Meet the Fellows for the 2023 Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs

StartingBlock, Summit Credit Union and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announce seven participating companies for 2023 Cohort of the “Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs”

StartingBlock, Madison’s startup hub and Summit Credit Union, one of the leading credit unions in Wisconsin welcome seven women entrepreneurs into the 2023 cohort of the “Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs,” an initiative designed to support, empower, and catalyze the growth of women entrepreneurs in the region.

“We are thrilled to welcome seven amazing entrepreneurs to the StartingBlock family of companies” said Scott Mosley, Executive Director of StartingBlock Madison. “The Summit Credit Union Fellowship is an amazing opportunity to support women as they pursue their entrepreneurial endeavor. We are thrilled to work with Summit to offer this experience to this year’s cohort.”

Meet the 2023 Summit Credit Union Fellows:

1. Aundrea Booker / Tre-Azure / https://www.Tre-Azure.com
2. Amy Calder / Golden Innovation Group / https://www.goldeninnovationgroup.com
3. Padmini Chintakayala / Nommli / https://www.nommli.com
4. Sara Kraemer / Blueprint for Engineering / https://www.blueprintforengineering.org/
5. Shelby Olstad / Miggy’s Bakes / https://miggysbakes.com
6. Nicole Vafadari / Doret Consulting / https://www.doretconsulting.com
7. Jerina Vincent / JNJ Gifts and More / https://jnjgiftsandmore.com

“We want to encourage women to grow their businesses as they build their own financial security,” said Summit CEO & President Kim Sponem. “In this fellowship, we’re partnering with an amazing group of women to take their businesses to the next level by providing guidance beyond their financial needs. Whether they need help with accounting, marketing, community networking, or business plan development, we will be with them every step of the way.”

The Fellowship began on Nov 1, 2023 and runs through Oct 31, 2024. During the year at StartingBlock, Fellows will receive mentorship and coaching about multiple components of their businesses from both StartingBlock staff and Summit Credit Union Executives.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is a generous supporter of the Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs.

About Summit Credit Union:

Established in 1935, Summit Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative. Summit holds 6.8 billion in assets and has more than 252,000 members and 967 employees across 57 locations throughout Wisconsin. Since 2002, Kim Sponem has been CEO & President of Summit Credit Union, formerly known as CUNA Credit Union/Great Wisconsin Credit Union. 

Recognized for its excellence in employee engagement, in 2021, 2022 and 2023 Summit was named both a Top Workplace in the USA by Top Workplaces USA and a Top Workplace in the Madison area by the Wisconsin State Journal. In 2023 it has added a Top Workplace award in Milwaukee by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

For more information, visit www.summitcreditunion.com or call 608-243-5000 or 800-236-5560.  For additional media information, visit https://www.summitcreditunion.com/about-summit/press-room or follow Summit on Facebook and Instagram.    

About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation:

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is the State of Wisconsin’s lead economic development agency.

About StartingBlock Madison:

StartingBlock – Madison’s Startup Hub is the epicenter for entrepreneurship in Madison, Wisconsin. With a mission to support startups, foster innovation, and drive economic growth, it offers state-of-the-art workspace, mentorship, networking opportunities and resources to emerging businesses.

Bridget Travnick Oberfoell Joins Bank of Sun Prairie as Senior Vice President, Director of Human Resources and Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2023

Contact: Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Bank of Sun Prairie
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com
www.bankofsunprairie.com

Bridget Travnick Oberfoell Joins Bank of Sun Prairie as Senior Vice President, Director of Human Resources and Training

Now at Five Locations and 100⁺ Employees, Bank of Sun Prairie Continues to Grow

Sun Prairie, Wis.— Bank of Sun Prairie welcomes Bridget Travnick Oberfoell, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, as new senior vice president, director of human resources and training and member of the leadership team.

Travnick Oberfoell has worked in human resources for more than 23 years most recently as deputy director of human resources with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and prior with Shared Medical Services and The QTI Group among other companies in Madison and Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management from Cardinal Stritch University. Travnick Oberfoell is active in the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and in causes focused on animal welfare and rescue, child advocacy, environmental protections, and arts and culture.

“We are excited Bridget has joined our team. She brings the perfect blend of human resources leadership, a strong benefits background and passion for training and development.” shared Jimmy Kauffman, Bank of Sun Prairie’s president and CEO. “She will help drive Bank of Sun Prairie as a leading financial services institution serving Dane County and beyond.”

Travnick Oberfoell is based in the bank’s Main Street headquarters in Sun Prairie. Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $719.3 million in assets and five branches in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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Berndt CPA LLC Announces Partner Promotions

Madison, WI 11/01/2023 – Berndt CPA LLC, a leading provider of financial and advisory services, is pleased to announce the promotion of key members of its leadership team. These promotions reflect the company’s commitment to recognizing and fostering talent within the organization, positioning it for continued growth and success.

• Bruce D. Berndt CPA, CGMA, who has been an integral part of the company’s success, has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In his new role, Bruce will provide strategic leadership and guide the company’s long-term vision.

• Alicia Greer CPA, a dedicated professional with a proven record, has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Alicia will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the company and ensuring its efficient functioning.

• Jordon Olson PAFM, known for her dedication and administrative acumen, has been promoted to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). In her new role, Jordon will oversee the daily administrative operations within the organization. This includes strategic planning, assisting in firm goal & policy implementation.

• Jeff Olsen CPA, MBA, with a strong background in tax and innovation, has been promoted to the position of Chief Tax Officer (CTO). Jeff will continue to work to align tax with business goals, drive strategic value, increase transparency, and improve the efficiency of tax operations.

With the support of partners Jay Mouille, CPA and Stephan Mesdjian, CPA, EA we are thrilled to announce these promotions within our leadership team. Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise, and we are confident that they will play a pivotal role in our continued growth and success.

About Berndt CPA: Berndt CPA has been a trusted name in financial services for 13 years. The firm offers a wide range of accounting, tax, and consulting services to businesses across Wisconsin and the U.S. With a focus on delivering personalized solutions, Berndt CPA has earned a reputation for excellence in client service. For more information, visit www.berndtcpa.com.

New Books for Kids this Holiday Season as Madison Reading Project Again Launches Community Book Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE INFORMATION:
Rowan Childs, Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 347-79790
Ann Christianson, Ann@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 345-0792

New Books for Kids this Holiday Season as Madison Reading Project Again Launches Community Book Drive

DANE COUNTY – For the fourth year in a row, Madison Reading Project is launching its annual Community Book Drive, promising to fill the homes of area children with new books this holiday season. 

The goal: Raise $100,000 and provide 15,000 new books before winter break; more than 12,000 children will receive the books via Empty Stocking Club distributions, community partners, schools, and social workers. In addition to kicking off their fundraiser, the nonprofit is also celebrating a proclamation from the City of Madison this month. November is officially Madison Reading Project and Family Literacy Month in Madison. The proclamation also thanks the nonprofit for its work and collaboration with many partners to bring literacy resources, engagement, and free books to all children. 

Madison Reading Project staff and volunteers will place book collection bins at public locations such as shopping malls, and has 40 different groups already hosting individual new book drives to help reach the goal. Anyone can sign up to run a drive, shop online for the book wishlist, or at local bookstores.

Financial donations can be made online or by mailing a physical check.

“We believe it is important for children to have access to new books that reflect their unique identities as well as open their eyes to others’ lived experiences,” says Rowan Childs, executive director. “By supporting our Community Book Drive you will help get thousands of new, high-quality books to kids, many of whom have few books in their homes.”

Madison Reading Project is again partnering with the Empty Stocking Club, Boys and Girls Club, and Reach Dane, along with other community programs, to widen its reach. 

“We’re confident we will reach our donation goals,” Childs adds. “Everyone deserves that new book feeling, especially children, and books in the home are so very important.”

Anyone can help by donating funds or by buying books from local bookstores, such as Lake City Books, Mystery To Me, Leopold’s Books Bar Caffe or Books 4 School. The booklists make it easy to select a choice at any price point. Visit: 

www.madisonreadingproject.com to get involved. A business, club, friend group or neighborhood can also organize a book drive, in person or virtually. 

“We want to shine a light on our amazing community and encourage people to not only help us collect books bought locally, but also support local businesses when they visit our bins,” says Ann Christianson, Book Drive coordinator. “To make it convenient, you can purchase from our wishlist via our website or through local bookstores.”

Madison Reading Project’s book drive works with the Wisconsin State Journal’s annual Empty Stocking Club holiday toy distribution event. Open to all families regardless of their financial situation, every child receives a new book in addition to a brand-new, high-quality toy at the giving event. 

For public donation locations, the link to make a financial contribution, and complete information about the Community Book Drive visit www.madisonreadingproject.com/communitybookdrive

The drive ends Dec. 8th to ensure books get to kids in a timely manner before schools close. The fundraiser is open until the end of the year. 

Madison Reading Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect our community with free books and literacy enrichment programs that ignite a love for reading. 

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One Community Bank Matches Donations for Firefly Coffeehouse Week of Giving Back to the Community!

November 2, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Ameilia Abraham
One Community Bank
608-838-3141
aabraham@onecommunity.bank

OCB Matches Donations for Firefly Coffeehouse Week of Giving Back to the Community!

One Community Bank is proud to continue investing in our communities. OCB is delighted to match donations for Firefly Coffeehouse Week of Giving Back to the Community and donate a total of $6,000 across six local organizations. The organizations include Friends of Oregon School District, Oregon Area Council on Aging Seniors Helping Seniors Fund, 14 South Artists, Oregon Straw Hat Players, The Friends of the Oregon Public Library, and the Oregon Food Pantry. Each organization will receive $1,000 from One Community Bank.

“At One Community Bank we believe in serving our clients, supporting our colleagues, and investing in our communities. This feel-good donation allows us to fulfill that mission. We are proud to support Firefly Coffeehouse in their mission of supporting the Oregon community and are delighted to support each of the local organizations selected by Jeanne and Uri Carpenter, Owners of Firefly” said Steve Peotter, President and CEO of One Community Bank.

In honor of being voted the 2023 Gold Medal Winner for Best Coffeeshop in Madison by Madison Magazine, Firefly Coffeehouse celebrated by supporting local organizations in a Giving Back Week. During the week of September 19-23, they donated 20 percent of all daily sales to six local organizations and One Community Bank matched $1,000 of daily donations. With the support of the community a total of $12,400 will be donated.

“Thank you, One Community Bank, for matching donations during our Week of Giving Back! And thank you to everyone for your support. I am thrilled to be able to give back to the Oregon community as they have supported my business throughout the years,” beamed Jeanne Carpenter, Owner of Firefly Coffeehouse.

One Community Bank is proud to support Firefly Coffeehouse and the six donation recipient organizations.

Sales from Tuesday, September 19, were donated to Friends of Oregon School District. They provide grants to students to attend leadership conferences, music camps, sports camps, driver’s ed and college prep classes.

Sales from Wednesday, September 20, were donated to Oregon Area Council on Aging Seniors Helping Seniors Fund. They assist older adults with unexpected costs, such as emergency housing, medication, and emergency transportation.

Sales from Thursday, September 21, were donated to 14 South Artists and Oregon Straw Hat Players. 14 South Artists, Inc. is a community of artists and art supporters from south-central Wisconsin, working in a variety of mediums and promoting the visual arts. They also operate the Oregon Art Center Gallery in downtown Oregon. Oregon Straw Hat Players provide amateur theatre for the Oregon community, offering opportunities to participate in all production processes, striving for excellence while stressing enjoyment and entertainment.

Sales from Friday, September 22, were donated to The Friends of the Oregon Public Library for their Literacy Programs for Children. The Friends help foster a love of learning and literacy skills in children of all ages and help maintain reading skills during summer months. The Friends also sponsor a variety of opportunities for youth to learn and grow at the library all year long.

Sales from Saturday, September 23, were donated to the Oregon Area Food Pantry. The Oregon Area Food Pantry provides food and necessities to those in need residing within the Oregon School District. Their mission is to reduce the impact of poverty on area residents by compassionately and humbly providing information, education, and tangible and intangible resources.

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One Community Bank is one of the largest community banks in south central Wisconsin. The locally owned bank has 15 bank locations and $2.1 billion in assets. It provides both personal and business banking solutions, with an intense focus on serving clients, supporting colleagues, and investing in its communities. Five years in a row named one of Madison’s best places to work, One Community Bank serves the communities of Oregon, McFarland, Waunakee, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Adams, Oxford, Grand Marsh, Hillsboro, La Farge, Readstown, Wonewoc, and Union Center. Member FDIC.