Blain’s Farm & Fleet®: Announces upcoming leadership changes

Janesville, WI – Blain’s Farm & Fleet® has announced the promotion of Mark Hasting to Chief Executive Officer and President. Kim Treece will be promoted to Chief Stores Officer. Jane Blain Gilbertson will take on a new role as Executive Chair of the Board and will remain the sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc.  

These promotions support the company’s desire to continue to grow as a family-owned organization where customers are treated as neighbors and associates are treated like family. “The most important thing a leader must do is to plan for the organization’s next great leader,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson. “This succession plan was put into place 4 years ago when we hired Mark to join our company as our Chief of Stores. From the beginning, the entire company and our vendor partners could see Mark’s character, values, intelligence and love for this business. He learned our business quickly through his humility and curiosity, and I was especially pleased to observe his strength for developing others!” 

The transition will take place over the next several months and will complete in September. “We will transition over the summer, allowing me to visit every one of our 45 beloved stores and each of our distribution centers,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson. “I want a chance to say thank you to all of the amazing associates that serve our neighbors every day, and my daughters, who both work in our business, will join me for a number of these visits.”

Mark Hasting was originally hired in 2020 as Chief Stores Officer with responsibility for Store and Auto Service Center Operations. In 2022, he was promoted to Chief Commerce & Operating Officer, by which time his responsibilities had grown to include eCommerce Operations, Real Estate, Construction and Facilities, and the Customer Service Center of Excellence. In 2023, he was promoted to President and Chief Commerce & Operating Officer adding both Demand Planning and Supply Chain to his responsibilities while also taking on a greater strategic role in the leadership of the company. In his new role as Chief Executive Officer and President, he will have responsibility for all aspects of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc. He will continue to have support from the Independent Board with Jane Blain Gilbertson now taking on the role of Executive Chair of the Board. “This is the perfect arrangement,” says Nicole Gilbertson, daughter of Jane Blain Gilbertson and Project Management Specialist at Blain’s. “I’m happy to see my mother take more time for herself to travel and enjoy life, and I’m glad she is going to continue to play an important role on the Board. Mark is a strong leader, and with Mark leading the company and my mother leading the Board, and, of course, the entire family supporting him, we will have excellent balance and synergy.”

Kim Treece, previously Sr. Vice-President of Stores, is being promoted to Chief Stores Officer with responsibility for all Stores and Auto Service Centers, Real Estate, Construction and Facilities and the Customer Service Center of Excellence. “I chose Kim to fill my previous role due to her enthusiasm and positive influence on store associates,” says Mark Hasting. “Kim has a strong background in retail with 33 years in store and merchandising roles at Walgreens, but it is her compassionate leadership that makes her really shine.” 

“We have full confidence in Mark and Kim,” says Sarah Gilbertson, daughter of Jane Blain Gilbertson and Customer Relationship Marketing Specialist at Blain’s. “The core of our family culture is that we treat our associates like family and our customers like neighbors, and Mark and Kim embrace that whole-heartedly.” Nicole Gilbertson adds “My sister and I are committed to keeping Blain’s a high performing family-owned business. These changes provide the leadership we need to continue to grow while keeping family at the center of the organization.”

Under Jane’s leadership, Blain’s has driven huge growth in national Ecommerce business and opened 10 new stores, including 5 in Michigan, for a total of 45 stores. The Blain’s associate family has grown from approximately 3,500 to 5,500 employees. The company’s investment in technology enhancements and distribution capacity has increased significantly as well, with distribution capacity increasing 50% to manage ongoing growth. Jane has been a strong advocate for promoting a customer-centric approach, or as Blain’s calls it “Neighbor-Focused”, which has led to innovations in Drive Thru Pick Up, Same-Day Delivery and the Blain’s app, making shopping even more convenient. “If you are standing still, you will be run over. I am proud of the growth and innovation we have cultivated,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson. “In fact, these leadership changes are part of that plan for growth. 4 years ago, when we hired Mark, it was our desire to have a clear succession strategy as we were planning toward this transition. It is exciting to see it come to fruition.”

Mark Hasting brings impressive experience to this new role with a strong background in retail leadership. He spent over 20 years at Target, where he had many roles including Store Manager, District Team Leader, Group Vice President and Vice President of Store Operations. Mark has also served as Regional Vice President at Starbucks and Chief Operating Officer at Kum & Go. He has a BS in Marketing from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from Oklahoma City University. Mark is married and has three children. “I am humbled and excited to take on this new role. It is my desire to continue the family culture to support the growth of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and our associates,” says Mark Hasting. “Working with Jane these past 4 years has taught me so much about leadership and culture. It is my honor to be a strategic partner to her and her family in continuing to help this amazing organization to thrive.” And Jane Blain Gilbertson seconds that thought: “With Mark in the CEO role, I am confident we will continue to grow and thrive as a family-owned company delivering on our promise of making Blain’s a place where life is more rewarding. Next year, we will celebrate our 70^th anniversary, and I know that we are just getting started.”

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Founded in 1955, Blain’s Farm & Fleet is a retailer with nationwide ecommerce business and 45 store locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This Modern General Store® offers a wide variety of categories and services and unique experiences such as Toyland®.

• Clothing: Carhartt, Columbia, Under Armour, Ariat, Work N’ Sport, Levi’s, Lee, Kuhl, Wrangler
• Footwear: Skechers, Hey Dude, Keen, Work N’ Sport, CAT, Crocs, Birkenstock, Sorel, Dansko, Carhartt, Timberland, Merrell, Wolverine
• Tools & Hardware: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Stanley, Craftsman, Klein, Stiletto
• Paint & Supplies: Benjamin Moore, Valspar, MinWax, Rustoleum, Graco, Purdy
• Automotive: Weather-Tech, Thule, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Mobil 1, Mystik, Fram, K&N, Sea Foam, Meguiar’s
• Tire & Auto Repair Service: Michelin, Goodyear, Cooper
• Sporting Goods: Realtree, Scent Blocker, Yeti, Coleman, Rapala, Plano, Shimano, Browning, Ugly Stik, St. Croix
• Home & Housewares: KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Keurig, T-Fal, Lodge, Dyson
• Pet Department: Purina, Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science Diet, Iams, Canidae, Diamond, Taste of the Wild, Eukanuba, Freshpet, Kong
• Agriculture: King Kutter, Nutrena, Agrimaster, Behrens, Guardian, Manna Pro, Ware, Weaver Leather
• Lawn & Garden: Scotts, Miracle-Gro, Estate, Fiskars, Weber, Char-Broil
• Outdoor Power Equipment: Stihl, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ariens, Bobcat
• Toyland®: Barbie, Hot Wheels, LEGO, ERTL, Melissa & Doug, Ty Beanie Baby

ATC: Dan Henderson joins as director of total rewards and people services

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Dan Henderson has joined ATC as the director of total rewards and people services. This is a newly created position, which will be responsible for driving strategies forward within ATC’s compensation, benefits and people services programs.

Henderson brings over 20 years of human resources experience and a wealth of expertise on HR strategy and service delivery, total rewards program leadership, and high-performing benefits program execution. Prior to joining ATC, he worked as senior director/head of compensation at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance.

Dovetail Cultural Resource Group Joins Mead & Hunt, Expanding Cultural Resource Capabilities

MIDDLETON, WIS., JUNE 13, 2024 – Mead & Hunt, Inc. (Mead & Hunt), an architectural, engineering, planning, and construction services firm consistently ranked in ENR’s Top 100 Design Firms list, proudly announces the acquisition of Dovetail Cultural Resource Group (Dovetail), a full-service cultural resource management firm with offices in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Wilmington, Delaware.

Mead & Hunt CEO Andy Platz says, “What impresses us about Dovetail is not only their knowledge and expertise in cultural resource management but their passion for preserving cultural resources throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. They are dedicated to taking care of clients and communities. They are also focused on the long-term growth of their employees. These factors helped us realize how seamlessly Dovetail would fit into our company culture.”

Dovetail’s team has supported a wide variety of cultural resource projects across many markets including work for the transportation, utilities and energy, federal and local government, and private sectors. They are well-versed in helping clients navigate federal and environmental regulations, such as Section 106, Section 110, Section 4(f), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) coordination and compliance. Their technical specialties include archaeology, architectural history, historical research, and sharing data on our past with the public.

By joining with Mead & Hunt, Dovetail can now provide its clients with a broader range of services and have access to a greater pool of cultural resources professionals. Likewise, Mead & Hunt’s clients will benefit from Dovetail’s added expertise in archaeology and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Dovetail’s founder Kerri Barile Tambs shares, “We have successfully partnered on projects with Mead & Hunt over the years and enjoyed working with the cultural resources team there. When we were approached with the opportunity to join forces, I knew our vision and values were aligned. Together, we are dedicated to taking care of people and studying cultural resources in our communities.”

About Mead & Hunt

Mead & Hunt is a national, full-service engineering, architectural, planning, and construction services firm that has been serving clients for well over a century. The firm was established by hydroelectric and hydraulic engineer Daniel Mead in 1900. Since its founding, Mead & Hunt has grown significantly in size and diversity. Today, the firm employs more than 1,300 people and works in a variety of markets, including federal, state and local governments, cultural resources, aviation, transportation, food and beverage, private, renewable energy, and water. 

For further information, members of the media may contact:

Additional quotes or background information

• Andy Platz, Mead & Hunt CEO
  andy.platz@meadhunt.com
  608-443-0600
• Kerri Barile Tambs, PhD
  kerri.bariletambs@meadhunt.com
  540-215-0206

General media inquiries and photo requests:

• Meghan Stiklestad, Marketing Director
  meghan.stiklestad@meadhunt.com
  608-443-0378

Additional references

• Mead & Hunt website: www.meadhunt.com
• Dovetail website: Home – Dovetail Cultural Resource Group (dovetailcrg.com)

One Community Bank Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients

June 12, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Jamie Balsiger
One Community Bank
608-838-3141
jbalsiger@onecommunity.bank

One Community Bank Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients

(June 2024) – One Community Bank is excited to announce the three recipients of the 2024 OCB Scholarship! The 2024 Scholarship Application launched in February and was open to all high school seniors graduating in any of the surrounding communities that we serve. This year we received 125 applications.

“By supporting these exceptional students and their education, we are investing in our communities from within. OCB is proud to recognize and support this year’s scholarship recipients, along with their dedication to community service,” said Steve Peotter, President and CEO.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

Hannah Saari graduated from Stoughton High School and plans to attend Concordia University in Mequon, WI. She will double major in History and Psychology, with a minor in Spanish. Hannah has always enjoyed being involved in her community as she got to meet new people and feel at home. During high school, she was a member of the Stoughton High School Dance Team and assisted in launching The Stoughton Dance Program. This dance program creates a positive environment for dancers to come together, have fun, and compete in local competitions. Hannah plans to continue her leadership work and be involved in the community when she attends college.

Sydney Tasker graduated from Waunakee High School and will continue her education at the University of Arizona to study Aerospace Engineering. Sydney has made it her mission to give back and bring about positive, impactful, and sustainable change in her community. Since 2021, Sydney has worked with the Waunakee Community Cares Coalition and was elected as a Youth Chair Board Member. She assisted with community events, organized volunteer opportunities, led workshops, and was one of four students to attend the National CADCA Forum in Orlando, FL. In school, she participated in the National Honor Society and Pay it Forward club by regularly volunteering for community-based organizations. During her college journey, Sydney is excited to continue pursuing her community involvement.

Alexis Udell graduated from McFarland High School and will attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison this fall. She will be a part of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to major in Genetics and Genomics and minor in Creative Writing. Alexis enjoys promoting unique opportunities that encourage community members to step outside of their comfort zones and help others. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is personally significant to Alexis. She has been an advocate for disability awareness both in school and at community events. Alexis has also been involved in multiple theatre products and choir performances. She looks forward to continuing inspiring others and helping make the world a better place.

OCB first launched its scholarship program in April 2021, with the objective to grant three $1,000 scholarships each year forward. This scholarship program aligns with One Community Bank’s commitment to invest in our communities. The eligibility requirements to apply for the scholarships are as follows: the applicant must be a graduating high school senior; must be in good academic standing; and have post-graduation plans at a 2-year or 4-year institution, a technical or trade school, or an apprenticeship program. The application process also requires an essay on community service and involvement. One Community Bank is excited to continue this investment into our communities for years to come.

Pictured (left to right): Steve Peotter – President and CEO, Sydney Tasker, Alexis Udell, Hannah Saari, and Jeff Versluys – EVP and Chief Strategy Officer.

One Community Bank is one of the largest community banks in south central Wisconsin. The locally owned bank has 16 bank locations and $2.1 billion in assets. It provides both personal and business banking solutions, with an intense focus on serving clients, supporting colleagues, and investing in its communities. Six years in a row named one of Madison’s best places to work, One Community Bank serves the communities of Oregon, McFarland, Waunakee, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Cottage Grove, Middleton, Adams, Oxford, Grand Marsh, Hillsboro, La Farge, Readstown, Wonewoc, and Union Center. Member FDIC.

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.