DeWitt: Attorney Joseph Miotke Reappointed to Wisconsin State Public Defender Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25,2021                                                                    

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle M. Friedman
mmf@dewittllp.com / 262-754-2877

Attorney Joseph Miotke Reappointed to Wisconsin State Public Defender Board

MADISON | MILWAUKEE | MINNEAPOLIS – Today DeWitt LLP law firm announced that on March 23, 2021 the Wisconsin Senate unanimously confirmed DeWitt attorney Joe Miotke’s reappointment by Governor Tony Evers to the Wisconsin State Public Defender Board. 

Miotke was first appointed to the State Public Defender (“SPD”) Board by Governor Scott Walker in 2017.  The SPD Board provides ultimate oversight over Wisconsin’s unified SPD system, which provides legal representation to the indigent in all of Wisconsin’s seventy-two (72) counties.  Miotke is proud to continue serving Wisconsin’s most vulnerable residents and ensure equal access to justice for all Wisconsin residents. 

Miotke is a licensed patent attorney and serves as the Co-Chair of DeWitt’s Intellectual Property Litigation Group.  For more than twenty years Miotke has distinguished himself as a leading IP litigator, patent attorney, and IP strategist.  Recognized by leading IP publications as among the top patent attorneys and IP attorneys in the United States, he has worked across a wide spectrum of patent, trade secret, copyright, and trademark matters involving technologies ranging from artificial intelligence and machine learning to energy production and hydraulic fracturing.  He speaks across North America and publishes frequently on IP-related matters. He has extensive experience with patent and other IP Litigation as well as with IP transactional and strategy matters including IP monetization.

Miotke earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from Marquette University Law School and a B.S. in Civil Engineering, from Marquette University.  He is a Past-President of the Wisconsin Intellectual Property Law Association, serves as the national chair for IP Basic Education for the Licensing Executives Society (LES), and serves on the leadership of the Wisconsin Chapter of LES.  Miotke further guides one of the largest k-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (“STEM”) education programs in the United States through serving on a volunteer basis as the Statewide Leadership Chair of Project Lead The Way in Wisconsin.

About DeWitt

DeWitt LLP was founded in 1903 and is one of the 10 largest law firms based in Wisconsin, with an additional presence in Minnesota. It has more than 120 attorneys practicing in Green Bay, Madison and Metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has the experience to service clients of all scopes and sizes. The firm is known for its work in a variety of legal areas including intellectual property, patents, trademarks and copyright law, construction litigation, corporate law, employment, environmental, employee benefits, estate planning, family business, family law, government relations, health care, litigation, real estate, and tax law.  More information is available at dewittllp.com.

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Top OnBase Reseller Honors Earned by Naviant Again in 2021

Media contact:
Jen Hein | jhein@naviant.com

Top OnBase Reseller Honors Earned by Naviant Again in 2021

VERONA, WI, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH, & OREM, UT – March 19, 2021 – Naviant, a top OnBase reseller, was recently honored by Hyland for outstanding partner performance, customer support, and customer growth. Naviant was awarded the Customer Growth Partner of the Year award and the OnBase Diamond Support Award. Naviant was also recognized for achieving Platinum Partner Status year after year.

As a long-time OnBase partner, Naviant has won the OnBase Diamond Support Award 17 years in a row. Naviant believes that the key to customer growth is providing excellent customer support. Naviant is committed to its customers’ success at every stage of the process, from the consultation phase to implementation and ongoing support provided by its Customer Success Team (CST).

“At Naviant, we provide the highest level of service and commitment to our happy customers, and we believe our 96%+ retention rate clearly reflects this dedication,” says Michael Carr, President and CEO at Naviant. “The best-in-class OnBase content services platform has a direct and measurable impact on our clients and helps them work more efficiently with less, and these top honors help set Naviant apart from the other OnBase resellers.”

The Naviant team is dedicated to getting to know each customer’s organization and industry over time. This close relationship helps Naviant to provide tailored, innovative ideas and solutions to drive efficiency even further.

“Our primary focus is on our clients’ growth and sophistication,” said Michael Carr. “Using our technology and process automation expertise, we are committed to helping our customers gain and maintain competitive advantage and reach their digital transformation goals.”

As a long-standing key partner of Hyland Software, Naviant helps organizations operate more efficiently using the OnBase software platform, Hyland RPA, the Hyland Cloud, ABBYY and Brainware intelligent capture platforms, and the Kryon Robotic Process Automation platform. Naviant’s “process-first” approach brings focus to the importance of process improvement prior to implementing best-in-class automation solutions and technology.

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About Naviant

Business processes and solutions that empower better and faster decisions are what we do best. As a nationally recognized intelligent automation solutions integrator and business process consulting organization with over 30 years of experience headquartered in Verona WI, our clients do more with less by streamlining processes and gaining visibility into the information they need to make better decisions. As a long-standing key partner of Hyland, Naviant helps organizations operate more efficiently using OnBase software platform, Brainware intelligent capture platform, the Hyland Cloud, and Hyland RPA platform, all of which are Hyland products, as well as the ABBYY and Kryon Robotic Process Automation platforms. Naviant’s “process-first” approach brings focus to the importance of process improvement prior to implementing best-in-class ECM solutions and technology. Naviant is a top-tier partner for Hyland’s OnBase, a single enterprise information platform for managing content, processes, and cases, that combines ECM, case management, business process management (BPM), records management, compliance, and capture functionality on a single platform. In addition, Naviant also partners with Kryon Systems for Robotics Process Automation (RPA) technology to enable organizations to drive business agility and efficiency by offloading repetitive high-volume work to a digital workforce (aka software robots).  To learn more about Naviant, please visit naviant.com. Process focus. Excellence.

About Hyland

Hyland is a leading content services provider that enables thousands of organizations to deliver better experiences to the people they serve. Find us at Hyland.com.

Wisconsin Union Theater: ‘Primer for an Impossible Conversation’ Performances Will Explore the Topic of Race Through Dialogue, Dance on April 8, 9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2021

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu

‘PRIMER FOR AN IMPOSSIBLE CONVERSATION’ PERFORMANCES WILL EXPLORE THE TOPIC OF RACE THROUGH DIALOGUE, DANCE ON APRIL 8, 9

Wisconsin Union Theater hosts streaming of new piece from artists David Neumann, Marcella Murray and Tei Blow

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union Theater will host two virtual streaming performances of “Primer for an Impossible Conversation,” an interdisciplinary arts work centering on dialogue about race, followed by a moderated conversation with theater artists and co-creators Marcella Murray, David Neumann and Tei Blow on April 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

The idea for the piece began when Murray, a Black woman, and Neumann, a white man, began talking about racism after an incident on their campus. This sparked an ongoing conversation that ultimately led to the creation of “Primer for an Impossible Conversation.” Continuing to unpack their years-long conversation around race, in this piece, Murray, Neumann and Blow interweave imagery, short bursts of dance, and the digitized distance.

The creators aimed for the piece to serve as a step-by-step non-instruction manual that reveals the efforts needed for two people to actually be in the same place at the same time. It emerged from the creators’ feeling the need to continue their conversation about race as a creative act, adapting and responding to Obie Award-winning “Distances Smaller Than This Are Not Confirmed,” a piece made for the stage by Murray and Neumann, which premiered in January 2020.

In “Primer for an Impossible Conversation,” Murray and Neumann hurtle through space as they face not only the challenge of having a conversation from their experiences but also with the difficulties inherent in connecting over online platforms while quarantined from in-person exchanges during COVID-19.

“‘Primer for an Impossible Conversation’ depicts the undeniable complexity and importance of having conversations about race. David and Marcella are sincere in their desire to understand each other through the lenses of their racial identities, and their mutual respect for each other keeps the conversation going rather than shutting it down,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “The piece is also an incredible marker of this historic time, not just around conversations on race but also our warped sense of time, like we’re floating through space, and us working so hard to stay connected to each other.”    

The Wisconsin Union Theater team invites patrons to pay what they can when they register for tickets here.

This presentation is part of the Wisconsin Union Theater team’s commitment to taking action against racial inequities, which includes making space in its budget and programming schedule to support and present events that highlight BIPOC’s stories. Click here for a full statement on the Theater’s stance.

“Primer for an Impossible Conversation” is co-commissioned by the Wisconsin Union Theater and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

“So much of what the Wisconsin Union Theater has presented this year was taking what was planned to be in-person and modifying it for the virtual season,” Snodgrass said. “I wanted to present something that was designed specifically for the virtual space and shows the life we’re living right here, right now.”

The Wisconsin Union Theater presents these events, in part, with the help of financial support from the Marcia Légère Distinguished Playwright Residency Fund, Wisconsin Arts Board funding from the State of Wisconsin, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Wisconsin Union Theater team strives for all of its spaces to be accessible. The Theater will offer live captioning at both performances. Those that need accommodations can reach out to the Theater team at wisconsinuniontheater@union.wisc.edu. 

Click here for more information about the Theater’s presentation of “Primer for an Impossible Conversation.”  

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 75 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The Theater hosts performances in multiple locations, including Memorial Union, and has an expansive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

[Click here for access to a folder of downloadable photos of the performance and its creators.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/impossible-conversation

Suttle-Straus Connected Mail Clients Qualify for 2021 Postage Discounts – Two Ways to Cash In

As direct mail companies like Suttle-Straus are embracing the integration of technology and direct mail, United States Postal Service (USPS) is doing its part and running a postage discount program for 2021.

What does this mean for Suttle-Straus clients? From March 1^st to August 31^st the USPS lets all US-based direct mail companies qualify for 2% off eligible postage costs when coupling their clients’ campaigns with emerging and advanced technology.

The use of technology is a proven force in the marketing landscape for today’s savvy marketing professionals. This promotion will build upon previous promotions and continue the USPS strategy of encouraging mailers to integrate direct mail with technology to improve effectiveness and maintain relevancy.

The Suttle-Straus Connected Mail solution combines direct mail with digital technologies like call tracking, Facebook and Instagram social media advertising, Google display ads, mail tracking and website retargeting.

“We are excited to offer our customers this USPS promotion discount on their Connected Mail campaigns,” said Rob Hanks, Salesperson and Certified Mailpiece Design Expert at Suttle-Straus. “Omnichannel campaigns that integrate direct mail and digital channels deliver better results and return on investment – and now they can get discounts too!”

Last year, Suttle-Straus introduced its Connected Mail service that includes the USPS Informed Delivery program. In an effort to build recognition and usage of this product, the USPS has added it to its 2021 postage discount program. Any mailing to go out with Informed Delivery from September 1^st to November 30^th 2021, will also qualify for 2% off of postage costs.

“Informed Delivery is the best thing to ever happen to direct mail, providing the business owners a way into the consumer’s email inbox on the same day they receive a direct mail promotion,” said Maeghan Nicholson, Marketing Director at Suttle-Straus. “We at Suttle-Straus strive to keep direct mail relevant and aim to make it the most effective marketing channel by integrating other technologies that track and enhance the overall campaign. We see Informed Delivery as an essential piece to this puzzle.”

For more information on Connected Mail, visit www.suttle-straus.com/connected-mail.

About Suttle-Straus
Suttle-Straus provides comprehensive marketing solutions including creative design, print, mailing, fulfillment, distribution, displays, signage, and promotional products. We create customized brand portals to allow corporate teams to print-on-demand and manage their marketing fulfillment across a network of users. Through long-term, collaborative client partnerships, Suttle-Straus delivers marketing solutions that help our customers win.

CUNA Mutual Group to Acquire Assurant’s Global Prearranged Funeral and Final Expense Business

Acquisition Will Expand Company’s Middle Market Consumer Reach

CUNA Mutual Group, a broad financial services provider, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Assurant’s prearranged funeral insurance and final expense business in the U.S. and Canada, serving more than 2 million consumers – for approximately $1.3 billion. This investment will enhance CUNA Mutual Group’s ability to help ensure middle market consumers have access to solutions that help build financial stability.

Prearranged funeral insurance, also known as preneed, and senior lifestyle protection solutions are designed to help ease the emotional and financial burdens of consumers and their families related to planning for the later chapters of life. Acquiring Assurant’s best-in-class prearranged funeral insurance and final expense solutions business enables CUNA Mutual Group to further serve the growing middle market.

“This acquisition allows us to expand the ways we reach middle-market consumers, helping more people make financial decisions that work for them and their situation,” said Robert N. Trunzo, president and CEO, CUNA Mutual Group. “We will continue to build, buy and create partnerships to bring additional insurance, investment, and technology solutions into our portfolio to support our strategic priorities, protect even more consumers and augment our resources and financial strength.”

Like CUNA Mutual Group, Assurant’s preneed business is focused on protecting consumers and their families with simple, easy to understand products. The preneed business will operate with autonomy at its Rapid City, South Dakota location with limited integration into CUNA Mutual Group’s other business lines or operations. Since preneed solutions are provided to consumers primarily through funeral homes, the company has no plans at this time to offer these services through financial institutions, such as credit unions and banks.

The acquisition provides the opportunity to add a business already at scale as CUNA Mutual Group enters new markets to protect even more consumers. The business brings $6.5 billion of face value in-force. Assurant’s distribution model for preneed and final expense solutions includes a longstanding partnership with the largest funeral home provider in North America and many other funeral home partners and distributors across the U.S. and Canada.

The agreement includes a multiyear extension of the 23-year automobile mechanical repair coverage partnership between the companies.

Assurant President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Colberg said, “Today’s announcement represents a positive outcome for all of our stakeholders and importantly, for our Preneed employees, customers and policyholders. I am also excited to continue to further strengthen our longtime partnership with CUNA Mutual Group, built upon shared values and aligned culture and commitment to customer excellence.”

Trunzo added, “CUNA Mutual Group remains committed to helping credit unions and other strategic partners excel at reaching and addressing consumers’ needs. Ultimately, we are working to ensure a brighter financial future is accessible to everyone.”

The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the third quarter, subject to applicable regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Perella Weinberg Partners LP is acting as financial advisor to CUNA Mutual Group, and Foley & Lardner LLP is acting as its legal counsel.

About CUNA Mutual Group

Built on the principle of “people helping people,” CUNA Mutual Group is a financially strong insurance, investment and financial services company that believes a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone. Through our company culture, community engagement, and products and solutions, we are working to create a more equitable financial system that helps to improve the lives of those we serve and our society. For more information, visit cunamutual.com.

About Assurant

Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a leading global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases. Anticipating the evolving needs of consumers, Assurant partners with the world’s leading brands to develop innovative products and services and to deliver an enhanced customer experience. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant offers mobile device solutions; extended service contracts; vehicle protection services; pre-funded funeral insurance; renters insurance; lender-placed insurance products; and other specialty products. The Assurant Foundation strengthens communities by supporting charitable partners that help protect where people live and can thrive, connect with local resources, inspire inclusion and prepare leaders of the future.

Learn more at assurant.com or on Twitter @AssurantNews.