Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Wisconsin Welcomes Summit Credit Union as Presenting Sponsor

Madison, WI – Summit Credit Union will be the Presenting Sponsor for the inaugural observance of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Wisconsin (WEDWisconsin) on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Women leaders in tech, business, science, non-profit, and education will come together to celebrate, empower and support each other at this full day conference to be held at Monona Terrace. The event is part of a weeklong celebration culminating in the global recognition of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day on November 19th.

“Summit is proud to sponsor the first ever Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Wisconsin and to be a part of a global celebration of the powerful impact women make when we lead in business.” said Kim Sponem, CEO/President Summit Credit Union. “We know that investing in women entrepreneurs is a win-win for our community and a powerful engine for growth, innovation, and social change both locally and globally. We embrace this opportunity to convene and empower women entrepreneurs from across Wisconsin and to support them in building viable, sustainable enterprises.”

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) ignites women leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to initiate startups, drive economic expansion, and advance communities worldwide. The flagship United Nations event is celebrated in 144 countries and by 110 universities/colleges internationally. This is the first time the event will be hosted in Wisconsin.

Women in the U.S. are now starting businesses at twice the rate of men. Between 2007 and 2016, the number of women-owned firms increased by 45%, compared to just a 9% increase among all businesses according to American Express Open’s research. Over the past nine years, the number of women-owned firms has grown at a rate five times faster than the national average.

“WEDWisconsin is privileged to be working with Summit Credit Union to bring this preeminent event to women business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders in this region,” explained Laura Gallagher, Chairman of the Board for WEDWisconsin. “They are wisely investing in the future of Wisconsin by investing in the economic hope and future for women business owners and leaders. Summit Credit Union’s commitment to financial literacy, to financial inclusion and to community and economic development make them an ideal partner. We are thrilled to have them on board and leading the way!”

At the WEDWisconsin conference, attendees will:

• Learn from entrepreneurial greats about the triumphs and trials of being a business owner.
• Enjoy high-value content and unique social experiences, with a focus on authentic relationship building.
• Participate in a live “think tank” where entrepreneurs are pulled from the crowd to share a challenge they are facing that is then turned over to the tables to solve.
• Hear real stories about funding.
• Connect with other business owners and those who support them.
• Grow as a leader.
• Be inspired.
• Be a part of making history here in Wisconsin

The WEDWisconsin Advisory board includes women in various fields with diverse backgrounds and experiences. From technology to the sciences, education to social good initiatives and start-ups to businesses that are expanding, the board is made up of leaders who are familiar with entrepreneurship eco-systems, education and policy creation that will help women in business to thrive.

For more information please visit WEDWisconsin.

About Summit Credit Union
Established in 1935, Summit Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone in Wisconsin. Summit holds $2.8 billion in assets and has more than 168,000 members and 510 employees across 33 locations throughout south-central and southeastern Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.summitcreditunion.com or call 608-243-5000 or 800-236-5560.

About Laura Gallagher, Ambassador and Chairman of the Board for WEDWisconsin
Laura Gallagher is a community, local and national business leader serving successful entrepreneurial companies and nonprofit organizations primarily in Wisconsin. In 2016, she was recognized by the Governor as a Trailblazer in Wisconsin. She is the founder and CEO of The Creative Company and is a 2017 Alumni of Babson College’s 10,000 Businesses Program with a Certificate of Entrepreneurship and a 2016 graduate of Harvard Professor Michael Porter’s Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. The Creative Company is certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise.

About Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) is the world’s largest entrepreneurial and financial empowerment initiative dedicated to celebrating, supporting and empowering women worldwide. WED encourages four billion women worldwide to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, with the goal of bringing hope and alleviating poverty.

S.C. Swiderski Announces Urban West in Wausau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE 9/5/17

Media Contact: Jacqui Miller. Real Estate and Marketing Manager, jmiller@scswiderski.com, 715-693-7823

S.C. Swiderski Announces Urban West in Wausau

Mosinee, WI – S.C. Swiderski, LLC, a construction and real estate investment company, has announced a new project in Wausau, WI. Urban West is a 22 million dollar luxury multifamily development on N. 12^th Avenue and Merrill Avenue on the west side of Wausau. The company expects to break ground in early September 2017. The first phase of the project includes a three story apartment building with secured, underground parking.

Urban West will house 132 luxury apartment homes offering a variety of studio, efficiency, one and two bedroom floorplans. The apartments will range from 654 to 1334 square feet with 9 foot ceilings, private laundry, covered balconies and upgraded finishes such as granite counters and stainless steel appliances. The building will have a large community room with a full kitchen, fireplace and spacious entertaining area as well as a fully equipped fitness room. Other building features include secured entrances, elevators, storage lockers and indoor and outdoor lounge areas. The exterior will have aluminum panels, brick and oversized windows bringing a sophisticated, urban look to the neighborhood. To embrace the area’s vibrant art community, Urban West will display works by local artists in the common areas and model home.

S.C. Swiderski is the architect, builder and owner of Urban West. S.C. Swiderski Construction will manage the project with their excavation department handling the excavation and site utility installation for the project.

The Property Management Division of S.C. Swiderski will provide professional leasing, maintenance and grounds keeping for this site.  Leasing Department Manager Kari Kussow said, “We are thrilled to bring our new, contemporary building design to Wausau. These apartments will fill an under-served niche in Wausau providing an upscale rental option with great community amenities and the convenience of underground parking. We believe the tenant experience at Urban West will be second to none in the market.”

About S.C. Swiderski, LLC: S.C. Swiderski is a comprehensive construction and real estate investment company. The Construction Division provides complete planning, architectural and landscape design, excavation and construction services. The Real Estate Division acquires property and develops plans for the portfolio which includes multifamily, commercial, retail and resort properties as well as commercial, residential, waterfront and recreational land. The Property Management Division handles the professional management, grounds keeping and maintenance of their portfolio.

S.C. Swiderski is expanding and actively pursuing opportunities for acquisition and investment in the Midwest.  scswiderski.com

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Midwest Prototyping Announces Partnership with UK-based firm to Bring New PostProcessing System to United States

Midwest Prototyping announced today its partnership with the UK-based Additive Manufacturing Technologies Ltd (AMT), manufacturer of additive manufacturing post processing equipment. Additionally, Steve Grundahl, President of Midwest Prototyping, has joined the board of AMT.

Both companies have recognized the need for effective post processing of 3D printed parts and independently have been working towards developing integrated solutions for the 3D industry. This partnership deal brings together a unique industry combination of 3D printing experience from Midwest Prototyping and surface finishing solutions, from AMT which together provide the ‘missing piece’ in the digital process chain.

“Demand for surface finishing 3D printed parts is significant in the US. We are delighted to enter into this partnership as it will enable us to satisfy this demand. The partnership achieves our long-held vision of providing an automated high-quality surface finish to 3D printed parts,” said Steve Grundahl, President and founder of Midwest Prototyping. “The first PostPro3D machine, arriving at our facility in Blue Mounds, enables Midwest to deliver the quality surface finishing expected from our customers. We see our relationship with AMT developing further as both our businesses grow.”

As part of the partnership deal Midwest Prototyping will take delivery of a PostPro3D automated surface finishing machine in Q4 2017. PostPro3D, allows automated surface finishing of Laser Sintered and Multi Jet Fusion parts – Including Nylon and elastomeric materials. This enabling technology achieves for the first time an injection molded like surface finish on 3D Printed parts.

AMT and Midwest Prototyping will work together jointly to further develop manufacturing processes that integrate the full post processing work flow into the digital process chain.

CEO of AMT, Joseph Crabtree, said on the partnership announcement: “The deal with Midwest Prototyping is a major step in our growth story. The arrangement will provide a US presence for our PostPro3D machine with a company who is able to print parts on site then demonstrate and showcase our technology to wide range of potential customers. Having the support of Midwest provides a great springboard for future US sales … Steve’s wealth of additive manufacturing and commercial experience will strengthen the board significantly.”

This partnership will give AMT direct access to the world’s largest 3D printing market as the two companies will work together to market and sell PostPro3D machines, made by AMT, in the USA.

25 NGL employees volunteer for United Way of Dane County Seasons of Caring

Employees at National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) proudly participated in the 2017 Seasons of Caring event through United Way of Dane County. This year, 25 NGL employees volunteered for a variety of projects at local nonprofits, including Agrace, Independent Living, Inc., Lussier Community Education Center, The River Food Pantry, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, UW Arboretum, YWCA Madison and Dane County Humane Society.

NGL strongly believes in giving back to the community both financially and through volunteerism. Each year, employees are offered eight paid workday hours to volunteer at a nonprofit of their choice. Many employees use this time to participate in Seasons of Caring projects through United Way of Dane County.

Seasons of Caring offers an opportunity for people to give back to nonprofits that are meaningful to them. When Niki Wagner, Senior Production Assistant at NGL, noticed that Agrace needed volunteers to clean the family kitchens, she knew that was the volunteer task for her. “I like giving back to the place where my mom lived her remaining last few months. Everyone at Agrace was wonderful to not only my mom, but to all of us,” shared Niki.

Below are a few highlights of NGL employee volunteer projects.

Cookout for Seniors at Independent Living, Inc.

Three NGL employees volunteered for the Independent Living, Inc. cookout to celebrate the senior residents. They helped set up and serve grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and salads. The most enjoyable part about the volunteer opportunity was mingling and spending time with the seniors. One resident even entertained them with her lovely singing voice.

Preparing meals at The River Food Pantry

Two NGL employees volunteered at The River Food Pantry to prepare lunches for people in our community. In just three short hours, they prepared hundreds of lunches that will be distributed to people in need.

Felicia McKenzie, New Business Representative at NGL shared her experience, “I really enjoyed meeting people from other Madison companies who were also volunteering. It’s inspiring to see that we live in such a caring community!”

Mulching for Mutts at Dane County Humane Society

There were eight NGL employees who rolled up their sleeves to spread mulch and help maintain the dog walking trails at the Dane County Humane Society. They trimmed bushes and vines and blanketed the trails with fresh wood chips.

Kendra Wotring, Multi-Line Claims Representative at NGL, shared what she liked most about volunteering for the Dane County Humane Society, “It was fun working with other companies who shared the same interest in not only helping the humane society build the paths but helping each other. I enjoyed meeting the other volunteers and seeing the finished project – the trails are so beautiful. I look forward to volunteering again!”

About United Way of Dane County

United Way of Dane County engages the community, mobilizes volunteers and strengthens local nonprofits to achieve measurable results and change lives. To learn more, visit UnitedWayDaneCounty.org.

About NGL

Since 1910, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL), a mutual insurance company, has been located 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 including specialty and student insurance. Additional 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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BOLD Business Boot Camp for Small Businesses to Get in Shape

The BOLD Business Boot Camp for small business start-ups will get small business owners the skills as well as the actual tangible tools they need to start and grow their business.  Attendees will leave with a full list of important things that just about every business needs, including:

• Website
• Web hosting for 1 year
• Real email address
• Head Shots
• Video
• Logo
• Slogan
• Business Cards
• Rack Cards
• Banner
• Facebook Page
• Twitter Page
• LinkedIn Page
• YouTube Page
• Content
• Legal Entity
• Tax ID
• Three months of business coaching

This boot camp also includes training on:

• Bookkeeping
• Accounting
• Understanding balance sheets and P&L Statements
• HR and Employee Law
• Hiring and Firing training
• Taxes
• Marketing
• Customer Service
• Pricing Strategy
• Commercial Insurance
• Lending
• Systems creation
• Leadership

This 6 week course runs Tuesday mornings starting September 12th at Fresh Market Madison.  

Contact James Kademan at Draw In Customers Business Coaching for further details at (608)210-2221 or james@drawincustomers.com.