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Photo by Richard Hurd

DeWitt’s Intellectual Property Practice Group Recommended by IAM Patent 1000 and Managing Intellectual Property Magazine

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

DeWitt’s Intellectual Property Practice Group Recommended by IAM Patent 1000 and Managing Intellectual Property Magazine

MADISON/MILWAUKEE/MINNEAPOLIS – DeWitt LLP announced its inclusion in the world’s leading resource to Patent Professionals, the 2020 IAM Patent 1000 guide. The guide recommends the Intellectual Property (IP) practice of the firm and its attorneys Eric Chadwick, Joseph Leone, Joseph Miotke, Charles Sara, and Christopher Scherer as top patent practitioners. In addition to IAM’s recognition, Miotke, Sara and Scherer were recently designated as 2020 “IP Stars” by Managing Intellectual Property Magazine, the definitive guide to leading IP firms and lawyers.

IAM is known as the definitive ‘go-to’ resource for those seeking to identify world-class, private practice patent expertise and leading expert witnesses in the US. It recognized DeWitt in its listing, describing the firm as turning matters around quickly and efficiently while deploying a high-level of strategic insight. IAM further described DeWitt as “… Madison’s top commercial firm, DeWitt takes intellectual property seriously and has invested in a sophisticated patent practice with depth in life sciences, medical devices, the chemical arts and, increasingly, software. On behalf of an incredibly diverse group of clients – including non-profits, universities, multinational corporations and individuals…” 

IAM on Joseph Leone, Joseph Miotke, Charles Sara and Christopher Scherer (Wisconsin): 

“Joseph Leone, Chris Scherer, Charles Sara and Joseph Miotke turn matters around quickly and efficiently, and deploy high-level strategic insight to superb effect. With Leone and Scherer newly minted as co-chairs of the practice, the firm has built up a lot of momentum. Leone is as versatile as they come, being schooled in prosecution and litigation in all areas of intellectual property. Drawing on his chemistry background, he tackles technically complex matters with relish for discerning clients such as the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). Judging by the extensive and vocal praise directed his way, electrical engineer Scherer is doing extraordinary things right now. “Flexible, responsive, technically adept and competitively priced, Chris is simply awesome and one of the best-rounded US patent practitioners. He gives extremely well-thought-out advice, but is unfailingly practical and to the point at the same time. He has built up a first-class team at DeWitt, which shows in the quality of the overall service.” Sara has his finger on the pulse of developments in the biotechnology space, in which he litigates and closes deals. As an attorney, Miotke is “brilliant at aligning patent approaches with business needs to ensure you protect what matters most while spending resources wisely”. More broadly, he is gifted at opening innovation and entrepreneurship pathways for those with limited access; the effort he puts into developing talent from underprivileged backgrounds is truly laudable.”

IAM on Eric Chadwick (Minnesota): 

“DeWitt upped its trial capabilities by hiring Eric Chadwick in September 2019; the former Patterson Thuente IP partner is a practiced IP and commercial litigator.”

About DeWitt

DeWitt LLP is one of the ten largest law firms based in Wisconsin, with an additional presence in Minnesota.  It has nearly 140 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, corporate law, commercial litigation, employment, environmental, employee benefits, government relations, immigration, international, litigation, real estate, tax, estate planning and family law. More information is available at https://dewittllp.com.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Wisconsin Union Will Begin Phased Reopening of the Memorial Union Terrace on June 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          

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

WISCONSIN UNION WILL BEGIN PHASED REOPENING OF THE MEMORIAL UNION TERRACE ON JUNE 22

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union’s Memorial Union Terrace, the largest outdoor restaurant in Madison, will begin a phased reopening on June 22 with new protocols to ensure patrons and team members can practice physical distancing and follow other health guidance related to COVID-19.

During the initial reopening on-site restaurant operations, University of Wisconsin-Madison students, staff and faculty, Wisconsin Union members, Wisconsin Alumni Association members, and active duty U.S. service members can make a 1 ½ hour reservation for a dining area at the Terrace at no extra cost. Other patrons can purchase a $5 one-day pass to make a reservation. In this initial phase of reopening, the Terrace will operate at no more than 25 percent capacity. One ID or guest pass is needed per reservation.

All community members and visitors can purchase an annual or lifetime Wisconsin Union membership. Membership prices begin at $55 for an annual membership. Wisconsin Union membership and purchases at Memorial Union help support the Union’s ability to provide experiences, facilities and services as well as student leadership opportunities.

Patrons can reserve seating at the Terrace through OpenTable and order food and beverages to enjoy on-site through Grubhub. Food and beverages will be delivered to patrons dining on-site. The reserved spaces will be open daily 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., weather-permitting.

A patron can make a dining reservation beginning at 9 a.m. the day of a planned visit. Reservations will only be accepted for the current day. Each reservation will be for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

“We are beginning a thoughtful, phased reopening that includes a reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing, cashless operations and other safety and health measures,” said Mark Guthier, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and Wisconsin Union director. “We look forward to welcoming more guests back ideally later this summer.”

Tables on the Terrace will be at least six feet apart. Patrons are asked to not alter tables’ or chairs’ placements. Patrons and team members are also expected to follow physical distancing guidelines whenever possible.

The Wisconsin Union will practice many additional safety protocols in light of COVID-19, including the removal of self-service areas, the requirement that all employees wear gloves and masks, the availability of additional hand sanitizing stations, not permitting outside food or beverages, and scheduled cleanings of seating areas between reservations.

The Wisconsin Union’s custodial team members have received training regarding pathogen cleaning, including how to correctly sanitize and clean potential biohazards. Union cleaning protocols include frequent cleaning of high touch areas, such as doors, sinks and tabletops.

Temporary fencing near the Terrace will remain in place until further notice to help ensure adherence to capacity guidelines and the availability of seating areas for those with reservations. Interior spaces in Memorial Union will remain closed until further notice. During their reservations, customers can access some interior restrooms.

The Wisconsin Union team will continue to offer pick-up food and beverage items from Union South and Memorial Union through Meals To-Go.

In determining when and how the next phase of reopening will occur, the Wisconsin Union will work with campus leadership and take into consideration public health guidance and how the initial phase of reopening proceeds. The Wisconsin Union team is assessing potential Terrace season programming.

For more than 110 years, the Wisconsin Union has welcomed Union members; UW-Madison students, staff, and faculty; and guests to enjoy experiences for a lifetime. The Terrace has been part of the Wisconsin Union experience for more than 90 years.

Those interested in learning more about Terrace season may visit terracesummer.com.

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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/terrace-2020

Photo by Richard Hurd

Per Mar Expands Security Services

Contact:
Cassondra Billingsley, Per Mar Security Services, 563-549-6635

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2020

Per Mar Expands Security Services

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial clients based in Davenport, IA, has expanded its commercial security services to adapt to the needs of clients due to COVID-19.

“I am proud of the team to quickly adapt to the COVID-19 challenges we all face in order to bring to market these products which provide a safer environment for our clients, their customers and employees,” said Chris Edwards, President of Per Mar’s Electronic Security Division. “We were asked to deliver a combination of technology and physical security solutions to meet the needs of our customers and we have done exactly that.”

New security services include temperature checks and pre-screenings by Security Officers, thermal imaging cameras, and integrated security. Per Mar Security Officers are also handing out masks at the doors of retailers. The new service offerings are detailed below.

Per Mar’s New Commercial Security Services:

  • Temperature Checks & Pre-screenings

Prior to staff, customers, and visitors entering a building, Security Officers can:

  • Administer pre-screening questions.
    • Take temperature readings.
    • Enforce sanitizing protocols that have been put in place like offering masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.
  • Thermal Imaging Cameras

Per Mar uses an Elevated Body Temperature Detection System that provides fast, accurate mass screening for elevated temperatures. The system is non-invasive, non-contact, and fast. If a temperature is detected over the threshold allowed, an alert will be sent to the appropriate person to act on it. The system also allows clients to set up custom messages to tell the person with a high temp what to do. 

  • Integrated Security

This affordable solution efficiently expands a company’s security coverage by combining monitored intelligent video technology, which has the ability to use a business’s existing cameras and infrastructure, with Per Mar’s uniformed Security Officers. When Per Mar’s intelligent video technology is triggered, live video goes direct to Per Mar’s Monitoring center and on-site Security Officer(s), allowing both to see the unauthorized access in real time. If there is a real threat, an on-site Security Officer can respond right away, and the Monitoring Center agent can immediately dispatch authorities to the location.

In addition to offering new security services, Per Mar has also adapted to the changing landscape by offering free, virtual security consultations for homes and businesses as well as social distanced, in-person security consultations.

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 2,400 team members, operating in 23 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, alarm monitoring, investigative services and background checks. For more information about Per Mar Security Services, please visit permarsecurity.com.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Goodman Community Center Executive Director departing

Madison, WI June 12, 2020 – After more than 31 years of dynamic leadership, Becky Steinhoff has decided to step down as Executive Director of the Goodman Community Center.

“The board of directors will forever be grateful for her vision and dedication that gave our community this great gift,” said GCC Board President Souphaphone Maddox. “Under Becky’s leadership, the Center has grown from a small neighborhood center into a beautiful and important resource the greater Madison area cherishes. People from all walks of life and all ages come for programs, services and resources that make their lives – and our community – stronger.”

Read more

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Timpano Group launches survey project to explore workforce strategies beyond the pandemic

Contact: Melanie Schmidt, Timpano Group president, mschmidt@timpanogroup.com, 608-695-7320

Madison, WI – June 12, 2020 – Timpano Group has joined forces with Blue Rock WI to explore workforce strategies through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is designed to gather insights from employers and employees about reactions to the pandemic, impressions about remote working as a viable path for progress, and general opinions about what should shape new norms in management.

The project involves surveys open for public input through June 22, interviews, and secondary research. Data gathered will be distilled into an informational report available free for interested parties across sectors, sizes, and industries at the end of the month.

Links to the surveys can be found at https://bit.ly/workbeyondcovid. Responses are confidential and anonymous.

Timpano Group Chief Strategist Melanie Schmidt shared that the project was borne from a perceived gap in actionable information from which organizations could figure out their particular path forward. “We want to move beyond platitudes and surface strategies that can inform better ways of innovating organizational performance,” said Schmidt. “That kind of constructive innovation means asking people working in organizations how they would do things differently based upon what they’ve learned and experienced in the last several months.” Schmidt continued by asserting that the pandemic shone a spotlight on challenges already existing in organizations and this project will provide inspiration for organizations needing to move beyond the pandemic response.

For more information, contact Melanie Schmidt at insights@timpanogroup.com or via phone at (608) 695-7320.

About Timpano Group: Timpano Group is a creative consultancy focused on helping organizations align their strategies, systems, people, and processes to achieve intended results. President and Chief Strategist Melanie Schmidt facilitates progress for her clients across sectors in organizations of varying sizes and interests. She lends particular expertise in strategic thinking, practical planning, talent management, and change leadership. More information is available online at www.timpanogroup.com.