Banker to Serve as Officer of Wisconsin Bankers Association

MADISON – Ken Thompson, president and CEO of Capitol Bank, Madison, will serve as the 2019-2020 vice chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA).

The Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing nearly 235 commercial banks and savings institutions, their nearly 2,300 branch offices and 23,000 employees. Thompson will serve as the chair of the association in 2021-2022.

Also serving as officers on the WBA Board are: Chair Mark Meloy, CEO of First Business Bank, Madison; Chair-Elect Paul Kohler, president and CEO, Charter Bank, Eau Claire; and Past Chair Dave Werner, president and CEO of Park Bank, Milwaukee.

Joining the board for three-year terms are: Al Araque, executive director – market director banking, JPMorgan Chase, New Berlin; Mark Erickson, regional president, MidWestOne Bank, Osceola; Timothy Kotnour, president & CEO, State Bank Financial, La Crosse; and Mark Wierman, president, Ixonia Bank. James Chatterton, president, National Exchange Bank, Fond du Lac was selected to serve the one-year unexpired term left vacant by Thompson’s selection as Vice Chair.

Those continuing their terms on the board are: Christopher Del Moral-Niles, executive vice president/CFO, Associated Bank, Green Bay; Donna Hoppenjan, president & CEO, Mound City Bank, Platteville; Jerry Jacobson, president, Northwestern Bank, Chippewa Falls; Daniel Peterson, president/CEO, The Stephenson National Bank and Trust, Marinette; Thomas Reil, president, Waldo State Bank; Scot Thompson, president/CEO, Denmark State Bank; and Tom Van Pelt, president/CEO, Citizens State Bank, Hudson.

Photos available upon request.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing nearly 235 commercial banks and savings institutions, their nearly 2,300 branch offices and 23,000 employees.

Three Recipients Win The Alliance Health Transformation Award

Health-Transformation-Award-Winners-2019-Alliance

Gallagher to be recognized as SBA’s Women in Business Champion of the Year

April 9, 2019 (Madison, WI) — The U.S. Small Business Administration will honor Laura Gallagher during National Small Business Week May 5-11 at a ceremony in Waukesha, Wisconsin on May 10th . Gallagher is the Wisconsin Women in Business Champion of the Year.

Laura Gallagher is President and CEO of The Creative Company, Inc. a PR and Digital Agency she founded 30 years ago in Wisconsin. She is among 17 small businesses and champions from around Wisconsin to be recognized.

Laura Gallagher is one of 90 women in Wisconsin to be recognized by the Governor as a Trailblazer in Wisconsin.  She is a 2016 graduate of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) program with Harvard professor Michael W. Porter and the recipient of a scholarship from Goldman Sachs to become a scholar in 2017 at Babson College as part of the highly competitive 10KSB program for entrepreneurs. 

In 2017, Gallagher became a USA Ambassador for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) representing Wisconsin. With the help of a diverse and inclusive board of leaders from every sector, Gallagher produced a sold-out conference for women in Wisconsin in 2017, as well as 2018. She brought many of the resources from her Babson and ICIC experiences as well her 30 years in business to the movement making a real impact in the lives of women in business in this region. She also served as a Regional Ambassador helping other US Ambassadors and worked with women from around the world to empower, support and celebrate women in business.

More than half of attendees of the WEDWisconsin conferences said they are more likely to seek capital to grow their businesses as a result of attending. 96% left more confident. It is a diverse and inclusive stage as well as an audience that represented a number of sectors, with 400 women  in attendance each year.

Gallagher also secured a proclamation from Dane County Executive Joe Parisi (2018) and Mayor Paul Soglin (2017) to join women globally as part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day movement naming November 19th officially Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. Because of Gallagher’s leadership, the State of Wisconsin and the Governor proclaimed November 14th through the 19th Women’s Entrepreneurship Week in Wisconsin.

Until 1988, the year before Gallagher started her company, a woman couldn’t legally get a business loan without a man’s signature. Gallagher started her company in 1989. Today, women represent the fastest growing segment of new business start-ups. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that only 17.2% of women owned businesses started since 1994 have survived. The Creative Company has been recognized with numerous Alchemy and Marcum Awards, has twice been recognized as one of the best places to work and as one of the best ad agencies in Wisconsin.

Eric Ness, SBA’s Wisconsin district director, congratulated Laura Gallagher saying, “Wisconsin’s 448,000 small business owners can find inspiration and resources for their own success with this champions and Wisconsin’s 2019 National Small Business Week award winners. They are creating jobs, driving innovation, and increasing America’s global competitiveness. We look forward to celebrating them at the state’s 34th annual SCORE/SBA Awards Breakfast on May 10 at the Marriott Milwaukee West in Waukesha.” Register for the event here. 

Interview Opportunities: Laura Gallagher is available for interviews concerning the state of small businesses and the importance of Small Business Week.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Vogel Bros. Building Co. Receives Two Commercial Design Awards

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Heather Manke, 608.663.8974

MADISON, WIS. – Vogel Bros. Building Co., a fifth-generation construction services company, is proud to announce that both the Goodman Community Center’s Brass Works project and the Zendesk Madison Office were selected as the recipients of a 2019 Commercial Design Award.

Celebrating Dane County’s influence on Wisconsin’s notable architecture, InBusiness magazine announced the winners of the 2019 Commercial Design Awards in March, but recognized the recipients publicly at award reception in April. The 12^th annual Commercial Design Awards honor the best commercial design projects built in Wisconsin. The Brass Works project won Best New Development or Renovation – Mixed Use and Zendesk won Best Renovation – Office. Selected by a distinguished judging panel with a wide range of expertise in commercial design, the winners were selected based on responses to a project summary questionnaire that gave insight into the project’s purpose and impact on the surrounding community.

Vogel Bros. would like to congratulate all those who were a part of these projects. Awards like this celebrate the successful collaboration between all the members of the project team – from craft worker to firm leadership. Vogel Bros. believes people are the key to our success. This award wouldn’t be possible without their hard work and dedication to our craft.

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Photo Details:

1. Image 1 is of members of the Zendesk project team.
2. Image 2 is of members of the Goodman Community Center Brass Works project team.

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Vogel Bros. Building Co. (http://vogelbldg.com) is a fifth-generation construction services company with offices in Madison, WI and Lakeland, FL. As an award-winning company, Vogel Bros. has earned recognition for completing large-scale complex projects, encouraging innovation, embracing new technologies, and making a difference in our communities. We owe our success and longevity to the values established by the Vogel family that have been shared through the generations and are embodied in our employees.

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Food Fight Restaurants Win Three Wisconsin Restaurant Association Regional Awards

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association presented their new regional awards, developed by the association’s board of directors, at the annual Awards Gala held at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in Milwaukee on March 12th.  The event occurs during the WRA’s Midwest Foodservice Expo (March 11 – 13, 2019).

2019 is the inaugural year of WRA’s new regional awards which were created to shine a light on excellence exhibited in restaurants across the state in five regions. These regions were identified for the purposes of the new awards.

There are two categories – The Champion of Restaurant Entrepreneurship (CORE) awards and the Best of the House awards (which includes the Best of the Back of the House and Best of the Front of the House).

The criteria for the Best of the Back of the House include attention to detail, calm under pressure, strong work ethics and leadership skills.

Note: A quote from the winners’ nominators about why they are so deserving of this recognition is included after their name, title and employer/business.

Region 1 – Alex Slimak, director of the kitchen at Za 51 and Draganetti’s in Eau Claire.

“Alex leads by example which garners the respect of the entire crew.  He is a wonderful mentor and values the opportunity to help mold young aspiring cooks into culinary professionals.”

Region 2 – Matthew Mazur, executive chef at The Blue Bayou Inn in Manitowish Waters.

“Born into the restaurant industry, Matthew proudly carries on the tradition of his family’s restaurant.  He looks at new ideas and trends while preserving the legacy of his father’s recipes.”

Region 3 – Geddy Nordby, back of the house manager at Deo’s Pizzeria and Pub in Plymouth.

“Geddy’s work ethic and communication skills make him an outstanding employee.  He is good under pressure and he is a positive role model for other employees.“

Region 4 – John Moosreiner, executive chef at Weissgerber’s Golden Mast in Okauchee.

“John has shown superior professional leadership in his position as Executive Chef for 47 years.  His commitment to exemplary performance has gained him the admiration and respect of all.”

Region 5 – Chris Myers, executive chef at Cento Ristorante in Madison.  

“Chris has an inner passion for the restaurant industry.  Without ego, he lifts up those around him, whether they are guests, fellow managers or staff.”

According to Kristine Hiller, WRA President and CEO, “The Back of the House winners show inspiring commitment to the foodservice industry and their contributions to the success of the restaurants where they work is so valuable.”

The criteria for the Best of the Front of the House awards is outstanding customer service, strong work ethics, leadership skills and have earned the respect of their colleagues and employers.

Region 2 – Rachel Gee, server at The Black Forest Pub & Grille in Three Lakes.

“Rachel has earned a large and loyal customer following.  Customers request her because she makes their experience enjoyable and fun, and treats them like family.”

Region 3 – Amanda Mihalic, general manager at Culver’s in Little Chute.

“Amanda has always made taking care of her team members and guests a huge priority. She is a strong leader and true advocate for our industry.“

Region 4 – Sarah Ruffert, assistant shift manager of the food court at  Potawatomi Bingo and Casino in Milwaukee.

“Sarah has transformed her team into hospitality ambassadors by encouraging her employees to engage with guests and build relationships.”

Region 5 – Ben Brady, general manager of Everly and Miko Poke in Madison. 

“Ben has shown dedication to the art of hospitality.  His open mind and fair treatment of all makes his restaurants safe and welcoming places to work.”

Hillmer described the winners in this category as “true ambassadors of hospitality who create memorable and positive dining experiences every day.”

The criteria for the Champion of Restaurant Entrepreneurship (CORE) award for owner/operators is demonstrated passion for – and success in, their business, a commitment to community involvement, and support WRA through membership.  Additionally the winners should demonstrate exemplary leadership skills, business acumen and have a knack for helping the restaurant industry move forward through innovation.

Region 2 – Heather and Marcel Biró, owners of The Black Forest Pub & Grille in Three Lakes.

“Heather and Marcel are the epitome of teamwork, professionalism and honesty.  They set high standards for themselves and their business and take time to engage in their community.”

Region 3 – Jim Seeboth, owner of Seeboth Delicatessen in Sheboygan.

“Jim has a passion for the restaurant industry that is infectious.  His years of experience bring a calm assuredness that inspires those who work with him.”

Region 4 – Mike Holz, co-owner and executive chef of Brunch in Milwaukee and Brookfield.

“Mike has all the qualities of a great leader.  He treats his staff like family and builds them up to their highest potential.  He loves nothing more than seeing them succeed.”

Region 5 – José García, proprietor and general manager of Hubbard Avenue Diner in Middleton

“Jose exemplifies all of the positive traits that you would look for in an proprietor and manager. He brings new ideas, fresh collaboration and a celebration of community to the diner.”

“The CORE award winners embody the dedication, creativity and heart that characterize this industry,” said Hillmer.

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Since 1933, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association has been dedicated to the success of the foodservice and hospitality industry.