Midwest Prototyping becomes first independent additive manufacturer to achieve ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Midwest Prototyping Achieves ISO 9001 Certification | July 11, 2017

BLUE MOUNDS, WI – Midwest Prototyping, LLC, announced today its operations have been certified compliant with the ISO 9001:2015 standard, an internationally recognized achievement for operational excellence. One of the nation’s largest additive manufacturers, it’s the first independent service bureau to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification.

“For us, obtaining ISO certification is a natural next step,” said Steve Grundahl, President and founder of Midwest Prototyping. “As our operations and the additive manufacturing industry have continued to grow, we’ve seen an increasing number of production and end-use orders for printed parts. This [ISO 9001 certification] is a critical step to create a manufacturing facility for 3D printed, end-use products. If we are going to compete with traditional manufacturing processes, we need to meet them at their level.”

Midwest Prototyping has spent close to 18 months working to ensure its quality management system meets the extensive criteria associated with the standard, which centers on enhancing customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. National Quality Associates, Inc., an independent accredited registrar, verified Midwest Prototyping’s compliance to the standard.

“At its core, ISO 9001 is a business improvement standard,” explained Nate Schumacher, Project Leader and ISO 9001 implementation coordinator. “Realistically, what we’ve done is taken our existing QMS and reshaped it to let us take a closer look at our operations at every level, allowing us to improve them as we continue to grow.”

Centered in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization which develops and publishes International Standards in collaboration with 163 national standards bodies. Its documentation provides guidelines that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.

Founded in 2001, Midwest Prototyping is one of the nation’s largest independent additive manufacturing service bureaus. Named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing privately held companies for the last 5 consecutive years, the Blue Mounds-based organization was recently a 2016 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award winner. Offering multiple 3D printing technologies, urethane casting, and extensive finishing services, Midwest Prototyping has consistently provided quality products and unrivaled customer support, enabling clients of all industries to make better parts, faster.

For more information, visit www.midwestproto.com.

CEC Selected for 2017 CRN Solution Provider 500 List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CEC Selected for 2017 CRN Solution Provider 500 List

List ranks North America’s top 500 technology solution providers based on 2016 revenue

Hiawatha, IA (June 6, 2017) – CEC (Communications Engineering Company), a nationally recognized systems and technology integrator with locations in Iowa and Wisconsin, has been included on The Channel Company’s 2017 CRN Solution Provider 500 list. The SP500 list is CRN’s annual ranking of the largest technology integrators, solution providers, and IT consultants in North America by revenue. CEC moved up to No. 360 in this year’s annual ranking (up from No. 361 in 2016).

“The Solution Provider 500 list serves as an industry standard for recognition, and CEC is proud to be named to the list again in 2017,” said Jim Anderson, IT general manager at CEC. “It is thanks to our dedicated staff who take care of our customers, ensuring that they have the right technology solutions for their businesses.”

“CRN’s Solution Provider 500 list spotlights the North American IT channel partner organizations that have earned the highest revenue over the past year, providing a valuable resource to vendors looking for top solution providers to partner with,” said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. “The companies on this year’s list represent an incredible, combined revenue of over $318 billion, a sum that attests to their success in staying ahead of rapidly changing market demands. We extend our sincerest congratulations to each of these top-performing solution providers and look forward to their future pursuits and successes.”

The complete 2017 Solution Provider 500 list is available online at www.crn.com/sp500.

About CEC

With offices in the Midwest serving local and national customers, CEC offers solution design, integration, and technical services specializing in audio/video, safety and security, IT, structured cabling, and two-way communications. Focused on the customer experience, CEC teams partner with clients to understand their business, tailor solutions, and plan for future technology needs. To learn more, visit www.cecinfo.com or contact CEC at 800.377.0721.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with its dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, it connects and empowers technology suppliers, solution providers, and end-users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, it draws from its deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. For more information, visit www.thechannelco.com.

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For more information:

Melissa Henderson, Director, Marketing & Business Development

mhenderson@cecinfo.com or 319-294-9000

Savant Advisor Earns Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM Designation

MADISON, WI (June 1, 2017) – Savant Capital Management, a nationally-recognized fee-only wealth management firm, is pleased to announce that financial advisor Sarah McGinniss earned the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist^SM (CRPS^®) designation.

The CRPS^® program is available to professionals who specialize in creating, implementing, and maintaining retirement plans for businesses. The program covers design, installation, administration, and maintenance of retirement plans. Additionally, to receive the CRPS^® designation individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

McGinniss works out of Savant’s Madison, WI office and is a member of the Advisory Team. As a financial advisor, she is responsible for managing all aspects of the financial planning and investment process for Savant’s clients. She regularly meets with clients, other advisors, portfolio managers, and financial planners to formulate and coordinate effective planning, investment, and tax strategies.

McGinniss earned a bachelor of science degree in finance from the University of Illinois, where she graduated as a top 10 student in the College of Business and a top 100 student in the university. In addition to her CRPS^® designation, she is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

About Savant Capital Management

Savant Capital Management is a leading independent, nationally-recognized, fee-only firm, serving clients for 30 years with $5 billion in assets under management. As a trusted advisor, Savant Capital 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.

Savant is regularly recognized among the top wealth managers in the United States. Savant was the recipient of the 2015 Best-in-Business IMPACT Award™, part of Schwab’s IMPACT Awards® program to recognize excellence in the business of independent financial advice. Savant has consistently received other industry recognitions including recently being included on the Forbes top 200 financial advisors list, the Barron’s top 20 independent advisory firms list, being named the #9 rated RIA firm by Financial Planning magazine, and included in additional top advisors lists by Financial Advisor magazine and InvestmentNews.

Savant Capital Management is a Registered Investment Advisor. Savant’s marketing material should not be construed by any existing or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if they engage Savant’s services and may include lists or rankings published by magazines and other sources which are generally based exclusively on information prepared and submitted by the recognized advisor. For more information about Savant or to view our Important Disclosures, go to www.savantcapital.com.

Savant Capital Management and its employees are independent of and are not employees or agents of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). Schwab does not prepare, verify or endorse information distributed by Savant Capital Management. The Best-in-Business IMPACT Award™ is not an endorsement, testimonial endorsement, recommendation or referral to Savant Capital Management with respect to its investment advisory and other services.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements

WPS Part D achieves best audit score from CMS

The Medicare Part D prescription drug plan at WPS Health Insurance received the best audit score in the nation for 2016, according to a new report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMS conducted 37 program audits covering Medicare Advantage organizations, Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, and Medicare prescription drug plans. WPS had the best overall audit score.

“The WPS Part D program is a collaborative effort that requires expertise from all aspects of the company, especially Compliance, Medicare Market Solutions, and our Pharmacy departments,” said Mike Chester, Director of Pharmacy and Business Systems in Medical Affairs. “WPS’ investment in the Pharmacy team to provide program oversight was crucial to our success.”

Michelle Littel, Manager of Medicare Product Regulations at WPS, commented on the role of teamwork in operating a successful Part D program. “I think that what makes us successful is the fact we truly act as a team. We all bring our strengths to the table and work together. We could not accomplish what we do without each other.”

Jim Baird, Vice President, Medicare Market Solutions added, “In the end, it’s all about our customers. Our goal is to provide them with the highest-quality plans and the very best customer experience. They rely on us to provide coverage for vital health care needs and we want to always be there for them.”

The WPS achievement was recognized in a May 15 story published by Bloomberg Government, a national news service that covers the government sector.

The Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans provide health care and prescription drug benefits for eligible individuals aged 65 years and older, and eligible individuals with disabilities. CMS contracts with private companies, referred to as “sponsors,” to provide these benefits to beneficiaries.

The audit evaluated WPS’ compliance in:

• Compliance program effectiveness
• Part D formulary and benefit administration
• Part D coverage determinations, appeals, and grievances

 About WPS Health Solutions

WPS Health Solutions is a nationally regarded government contractor and a leading Wisconsin not-for-profit health insurer. The WPS Health Insurance division offers affordable health plans and benefits administration. The WPS Government Health Administrators division administers Part A and B Medicare benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and the WPS Military and Veterans Health division serves millions more members who are active in the U.S. military, veterans and their families. In 2017, the international Ethisphere^® Institute named WPS one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for the eighth straight year. For more information, please visit wpsic.com.

First Business Capital Corp. Announces Closed Deal

Contact:
Jen Braico
Senior Copywriter & Content Strategist
First Business Financial Services, Inc.
608-232-5773, jbraico@firstbusiness.com

First Business Capital Corp. Announces Closed Deal

MADISON, WI, May 3, 2017 – Chuck Batson, President and CEO, announced today that First Business Capital Corp. recently closed and funded a $6,185,000 credit facility including a revolving line of credit and equipment term loan for a specialty paper products manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. First Business Capital Corp. is a part of First Business Financial Services, Inc.(Nasdaq:FBIZ).

About First Business Capital Corp.
First Business Capital Corp. is a bank-owned specialty lender providing asset-based loans and factoring services to privately held businesses with revenues of up to $75,000,000 and financing requirements of up to $10,000,000. First Business Capital Corp. provides funding to companies in transition to accomplish a turnaround, restructuring, acquisition, recapitalization, or rapid growth opportunity.

About First Business
First Business Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: FBIZ) is a Wisconsin-based bank holding company, focused on the unique needs of businesses, business executives, and high net worth individuals. First Business offers commercial banking, specialty finance, and private wealth management solutions, and because of its niche focus, is able to provide its clients with unmatched expertise, accessibility, and responsiveness. For additional information, visit www.firstbusiness.com or call 608-238-8008.

Member FDIC, First Business’s corporate headquarters are at 401 Charmany Drive in Madison, WI. For additional information, visitwww.firstbusiness.com or call 608-238-8008.

The First Business logo is available at http://www.firstbusiness.com/logo/.

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