WPS named ‘Best Place to Work’ by Disability Equality Index®

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Corporate Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS named ‘Best Place to Work’ by Disability Equality Index^®

MADISON, Wis.—July 16, 2024—WPS Health Solutions has achieved a top score on the Disability Equality Index^®, the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization. A top score means an organization received a score of 80, 90, or 100 on a 100-point scale. This year, WPS received a score of 100!

“While a score of 100 does not convey perfection, it means are we implementing many of the forward-thinking disability inclusion practices suggested through the index,” WPS Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Faatima Khan said. “That said, this is the result of years of collaborative work and is a big step forward in WPS’ DEI journey.”

Earlier this year, WPS submitted the Disability Equality Index benchmarking survey, which was launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). This tool has become the gold standard for assessing corporate disability inclusion efforts. This year, 542 corporations, including 71 Fortune 100 and 220 Fortune 500 companies, participated. 

Scoring 80 or higher on this rigorous assessment earns the designation of “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.” WPS’ top score reflects a comprehensive approach to inclusion, encompassing everything from recruitment and retention to accommodations and community engagement.

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, Wisconsin, has more than 2,600 employees. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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Fenrici Brands: Back-to-School Backpack Drive

Fenrici Brands is proud to continue our annual tradition of partnering with incredible nonprofits like the Goodman Community Center, Wisconsin Youth Company, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, and United Way of Dane County to support local students through their back-to-school backpack drive. As a mission-driven company, we are committed to building quality products that inspire resilience while giving back to our community.

This year, we’re excited to maximize your impact with a special “Donate One, We’ll Donate One” matching promotion. For every backpack donated by a community member, Fenrici Brands will contribute an additional backpack to a student in need through the partnership organization. Together, we can ensure more students have what they need to start the school year with confidence.

Learn more about how these partnerships are empowering the next generation of learners:
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At Fenrici Brands, we believe every child should have the chance to shine. Join us in making a difference by visiting one of the pages above to donate a backpack today. Your kindness will directly help students in our local community as they get ready for school. Together, we can make a big impact on their lives. Let’s do this!

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As Madison Reading Project Grows, New Leadership Team Formed

July 10, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Rowan Childs, (608) 347-7970, Rowan@MadisonReadingProject.com

As Madison Reading Project Grows, New Leadership Team Formed

MADISON—Madison Reading Project’s board of directors announces a new leadership model designed to continuously shape its future, strengthen its literacy programs’ viability, and increase capacity to inspire more children to read. 

Rowan Childs, founder, and Deirdre Steinmetz, long-time team member, are now Co-Executive Directors of the Madison-based nonprofit. To share responsibility, sustainability, productivity, and building on strengths, Steinmetz will spearhead Programs and Operations, while Childs will focus on Communications and Development. 

Childs’ strong background in communications, her vision for the future, and social entrepreneurship will coincide well with Steinmetz’s extensive experience in education, programming, operations, and staff development.

“As an organization that values collaboration and innovation, our progression to a co-leadership model feels right on many levels,” Childs says. “It’s a strong platform for continued growth.

“Through strategic planning, leadership coaching, listening, and learning, we’ve taken a deeper look into what has been working throughout our immense growth during our 10 years of operations,” Childs adds. “Our team’s differences in style, experiences, strengths, and limitations make us thrive. In addition, we found that our work doesn’t happen without strong relationships, trust, and collaboration; all values we want to be infused into all areas of our work and organization.”

“Our staff and Board of Directors are excited to continue providing impactful services to the community to propel our mission forward,” adds Steinmetz. “This year, we’re celebrating our 10th year of providing free literacy programming for children. The new structure will give us fresh insights for expanding our outreach.”

Additional organizational leadership changes include Natalie Holdahl, Program Director, and Emily Wills, who joined in April as Development Director. Other new roles include Mellisa Hornung, Little Free Library Coordinator, and Haley Borgrud,  Communications and Events Specialist.

Madison Reading Project is a thriving organization with 15 full- and part-time staffers and nearly 250 volunteers. It operates a book center (near an area of the city’s most economically challenged households). It serves nine (9) South Central Wisconsin counties. More than 123,900 books were given to over 100,600 children during 2023. As a facilitating partner with entertainer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Foundation, more than 11,300 Dane County children receive one free book mailed monthly.  

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Kayser Ford Reinforces Commitment to Local Law Enforcement

Madison, WI – Kayser Ford proudly announces its ongoing and multifaceted support for local law enforcement agencies, demonstrating a firm commitment to the safety and security of the communities it serves.

Key Areas of Support:

1. Fleet Maintenance:

– Kayser Ford is dedicated to maintaining the fleets of the Madison Police Department, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, and Fitchburg Police Department, ensuring that law enforcement officers have reliable vehicles to perform their duties effectively.

2. Body Repairs:

– Providing essential body repairs to squads damaged in the field, Kayser Ford helps keep patrol cars in optimal condition, minimizing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.

3. K9 Unit Support:

– Kayser Ford has taken a pivotal role in the acquisition of Fitchburg’s current K9, contributing to the enhancement of the K9 unit’s capabilities. Since then Kayser’s leadership team has volunteered countless hours in support of both Fitchburg and Dane County Sheriff’s Office K9 Units.

4. Executive Leadership Involvement:

– Kayser Ford’s executive leadership team actively volunteers their time to serve on the Fitchburg Police and Fire Commission and Dane County K9, Inc., a non-profit public charity. This organization is dedicated to providing for the current and long-term funding needs of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit.

5. Community Engagement and Sponsorships:

– Kayser Ford sponsors Hole-in-One cars for charity golf outings benefiting Dane County K9, Inc. and MPD’s Capital K9 outings. These events are critical for raising funds and supporting local law enforcement initiatives.

Upcoming Event:

– 3rd Annual Dane County K9 Classic Golf Outing:

Dane County K9, Inc. is hosting its 3rd annual Dane County K9 Classic Golf Outing at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club on July 22nd. There is still time for businesses to support this event and the funding needs of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. Businesses are encouraged to visit [www.birdease.com/dck9](http://www.birdease.com/dck9) to sign up for a hole sponsor or submit a silent auction item, demonstrating their support for law enforcement.

Kayser Ford’s continued commitment to these vital initiatives underscores the company’s dedication to community service and public safety. Through these efforts, Kayser Ford aims to ensure that local law enforcement agencies have the resources and support they need to protect and serve the community effectively.

For more information, please contact:

Brendan Baxter

Vice President

Kayser Automotive Group

Phone: (608) 276-0244

Email: b.baxter@Kayseronline.com

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About Kayser Ford:

Kayser Ford was founded in 1925 on East Washington Ave. having been owned and operated by just three families since being established.  Kayser Ford is part of the Kayser Automotive Group which is locally owned by the Baxter family of Madison and operates 8 franchised dealerships and 3 collision repair centers throughout Wisconsin, representing all major domestic manufacturers.

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Maximize Your Backpack Donations with Fenrici Brands

Fenrici Brands is a Madison-based company specializing in high-quality kids’ backpacks. For many years, we have partnered with local and national organizations to provide vibrant, durable, and affordable school backpacks. If your organization is planning to donate backpacks this year, please contact us at BTSpartnership@Fenricibrands.com. Let us help you maximize your impact and make your funds go further.

Learn more and donate here. All donations will be shipped directly to The Goodman Center.