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Bank of Sun Prairie: Jimmy Kauffman to Serve on Wisconsin Bankers Association Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2024

Contact:
Cassandra Krause, Director – Communications, Wisconsin Bankers Association

608-441-1216 | ckrause@wisbank.com

Sun Prairie Banker Jimmy Kauffman to Serve on Wisconsin Bankers Association Board

MADISON – Jimmy Kauffman, president and CEO, Bank of Sun Prairie, will serve a three-year term on the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to have Jimmy join the WBA Board of Directors,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “His expertise and commitment will have a positive impact on Wisconsin’s banking industry and the communities we serve.”

Kauffman joined Bank of Sun Prairie in 2014 as president and CEO and in 2019 became chairman of the board of directors. He brings twenty-five years in the banking and financial industry, previously holding several roles with a regional bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Upper Iowa University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking and the Executive Leadership Program, both at the University of Wisconsin. He graduated with a major in accounting from Commonwealth Business College. Kauffman’s community involvement includes serving as vice chair of the Sun Prairie Housing Committee, a member of the GSB Advisory Committee, a member of the Wisconsin Bankers Association Government Relations Committee, and a member of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce 2035 Committee. He received the Sun Prairie Rotary Service Above Self award in 2019 and was named the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Community Business Leader of the Year in 2018.

Serving as officers on the WBA Board are: Chair Alvaro Araque, SVP, director of consumer, private and business banking, Johnson Financial Group, Racine; Chair-Elect Paul Northway, president and CEO, American National Bank – Fox Cities, Appleton; Vice Chair Joe Peikert, president and CEO, Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville; and Past Chair Donna Hoppenjan, president and CEO, Mound City Bank, Platteville.

Also joining the Board for three-year terms are: Shane Ilstrup, president, Citizens First Bank, Trempealeau; Todd Nagel, president and CEO, IncredibleBank, Wausau; and Tim Schneider, president and CEO, Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc. 

Those continuing their terms on the Board are: Kelly Heroux, president and CEO, Peshtigo National Bank; Paul Hoffmann, president, Lake Ridge Bank, Middleton; Shay Horton, president and CEO, Cumberland Federal Bank; Ryan Kamphuis, president and CEO, Bristol Morgan Bank, Oakfield; Greg Lundberg, president and CEO, Fortifi Bank, Berlin; Tom Mews, president, First National Community Bank, New Richmond; Anthony Nguyen, Eastern Minnesota/Wisconsin/Chicago regional bank director, SVP, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Milwaukee; and Bill Sennholz, CEO, Forward Bank, Marshfield.

Photo caption: Jimmy Kauffman (right) receives Board pin from Alvaro Araque (left).

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About the Wisconsin Bankers Association
Founded in 1892, WBA is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing nearly 190 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and 97 percent of banks in the state are WBA members.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Vierbicher named one of Best Firms To Work For

Vierbicher Receives Zweig Group’s 2024 Best Firms to Work For and Hot Firm Awards

REEDSBURG, WI – Vierbicher, a leading engineering, planning, and surveying firm, is proud to announce that it has been honored with two prestigious awards from Zweig Group: the 2024 Best Firms to Work For Award and the 2024 Hot Firm Award.

The Best Firms to Work For Award recognizes AEC firms that excel in creating positive workplace environments, prioritizing employee satisfaction, retention, and professional growth. Vierbicher’s commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and support has been instrumental in earning this recognition.

The Hot Firm Award celebrates the 100 fastest-growing AEC firms in the United States and Canada. Vierbicher’s consistent growth and outstanding performance in the industry have positioned the company as a leader in its field.

“We are incredibly honored to receive both the Best Firms to Work For and Hot Firm Awards,” said Rod Zubella, CEO at Vierbicher. “These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team. We are committed to providing an exceptional workplace where our employees feel valued and empowered to thrive, while also delivering innovative and high-quality solutions to our clients.”

Vierbicher’s success is attributed to its focus on creating a positive company culture, investing in employee development, and fostering a collaborative work environment. The firm’s commitment to excellence extends to its client relationships, where Vierbicher consistently delivers exceptional results and exceeds expectations.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau Announces the Concerts at McKee for Summer 2024

Fitchburg’s highly anticipated summer tradition returns in 2024 on the third Monday of June, July, and August with the Concerts at McKee series, promising a vibrant lineup of music and community fun at McKee Farms Park. The 2024 Concerts at McKee series is sponsored by Oak Bank.

“As a bank deeply rooted in our community’s prosperity, we understand the importance of enriching the cultural fabric that binds us together,” said Terry Taylor, President of Oak Bank. “As the premier sponsor of the summer Concerts at McKee in Fitchburg, we’re investing in the heartbeat of our community. Music has the power to unite, inspire, and uplift. It fosters a sense of belonging and creates cherished memories for families and friends. Through our support, we aim to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of experiences that make our community a wonderful place to live, work, and thrive.”

The series kicks off on June 17th with the Street Jaxkson Band, bringing a blend of blues, funk, rock n’ roll, R&B, and reggae to the stage. The festivities continue July 15th with The Mascot Theory, who will showcase their new classic rock-inspired sound. The series concludes on August 19th with Grupo Candela, Madison’s premier Latin music powerhouse, delivering salsa, cha cha, merengue, bachata, and cumbia rhythms.

Each concert begins with youth bands from Madison Music Foundry at 6:00pm, followed by the headliners at 7:00pm. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food trucks, beer, and wine carts, or bring a picnic and lawn chairs. With free admission, these events offer a perfect opportunity for the community to gather, enjoy live music, and make summer memories.

This concert series is brought to you by Oak Bank, Ward-Brodt Music, The Cesta an Illuminus Community, Mosquito Joe of Madison, Klaas Financial, Vesta CPAs, and Matt Winzenreid Real Estate Partners

For more information about the 2024 Concerts At McKee, please contact Brandon Rounds.

WHO:  Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau

WHAT: 2024 Concerts At McKee  | 

WHEN: June 17th, July 15th, August 19th at 6pm

WHERE:  McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg, WI  

MORE INFO:  visitfitchburg.com

SPONSORED BY: Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau, Oak Bank

     

Photo by Richard Hurd

Kraus-Anderson completes $21 million renovation to the middle and high school in Ladysmith, Wis.

LADYSMITH, Wis. (June 2024) – The Madison office of Kraus-Anderson (KA) has completed a $21 renovation to the middle and high school in Ladysmith, Wis., located at 1700 Edgewood Ave. East.

Designed by Bray Architects, the 150,000-square-foot project at the combined school features a 10,131-square-foot gym addition with a connecting corridor to the existing school, a new 1,000- bleacher-seat grandstand, press box and 40 additional parking spaces.  The project also contains a new patio, media center, classroom improvements, and 46,129 square feet of renovations including building systems replacements, safety and security upgrades, roof replacements and ADA improvements.

Construction began in March of 2023.

KA continues to lead the field of regional education construction projects and is currently ranked 20th in the nation in the construction of K-12 facilities by Building Design and Construction magazine.  Over the past five years, KA has completed over $1 billion in K-12 projects. KA’s comprehensive school construction services include facility analysis and budget approaches, leading to informed and successful referendum initiatives. 

About Kraus-Anderson Companies

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

Aaron Anderson Joins Lake Ridge Bank as Treasury Management Business Development Officer

Bank Increases Support for Local Businesses, Non-profits, and Municipalities

May 22, 2024 (MADISON, Wis.) – Aaron Anderson has joined Lake Ridge Bank as Treasury Management Business Development Officer. With nearly 13 years of experience as a banker in the Madison-area market, Anderson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in growing the financial strength of our region. As someone who has lived and worked in Dane County his entire life, Anderson brings a dedication to improving all aspects of life in our local communities.

“We are excited to add Aaron to our Treasury Management team to improve our ability to service the specific needs of clients who help our communities reach their full potential,” says Sam Huntington, Senior Vice President and leader of the bank’s Treasury Management group. “Local businesses and non-profit organizations have unique financial challenges and deserve tailored attention and expertise. We are thrilled to dedicate such a high-caliber banker to this important role.”

Lake Ridge Bank’s Treasury Management Team helps business clients achieve efficient cash management processes in a safe and secure banking environment, establishing payment solutions, fraud protection, secure deposits, and expanded merchant services.

If your organization would like more information on how Lake Ridge Bank can support your financial success, contact Aaron at aanderson@lakeridge.bank.

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Lake Ridge Bank’s mission is to “build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time.” For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at the best rate possible for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

Lake Ridge Bank. Go Far. Go Together!

For additional information, please contact Mark Schellpfeffer at mschellpfeffer@lakeridge.bank.