BOSP Bancshares, Inc. to Acquire Banner Banks

New Organization to have Eight Locations in Six Wisconsin Communities

Birnamwood and Sun Prairie, Wis. — BOSP Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Bank of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie, Wis. and Banner Bancorp, Ltd. the holding company and sole shareholder of Banner Banks, Birnamwood, Wis., are pleased to announce they have entered into a definitive agreement where BOSP Bancshares, Inc. will acquire all of Banner Bancorp, Ltd.’s ownership interest in Banner Banks. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, has been unanimously approved by both the company’s and bank’s boards of directors and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Post-closing, it is anticipated that Banner Banks will be moved onto the Bank of Sun Prairie core system in the second quarter of 2026.

Following the future merger of the banks, the combined institution will have eight locations in six Wisconsin communities and total assets based on December 31, 2024, regulatory reporting of approximately $868 million. Jimmy Kauffman will serve as president and CEO and D. Shannon Blakley, president and CEO of Banner Banks, will continue to lend his expertise and provide guidance as a consultant. All Banner Banks’ employees will be offered continued employment with the combined institution.

“I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and the customers of Banner Banks to our banking family and working with the entire Banner Banks’ team to bring the two banking organizations together as seamlessly as possible for the benefit of the bank’s customers and staff,” shared Jimmy Kauffman, president and CEO of Bank of Sun Prairie. “This is a great opportunity for Bank of Sun Prairie to diversify our balance sheet and expand our footprint. Alignment with another community bank with similar values and a long-standing track record in their community is a perfect fit for us,” added Kauffman.

D. Shannon Blakley, president and CEO of Banner Banks agrees, “We were looking for another community bank to partner with that has a dedicated commitment to serving their communities and deeply values their customers and employees, we believe we have found such a partner in Bank of Sun Prairie! We are also excited to know our customers will soon have access to new technologies, expanded loan products and enhanced deposit capabilities‒well beyond what we offer today.” He continued, “We’ll also have access to a wider range of agricultural customers as we expand into all the markets the bank will operate in.”

About Banner Banks. Banner Banks is a full-service community bank which was founded in 1900 and chartered in 1903. Through the operation of four bank office locations in the communities of Birnamwood, Hatley, Antigo and Wittenberg, Wisconsin, the bank offers an array of traditional loan and deposit products and maintains an agricultural loan specialty. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the bank had $126 million in assets and 23 full-time equivalent employees. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

About Bank of Sun Prairie. Bank of Sun Prairie was founded in 1897 and also chartered in 1903. The bank is a full-service community bank and presently operates three office locations and a Financial Literacy Outlet inside Sun Prairie West High School, in the communities of Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. In addition to offering a full suite of lending and deposit products, the bank also provides wealth management, trust services and expanded business solutions. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the bank had assets of $742 million and 99 full-time equivalent employees. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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Dale Lewis Joins Boldt as Director of Data Centers

The Boldt Company is proud to announce the appointment of Dale Lewis as Director of Data Centers, a strategic leadership role focused on driving project development and expanding Boldt’s presence in this dynamic sector.

Dale joins Boldt from Microsoft, where he served as Director of Construction for the company’s Milwaukee (MKE) campus. In that role, he led complex mission-critical projects, overseeing the delivery of cutting-edge infrastructure to support Microsoft’s growing data and technology needs. His leadership and expertise in managing high-stakes, technically demanding projects make him a valuable addition to the Boldt team.

“Dale offers extensive expertise and a thorough understanding of the market,” stated John Huggett, Vice President at Boldt. “His familiarity with Boldt’s strengths and culture, coupled with his experience on the owner’s side, positions him to align our strategic vision with client needs effectively. Dale will undoubtedly be a significant asset as we continue to grow in the Data Center sector.”

As Director, Dale will lead data center business development efforts across the company and identify partnerships with owners and trade partners to drive value by guiding operational approaches to achieve client goals. Additionally, he will oversee preconstruction services and ensure project teams are set up for success from the outset.

With a keen eye on market trends, delivery models, and client expectations, Dale’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing Boldt’s focus to deliver innovative, reliable, and client-focused solutions in the mission-critical and industrial space.

Dupaco Foundation awards $250,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Dupaco Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to 35 nonprofit organizations across Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Support provided through the Nonprofit Grant Program will make a direct impact in the following areas:

• Affordable housing and homeownership
• Upskilling and reskilling
• Small business development

“The Dupaco Foundation board believes that strong communities are built through opportunity, equity and collaboration,” said Joe Hearn, Dupaco Foundation Secretary and President/CEO of Dupaco Community Credit Union.

“These grants are more than financial support – they’re investments in people, in potential and in the future of our region. We’re proud to stand alongside these nonprofits as they create lasting impact.”

The 2025 grant recipients are tackling some of the region’s most pressing challenges—from housing insecurity to workforce development—by delivering innovative, community-rooted solutions. Together, these organizations serve thousands of individuals and families, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.

2025 Dupaco Foundation Nonprofit Grant Awardees:

• Bluff Strokes Art Center, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
• Catherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IA – $10,000
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
• Christian Community Development (DBA House of Hope), Waterloo, IA – $5,000
• Common Wealth Development, Madison, WI – $5,000
• Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Dubuque, IA – $20,000
• Community Solutions of Eastern Iowa (CSEI), Dubuque, IA – $5,000
• Dubuque Community YMCA Crisis Services Shelter, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
• Dubuque St. Vincent de Paul, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
• Feed Iowa First, Cedar Rapids, IA – $20,000
• Four Mounds Foundation-HEART Partnership, Dubuque, IA – $10,000
• Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services, Cedar Rapids, IA – $10,000
• Friends of St. Mary’s (DBA Steeple Square), Dubuque, IA – $5,000
• Friends of the Family, Waterloo, IA – $5,000
• Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Des Moines, IA – $5,000
• Hills & Dales, Dubuque, IA – $10,000
• Hope Community Development Association (Hope CDA), Cedar Rapids, IA – $10,000
• Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, Waterloo, IA – $10,000
• Key City Creative Center, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
• Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI), Des Moines, IA – $5,000
• Madison Northside Planning Council, Inc., Madison, WI – $5,000
• NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids, IA – $5,000
• Oakridge Neighborhood Services, Des Moines, IA – $5,000
• ONE Cedar Valley, Waterloo, IA – $5,000
• One City United, Waterloo, IA – $10,000
• Operation Empower, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
• Operation Fresh Start, Madison, WI – $5,000
• Presentation Lantern Center, Dubuque, IA – $10,000
• Project IOWA, Des Moines, IA – $5,000
• Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Foundation, Inc., Fennimore, IA – $10,000
• The Arc of East Central Iowa, Cedar Rapids, IA – $5,000
• The Dream Center, Iowa City, IA – $5,000
• The Fountain of Youth Program, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
• The Iowa Center, Des Moines, IA – $5,000
• United Way of Dane County, Madison, WI – $5,000

The Foundation board reviewed 115 applications from nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)3 public charities. Proposals were evaluated on several factors, including program alignment with the foundation’s focus areas, how the plan addresses the need, potential for measurable outcomes and impact.

This marks the second year of the Dupaco Foundation Nonprofit Grant, which awarded $250,000 to 29 organizations in 2024. Since its inception in 2012, the Dupaco Foundation has distributed over $3.2 million in grant funding throughout Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Information regarding the 2026 cycle of the Dupaco Foundation Nonprofit Grant program will be available in early 2026. To learn more about the Dupaco Foundation and its impact, visit www.dupaco.com/ways-we-give.

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ABOUT DUPACO FOUNDATION:
Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation, also known as Dupaco Foundation (the “Foundation”), is a tax-exempt private foundation described in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation is a separate legal entity from Dupaco Community Credit Union (the “Credit Union”) and is governed by its own Board of Directors and officers. The Foundation was established in 2011 to honor the retirement of 47-year employee and long-time Dupaco Community Credit Union President and CEO, Robert W. “Bob” Hoefer. The Foundation is designed to carry on the Bob Hoefer tradition of providing personal financial assistance and coaching to help hardworking and financially prudent people recover from unforeseen life events and to increase their opportunities for financial stability. Learn more at www.dupaco.com/foundation.

McClone Promotes Brad DeLeeuw to Vice President of Business Development

Expanded role reflects McClone’s growth and its commitment to client-focused results

Menasha, WI, August 6, 2025 —McClone Insurance, a leading insurance, risk management, and employee benefits broker, is pleased to announce the promotion of Brad DeLeeuw to Vice President of Business Development. This move reflects McClone’s continued organizational growth and the strategic importance of business development as a bridge between market needs and long-term client success.

Since becoming Director of Business Development, Brad has been instrumental in driving strategic growth initiatives and building key partnerships, both within McClone and across the broader business community. In this new role, Brad will take on expanded leadership responsibilities: overseeing the continued growth, development, and performance of the Business Development team while advancing McClone’s mission to make a difference every day. 

“Brad’s leadership has helped shape a business development function that’s consultative, intentional, and rooted in trust,” said Dustin McClone, President and CEO. “This promotion gives him the platform to bring that approach to scale, supporting our team internally while elevating the experience externally.”

Brad played a key role in building a system where business development isn’t just about growth, it’s about fit. McClone’s model enables strategic risk advisors to focus on technical strategy and service, while Brad’s team ensures prospective and current clients feel supported throughout their journey. 

“We’ve always believed that strong relationships open the door, but results are what keep us there,” said Bill Julius, Executive Vice President of Sales. “Brad understands that balance. His team leads with curiosity and follow-through, helping clients get to better outcomes, not just better conversations.”

McClone’s Business Development team plays an essential role in the company’s client-first approach. As the first point of contact for many, they set the tone and guide organizations toward the solutions that best match their needs, ensuring every interaction reflects McClone’s high standards for communication, consistency, and performance. 

Brad’s promotion comes at a pivotal time as McClone continues to grow its impact and expand its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the businesses, organizations, and individuals it serves.

For additional information, please contact:
Ashley Rothmann | pr@mcclone.com

About McClone Insurance

McClone Insurance is a leading provider of comprehensive risk management and insurance solutions. With headquarters in Menasha, Wisconsin, and regional offices in Madison, Milwaukee, and Sheboygan, McClone serves clients nationwide. The company offers a wide range of services including business insurance, employee benefits, HR outsourcing, 401(k) solutions, personal insurance, and a private client division. Founded in 1949, McClone’s core values are centered on people, community, and delivering exceptional service. Through its proprietary RiskMAP™ process and the McClone M.A.D.E. program, the company is committed to making a meaningful impact for its clients and communities. 

More MMSD Students Taking, Passing AP Courses Than Ever

MADISON, Wis.—Students across the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) achieved record levels of success on Advanced Placement (AP) exams this year, reflecting steady growth in both participation and performance.

This spring, 2,043 MMSD high schoolers completed a total of 4,521 AP exams, reflecting a 10.7% rise in student participation and an 18.9% increase in total exams taken over the previous year. Even more impressive: 80.2% of students scored a 3 or higher, up from 76% the year before. The average exam score also climbed from 3.40 to 3.54, out of a maximum score of 5.

“These are the strongest AP results we’ve seen to date, and they’re evidence of what’s possible when high expectations are paired with high levels of support,” said Tim Peterson, MMSD’s director of assessment. “Our students are continuing to take on academic challenges, and they’re delivering. That speaks volumes about their drive to achieve, as well the commitment of MMSD teachers and school leaders to their success.”

AP courses are designed to reflect the rigor of introductory college classes. Students who score a 3 or higher may earn college credit or advanced standing, depending on the policies of the colleges they attend. Participation alone has also been linked to improved postsecondary enrollment and persistence.

The sustained upward trends are the result of both student effort and years of intentional work to expand access across the district’s comprehensive high schools.

“More students are seeing AP as an option that belongs to them,” Peterson added. “We’ve invested in outreach, academic coaching and AVID, and it’s making a difference. Our educators have built a foundation that allows students from all backgrounds to succeed in these courses.”

MMSD offers a wide range of AP classes across its high schools, covering subjects in math, science, English, history and music theory, among others. The district has also partnered with schools to remove barriers to entry and to ensure that historically underrepresented students are supported throughout their AP experience.

Families interested in learning more about Advanced Placement offerings are encouraged to review course catalogs on their high school’s website or speak with their school counselor.

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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.