Join Login

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

Dustin McClone Named a 2026 Wisconsin Titan 100 Honoree for the Second Consecutive Year

President & CEO of McClone Insurance recognized among Wisconsin’s top business leaders shaping the future of their industries

Menasha, WI, October 28, 2025 — McClone Insurance is proud to announce that President and CEO Dustin McClone has been named a 2026 Wisconsin Titan 100 honoree for the second consecutive year. The recognition highlights Wisconsin business leaders who demonstrate vision, integrity, and measurable impact in their organizations and industries.

Since becoming CEO in 2018, Dustin has guided McClone through a period of sustained growth, doubling revenue, expanding into new markets, and achieving record performance across every division. His leadership has centered on clarity, discipline, and a willingness to challenge industry norms. Through its RiskMAP™ process, McClone has redefined how businesses identify and manage risk, helping clients make smarter decisions and achieve stronger results.

“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects the results of doing things the right way,” said McClone. “We’ve built a model that rewards discipline, clarity, and curiosity, and the market continues to respond. It’s proof that challenging the status quo works.”

McClone is a proud sponsor of the Wisconsin Titan 100 program, which celebrates leadership and fosters connection among business professionals across the state. Through sponsorship, the company supports opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and shared growth that align with McClone’s drive to move the industry forward.

In addition to his role at McClone, Dustin serves as a Director for Nicolet Bank, a Board Member and past Chair of United Way Fox Cities and is actively involved with several nonprofit and community organizations across Wisconsin. His leadership philosophy, “When in doubt, do the right thing. The rest will take care of itself,” continues to guide the company’s approach to growth and performance.

This recognition reflects not only Dustin’s leadership but the collective efforts of the McClone team, whose focus on results, innovation, and continuous improvement continues to strengthen the company’s position and impact.

For additional information, please contact:
Ashley Rothmann
pr@mcclone.com

About McClone Insurance

McClone Insurance is a leading provider of risk management and insurance solutions headquartered in Wisconsin, serving clients nationwide through regional offices across the state. Founded in 1949, McClone offers business insurance, employee benefits, HR outsourcing, retirement plans, and personal insurance, all built on a foundation of people, community, and exceptional service. With a reputation for challenging convention and driving results, McClone continues to transform how risk is managed through its proprietary RiskMAP™ process and the McClone M.A.D.E. program, making a meaningful difference for clients and communities alike.
To learn more, visit mcclone.com.

Photo by Richard Hurd

PureTech Home Services Releases Tool to Search Radon Testing Data by Zip Code

PureTech Home Services is releasing a free to use tool for anybody to search their zip code and see the latest radon testing data from the CDC. We display:

  • Average and highest radon levels by ZIP and county
  • % of tests above EPA recommended action level (4.0 pCi/L)
  • % of radon testing between suggested action levels (2.0-4.0 pCi/L)
  • Health equivalence visuals (e.g., cigarettes/day, chest X-rays per year, and flights per year)

It’s the most comprehensive databases for any Wisconsinite to see what radon gas levels their community is exposed to on average.

Check out your zip code and county exposure levels here:

https://www.puretechhs.com/radon-wi-by-zip-search

PureTech Home Services provides radon testing and radon mitigation system installation services throughout south-central Wisconsin. Contact us today if you’re concerned about your exposure levels.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Stella’s Bakery Moves Storefront to Regent Street

New location opens Nov. 1 with expanded offerings and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 4

Madison, WI — October 21, 2025 — Stella’s Bakery, a Madison favorite and home of the original hot and spicy cheese bread, is moving its storefront to a new location at 1219 Regent Street. The new bakery and café will officially open to the public on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m.

The move marks a new chapter for Stella’s. Its original South Madison facility will now operate exclusively as a production and distribution center, while the Regent Street space will serve as a welcoming café where customers can enjoy freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, coffee drinks, beer and wine, and the iconic cheese bread that made Stella’s a local staple. The new location features an outdoor patio for guests to enjoy, which can also be reserved for private events.

“Stella’s Bakery has always been about more than just bread; it’s about bringing people together,” said Jennifer Patrello, owner of Stella’s Bakery. “Our new Regent Street home is designed to do just that — to create a space where neighbors, students, and visitors can gather and enjoy the flavors that make Wisconsin special.”

Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting
Official Opening:
Saturday, November 1, 2025 — 7:00 a.m.
Stella’s Bakery — 1219 Regent Street, Madison, WI

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony:
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 — 10:00 a.m.
Stella’s Bakery — 1219 Regent Street, Madison, WI

About Stella’s Bakery
Founded in 1988, Stella’s Bakery is a beloved family-owned business and the home of the original hot and spicy cheese bread. The bakery was started by Jennifer’s parents and later refined and expanded by her siblings, carrying forward a legacy of family craftsmanship. It is named in honor of Jennifer’s entrepreneurial great-grandmother, Stella McInni, whose Jamaican and Panamanian roots continue to inspire the bakery’s spirit. For decades, Stella’s has been a cherished staple at farmers markets, festivals, and family tables across Wisconsin.

Photo by Richard Hurd

MMSD, Madison College and Exact Sciences Partnership Aims to Grow Opportunities for Early College STEM Academy Students

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), Madison College and Exact Sciences are joining forces to grow opportunities for students enrolled in the Early College STEM Academy, a program designed to prepare participants for success in college and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related fields.

Through a new partnership with Exact Sciences, students will gain firsthand insight into the world of biotechnology and the many career paths it offers. Throughout the school year, Early College STEM Academy students will connect with Exact Sciences professionals through three interactive experiences:

  • Lab Tour (November): Students will tour Exact Sciences’ Cologuard laboratory to see how scientific innovation comes to life. They’ll learn about the roles involved in developing diagnostic tests and hear from team members about their journeys into science and innovation.
  • Career Exploration (February): Students will dive into the science and strategy behind Exact Sciences’ newest product, ColorGuard Plus, as well as explore the wide variety of STEM-related careers at the company and take part in hands-on activities that demonstrate real-world applications of their learning.
  • Celebration and Reflection (April): The year will conclude with a celebration recognizing students’ achievements and growth. Participants will reflect on what they’ve learned, explore their next steps in STEM and receive resume and interview tips from the Exact Sciences Talent Team.

“This partnership is about developing the next generation of innovators,” said Katie Boyce, senior director, corporate impact and strategic communications at Exact Sciences. “By showing students what science looks like in action and introducing them to real career paths, we hope to inspire them to see how their passion for STEM can shape their future.”

The Early College STEM Academy offers MMSD students the opportunity to earn college credit through Madison College while completing their high school studies. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on experiences like those offered through Exact Sciences, the Academy helps students develop the technical knowledge, professional skills and confidence needed to thrive in science and technology careers.

“The STEM Academy shows the power of collaboration,” said Cindy Green, MMSD assistant superintendent of strategy and innovation. “Our students thrive when schools, higher education and employers work together.”

STEM education offers students not only subject knowledge but the critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills required in tomorrow’s workforce. In Wisconsin, demand for STEM and biotech talent is real: Per the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the city alone consistently has around 300 job openings in the biotechnology sector. Meanwhile, bioscience jobs in Wisconsin report average salaries around $107,000 annually, nearly double average U.S. income levels, according to UW Online Collaboratives. 

Statewide projections also point toward growth in technical and STEM fields. Over the decade 2022–2032, Wisconsin is expected to add 225,071 new jobs across all sectors (a 7.1% growth rate), per the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Within that broader labor market, STEM careers such as computer science, data science, and engineering are among the fastest growing nationally

“Madison College is proud to stand alongside MMSD and Exact Sciences,” said Dr. Mark Thomas, Madison College executive vice president of policy and strategy. “Together, we’re building a stronger talent pipeline that will benefit our community and the state of Wisconsin.”

For students, experiences like lab tours, industry mentorship, and real-world project work help close the gap between classroom learning and employer expectations, providing a head start in high-demand, well-compensated fields. 

Only students currently enrolled in the Early College STEM Academy are eligible to participate in this opportunity. For more information, please visit the MMSD website.

###

About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Amy Squitieri Takes the Helm as Mead & Hunt CEO

MADISON, WIS. – October 21, 2025 – Mead & Hunt announced that Amy Squitieri will become Chief Executive Officer effective November 1, 2025. Currently serving as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, Amy brings more than three decades of leadership experience to the role and has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction, employee-focused culture, and innovation initiatives.

The leadership transition reflects years of intentional succession planning at the 125-year-old engineering, architectural, and planning firm. Outgoing CEO Andy Platz will remain with the company as Board Chair, supporting continuity as Mead & Hunt continues its commitment to excellence.

“Having worked alongside Amy for three decades, I’ve witnessed how her vision, integrity, and drive have elevated our firm,” said Platz. “She is exceptionally qualified for this role, and I’m confident that under her leadership, Mead & Hunt will reach new heights while staying true to our people-first culture and values.”

Amy has served on Mead & Hunt’s Board since 2007 and has led numerous growth and transformation initiatives that position the firm for continued success. She spearheaded the company’s Foresight + Innovation + Technology (FIT) program to help the firm navigate technology and change in the AEC industry and launched the Future Readiness program to streamline operations and empower teams to thrive in a dynamic business environment. Both programs reflect her commitment to delivering value to clients, communities, and employees through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

As CEO, Amy’s priorities will focus on strengthening career development across the organization, executing the firm’s strategic plan, and accelerating adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence. She views her role as a steward in service to the firm and its people, a perspective that shapes her approach to leadership. She is committed to preparing and mentoring the next generation of leaders, knowing that her greatest responsibility is to pass on a healthy, thriving company to the next generation of employee owners who will continue the firm’s legacy.

“It is such an honor to lead this company,” Amy said. “I think about all the talented people we have and what they’re working to accomplish. We have an impressive 125-year legacy dedicated to our values of taking care of people, doing the right thing, and doing what makes sense. I

appreciate that I get to carry that torch forward and entrust a strong, growing firm to the next generation.”

Beyond Mead & Hunt, Amy contributes to shaping the future of the AEC profession through her service on the Board of Engineering Change Lab-USA (ECL-USA), a nonprofit preparing the engineering community for 21st-century challenges. She also actively contributes to the ACEC Research Institute, a leading source of knowledge and business strategies advancing the built environment.

About Mead & Hunt

Mead & Hunt is a national, full-service engineering, architectural, planning, and construction services firm that has been serving clients for 125 years. Since its founding, the employee-owned firm has grown significantly in size and diversity and continues to rank in Engineering News-Record’s Top 100 Design Firms. Today, the company employs more than 1,400 people and works in a variety of markets, including aviation, transportation, cultural resources, food and beverage, renewable energy, water, and federal. For more information, visit www.meadhunt.com.