Middleton Chamber of Commerce: Mission: Workforce Alliance Announces Strategic Partnership with Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce

Middleton, WI – 5/15/2024 – Mission Workforce Alliance (MWA) is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce a dedicated initiative aimed at integrating transitioning service members into the local workforce. This collaboration marks a significant commitment to addressing the workforce challenges facing the region while supporting veteran transition into civilian careers.

Mission Workforce Alliance, operated by the Middleton Chamber of Commerce Foundation, connects businesses with highly skilled veterans, offering a rich pool of talent in fields ranging from IT and engineering to project management and finance. With over 200,000 service members transitioning annually, this partnership provides Wisconsin businesses exclusive access to a diverse and capable workforce ready to meet the demands of today’s industries.

David Minor, President + CEO Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, says “I’m excited to emphasize the importance of programs like Mission: Workforce Alliance and the need for partnerships between chambers across Wisconsin. MWA serves as a vital link between transitioning service members and businesses, allowing us to harness their unique skills for the benefit of our economy.”

MWA’s collaboration with the Eau Claire Chamber not only aims to fill the growing number of vacancies but also supports Wisconsin’s broader economic development strategy. By welcoming veterans into its communities, Wisconsin strengthens its workforce with individuals renowned for their leadership, technical expertise, and dedication.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, marking a significant first step in taking our Mission: Workforce Alliance program statewide. This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to connecting Wisconsin’s transitioning service members to meaningful careers but also sets a precedent for other communities to join us in this vital initiative,” says Kate Miller, President & CEO, Middleton Chamber of Commerce.

**About Mission Workforce Alliance:**

Mission Workforce Alliance assists in bridging the gap between transitioning service members and the business community, enhancing workforce readiness and economic growth. Through simplified recruitment processes and tailored training programs, MWA ensures that veterans can effectively transition to civilian employment, contributing to the economic vitality of their new communities.

**Contact:**
Kate Miller
President + CEO
888.384.4482
kate@missionworkforcealliance.org

For more information about how to get involved with Mission Workforce Alliance, visit: https://www.missionworkforcealliance.org/).

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Per Mar Security Services Ranked #16 in SDM’s Top 100

Contact:
Jordin Wilson
Director of Marketing, Per Mar Security Services
(563) 344-7313 

For immediate release:
May 14, 2024

Per Mar Security Services Ranked #16 in SDM’s Top 100

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions, is proud to announce its ranking of #16 on Security Dealer Magazine’s (SDM) prestigious SDM 100 list for 2024. This recognition signifies Per Mar’s continued commitment to excellence in the security industry.

The SDM 100 is an annual ranking of the top security dealers in the United States, based on a comprehensive review of factors such as revenue, recurring revenue, growth rate, and customer service. Inclusion on the list is a coveted distinction, and Per Mar’s #16 ranking reflects its dedication to providing its clients with innovative security solutions and exceptional service. This marks the 34^th consecutive year that Per Mar has held a ranking in the SDM 100 Report.

Chris Edwards, President of Per Mar Security’s Electronic Security Division, said: “We are honored to once again be ranked in the top 20 companies in our industry. To be a part of this list for over 30 years speaks well of our team and their dedication to our customers as we continue to grow in all of our markets in the upper Midwest.”

About Per Mar

Established in 1953, Per Mar Security Services is the largest, family-owned, full-service security company in the Midwest with more than 3,000 team members, operating in 27 branch locations. The company provides full-service security solutions for homes and businesses including live video monitoring, 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.

Wisconsin Union: Limited-Edition, Badger Red Mini Terrace Chair Celebrates 175th UW–Madison Anniversary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2024

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

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/175-chair

LIMITED-EDITION, BADGER RED MINI TERRACE CHAIR CELEBRATES 175TH UW–MADISON ANNIVERSARY

MADISON – A limited-edition, Badger Red, mini Terrace chair 175 years in the making — with a sunny lakefront and 175 in its chairback — recently made its debut at Badger Markets at Memorial Union and Union South and in the Online Terrace Store in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

The Wisconsin Union team and the UW–Madison Office of Strategic Communication collaborated to create the new mini chair as part of the university’s yearlong anniversary celebration and celebration of the Wisconsin Idea, a belief that UW–Madison’s teaching, research and public service should push beyond the boundaries of campus to improve the lives of all.

Wisconsin-based Wisco Industries crafted and painted the 4-inch-tall chairs. The Wisconsin Union currently has about 1,700 available for purchase. The team does not anticipate producing additional 175th anniversary chairs.

“We’re proud to celebrate the university’s 175th anniversary with this special edition of one of our most beloved icons, the Terrace chair,” said Vice Chancellor for University Relations Charles Hoslet, who led the 175th anniversary celebration for campus. “Purchasing a chair is a great way to join in the celebration with Badgers everywhere.”

Funds raised from the limited-edition chair sales will in part go to the Chancellor’s Annual Fund, which has historically supported the university’s students as well as helped make the Wisconsin Idea possible in many ways, including the providing of student financial support, the recruitment and retention of faculty, and the exploration of new research possibilities. Sales will also support student leadership opportunities as well as free and low-cost events at the Wisconsin Union.

“For more than 110 years, the Wisconsin Union has been part of UW–Madison, striving to expand learning beyond the classroom and to make a difference in the lives of students, faculty, staff, visitors and community members,” said Mark Guthier, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and the Wisconsin Union director. “The 175th mini Terrace chair is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our shared history of supporting the Wisconsin Idea, the incredible ways UW–Madison is changing the world, as well as the university’s supporters.”

The Wisconsin Union’s previous limited-edition mini chairs have included a cow-print chair in 2019 supporting the UW School of Veterinary Medicine; a 2020 Earth-themed chair that supported the UW–Madison Green Fund; a 2023 purple and teal chair supporting University Health Services’ Suicide Prevention Fund; and a 2024 multi-hued chair that supports the Multicultural Student Center’s (MSC’s) food insecurity initiatives.

Patrons can currently purchase a limited supply of the 175th mini chairs, the cow-print mini chairs, and the multi-hued MSC chairs in the Wisconsin Union’s Badger Markets at Memorial Union and Union South and the Union’s online store, while supplies last. The Wisconsin Union team sells red, green, yellow and orange mini Terrace chairs and tables as well as full-size white and red Terrace chairs and tables year-round.

The full-size yellow, orange and green Terrace chairs that inspire the Wisconsin Union’s mini Terrace chairs appear at the Union’s lakefront outdoor dining and entertainment destination the Memorial Union Terrace each year for a summer by the lake. Summer by the Lake at the Terrace includes dozens of free and low-cost art events, free concerts, free film showings and low-cost outdoor recreation experiences. Patrons can learn more about Terrace season at TerraceSummer.com.

To learn about the 175th anniversary celebration and UW–Madison, visit 175.wisc.edu.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The non-profit Wisconsin Union strives to enhance and support student leadership and community engagement, including through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities and by providing world-class support services, such as in event management. The Wisconsin Union includes student leadership opportunities available through the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the Center for Leadership and Involvement, the Wisconsin Singers, StudentPrint, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee; Memorial Union; Union South; various dining options throughout downtown Madison; the University Club; UW Conferences & Events; and the Fluno Center. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

About the UW–Madison 175th Anniversary

From 1848 to today, UW–Madison has been home to both dreamers and doers. Badgers are driven by public service, pushing beyond our boundaries and solving society’s largest problems. We call it the Wisconsin Idea. Because this is where an idea can change the world. Learn more: 175.wisc.edu.

Lake Ridge Bank Announces Joanne Bell as Executive Assistant to Both President and CEO as DiFulvio Retires

May 13, 2024 (MADISON, Wis.) – Lake Ridge Bank is pleased to announce an expanded role for Joanne Bell as Executive Assistant for both Chief Executive Officer Jim Tubbs and President Paul Hoffmann, as well as handling the bank’s shareholder services.

Bell’s increased responsibilities reflects her exceptional service in this capacity for Hoffmann over the last six years. Lake Ridge Bank expanded her position to assist both bank leaders after Tubbs’ executive assistant, Tami DiFulvio, announced her retirement in early March to care for a loved one. DiFulvio also served as Secretary to the Lake Ridge Bank Board of Directors.

As part of her announcement, DiFulvio shared her thoughts about spending more than 16 years at the bank, saying, “I am so thankful to have worked for an institution and direct leader who appreciated what I brought to the team every day. It has truly been a joy to work alongside Jim Tubbs and the entire executive team at Lake Ridge Bank to serve families, businesses, and communities throughout Southern Wisconsin. I have met so many amazing, thoughtful, service-minded people during my time there.”

Joanne Bell can be reached at jbell@lakeridge.bank.

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Lake Ridge Bank’s mission is to “build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time.” For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at the best rate possible for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

Lake Ridge Bank. Go Far. Go Together!

For additional information, please contact Mark Schellpfeffer at mschellpfeffer@lakeridge.bank.

WPS Charitable Foundation donates $240,000 in 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Charitable Foundation donates $240,000 in 2024
Mental health initiatives continue to be the focus

MADISON, Wis.—May 13, 2024—In 2024, the WPS Charitable Foundation has donated $240,000 to local organizations that support mental health, education, and the essential needs of children, senior citizens, and veterans. Providing these funds early in the year allows organizations the financial ability to undertake their missions and support more people.

Organizations selected to receive money from the WPS Charitable Foundation this year include:

• Mental Health America
• Boulder Crest Foundation
• Edgewood College Foundation
• NAMI National
• NAMI Wisconsin
• NAMI Dane County
• PsychArmor
• United Way of Dane County
  • Journey Mental Health
  • The Rainbow Project
  • EOTO
  • Girls on the Run

“This year, our Foundation continues its giving strategy of donating more than half of available funds to support organizations that work to destigmatize mental health,” Moira Klos, the Foundation’s Vice President of its Board of Trustees, said. “Mental health is health, and we are working to remove stigmas to make seeking mental health care easier. The goal is to help individuals acknowledge the need for care and provide much-needed resources when they do reach out for assistance on their mental health journey.”

About the WPS Charitable Foundation

The WPS Charitable Foundation was formed in 1986 to honor Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation’s first president, Ray Koenig. The Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that focuses on enhancing the communities we call home by supporting organizations focused on health and wellness, especially of women and children, seniors, veterans, and underserved populations. The Foundation also funds the Ray Koenig Memorial Scholarship program. Each year, the program makes educational opportunities available through scholarship awards to children of employees of WPS Health Solutions and its subsidiaries.

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