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Photo by Richard Hurd

Wisconsin Union Team Introduces First-Ever Terrace Chairling Plushie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 15, 2024

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

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/plushie 

WISCONSIN UNION TEAM INTRODUCES FIRST-EVER TERRACE CHAIRLING PLUSHIE

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union team’s first-ever Terrace chairling plushie, named Maple Fields, has made her debut at the Badger Markets at Memorial Union and Union South and at terracestore.union.wisc.edu.

Maple is the only authorized Terrace plushie in the world. Customers can purchase Maple for $21.99, plus tax. Inspired by the John Deere green Terrace chairs, she has a smile, soft arms and legs, and a green sunburst body. Maple the green Terrace chairling is named in tribute to Wisconsin’s farming roots and Wisconsin’s state tree, the sugar maple.

The idea for the plushie chairling came from University of Wisconsin–Madison student and Wisconsin Union Graphic Design Intern Emily Swanson, who also designed the plushie. Swanson partnered with Wisconsin Union Social Media Intern Ella Mitchell to create a launch plan for the Maple Fields plushie. 

The Wisconsin Union’s three chairling characters, including Maple Fields, first debuted in digital form on Wisconsin Union social media in 2022. The chairlings are the cartoon versions of the well-known green, yellow and orange Terrace chairs, which include a trademarked sunburst design, found seasonally at the outdoor dining and entertainment space, the Memorial Union Terrace.

“We are so excited to bring a Terrace chairling to life in plushie form and to give our community a new way to connect to good times at the Terrace,” said Ben Klepzig, Wisconsin Union integrated marketing and communications director. 

The plushie joins a lineup of in-house designed Wisconsin Union and Terrace-themed gifts, accessories and apparel available in the Badger Markets at Memorial Union and Union South and at terracestore.union.wisc.edu. These are in addition to Wisconsin Union original beverages: Terrace Lemonade, Terrace Strawberry Lemonade, and Sunburst Sparkler, naturally caffeinated sparkling waters currently available in four fruity flavors. 

Revenue generated by the plushies helps the nonprofit Wisconsin Union offer free and low-cost events, community gathering spots, and leadership opportunities for students. Some student leader roles include academic stipends that cover up to 80% of in-state tuition. 

Patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/about/wisconsin-union-chairling-plushie for more information about the green Terrace chairling plushie, Maple Fields. 

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About the Wisconsin Union

The non-profit Wisconsin Union strives to enhance and support student leadership and community engagement, including through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities and by providing world-class support services, such as event management. The Wisconsin Union includes student leadership opportunities available through the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the Center for Leadership and Involvement, the Wisconsin Singers, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee; Memorial Union; Union South; various dining options throughout downtown Madison; UW Conference Centers; and the Fluno Center. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

Photo by Richard Hurd

JG Development Reshapes Madison’s Commercial Construction Industry with Acquisition of Supreme Structures; Former Owner Dan Bertler Continues in Sales

MADISON, Wis., November 14, 2024 – Madison’s commercial construction industry has changed once again. JG Development acquired Supreme Structures earlier this month, roughly doubling its commercial construction operations.

“The acquisition will deliver value to our employee owners and clients for years to come,” said JG Development Founder and CEO Jeff Grundahl. “We look forward to continuing Supreme’s great work, especially in the hospitality and retail space.”

Supreme Structures former owner Dan Bertler has transitioned to an executive sales role at JG Development. Its project managers, estimator, superintendents and crew are continuing projects, now led by JG Development’s commercial operations manager Mike Trapino.

JG Development’s combined team of more than 70 professionals now encompasses single-site development services and five brands:

Supreme Structures,
National Construction, JG’s original commercial division with broad capabilities currently focused on housing, multi-tenant buildings, light manufacturing and recreation,
NCI-Roberts Construction, which builds exclusively for churches and nonprofits,
Brio Design Homes, a custom home design-build contractor,
and Vive Home Transformations, a residential design-build remodeler.

JG Development’s vision is to build for its clients where they live, work and serve. It is 100 percent employee owned and has been building in greater Madison since 1981.

More information is available at https://jgdevelopment.com/supreme-structures/.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm: Attorney William M. Pemberton Honored with 2024 Super Lawyers Selection

Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm is thrilled to announce that  CEO, William Pemberton, has been selected for the 2024 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list, an honor awarded to only 5% of attorneys across the nation.

This achievement recognizes his dedication to legal excellence and commitment to serving clients with integrity and skill. The Super Lawyers designation is not just a badge of honor—it’s an indicator of professional excellence that clients and peers can trust.

What Is the Super Lawyers Designation?

Super Lawyers is a respected rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high level of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is rigorous and thorough, providing a credible, objective way to showcase top attorneys who truly excel in their areas of practice.

The History and Mission of Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers was established to bridge the information gap between the public and the legal community, allowing people seeking legal representation to find qualified attorneys with a record of success.

The Super Lawyers designation reflects quality not only in legal knowledge but also in courtroom performance, professionalism, and commitment to clients.

How It Works

Super Lawyers applies a multi-phase selection process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations. This method ensures that only the most respected, accomplished attorneys are recognized, providing potential clients with an assurance that their attorney meets exceptional standards of practice.

What This Means for Our Firm

This year’s Super Lawyers recognition reaffirms our commitment to providing exemplary service and achieving excellent results for our clients. Our personal injury law firm remains dedicated to supporting clients in all their legal needs with the assurance that their case is being handled by one of Wisconsin’s best.

“I’m always honored to be recognized by Super Lawyers,” Attorney Pemberton said. “Not only does it validate the hard work that our firm has done—and continues to do—but this recognition also helps our current and future clients know who they can trust.”

Please join us in celebrating Attorney Pemberton’s 2024 Super Lawyers recognition. We are proud of this accomplishment and excited to continue serving our community with the expertise, dedication, and professionalism that our clients deserve.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Wisconsin Union: 60th Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Resale Brings Wisconsin’s Largest Ski Swap to Madison Dec. 7-8

MADISON – The Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club will host the 60th Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Resale, Wisconsin’s largest ski swap, in Union South’s Varsity Hall on Dec. 7 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in Madison, Wisconsin.

This annual outdoor recreation equipment sale provides the opportunity for the community to buy discounted items for all ages for the upcoming season — including downhill and nordic skis, snowboards, boots, jackets, helmets, goggles, touring gear and telemark skis — while also offering community members the chance to sell their new and gently used gear.

Community members interested in selling their gear can bring up to 10 items to Union South between 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 5 or between noon-8 pm. on Dec. 6. More information about reselling, including acceptable items and guidelines, can be found at hoofersns.org/resale. A portion of each resold item purchase will support the nonprofit, student-led Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club

New this year, customers at the Resale can also enter a drawing for the chance to win winter gear and merchandise.

The Hoofer Alpine and Nordic teams will offer waxing and tuning of alpine and nordic skis, as well as snowboards. Costs range from $15-40. 

In celebration of the 60th Resale, this year will feature the largest selection of vendors since COVID-19, including Wayne’s Ski and Cycle; Fitzharris Ski, Bike and Outdoor; Lakewood Ski & Sport; Shepherd & Schaller; Sol Alpine; Expedition Supply; and EnjoyWinter.

Purchases at the Resale, including waxing and tuning services, support the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club as well as its Alpine, Nordic and Freestyle ski teams. Customers may make purchases with Discover, Visa or Mastercard credit and debit cards, Wiscard, Apple Pay, Google Pay or cash. Tax-deductible donations can also be made here

“Resale is fundamental to the success of the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club,” said Maddie Hauenstein, Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club president. “For us, it’s about more than setting up an opportunity for the community to have access to reasonably priced equipment; it allows us to provide opportunities to all students, regardless of level, to get to do something we love.”

Anyone 18 or over can join the multigenerational Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club or any of the other five Wisconsin Hoofers outdoor recreation clubs that celebrate outdoor recreation, leadership and community. From almost weekly ski and snowboard trips to area destinations to an annual spring break excursion to Jackson Hole, the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club works to help members make the most of winter.

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Midwest Mujeres Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at The Spark Building in Madison

For Immediate Release
October 28, 2024

Midwest Mujeres Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at The Spark Building in Madison
An Invitation to Join the Journey of Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and Storytelling

Madison, WI — Midwest Mujeres, a leading organization devoted to empowering and connecting women in our community, invites the public to a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Spark Building, 821 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI, third floor. This inspiring event will celebrate Midwest Mujeres’ impactful work in fostering the professional and personal growth of women throughout the region.

The event will feature testimonials and stories from women whose lives have been transformed by Midwest Mujeres’ unique blend of support, networking, and entrepreneurial guidance. Joining them will be board members, key influencers, and supporters from the Midwest Mujeres circle and network, sharing their experiences and the organization’s impact on local communities.

Midwest Mujeres founder, Araceli Esparza, shares, “This event isn’t just about cutting a ribbon—it’s about opening doors. Midwest Mujeres is a platform where women from all walks of life can find the resources, mentorship, and camaraderie they need to achieve their dreams. This ribbon cutting celebrates that journey.”

Guests can look forward to an atmosphere filled with inspiration, entrepreneurship, and storytelling. From women entrepreneurs launching new ventures to storytellers inspiring change, attendees will have the chance to connect, learn, and grow alongside a dynamic community.

Midwest Mujeres has helped countless women enhance their lives, grow businesses, and cultivate financial independence, fostering a vibrant network of empowered women dedicated to uplifting one another.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: The Spark Building, 821 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703 (Third Floor)

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and ample networking opportunities will be available. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of a momentous occasion that celebrates the incredible accomplishments of women in our community and the dedicated work of Midwest Mujeres.

For more information, please contact:
Araceli Esparza
Founder, Midwest Mujeres
Email: info@midwestmujeres.com
Phone: (608) 571-5182

About Midwest Mujeres
Midwest Mujeres is a community-centric organization designed to empower and connect women, especially Latinas and women of color, through education, entrepreneurship, and storytelling. By offering resources, mentorship, and development opportunities, Midwest Mujeres strives to build a supportive ecosystem that enables women to achieve their full potential.

Join us in honoring this commitment and celebrating the strength and resilience of women. We look forward to welcoming you!