Wisconsin Union: Winter Carnival, a winter recreation event series, returns Feb. 6-11 for 83rd year with more than a dozen brand-new events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 14, 2022

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

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/winter-carnival-2023

Winter Carnival, a winter recreation event series, returns Feb. 6-11 for 83rd year with more than a dozen brand-new events

MADISON – From themed ice skating to maple taffy making, the Wisconsin Union’s free wintertime revelry series the Winter Carnival returns for an 83rd year to Madison, Wis., Feb. 6-11, 2023. The series includes more than a dozen new events and the continuing of traditions, such as placing a to-scale, inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head, arm, and torch on frozen Lake Mendota Feb. 10-11, 2023.

Winter Carnival features a blizzard of indoor and outdoor wintertime activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor recreation, film showings, food-making, and more presented by departments and clubs at the Wisconsin Union, with additional programming by community partners.

The Wisconsin Union’s departments and clubs present the following Winter Carnival events:

• Feb. 6-10
  • Free drop-in art making with Wheelhouse Studios  
• Feb. 6
  • Flannel Day $1 cheese curds
  • New: learn to ice skate with Outdoor UW
  • Avalanche awareness workshop
• Feb. 7
  • Mini golf on ice with the Hoofer Sailing Club
  • Free hot chocolate with the UW–Madison Senior Class Office
• Feb. 8
  • Free warm beverages with the Willis L. Jones Leadership Center
  • DIY frozen luminaries with the Hoofer Outing Club
  • New: family ice skating night with Outdoor UW
• Feb. 9-11
  • To be announced film showings, presented by the WUD Film Committee
• Feb. 9
  • New: Canadian maple taffy making
  • Open mic night, hosted by the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee
  • Ski and snowshoe among the lights on Lake Mendota with the Hoofer Outing Club
  • New: fire and ice-skating night with Outdoor UW
• Feb. 10-11
  • Inflatable, to-scale Lady Liberty head, arm, and torch on Lake Mendota
  • New: Mary B Ice Boat Foundation and the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club ice boat collection exhibition, featuring two of the most decorated ice boats of all time
• Feb. 10
  • New: Ojibwe ponies at the Memorial Union Terrace, presented by the Hoofer Riding Club 
  • Snow Ball with the Hoofer Sailing Club
  • Ice climbing exhibition with the Hoofer Mountaineering Club
  • Live concerts featuring Wristwatch and Green/Blue, presented by the WUD Music Committee
• Feb. 11
  • Freestyle ski and snowboard competition Rail Jam, presented by the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club
  • New: surprise to be announced event
  • Secret Agent scavenger hunt with Adventure Learning Programs
  • Valentine’s Day wood or collage heart-making with Wheelhouse Studios
  • To be announced film showings, presented by the WUD Film Committee
  • To be announced live concert, presented by the WUD Music Committee
  • New: donation drive for Road Home Dane County to help end family homelessness with the WUD Alternative Breaks Committee

Additional programming is presented by area partners University Recreation & Wellbeing (Rec Well) and the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), including the following:

• Feb. 6
  • New: practicing gratitude with Rec Well
• Feb. 7
  • New: mindful snowshoeing on Lake Mendota with Outdoor UW and Rec Well
• Feb. 9
  • Ice fishing derby with the Rec Well Fishing Team
• Feb. 10-11
  • Rec Well’s Connolly Classic Pond Hockey Tournament
• Feb. 11
  • WFAA’s afternoon of family-friendly activities at Family Fun in Alumni Park

“Winter Carnival brings together traditions and the unexpected, as evident by the list of events that includes – to name a few activities – petting ponies, maple taffy-making and ice skating,” Outdoor UW Director Dave Elsmo said. “Winter Carnival is a quintessential Madison experience unlike any other and a great, fun reason to venture out from home this winter.”

The Wisconsin Union has served as Winter Carnival’s headquarters since 1940. Since then, student leaders and staff at the Union have created an annual events lineup that provides community members and visitors with reasons to celebrate the chilly winter season. Many events nod to the Carnival’s long history and campus traditions.

For instance, the tradition of bringing the Statue of Liberty to Lake Mendota began with a prank in 1979 by the Pail and Shovel Party, which was led by UW–Madison alumni Leon Varjian and Jim Mallon ’79. Varjian and Mallon made a campaign promise that, if elected to the Wisconsin Student Association, they would bring the Statue of Liberty to Madison. The Pail and Shovel Party stayed true to their Lady Liberty promise by erecting a Styrofoam Lady Liberty head, arm and torch on Lake Mendota on Feb. 22, 1979.

While attending some Winter Carnival events, patrons can enjoy the Wisconsin Union’s many on-site dining options at its building Memorial Union, including at iconic pub fare destination, der Rathskeller. Purchases at Memorial Union and Union South as well as donations to the Union help support low-cost and free events, such as the Carnival, and Wisconsin Union student leadership opportunities.

The event lineup is subject to change, including due to weather conditions. The Wisconsin Union team encourages guests to visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival for the most up-to-date lineup and event updates.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.  

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.

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

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

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.