Wisconsin School of Business AI for Business Summit early bird pricing ends Feb. 27

On April 16-17, the AI Hub for Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will host Ground Truth: AI for Business Summit 2026.

Why Attend Ground Truth

AI is moving faster than most organizations can keep up. Ground Truth is designed for leaders who want to move beyond experimentation and deploy AI for real business value.

Leave with one idea you can use on Monday

• Where AI drives real bottom-line impact
• Lessons from leaders deploying AI at scale
• AI strategies grounded in research, not hype
• A room full of leaders solving the same problems you are

Registration

Early Bird Registration: $495

• Ends Friday, February 27

Regular Registration: $900

• Ends Friday, April 2

Special rates available for UW affiliated and UWEBC members.

Registration includes:

• Access to all sessions
• Refreshment breaks and lunch
• Thursday evening attendee reception

Learn more and register here.

Wisconsin World Trade Day set for May 19

The Wisconsin trade community comes together for Wisconsin World Trade Day to celebrate the vital role global commerce plays in Wisconsin’s economy, and to equip new and currently exporting businesses with practical insights to grow exports.

The event features a keynote address from Jason Turner, Wintrust Financial Corporation’s Chief Investment Strategist for Great Lakes Advisors, offering a forward-looking perspective on global markets and highlighting emerging export opportunities for Wisconsin companies seeking to expand internationally. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of where demand is growing, how global trends impact exports, and what this means for Wisconsin-made products and services.

The program showcases real-life experiences and lessons learned from successful Wisconsin exporters, providing candid insights into challenges, strategies, and best practices for entering and succeeding in international markets.

The day continues with interactive breakout sessions focused on the practical “how-to” of exporting, diving into actionable steps for growing exports. Sessions will introduce the tools, programs, and resources available to support companies at every stage of their export journey.

Whether you are new to exporting or looking to scale your global presence, Wisconsin World Trade Day offers valuable knowledge, connections, and guidance to help your business compete and succeed worldwide.

Event Date:

May 19, 2026

Event Time:

Program – 8:00am – 4:00pm

Closing Remarks/Networking – 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location:

Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) RTA Education Center 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072

Cost:

In-person only:

$125.00 Registration

$100.00 Early Bird by May 8, 2026

MMSD Begins Early Planning for 2026–27 Budget, Outlines Priorities and Fiscal Outlook

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has begun early planning for its 2026–27 preliminary budget, outlining key priorities focused on supporting students, aligning resources to district goals and maintaining long-term fiscal stability amid rising costs and ongoing state funding challenges.

District leaders emphasized that budget development begins months in advance to ensure thoughtful planning, transparency and alignment with MMSD’s Strategic Framework. The process centers on meeting student and staff needs while remaining fiscally responsible stewards of public resources.

“Our budget reflects what we value most as a school district,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “We are committed to uplifting the student experience, supporting our staff and making strategic investments that move our schools forward. At the same time, we must plan responsibly for financial realities that continue to challenge public education.”

Potential cost increases for the 2026–27 fiscal year are significant. Current estimates include:

• Compensation step increases: $4.7 million
• Inflationary compensation increases (2.63%): $9.5 million
• Health insurance increases: $14 million to $16 million
• Salary compensation study outcomes: $2 million to $8 million
• Parental leave benefit expansion: To be determined

In total, MMSD is projecting between $30.2 million and $38.2 million in potential new cost pressures.

“These increases reflect contractual obligations, market conditions and our responsibility to remain competitive as an employer,” said Bob Soldner, assistant superintendent of financial services. “We begin planning early so we can evaluate multiple scenarios, manage risk and minimize disruption to schools and classrooms.”

The district’s financial outlook is shaped not only by rising costs but also by declining state support. MMSD expects to receive approximately $7 million less in general state aid, continuing a trend that places greater reliance on local property taxes to fund operations.

Because Madison’s property values exceed the state average, MMSD receives about 10 percent of its funding from general state aid. By comparison, other large urban districts in Wisconsin receive between 62 percent and 68 percent.

In addition, MMSD continues to face a $62 million gap between special education costs and state reimbursement. The district must cover those expenses to ensure students receive legally required services.

Early learning also remains a priority investment. Although 4K students are funded at 60 percent of a full pupil count, districts must cover the full cost of providing programming.

“We know early learning sets the foundation for long-term academic success,” Gothard said. “Even when funding formulas fall short, we remain committed to ensuring our youngest learners have access to high-quality, full-day experiences.”

Recent voter-approved facilities and operations referenda have helped stabilize MMSD’s financial position and allowed the district to move forward with rebuilding or reconstructing 10 schools. District leaders expressed gratitude for that community support while noting it does not eliminate structural funding challenges.

As planning continues, MMSD will evaluate expenditures, staffing needs and program investments while advocating alongside other districts for sustainable state funding solutions, particularly around special education reimbursement.

The preliminary budget will be refined in the coming months, with additional updates and opportunities for public engagement provided throughout the process.

MMSD stakeholders and community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the budget through the district’s Let’s Talk platform.

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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.

Velma B. Hamilton Student Claims 2026 All-City Spelling Bee Title

MADISON, Wis.—Casey Barnhill, an eighth-grade student at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s Velma B. Hamilton Middle School, earned top honors at Saturday’s Madison All-City Spelling Bee, securing a first-place finish and advancing to the upcoming state competition.

Barnhill was among 41 students in grades three through eight who qualified for the annual event after winning spelling bees at their respective schools. Participants represented public and private schools across Madison. The competition, hosted at Madison College, spanned multiple rounds and tested students’ spelling knowledge and vocabulary skills.

Barnhill clinched the championship by correctly spelling the final word—”Ecuador”—in the concluding round. Joanne Aldoori of Madinah Academy placed second, and Ignatius Fassino of St. Ambrose Academy finished third. All three students will move on to represent the region at the Badger State Spelling Bee on March 21 at Madison College’s Mitby Theater.

This year marked Barnhill’s third appearance at the citywide competition and his second consecutive top-two finish, having placed second in 2025.

“Casey’s dedication and perseverance truly stand out,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “Competing at this level requires discipline, resilience and a genuine love of learning. We are incredibly proud of how he represented Hamilton and all of MMSD.”

The Madison All-City Spelling Bee has been organized by the Wisconsin State Journal since 1949 and continues to celebrate academic excellence among students throughout the community.

In total, MMSD was represented by 28 competitors:

Milan Ayachit (Grade 6) Georgia O’Keeffe Middle	Sofia Munoz Kiley (Grade 4) Lincoln Elementary	Logan Scherck (Grade 4) Dr. V. Henderson Elementary
Kuzma Babkin (Grade 5) Van Hise Elementary	Xinyan (Beney) Lin (Grade 5) Paul J. Olson Elementary	Inez Schultz-Brinkman (Gr. 4) Nuestro Mundo Elementary
Casey Barnhill (Grade 8) Velma B. Hamilton Middle	Fernando Lopez (Grade 8) Black Hawk Middle	Noah Singh (Grade 5) Glenn Stephens Elementary
Theo Eggerling-Boeck (Gr. 8) Cherokee Heights Middle	Mary Lubner (Grade 5) Shorewood Hills Elementary	Rhys Stolte (Grade 5) John F. Kennedy Elementary
James Bull (Grade 4) C.A. Elvehjem Elementary	Wren McCluskey (Grade 4) Orchard Ridge Elementary	Rashi Tiwari (Grade 6) Spring Harbor Middle
Cece Erling (Grade 7) James C. Wright Middle	Jordan Mitchell (Grade 8) Ray F. Sennett Middle	Aurora Wicihowski (Grade 8) Akira R. Toki Middle
James Hahn (Grade 5) Thoreau Elementary	Christian Moore (Grade 4) Crestwood Elementary	Will Wohlgamuth (Grade 7) Badger Rock Middle
Jack Houseman (Grade 8) A.G. Whitehorse Middle	Ruby Noguchi (Grade 5) Emerson Elementary	Esmae Xiong (Grade 5) Lake View Elementary
Julia Kidarsa (Grade 6) Ezekiel Gillespie Middle	Yasmin Sachs (Grade 5) Aldo Leopold Elementary	Cleo Zapala-Voss (Grade 5) Marquette Elementary
	Myra Sanghavi (Grade 3) Ray W. Huegel Elementary

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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.

40 Years and Counting at Lake Ridge Bank: Three Local Bankers Celebrate Milestone Anniversary

February 20, 2026 (MADISON, Wis.) – According to the most recent data gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median tenure of an employee in the USA is 3.9 years. So, Lake Ridge Bank was delighted to celebrate the 40th anniversary—10 times the national standard—of three associates in January: Steve Eager, Katherine Esser, and Betty Nonn.

“It’s an honor to work with all three of these amazing people because of their commitment and dedication to community banking as a vocation,” says Lake Ridge Bank CEO Jim Tubbs. “They don’t just say it; they believe in it.”

Lake Ridge Bank Market President Steve Eager may have been destined for lifelong banking. Eager’s father was a bank president, and generations of his family have been leaders in the industry for more than 100 years. “Growing up watching my family serve the community, I learned what community banking is all about and developed a desire to give back to the community who essentially helped raise me.”

While Eager was “born to bank,” Esser and Nonn developed an interest in banking more gradually—and a bit by accident.

Betty Nonn started working part-time in high school as a teller. Today she is the Senior Vice President-Technology Officer at Lake Ridge Bank. “My advice to anyone starting out is to stay curious and say yes to opportunities that stretch you,” Nonn shares. “Take advantage of training, learn new functions, and never stop building your skills. If you surround yourself with great people and keep challenging yourself, you can build a career you’re proud of—and enjoy the journey along the way!”

Those opportunities to grow and learn and take advantage of new challenges also influenced Esser’s decision to build her long career at Lake Ridge Bank.

“Over the last four decades, the bank has always challenged me with rewarding opportunities to professionally develop within my career,” says Kathy Esser, Vice President and Senior Personal Trust Officer on Lake Ridge Bank’s Wealth Management Team. “Those continued opportunities for growth made it an easy decision to stay loyal to Lake Ridge Bank. It really just came down to the fact that I have loved my job.”

Lake Ridge Bank President Paul Hoffmann says that everyone wins when people with this level of expertise and dedication commit their careers to one place. “Community banking is built on local relationships by people who live here, work here, and invest their time and energy into helping their neighbors succeed,” Hoffmann explains. “When associates grow, develop, and flourish here over decades, everyone benefits. While Steve, Kathy, and Betty may have contributed in different ways, they all had the same vision of building a great bank where our clients can prosper and grow.”

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Lake Ridge Bank’s mission is to “build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time.” For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at a competitive rate for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.