Haines, Nelson Join Capitol Bank Team as Universal Bankers

Madison, WI (February 2022): Ken Thompson, President and CEO of Capitol Bank, is pleased to announce that Rob Haines and Autumn Nelson have joined the Capitol Bank team as Universal Bankers.

Rob joined Capitol Bank with one year of banking experience and three years of finance experience. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in finance from Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania. He is an avid sports fan, especially of the LA Dodgers and Tom Brady. In his free time, Rob enjoys hunting, fishing, backpacking, and visiting museums.

Autumn joined Capitol Bank as a Universal Banker in 2022 with two years of teller experience. She has completed courses at Madison College and is currently studying marketing at University of Wisconsin – Madison. Outside of work, Autumn shows horses competitively around the United States, where she competes for national and world titles. When not in competition, Autumn and her family enjoy taking their miniature horses to visit residents of nursing homes.

About Capitol Bank: Capitol Bank, locally-owned and operated since 1995, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses, and individuals in the Dane County area. Our philosophy of community support is demonstrated at the corporate level, as well as in the time and energy our employees devote to our community each year. Capitol Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Contact: Natalie Gregerson
AVP / Marketing
Capitol Bank
710 N. High Point Road
Madison, Wisconsin 53717
608.836.1616

Wisconsin Union Theater: Renowned Trumpeter Pacho Flores and UW Symphony Orchestra to Blend Tradition and Innovation on March 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 14, 2022

Contact Information: 
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

RENOWNED TRUMPETER PACHO FLORES AND UW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO BLEND TRADITION AND INNOVATION ON MARCH 5

MADISON – Distinguished trumpet soloist Pacho Flores will guest solo with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Symphony Orchestra (UWSO) during a night of world-class music on March 5 at 7:30 p.m. 

Flores and UWSO will perform in the Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall at the Hamel Music Center as part of the 2021-22 Wisconsin Union Theater Concert Series, supported in part by the Mead Witter School of Music. 

Trained by Venezuela’s esteemed El Sistema program for youth and children’s orchestras, Flores is a Deutsche Grammophon exclusive artist and one of the most celebrated trumpeters in the world. He has won four international competitions, including the Maurice André International Trumpet Competition, known as the world’s most prestigious trumpet contest.

Flores will perform Arturo Márquez’s “Concierto de Otoño” with the UWSO during the concert, a piece that Flores premiered in 2018, as well as “Morocota,” an original composition. UW–Madison Mead Witter School of Music Assistant Professor and Director of Orchestral Activities Oriol Sans designed and created the program as follows:

• Alberto Ginastera, “Four Dances” from “Estancia,” Op. 8a
  • “Los Trabajadores Agrícolas” (“The Land Workers”)
  • “Danza del Trigo” (“Wheat Dance”)
  • “Los Peones de Hacienda” (“The Cattlemen”)
  • “Danza Final (Malambo)” (“Malambo–Final Dance”)
• Arturo Márquez, “Concierto de Otoño”
  • “Son de Luz” (“Dance of Light”)
  •  “Balada de Floripondios” (“Ballade of Floripondios”)
  • “Conga de Flores” (“Conga of Flowers”)
• Pacho Flores, “Morocota”
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551, “Jupiter”
  • Allegro vivace
  • Andante cantabile
  • Menuetto: allegretto
  • Molto allegro

“We’re very excited about this second collaboration with UW Symphony Orchestra,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “The collaboration with pianist Wu Han back in March 2020 was outstanding, and there was mutual affection between Wu Han and the orchestra. I predict Pacho Flores will bring the same passion for the music and students and will wow us all with his impeccable technique.”

Flores’s bright and energetic tone fuses jazz and Latin American inspirations with his classical training. In addition to performing as a soloist and recitalist in renowned concert halls worldwide, Flores mentors young musicians as the founding director of the Latin American Trumpet Academy in Caracas, Venezuela.

Sans will conduct approximately 80 student musicians who make up the UWSO. 

Patrons can purchase a ticket to the in-person concert or a virtual live stream of the performance through the event webpage or at the Memorial Union Box Office.

The Wisconsin Union Theater’s Concert Series is the longest-running classical music concert series in the Midwest, spanning 102 years. This year’s season features performances by a wide variety of artists to inspire audiences during this return to in-person events.

Patrons and team members are required to follow the current University of Wisconsin–Madison health and safety protocol of wearing a face covering when indoors on campus, unless actively eating or drinking. The Wisconsin Union Theater team will continue to monitor and follow university guidelines. 

Click here for more information about the Pacho Flores performance with UWSO. 

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

The Wisconsin Union Theater’s mission is to present, promote and cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts, especially among University of Wisconsin–Madison students. For more than 75 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Through a student-led committee, WUT presents an annual season of up to 40 events. Additionally, the Theater serves numerous renters on and off campus for graduations, lectures, conferences, and performances by university departments, registered student organizations, and community organizations. The Wisconsin Union Theater is committed to social justice and works to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive place for patrons, staff, and performers. 

Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

[Click here to download a photo of Pacho Flores. Photo by Juan Martinez.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/pacho-flores.

NGL partners with Hip Hop Architecture Camp for one-of-a-kind display

Partnership creates custom artwork installation focused on diversity

Madison, WI (February 8, 2022) – With the majority of its employees working remote for nearly two years, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) used the opportunity to refresh its 58-year-old headquarters, located blocks from the capitol. In 2020 NGL approached Michael Ford, an award-winning, licensed architect and owner of BrandNu Design, a multidisciplinary design firm focused on architecture, fashion, and education with an opportunity to partner on a custom artwork installation for its remodeled lobby.

“We aligned on the most prominent space at the main entrance in our lobby for Michael to develop a concept using NGL’s diversity, equity and inclusion pledge. Michael took our commitment to DEI and incorporated his design process which converts lyrics into textiles,” said Dwayne Maddox, Assistant Vice President, Marketing & Inclusion Experience at NGL.

Ford, known as The Hip Hop Architect, designed a one-of-a-kind two-story stone piece that embodies NGL’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as an integral part of its mission, vision and values.

“This project is important to me because it is the first built project which incorporates my process for mathematically deconstructing words and reconstructing those sonic experiences into something physically tangible such as textiles. On a bigger scale, this project is important because of the fact it’s a statement about diversity and inclusion,” said Ford.

NGL’s DEI statement: “Valuing diversity of thought, background and beliefs are key to living our cultural values of integrity, dependability, collaboration, compassion, and growth. It’s vital to our promise of helping customers face life’s challenges with confidence, dignity and grace. We strive to create an environment free of racism, discrimination, and intolerance – fostering equal opportunities and promoting belonging and inclusion.”

The Text[Tile] wall takes NGL’s words and literally cast them in stone. Ford describes the project as modern-day hieroglyphics. Ford started by deconstructing the statement letter by letter, using a process he created which converts music lyrics into architecture based on syllable counts, rhyme schemes, and other mathematical information which can be extracted from text. The reconstructed statement is made letter by letter and word by word as a series of stone tiles representing each letter in the text. Hence the project name, Text[Tiles].

“When we started transforming our office building, we knew our lobby should serve as a community space. Our goal was to create a modern, welcoming environment where everyone felt comfortable and a sense of belonging. Michael Ford’s artwork visually showcases NGL’s commitment to supporting DEI initiatives in our workplace, community and the insurance industry. The artwork is intentionally placed in the lobby because that’s where it can be the most impactful and appreciated by employees and the community,” said Knut Olson, NGL President & CEO.

NGL and Ford view the project’s value as adding to the Madison community and beyond. “The value of this project goes beyond the physical installation. This collaboration allows for me, a Black architect in Madison to display a unique approach to design while also celebrating other Black architects throughout the state,” said Ford. “Currently, less than two percent of licensed architects are Black. In Wisconsin, there are a total of 12 licensed Black architects. This project will allow the Madison community, which is seeing significant growth and building to discover the Black architects and assist organizations in acting on some of the diversity and inclusion statements and statements of solidarity made throughout these past few years.”

“Connecting and collaborating have been a priority for NGL throughout our 113-year history. During the last couple of years, we’ve been on a journey to reexamine, enhance and incorporate our DEI initiatives into our corporate culture. At NGL we believe it is our obligation and duty to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging, respect and equitable treatment. We want each of our employees to bring their full, authentic selves to work each day. Our goal is to make everyone feel comfortable, accepted and valued for their unique life experiences and viewpoints,” said Jessica Grann, Vice President, Chief Culture and Communications Officer.

NGL anticipates the installation to be completed by its May 2022 building reopening.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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Capitol Bank: Natalie Gregerson Promoted to AVP / Marketing

Madison, WI: Ken Thompson, President and CEO of Capitol Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Natalie Gregerson to Assistant Vice President of Marketing. In the three years Natalie has been with the Bank, she has materially elevated Capitol Bank’s brand and marketing reach with exponential growth in the Bank’s social media strategy.

“Natalie’s impact has been felt in each area of the Bank. She has been an integral part of our growth through the mortgage boom and Paycheck Protection Program and her efforts are evidenced in our success,” said Thompson.

Natalie’s effort extends into the community through volunteerism with organizations including the UW Carbone Cancer Emerging Leadership Board and United Way of Dane County Marketing Committee. Additionally, she has volunteered with Second Harvest Foodbank and Alzheimer’s Association.

About Capitol Bank: Capitol Bank, locally-owned and operated since 1995, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in the Dane County area. Our philosophy of community support is demonstrated at the corporate level, as well as in the time and energy our employees devote to our community each year. Capitol Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Ami Myrland
SVP/Chief Financial Officer
Capitol Bank
710 N. High Point Road
Madison, Wisconsin 53717
608.836.1616

WPS Health Solutions named a DAV Patriot Employer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Solutions named a DAV Patriot Employer
Disabled American Veterans recognizes WPS for helping veterans find employment

MADISON, Wis.—Feb. 7, 2022—Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has recognized WPS Health Solutions for its efforts to hire veterans. The national organization, based in Kentucky, recently designated WPS as a DAV Patriot Employer.

To earn the designation, WPS was evaluated on the strength of its veteran recruiting and hiring efforts, retention, and career-building efforts. DAV looked at WPS policies toward disabled veterans, active-duty, and veteran employees. DAV also examined WPS’ community outreach initiatives and support for veterans in communities where WPS operates.

“WPS Health Solutions is known for being veteran-ready. We take great pride in our corporate culture. That culture is fought for by the service of these men and women through their military careers,” said Tim La Sage, Military and Veteran Inclusion Lead at WPS. “As a disabled veteran, I’m proud to work for a company that cares about our nation’s heroes enough to help them find meaningful employment. This betters our corporation by having them as employees.”

La Sage cites WPS’ partnerships with veteran nonprofits, panel interviews that include a military veteran employee, the company’s VET (Veterans Enhancement Team) employee resource group, and the education of employees and hiring managers as reasons why all WPS employees should be proud of this DAV recognition. “The DAV Patriot Award is a humbling recognition from such a tremendous organization,” he added.

The award qualifies WPS for DAV Employer of the Year award, which will be announced in Washington, D.C., in August.

About WPS Health Solutions

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 2,800 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

About DAV

DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. Annually, the organization provides more than 240,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with well over 160,000 benefit claims. In 2020, DAV helped veterans receive more than $23 billion in earned benefits. DAV’s services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families, and survivors.

©2022 Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation. All rights reserved.

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