Category: Member News
Learn who’s growing, changing, moving and more! Stay on top of what’s new with your neighboring businesses. We share news releases and announcements from your peers in the Madison area. Want to toot your own horn? Use our Submit Member News form to share your own stories.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Fenrici’s Special Offer: Satin Pillowcase Sets for Holiday Employee Gifts
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Madison-based Fenrici Brands is excited to extend an exclusive offer to local businesses seeking thoughtful and beneficial gifts for their staff. Our Satin Pillowcase Gift Sets are not just a symbol of appreciation; they are a gift of better sleep, wellness, and daily rejuvenation.
Crafted from premium satin, these pillowcases help to minimize friction, allowing skin and hair to glide smoothly across the surface, reducing the chance of sleep wrinkles and hair breakage. The gentle interaction with the skin also helps to maintain hydration, combating dryness and leaving a feeling of freshness upon waking. This attention to detail ensures that your staff can enjoy the subtle luxury of a good night’s sleep, returning to work feeling well-rested and cared for.
To enhance your corporate gifting this season, Fenrici is offering these sumptuous Satin Pillowcase Gift Sets at an attractive 40% off retail price exclusively for chamber members. It’s an opportunity to not only reward your employees but also to invest in their sleep health—a critical component of overall well-being.
We invite you to browse our selection and secure your holiday appreciation gifts at https://amzn.to/40x6XML. To access the exclusive 40% corporate discount, please email us directly at chamberoffer@fenricibrands.com with your order inquiry. This special offer is tailored for corporate gifting and requires a minimum purchase of 10 sets to ensure all your valued employees can enjoy this token of appreciation.
Choose Fenrici this holiday season to celebrate and honor the relentless dedication of your team. Let’s make their rest as productive as their workdays.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Meet the Fellows for the 2023 Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs
StartingBlock, Summit Credit Union and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announce seven participating companies for 2023 Cohort of the “Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs”
StartingBlock, Madison’s startup hub and Summit Credit Union, one of the leading credit unions in Wisconsin welcome seven women entrepreneurs into the 2023 cohort of the “Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs,” an initiative designed to support, empower, and catalyze the growth of women entrepreneurs in the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome seven amazing entrepreneurs to the StartingBlock family of companies” said Scott Mosley, Executive Director of StartingBlock Madison. “The Summit Credit Union Fellowship is an amazing opportunity to support women as they pursue their entrepreneurial endeavor. We are thrilled to work with Summit to offer this experience to this year’s cohort.”
Meet the 2023 Summit Credit Union Fellows:
- Aundrea Booker / Tre-Azure / https://www.Tre-Azure.com
- Amy Calder / Golden Innovation Group / https://www.goldeninnovationgroup.com
- Padmini Chintakayala / Nommli / https://www.nommli.com
- Sara Kraemer / Blueprint for Engineering / https://www.blueprintforengineering.org/
- Shelby Olstad / Miggy’s Bakes / https://miggysbakes.com
- Nicole Vafadari / Doret Consulting / https://www.doretconsulting.com
- Jerina Vincent / JNJ Gifts and More / https://jnjgiftsandmore.com
“We want to encourage women to grow their businesses as they build their own financial security,” said Summit CEO & President Kim Sponem. “In this fellowship, we’re partnering with an amazing group of women to take their businesses to the next level by providing guidance beyond their financial needs. Whether they need help with accounting, marketing, community networking, or business plan development, we will be with them every step of the way.”
The Fellowship began on Nov 1, 2023 and runs through Oct 31, 2024. During the year at StartingBlock, Fellows will receive mentorship and coaching about multiple components of their businesses from both StartingBlock staff and Summit Credit Union Executives.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is a generous supporter of the Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs.
About Summit Credit Union:
Established in 1935, Summit Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative. Summit holds 6.8 billion in assets and has more than 252,000 members and 967 employees across 57 locations throughout Wisconsin. Since 2002, Kim Sponem has been CEO & President of Summit Credit Union, formerly known as CUNA Credit Union/Great Wisconsin Credit Union.
Recognized for its excellence in employee engagement, in 2021, 2022 and 2023 Summit was named both a Top Workplace in the USA by Top Workplaces USA and a Top Workplace in the Madison area by the Wisconsin State Journal. In 2023 it has added a Top Workplace award in Milwaukee by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
For more information, visit www.summitcreditunion.com or call 608-243-5000 or 800-236-5560. For additional media information, visit https://www.summitcreditunion.com/about-summit/press-room or follow Summit on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation:
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is the State of Wisconsin’s lead economic development agency.
About StartingBlock Madison:
StartingBlock – Madison’s Startup Hub is the epicenter for entrepreneurship in Madison, Wisconsin. With a mission to support startups, foster innovation, and drive economic growth, it offers state-of-the-art workspace, mentorship, networking opportunities and resources to emerging businesses.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Bridget Travnick Oberfoell Joins Bank of Sun Prairie as Senior Vice President, Director of Human Resources and Training
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2023
Contact: Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Bank of Sun Prairie
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com
www.bankofsunprairie.com
Bridget Travnick Oberfoell Joins Bank of Sun Prairie as Senior Vice President, Director of Human Resources and Training
Now at Five Locations and 100+ Employees, Bank of Sun Prairie Continues to Grow
Sun Prairie, Wis.— Bank of Sun Prairie welcomes Bridget Travnick Oberfoell, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, as new senior vice president, director of human resources and training and member of the leadership team.
Travnick Oberfoell has worked in human resources for more than 23 years most recently as deputy director of human resources with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and prior with Shared Medical Services and The QTI Group among other companies in Madison and Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management from Cardinal Stritch University. Travnick Oberfoell is active in the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and in causes focused on animal welfare and rescue, child advocacy, environmental protections, and arts and culture.
“We are excited Bridget has joined our team. She brings the perfect blend of human resources leadership, a strong benefits background and passion for training and development.” shared Jimmy Kauffman, Bank of Sun Prairie’s president and CEO. “She will help drive Bank of Sun Prairie as a leading financial services institution serving Dane County and beyond.”

Travnick Oberfoell is based in the bank’s Main Street headquarters in Sun Prairie. Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $719.3 million in assets and five branches in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Berndt CPA LLC Announces Partner Promotions
Madison, WI 11/01/2023 – Berndt CPA LLC, a leading provider of financial and advisory services, is pleased to announce the promotion of key members of its leadership team. These promotions reflect the company’s commitment to recognizing and fostering talent within the organization, positioning it for continued growth and success.
- Bruce D. Berndt CPA, CGMA, who has been an integral part of the company’s success, has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In his new role, Bruce will provide strategic leadership and guide the company’s long-term vision.
- Alicia Greer CPA, a dedicated professional with a proven record, has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Alicia will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the company and ensuring its efficient functioning.
- Jordon Olson PAFM, known for her dedication and administrative acumen, has been promoted to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). In her new role, Jordon will oversee the daily administrative operations within the organization. This includes strategic planning, assisting in firm goal & policy implementation.
- Jeff Olsen CPA, MBA, with a strong background in tax and innovation, has been promoted to the position of Chief Tax Officer (CTO). Jeff will continue to work to align tax with business goals, drive strategic value, increase transparency, and improve the efficiency of tax operations.
With the support of partners Jay Mouille, CPA and Stephan Mesdjian, CPA, EA we are thrilled to announce these promotions within our leadership team. Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise, and we are confident that they will play a pivotal role in our continued growth and success.
About Berndt CPA: Berndt CPA has been a trusted name in financial services for 13 years. The firm offers a wide range of accounting, tax, and consulting services to businesses across Wisconsin and the U.S. With a focus on delivering personalized solutions, Berndt CPA has earned a reputation for excellence in client service. For more information, visit www.berndtcpa.com.
Photo by Richard Hurd
New Books for Kids this Holiday Season as Madison Reading Project Again Launches Community Book Drive
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORE INFORMATION:
Rowan Childs, Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 347-79790
Ann Christianson, Ann@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 345-0792
New Books for Kids this Holiday Season as Madison Reading Project Again Launches Community Book Drive
DANE COUNTY – For the fourth year in a row, Madison Reading Project is launching its annual Community Book Drive, promising to fill the homes of area children with new books this holiday season.
The goal: Raise $100,000 and provide 15,000 new books before winter break; more than 12,000 children will receive the books via Empty Stocking Club distributions, community partners, schools, and social workers. In addition to kicking off their fundraiser, the nonprofit is also celebrating a proclamation from the City of Madison this month. November is officially Madison Reading Project and Family Literacy Month in Madison. The proclamation also thanks the nonprofit for its work and collaboration with many partners to bring literacy resources, engagement, and free books to all children.
Madison Reading Project staff and volunteers will place book collection bins at public locations such as shopping malls, and has 40 different groups already hosting individual new book drives to help reach the goal. Anyone can sign up to run a drive, shop online for the book wishlist, or at local bookstores.
Financial donations can be made online or by mailing a physical check.
“We believe it is important for children to have access to new books that reflect their unique identities as well as open their eyes to others’ lived experiences,” says Rowan Childs, executive director. “By supporting our Community Book Drive you will help get thousands of new, high-quality books to kids, many of whom have few books in their homes.”
Madison Reading Project is again partnering with the Empty Stocking Club, Boys and Girls Club, and Reach Dane, along with other community programs, to widen its reach.
“We’re confident we will reach our donation goals,” Childs adds. “Everyone deserves that new book feeling, especially children, and books in the home are so very important.”
Anyone can help by donating funds or by buying books from local bookstores, such as Lake City Books, Mystery To Me, Leopold’s Books Bar Caffe or Books 4 School. The booklists make it easy to select a choice at any price point. Visit:
www.madisonreadingproject.com to get involved. A business, club, friend group or neighborhood can also organize a book drive, in person or virtually.
“We want to shine a light on our amazing community and encourage people to not only help us collect books bought locally, but also support local businesses when they visit our bins,” says Ann Christianson, Book Drive coordinator. “To make it convenient, you can purchase from our wishlist via our website or through local bookstores.”
Madison Reading Project’s book drive works with the Wisconsin State Journal’s annual Empty Stocking Club holiday toy distribution event. Open to all families regardless of their financial situation, every child receives a new book in addition to a brand-new, high-quality toy at the giving event.
For public donation locations, the link to make a financial contribution, and complete information about the Community Book Drive visit www.madisonreadingproject.com/communitybookdrive
The drive ends Dec. 8th to ensure books get to kids in a timely manner before schools close. The fundraiser is open until the end of the year.
Madison Reading Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect our community with free books and literacy enrichment programs that ignite a love for reading.
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