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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

Caden Moyer Joins Oak Bank as Loan Operations Specialist

For Immediate Release

Contact: Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000
kvirnoche@oak.bank

Caden Moyer Joins Oak Bank as Loan Operations Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, Fitchburg’s community bank since 2000, welcomes Caden Moyer to the team as a Loan Operations Specialist.

Moyer’s professional journey prior to joining Oak Bank includes valuable experience in the auditing industry, which has equipped him with a keen eye for detail and a strong analytical mindset. He brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our organization, making him an invaluable asset as we continue to serve our clients with excellence.

In his role at Oak Bank, Moyer’s responsibilities include various reporting and servicing functions. He will work closely with Oak Bank’s lending team to prepare and process loan applications and work with parties involved in real estate and consumer loan transactions. He will also assist clients accessing equity in their homes by processing home equity lines of credit.

“Caden is a wonderful addition to our Loan Operations team. He brings analytical insight to our current processes and a fresh perspective. He is already proving to be a valuable asset for our clients,” said Melissa Torres, Oak Bank Vice President Loan Operations.

“I’m excited to start my professional career surrounded by so much knowledge and a team driven toward providing the best client experience possible,” Moyer expressed.

A recent graduate from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, Caden holds a degree in finance, graduating with honors, Magna Cum Laude. Outside of his professional endeavors, Moyer has a passion for giving back especially through causes like the Special Olympics and World Vision. In his leisure time, he enjoys golfing, watching sports, traveling, fitness activities, and spending time outdoors.

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 23 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 125 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

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Alliant Energy named among Most Trustworthy Companies in America

Newsweek recently announced its list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America, and for the third year in a row, Alliant Energy was included. The award list was presented on March 27 by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

Read more from In Business magazine

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National Guardian Life Insurance Company Names Joseph Celentano as New CEO

MADISON, WI (April 2, 2024) — National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) Board of Directors announced that Joseph (Joe) Celentano will join the Madison Wisconsin-based mutual life insurance company as President & CEO effective May 6. Celentano will also serve on the NGL Board of Directors.

Celentano is an experienced life insurance industry professional with more than 30 years in leadership positions at Pacific Life, a mutual based insurer. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Pacific Life’s Retirement Solutions Division during which he managed the impacts of the Covid pandemic while increasing profitable annuity sales through the launch of new and innovative annuity products.

“Joe’s extensive mutual life experience and risk management expertise combined with his leadership skills will serve us well as he leads NGL’s next phase of growth,” said Gary Wolter, chair of NGL’s Board of Directors. “He knows the mutual insurance culture, understands the important role our preneed products have in helping families, and values building partnerships.”

While at Pacific Life, Celentano held a variety of positions ranging from product development officer to divisional CFO, to enterprise-wide Chief Risk Officer. His most recent position was Executive Vice President with overall responsibility for the Retirement Solutions Division. Joe’s experience includes co-chairing the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, leading digital transformation efforts and participating in setting overall company strategy.

“I am honored to lead NGL and become part of the team,” said Celentano. “NGL’s strong financials, leading position in the preneed market and mutual company culture make NGL poised for future success.  My wife Kathy and I look forward to moving and settling in Madison.”

Kim Shaul, who served as interim CEO, will return to her position as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, working with Celentano for a seamless leadership transition. “On behalf of the NGL Board of Directors I would like to thank Kim for her leadership in keeping the company focused and profitable during the time of the search,” said Wolter.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at http://www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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Madison’s Novii CPA is an accounting firm with startup vibes

Name an industry, and chances are there are at least a few startups vying to “disrupt” it with some status-quo-busting product or business model.

But accounting?

The business of preparing financial statements and filing taxes might not sound ripe for revolution. But after working with many clients who owned small businesses, certified public accountant Victoria Thayer caught the startup bug too.

“It was so inspiring to see all these entrepreneurs that just had an idea, started a business and took the leap,” Thayer said. “So I started thinking well … maybe I should give it a try.”

She envisioned a company that would help business owners understand their finances and financial options so they can achieve their goals. While many startups proffer human-replacing technology, Thayer imagined transforming the accounting industry by getting accountants to interact more with their clients and colleagues. 

Last May, she quit her job as an auditor to do just that. She named her firm Novii CPA, a combination of “novus” (new) and “vision,” with an extra “i” inspired by tech startups.

Read more from the Cap Times

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Vogel Bros. Building Co.: Revitalizing the Heart of Hilldale

For Immediate Release
March 29, 2024

Media Contact:
Katie Kulchytskyy
608.241.5454

Revitalizing the Heart of Hilldale
Demolition and Groundbreaking at Hilldale Shopping Center

MADISON, WIS. – Revitalizing the Heart of Hilldale. Hilldale Shopping Center is thrilled to announce an ambitious project that will breathe new life into our beloved community at Hilldale and greater Madison. This transformative initiative aims to convert a former theater space into a dynamic and vibrant streetscape, showcasing an array of exciting retail tenants that promise to enhance the overall shopping experience.

This project entails a 25,000-square-foot renovation of existing space for mixed use, accommodating new retail and restaurant tenants. The exterior façade will also be reimagined, enhancing the experience of visitors to Hilldale Mall. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. WS Development, the Massachusetts based firm that owns and manages Hilldale Shopping Center, has partnered with Eppstein Uhen Architects, Inc. (EUA) for design and Vogel Bros. Building Co. as the construction partner.

Chris Boyce, Director of Asset Strategy and Development of WS Development indicated, “The upcoming project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Hilldale Shopping Center, reinforcing our commitment to community engagement and fostering a lively, inclusive atmosphere. The decision to repurpose the former theater space reflects our dedication to creating spaces that resonate with the pulse of Madison and stay relevant to the evolving nature of retail.

“Our vision for the future of Hilldale was informed by input from local residents to ensure our growth aligns with the community’s aspirations. We are confident that this project, which is only just beginning, will not only meet but exceed the expectations of Madison residents, creating a thriving space for shopping, socializing, and community engagement.”

“Vogel Bros. is excited to partner with WS Development, return to Hilldale, and eager to bring our expertise to the table for the redevelopment that will convert existing space into a pedestrian-friendly experience,” says Matthew Schultz, Vice President of Vogel Bros. Building Co.

WS Development (www.wsdevelopment.com) is one of the top five private, retail-first developers in the United States. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, WS Development has been a leader in the acquisition, development, management and redevelopment of retail and mixed-use properties. Its diverse portfolio consists of more than 100-plus properties totaling 20-plus million square feet with 5-plus million square feet in new developments.

Vogel Bros. Building Co. (www.vogelbldg.com) is a fifth-generation construction services company with offices in Madison, WI and Lakeland, FL. As an award-winning company, Vogel Bros. has earned recognition for completing large-scale complex projects, encouraging innovation, embracing new technologies, and making a difference in our communities. We owe our success and longevity to the values established by the Vogel family that have been shared through the generations and are embodied in our employees. Vogel Bros. mission is to continually improve our services in order to enhance the lives of the people in the communities we serve.