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
One City and Fetch Rewards Announce Signature Partnership
Will Work Together to Prepare the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
Yesterday, One City was honored to host Wes Schroll, the founder and CEO of Fetch Rewards, and his team when they visited our new Pleasant T. Rowland Leadership Campus to announce a new signature partnership between Fetch and One City Schools that will engage and benefit our young scholars and community for years to come.
Fetch Rewards will work with us to prepare the next generation of leaders, innovators and contributors in STEM fields enrolled at One City Preparatory Academy, a new early college and career middle/high school located in Dane County, Wisconsin. Together, we will help fill the need for more technology developers, engineers, scientists and systems thinkers who are dedicated to making the world better, for everyone.
Fetch Rewards staff will work with our Scholars on their STEM projects, provide job shadowing and internship opportunities, and will help keep our staff and Scholars current on the latest needs and innovations in STEM industries and occupations. Fetch Rewards is also naming our school’s co-working space and making a $50,000 contribution to our STEM program. We are excited to begin this journey together.
For more information or to discuss your interest in partnering with us, and supporting the education of our young scholars, please contact Gail Wiseman, One City’s VP of External Relations, at gwiseman@onecityschools.org or (608) 531-2128.
About Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is a mobile shopping platform that rewards shoppers for buying the brands they love. The Fetch Rewards app gives users the easiest way to save on everyday purchases by simply scanning their receipt. For our brand partners, the platform allows them to understand a 360 degree view of shopping habits, and to meaningfully reward a customer’s individual loyalty.
About One City Schools
One City Schools is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization that provides high quality educational opportunities for young children. Our mission is to seed a new model of public education that ensures young children are on track to succeed in a college or career preparatory program from birth through high school graduation. We currently operate three schools: a tuition-based independent preschool that serves 2 and 3-year-olds, and two tuition-free public charter schools, authorized by the University of Wisconsin System, that presently enroll children in 4K through 10th grade. We will eventually enroll 926 children from age 2 through through 12th grade and serve as a national model for the transformation of PK-12 education in the United States.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Nezih Hasanoglu Jr. Named Chief Growth Officer at M3 Insurance
Nezih Hasanoglu Jr. has been named the first chief growth officer of M3 Insurance, effective immediately.
He joined M3 in 2004 as a business development executive. Hasanoglu served in various sales roles from 2004-13, becoming a partner in 2013. In 2014, he was promoted to leadership as the director of business development, later progressing to vice president, and in 2020 was named executive vice president.
As the chief growth officer, Hasanoglu Jr. has responsibilities for key growth efforts which include business development, marketing, mergers & acquisitions, and organic growth initiatives.
M3’s leadership structure represents continued agency growth and commitment to building a strong infrastructure from which to serve all M3 clients.
About M3
M3 is a top insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Angela Johnson named finalist for 2022 Forward Art Prize
Photo by Richard Hurd
WPS Health Solutions: Sgt. Maj. Jim Cook saluted for Operation Fan Mail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com
Sgt. Maj. Jim Cook saluted for Operation Fan Mail
Program is sponsored by WPS Health Solutions and the Green Bay Packers
MADISON, Wis.—Oct. 6, 2022—The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute this week to Army Sgt. Maj. Jim Cook and his family in conjunction with the Oct. 2 game against the New England Patriots. Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, marks its 16th season in 2022.
Cook grew up in Arizona and Washington, entering the Army in 2000 at age 18 with the goal of becoming a police officer. He put in three years in the Army and then went into the Reserves so he could attend college. While in college, he was activated to train new recruits as a drill sergeant. He served in the Reserves from 2003–2008 but was activated for four of those years. In 2008, he signed up for active duty and was sent to join the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. He was deployed to Afghanistan in May 2009 and returned in July 2010. He then joined the intelligence section at Fort Bragg, where he served until 2015. He was deployed to Djibouti, Africa, and then again to Afghanistan. Cook was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., from 2015–2017, returned to Fort Bragg from 2017–2019, then moved to Fort Huachuca, Ariz. He moved to Fort Shafter, Hawaii, in 2021 and is still stationed there. He has served 22 years in the Army and is looking forward to retiring next year.
Cook attended the game with his sister, Jessica Basile, dad, Mike, and mom, Mary. Cook and his family live in Hawaii.
As the honorees for Operation Fan Mail this week, the Cook family also received four tickets to the game and a $150 Packers Pro Shop gift card, courtesy of WPS.

The program, which debuted in 2007, is designed to honor families with a member who is on active duty or a member who is a veteran. The Packers and WPS Health Solutions will host a family at each 2022 season home game and recognize the members on the video boards during pregame activities. A total of 151 individuals, families, or groups have been recognized through the program since it began.
The Packers and WPS Health Solutions invite interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular family should be saluted this year. Families intended for recognition are those that have a member serving on active duty, or a member who is a veteran. The family member can be a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, or sibling.
Essays can be sent to Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628 or online at operationfanmail.com.
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 3,100 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.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
NCG Hospitality: The Trade Milwaukee, An Autograph Collection Hotel Coming to Deer District, Welcomes New Team Members
Highly-anticipated hotel continues to build team ahead of 2023 opening
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (October 2022) — The Trade Milwaukee, a premiere hotel under construction in Deer District, continues to build its staff with new hires joining the sales team in preparation of its expected Spring 2023 opening.
Rich Lundt, General Manager for The Trade Milwaukee, is excited to welcome Samantha Sullivan to the team as Director of Sales. An alumna of Iowa State University, Sullivan jumped into the hospitality industry as part of Marriott’s Voyage Global Leadership Development program before holding various positions with Marriott International in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, San Antonio and Portland.
In 2019, Sullivan moved to Milwaukee to be closer to family and held a position where she worked with East Coast Association Companies for the Marcus Hotel & Resorts Area Sales Team, selling luxury and convention hotels in Milwaukee, WI.
“My passion for hospitality lies in the memories that each and every person develops by walking into the hotels I work for and serve,” Sullivan said. “Every impact our customers receive will inevitably change their experience at our hotel, so as the Director of Sales for The Trade Milwaukee, I’m eager to make everyone’s time at our hotel — whether they stop by for a signature cocktail during happy hour before heading to Deer District, or choose to host their event in our indoor and outdoor meeting spaces — the best it can be.”
Working in conjunction with Sullivan, Emily Rauber joins the team as a Senior Sales Manager. In her role with The Trade Milwaukee, Rauber will be responsible for fostering customer relationships, generating business and managing key accounts.
Rauber brings with her more than 16 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry. With a career start at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Hotel, a move back to Wisconsin brought her to The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club for a twelve-year tenure. Most recently, she served as the Director of Sales for The Brewhouse Inn & Suites in Milwaukee.
“As a Wisconsin native, and an avid fan of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette Golden Eagles, I couldn’t be more excited to bring my knowledge and expertise to The Trade Milwaukee’s on-site team,” said Rauber. “I’m eager to work alongside the Director of Sales and achieve the hotel’s goals while we build key relationships within the community.”
The Trade Hotel, slated to open in early 2023, will boast 207 luxury guest rooms and suites, featuring California King beds, heightened ceilings and state-of-the-art finishing. A destination rooftop restaurant and lounge will offer breathtaking views of the city, while the ground-floor signature restaurant will honor Milwaukee’s rich history and local fare through an innovative yet approachable culinary experience. The Trade Hotel will also feature more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor gathering space, as well as meeting packages that can accommodate up to 300 guests.
“When I was named as the general manager of The Trade Milwaukee, I was keen to build a team of people who are ready to bring this hotel to life pre-opening,” said Rich Lundt, General Manager. “Samantha and Emily will help us achieve our goal of being the best hotel in Milwaukee, in the state of Wisconsin and beyond.”
“Samantha and Emily’s shared dedication and commitment to excellence will be a perfect complement to NCG’s mission and core values of delivering meaningful experiences,” said Jeff Lenz, President and Chief Asset Offer of NCG Hospitality. “We are thrilled to have them on board the on-site team as we all look forward to the highly-anticipated Spring 2023 opening of The Trade Hotel, one of NCG Hospitality’s premiere properties.”
To learn more about The Trade, visit thetradehotel.com.
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About The Trade Milwaukee
Inspired by the city’s pioneering past and a local culture that is forever moving forward, The Trade an Autograph Collection Hotel pays homage to the hardworking history and modern spirit of today’s Milwaukee. As the official hotel of Deer District, it is located in the bustling heart of downtown, adjacent to Fiserv Forum. Situated court-side in Cream City’s dynamic hub of sports, culture, and entertainment, the hotel offers 207 luxurious rooms and suites plus destination dining with a rooftop restaurant and lounge boasting stunning city views. Highlights include a 2-story VIP suite with private access and over 9,000 square feet of sophisticated indoor/outdoor meeting and event spaces for groups up to 300. Merging modern convenience with timeless luxe, it is an experience unlike anything else in the city. The Trade. Where craft meets commerce.
About Autograph Collection Hotels
A member of Marriott’s industry-leading portfolio, the Autograph Collection debuted in 2010 and includes nearly 200 independently branded hotels and resorts that reflect the distinct attributes of their market. Each is unique in terms of product offering and target customers. The Autograph Collection is a remarkable group of upper upscale and luxury independent hotels with iconic properties located in gateway and emerging cities in preferred destinations around the world. Each is exceptional, one-of-a-kind and has its own distinct perspective. The result is an array of properties that is nothing less than unique and nothing short of collectively exceptional Autograph Hotels are proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy®. To learn more about Autograph Collection Hotels, visit https://autograph-hotels.marriott.com/. Follow Autograph on Instagram. Watch Autograph on YouTube. Engage #ExactlyLikeNothingElse.
About NCG Hospitality
NCG Hospitality is a leader in the ownership, development, and operation of premier hospitality properties. Established in 1981 by Founder and Chairman David Lenz, NCG Hospitality is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. We own and operate more than 25 properties across multiple states and national brands. We leverage our unparalleled expertise to provide hotel management services, hotel development expertise, and real estate-focused services to property owners and investors throughout the U.S. ncghotels.com.
Contact:
Jake Leskovar
jleskovar@evokebrands.com
(608) 556-7470