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Photo by Richard Hurd

Pre-Ordering of Wisconsin Union’s House-Made Thanksgiving To Go Meals Opens Nov. 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 18, 2023

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu 
Phone: (608) 262-8862

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/thanksgiving-2023

PRE-ORDERING OF WISCONSIN UNION’S HOUSE-MADE THANKSGIVING TO GO MEALS OPENS NOV. 1

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union team’s annual Thanksgiving To Go will return in November with online ordering of group meals for six people and individual-sized meals beginning Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. CDT and ending on Nov.15 at 5 p.m. CDT or while supplies last.

Since 2004, the Wisconsin Union team has offered ready-to-reheat and serve, house-made Thanksgiving meals. This year’s meal options include:

  • Group meals for six people for $175, which include a choice of a bourbon turkey or roasted turkey entree, sides of turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, herbed green beans, sage stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry relish and fresh dinner rolls with butter, and a choice of pumpkin, pecan or fudge bottom pie
  • Individual-sized meals for $18, which include the choice of a roasted turkey, baked gingersnap mustard-glazed ham or creamy butternut squash lasagna entree, a variety of house-made side dishes, including herbed green beans and cranberry relish, and a choice of pumpkin, pecan or fudge bottom pie

Customers can add additional sides of cranberry relish, turkey gravy or creamy butternut squash lasagna and whole pies to their orders.

All members of the public can submit orders. At the time of ordering, customers can select a pick-up time window for a time between 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. at Memorial Union on Nov. 22.

People can also give to support the donations of individual-sized meals to University of Wisconsin–Madison students experiencing food insecurity. Patrons do not need to purchase a meal to make a gift. The donating of meals is the continuation of a three-year-long partnership between the Wisconsin Union team and the UW–Madison Dean of Students Office. UW–Madison students in need of a free Thanksgiving To Go meal can complete the meal request form here beginning Nov. 1.

“We at the Wisconsin Union have almost 10 years of experience with creating house-made, convenient Thanksgiving meals that help people make the most of their time,” Wisconsin Union Deputy Director Susan Dibbell said.

According to a 2022 FinanceBuzz survey, more than 69% of Americans would consider getting or have purchased their Thanksgiving meal pre-cooked from a restaurant. The Wisconsin Union team was an early adopter of this growing trend, having begun offering Thanksgiving meals to go in 2004. This replaced a previously offered Thanksgiving buffet, which waned in popularity in its final years.

Purchases of Thanksgiving To Go meals and all purchases at Wisconsin Union dining options help the Union team provide thousands of events, activities, spaces and student leadership positions, some of which include academic stipends of up to 80% of students’ in-state tuition.

Customers interested in ordering Thanksgiving To Go as well as those who would like to donate to support students experiencing food insecurity can visit union.wisc.edu/thanksgiving.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Findorff Announces Three New Shareholders

J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. (Findorff) is pleased to announce the recent selection of three Company Shareholders. Chad Eschler, Kyle Olson, and Tony Sullivan will join the twelve members of Findorff’s current ownership team, which includes Matt Breunig, John Feller, Brian Hornung, Bob Hougard, Luke Hutchins, Jim Martin, Jason Mattila, Christin Mlsna, Ben Pechan, Eric Plautz, Jeff Tubbs, and Jim Yehle.

“Our new shareholders represent excellence in their perspective fields and an unwavering commitment to Findorff’s success,” said Jim Yehle, President and CEO. “We are proud of their accomplishments and contributions to continue to move Findorff forward.”

Chad Eschler has held a variety of roles within his 17 years at Findorff from Yard Superintendent to Special Projects Manager to his current role as Vice President of Business Development. Chad leads the Business Development team aligning with Findorff’s growth strategy to cultivate relationships with businesses, local leaders, and potential clients. He is a member of NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association), and BioForward, and sits on the Board of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Construction Owners Association of America (COAA). Beyond the construction realm, Chad is known for his commitment to community involvement, philanthropy, and mentorship. Chad is an In Business magazine 40 Under 40 alumnus.

Kyle Olson started his career with Findorff as a laborer 18 years ago and has since held roles as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, Superintendent, and now as Director of Field Operations. Kyle leads a robust team of Superintendents, Supervisors, and construction trade professionals across the country. He provides guidance, training, and support to field staff, and serves as a bridge to promote collaboration between the field and office teams. Kyle serves on the Board of Directors for Operation Fresh Start, and volunteers for WayForward Resources’ (formerly known as Middleton Outreach Ministry) “Canstruction” Program, and Project Home’s Hammer with a Heart. He is a 2023 recipient of In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 award.

Tony Sullivan has over 19 years of experience in the construction industry. He joined Findorff in 2014 as a Project Manager and was promoted to Director of Project Management – Healthcare in 2020. Tony leads Findorff’s Healthcare industry with a focus on project management, provides project support and strategy, and serves as a client resource to help the team continue to deliver exceptional service. His portfolio includes notable projects such as SSM Health South Madison CampusCarle Foundation HospitalUpland Hills Health, and countless UW Health projects. Tony serves on the Board of Directors for the Meriter Foundation and the American Heart Association – Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) and the Wisconsin Healthcare Engineering Association (WHEA).

Photo by Richard Hurd

WPS Charitable Foundation awards scholarships for 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

WPS Charitable Foundation awards scholarships for 2023
Funds help support education for children of WPS Health Solutions employees

MADISON, Wis.—Oct 16, 2023—The WPS Charitable Foundation has awarded scholarships to 16 students across the country. They are the 2023 recipients of the Ray Koenig Memorial Scholarship, benefiting children of employees of WPS Health Solutions or one of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Each student received a one-year scholarship valued at $1,250.

Wisconsin

  • Caitlin Drevs, UW-Milwaukee
  • Lindsay Gilge, UW-Madison
  • Sydney Kanable, UW-Whitewater
  • Spencer Kanable, UW-Whitewater
  • Dom Lobner, UW-Madison
  • Elijah Moua, Madison College
  • Sam Piontek, UW-Eau Claire
  • Catherine Rault, Loyola University Chicago
  • Paige Schuttemeier, Madison College
  • Makaila Weddle, Concordia University

Illinois

  • Hailey Bryan, Murray State University
  • Sydney Harbison, Beloit College
  • August Skinner, John A. Logan College Foundation

Missouri

  • Elizabeth Skoff, Missouri State University

Nebraska

  • Sam Mullin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

North Carolina

  • Kamille Stevenson, Clark Atlanta University

About the WPS Charitable Foundation

The WPS Charitable Foundation was formed in 1986 to honor WPS’ 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, military and 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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Photo by Richard Hurd

Spare Time Madison Now Open!

For Immediate Release

Contact: Rachel Crowder
Phone: (802) 655-3468 ext. 81020
Email: rcrowder@bowlne.com

Spare Time Madison Now Open!

Spare Time Entertainment is proud to open their latest state of the art Entertainment Center in Madison, WI on Thursday, October 12th. The brand new luxury entertainment venue has been under construction at 7415 Mineral Point Road in Madison since early summer. This location will mark Spare Time’s eighteenth location, and first in Wisconsin.

The new 50,000 square-foot facility is the perfect place for friends and family to come together, relax, and celebrate. The venue is features amenities and entertainment for groups of all sizes, ages, and abilities, including:

  • 21 Luxury bowling lanes with plush couches and massive HD Video walls, including 14 in the main area and 7 in the private Elite Suite event space
  • The Elite Suite also features a private bar, bowling lanes, and dining area.
  • State-of-the-art Laser Tag arena with heart-pounding music, fog, and special effects.
  • Massive Game Zone arcade with more than 80 state-of-the-art arcade games and redemption prize store.
  • 2 “Mind Games” Escape Rooms, designed to entertain and puzzle groups of up to 2-8 guests at a time for each one-hour or 30-minute adventure.
  • Full-service restaurant and bar, featuring hand-tossed pizza, hand-breaded chicken, signature burgers, craft cocktails, and much more.

Corporate and private event guests will surely be surprised and delighted by Spare Time’s beautiful venue, crave-worthy catering, and exceptional service, which will leave them talking about their event for years to come.

“We’re so excited to be opening Spare Time in Madison, Wisconsin. Family is important to us and our brand is perfect for young children, teenagers, parents and grandparents. We offer something for everyone. Spare Time’s family-friendly environment is a place to bond. Whether you’re planning to host your child’s birthday party, corporate executives, girl’s night out or a school spirit night – events are our specialty. We take great pride in Creating Memorable Experiences. Every Guest, Every Visit.” said Heather Provost, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Spare Time Entertainment.

With sixteen existing locations throughout the Northeast, Southeast and now growing in the Midwest area, Spare Time Entertainment looks forward with excitement to being an active member of each of the communities. They will continue to demonstrate that they care about the places where their employees and guests live.

Spare Time Madison | 7415 Mineral Point Road, Madison WI, 53717
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 11AM-11PM, Fridays 11AM-12AM, Saturday 10AM-12AM, Sundays 10AM-11PM
Website: https://www.sparetimeentertainment.com/madison/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparetimemadison/
Instagram: @sparetimemadison

Photo by Richard Hurd

Middleton Chamber of Commerce Foundation Launches Mission: Workforce Alliance to Tackle Workforce Shortage

Kate Miller
Executive Director
Middleton Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 608.827.2752
Email: kate@middletonchamber.com

Middleton Chamber of Commerce Foundation Launches Mission: Workforce Alliance to Tackle Workforce Shortage

Middleton, WI – The Middleton Chamber of Commerce Foundation is proud to introduce “Mission: Workforce Alliance,” a groundbreaking program developed in partnership with Mission Wisconsin. This visionary initiative aims to address the ongoing workforce shortage while propelling economic growth by harnessing the incredible potential of military talent within the state of Wisconsin.

According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, each year, approximately 250,000 service members and their families transition from active duty, representing a wealth of skills and experiences. The Middleton Chamber Foundation’s, Mission: Workforce Alliance, offers its members access to this exceptional pool of individuals, presenting an unrivaled opportunity to tap into a talent pipeline overflowing with qualified and skilled candidates.

Mission: Workforce Alliance offers a range of key features that benefit both military service and veteran families as well as chamber members. The program serves as a valuable bridge between transitioning service member families and our business community. Chamber members gain access to a diverse pool of talent with varied skills and experiences. The program includes providing professional support to facilitate the seamless integration of these families into the civilian workforce.

“Mission: Workforce Alliance represents a significant step forward in addressing the workforce challenges faced by our community and businesses,” said Kate Miller, Executive Director at the Middleton Chamber of Commerce. “By connecting our members with the incredible talent pool of transitioning military families, we aim to not only fill critical workforce gaps but also honor and support those who have served our nation.”

When asked about the partnership, Steve Janke, CEO of Mission: Wisconsin expressed enthusiasm for expansion of the program. “This partnership with the Middleton Chamber of Commerce represents the first step in providing military talent attraction to a greater percentage of the business community. Leveraging the network and community that the Chamber has allows us to connect more efficiently with small to medium sized businesses while maintaining our high touch concierge services provided to the military community! We look forward to growing this type of partnership throughout the Great State of Wisconsin with the Middleton Chamber of Commerce.”

For more information about Mission: Workforce Alliance and how to participate, please visit mcocfoundation.org.

For more information about Mission Wisconsin, please visit mission-wisconsin.com.

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