New UW-Madison research reveals a genetic influence on quitting smoking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
April 17, 2025
CONTACT: Lauren Schmitz, llschmitz@wisc.edu

MADISON, Wis., – In a novel study that is among the first in economics to combine genetic information and data from a randomized controlled study, a team of researchers led by Associate Professor Lauren Schmitz of the La Follette School of Public Affairs identified that smoking cessation efforts may be less effective for individuals with a high genetic risk for smoking.

The National Bureau of Economic Research working paper, which also includes La Follette Professor Jason Fletcher as a co-author, finds that participants in the landmark Lung Health Study with more genetic variants that predisposed them to smoking addiction were less likely to  benefit from a five-year smoking cessation intervention program.

“While we have intuitively understood for some time that genes likely play a factor in making it easy for some to quit smoking while difficult for others, we didn’t have the capabilities to test this until quite recently,” Schmitz says. “This study leverages advances in statistical genetics to better understand the interplay between genes and behavior and hopefully improve treatment options.”

This study uses the polygenic index from 4,145 participants in the Lung Health Study, a randomized controlled trial conducted from 1989 to 1994 with heavy smokers between 35 and 60 who were diagnosed with early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and were motivated to quit smoking.

A polygenic index is a weighted average of an individual’s genetic predisposition for a given trait, such as smoking addiction, based on the cumulative effects of measured genetic variants. Polygenic index measures have become an important tool for connecting genetic data with social outcomes in social science research.

Although both treatment groups in the Lung Health Study were 23% more likely to quit smoking on average, the success of the intervention declined by approximately 2.5% for every standard deviation increase in the polygenic index associated with the likelihood of beginning to smoke.

Smoking has declined in popularity in the US over the last several decades, with 2024 matching a historical low as only 11% of adults reported smoking cigarettes in the previous week. Despite the decrease in prevalence, smoking remains a significant public health concern.

“Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the US. Precision medicine approaches that tailor smoking cessation efforts to individuals’ genes could help improve cessation outcomes in high-risk smokers,” Schmitz says.

Schmitz and Fletcher are leading scholars in the emerging field of social genomics, and core faculty members for the Initiative in Social Genomics at the La Follette School of Public Affairs.

The Initiative in Social Genomics integrates social science and genetic research to study how genes are linked with human behavior and socio-economic outcomes, how genes and environments interact, and how social conditions can influence humans all the way down to the molecular level.

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Capitol Bank Announces Two Promotions, Strengthening for Future Success

Madison, WI (March 26, 2025): Capitol Bank is pleased to announce promotions for Nick Inman and Paige Janquart, which will further enhance the Bank’s leadership team and position the Bank for future growth.

Nick Inman has been named SVP, Chief Credit Officer. Inman brings over 19 years of lending and credit experience to Capitol Bank as he assumes leadership of the Bank’s credit function. In his two years with Capitol Bank, Nick has led several transition efforts to position the Bank for scalable growth while adding efficiencies. This change will allow for continued enhancement of the Bank’s credit operations.

“Nick’s expertise and dedication to the Bank have been evident since his arrival, and I’m pleased to have Nick at the helm of our credit department,” said Justin Hart, CEO.

Paige Janquart has been named VP of Finance. Janquart, with 14 years of accounting and banking experience, has played an integral role in the Bank’s accounting department prior to and since exceeding $500 million. In Janquart’s new role, she will assume additional responsibilities overseeing the Accounting and Financing department.

“Paige has been an instrumental part of the Bank’s accounting & finance functions. She exemplifies the Bank’s mission and values and will continue to position the Bank for future success,” said Ami Myrland, President and CFO.

Benjamin F. Edwards & Co: Celebrating 15 Years in the Madison Community!

Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. is thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone: 15 years of serving the Madison community and beyond!

Our Madison branch officially opened its doors on December 4, 2009, under the leadership of Paul Olsen. Soon after, Matt Clooten and Carrie Dorman joined him, forming the foundation of a branch that has since grown significantly, providing trusted financial guidance to individuals and families across the region.

In recent years, our office has continued to expand, welcoming new employees Ty Nafziger, Nic Adamany, and Faith Diamond. Each brings experience, dedication, and a commitment to helping our clients achieve their financial goals.

Founded in 2008, Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. carries forward a proud legacy of client-first service spanning five generations. With roots tracing back to A.G. Edwards, the company was established to deliver a boutique-style approach to wealth management. This combines personalized service with a wide array of financial solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, families, and businesses nationwide.

Our Madison branch embodies this legacy, guided by the core principles of Trust, Integrity, and Mutual Respect. We proudly serve Madison and its surrounding communities, including Fitchburg, Waukesha, Middleton, Milwaukee, and more. Whether assisting clients with retirement planning, investment management, or navigating unique financial challenges, our employees work with passion and precision to help clients succeed.

To celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to host an event in Madison with our clients, featuring special guests from our Home Office in St. Louis, MO.

Thank you for letting us be a part of this amazing community. We look forward to serving you for many more years to come!

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., member FINRA and SIPC. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy, including asset allocation and diversification, can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. does not provide legal or tax advice, therefore it is also important to consult with your legal and tax professionals for additional guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Madison Reading Project/Dolly Parton Collaboration Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

January 13, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE INFORMATION:
Rowan Childs, Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 347-7970
Sarah Burke, sarah@madisonreadingproject.com

Madison Reading Project/Dolly Parton Collaboration Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

DANE COUNTY –  As the new year begins, Madison Reading Project and The Dolly Parton Imagination Library celebrate the 3rd anniversary of providing free books to young children across Dane County.

Madison Reading Project enrolls any child, from birth to their 5th birthday, who lives in Dane County. They are eligible to receive a free book mailed to their home every month. The books are new, age-appropriate board and picture books that are designed to be shared with families.

“In the past year, we’ve sent more than 143,000 books to more than 14,720 children throughout the county, and we’d love to add more to our mailing list,” says Rowan Childs, Madison Reading Project co-executive director. “Shared reading experiences in the home are a proven way to increase literacy rates in early childhood and beyond.”

“We are so excited to make an impact and put more books into the hands of young children in Dane County,” adds Sarah Burke, Madison Reading Project Early Literacy Coordinator.

To enroll a child residing in Dane County visit https://www.madisonreadingproject.com/imaginationlibrary and click on the Register button. There is no charge to participate.  Your first book will arrive in approximately 60 days. 

The collaboration between Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Madison Reading Project is made possible through funding from Roots & Wings Foundation. Madison Reading Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect the community with free books and literacy enrichment programs that ignite a love for reading. 

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Orange Shoe Personal Fitness Celebrates 20 Years

Two Decades of Empowering Members with Comfort and Confidence in Their Health & Fitness Journeys 

MADISON, Wisc. – Orange Shoe Personal Fitness (Orange Shoe) knows that it takes more than physical strength to lift one’s confidence about incorporating a healthy workout routine into their life. The studio concept has been inspiring optimistic outlooks on fitness now for two decades and it is celebrating its members’ successes with a 20-year anniversary celebration.

The Madison, Wisconsin-born personal fitness studio, now with 3 locations locally and 12 locations between Madison, Milwaukee and Chicagoland, is marking this milestone with a community open house across all studios on no other day than of course — December 20. It will include personal fitness assessments, mini personal training consultations and a free community introduction class. In addition to the gathering, all Orange Shoe locations will be honoring their 20th anniversary with a celebratory 20 percent discount offer. The savings can be applied to the first month of membership packages.

“Our journey started here in Madison 20 years ago fueled by a mission to provide a personal, supportive, and inclusive fitness experience for everyone, regardless of where they are in their health and wellness journey,” said Lauren Birkel,  Owner of the Madison West and Downtown, Wisc. Studios. “Over the past two decades, we’ve had the privilege of being part of countless transformations, not just in terms of fitness, but in confidence, resilience, and a sense of community. This celebration is more than a milestone; it’s a heartfelt thank you to the incredible people who have made it all possible—our loyal clients who inspire us every day, our talented trainers who bring passion and expertise to their work, and our supportive staff who embody the spirit of Orange Shoe.”

Known for its highly personalized approach to training and wellness, Orange Shoe has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their fitness goals through customized training and a welcoming community environment.

Since its inception 20 years ago, Orange Shoe has achieved several memorable milestones, including opening its first franchised studio in Madison in 2008 and expanding to Milwaukee and Chicago by 2010. Likewise, as it has expanded, the brand has consistently provided the exceptional personal trainers working at their studios with opportunities to begin their entrepreneurial journeys within existing and newly built locations.

“Paying it forward, whether to our trainers, our members or communities has always been at the heart of Orange Shoe,” said Birkel. “As we celebrate 20 years of empowering people through fitness, we’re proud to reflect on the impact we’ve made beyond the gym. Each year, we partner with local nonprofits, sponsor community events, and lead initiatives like ‘Burpees for Bucks,’ where our trainers do a burpee for every dollar donated to a chosen charity. It’s a fun and meaningful way to engage our clients, support important causes, and show our gratitude to the communities that have supported us over the past two decades.”

This year, the brand expanded its presence in Chicagoland with its fourth opening in the market, this one arriving in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Looking ahead, Orange Shoe Fitness aims to continue being the premier personal training studio in each of its markets, which include Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago.

To explore membership options in https://www.orangeshoe.com/MadisonDowntown and at all studios, visit https://www.orangeshoe.com/.

About Orange Shoe Fitness

Orange Shoe Fitness is a leading provider of personalized fitness solutions, dedicated to empowering individuals through tailored workout programs and expert guidance. Orange Shoe was founded in 2004 by Josh Martin in Madison, Wisconsin while working as a successful pharmaceutical rep. Known for always wearing bright orange sneakers during his visits to local hospitals and clinics, Josh was inspired to help people avoid the need for medication by focusing on personal fitness and wellness. With the support of Scott and Katie Michel, both passionate professionals with degrees in Exercise Sports Science and Teaching, Orange Shoe Personal Fitness expanded its reach across the Midwest. Emphasizing one-on-one attention and community engagement, Orange Shoe Fitness delivers a unique fitness experience designed to meet each client’s specific goals and needs. From weight loss and strength building to overall wellness and mobility, Orange Shoe Fitness creates customized plans that fit seamlessly into clients’ lifestyles. The brand has 12 studios open across Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin and throughout the Chicagoland area.

For more information, visit https://www.orangeshoe.com

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