EZ Office Products Adapts Business Operations to COVID-19 Pandemic; Also Provides Employees Options to be Paid for Community Involvement

Madison, WI – April 14, 2020 – EZ Office Products (EZOP), the only independent office supply company serving businesses throughout the Greater Madison area, has announced that it has shifted its operations to meet the needs of today’s business customers.

To accommodate the rapidly growing number of business people who are now utilizing home offices instead of working from commercial office space, EZOP is making deliveries to residential addresses and will continue to do so for as long as these temporary working conditions are in place. There is a possibility it might become part of the company’s “new normal”. As a business-to-business company, this is the first time EZOP has delivered products to residential homes.

Read more here.

Donated iPads from WPS help students continue education at home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli, Director of Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

Donated iPads from WPS help students continue education at home

MADISON, Wis.—April 13, 2020—WPS Health Solutions recently donated 15 Apple iPad tablets with the help of John Matthews, a member of the WPS Board of Directors and former Executive Director of Madison Teachers Inc.

The iPads were given to the Beaver Dam Unified School District, Madison Metropolitan School District, and the Foundation of Madison Public Schools.

The devices then were distributed to students who are in need of learning technology at home.

“WPS’ donation is crucial to the continuing education of children because of schools being closed for several months given the coronavirus pandemic,” Matthews said. 

He was concerned that some families didn’t have the means to own a computer or a tablet device. He asked WPS about the availability of used iPads that could be donated, and the Information Technology team provided 15 devices.

“All parties are not only appreciative, but excited,” Matthews said. “Because of the pandemic, many teachers are attempting to stay in contact with their students electronically, and actually teach using electronic devices. Thus, the importance that all children be able to take advantage of their teacher’s efforts.”

“Providing technology and the resources needed for children to continue their education from home is a small act that WPS can do to make a large and lasting impact in our WPS communities,” said WPS Chief Technology Officer Sandi Gardner.

Kelly Kuenzi, a teacher in Beaver Dam, was thrilled that her school was one of the recipients. “I have delivered six of the iPads and I can’t even describe in words how rewarding it has been,” she said. “Every family has been so appreciative and amazed that they get to keep this iPad. I feel a little guilty being able to see the receiving end when I didn’t do anything but deliver it.”

Kuenzi shared a text from one of the parents: “I wanted to thank you and whoever donated. Please thank them for us. She already did a lesson and is on her next one.”

About WPS Health Solutions

WPS Health Solutions is a nationally regarded government contractor and a leading Wisconsin not-for-profit health insurer. The WPS Health Insurance division offers affordable health plans and benefits administration. The WPS Government Health Administrators division administers Part A and B Medicare benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and the WPS Military and Veterans Health division serves millions more members who are active in the U.S. military, veterans, and their families. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions) has been based in Madison, Wis., for more than 70 years. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

Hotel Indigo Madison: Clean, Quiet Working/Sleeping Accommodations

Hello All! The Hotel Indigo Madison is still open and accepting reservations. We are happy to provide accommodations to those essential workers who are uneasy to go home or are looking for a comfortable place to work or self-quarantine during these uncertain times we find ourselves in. Let us be your home away from home and collect IHG Reward Points while you are here! Complimentary grab and go bagged breakfast and our Market with local snacks is still open along with several delivery options nearby. Call to arrange your reservation 608.256.0061

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra reschedules Concerts on the Square for July 28 kickoff

For Immediate Release

Media contact:

Jake Miller, 608-957-4797, jake@hellosundaypaper.com

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra reschedules Concerts on the Square for July 28 kickoff

Online concerts, #coucherto social series to continue during stay-at-home order

MADISON – The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) is delaying the start of its free summer series, Concerts on the Square, by five weeks given the expected need to continue to prevent large social gatherings in coming months.

The first Concerts on the Square performance is now scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 28. All Concerts on the Square this summer will start at 6 p.m. Tuesday rather than 7 p.m., Wednesday. For an up-to-date schedule, visit wcoconcerts.org.

The free concert series, a staple of Madison summers, plans to retain all six performances, running from July 28 to Sept. 1.The WCO moved the series to Tuesday for scheduling needs and to avoid interrupting other local performances in late summer. To keep up-to-date with performance schedules, community members can sign up for email updates on the WCO website or follow the orchestra on Facebook and Instagram.

“The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is alive and well – and there is nothing more we want than to perform for our community during these uncertain times,” said Joe Loehnis, CEO of the WCO. “At the same time, we want to be responsible and mindful of community safety. In that light, we believe the best thing to do is to push the start of Concerts on the Square into late July.”

#Coucherto: WCO musicians performing online

The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is home to some of the most talented, creative musicians in the world, so it’s no surprise they’re reaching for their instruments during the stay-at-home order.

Sharing solo performances from their homes as part of the WCO’s #coucherto series, orchestra members are delivering music – and messages – for everyone to enjoy while stuck on their sofas.

“Our musicians are the backbone – the lifeblood – of the WCO, and we couldn’t just sit back and not perform,” Loehnis said. “I firmly believe music makes everything better and if we can provide a bright spot for our community right now we’re going to jump at the opportunity.”

The #coucherto series is available on the WCO’s Facebook, Instagram and website pages. Additionally, the WCO will share previously recorded concerts during the order.

Musician Relief Fund is live

With live performances delayed, the WCO remains committed to helping its musicians.

Through its newly created Musicians Relief Fund, the orchestra has raised more than $10,000 to help pay its musicians during this time. The WCO is working on several fronts to ensure its artists receive financial support.

“Our musicians aren’t just wonderful artists, they’re wonderful people. They’re our friends. They have families. And it’s vital as an organization we support them at all times,” said Maestro Andrew Sewell, who is in his 20^th year as WCO Music Director. “The music will go on. But first and foremost, we need to do everything we can to help our musicians.”

To donate, visit wcoconcerts.org/donate.

About the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

Founded in 1960, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) is one of the elite chamber ensembles in the United States and is dedicated to advancing Wisconsin communities through the transformative power of music. Under the direction of Maestro Andrew Sewell, WCO leverages the unique characteristics of chamber music to bring a wide variety of repertoire to audiences in settings that range from the formality of the concert hall to the intimacy of smaller community venues and the open accessibility of parks and other public spaces. Through collaborations with regional performing arts groups and touring performances, the WCO extends its artistic programming to broader audiences and communities across Dane, Columbia, Jefferson, Waukesha, and Sauk counties.

The WCO is nationally known for its summer series Concerts on the Square®, drawing 200,000 patrons annually to downtown Madison. Via its annual education programs, including the bi-annual Side-by-Side concert with the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra, WCO provides artistic development opportunities for young musicians.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra visit wcoconcerts.org.

Executive new hires and promotion announced at National Guardian Life Insurance Company

National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to announce it hired two new executives, Marita LaChapell and Tim Schaefer and promoted Jessica Grann.

Jessica Grann, former Assistant Vice President and Director of Corporate Communications, has been promoted and is leading a new function as Chief of Staff and Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communications. Grann joined NGL in 2004 and has led the marketing communications team and managed all aspects of the NGL brand. She has more than 20 years of broad marketing experience encompassing strategic planning, creative design, media planning and purchasing, direct marketing, public relations and sales promotions.

In her new role she joins the executive team in advancing NGL’s mission to make NGL’s brand more visible in the insurance industry and consumer marketplace by engaging partners, agents, employees and policyholders.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my role to promote NGL and our brand. NGL has a strong story to share and a great team of people who support it. It is an exciting time at NGL, we plan to launch a new brand and logo that will show our strong history and dedication to people. It’s been over 50 years since NGL updated its logo and I am thrilled to be a part of this positive change,” shared Grann.

Grann holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Communications and Public Relations. She is also a strong supporter of Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, through her daughter’s Izzy’s Books for Wishes campaign. Her family has helped grant six wishes to children over the past three years.

Marita LaChapell joined NGL in the newly created position of Vice President of Internal Consulting. As a CPA, LaChapell has a background and expertise in financial management across a wide variety of industries. In addition, during her 30-year career she broadened her leadership footprint by designing and implementing enterprise/information systems, compensation strategies, advising clients regarding their personal financial planning, growing advisory sales teams and driving organizational change through continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma and Operational Excellence programs.

She will lead NGL’s Lean Leadership program, coordinate organizational strategic planning and develop an approach to ensure effective project prioritization. As an internal consultant, LaChapell will be active in tackling the challenges and opportunities NGL will face as it continues to grow and be a leading employer in Madison.

“NGL is special place, an organization with great history, strong position in its industry and dedicated people who enjoy making a difference. It’s exciting to be able to join NGL at this juncture, knowing that together, we will have an opportunity to capitalize on that strength and help shape the future. NGL is a place where I can contribute while continuing to learn and experience new things,” said LaChapell.

LaChapell is the Founder and CEO of ALIGN Financial, a consulting firm that works with clients, teams and executives to improve profits, engage people and increase impact through each company’s unique purpose.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Michigan Technological University in public accounting, specializing in information systems. She is a Certified Public Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist, Certified Long-Term Care Consultant, and Certified Kingdom Advisor. Additionally, LaChapell earned a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in 2009 by leading organizational cultural transformation.

LaChapell is also a professional speaker dedicated to eliminating financial illiteracy. She is a global volunteer for Habitat for Humanity International and serves as a Board member for the Missouri Baptist Foundation. She has also served on the Board of Directors for Gateway Region YMCA and Rotary International.

Tim Schaefer joins NGL in the new role of Senior Vice President & Chief Digital Officer. In his career, he has been a transformative leader in building and leading large, complex organizations spanning operations, technology, digital, marketing and analytics.

In his role at NGL, Schaefer will be leading customer experience, data and analytics, and enterprise architecture. Schaefer will also oversee relationships with emerging technology partnerships and develop NGL’s digital vision and roadmap.

“I am excited to join NGL because of its long-term commitment to focusing on the needs of its policyholders and its position as a leader in the market. I look forward to leading the digital transformation of the company to better serve its customers and partners with innovative solutions and a differentiated experience.”

Schaefer’s prior role was Managing Director of Lake Hill Advisors where he worked with organizations on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation. Prior to that he spent more than 30 years at Northwestern Mutual, where he held several progressively more senior positions in technology and operations. He led a number of change efforts including rebuilding the digital consumer experience which increased users from 150,000 to 1.3 million.

Schaefer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in information systems from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master of Science degree in Management and Organizational Behavior from Silver Lake College. Schaefer is an Executive-in-Residence at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lubar School of Business where he teaches courses in eBusiness and strategic management. He has also served on the Boards for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Foundation and Next Door Milwaukee.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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