Wisconsin Union: Winter Event Series Winter Carnival Continues During Warmer Conditions With More Than a Dozen Events Feb. 7-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 6, 2024

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

Read release online: union.wisc.edu/about/news/wintercarnival2024continues 

WINTER EVENT SERIES WINTER CARNIVAL CONTINUES DURING WARMER CONDITIONS WITH MORE THAN A DOZEN EVENTS FEB. 7-10

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union’s winter-themed event series, called Winter Carnival, will continue Feb. 7-10 during warmer-than-usual weather conditions with an updated events schedule that includes more than a dozen events, including an appearance of part of an inflatable version of Lady Liberty at Library Mall, rather than on Lake Mendota.

The Winter Carnival lineup currently includes:

• Feb. 7
  • $1 cheese curds
  • Open Mic Night
• Feb. 9
  • Inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head on Library Mall
  • Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games tournament, presented by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Winter Beats: a rhythm game challenge
  • Luminary-making
  • Snow Ball: live music, dancing and swing dancing instruction
• Feb. 10
  • Inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head on Library Mall
  • Free maple taffy-making
  • Scavenger hunt, called Secret Agent
  • Valentine’s Day and kindness greeting card-making as well as hot chocolate
  • Family Fun in Alumni Park, presented by the Wisconsin Alumni Association
  • Newly added on Feb. 6: Yard Games at the Memorial Union Terrace, presented in collaboration with University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Sock snowperson-making
  • Mini horses photo opportunities and meet-and-greet
  • Limited-time, house-made mac and cheese available for purchase

Events are free unless otherwise noted at union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival. The event lineup is subject to change, including due to weather conditions.

The Wisconsin Union team has observed a thinning of ice and several weak and open spots, with ice being about 6 inches thick near the Lake Mendota shoreline alongside Memorial Union. The team continually monitors Lake Mendota’s ice throughout the winter season, including to evaluate its nearby ice skating and other wintertime activities. The Wisconsin Union team has canceled, re-imagined or moved some wintertime events in light of thinning ice, a low amount of snow, and predicted upcoming warmer-than-usual temperatures.

“We will still offer more than a dozen Winter Carnival events for guests to enjoy,” Outdoor UW Director Dave Elsmo said. “Our team of staff and student leaders gathered to ensure the continuation of Winter Carnival. We look forward to welcoming people to a Winter Carnival under early spring-like conditions.”

The Wisconsin Union team brings out a to-scale, inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head, arm and torch to frozen Lake Mendota each year during Winter Carnival. This year’s appearance will occur on land at Library Mall and will include the Statue’s head. More information about the Statue’s history of Madison appearances can be found here.

Winter Carnival has historically included both weather-dependent events and experiences that do not require any specific weather conditions. With weather having required lineup changes this year and in years past, the Wisconsin Union team encourages patrons to visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival for the most up-to-date Carnival lineup each year.

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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.  

Wealth Enhancement Group Announces Promotions

Wealth Enhancement Group would like to announce the following promotions:

Colleen P. Johnson, CWS®, CRPC®, CFP® was promoted to Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor

Emma Mueller, AIF®, CDFA®, CRPS®  was promoted to Vice President, Financial Advisor

Danny Frederickson, was promoted to Vice President, Portfolio Manager

Please join us in congratulating them!

Bank of Sun Prairie Takes Gold in Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals’ Prestigious MarCom Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2024

Contact: Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com

Bank of Sun Prairie Takes Gold in Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals’ Prestigious MarCom Awards
Commercial Showcasing Bank’s ‘Sweet Spot’ Campaign Wins

Sun Prairie, Wis.— Bank of Sun Prairie has won a Gold Award in the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) MarCom Awards for their commercial highlighting a barista and customer with extremely specific coffee preferences.

“This recognition is such a treat for all of us,” Bank of Sun Prairie’s Chief Retail Officer John Loeffler shared. “The Sweet Spot campaign highlights the meaning behind our corporate tagline The Right Balance and our strength as a service-driven community bank with the ability to customize solutions to the granular needs of our customers.”

The spot was produced in partnership with Sioux Falls, South Dakota Marketing Agency Epicosity. “We couldn’t be happier the spot has been received so well,” said Epicosity Account Executive Seth Bjordal. “The reward for us is collaborating with wonderful clients like Bank of Sun Prairie, and we couldn’t be happier for them and their continued success.”

About the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) is an international organization, founded in 1995, consisting of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, digital and web professionals. AMCP administers recognition programs, provides judges, and rewards outstanding achievement and service to the community. The MarCom Awards honors excellence in marketing and communication while recognizing the creativity, hard work, and generosity of industry professionals. Since its inception in 2004, MarCom has evolved into one of the largest, most-respected creative competitions in the world. Each year 6,500 print and digital entries are submitted from dozens of countries. Visit https://marcomawards.com

About Epicosity is a full-service agency with deep experience in brand development, media and the ever-evolving digital and social strategies. Its mission is to awaken champions of the new economy. https://www.epicosity.com/

About Bank of Sun Prairie bankofsunprairie.com
Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $749.6 million in assets and five locations in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

Photograph attached. Video: https://youtu.be/FcmX0t6ahAQ

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Endres Manufacturing Company Acquires Skyline Steel, Inc.

Waunakee, WI—February 2, 2024

Endres Manufacturing Company announced today that it has acquired the assets of Skyline Steel, Inc. located in Arlington, WI.  Skyline Steel is a structural steel and miscellaneous metals fabrication that is family-owned and has been in business since 2000. The acquisition will allow Endres Manufacturing to expand its offerings and increase its production to meet customer demands.

Jerry Raflik, President of Skyline Steel says, “Endres is a great organization, and we are excited for this new opportunity to work with Endres and to create a smooth transition for our customers and employees.” Sam Ballweg, President of Endres Manufacturing says, “We are thrilled to join forces with Skyline Steel. This acquisition will support our goal of being the top structural steel fabricator in Southern Wisconsin. With the addition of this new location, we will have additional capacity to better serve the customers of both organizations.”

Skyline Steel will be integrated into Endres Manufacturing’s existing operations, and Skyline Steel employees will become part of the Endres Family.  Endres is an AISC-certified family-owned steel manufacturing company that has been in business since 1926.  Endres works on everything from the most complicated construction projects down to individual beams for home builders and are specialists in decorative railings and specialty metals. The asset acquisition will allow each location to serve more customers at an even higher level. A genuine commitment to customers and employees has always been a vision shared by both companies.

For more information, visit www.EndresMfg.com.

Madison Black Chamber of Commerce Announces 6th Annual Black Business Awards Dinner

Madison, WI – The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the 6th Annual Black Business Awards Dinner, a prestigious event recognizing and celebrating the exceptional achievements of Black-owned businesses in our vibrant community. The event is Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center and starts with a Red Carpet Arrival at 5:00 PM.

Spotlighting the resilience, innovation, and triumphs of Black entrepreneurs and businesses across South Central Wisconsin, the awards dinner has established itself as a triumphant celebration of Black Business Excellence during Black History Month. This year’s event promises an evening of Ebony Elegance and inspiration as we celebrate the often overlooked “Supporting Players” in our community that help us be our best selves! 

Winners of the Beauty Innovator Award, Style & Grace Award, Retail Excellence Award and nine other unique award categories will be announced during the ceremony.  

Nominations are now open to the public, and the Chamber encourages community participation in recognizing well-deserving Black-owned businesses and Black entrepreneurs. Members of the public can nominate across 12 award categories, with a limit of one ballot per person. Nominations can be submitted through https://bit.ly/mbccvotes.

Featured players of the evening include a curated collection of premium vendors selling a wide variety of luxurious goods and sophisticated services at the Black Wall Street Marketplace. Bolstering the vendors is the official Black Wall Street exhibit from the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, a beautiful tribute showcasing the prosperity and perseverance of Black-owned businesses.

Key Event Highlights

1. Date and Time: Thursday, February 22, 2024. Red carpet rolls out at 5:00 PM.

2. Venue: The Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, a distinguished location providing a backdrop for an elegant and uplifting evening. Tickets can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/mbcctickets

3. Award Categories: Recognizing Black Business Excellence and showcasing the diversity and strength of our local business community. Nominate a business here through February 5.  https://bit.ly/mbccvotes

4. Black Wall Street Marketplace: Visit the Black Wall Street art exhibit from the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum while shopping from a curated collection of local businesses, artists, and vendors that embody Black Business Excellence.  Vendors can register here through February 11. https://bit.ly/mbccvendorcall

The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce extends a warm invitation to community members, business leaders, and supporters to join in this celebration of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and economic growth.

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or ticket purchases, please contact: 
George Smith  
Public Relations and Outreach Specialist 
Madison Black Chamber of Commerce   
(312) 305-0130 
george@madisonblackchamber.com

About Madison Black Chamber of Commerce: 
The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic empowerment and fostering a thriving business community for Black entrepreneurs throughout South Central Wisconsin. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the Chamber aims to create an environment that supports the growth and success of Black-owned businesses. General information available at https://www.madisonblackchamber.com/