Iconica Wins Three IIDA Wisconsin 2025 Celebrate in Design Awards

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Wisconsin Chapter has recognized three recent Iconica projects in the 2025 Celebrate in Design Awards. These awards honor exceptional interior design that blends creativity, function, and innovation. We’re proud to see our work included among this year’s standout projects.

The award-winning designs include Hickory Hill Academy, Madison School & Community Recreation – West, and our very own Iconica Office. Each space reflects our commitment to thoughtful, purpose-driven design—and, in the case of our office, the seamless integration of architecture, construction, and engineering through our design-build model.

We’re honored by this recognition from the IIDA Wisconsin Chapter and deeply grateful to the clients and partners who trusted us to help bring their visions to life. Each award represents a shared commitment to collaboration, problem-solving, and the power of well-designed environments to enhance everyday life. You can explore each of the projects in more detail on our blog.

Madison Public Schools Foundation searching for next Marketing Director

The Madison Public Schools Foundation is the protector of that opportunity. Will you join us?
Yes, challenges exist. In fact, that’s why WE exist – to find new ways, new programs and new funding
that help our schools and students shine. Where some see obstacles, we see opportunity to act and
advocate. Naïve? Far from it. Optimistic? Hopeful? Driven? Always.

We break down barriers standing between students and success.

By finding innovative ways to meet our schools’ increasingly complex needs, we give them tools they otherwise may not have. We aim to make education excellent for all, because creating equity in education is the key to opportunity.

The Madison Public Schools Foundation has a strong history of success and community impact. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a passionate and dynamic Marketing Director to help elevate our presence, strengthen relationships, and drive new opportunities for engagement. This is a pivotal role where you will lead strategic marketing efforts to increase visibility, inspire support, and advance our mission of enriching public education.

About the Position

The Marketing Director will be responsible for developing and executing an annual marketing plan that aligns with the Foundation’s key goals. You will work closely with the Foundation team to enhance our brand, drive revenue growth, and engage key stakeholders across five areas of strategic focus: Culture, Community Partnerships, Advocacy, Resource Development, and Marketing.

In this role, you will oversee the marketing program and lead the creation of innovative campaigns that drive results and increase revenue. Your efforts will directly contribute to the Foundation’s growth by attracting and retaining donors, volunteers, and partners, and ensuring our message resonates both locally and beyond.

To learn more, visit https://schoolsmakemadison.org/about-us/employment/

Full position description: https://schoolsmakemadison.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MPSF-Marketing-Director-Summer-2025.pdf

Wisconsin Grown: Celebrating 68 Years of QTI

Founded in 1957 in Madison, Joe and Jeanne Silverberg began a legacy of staffing and HR excellence that still serves organizations and job seekers across the state of Wisconsin today. In 2025, we are celebrating 68 years of QTI!

For 68 years, QTI has evolved alongside Wisconsin industries, providing our community members and local businesses with top talent, secure jobs, and the HR Consulting support needed to succeed.

In addition to our Madison location, QTI has opened a branch in Baraboo in 1982 and branches in Portage, Milwaukee, and Beaver Dam from 1994-1996. From our foundation in Madison, to our locations across Southcentral Wisconsin, and now clients across the nation, QTI has been a proud partner to Wisconsin manufacturers, nonprofits, educational systems, businesses, and everything in between.

We asked our employees what being a “Wisconsin Grown Business” meant to them.

“Wisconsin has a reputation for a strong work ethic, for a genuine care to make the communities we serve to grow and thrive, and I am proud to say that’s true,” said Charyl Uptegraw, Senior Consultant with QTI’s HR Consulting team.

Casey Liakos, QTI’s VP of Executive and Professional Search, said QTI’s tenure within the state of Wisconsin originally drew him to join our organization.

“After almost 70 years in the business, QTI is really part of the fabric of our community. I really wanted to be a part of that,” said Liakos.

“Above all, we owe our success to our people. At QTI, our slogan is, “our work is people, because people are at the heart of what we do.” We work hard to understand what our customers and job seekers need from us, and are extraordinarily proud that for nearly seven decades, we have delivered,” said QTI’s CEO and President, Londa Dewey, who has led The QTI Group since 2007.

We are proud to be a Wisconsin-grown, family-owned business.  Dave Silverberg, son of QTI’s founders, serves as Chairman of the Board, Jay Loewi, who joined QTI in 1989, serves on the Board, while his son, Jason Loewi, serves as QTI’s Vice President of Staffing today.

As we look ahead, we want to say thank you to the people in this great state who have trusted us to find exceptional talent, find stable jobs, and make certain their compensation and benefits are competitive. In true Wisconsin fashion, we are looking “forward” to many more years of business here at QTI!

M3 Expands Surety Expertise with the Addition of Babcock Solutions

M3 is pleased to announce we have joined forces with Babcock Solutions, strengthening our surety expertise and our commitment to delivering best-in-class surety solutions. This partnership aligns with M3’s focus on providing comprehensive risk management backed by deep industry knowledge and a client-first approach.

“We are excited to join M3 and look forward to working with the M3 Surety team to continue building trusted relationships and best-in-class surety services for our current and future clients,” said Brad Babcock, founder of Babcock Solutions and now managing director of M3 Surety. “I believe joining with M3 allows us expand our team and reach throughout Wisconsin, Rockford, and the Upper Peninsula.”

Since 2012, Babcock Solutions has been a trusted provider of surety bonds. Brad Babcock and team are known for their dedication to client success and personalized service. By integrating their expertise with M3’s broad capabilities, clients will benefit from an even stronger foundation of resources, industry insight, and tailored surety solutions.

“Welcoming Babcock Solutions to M3 is pivotal for our surety practice,” said Mike Victorson, CEO and partner at M3. “Their legacy of trusted relationships and expertise aligns with our promise to deliver unmatched value to clients. Together, we’re not just expanding services, we’re raising the bar for what’s possible for our clients.”

Babcock Solutions’ clients will continue to receive the same high level of service they have come to expect. In the coming months, all services will be fully integrated under the M3 brand, providing a seamless experience with expanded support and solutions.
For more information about this transition and how it benefits our clients, please visit m3ins.com/surety.

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. For more information on M3, visit www.m3ins.com.

Gov. Evers Honors the 2024 Governor’s Financial Literacy Award Recipients

Awards Recognize Individuals & Organizations including the Bank of Sun Prairie for Elevating the Financial Literacy, Capability, and Financial Inclusion of Wisconsin’s Residents

MADISON, Wis. – Today Gov. Tony Evers honored 11 individuals and eight organizations as recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards in a ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The recipients were honored for their efforts in helping Wisconsinites build their financial literacy and capability skills.

“Financial education gives people the tools they need to achieve their goals, expand new opportunities, and help attain financial security for themselves and their families,” said Gov. Evers. “These dedicated individuals and organizations are doing important work to help Wisconsinites become more financially secure and prepare for their futures, which is a critical part of strengthening the financial well-being of our entire state. I thank these dedicated individuals and organizations for all they have done to help advance financial wellness in Wisconsin, and I congratulate them for receiving this prestigious award.”

The 2024 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards honored recipients in one of three categories, individual, organization, or legacy, for providing exceptional financial literacy and capability education in an inclusive and innovative manner. The legacy award is given to an organization, business, or individual whose purpose and heritage is ingrained in sustained financial literacy and capability efforts. This lifetime recognition is intended to be conferred only once to recipients.

The recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards are:

Individual Category:

• Lily Alvarado, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, Milwaukee
• Kerri Herrild, De Pere High School, De Pere
• Ana Melo, Old National Bank, West Allis
• Kristen Ruhl, SecureFutures, Milwaukee
• Matthew Vandre, Francis LLC, Brookfield
• Todd Williams, Plymouth High School, Plymouth
• Jessica Zarnke, School District of Loyal, Marshfield

Organization Category:

• Bank of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie
• Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Janesville
• Capital Credit Union, Green Bay
• College Goal Wisconsin, Madison
• Delavan-Darien High School and the Delavan-Darien Technical School, Delavan
• Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Madison
• Francis LLC, Brookfield
• Simplicity Credit Union, Marshfield

Legacy Category:

• Scott Christy, Green Bay East High (retired), Green Bay
• Janeen Dietsche, Marshfield High School (retired), Marshfield
• Victor Frasher, Educators Credit Union, Mt. Pleasant
• Kelli Send, Francis LLC, Brookfield

The recipients were selected by the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability from the nominations submitted for consideration. Criteria used to judge nominations included: innovative implementation of an effective financial literacy and capability program or program element within the last two years; emphasis on financial inclusion, demonstrated measurable results; collaboration with partners; and scalability of the program design. Visit the Council’s webpage to read a synopsis of the recipients’ efforts.

The Council serves as a continuous sounding board for the Office of the Governor, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), and the DFI’s Office of Financial Literacy. The Council provides guidance and strategies to measurably improve the financial literacy, capability, and financial inclusion of Wisconsin’s residents. To learn more about the Council, visit the Council’s webpage or contact Council Executive Director David Mancl by phone at (608) 572-5794 or by email at David.Mancl@dfi.wisconsin.gov.