Destination Madison Launches #ShopMadison Campaign Urging Community to Support Local Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT INFORMATION
Anna Shircel
PR & Communications Manager
920-980-8472; shircel@visitmadison.com

Destination Madison Launches #ShopMadison Campaign Urging Community to Support Local Businesses

Campaign Toolkit Available for Businesses and Nonprofits to Promote Buying Local 

MADISON, WIS. (December 3, 2020) – As COVID continues to impact the lives and livelihoods of people throughout greater Madison, buying local is critical this holiday season. Dane County is full of unique shops and restaurants owned by passionate people in need of help during this tough 2020. To promote the importance of saving these treasured community assets, Destination Madison announced the kick-off of a new “Shop Madison” campaign and pledge. The campaign, launched in collaboration with a number of local business groups and associations, urges Dane County residents to pledge to support at least ten local businesses by December 31, 2020.

“When you make a purchase from a local business, you are supporting your neighbors and your community. Shopping local keeps money in Dane County, which helps preserve the vibrant and diverse quality of life we enjoy here,” said Deb Archer, President and CEO of Destination Madison. 

“Why go to the Amazon when you can shop the Isthmus?” said Jason Ilstrup, President of Downtown Madison, Inc. “Every dollar spent at small businesses in Dane County, from State Street to South Park Street, Middleton to Sun Prairie, supports people in our community who offer the services and supplies that make our lives better in Madison.”

“The Madison business community is resilient, diverse and is available to service many of our needs. Despite limited financial support from our government, they continue to work diligently to keep their business doors open,” remarked Camille Carter, President and CEO of Madison Black Chamber of Commerce. “It’s essential that we support them in every way possible. Seek them out because they do exist and matter. You can also use local resources like the Madison Black and Latino chambers of commerce to help find local, small businesses. But do shop local!”

Residents can offer support through carryout or dine-in at a local restaurant, buying gifts from one of the many local shops and boutiques in greater Madison, booking a night at a hotel for a quick getaway, donating to a local nonprofit, or sharing love and messages to local businesses on social media. Businesses, nonprofits and business associations can access a free #ShopMadison toolkit to promote buying local to their audiences.

Take the “Shop Madison” pledge here. Follow @visitmadison on Facebook and Instagram to discover curated, local gift ideas this holiday season.

About Destination Madison: Destination Madison is honored to play a key role in supporting the thousands of Dane County jobs supported by tourism.  Promoting tourism in Madison since 1972, Destination Madison continues to work strategically to expand upon the more than $1.4 billion dollars generated by visitor spending in Dane County in 2019. For the most up-to-date information, visit our website visitmadison.com

MSCR Annual Pottery Sale

December 3, 2020

For Immediate Release

Contact: Nicole Graper at ngraper@madison.k12.wi.us

MSCR Annual Pottery Sale is Virtual
Perfect for Holiday Shopping!

The Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) Annual Pottery Sale is moving to a virtual shopping experience.

The Pottery Sale showcases over 500 pieces of work from MSCR instructors, pottery students and local ceramic artists.  The sale opens Thursday, December 17 at 8 am and continues through Saturday, December 20 at 9 pm at mscrvirtualpotterysale.squarespace.com  Customers can pick up their purchases on Monday, December 22, 8 am to 6 pm at MSCR Hoyt, 3802 Regent Street.

Sale proceeds support the MSCR Pottery Program. Items are available at a range of price points including mugs, dishes, vases and unique gifts. MSCR is featuring artists all month on its Facebook page.

“The Pottery Sale is an important community event showcasing and supporting local artists. We are excited to be able to still offer this event virtually”, said Martha Hutchinson, MSCR Adult Arts Specialist.

MSCR offers pottery and additional art classes for all ages.  Please look for updates on winter programs at mscr.org.

MSCR is the Madison public recreation department offering a variety of recreation programs for all ages since 1926.

For more information contact 608-204-3000 or go to mscr.org

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Madison Ballet: Keep the Tradition Alive with The Nutcracker Master Class Series Beginning Sunday December 6th, 2020

MADISON, WI – Though Madison Ballet won’t be able to share our annual performances of The Nutcracker at Overture Hall this year, there are many exciting creative opportunities to keep the holiday tradition alive. Join special guest instructors as they workshop choreography for next year’s production in The Nutcracker Master Class Series. Offered in addition to regular School of Madison Ballet classes, each master class will be taught via Zoom, include instruction for dancers ages 9+, and conclude with all new choreography to the Nutcracker Suite.

Yu Jhe Sun: Soldier Doll | December 6th, 12pm – 2pm

Originally from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Yu-Jhe Sun began his training at the HARID Conservatory at the age of 14, and shortly after graduating he danced with Columbia Classical Ballet. During Sun’s two seasons at Columbia Classical Ballet, his repertoire included, Giselle, Coppelia, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, Snow White and The Wizard of Oz. This past year, Sun returned to Taiwan and began teaching ballet at Tainan University and various dance companies in Taiwan.

Rachelle Fochs: Snow | December 13th, 12pm – 2pm 

The Director of the School of Madison Ballet, Rachelle Fochs, will fill dancer’s living rooms with dreams of snow. Mrs. Fochs began her training with Madison Ballet in 1999. She was accepted on full scholarship to The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet where she trained for two years with world-renowned teachers. Mrs. Fochs continued her training at Ballet Chicago before beginning her professional career with Sacramento Ballet. She returned to Madison Ballet as a dancer, where she honed her skills teaching and choreographing before becoming the director of the company’s school.

Zachary Guthier: Waltz of the Flowers | December 20th, 12p, – 2pm

School of Madison Ballet alumni and current Principal dancer with Ballet Met, Zachary Guthier will bring life to the waltz of the flowers. Originally from Madison, Zachary moved to New York City at 16 to train at the School of American Ballet where he was a recipient of the Rudolph Nureyev Scholarship and was SAB’s nominee for the Princess Grace Award in 2012. Three seasons with Los Angeles Ballet took Mr. Guthier out west. There, he later joined Barak Ballet and California Ballet Company where he was a principal dancer. Zachary has also performed with Nevada Ballet Theatre and The Suzanne Farrell Ballet. 

Registration Information

Registration for each class is $20 and can be purchased online at madisonballet.org/nutcracker-master-class-series or by calling (608) 278-7990.

In addition, Madison Ballet invites everyone to share their favorite memories from our 39-year history at bit.ly/NutcrackerMemories. A video of all our community’s creative Nutcracker drawings, stories, videos will be released alongside archival footage of our shows from previous years just in time for the holidays.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift that also supports local artists? The new Nutcracker Online Boutique brings the original renderings of The Nutcracker’s set designer Joseph Varga to vivid life in your own home. Puzzles, dancewear, Nutcrackers and more are available now at www.madisonballet.org.

For nearly 40 years, Madison Ballet has been an integral part of the vibrant Dane County arts community. Full scale productions of inspiring traditional ballets, innovative contemporary performances, and the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker reach more than 13,000 people each year. The School of Madison Ballet empowers students of all ages and skill levels with the poise, confidence, discipline, and fundamental life skills intrinsic to the study of dance. Outreach programming, presented in partnership with dozens of local school and community groups, enriches thousands of young people’s lives by introducing them to the joy of dance.

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Little Caesars® Stores Hiring in Dane County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 2, 2020

CONTACT:
Larisa Zade
313.417.6623
LarisaZade@LCEcorp.com

LITTLE CAESARS® STORES HIRING IN DANE COUNTY

Madison, Fitchburg and Verona stores offer a variety of full-time and part-time opportunities

DANE COUNTY – The Little Caesars stores located in Madison, Fitchburg and Verona are hiring exciting new positions, including full-time assistant managers and part-time crew members. Little Caesars is a global family-owned pizza chain with franchise and company-owned stores in each of the 50 U.S. states and 27 countries and territories.

“We’re excited to have hardworking individuals join our family,” said Joe Vancik, franchise owner of all four stores. “These positions offer engaging opportunities for various skillsets in a fast-paced and fun work environment.”

Full-time employees at this franchised location receive the following benefits: Quartz-UW healthcare, preventative dental, life insurance and a retirement savings plan that includes 100% company match up to the first 3%. In addition, all employees receive free Crazy Bread® and pizza discounts every day.

“We take an active interest in the professional growth of our employees,” said Vancik. “This personal approach to career development allows our employees to feel recognized and rewarded.”

This Little Caesars location is an equal opportunity employer. To apply, visit the stores located at: 2833 E Washington Ave., Madison; 700 South Gammon Road, Madison; 3042 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg; and 611 Hometown Circle #105, Verona. Candidates can also apply online by visiting Indeed.com

ABOUT LITTLE CAESARS®

Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Little Caesars was founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch in 1959 as a single, family-owned restaurant. Today, Little Caesars is the third largest pizza chain in the world, with franchise and company-owned stores in each of the 50 U.S. states and 27 countries and territories.

Little Caesars recently introduced contactless options for both delivery and carry-out through the Little Caesars app.  Pizzas are baked in 475-degree ovens to ensure food safety and never touched after baking. The chain has also reinforced cleanliness and sanitization procedures, increasing the frequency of cleaning commonly touched surfaces including door handles, glass, countertops, Pizza Portal surfaces, phones, and cash registers.

Known for its HOT-N-READY® pizza and famed Crazy Bread®, Little Caesars has been named “Best Value in America” for the past twelve years (based on nationwide survey of national quick service restaurant customers conducted by Sandelman & Associates – 2007-2019 entitled “Highest Rated Chain – Value for the Money”). Little Caesars products are made with quality ingredients, like fresh, never frozen, mozzarella and Muenster cheese and sauce made from fresh-packed, vine-ripened California crushed tomatoes.

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Be a Part of the 25th Anniversary NBC15 Share Your Holidays Grand Finale

Contact:
Pam Higham
Volunteer Services Manager
608.216.7214

You’re invited to sign up for available volunteer spots at the Grand Finale Phone-a-thon or Sort-a-thon on Wednesday, December 9!

During last year’s NBC15 Share Your Holidays to eliminate hunger campaign, we focused on the difference that ONE person/donation/dollar can do for those struggling with hunger. This focus helped us raise a record 4.5 Million Meals! Building on the power of ONE, we know for our clients that there are so many hopeful moments that fill this blank: Because of YOU___________.”

• Because of you, the campaign helps provide 1/3 of the more than 14 million meals Second Harvest provides every year.
• Because of you, new programs like school pantries and Kids Cafes are giving children at risk in our community enough healthy food so they can grow, learn, and reach their full potential.

If you would like to volunteer at these well-organized and safe events, please reply to me at your earliest convenience with the number of desired volunteer spots and coordinating time slots. You’ll find links to the up to the minute schedule below.

If you are signing up for a group, you do not need to provide names at this time but are asked to provide individual volunteer names and email addresses by this Friday, December 4.  We are planning on a no contact check in process at the events and need this information in advance to ensure safety.

Schedules will be updated each time spots are secured.

Phone-a-thon (View Schedule)  yellow cells = available
Sort-a-thon (View Schedule) yellow cells = available

The schedules and more details are located on this webpage:
https://www.secondharvestmadison.org/nbc15-share-your-holidays/grand-finale-volunteering

If you can’t volunteer, but still want to help… consider donating on Wednesday, December 9 when all donations will be doubled!