Tim Hoel Joins M3 as Director of Personal Lines

Madison, WI – M3 Insurance is proud to welcome Tim Hoel as its first-ever Director of Personal Lines, a key step in expanding its services to meet growing client demand.

With over a decade of leadership experience, most recently at American Family, Tim has a strong track record of driving agency success and enhancing the client experience. In his new role, he will be focusing on team development, advancing personal lines strategy, and working directly with clients to ensure best-in-class service.

“Tim’s expertise and leadership bring a new level of structure and strategy to our personal lines team,” said Becky Menefee, vice president of M3 Elevate and partner at M3. “His deep industry knowledge and client-centric approach align perfectly with our vision for growth and the highest quality service.”

The creation of this role underscores M3’s strategic focus on personal lines as a key growth area, particularly in an evolving market landscape spanning Wisconsin, Illinois, and Upper Michigan.

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About M3

M3 is a top insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work. For more information on M3, visit www.m3ins.com.

Seeking Sponsors for New Monthly workshops in Downtown Madison for women

Become a Sponsor and Empower Multicultural Women Entrepreneurs

We are now located in downtown Madison, connecting and educating low-income women who dream for more!

We invite you to support Midwest Mujeres’ monthly workshops and become a sponsor for this month’s in-person education series, helping multicultural entrepreneurial women thrive. Your sponsorship directly supports our Voices and Dreams Academy, a six-month accelerator designed to uplift low-income women — especially women over 50 — through hands-on training in financial literacy, branding, public speaking, and storytelling.

Your contribution will help us provide meals and high-quality instruction to 15–20 inspiring women entrepreneurs. In return, your brand will be recognized by our 20,000+ followers across social media, our blog, and in our email newsletter. Together, let’s launch this year’s cohort and make a lasting impact—one voice, one dream at a time.

LINK to Give: https://donorbox.org/midwestmujeres

We are a registered nonprofit organization, and if you have questions, email us at info@midwestmujeres.com

Learn about our board and who we work with: https://www.midwestmujeres.com/about

Link to April’s workshop and sponsor (Big Thanks to Ascendium!) https://www.midwestmujeres.com/post/unlocking-the-possibilities-midwest-mujeres-first-in-person-event-in-our-new-space-with-leflore-ac

Madison Night Market Brings Downtown Culture to the Streets

Showcase of Local Businesses, 100+ Unique Vendors, Live Music and Food Trucks

DOWNTOWN MADISON, WI – Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to announce the return of the expanded Madison Night Market on May 8, June 12, August 21, September 18, and October 16, from 5-9 p.m. Last year’s expansion onto N. Carroll and W. Mifflin Streets on Capitol Square is back, along with State Street and Gilman Street, welcoming more local artisans and food vendors to the fast-growing downtown district.

According to pedestrian data from Placer.ai, last year’s Madison Night Market series attracted a combined total of 92,600 people, representing a 16% increase over 2023. The BID is also experiencing a wave of new businesses. Since January 2024, a total of 42 new establishments have chosen to locate in the heart of downtown, adding to the diverse mix of retail, dining, and service offerings in the area. These new businesses represent a significant investment in Madison’s Central Business Improvement District, demonstrating confidence in the area’s continued growth and prosperity.

“It’s incredible to see the positive trends,” said Matt Tramel, Executive Director of Madison’s Central BID. “It reflects the hard work of our small businesses, the dedication of the community and the unique culture of downtown Madison. We’re a destination for locals and visitors alike, and the energy and vibrancy of the Madison Night Market reflects an enduring appeal. We’re proud to support our local entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of our community.”

Madison is known for great shopping, amazing food and a talented arts scene, and the Madison Night Market brings our urban experience together in celebration. Vendors and State Street retailers combine to showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, artisanal foods, and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts, and pop-up restaurant experiences.

New for this year’s series, the BID is highlighting unique Madison cultural themes with live entertainment and family friendly activities, including:

• May 8: Celebrating UW Madison – programming details and music lineup here!
• June 12: Celebrating Madison Sports
• August 21: Celebrating Wisconsin History
• September 18: Celebrating Madison’s Hispanic Heritage
• October 16: Science on the Square

For the May 8 market date, the BID will announce a full list of vendors and food trucks in late April.

The most up-to-date market details can be found here: https://madisonnightmarket.com

Follow along on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/madisonnightmarket/

And on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/madisonnightmarket/

Stay up to date on ALL downtown events here: https://visitdowntownmadison.com/events/

ABOUT MADISON’S CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)

The BID represents more than 370 businesses and 250 property owners. It is dedicated to supporting the economic vitality, safety and vibrancy of downtown Madison. We serve the greater State Street, Capitol Square and First Settlement district, working collaboratively with property owners, small businesses and city stakeholders to make downtown Madison the best place to shop, dine, work, live and explore. As a special assessment district, we provide important services, including marketing, public programming, small business support and storefront advocacy to ensure a thriving downtown.

Oak Bank Joins Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Power of Community Week with Week-Long Volunteer Efforts

Madison, WI – Oak Bank is proud to announce participation in the Wisconsin Banker’s Association’s Power of Community Week. This event runs from April 21 to 26 as part of National Community Banking Month. In celebration, Oak Bank associates will come together to give back to the local community. Our efforts will help underscore the bank’s ongoing commitment to building lasting relationships with our local businesses, schools, families, and friends.

Oak Bank associates will volunteer nearly 100 hours during the week. They will help several local organizations and initiatives that support the well-being of individuals and families-in-need.

“At Oak Bank, we don’t just do business in the community – we live here and are proud to call it home. Participating in Power of Community Week is a way for us to strengthen our deep ties to the people and organizations that make our community special,” explains Terry Taylor, Oak Bank President.

Oak Bank’s Volunteer Schedule for Power of Community Week:

• Monday, April 21: Clean-up at Three Gaits Therapy Stables, supporting equine-assisted therapy for individuals with disabilities.
• Tuesday, April 22: Decorate lunch bags for the Ronald McDonald House, bringing cheer to families in need.
• Wednesday, April 23: Assemble birthday kits for families supported by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church food pantry.
• Thursday, April 24: Prepare a home-cooked meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
• Friday, April 25: Volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity build site, helping to construct homes for local families.

Beyond this week, Oak Bank dedicates time, resources, and energy to support a variety of local organizations and causes every year, reinforcing the importance of giving back to the communities we serve. For more information about Oak Bank’s community involvement, please visit https://www.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.

Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Madison Presented With Service Excellence Award

Local Staffing and Recruiting Company Recognized with Prestigious National Honor

MADISON, Wis. – Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) South Central Wisconsin and Northern Illinois announced today that President and Franchise Owner Austin Kassner was presented with the Service Excellence Award during the company’s annual National Meeting.

Given to the office that consistently delivers exceptional service to its partners, Kassner’s commitment to continual improvement earned both of his offices praise with a quality assurance score of 93.5% and an average Google rating of nearly five stars. Kassner was also recently recognized for his community impact by In Business Madison as part of the publication’s “Forty Under 40 Class of 2025” and as a “Millennial Franchise Rockstar” by Franchise Business Review in 2024. His dedication to the community shines through in partnerships with organizations such as The River Food Pantry, Second Harvest Food Bank and Rockford Promise.

“Building strong teams and creating opportunities is what we do—but it’s the relationships we build that truly make the difference,” said Kassner. “We continue to challenge ourselves to be better, to show up for our partners in ways that matter. This award is a reflection of our team’s drive, passion, and commitment to the communities we call home.”

The 2025 Spherion National Meeting was held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, from February 27 to March 1. This annual event gives franchisees a chance to build connections with peers and corporate team members while attending educational workshops. During this gathering, Spherion partnered with San Antonio-based non-profit Soldiers’ Angels, making 45 no-sew blankets for active military members, veterans and their families. This effort further emphasizes Spherion’s commitment to making a positive impact in every community it serves.

“Reflecting on 2024, I am incredibly grateful for the passion and dedication of our Spherion community,” said Kathy George, President of Spherion. “Gathering in San Antonio reinforced just how much our franchisees shape careers, support businesses, and uplift their communities in lasting ways. Austin and the South Central Wisconsin and Northern Illinois teams are a shining example of what makes Spherion exceptional—leading with integrity, fostering strong partnerships with candidates and clients, and setting the standard for excellence in our franchise community. Their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities and driving meaningful change makes a lasting impact, not just within Spherion but in the communities they serve. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the difference they make every day.”

Spherion brandishes the power of local through a network of independent and empowered franchisees like Kassner. Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community through connecting and facilitating employment opportunities—and when they’re successful together, their investments flow back into the neighborhoods where they live and work. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.

To learn more about Spherion Madison, visit www.spherion.com/madison.