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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

Oak Bank Welcomes Jett Bell as Loan Operations Specialist

March 13, 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000
kvirnoche@oak.bank

Oak Bank Welcomes Jett Bell as Loan Operations Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Jett Bell as Loan Operations Specialist. In this role, Jett will support the bank’s loan portfolio, which includes commercial and residential mortgages—both in-house and secondary market—along with consumer and HELOC loan products. His responsibilities include processing and monitoring loan activity, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies, and collaborating closely with lenders, credit teams, and third-party vendors to provide outstanding service to Oak Bank’s clients.

Jett is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a B.A. in Economics with a Mathematical Emphasis. His background includes leadership experience as a Manager at a fast-paced restaurant that required precision, problem-solving, and strong organizational skills. Prior to that, he worked as an Electrical Pre-Apprentice, developing technical expertise and attention to detail—both of which translate well into his role at Oak Bank.

“I am excited to bring my strong analytical skills and attention to detail to this position,” said
Jett Bell.

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, commented about Jett joining the team, “Jett’s combination of analytical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving makes him a great fit for Oak Bank. His fresh perspective and drive to learn will enhance our loan operations team and contribute to our continued success in serving our clients.”

Jett lives in Madison and enjoys fitness and playing chess in his free time.

Please join us in welcoming Jett Bell to the Oak Bank family!

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 25 years,
meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick
answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit
oak.bank to learn more.

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison Launches “Room for Comfort”

Extending Support Beyond the House: Hotel Stays and Wraparound Services for Families in Need

MADISON, WI — MARCH 10, 2025 — The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Madison (RMHC-Madison) is proud to announce the launch of its Room for Comfort campaign, a vital initiative to cover the cost of the anticipated 2,000 hotel night stays needed for families in 2025. In addition to a hotel stay, we continue to offer the essential wraparound services that make RMHC-Madison a home away from home — warm meals, transportation support, and access to emotional and peer support. Every dollar raised directly supports families, eliminating the financial burden of these expenses. Without your support, RMHC-Madison would face the difficult decision to turn families away during their time of need.

While RMHC-Madison offers a comforting space and support for families, the growing demand for services often exceeds available rooms. In 2024, RMHC-Madison had a record- breaking occupancy rate of over 110% with 1,979 hotel night stays. More families than ever before are counting on RMHC-Madison to provide comfort and support during their child’s medical journeys.. Thanks to generous hotel partners, RMHC-Madison can provide families with a Room for Comfort – whether they stay at the House or a hotel.

“Every family deserves to be close to their child, especially when they are receiving medical treatment. With your help, we can make sure no family is left without a ‘Room for Comfort’” said Stephanie Hayden, RMHC-Madison Chief Executive Officer.

The Room for Comfort campaign is already off to a tremendous start thanks to these partners who are igniting this effort to provide support for families in need.

Exact Sciences – Major Lead Donor
Raymond Management Company – Lead Donor
Numbers 4 Nonprofits – Small Business Lead Donor

Community members can support the Room for Comfort campaign in multiple ways. Financial donations provide families with essential services and a place to stay, whether covering a single night or an entire week of comfort. Additionally, spreading the word is vital — sharing the campaign within the community and on social media using #RoomForComfort helps raise awareness and extend the impact of this initiative.

For more information about Room for Comfort, or to make a donation, visit www.rmhcmadison.org/room-for-comfort.

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About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison (RMHC-Madison):
Since 1993, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison has provided a continuum of care for those who live hours or even a plane ride from their child’s treatment. By offering housing, meals, and a supportive community, RMHC-Madison is Keeping Families Close during life’s most challenging moments.

Through the Ronald McDonald House®, the Ronald McDonald Family Room® at SSM Health- St. Mary’s Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile ®, families can stay close during life’s most challenging moments and receive the care they need.

Photo by Richard Hurd

M3 Insurance Releases its 2025 Property & Casualty Pulse Report

For Media Inquiries:
Angela Joyce, Director of Communications
M3 Insurance
Phone: 608.229.6409
Email: angela.joyce@m3ins.com

M3 Insurance Releases its 2025 Property & Casualty Pulse Report

MADISON, WI – M3 Insurance has released its 2025 Property & Casualty Pulse Report, offering businesses a focused look at market trends, emerging risks, and industry developments.

This year’s report takes a more industry-specific approach, structuring insights by sector rather than lines of coverage. The streamlined format highlights key risks and market shifts, making it a practical resource with a longer shelf life.

“The 2025 Pulse Report is designed to be more than just a market snapshot, it’s a tool that helps businesses stay informed and prepared for the risks and opportunities ahead,” said Brad Reitzner, Executive Vice President of Property & Casualty, and Partner at M3.

To ensure businesses stay up to date, M3 is introducing short-term Pulse Checks in collaboration with the CIAB. These quarterly updates will provide timely insights from industry experts, helping organizations navigate ongoing market developments.

The report is now available in multiple formats, including digital landing pages, videos, and podcast-style discussions, making it more accessible and engaging.

To access the report, please visit m3ins.com/pulse-2025/

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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. For more information on M3, visit www.m3ins.com.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Oak Bank Welcomes Braden Neumann as Commercial Loan Specialist

March 6, 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000
kvirnoche@oak.bank

Oak Bank Welcomes Braden Neumann as Commercial Loan Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank is excited to welcome Braden Neumann as a Commercial Loan Specialist. In this role, Braden will work closely with commercial lenders, credit teams, and third-party vendors to support the documentation and collateral perfection for new and renewed commercial loans. By fostering strong relationships with internal and external partners, Braden will contribute to the success of Oak Bank’s clients and business banking operations.

Braden recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a double major in Economics and History and a minor in Data Science. His previous experience includes working as a sales intern, as well as holding various customer service roles, developing his ability to connect with clients and problem-solve in fast-paced environments.

Braden is eager to bring his skills and enthusiasm to Oak Bank, sharing, “I love how Oak Bank is involved with the community, and how everybody in the bank is so connected. It’s rare to find an opportunity that allows for close relationships with coworkers and the surrounding community while also being able to make a difference in that community and grow immensely as a professional.”

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, expressed excitement about Braden joining the team, “Braden’s strong analytical background, combined with his enthusiasm for collaboration and client service, makes him a valuable addition to Oak Bank. His fresh perspective and eagerness to learn will strengthen our commercial loan operations and enhance the service we provide to our business clients.”

Braden currently resides in Madison and enjoys an active lifestyle. He participated in a half marathon this past fall, loves watching soccer, and when the weather is warm, enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, playing sports, camping, and hiking.

Please join us in welcoming Braden Neumann to the Oak Bank family!

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit www.oak.bank to learn more.

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Plan a fun summer with MSCR!

MSCR Summer 2025 Program Guide & Camps Information

Ready to fill your summer with fun? The MSCR Summer 2025 Program Guide is the one-stop shop for amazing activities! Explore a huge range of options, from arts and enrichment to boating, fitness and more. MSCR has something for every age and interest.

The Camps 2025 Program Guide (found in the center of the program guide) makes planning children’s summer a breeze with fantastic camps for grades K-9. MSCR has camps for arts and enrichment, outdoor adventures, sports and more. Please see pages C1-C14.

Registration begins Monday, March 10 at 12pm for MMSD Residents and Monday, March 24 at 12pm for Non-MMSD Residents. Customers are encouraged to login to their account prior to the day of registration to ensure the account information is accurate and up to date.

Customers can save time during camp registration by completing or updating the Camp Supplemental Information in advance. Register for course #42580 now through March 9 to add or update their child’s emergency contact and medical information that is required for summer camp registration. Please note: completing this process does not guarantee registration in camps. Parents/guardians still need to register for camps on Monday, March 10 beginning at 12pm for residents.

Fee Assistance is available for those who qualify. Please note: for the best chance of being enrolled, customers are encouraged to return their Fee Assistance Request Form to MSCR prior to the first day of registration on Monday, March 10. Learn more about Fee Assistance Policies at mscr.org

A Spanish edition of the MSCR Summer 2025 Program Guide is also available at mscr.org. Please call 608-204-3000 for more information.