Madison Reading Project/Dolly Parton Mailed 353,400 New Books to Dane County Kids

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE INFORMATION:
Rowan Childs, Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 347-7970
Sarah Burke, sarah@madisonreadingproject.com

Madison Reading Project/Dolly Parton Mailed 353,400 New Books to Dane County Kids

DANE COUNTY –  Celebrating three years as the facilitator of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Madison Reading Project announces today that since 2021, it has mailed more than 353,400 brand new books free of charge to children under age 5 residing in Dane County. 

And that number continues to grow, as 143,995 books were mailed in 2024!

Madison Reading Project enrolls any child, from birth to their 5th birthday, who lives in Dane County to receive a free book mailed to their home every month. The books are new, age-appropriate board and picture books that are designed to be shared with families.

“In the past year, we’ve sent nearly 144,000 books to more than 14,720 children throughout the county, and we’d love to add more to our mailing list,” says Rowan Childs, Madison Reading Project co-executive director. “Shared reading experiences in the home are a proven way to increase literacy rates in early childhood and beyond.”

“We are so excited to make an impact and put more books into the hands of young children in Dane County,” adds Sarah Burke, Madison Reading Project Early Literacy Coordinator.

To enroll a child residing in Dane County visit https://www.madisonreadingproject.com/imaginationlibrary and click on the Register button. There is no charge to participate.  Your first book will arrive in approximately 60 days.  The collaboration between Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Madison Reading Project is made possible through funding from Roots & Wings Foundation. Madison Reading Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect the community with free books and literacy enrichment programs that ignite a love for reading.

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AT&T Contributes $25,000 to Expand Digital Literacy Programs

Wisconsin Literacy received a $25,000 AT&T contribution to expand its digital literacy programs for adult learners, helping to bridge the digital divide for those in need in the community.

The AT&T contribution will help Wisconsin Literacy enhance its digital literary programming by improving the quality and accessibility of online resources and expanding the reach of in-person workshops.

“Our mission is to change lives by strengthening literacy statewide. In today’s connected world, that also means providing digital skills training to our member agencies’ staff and volunteers. These trainings enhance the literacy programs they provide to adult students and families across the state,” said Jake Gorges, Executive Director, Wisconsin Literacy. “Thanks to AT&T’s support, we are very excited to expand our digital literacy programs in 2025 to include more in-person workshops, as well as new equipment, technology, and digital literacy resources for Wisconsin families limited by the digital divide.”

With this support from AT&T, Wisconsin Literacy will offer additional computer skills workshops in the Madison area; upgrade training production equipment for its online digital literacy classes; and build an instructional video library of best practices in digital skills training. Wisconsin Literacy will also invest in translation and captioning services to accommodate tutors and learners from various backgrounds.

“We are so honored to help connect families served by Wisconsin Literacy with greater possibilities through these digital literacy programs,” said Robyn Gruner, Director of External Affairs, AT&T Wisconsin. “Today, internet connectivity is essential for opportunities in school, work, and life. Connecting changes everything, and we’re grateful to work with Wisconsin Literacy to help expand the digital literacy resources individuals need to advance in our online world.”

In Wisconsin, it’s estimated that 10% of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.

This effort is part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.

Learn more at att.com/connectedlearning.

*About Wisconsin Literacy  

Wisconsin Literacy is a nonprofit, statewide coalition of literacy agencies. We strengthen literacy statewide through expert trainings, personalized consultations, health literacy, workforce connections, and advocacy. Our mission is to change lives by strengthening literacy statewide. Our vision is to ensure all people in Wisconsin have the literacy skills to reach their full potential. We support member literacy agencies statewide and advocate for more resources throughout the field of literacy.

*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T  

We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C. and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.  

M3 Insurance Adds Five New Shareholders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Media Inquiries:
Angela Joyce, Director of Communications
M3 Insurance
Phone: 608.229.6409
Email: angela.joyce@m3ins.com

M3 Insurance Adds Five New Shareholders

MADISON, WI – M3 Insurance recently announced five new shareholders: Paul Connor, John DeSalvo, Gretchen Flueckiger, Kelsey Haag, and Ross Heginbottom.

Paul Connor, Vice President of Property & Casualty, is responsible for direction, performance, and strategies of the property & casualty product line, practice groups, and sales teams. He joined M3 in 2021.

John DeSalvo, Brokerage Client Executive, specializes in the TruStage program within property & casualty, placing insurance and counseling about risk management strategies and planning. He joined M3 in 2009.

Gretchen Flueckiger, Director of Employee Benefits – Madison, oversees and manages benefit compliance, strategy, design, and implementation for employers of all sizes nationwide. She joined M3 in 2016.

Kelsey Haag, Client Executive, specializes in the senior living and social services industry within property & casualty, evaluating insurance programs and customizing risk management strategies. She joined M3 in 2014.

Ross Heginbottom, Client Executive, specializes in the construction and real estate industry within property & casualty, building comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions. He joined M3 in 2015.

M3’s 61 shareholder partners are current employees who are actively involved in the business and must sell his or her shares prior to retirement. This ownership structure ensures engagement while aligning with M3’s commitment to remain privately held. 

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

Capitol Bank Welcomes Hannah Stillman as Branch Manager in Verona

For Immediate Release
Ami Myrland
President & CFO
Ami.Myrland@capitol.bank
710 N. High Point Road
Madison, Wisconsin 53717

Capitol Bank Welcomes Hannah Stillman as Branch Manager in Verona

Madison, WI (January 2, 2025): Capitol Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Hannah Stillman as Branch Manager of our Verona location. Hannah has over 18 years of banking experience focusing on customer service, retail management, and team development.

“We are thrilled to have Hannah join our team in Verona,” said Ami Myrland, President & CFO of Capitol Bank. “She brings a depth of knowledge and experience that will continue to provide the level of service that our customers are accustomed to. Her passion for banking shines through in everything she does.”

In her new role, Hannah will be responsible for overseeing daily operations of the branch, leading the team, and fostering a customer-centric environment. Her leadership will be instrumental in driving the Verona branch’s growth and ensuring Capitol Bank continues to meet the financial needs of the Verona community.

Hannah enjoys volunteering in the community, traveling to new places, and spending time with family and friends.

About Capitol Bank: Capitol Bank, locally owned and operated, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses, and individuals in the Greater Madison area. Our philosophy of community support is demonstrated at the corporate level, as well as in the time and energy our employees devote to our community each year. Capitol Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Per Mar Security Services Acquires Accu-Com Security Solutions

Contact:
Jordin Wilson, Per Mar Security Services
(563) 344-7313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2025

Per Mar Security Services Acquires Accu-Com Security Solutions

Oshkosh, Wisconsin – Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions based in Davenport, Iowa, has acquired Accu-Com Security Solutions, an Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based company specializing in burglar, fire, video, and access control systems.

Founded in 1976 by Dewey Moore, Accu-Com served the Oshkosh community for nearly 50 years. The company transitioned to the second generation of the family, Matt and Tim Moore, in the year 2000.  Matt and Tim will be retiring from the company as part of this transition, and their seven employees have joined Per Mar.

Per Mar Security will continue to serve Accu-Com customers from the existing Oshkosh office, ensuring ongoing support.

“Accu-Com has been a quality competitor in and around Oshkosh for many years,” said Brian Duffy, Per Mar Security CEO. “We are excited to add their great employees to our team and have a new location serve both Accu-Com’s customers and many Per Mar customers we already had in this market.”

About Per Mar Security Services

Established in 1953, Per Mar Security Services is the largest, family-owned, full-service security company in the Midwest with more than 3,000 team members, operating in 28 branch locations. The company provides full-service security solutions for homes and businesses including security officer services, smart home automation, burglar and fire alarms, access control, security cameras, live video monitoring, alarm monitoring, investigative services and background checks. For more information about Per Mar Security Services, please visit permarsecurity.com.