Vogel Bros. Building Co. Expands Ownership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2021

Contact:
Peter Vogel
Vogel Bros. Building Co.
(608) 241-5454
pvogel@vogelbldg.com

VOGEL BROS. BUILDING CO. EXPANDS OWNERSHIP

Vogel Bros. Building Co. of Madison, WI and Lakeland, FL, is pleased to announce that four key employees have acquired ownership in the firm. Jay Thomsen, VP; Matt Schultz, VP; Eric Ballweg, CFO; and Darren Vogel, VP will join Peter Vogel, President and CEO, in the ownership of the company. Peter Vogel will maintain his current role in the firm.

“Our firm is positioning itself for the future with the elevation of these individuals to an ownership position,” said Peter Vogel. “With over 64 years of combined experience, these individuals have helped us achieve success in growing both our firm and our capabilities over the past 20+ years. Following in our footsteps, they have built enduring relationships with our employees, customers and vendors, and continue our history of successfully engaging with the communities we serve. I am confident this talented team will guide us to a continued successful future, bringing in new ideas while championing our long-held beliefs and values. People are truly the key to our success.”

Vogel Bros. Building Co. was founded in 1875 and is a fifth-generation, award-winning construction services company with offices in Madison, WI, and Lakeland, FL. The company has built a strong reputation for large-scale, complex projects as well as community-focused spaces that embrace new ideas and technologies, and make a difference in the communities it serves.

For more information about us visit vogelbldg.com.

WPS: Telehealth: a safe way to save time and money

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Corporate Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

Telehealth: a safe way to save time and money

MADISON, Wis.—Aug. 12, 2021—COVID-19 has affected how we do so many things. Getting health care is no different. With the renewed emphasis on safety, telehealth (also known as telemedicine) has exploded in popularity. Technology allows patients to get routine care without ever leaving home—using a mobile device, computer, or phone. Telehealth can save people time and money when they need help for certain minor medical issues.

“When used appropriately, telehealth offers the potential to improve health care access, quality, and cost,” said Dr. Jonah Fox, Medical Director at WPS Health Solutions.  

To be clear, there are instances when going to the emergency room is necessary, such as:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Signs of a stroke, such as numbness or weakness on one side of the body, loss of vision, or trouble speaking
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Major injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma

Going to the ER when emergency care isn’t needed is costly and a drain on medical resources that may be needed to tend to patients with more pressing concerns. Urgent care is a great alternative for nonemergency situations, such as cuts, scrapes, sprains, or muscle strains. But urgent care can put a strain on a person’s wallet, too.

That’s where telehealth comes in. It’s a great way to get treatment for minor conditions such as:

• Allergies
• Arthritis pain
• Bronchitis
• Colds and flu
• Diarrhea
• Headaches/migraines
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Insect bites
• Rashes
• Sinus infections
• Sore throats
• Sprains and strains
• Vomiting

Fox continued, “In addition to enabling care when an in-person visit isn’t necessary or required, telehealth services can also allow a care team to monitor your condition remotely, as well as help facilitate collaboration among providers on the care team.” 

Many health insurance policies, whether individual or group health plans, have access to telehealth services. Some allow patients to talk to a board-certified doctor from anywhere at any time by phone, video, or mobile app within their network. Often, telehealth services offer the opportunity to connect with behavioral therapists or dermatologists. People should check their policy documents for details.

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, Wis., has more than 3,100 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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Kingsley Gobourne Named GHC-SCW Chief Equity and Engagement Officer

Madison, WI – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is pleased to welcome Kingsley Gobourne, MSOD, IICDP, to the Cooperative as Chief Equity and Engagement Officer.

Most recently, Gobourne was Senior Consultant Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at UnityPoint Health (UPH). In his role, Gobourne led all DEI efforts and developed UPH’s first Diversity Council with representation from nine different hospital regions located across three states. Most notably, he began work on a multi-partner initiative in Iowa to develop a nursing pathways program, the first of its kind in the state.

Gobourne has also done extensive work with senior leadership teams and boards on topics of equity and belonging, which includes training, education, and developing strategic plans and frameworks for health care system leaders.

“We are thrilled to have Kingsley join our GHC-SCW senior leadership team. He is the first Chief Equity and Engagement Officer in the history of our organization,” said Dr. Mark Huth, GHC-SCW President and Chief Executive Officer. “Kingsley brings tremendous talent, knowledge, passion and experience to this critical work in diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Dr. Huth adds, “Kingsley will focus both internally and externally on our performance as an employer to over 800 employees and in our work to provide health care and insurance to over 75,000 members. Kingsley has developed meaningful relationships with many area leaders that will help us deepen our collaborative partnerships and work with individuals and organizations who are also focused on creating a more inclusive and equitable world.”

In his role, Gobourne will develop, implement and lead initiatives as part of GHC-SCW’s robust program focused on DEI strategies that break down barriers, promote advancement and sustain equity-minded institutional change.

“I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead this newly created division at GHC-SCW,” said Gobourne. “It is an intentional act to foster a feeling of belonging – a feeling all of us want and deserve – making it a critical component of successful DEI efforts. Cultivating an environment of belonging and addressing health equity are among GHC-SCW’s top priorities, and I am honored to play a leading role.”

Gobourne received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Edgewood College. In addition to his extensive experience in DEI, he has worked in banking and finance. Gobourne is a certified diversity practitioner through The People Company Inclusion Institute. He proudly gives his time and talent to the following nonprofits: YWCA Madison, Board Member; Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, Board Member; United Way of Dane County, Personnel Committee; UW-Madison Department of Sociology, Board of Visitors; and Community Development Authority Village of Mount Horeb, Co-Chair.

About GHC-SCW

Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is a nonprofit health plan that cares for more than 75,000 members. The Cooperative serves the greater Dane County area and the South Central Wisconsin region with insurance and clinical services. GHC-SCW is the first health plan in Wisconsin to offer patients a money-back guarantee if they are not satisfied with their experience at a GHC-SCW clinic. GHC-SCW is perennially a national leader for quality, achieving the highest possible rating of 5 out of 5 nationally in 2019 and was the number one rated private plan in Wisconsin from 2006–2020 according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). 

Media Contact

Kate McLaughlin
Marketing and Communications Manager
Phone: 608-251-4156 Ext. 4453
kmclaughlin@ghcscw.com

WPS Charitable Foundation helps raise money for Wayne D. Horner Memorial Stand Down Madison

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Charitable Foundation helps raise money for Wayne D. Horner Memorial Stand Down Madison

MADISON, Wis.—Aug. 10, 2021—WPS Charitable Foundation is a Diamond-level sponsor and the hole-in-one sponsor for Stand Down Madison’s inaugural golf outing on Saturday, Aug. 14. The fundraising event takes place at Bridges Golf Course, 2702 Shopko Drive, Madison. Shotgun start is at 9 a.m.

“Stand Down Madison’s mission to provide relief to veterans experiencing homelessness and its success is dependent upon its relationships with community partners,” Angie Nickels, President of Stand Down Madison, said. “We are grateful for the continued support of WPS Health Solutions.”

The funds raised at this event will help provide relief to Wisconsin’s veterans who are experiencing homelessness. There is still time to sign up to participate in the Stand Down Madison golf tournament.

• Register a golf team at standdownmadison.org/golf-outing-sign-up-form
• Sign up to be a golf event volunteer at: standdownmadison.org/golf-outing-volunteer-form

“At WPS, we seek to partner with organizations that have a strong affinity to our mission of helping veterans get needed health care,” said Scott Kowalski, WPS’ Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications. “Stand Down Madison’s compassionate care of veterans experiencing homelessness is a cause we are proud to support.”

The main Stand Down Madison event is Oct. 9, 2021. Vendors can register online at standdownmadison.org/become-a-vendor. Volunteers can sign up to help at standdownmadison.org/volunteer.

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, Wis., has more than 3,100 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits.

About the WPS Charitable Foundation

The WPS Charitable Foundation was formed in 1986 to honor WPS’ first president, Ray Koenig. The Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization separate from WPS Health Solutions and its subsidiaries.

Photo caption:
WPS Charitable Foundation presents a $5,000 check to Stand Down Madison. Pictured (l. to r.) are: Scott Kowalski, WPS Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications, and Stand Down Madison representatives Angie Nickels, President, Angie Chesna, Vice President, Sheila Frye, Secretary, and Ted Bendler, Treasurer.

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Brooklyn Hilton Promoted to Account Executive at M3

Brooklyn Hilton has been promoted to account executive at M3 Insurance. Specializing in construction and real estate, Hilton builds comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions and evaluates contractual risk transfer provisions to protect clients from unforeseen loss or liability.

Hilton first joined M3 as a summer intern in 2017 and moved to a full-time position in the M3You Program after graduating from Illinois State University in 2018. She most recently worked as an account manager in the senior living and social services industry practice group.

Throughout her time with M3, Hilton has grown her insurance knowledge and sales acumen through internal partnerships and external educational opportunities. She is currently pursuing her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations.

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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.