Category: Member News
Learn who’s growing, changing, moving and more! Stay on top of what’s new with your neighboring businesses. We share news releases and announcements from your peers in the Madison area. Want to toot your own horn? Use our Submit Member News form to share your own stories.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge campus marks 25 years of meeting needs in Madison
State, county and local leaders gathered at Oakwood Village’s Prairie Ridge campus on Wednesday, July 30 to mark a quarter century for this community that serves older adults.
In 2000, longtime local nonprofit Oakwood Village responded to growing demand with the launch of a new continuing care community, on an 18-acre site 10 miles east of downtown Madison. Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge has expanded in the years since, and now offers nearly 300 apartments, multiple stages of assisted living support, memory care, and skilled nursing. Residents also enjoy a gym, salon, outdoor spaces, a volunteer-run store, and multiple restaurants.
Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, Congressman Mark Pocan, and Madison Deputy Mayor Katie Crawley joined Oakwood leadership and residents for a joyful celebration in the campus’ Tree of Life Chapel. A highlight was the multiple residents in attendance who have lived at Prairie Ridge since its founding.
“Over the past quarter century, this campus has served as a cornerstone for countless families across Dane County,” Agard said. “… As County Executive, I’m especially grateful for partners like Oakwood Village, who share in our mission of building a Dane County where everyone can thrive.”
President and CEO Jan Hamilton-Crawford emphasized that Prairie Ridge is more than just buildings: It’s a living community of laughter, friendships, dedicated caregivers, and peaceful surroundings, a place where dignity and independence take center stage. The ceremony was a chance not just to reflect on the past, she said, but to renew a commitment to a future that prioritizes well-being and happiness.
“I am grateful today that our community, this greater Madison area, gets to have such a beautiful facility that continues to understand the needs of our community and the needs of the residents who come here,” Joy Mortensen-Wiebe, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America South Central Synod, said in a recorded message for those in attendance.
About Oakwood Village
Oakwood Village is a nonprofit, continuing care community with two campuses in Madison, Wisconsin. For over 75 years, this community has helped older adults lead lives of personal growth, happiness, health, and security.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Oak Bank Welcomes Starr Camacho as Deposit Operations Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank welcomes Starr Camacho as our newest Deposit Operations
Specialist. In this important role, Starr will support a wide range of banking operations that
ensure the efficiency and accuracy of Oak Bank’s internal systems and client services. From
managing account reconciliation and balancing activities within the bank’s core system to
assisting clients with electronic banking services, Starr’s attention to detail and drive for
excellence will make a meaningful impact on our operations.
Starr, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, earned her degree in
Finance and brings with her a passion for both numbers and problem-solving. Originally from
Arena, Wisconsin, she is excited to begin her professional career with an organization known
for its strong community values and client-focused mission.
“I was immediately drawn to Oak Bank’s vision of being the best place to work and the
company that matters most to the community,” Starr shared. “It’s inspiring to be part of a team
that supports one another while also making a real difference for our clients.”
Cristie Hansen, VP Deposit Operations, expressed, “Starr brings a fresh perspective and a great
enthusiasm for learning. Her strong academic foundation in finance and eagerness to
contribute make her a great fit for our team. We’re excited to see the growth and innovation
she’ll bring to our operations.”
Outside of the office, Starr enjoys staying active and is an avid soccer fan. Whether she’s
playing a pickup game or cheering from the sidelines, she brings the same energy and focus to
the field as she does to her work.
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Starr Camacho as she begins her journey with Oak
Bank!
About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 25 years,
meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick
answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit
oak.bank to learn more.
###
Photo by Richard Hurd
BOSP Bancshares, Inc. to Acquire Banner Banks
New Organization to have Eight Locations in Six Wisconsin Communities
Birnamwood and Sun Prairie, Wis. — BOSP Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Bank of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie, Wis. and Banner Bancorp, Ltd. the holding company and sole shareholder of Banner Banks, Birnamwood, Wis., are pleased to announce they have entered into a definitive agreement where BOSP Bancshares, Inc. will acquire all of Banner Bancorp, Ltd.’s ownership interest in Banner Banks. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, has been unanimously approved by both the company’s and bank’s boards of directors and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Post-closing, it is anticipated that Banner Banks will be moved onto the Bank of Sun Prairie core system in the second quarter of 2026.
Following the future merger of the banks, the combined institution will have eight locations in six Wisconsin communities and total assets based on December 31, 2024, regulatory reporting of approximately $868 million. Jimmy Kauffman will serve as president and CEO and D. Shannon Blakley, president and CEO of Banner Banks, will continue to lend his expertise and provide guidance as a consultant. All Banner Banks’ employees will be offered continued employment with the combined institution.
“I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and the customers of Banner Banks to our banking family and working with the entire Banner Banks’ team to bring the two banking organizations together as seamlessly as possible for the benefit of the bank’s customers and staff,” shared Jimmy Kauffman, president and CEO of Bank of Sun Prairie. “This is a great opportunity for Bank of Sun Prairie to diversify our balance sheet and expand our footprint. Alignment with another community bank with similar values and a long-standing track record in their community is a perfect fit for us,” added Kauffman.
D. Shannon Blakley, president and CEO of Banner Banks agrees, “We were looking for another community bank to partner with that has a dedicated commitment to serving their communities and deeply values their customers and employees, we believe we have found such a partner in Bank of Sun Prairie! We are also excited to know our customers will soon have access to new technologies, expanded loan products and enhanced deposit capabilities‒well beyond what we offer today.” He continued, “We’ll also have access to a wider range of agricultural customers as we expand into all the markets the bank will operate in.”
About Banner Banks. Banner Banks is a full-service community bank which was founded in 1900 and chartered in 1903. Through the operation of four bank office locations in the communities of Birnamwood, Hatley, Antigo and Wittenberg, Wisconsin, the bank offers an array of traditional loan and deposit products and maintains an agricultural loan specialty. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the bank had $126 million in assets and 23 full-time equivalent employees. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.
About Bank of Sun Prairie. Bank of Sun Prairie was founded in 1897 and also chartered in 1903. The bank is a full-service community bank and presently operates three office locations and a Financial Literacy Outlet inside Sun Prairie West High School, in the communities of Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. In addition to offering a full suite of lending and deposit products, the bank also provides wealth management, trust services and expanded business solutions. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the bank had assets of $742 million and 99 full-time equivalent employees. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.
###
Photo by Richard Hurd
Dale Lewis Joins Boldt as Director of Data Centers
The Boldt Company is proud to announce the appointment of Dale Lewis as Director of Data Centers, a strategic leadership role focused on driving project development and expanding Boldt’s presence in this dynamic sector.
Dale joins Boldt from Microsoft, where he served as Director of Construction for the company’s Milwaukee (MKE) campus. In that role, he led complex mission-critical projects, overseeing the delivery of cutting-edge infrastructure to support Microsoft’s growing data and technology needs. His leadership and expertise in managing high-stakes, technically demanding projects make him a valuable addition to the Boldt team.
“Dale offers extensive expertise and a thorough understanding of the market,” stated John Huggett, Vice President at Boldt. “His familiarity with Boldt’s strengths and culture, coupled with his experience on the owner’s side, positions him to align our strategic vision with client needs effectively. Dale will undoubtedly be a significant asset as we continue to grow in the Data Center sector.”
As Director, Dale will lead data center business development efforts across the company and identify partnerships with owners and trade partners to drive value by guiding operational approaches to achieve client goals. Additionally, he will oversee preconstruction services and ensure project teams are set up for success from the outset.
With a keen eye on market trends, delivery models, and client expectations, Dale’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing Boldt’s focus to deliver innovative, reliable, and client-focused solutions in the mission-critical and industrial space.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Dupaco Foundation awards $250,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Dupaco Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to 35 nonprofit organizations across Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Support provided through the Nonprofit Grant Program will make a direct impact in the following areas:
- Affordable housing and homeownership
- Upskilling and reskilling
- Small business development
“The Dupaco Foundation board believes that strong communities are built through opportunity, equity and collaboration,” said Joe Hearn, Dupaco Foundation Secretary and President/CEO of Dupaco Community Credit Union.
“These grants are more than financial support – they’re investments in people, in potential and in the future of our region. We’re proud to stand alongside these nonprofits as they create lasting impact.”
The 2025 grant recipients are tackling some of the region’s most pressing challenges—from housing insecurity to workforce development—by delivering innovative, community-rooted solutions. Together, these organizations serve thousands of individuals and families, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.
2025 Dupaco Foundation Nonprofit Grant Awardees:
- Bluff Strokes Art Center, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
- Catherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IA – $10,000
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
- Christian Community Development (DBA House of Hope), Waterloo, IA – $5,000
- Common Wealth Development, Madison, WI – $5,000
- Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Dubuque, IA – $20,000
- Community Solutions of Eastern Iowa (CSEI), Dubuque, IA – $5,000
- Dubuque Community YMCA Crisis Services Shelter, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
- Dubuque St. Vincent de Paul, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
- Feed Iowa First, Cedar Rapids, IA – $20,000
- Four Mounds Foundation-HEART Partnership, Dubuque, IA – $10,000
- Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services, Cedar Rapids, IA – $10,000
- Friends of St. Mary’s (DBA Steeple Square), Dubuque, IA – $5,000
- Friends of the Family, Waterloo, IA – $5,000
- Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Des Moines, IA – $5,000
- Hills & Dales, Dubuque, IA – $10,000
- Hope Community Development Association (Hope CDA), Cedar Rapids, IA – $10,000
- Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, Waterloo, IA – $10,000
- Key City Creative Center, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
- Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI), Des Moines, IA – $5,000
- Madison Northside Planning Council, Inc., Madison, WI – $5,000
- NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids, IA – $5,000
- Oakridge Neighborhood Services, Des Moines, IA – $5,000
- ONE Cedar Valley, Waterloo, IA – $5,000
- One City United, Waterloo, IA – $10,000
- Operation Empower, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
- Operation Fresh Start, Madison, WI – $5,000
- Presentation Lantern Center, Dubuque, IA – $10,000
- Project IOWA, Des Moines, IA – $5,000
- Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Foundation, Inc., Fennimore, IA – $10,000
- The Arc of East Central Iowa, Cedar Rapids, IA – $5,000
- The Dream Center, Iowa City, IA – $5,000
- The Fountain of Youth Program, Dubuque, IA – $5,000
- The Iowa Center, Des Moines, IA – $5,000
- United Way of Dane County, Madison, WI – $5,000
The Foundation board reviewed 115 applications from nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)3 public charities. Proposals were evaluated on several factors, including program alignment with the foundation’s focus areas, how the plan addresses the need, potential for measurable outcomes and impact.
This marks the second year of the Dupaco Foundation Nonprofit Grant, which awarded $250,000 to 29 organizations in 2024. Since its inception in 2012, the Dupaco Foundation has distributed over $3.2 million in grant funding throughout Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Information regarding the 2026 cycle of the Dupaco Foundation Nonprofit Grant program will be available in early 2026. To learn more about the Dupaco Foundation and its impact, visit www.dupaco.com/ways-we-give.
###
ABOUT DUPACO FOUNDATION:
Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation, also known as Dupaco Foundation (the “Foundation”), is a tax-exempt private foundation described in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation is a separate legal entity from Dupaco Community Credit Union (the “Credit Union”) and is governed by its own Board of Directors and officers. The Foundation was established in 2011 to honor the retirement of 47-year employee and long-time Dupaco Community Credit Union President and CEO, Robert W. “Bob” Hoefer. The Foundation is designed to carry on the Bob Hoefer tradition of providing personal financial assistance and coaching to help hardworking and financially prudent people recover from unforeseen life events and to increase their opportunities for financial stability. Learn more at www.dupaco.com/foundation.