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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

Per Mar Security Services Named Critical Infrastructure Partner of the Year

Contact:
Denielle Reeves, Per Mar Security Services
563-441-7481

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2022

Per Mar Security Services Named Critical Infrastructure Partner of the Year

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial clients based in Davenport, IA, was named Critical Infrastructure Partner of the Year by Axis Communications. The award was presented to Kevin Link, senior manager of technical services and Shaun Guidebeck, product coordinator, at the ACCC Awards night in Phoenix, Arizona. “On behalf of Axis, I’d like to congratulate Per Mar for receiving this year’s Critical Infrastructure Partner of the Year. It was truly a pleasure to recognize them for their accomplishments, as well as personally express our appreciation for their partnership, at this year’s ACCC event,” said Larry Newman, senior director of sales, Axis Communications, Inc. “Successful business is built on trust, collaboration and excellence, and we’re fortunate to have partners who exemplify these qualities—they’re a true asset to Axis, the industry and the customers that we all serve.”

The recipient of the Critical Infrastructure Partner of the Year award was determined by members of Axis Communications’ sales leadership along with the company’s senior management team in the Americas. Per Mar was selected for the award for continued growth and always making sure its clients have the best solutions now and in the future. “We are honored to be recognized by Axis for this award. Video, and specifically live video monitoring, has been increasingly popular with our customers and has been a significant driver of growth for us,” said Chris Edwards, president of electronic security for Per Mar.

About Per Mar Security Services

Established in 1953, Per Mar Security Services is the largest, family-owned, full-service security company in the Midwest with more than 2,800 team members, operating in 25 branch locations. The company provides full-service security solutions for homes and businesses including security officer services, smart home automation, burglar and fire alarms, access control, security cameras, alarm monitoring, investigative services and background checks. For more information about Per Mar Security Services, please visit permarsecurity.com.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Dave Jones, Inc. Announces Ribbon-Cutting of New Training and Development Center

Madison, WI, December 9, 2022: Dave Jones, Inc. is excited to announce the ribbon-cutting ceremony on their new Training & Development Center with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.

Monday, December 12, 2022
2:30 PM
2101 Industrial Drive
Monona, WI 53713

Inspired by our core value of “forward-thinking,” the training facility will provide classroom-style and hands-on learning to the DJI team in Plumbing, HVAC, Fire Protection, and Electrical service and installation. But we felt that this was also an opportunity to give back (another core value) and are working with local schools and community groups to visit and use the facility to educate and expose their groups to the role that the trades play in today’s world and the lucrative, stable career path it can provide.

This facility is the latest addition to a growing Dave Jones, Inc. campus in Monona that includes a Team Headquarters building, a Service Team building, and a Fleet and Facilities Team building.

About Dave Jones Inc: Headquartered in Monona, WI, Dave Jones is a full-service mechanical sub-contractor, providing plumbing, heating, cooling, fire protection, and electrical installations and service in both residential and commercial settings. Recognized as an industry leader, DJI prides itself on its thorough and growing training program, strong core values, excellent benefits, and great company culture. Under the leadership of second-generation owners Greg Jones and Holly (Jones) Kellesvig, DJI has expanded to include businesses in Indianapolis, IN and Columbus, OH.  DJI employs over 625 people throughout these markets and has won awards for ethics, excellence, and customer service.

For more information, please contact:
Laura Steinhoff – Marketing Manager, Dave Jones, Inc.
Email: lsteinhoff@davejonesinc.com Direct Phone: (608) 709-1463
www.davejonesinc.com

Photo by Richard Hurd

State Bank of Cross Plains Adds Three Commercial Lenders, Strengthening Support and Commitment to Business Owners

December 7, 2022, MADISON, Wisconsin—State Bank of Cross Plains has added three Business Bankers to its team, signaling its continued commitment to local business owners of all sizes. Since September, the bank has welcomed:

  • Craig T. Schmidt as VP-Business Relationship Manager
  • Brady Mork as Business Relationship Manager
  • Mike Maynard as AVP/Business Relationship Manager

With 29 years of banking experience, Schmidt truly enjoys the “community” aspect of community banking. “The best part of my job is helping a small business owner succeed. I consider my customer relationships more like personal colleagues that I’m rooting for every day.”

Formerly a commercial underwriter at State Bank of Cross Plains, Mork returns to SBCP as a lender. His commitment to banking started young. “My grandpa was the President & CEO of a small credit union for nearly 50 years. I remember thinking as a kid that I liked the way he helped our friends and neighbors. He helped build our community. I wanted to do that too.”

Maynard completes the consensus on the importance of serving commercial enterprises of all sizes and industries. “Having worked for corporate banks for 25 of my 26 years in banking, I look forward to helping businesses in a way that community banks do better than anyone else. I’m excited to be a community banker…not just another banker in the community!”

While State Bank of Cross Plains has grown considerably with multiple mergers over the last 3-4 years, the bank remains committed to keeping its focus on local communities and the businesses that help our area stay strong and vibrant places to live and work.

# # #

Founded in 1908, State Bank of Cross Plains operates from 13 locations in Dane, Green and Rock counties in Wisconsin. As of June 30, 2022, State Bank of Cross Plains had approximately $1.6 billion in total assets, $1.44 billion in total liabilities, and $158 million in total shareholders’ equity. In February 2023, SBCP will be merging with Monona Bank to form Lake Ridge Bank, offering a full range of business and personal financial services, including business, real estate, agricultural, and consumer lending; crop insurance; wealth management; and financial advisory services. For more information visit: www.sbcp.bank/lrbancorp

For more information, Contact:
Darin Tessier
SBCP Marketing Director
608-826-3514

Photo by Richard Hurd

Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin: Seeking Director of Employment Programs

Apply here

General Summary:

This position is responsible for leading Goodwill’s mission related employment programs to advance the Mission Development strategic priority. This includes oversight of a variety of sector-based training programs and strategic employer partnerships and acting as program manager responsible for taking new workforce development opportunities from conception to implementation. Priority responsibilities will include establishing quality standards and enhancements to create an integrated delivery system which meets market needs. This position will lead integrated project teams to achieve workforce development objectives.

Supervisory responsibilities:

  • Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains direct reports.
  • Oversees the daily workflow of their department.
  • Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
  • Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Oversee quality employment programs, ensuring all contract and grant requirements are met accurately and timely.
  • Thoroughly review, understand, and implement contracts and or service guidelines for all assigned programs.
  • Ensure all documentation and related activities are current, accurate, and in compliance.
  • Ensure documentation is completed, secured, and maintained in appropriate data management systems.
  • Meet or exceed projected revenue or billable hour goals and net margin goals for all assigned areas.
  • Seek new sources of revenue that fulfill Goodwill’s mission and align with strategic plan.
  • Provide input in preparation of annual budget for delivery of services provided.
  • Develop and implement proposals for new services.
  • Maintain agency and participant confidentiality.
  • Establish and maintain good working relationships with participants, referral agencies, community partners, and all team members.
  • Assist with grant proposals and report development, including research, data collection, writing, and supporting materials.
  • Provide consultation, motivation, and leadership to assigned program staff.
  • Provide training and oversight necessary to minimize data entry errors.
  • Conduct marketing and effective communications as a liaison and advocate with referral agencies, community leaders, government agencies, employers, and other stakeholders.
  • Promote services that help participants reach their highest level of independence according to their service goals.
  • Model and training appropriate work behaviors and interpersonal skills.
  • Consistently perform all duties within the framework of our Core Values.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

  • Knowledge of employment program services administration, employment policies, rules, procedures, and practices.
  • Familiarity with community human service system.
  • Ability to supervise, organize, manage, and problem solve.
  • Ability to promote positive and productive working relationships.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Goodwill and the individuals we serve.
  • Experience in developing and implementing workforce programs for various populations, including individuals with disabilities and disadvantages.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering established business objectives.
  • Ability to manage, direct and develop a diverse staff.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking and decision making skills.
  • High level interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, and organizational skills.
  • Effective communication skills, both oral and written, for internal and external customers, including presentation skills to senior level management.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities in demanding conditions.

Travel Required: Ability to travel up to 10%.

Required education and/or work experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Social Services, Organizational Development, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Five years of related experience in the operations management, human services or a related field. Two years of management experience preferred.

Description of physical working environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Ability to maintain a stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment, mostly indoor office environment. 

Must be able to clearly communicate, identify, analyze, and assess details. 

Ability to move around our facilities and lift, push or pull up to 20 lbs.

Other duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Goodwill of South Central of Wisconsin provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s Business Leadership Academy

The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber is proud to be accepting applications for the fifth year of the Business Leadership Academy.

This interactive, ten-month experience develops and strengthens the skills of existing and emerging LGBTQ and allied leaders in the workplace by providing quality and transformative programming. Today’s business environment – for non-profits, small businesses and corporations — requires leadership skills like effective communication, adaptability, collaboration and the ability to motivate.

Apply today to be a part of the Business Leadership Academy Class of 2023. Applications are due by January 13, 2023.

What will be learned through the Business Leadership Academy?

Participating in the Business Leadership Academy will increase your awareness of your own unique leadership and teamwork skills.

Each of the sessions will be facilitated by industry experts, certified trainers, and other business leaders from the community. Through the Business Leadership Academy, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to:

  • Discover their leadership style and core values
  • Work with and effectively manage other individuals
  • Advocate for change in your workplace
  • Engage a team for success and inspire others to action
  • Understand and apply business finances to their work
  • Care for yourself and prevent burnout
  • Make a difference in your community through leadership opportunities
  • Broaden their perspectives and engage in healthy debate and discussion

Through the program, you’ll be connected to an exceptional network of cross-sector civic, business and community leaders and form long-lasting and impactful professional relationships that will aid in your leadership development.

At the beginning of the program, each participant will take an Insights Discovery assessment to learn more about their personal and professional leadership style to build a framework of success as leaders in the workplace. Sessions will also feature a number of readings and case studies for group discussion so that participants can apply the learnings to real-world situations.

Benefits of Completing the Business Leadership Academy

At the conclusion of the Business Leadership Academy, all those that complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion, public recognition by the Chamber as a program graduate, and the ability to list the program on your resume.

Graduates also be eligible for participation in the Business Leadership Academy’s Alumni Network which will connect you with previous program graduates for continued learning, professional development, and networking.

Program Schedule and Time Commitment

The 2023 Business Leadership Academy will meet in-person in Milwaukee once a month from February to November on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be a total of 10 sessions for the program. We do ask that all attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and we will continue to follow CDC guidance on mask usage.

While all sessions will take place in-person, we recognize that not everyone may be able to travel to Milwaukee for these meetings. While we would prefer attendees to be in-person, we will be providing a hybrid option for those that need to join sessions via Zoom.

Attendance Requirements

Successful completion of the program requires a minimum attendance at 80% of the sessions (minimum of 8 of 10 sessions) and being an active participant in the work of the program.

Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Business Leadership Academy. Participants and their employers must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in the program. If issues do arise during the Program year, we encourage you to reach out for a conversation with our Program Director.

Eligibility

Any Chamber member is eligible to apply to participate in the year-long Business Leadership Academy. Ideal participants are those who have:

  • An interest in growing their leadership skills.
  • A desire to advance in their career.
  • A strong interest in influencing change and having a positive impact on their community.
  • A desire to develop new professional relationships.
  • A minimum of 5 years of work experience.
  • A willingness to commit to attending all Academy sessions during the course of the year and being an active participant in discussions and activities.

Application Process and Timeline

Applicants for the program will be required to submit an online application on the Chamber’s website, which includes submitting a resume and providing short answers to a few questions. Applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of Chamber members supporting the program.

Applications for 2023 are currently open and due by January 13, 2023. Click here to apply to be a part of the 2023 Business Leadership Academy.

Here is a schedule of the application process:

  • December 1, 2022: Application process opens.
  • January 13, 2023: Application submission deadline (5:00 p.m.)
  • January 21, 2023: Applicants notified of acceptance decision
  • February 7, 2023: Tuition Payment Due
  • February 14, 2023: First Session of Business Leadership Academy in Milwaukee (3:00 to 7:00 p.m.)

After that the Business Leadership Academy will continue to meet on the second  Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Tuition

The cost for each participant in the program is $1,500.

This fee includes the registration fee for all sessions, the Insights Discovery assessment, as well as additional leadership and program materials.

Employers are eligible to sponsor employees to participate in the program. In addition, a limited number of scholarships are available, as well as various payment plans if needed.

Further Information

If you have additional questions on the program, please contact Phillip Bailey, Program Director, at phillip@wislgbtchamber.com.