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.
MMSD Targets Growth in College Credit and Career Credential Opportunities by 2026–27
MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is setting its sights on helping more students graduate with real-world credentials and college credit, unveiling a new performance objective that underscores its commitment to college, career and community readiness.
By the 2026–27 school year, MMSD aims to increase the percentage of students who graduate with credits or credentials that carry postsecondary value, whether through college-level coursework, industry-recognized certifications or work-based learning experiences.
“This focus ensures our graduates leave MMSD not only with options and confidence, but with high-value credentials that open doors to real opportunity,” said Cindy Green, MMSD’s assistant superintendent of strategy and innovation. “We want every student to have meaningful experiences that connect their learning to life beyond high school.”
Approximately 64% of MMSD’s Class of 2025 earned college credit through Advanced Placement, dual credit or dual enrollment courses, the district’s highest percentage in five years. Students across MMSD accessed 33 AP courses, 10 dual credit offerings and 273 dual enrollment opportunities through programs such as Early College Academies and Start College Now.
To continue that momentum, MMSD is advancing several key focus areas:
Advanced Placement Courses: Mapping AP offerings to specific career clusters so students can see clear links between rigorous coursework and future careers.
Dual Credit Courses: Expanding college-credit classes taught by MMSD teachers, giving students access to college-level learning without leaving their high school campus.
Dual Enrollment Pathways: Strengthening partnerships with UW–Madison, Madison College and Wisconsin’s technical college system to provide early access to college coursework and career-aligned academies.
Work-Based Learning: Creating tiered experiences, from introductory work credit to youth apprenticeships, that give students hands-on experience and real credit for their efforts.
Industry Credentials: Expanding awareness and access to industry certifications in areas such as health care, construction, automotive technology and culinary arts.
“By linking learning to purpose, we are supporting students in preparing for college while also helping them uncover their passions,” said Mary Jankovich, MMSD’s executive director of college, career, and community readiness. “Our forward-looking efforts guarantee that every MMSD graduate can envision a pathway ahead that is both attainable and motivating.”
These initiatives are designed to create a more seamless connection between what students learn in school and the opportunities available to them after graduation. Whether earning a certified nursing assistant license, a college algebra credit or a youth apprenticeship in IT, MMSD students are gaining tangible experiences that translate directly into postsecondary success.
“This work is about building bridges between schools and colleges, students and employers, and classroom learning and the real world,” Green added. “When students can see a clear line between their education and their aspirations, their engagement deepens, and so does their sense of purpose.”
The district is also focused on ensuring these opportunities reach all students equitably. Data analysis and school-based support systems are being used to identify barriers to access (e.g., transportation, course scheduling, awareness, etc.) and to expand participation among underrepresented student groups.
Ultimately, MMSD’s performance objective serves as a reflection of a broader vision for what readiness looks like in today’s world. By prioritizing college credit, credentials and real-world learning, the district is equipping every student not just to graduate, but to take their next step with confidence.
To learn more about the district’s secondary programs and pathways, please visit the MMSD website.
###
About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.
Bergstrom Automotive recognized among the Top Dealership Organizations to Work for in the U.S. in 2025
(Neenah, WI – October 10, 2025) – Automotive News has announced that Bergstrom Automotive has been named the top dealership group to work for in the United States. In the 2025 “Top 150 Dealerships to Work For” list, Bergstrom led the nation with 39 dealerships earning this prestigious distinction—more than any other automotive group. Additionally, two Bergstrom dealerships were ranked among the top 10 dealerships in the country for minority leadership.
General managers representing the winning Bergstrom Automotive dealerships, along with their spouses, joined Tim Bergstrom, Jake Bergstrom, and John Bergstrom, and other honorees, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, October 9th for the formal recognition and ceremony.
Automotive News, the leading publication serving the North American automotive industry, selected the winners from more than 18,000 dealerships nationwide, recognizing organizations that excel in workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and leadership.
The Automotive News “Best Dealerships to Work For” list is compiled through an independent, two-part process managed by Workforce Research Group. The first part evaluates each dealership’s workplace policies, practices, and benefits, while the second part measures employee satisfaction through an anonymous survey of team members. Combined results determine the top-ranking dealerships that demonstrate exceptional workplace culture, strong employee engagement, and a commitment to supporting and valuing their people.
“We’re extremely proud of our team, and are thrilled their efforts are being recognized. As we’ve grown it’s been very important that we stay intentional to our culture. This allows us to execute on our guest service promise consistently across our company,” stated John F. Bergstrom, Executive Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive. “When you do business with people that enjoy their job, you feel it; and we want that for our guests. When your team loves what they do, and cares about each other, you attract the best to work with you. It’s a simple model, but takes all 2,500 of our teammates committed to it.”
This is one of the highest honors in the retail automotive industry. For more information about the awards and the process through which they are granted, visit www.bestdealershipstoworkfor.com.
About Bergstrom Automotive
Bergstrom Automotive, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is one of the top automotive retailers in the U.S. and the largest in Wisconsin. The company employs over 2,500 teammates statewide and proudly represents 34 automotive brands across 60 facilities. Guided by a commitment to outstanding guest service, Bergstrom sells and services Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
The clinics will offer all vaccines required by the Wisconsin Student Immunization Law, including DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap and MenACWY. Additional vaccines for influenza, Hepatitis A and HPV will also be available and are highly recommended.
“It’s important for us to offer families convenient access to the vaccinations that keep their children healthy and in school,” said Sarah Breon, MMSD’s director of health services. “By hosting these clinics in partnership with trusted local health providers, we’re removing barriers and making it easier for families to stay on track with their and their child’s immunizations.”
All MMSD students over the age of 5, as well as members of the general public, are eligible to receive shots. Appointments are strongly recommended and can be scheduled through the Public Health Madison & Dane County system. There is no out-of-pocket cost for participants. Families with insurance are asked to bring their insurance card.
Families should also bring their child’s immunization record to the appointment. Records can be accessed through a healthcare provider, the Wisconsin Immunization Registry, or the Infinite Campus Parent Portal by selecting More → Health → Immunizations.
“These clinics reflect MMSD’s commitment to student well-being,” Breon added. “Healthy students are better learners, and we’re grateful to our community partners for helping make these opportunities possible.”
Additional information can be found at the MMSD website.
###
About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.
Sun Vault Roofing Unveils Madison’s First Integrated Solar Roof
MADISON, WI — October 8, 2025 — Sun Vault Roofing is proud to announce the successful installation of Madison’s first integrated solar roof, a major milestone in the state’s clean energy journey. Construction was completed at a home on Madison’s west side in September.
As the only certified installer of Solstice solar shingles in Wisconsin, Sun Vault Roofing is pioneering a new era of solar roofing that blends cutting-edge energy technology with superior finesse. Unlike conventional solar panels, Solstice shingles integrate directly into the roofline and attach directly to the roof deck, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic without compromising durability or design.
“Solar shingles create clean energy without the trade-offs of conventional panels,” said Jon Torre, co-owner of Sun Vault Roofing. “They maintain clean, modern aesthetics while preserving the integrity of the rooftop—every roofer’s top priority.”
Sun Vault Roofing’s first solar roof installation is just the beginning. The company is currently on track to complete several more solar roofing projects in Madison, Evansville, Sheboygan, Oconomowoc, and Cambridge by the end of the year. These installations will deliver over 52 kilowatts of solar capacity. The environmental benefit of planting roughly 1,200 trees across Wisconsin.
But the impact goes beyond energy output. Thanks to the integrated design of Solstice shingles, these projects will prevent drillign over 1,000 holes in customer rooftops, preserving the watertight integrity of each building’s roof and reducing long-term maintenance risks. For homeowners and business owners alike, this means cleaner installs, fewer leaks, and longer-lasting roofs.
Sun Vault Roofing’s mission is to reimagine the future of roofing by making solar smarter, more accessible, and more beautiful. By popularizing solar shingles, the company aims to drive down costs over time and increase accessibility, just as widespread adoption did for conventional panels in the past decade. This commitment to equity and innovation is central to Sun Vault Roofing’s vision for a more sustainable Wisconsin.
Explore the Future of Roofing
We invite fellow Chamber members and Madison residents to explore the benefits of our solar shingles. Whether you’re considering a roof replacement or looking to enhance your property’s energy efficiency, our team is here to assist.
Starion Bank Welcomes Kildahl as Chief Operations Officer
Starion Bank is pleased to announce that Chris Kildahl has been named Chief Operating Officer. With more than two decades of experience in financial leadership and operational expertise, Kildahl brings a dynamic and disciplined approach to the bank’s executive team.
“I’m honored to join Starion Bank and help advance Starion’s vision for community banking and innovation through embedded finance,” said Kildahl. Their commitment to serving local communities aligns perfectly with my own values, and together we can continue delivering outstanding results for our customers.”
Kildahl has a strong background in executive leadership. Throughout his career, he has played pivotal roles in building and mentoring high-performance teams across multiple disciplines, as well as driving strategic initiatives and guiding transformational growth.
“Chris brings a wealth of experience and a strategic instinct that perfectly matches Starion Bank’s mission, said Dave Rogstad, Starion Bank President. “We’re excited to welcome him to our leadership team and look forward to the impact he’ll make in taking our customers and communities even farther.”
Kildahl is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant. He holds an MBA from North Dakota State University and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Management Information Systems and Finance from Minnesota State Moorhead.
About Starion Bank
Starion Bank, a family-owned $2 billion asset super-community bank, has been a pillar of North Dakota’s financial landscape since its establishment in 1969. With 16 locations spanning North Dakota and Wisconsin, Starion remains dedicated to providing top-notch financial services to individuals, businesses, and communities. Learn more at StarionBank.com.
