Wisconsin Union Theater Patrons to Experience a Night of Storytelling Through Music with Singer-Songwriter Okaidja Afroso on Feb. 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 28, 2021

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

WISCONSIN UNION THEATER PATRONS TO EXPERIENCE A NIGHT OF STORYTELLING THROUGH MUSIC WITH SINGER-SONGWRITER OKAIDJA AFROSO ON FEB. 11

MADISON –  Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Okaidja Afroso believes in bringing together diverse forms of expression to create global harmony. He will bring his genre-defying approach to music to Wisconsin Union Theater patrons during a virtual performance on Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

Audience members can enjoy this special solo performance recorded just for the Wisconsin Union Theater audience, which will include Ghanaian music infused with cross-cultural influences.

Tickets for this online event cost $10 for UW-Madison students; $17 for Wisconsin Union members, UW-Madison staff and faculty, and students that do not attend UW-Madison; and $20 for all other Theater patrons.

“Okaidja Afroso effortlessly weaves fascinating stories into this intimate musical performance,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “I recommend turning the lights low, relaxing back in your favorite chair, and letting Okaidja transport you to another place with the beautiful sounds from Ghana.”

Afroso will perform “Nshorke,” “Afterlife Voyage,” “Kpehe,” “Akamo Nnane,” “Siak,” “The Palm Wine Sea,” “Faako,” and “State of Mind.” He will sing in English and Ga.

Wisconsin Union Theater presents music from around the globe as part of every season to provide patrons with an opportunity to learn and experience art from many different cultures.

The Wisconsin Union Theater presents Afroso’s performance in collaboration with the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee. The Theater, often in collaboration with the Committee, creates more than a dozen arts performances each year. For more than 75 years, the Theater has served as a center for cultural activity.

The Theater works to create accessible performing arts experiences, including virtual spaces. Those that need accommodations can reach out to the Wisconsin Union Theater at wisconsinuniontheater@union.wisc.edu.

The Wisconsin Union Theater stands against racial inequities and is taking steps to address those inequalities, including commissioning programming that highlights BIPOC stories. For a full statement on the Theater’s stance and efforts, click here.

This performance is presented in part through Wisconsin Arts Board funding from the State of Wisconsin and financial assistance from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about Afroso’s performance, click here.

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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 about the Theater: union.wisc.edu/visit/wisconsin-union-theater.

About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee plans and promotes events for the historic Wisconsin Union Theater stages. The student-led committee programs a variety of events to provide a diverse and cultural experience for students, faculty, alumni, community members and visitors. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts.

[Click here to download a photo of Okaidja Afroso. Photo by Lisa Monet Photography.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/okaidja-afroso.

Communications Engineering Company (CEC) Celebrates 75-Year Milestone

Company positions itself to remain sustainable and relevant for the next 75 years

Hiawatha, IA (Jan. 26, 2021) – CEC (Communications Engineering Company), a nationally recognized technology solutions provider and systems integrator in the Midwest, announces today a year-long celebration of its 75^th anniversary.

CEC was established in 1946 by founder Paul Parmer to support the growing need for communication via radio transmission. From post-WWII to a worldwide pandemic, CEC evolved as communication systems became increasingly sophisticated and pervasive. Jim and Lisa Smith, CEC owners, share, “When we purchased CEC 30 years ago, we acquired a company steeped in 45 years of technology history, and, most importantly, an amazing team of people focused on solving customers’ complex needs. We are here today because of our employees’ passion for bringing tools that help our customers face organizational challenges.”

A year-long series of celebrations will be held across Iowa and Wisconsin to honor the company’s history, showcase emerging technologies, and put a spotlight on the talented people creating premier customer experiences. This includes re-launching the popular Business Technology Conference (BTC) in October 2021. With a historic and timely focus – 75 Years of Technology & Innovation: Past, Present, and Future – the conference will be an opportunity for organizations to assess their technology foundation, learn about trends, and work on their technology vision and roadmap.

“CEC is a trusted partner of hospitals, manufacturers, educators, governments, and financial institutions because we deliver great technology experiences,” states Kim Lehrman, CEO. “Technology is in a constant state of change and evolution. To position ourselves for the next 75 years, we will continue to invest in building the talent that customers want beside them as they choose, engineer, implement, and integrate their mission-critical systems. That has been the foundation for CEC’s success in the last 75 years and will continue to be for the next 75 years.”

In anticipation of renewed growth, CEC has developed industry-leading training and mentoring initiatives, including: Department of Labor-sanctioned apprenticeships, Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI)-certified training, and manufacturer certifications. In addition, planned summer internships will focus on developing knowledge of technology and associated career paths within CEC. Discovering the potential in each individual and growing and nurturing that passion is what leads the company to success. These premier programs promote a deep understanding of the specific skills needed to impact the next generation of technology masters – and CEC is leading the way.

About CEC

CEC employs more than 300 professional and technical staff in eight locations in Iowa and Wisconsin. The company offers solution design, integration, and technical services specializing in audio/video, fire and security, healthcare communications, IT, and two-way communications. Focused on creating world class technology experiences, the CEC team partners with clients to understand their businesses, tailor solutions, and plan for future technology needs. Visit www.cecinfo.com.

Media Contact: Angie Worrell, aworrell@cecinfo.com, 319.731.1245

Photos available upon request.

DeWitt Appoints Practice Group Chairs to its Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2021

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

DeWitt Appoints Practice Group Chairs to its Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group

MADISON | MILWAUKEE | MINNEAPOLIS – Today DeWitt announced the appointment of partners Eric Chadwick, Joseph Miotke and Harry Van Camp as Co-chairs of its Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation Practice Group. 

The Co-chairs practice from DeWitt’s Minneapolis, Metro-Milwaukee, and Madison offices and the members of the IP Litigation Group represent clients nationally.

About Chadwick:

Chadwick, who is in the firm’s Minneapolis office, represents clients in various technology and commercial disputes throughout the U.S.  He works with his clients to achieve goal-oriented litigation.  Chadwick has taken ten cases to verdict, in matters ranging from life-saving medical devices to farming technology.  ​His IP litigation focus includes copyrights, IT software, licensing and technology transfers, medical devices, patents, trade secrets, trademarks.  Chadwick earned a J.D., ​cum laude, ​from William Mitchell College of Law and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University.  He is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association, and the Minnesota State Bar Association.

About Miotke:

For more than twenty years Miotke, who is in DeWitt’s Metro-Milwaukee office, 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.  Miotke 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.

About Van Camp:

Van Camp has extensive experience litigating complex cases in state and federal court. After a jury returned a large verdict in favor of his client, the judge commented, “You should win the attorney-of-the-year award!” He has achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts on behalf of clients. After receiving a favorable jury verdict, he was greeted in chambers by a judge who said, “Well, here comes the magician!”  His litigation focus includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, computer software, trade secrets, major business disputes, and environmental litigation.  Van Camp earned a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma City and a B.A. from the University of Denver and also attended the University of Oslo – Norway.  He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, , Oklahoma Bar Association, and DeWitt’s Executive Committee.  In addition, Van Camp was a Co-founder of BOS (Business Owner Solutions) an organization of business owners and professionals formed to support small business entrepreneurs.

About DeWitt

DeWitt LLP was founded in 1903 and is one of the ten largest law firms based in Wisconsin, with an additional presence in Minnesota. It has more than 120 attorneys practicing in Madison and Metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a variety of legal areas and has the experience to service clients of all scopes and sizes. The firm is known for its work in several 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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The Wisconsin Union Team Will Hold Winter Carnival With In-Person and Virtual Events Feb. 3-7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 25, 2021     

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Wisconsin Union
Phone: (608) 262-8862
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu

THE WISCONSIN UNION TEAM WILL HOLD WINTER CARNIVAL WITH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL EVENTS FEB. 3-7

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival will return Feb. 3-7 with new events to help attendees enjoy the outdoors during Wisconsin’s winter season while practicing physical distancing and other public health guidance related to COVID-19.

The Wisconsin Union team invites all, including UW-Madison students, staff and faculty, Wisconsin Union members, and guests, to experience the Carnival. Some events and activities require pre-registration and have limited capacities.

This season, some community favorites will return with changes to ensure the health and safety of patrons in light of COVID-19.

During past Carnivals, the team has placed inflatable portions of Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota; instead, this year, the team will host a new Winter Lady Liberty DIY Contest. The Union team invites participants to create Lady Liberty out of any materials and to submit photos of their creations to the Wisconsin Union team by messaging or tagging the Wisconsin Union on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or by completing this Google Form between Feb. 3 and Feb. 14.

The Wisconsin Union team has added a new, free experience to the 2021 Winter Carnival: an Ice Fishing Derby on Feb. 6 from noon-7 p.m. Patrons can participate as competitors or as learners in the Union’s first ever educational fishing competition. The Union team will provide equipment and free hot chocolate for participants.

The Carnival will include a flurry of additional events throughout the week, including the following:

• Virtual Flannel Day, Feb. 3: The first 50 people to submit a photo of themselves in a flannel via a form here on Feb. 3 will receive a coupon for a small order of deep fried cheese curds from der Rathskeller in Memorial Union.
• Avalanche Awareness Workshop, Feb. 3, 8-10 p.m.: Individuals can learn about avalanches, including gear, how to avoid avalanche terrain, and training.
• Terrace Sweatshirt Bundle Up Sale, Feb. 3-7: The Wisconsin Union team will offer a 20 percent discount on new sweatshirts in its online Terrace Store and is currently offering free shipping on most store items for a limited time.
• Sledding, Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or Feb. 4, 3 p.m.-Feb. 5 with sled drop-off on Feb. 5 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.: The Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club will provide University of Wisconsin-Madison students with rental sleds and maps of sledding spots at the UW-Madison campus.
• Snowshoe Rentals
  • Hourly rentals for $5 per hour, pick-up on Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • 10 percent discount on weekend rentals, pick-up on Feb. 5 from 9 a.m.-noon and drop-off by Feb. 9
• Adventure Learning Programs (ALPs) Virtual Scavenger Hunt, Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m.: ALPs will host a web-based scavenger hunt of puzzles, brain teasers and more.
• Free Art Friday, Feb. 5, 1 p.m., while supplies last: Wheelhouse Studios invites community members and visitors to get crafty with take-to-make snowman luminary kits.
• Lakefront Ice Climbing, Feb. 5, 3-5 p.m.: Hoofer Mountaineering Club members will share the basics of ice climbing on an ice block set up by Memorial Union.
• Night Snowshoe Hike on Lake Mendota, Feb. 5, 4-5:30 p.m.: Attendees can join the Hoofer Outing Club for a physically distanced snowshoe experience on Lake Mendota.
• Nordic Skiing 101, Feb. 6, noon-1 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.: Hoofer Outing Club members will lead an introductory, hands-on Nordic skiing lesson.
• Student Leadership Program (SLP) Scavenger Hunt, Feb. 6, noon-5 p.m.: SLP will host a scavenger hunt around various campus locations, such as Alumni Park and the Memorial Union Terrace. This event is presented by Associated Students of Madison, SLP at UW-Madison, and the Wisconsin Union.
• Kites on Mendota, Feb. 6-7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Guests can enjoy the sight of large show kites on Lake Mendota. Kites on Mendota is produced by the Clean Lakes Alliance, with support from the Wisconsin Union and the Edgewater Hotel.
• Curling Tournament, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: UW-Madison students can take part in a curling tournament on Lake Mendota for the chance to win a championship t-shirt. This event is presented by University Recreation and Wellbeing and the Wisconsin Union.

“Wintertime presents many unique opportunities to be outside and stay active, some of which people can experience during our Winter Carnival,” Outdoor UW Director Joe Webb said. “We have held Winter Carnivals for more than 80 years, but this year required a whole new level of creativity that our team was happy to take on to make the Carnival possible.”

Winter Carnival events are subject to change. For the most up to date Winter Carnival information, including registration links, visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.  

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/winter-carnival-2021.

Event Essentials acquires A LA CRATE RENTALS

MADISON, WI: Event Essentials (a division of A to Z RentAll), which started in 1954, acquires A LA CRATE RENTALS.

If the pandemic has taught them anything, it is that they are better together!

Introducing A LA CRATE RENTALS as a Boutique Division of Event Essentials. A healthy marriage of respect and admiration. They compliment one another’s inventory and teams well. Their goal is not to change either division but bring out the best in one another.

Read more here