WPS Health Solutions plans new Support Center on Madison campus

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Solutions plans new Support Center on Madison campus

MADISON, Wis.—Oct. 30, 2020—WPS Health Solutions is embarking on the first phase of a Facility Master Plan for its Madison campus, which includes construction of a new Support Center and the potential sale of the Nordby Building, adjacent parking ramp, and excess land available for development along the Yahara River.

Some components of the plan are driven by the desire to vacate two off-campus facilities before leases expire. The Support Center, proposed to be built near the Koenig Building, will consolidate operations from Todd Drive and the Veridian Building. The Support Center will house print and mailing operations, a distribution center (warehouse), and technology support services.

“WPS continually works on long-term planning to anticipate changing business needs, with a strategy for competitiveness, growth, modernization of facilities and technology, and enhanced data security,” said President and CEO Mike Hamerlik.

“The Facility Master Plan has been in development for over a year and is not a direct reaction to COVID-19, although the company expects a number of employees temporarily working at home because of COVID-19 will ask to become permanent remote workers when the pandemic subsides,” he said.

With the transition to more remote workers over the last several years, WPS has experienced a need for less office space on the Madison campus. The Broadway Building, which currently has minimal occupancy, will absorb some of the employees moving from Nordby. Corporate Center and the Koenig Building also will accommodate some of the employees from the Nordby Building. A specific timetable for the moves has not been determined.

The Facility Master Plan also includes the potential to construct two more buildings on the Madison campus. Phase 2 proposes to construct a hub attached to the west end of Corporate Center. It would feature a new main entrance and lobby for the campus. Phase 3 proposes to add a building to the hub if additional space is necessary.

The Facility Operations team, led by Ken Roseth and Andrew McCready, is coordinating the project. Their goal is to modernize the campus and build facilities that can accommodate WPS for many years ahead.

“Moving forward on this long-term master plan will modernize WPS facilities and shows the company’s commitment to the Madison area,” Roseth said.

The Nordby property is listed through Andrew Jensen of Cushman & Wakefield Boerke.

About WPS Health Solutions

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation utilizes “WPS Health Solutions” to refer to our entire enterprise. Within our enterprise, there are three divisions, including Government Health Administrators, Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. WPS Government Health Administrators manages Medicare Part A and Part B benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and WPS Military and Veterans Health serves millions of members of the U.S. military and their families through TRICARE and Veterans Affairs programs. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation has been based in Madison, Wis., for nearly 75 years. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

Schematic design of the Support Center, next to Koenig, is subject to change.

Exterior schematic view of the Support Center, subject to change.

WPS Health Plan, Inc. expands to 22 counties on Health Insurance Marketplace for 2021

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Plan, Inc. expands to 22 counties on Health Insurance Marketplace for 2021 

MADISON, Wis.—Oct. 29, 2020—WPS Health Plan, Inc. will offer health insurance coverage in 2021 in 22 Wisconsin counties through the Federally Facilitated Marketplace, also known as the exchange (healthcare.gov). This is an expansion from eight counties for the 2020 plan year.

“We are excited to offer WPS Health Plan individual products to more Wisconsin residents during the annual Open Enrollment Period, Nov. 1 through Dec. 15,” said Jeremy Ott, Vice President, WPS Health Insurance Economics. He noted that WPS Health Plan previously was marketed as Arise Health Plan.

On-Marketplace counties for WPS Health Plan in 2021 are: Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago.

Eligible individuals who purchase an on-Marketplace plan may qualify for a tax credit to help reduce premiums or cost-sharing reductions to help reduce their deductible and out-of-pocket costs. Beginning Nov. 1, consumers can compare plans, calculate potential tax credit, and enroll in a plan at wpshealth.com/individual-family/individual-family-hmo.

About WPS Health Plan, Inc.

WPS Health Plan, Inc. is a legal, for-profit corporate entity that has the certificate of authority to sell health insurance including HMO products in the state of Wisconsin. It also maintains accreditation with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which is required to sell on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace. WPS Health Plan is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Insurance). Consumers will continue to see the WPS Health Insurance name as well as the newly branded WPS Health Plan.

About WPS Health Solutions

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation utilizes “WPS Health Solutions” to refer to our entire enterprise. Within our enterprise, there are three divisions, including Government Health Administrators, Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. WPS Government Health Administrators manages Medicare Part A and Part B benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and WPS Military and Veterans Health serves millions of members of the U.S. military and their families through TRICARE and Veterans Affairs programs. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation has been based in Madison, Wis., for nearly 75 years. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

Cresa Completes Lease Transaction for Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, Inc. in Response to Demand Related to COVID-19 Pandemic

(Madison, WI) Cresa Madison has recently finalized a lease transaction on behalf of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, Inc. The property will fulfill the organization’s immediate need for additional storage space due to an increasing need for food access in the 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties it serves.

The property, previously occupied by North American Fur Auctions, was just built in 2018 and is located at 1600 Williams Drive, Stoughton, WI.  It is a 28,400 square foot building on 10.4 acres in the Stoughton Industrial Park.  The building has unique features that make it an ideal location for Second Harvest, including both warehouse and cooler space.  The cold storage takes up approximately  1/3 of the building, and the remainder of the space will be utilized for dry goods.  It is also conveniently located with access to interstate 90 via US HWY 51 and CTY HWY N.

“We are happy that we were able to find Second Harvest a practically brand new structure, that you would almost think was built with their needs in mind,” says Matt Apter, Cresa Managing Principal. “There is something very gratifying when we can find ideal solutions for clients that fulfill a critical need in our community,” adds Apter.

Second Harvest says the new space is critical with Dane County’s CARE program which gives emergency funding to Second Harvest to continue purchasing and distributing local vegetables, meats, cheeses, and other goods to Dane County food pantries until the end of the year.

Mike Wilson, CFO of Second Harvest says “The new location will effectively serve our need for additional cold food storage and box packaging.” Wilson adds, “There has been a significant increase in our need for services in southwestern Wisconsin as a result of the pandemic. We are now confident the new storage facility will allow us to respond to the swell in demand without space and overcrowding concerns.”

…

About Cresa
Cresa is the world’s largest commercial real estate advisory firm that exclusively represents occupiers and specializes in the delivery of fully integrated real estate solutions.  Delivered across every industry, Cresa’s services include Consulting, Facilities Management, Global Portfolio Solutions, Investment Banking, Lease Administration, Location Strategy & Economic Development Incentives, Project Management, Transaction Management and Workplace Intelligence.  With over 1,000 employees in more than 80 offices globally, Cresa partners with occupiers everywhere.  For more information, visit www.cresa.com/madison

GHC-SCW Expands Network in Southwest Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2020

Contact: Allan Wearing
Chief Business Development Officer
Phone: 608-251-3356 #4813
awearing@ghcscw.com

GHC-SCW Expands Network in Southwest Wisconsin

Partnerships announced with Southwest Health and Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County

MADISON, WISCONSIN – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is pleased to announce its partnership with Southwest Health and Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County (MHLC).

Starting immediately, GHC-SCW members can now choose a Primary Care Provider (PCP) from one of the two Southwest Health clinic locations in Platteville and Cuba City. GHC-SCW members also have access to emergency care, urgent care and specialty care services at Southwest Health Hospital in Platteville.

Additionally, GHC-SCW members also now have access to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County (MHLC) and can choose a PCP from one of the three MHLC clinic locations in Darlington, Shullsburg and Argyle. GHC-SCW members also have access to emergency care, urgent care and specialty care services at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington.

“Further expansion into southwest Wisconsin demonstrates our commitment to serving our members where they live and work,” said Dr. Chris Kastman, GHC-SCW Chief Medical Officer. “We value the excellent care both Southwest Health and MHLC provide in their communities and look forward to sharing in that dedication.”

Insurance plans and benefits vary; GHC-SCW members are encouraged to call GHC-SCW Member Services at (608) 828-4853 to ensure their choice of primary care provider.

About GHC-SCW

Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is a nonprofit health plan that cares for more than 75,000 members. The Cooperative has served the greater Dane County area for 44 years and provides both insurance and clinical services for its members. GHC-SCW is the first health plan in Wisconsin to offer patients a money-back guarantee if they are not satisfied with their experience at a GHC-SCW clinic. GHC-SCW was rated 5 out of 5 nationally in 2019 and was the number one ranked private plan in Wisconsin from 2006–2019 according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). 

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Sheraton Madison Announces Hotel Renovations Complete

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 9, 2020

Contact:
Adam Gautreaux
608-234-1000

Sheraton Madison Announces Hotel Renovations Complete

(MADISON, Wis.) – The Sheraton Madison has completed its $15 million renovation. The two-year project was a complete re-imagination of the property, reflecting the vision of owners based in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“We created functional, fun and welcoming spaces for guests and the general public to enjoy, completely transforming the community’s well-loved Sheraton Madison Hotel with thoughtful and aesthetic design elements,” Sheraton Madison General Manager Adam Gautreaux said.

Expertly designed by Sheedy | De La Rose Interiors of Chicago, the Sheraton Madison now invites you to experience a modern, dynamic and local vibe, exemplified in its homage to Madison in its indoor and outdoor murals, meeting rooms names and lobby décor.

The newly renovated guest rooms feature modern finishes, sleek furniture, room for personal storage and cozy seating areas. Each room includes a 55-inch LED TV with multiple streaming capabilities including Prime Video and Netflix, providing an ideal setting for a quiet recharge while on the road.

Located within the renovated lobby area is The Hub, Madison’s newest gathering place for drinks, social hour and more, as well as the new Market, which serves a variety of freshly prepared items for all meal periods.

The hotel is managed by Legacy Ventures, a best-in-class hospitality investment, development and management company, based in Atlanta.

Due to COVID-19, the hotel has implemented increased safety and disinfecting measure in compliance with Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean to ensure guest and employee health. Measures include contactless check-in through the use of mobile key, 24-hour vacancies of rooms between guest departures, social distancing measures and proper masks and personal protective equipment worn by employees at all times.

For more information about the brand new Sheraton Madison, visit: https://www.marriott.com/MSNSI.