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
M3 Insurance’s 2024 Health Care Trend Report
The M3 Health Care Trend Report is M3 Insurance’s annual review, highlighting costs and plan designs for employer-sponsored health insurance.
The 2024 Health Care Trend Report shares the trends we are seeing across M3’s book of business, which encompasses employers ranging in size from three to more than 10,000 employees in a variety of major industry sectors. We’ve categorized the data based on geography, employer size, private vs. public sector, and plan structure. For more than 20 years, we’ve gathered data to provide valuable insights to the business community.
This year’s edition follows a similar pattern to the 2023 edition: the trendline continued for overall benefit plan premiums and costs per employee continued, with some notable regional shifts.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Kraus-Anderson Madison names Marissa Young Director of Business Development
MADISON, Wis. (August 2024) – The Madison office of Kraus-Anderson (KA) has hired Marissa Young as director of business development.
Young comes to KA from commercial contractor JP Cullen, where she was director of business development in Southwest Wisconsin. Prior to JP Cullen she was the residential portfolio manager for Urban Land Interests in Madison.
Young received a B.S. in Sport and Recreation Management from North Dakota State University. She serves on the boards of Downtown Madison Inc., Wisconsin Innovation Awards, Kids Building Wisconsin and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

About Kraus-Anderson
Established in 1897, Kraus-Anderson (www.krausanderson.com) is an integrated construction management and real estate development enterprise working independently and in collaboration with a family of companies and services, including facilities assessment, K-12 pre-referendum planning, strategic facility planning, sustainability and insurance operations. Kraus-Anderson, an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer, is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. and has regional offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wis., Fargo and Bismarck, N.D., Duluth, Bemidji and Rochester Minn. and Phoenix, Ariz.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Multi-Unit Spherion Franchisee Honored as a 2024 Franchise Rock Star by Franchise Business Review
31-Year-Old Millennial Spherion Franchise Owner Recognized for Impressive Sales Growth and Community Impact
MADISON, Wis. – Austin Kassner, a local business leader and multi-unit franchise owner with Spherion Staffing & Recruiting (Spherion), recently earned recognition from Franchise Business Review as a 2024 Franchise Rock Star. This trusted publication named Kassner to the ‘Millennial’ category for his significant contributions to the communities his offices serve in Madison, Wisconsin and Rockford, Illinois.
“It’s an honor to be featured by Franchise Business Review as a 2024 Franchise Rock Star. This award is recognition of the incredible service that our tenured team provides to both candidates and clients across our markets ,” said Kassner. “I strive to create an environment where everyone has a seat at the table and feels encouraged to share their perspectives. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to do this as part of the Spherion organization with the support of their leadership team.”
Kassner was selected from more than 36,000 franchisees, representing 360 brands that participate in Franchise Business Review’s research. Notably, Kassner’s Spherion offices in Wisconsin and Illinois have grown significantly since he took over franchise ownership in 2022. Under his leadership, his teams have secured 28 new clients, expanded services for existing clients and increased revenue growth by more than 9%.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Kassner is committed to giving back to the communities that his businesses serve through organizations such as The River Food Pantry, United Way, YWCA, and the Regional Access Mobilization Project Inc.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching Austin grow and expand his business since joining us, and his innovative ideas have brought a fresh perspective to our brand,” said Kathy George, president of Spherion. “He has quickly emerged as a standout leader within our franchise system and is always willing to advise other business owners looking to capitalize on opportunities for growth in their local markets. On behalf of Spherion, we congratulate him and the entire team in Madison and Rockford for this well-deserved recognition.”
The Franchise Rock Stars were nominated by their franchise brand’s leadership in one of eight categories. They’re franchisees who set admirable examples when it comes to leadership, business acumen, financial and professional success, and contributing to their community.
Spherion brandishes the “power of local” through a network of independent and empowered franchisees. Each Spherion franchisee enriches their communities by connecting and facilitating employment opportunities every day—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’s franchising opportunity, visit spherion.com/franchising.
Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of 2024 Franchise Rock Stars.
About Spherion – Madison, WI
Driving careers. Growing businesses. Bettering the community. These tenets have been at the core of Spherion Madison since its doors opened over 30 years ago. Locally owned, Spherion provides comprehensive staffing & recruiting services, including: flexible staffing, temp-to-hire, professional direct-hire placement, and workforce management solutions. The Spherion Madison team invests the time to develop relationships with everyone they work with to deliver differentiated results. Its tenured team understands the greater Madison market and has a proven history of matching the right candidates for the right role across a wide array of industries.
About Spherion
With more than 75 years of staffing and recruiting experience, Spherion stands out as a leader in the industry, leveraging the power of “local” to support its vast network of independent franchisees. True to its tagline, Let’s Get to Work, Spherion provides temporary, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and managed hiring services to more than 4,000 businesses nationwide across 200+ locations. With a 4.8/5 star Google review score and recognition as a Top 100 Staffing Company to Work for by World Staffing Awards, a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review, and ranking #63 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2024 Franchise 500 list, Spherion capably caters to the ever-changing demands of America’s workforce. Backed by the world’s most equitable and specialized talent company, Spherion provides superior staffing and recruiting solutions through its franchise model.
To learn more about Spherion, visit spherion.com.
About Franchise Business Review
Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and franchise employees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,200 leading franchise companies. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/digital-guides/. To learn more about FBR’s research, please visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com
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McClone Insurance Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Menasha, WI — August 6, 2024 — McClone Insurance, a leader in risk management and insurance, proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary. What began in 1949 with Ralph “Cyclone” McClone selling life insurance from his kitchen table has evolved into a thriving business embodying people, passion, and purpose.
From its modest beginnings, McClone has grown to over 130 team members, serving clients nationwide and maintaining multiple locations throughout Wisconsin. Ralph McClone’s leadership laid the groundwork for a company culture centered on caring, empathy, and respect.
“When in doubt, do the right thing. The rest will take care of itself.” This guiding principle from former CEO Mike McClone, who ran the business from 1989 to 2018, is proudly displayed in the conference room as a daily reminder.
“Our journey over the past 75 years has been remarkable, and we owe our success to our dedicated team, loyal clients, and supportive community,” said Dustin McClone, president and CEO of McClone. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are excited about the future and our continued commitment to providing exceptional service and leveraging our tools, talent, and technology to drive growth.”
Building strong, connected communities is a cornerstone of McClone’s identity. Through the M.A.D.E. (Make A Difference Every Day) program, team members are encouraged to give back in meaningful ways, whether through donating their time, talents, or resources. Activities encompass a wide range of community support, from staffing a monthly shelter meal program and supporting an employee’s cancer foundation to providing staffing and services for non-profits to help them reopen after COVID. Additionally, the company takes pride in leading developments that contribute to the revitalization of communities and has made significant contributions to new facilities for various non-profit organizations, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing community infrastructure.
“Community support is essential for a thriving society. We aim to be a net giver in the communities where our team members live, work, and play. By investing in our communities, we enhance the quality of life and build a stronger foundation for future generations.” said McClone.
In addition to McClone’s passion for community support, the company has solidified its industry presence with its proprietary RiskMAP™ process. This proactive and systematic approach to risk management distinguishes McClone by prioritizing an understanding of each client’s unique needs to develop tailored solutions. RiskMAP™ has been a key driver of the company’s growth, safeguarding clients’ interests by ensuring strategies are customized to protect what matters most.
As McClone celebrates this milestone, the focus remains on the future. “Our success has been built on protecting our clients’ legacies,” McClone said. “As we look ahead, our vision is to continue that mission with passion and purpose, innovating to meet the changing needs of our clients while staying true to our core values.”
For more information, please contact:
Ashley Rothmann
pr@mcclone.com
About McClone Insurance
McClone Insurance is a leading provider of comprehensive risk management and insurance solutions. With headquarters in Menasha, Wisconsin, and regional offices in Madison, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac, McClone serves clients nationwide. The company offers a wide range of services including business insurance, employee benefits, HR outsourcing, 401(k) solutions, and personal insurance. Founded in 1949, McClone is driven by its commitment to people-oriented values, community involvement, and exceptional service. The company’s proprietary RiskMAP™ process ensures tailored, proactive protection for its clients, and through its M.A.D.E. program, McClone empowers team members to contribute to their communities, reinforcing its belief in making a meaningful impact.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Wegner CPAs Celebrates 75 Years of Client Success and Accounting Innovation
Madison, WI – July 30, 2024 – Wegner CPAs, a Top 200 accounting firm, is proud to announce its 75th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1949 by Robert E. Wegner in Madison, Wisconsin, the firm has grown from a sole proprietorship to a multi-office, multi-state operation, serving clients across diverse industries.
Wegner CPAs’ timeline reflects a rich history of adaptation and growth alongside the accounting profession itself. From navigating the post-war economic boom and the rise of modern accounting in the 1950s to embracing technological advancements in the 1970s and the digital revolution of the 1990s, the firm has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of its clients.
Today, Wegner CPAs fosters a vibrant workplace culture that values collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. Our commitment to our team is evident in our flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and recognition as a Top Workplace. The firm’s core values, established in 2006, continue to guide its actions and behaviors, ensuring a people first approach, relationship driven service, and a commitment to unwavering integrity.
“We are incredibly proud of the legacy we have built over the past 75 years,” said Glenn Miller, Managing Partner of Wegner CPAs. “Our success is a testament to the dedication of our talented team and the trust our clients have placed in us. We look forward to many more years of providing exceptional service and helping our clients achieve their financial goals.”
As Wegner CPAs celebrates this significant anniversary, the firm is poised for continued growth and innovation. With 178 employees, including 17 partners, across seven office locations and 13 states, Wegner CPAs is well-equipped to meet its clients’ evolving needs.
About Wegner CPAs
Wegner CPAs is a full-service accounting firm offering a wide range of services, including advisory services, tax planning and preparation, audit and assurance, business consulting, and more. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and client-focused solutions, Wegner CPAs has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to businesses, non-profits, and individuals.
For more information about Wegner CPAs and its 75th anniversary, please visit www.wegnercpas.com/about-us/75years.
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Media Contact
Christin Biermeier
Marketing Manager
christin.biermeier@wegnercpas.com