Infosec thanks military scholarship winners for their service

MADISON, Wis., Nov. 11, 2019 – In recognition of Veteran’s Day and as thanks for their service, Infosec and CompTIA today announced the military and veteran recipients for the 2019 Infosec Scholarship Program. The program provides scholarships intended for cybersecurity students and aspiring information security professionals. 

“I’m humbled by the service and sacrifice of our veterans and active-duty military,” said Jack Koziol, Infosec CEO and founder. “Our military has been on the front lines of the war on cybercrime here and internationally. We are indebted to them for helping to keep us safe and secure. 

“Those still serving and others transitioning out of the military can build exceptional cybersecurity careers because of skills learned in the service. Problem-solving, teamwork, making fast and accurate decisions, and adaptability are all skills many organizations seek in security professionals,” Koziol added.

Each scholarship is valued at $13,000 and gives recipients the skills, credentials and experience needed to secure a professional-level, cybersecurity position. The scholarship winners are: 

Military and Veteran Scholarship Recipients

• Alex Hardy — Madison (U.S. Army Reserves)
• Gary Henderson — Bowie, Maryland (Army)
• Jennifer Pack — Spotsylvania, Virginia (Army)

Nine women, minority and undergraduate cybersecurity Infosec scholarship recipients were recognized Sept. 30, 2019.

The scholarship recipients receive three award-winning cybersecurity training courses and certification vouchers thanks to a partnership with CompTIA, the world’s leading provider of IT certifications.

• CompTIA Network+ Flex Pro boot camp plus voucher
• CompTIA Security+ Flex Pro boot camp plus voucher
• Specialization course (student’s choice of online courses)

Security certifications like CompTIA’s Security+ and CompTIA’s Network+ are common requirements for many information-security roles. The Infosec 2019 Scholarship Program aims to bring awareness to workforce diversity challenges, while proactively working to reduce the number of open jobs in the cybersecurity industry.

The cybersecurity skills shortage is a growing crisis facing organizations. From September 2017 through August 2018 employers across the United States posted job openings for more than 313,000 cybersecurity-related positions, according to CyberSeek, a free resource on the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, job market and career opportunities.

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About InfoSec Institute

Infosec has been fighting cybercrime since 2004. Thousands of organizations and over 2.68 million learners trust the wide range of security-specific classes and enterprise security awareness and phishing training to stay a step ahead of the bad guys. Infosec IQ, Infosec Flex and Infosec Skills provide the most advanced and comprehensive education and training platforms. In 2019, Infosec was named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Security Awareness Computer-Based Training. Founded by CEO Jack Koziol, Infosec is based in Madison, with offices in Chicago and Dulles, Virginia. infosecinstitute.com

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the more than 50 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world’s economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce. To learn more visit comptia.org

Contact:

Jeff McCollum

Infosec Media & PR Manager

608.509.9804

309.824.6387 mobile

jeff.mccollum@infosecinstitute.com

Beth Dettman Joins M3 Insurance as Chief Financial Officer

Stacy Paré, Marketing Communications Specialist, M3 Insurance
608.288.2779, stacy.pare@m3ins.com

Madison, WI – Beth Dettman has joined M3 Insurance as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a member of M3’s Executive Operating Committee.  In this role, Beth is responsible for developing initiatives to achieve strategic organizational plans with an emphasis in areas of finance, tax, mergers & acquisitions, and stakeholder alignment. She is committed to fostering key client, community, and professional services relationships on behalf of M3.

Beth has extensive experience in senior management and strategic visioning. Prior to joining M3, she served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Madison Investment Advisors, based in Madison, WI, leading operations, information technology, and cyber security as well as equity and compensation incentive programs. She was with the firm for 23 years, serving as CFO prior to transitioning to COO in 2018.  Beth is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a BA in Accounting from Valparaiso University.

“M3’s vibrant history, culture, and community involvement resonate with me professionally and personally,” Beth said. “I look forward to actively participating in the agency’s vision for exemplary client experiences, company growth, and making an impact on our communities.”

M3’s president and CEO, Mike Victorson said, “Beth’s experience, smarts, personality and culture fit make her the ideal person to step into this role. She will be integral to M3’s growth and ability to be a top private and independent agency in the country.”

Beth is an active member of the Madison CFO Roundtable, Middleton Outreach Ministries Resource Development Committee, Food Fight Inc. Board, and Madison Symphony Orchestra Foundation Board. She is a member of the United Way of Dane County’s Women United and Key Club and enjoys volunteering at her church.

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About M3

M3 is the largest insurance broker and risk management firm in the state of Wisconsin. As a top 50 broker 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.

Largest Ski Swap in Midwest to Take Place Dec. 7-8 in Madison

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

LARGEST SKI SWAP IN MIDWEST TO TAKE PLACE DEC. 7-8 IN MADISON

Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Resale will feature discounted new, used winter sports gear 

MADISON – The 56th Annual Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Resale will take place Dec. 7 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 8 a.m.-noon at Union South’s Varsity Hall and will feature local and national vendors with discounted new and used winter sports gear for the entire family. 

Resale customers can expect items to include downhill and cross-country skis, snowboards, winter recreation apparel, and more at significantly discounted prices for customers of all ages. Event organizers recommend that customers bring height, weight, and European and standard boot/shoe size information for all those for whom they will shop. 

Current vendors include the following: 

• Bliz Eyewear
• Expedition Supply, Inc.
• Extreme Ski and Bike
• Fitzharris Ski and Sport
• Focus Board Shop
• Fontana Sports
• Gear West
• Lakewood Ski and Sport
• Shepherd and Schaller Sporting
• Sol Alpine
• Wayne’s Ski and Cycle

“This is a unique experience in that we offer the largest ski swap event in the Midwest, with over 12,000 greatly discounted new and used products,” Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club President Owen Tortora said. “Attendees are sure to find any equipment they desire, from top-of-the-line freestyle skis and snowboards, to goggles and jackets, to Nordic gear.”

The Hoofer Alpine and Nordic Ski Teams will also offer ski and snowboard waxing and sharpening at the Resale. Each waxing or sharpening service will cost $10 per snowboard or pair of skis. 

The Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club also welcomes individuals to each bring up to 10 items for the Club to sell during the Resale. To participate, an individual can drop off up to 10 items with on-site salespeople, who can assist in pricing the items, if needed. For information about items that the Club can accept, visit hoofersns.org/resale. 

Proceeds from each sale will help fund the Club’s ski and snowboard teams as well as Club trips, including free ski trips with local non-profit groups, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County. 

The Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club hosts the resale, which has been an annual tradition for more than 50 years. The Club includes the Hoofer Alpine, Freestyle and Nordic Ski Teams. The Club is one of six outdoors clubs that make up the Wisconsin Hoofers, which has nearly 2,000 members, including students, staff, faculty and other community members. From sailing on Lake Mendota to climbing at Devil’s Lake, Hoofers welcomes people of all abilities to learn outdoor skills and enjoy outdoor activities. 

More information about the Resale is available at union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/event-calendar/event/56th-annual-hoofer-ski-and-snowboard-resale. 

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About the Wisconsin Hoofers

The Wisconsin Hoofers is the largest student organization at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with thousands of members comprised of students, faculty, staff and community members. Formed in 1919, the Hoofers have six clubs with members that love spending time together outdoors. Learn more about the Hoofers, including their excursions and their outdoor education opportunities: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-hoofers. 

[Note to the editor: Click here to download a photo from a past Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Resale in Varsity Hall in Union South. Photo provided by the Wisconsin Union. Photo by Owen Desai.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/sns-resale-2019. 

Joshua Murphy Named Commercial Banker, VP at Wisconsin Bank & Trust

CONTACT: Curtis Chrystal
President & CEO
608.203.1224
CChrystal@wisconsinbankandtrust.com

Beth Rowe
Marketing and Public Relations Director, VP
563.589.2059
BRowe@dubuquebank.com 

JOSHUA MURPHY NAMED COMMERCIAL BANKER, VP AT WISCONSIN BANK & TRUST

October 31, 2019 — MADISON, WI — Wisconsin Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that Joshua Murphy has joined the organization as a Commercial Banker, Vice President. Joshua will primarily be responsible for providing customized, consultative commercial banking, treasury management and payment solutions that will help business clients achieve their financial goals. He has over 10 years of experience within the banking industry, which consists of consumer lending, retail management and Treasury Management/Commercial Banking.

“Joshua is an experienced Commercial Banker with a demonstrated history of providing business clients with solutions that accelerate growth, build efficiencies and much more,” said Curtis Chrystal, President and CEO of Wisconsin Bank & Trust. “We are happy to have him help deliver financial expertise and experience to our clients.”

Murphy earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management & Finance from Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) in Watertown, Wisconsin. He currently serves as Vice President for a local business networking group, is an active member of the First Tee of South Central Wisconsin’s Young Professional Advisory Council as well as the Monona East Side Business Alliance (MESBA). He is also involved with a local non-profit, Affordable Health Care.

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About Wisconsin Bank and Trust Company

Wisconsin Bank and Trust Company (WBT), a subsidiary of Heartland Financial USA, Inc., (NASDAQ: HTLF), is a state chartered bank with more than $1.031 billion in assets and serving customers throughout our 14 different branches within Wisconsin. The bank specializes in business lending and deposit services, and provides a wide variety of personal credit and deposit services along with complete electronic banking programs. For more information visit www.wisconsinbankandtrust.com or call 877.280.1855. Wisconsin Bank & Trust is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and an Equal Housing Lender.

About Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
Heartland is a diversified financial services company with assets of approximately $12 billion. The company provides banking, mortgage, private client, investment, treasury management, card services, insurance, and consumer finance services to individuals and businesses. Heartland currently has 115 banking locations serving 84 communities in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Texas and California. Additional information about Heartland is available at www.htlf.com.

StartingBlock Announces Pilot Parking Project with ParqEx and City of Madison for S. Livingston Garage

Contact: Chandra Miller Fienen, Exec. Director, StartingBlock Madison, (608) 334-7522, Chandra@startingblockmadison.org

StartingBlock Announces Pilot Parking Project with ParqEx and City of Madison for S. Livingston Garage

MADISON, Wisconsin – October 30, 2019 – StartingBlock announces a pilot project with a locally-connected startup, ParqEx, and the City of Madison at the City’s newest public parking garage at S. Livingston and Main Street, adjacent to the Spark Building at 821 E. Washington Avenue.

The pilot will allow StartingBlock’s members – currently a community of over 250 members — to make parking reservations from the parking spots in the S. Livingston Garage that were allocated to StartingBlock. With ParqEx’s technology, StartingBlock members can make hourly or monthly parking reservations online or using the ParqEx app.  The platform increases the number of users that can access StartingBlock’s limited parking allocation.  Rather than a few persons having an assigned monthly permit in the traditional one car, one permit model, the ParqEx platform will allow any StartingBlock member to reserve parking online and through an app.  “By sharing the monthly permits, the entire StartingBlock community can take advantage of cost-savings as well as greater flexibility,” explains StartingBlock Executive Director, Chandra Miller Fienen.  With ParqEx, participating members can reserve parking for the times they need it, rather than locking it up for the full month.   

Other advantages include a guest parking solution that allows members to make reservations for guests.  Guests will receive a guess pass on their cell phone that will provide access to the garage, eliminating the inconvenience of dealing with reimbursements or sharing physical access cards.   “The ParqEx solution allows a limited resource to be shared more fairly, efficiently, flexibly, and cost-effectively than the one-permit per car status quo,” says ParqEx CEO Vivek Mehra. ParqEx is a 2016 alum of the nationally-ranked accelerator, gener8tor, which is headquartered at StartingBlock.  Founded in 2014, the company is the “Airbnb of parking” by allowing parking owners to rent their parking spots to drivers on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis.  The StartingBlock-ParqEx pilot, which will allow StartingBlock members to access the spaces leased from the City at the South Livingston Street Garage as well as other parking locations on the platform, will be ParqEx’s largest community in Madison and the first at a public parking garage.

“The City of Madison is excited to continue its partnership with StartingBlock and participate in this pilot.  We need more innovative solutions, especially around parking, to make our transportation system successful in the long term,” says Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.

The pilot will provide StartingBlock with the opportunity to understand members’ parking trends and usage in a more robust and detailed way, and for the City to trial the technology and explore options to enhance the convenience and ease of parking in public parking structures. 

The public parking garage, which opened last December, is the City’s first public garage outside of the central downtown and campus area, and was part of the three-development project that included the Spark Building where StartingBlock and American Family Insurance are located and the Gebhardt Building with the Sylvee music venue.  Madison Gas and Electric, to support the redevelopment project and growing Capitol East District, sold the property to the City of Madison to construct the public parking garage.

ABOUT

StartingBlock Madison is Madison’s startup hub.  Our mission is to create the meaningful intersections that cultivate entrepreneurs, grow successful companies, drive innovation and build a startup community that gives back.  Since opening in June 2018, StartingBlock has housed 50 local startups that raised over $15.5M in 2018 and support over 160 full-time employees.  Through collaborations with existing business leaders and partner organizations, such as Capital Entrepreneurs, Doyenne Group, gener8tor, and others, StartingBlock is helping galvanize Madison into a global leader in entrepreneurship. 

Chandra Miller Fienen, Chandra@startingblockmadison.org

ParqEx is a smart parking platform for real estate owners and managers to better manage & monetize their parking assets. By improving efficiency & utilization, the platform delivers value by reducing operating costs and generating new revenue. ParqEx is a gener8tor company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and operates in 9 cities including Madison and Milwaukee, WI.   

Vivek Mehra, vivek@parqex.com

S. Livingston Garage opened in December 2018.  The first public parking garage east of the Capitol Square, the S. Livingston ramp reflects Madison’s commitment to the growing Capitol East corridor.