Rebel Scrum: Scrum Day 2023: Madison’s Premier Agile Conference Celebrates the Power of Teamwork

Madison, Wisconsin – May 30, 2023 – Scrum enthusiasts and Agile practitioners from across the region will gather on September 14, 2023, for Madison’s highly anticipated inaugural Scrum Day conference. The one-day event, held at the Alliant Energy Center, promises to be an immersive experience focused on the theme, “Scrum is a team sport.”

Scrum, the most popular Agile framework in use today, has revolutionized how teams approach complex projects, ranging from IT product development to human resources management. Scrum Day provides an invaluable opportunity for professionals and organizations to deepen their understanding of Scrum principles and techniques, fostering continuous improvement and collaborative success.

“Scrum is a team sport,” emphasizes the core message of this year’s event. The framework’s effectiveness lies in its ability to harness the collective intelligence and effort of the team. Scrum Day 2023 aims to remind attendees of the crucial role teamwork plays in implementing Scrum successfully and delivering outstanding results.

“The event’s theme reflects the essence of Scrum,” said Mary Iqbal, the event organizer. “By showcasing the power of collaboration, we aim to inspire participants to embrace the ‘team sport’ mentality, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within their organizations.”

Scrum Day 2023 will feature an impressive lineup of renowned speakers, industry experts, and experienced Agile practitioners. Attendees can look forward to engaging keynote presentations, enlightening panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. The conference will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, exchanging best practices, and gaining insights into the latest trends and developments in the Agile and Scrum landscape.

To further enhance the Scrum Day experience, the conference warmly welcomes exhibitors to showcase their businesses and demonstrate support for local businesses while connecting with influential Agile leaders. As an exhibitor, your business will play a vital role in the event, with booth space located right in the main hall. Scheduled time for games and activities that encourage engagement with exhibitors will ensure that your organization remains front and center throughout the conference.

“We believe that exhibitors are a valuable part of Scrum Day, and their presence adds to the overall experience,” said Iqbal. “We invite businesses to join us, connect with our attendees, and showcase their products and services to a highly influential audience.”

Interested exhibitors are encouraged to visit the official conference website at www.ScrumDay.org to sign up and secure their booth space. Early registration is recommended as availability is limited.

Event Details:

Date: September 14, 2023

Venue: Alliant Energy Center

Address: 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713

About Scrum Day

Scrum Day is an annual conference dedicated to the Agile methodology’s Scrum framework. The event brings together Agile practitioners, industry leaders, and enthusiasts to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and promote continuous improvement. With a focus on teamwork and collaboration, Scrum Day serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth in the Agile community.

Contact:
Mary Iqbal
Event Organizer, Scrum Day 2023
Phone: 414-687-6279
Email: mary@scrumday.org

WPS Health Insurance® is the No. 1 choice for Medicare supplement insurance in Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Insurance^® is the No. 1 choice for Medicare supplement insurance in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.—May 25, 2023—With more than 60,000 customers across Wisconsin, WPS Health Insurance has earned the top spot to become the state’s most popular Medicare supplement insurance, according to 2022 enrollment data submitted to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). As the company’s Medicare supplement insurance grows in popularity in 24 other states across the country, it is once again the first choice for people in the insurer’s home state.

“We’ve been selling Medicare supplement insurance in Wisconsin since the Medicare program began in 1966. In this competitive market, being the top-selling company is a huge accomplishment. This wouldn’t be possible without the support and collaboration of our valued business partners and agency allies,” said Thomas Spelsberg, Vice President of Medicare Market Solutions. “It’s also proof that our personal service and the attention we give each customer makes a real difference. Our customers are the best.”

Medicare supplement insurance helps customers pay for costs left over after Medicare pays its share for covered medical services. The plans are available anytime during the year to Wisconsin residents who have Original Medicare or during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period for those with a Medicare Advantage plan who want to switch to Original Medicare.

Medicare supplement insurance plans from WPS Health Insurance offer a variety of coverage options for Medicare beneficiaries plus special programs and services. Most plans include fitness and wellness programs, and all plans come with vision and hearing programs, with the option to purchase dental coverage.

Enrollment data submitted to NAIC shows UnitedHealth Group previously held the top spot for Medicare supplement insurance in Wisconsin but has now slipped to second place. Third place is currently held by Physicians Mutual Group; CVS Group is fourth; and American Enterprise Mutual Group is fifth.

About WPS Health Insurance

As one of the largest health benefits providers in Wisconsin, Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Insurance) offers a variety of services and coverage with Preferred Provider Organization health plans for individuals and groups, third-party administrator services, and Medicare supplement insurance plans. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wis. Visit wpshealth.com for more information.

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Wisco Barbell Club’s Summer Kickoff Challenge

Our Summer Kickoff Challenge is the perfect way to jumpstart your fitness routine! Join us for 3 HIIT classes a week for 6 weeks and pay HALF OFF the standard price. Better yet, if you attend all 18 classes, you will win 1-month of a Silver Membership. That’s a $350 value for only $99!

Wisco Barbell Club’s HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes are strength-based sessions that incorporate pre-set work times followed by shorter rest periods with a different primary focus on a daily basis. You will be building strength and improving your conditioning with these classes.

Co-Owner and Lead Trainer, Dakota Selje, tailors each class to your current fitness level (adapting for any physical limitations) making it an unique experience for everyone training in the same hour-long session. Whether you’re just starting out, or have been training all your life, Dakota adjusts the weight and reps for each person to challenge themselves equally.

“Dakota as a coach helped tremendously to achieve where I wanted to be with my first bodybuilding experience; Not only was he informative, he was straight forward, focused, and honest. He covered dieting and training yet when it came down to a week out he even helped with all the prep.” – Elijah, Current Member

Challenge: $99 for 3 HIIT classes a week for 6 weeks. Get a perfect attendance and win 1 month free of Silver Membership for unlimited HIIT classes.

Rules: Must take HIIT classes 3x a week for 6 weeks (or 18 classes total) to win the free month.

Restrictions: Only 5 spots available per month. Can start the consecutive 6-weeks anytime between June 1st – August 31st. For new Silver Members only. 

How to sign up: Go to wiscobarbell.club/challenge to sign up right away or schedule a tour to view the space.

National Guardian Life: Jennifer Kaset and Judy Olson Promoted to Vice President, Sales and Business Development

Madison, Wis. (May 26, 2023) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to announce that Jennifer Kaset and Judy Olson have been promoted to Vice President, Sales and Business Development. These promotions will further strengthen strategic partnerships and deepen relationships to enhance sales growth potential in the insurance marketplace.

“Jennifer and Judy have been instrumental in helping NGL continue to grow our sales, drive new opportunities and deepen our relationships with our Marketing Partners. They are knowledgeable and dependable leaders in the insurance industry. I look forward to seeing what they can achieve in their newly expanded roles as they lead their teams,” said Jeremy Ragsdale, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

Kaset has nearly 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. She joined NGL in December 2019 as Regional Vice President, Sales, focusing on developing and nurturing Preneed partnerships with NGL’s marketing organizations, independent agents and agencies. She also oversees partners’ service needs as they strive to achieve their marketing goals.

“My passion for the funeral profession aligns with NGL’s core values of integrity, dependability, collaboration, compassion and growth. These values are always top of mind and demonstrated with each interaction. I’m proud to offer valuable products to the funeral homes we serve and to represent one of the best Preneed providers in the industry,” shares Kaset. “I am grateful to work with amazing colleagues and look forward to being a part of NGL’s future growth in Preneed distribution as we grow our market share and value of new business.”

Olson has more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. In her new role, se will continue to work with NGL’s Preneed and AssetGuard Marketing Partners to support their growth and business development opportunities. Olson joined NGL in January 2008 and has served in roles including Regional Vice President, Sales; Assistant Vice President and Director of Partner Support at NGL, where she led a team dedicated to supporting key business relationships with NGL’s marketing organizations.

“I’m fortunate to be able to combine my background in both marketing and sales with my dedication to building collaborative relationships, providing excellent customer support, and providing all of our partners with resources for business development,” shared Olson. “NGL has been providing families with valuable insurance coverage for over a century. Reliability, quality and stability are attributes partners and policyholders can expect from NGL. We are dedicated to helping families face life’s financial challenges with confidence, dignity and grace.”

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 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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Wisconsin Union: Free Outdoor Movies, Including Surprise Sunday Selection, to Bring the Cinema to Memorial Union Terrace

MADISON – This summer is bringing a beloved tradition back to the Memorial Union Terrace but with an exciting new addition. The Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Film Committee’s 2023 Lakeside Cinema series will bring free outdoor movies of many genres to the Terrace each Monday, with a select group of Sunday titles to be announced just before each screening to make for some summer surprises.

The Sunday series, titled Secret Sunday Scaries, features an array of spooky-themed films whose titles will be hinted at and then announced on the WUD Film Committee’s Instagram and Facebook accounts on the Thursday afternoons before each screening. Each screening begins at 9 p.m. Secret Sunday Scaries dates and film ratings are as follows:

• June 11, PG-13
• June 25, R
• July 9, PG-13 
• July 23, unrated
• Aug. 6, G

Along with these select Sunday screenings, from May 29-Sept. 4, patrons can enjoy free Lakeside Cinema films every Monday evening at 9 p.m. on the UW Credit Union Terrace Stage. The scheduled dates, titles and film ratings are as follows:

• May 29: “Good Burger,” PG
• June 5: “Booksmart,” R
• June 12: “But I’m a Cheerleader,” R
• June 19: “Black Panther,” PG-13
• June 26: “Men in Black,” PG-13
• July 3: “High School Musical 2,” G
• July 10: “Grown Ups,” PG-13
• July 17: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” PG-13
• July 24: “The Big Lebowski,” R
• July 31: “The Princess and the Frog,” G
• Aug. 7: “Cars,” G
• Aug. 14: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” PG-13
• Aug. 21: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” PG
• Aug. 28: “Muppet Treasure Island,” G
• Sept. 4: “Pitch Perfect 2,” PG-13

“Our Terrace screenings celebrate Madison as a city and as a community,” said Heewone Lim, WUD summer film coordinator and University of Wisconsin–Madison student. “In a regular theater viewing experience, you wouldn’t be able to sit in our iconic sunburst Terrace chairs or split a cup of ice cream from the Daily Scoop with friends and family. With Lakeside Cinema, we’re able to provide a space where our audience can make and share memories, creating something that the entire Madison community and visitors can enjoy.”

Filmgoers can enjoy the many dining options found at Memorial Union and the Terrace, including hot dogs, chips, and sodas for $1 each – a special deal exclusively offered on Lakeside Cinema Sunday and Monday screening evenings at the on-site Brat Stand starting at 8 p.m.

Terrace seating at film showings is available on a first come, first served basis. In the event of inclement weather, the Wisconsin Union team will aim to host the screening in der Rathskeller in Memorial Union. 

In addition to the summer screenings on the Terrace, the WUD Film Committee presents free film showings in the Marquee at Union South each fall and spring and is one of the 11 student-run committees and six clubs that make up WUD. These WUD student leaders create more than 1,000 free or low-cost events each year while cultivating real-world leadership skills. Many of them receive academic stipends funded by Wisconsin Union operating revenue and donations for their work. 

The Union’s free and low-cost events, as well as student leadership opportunities, are made possible through donations to the Wisconsin Union, purchases at the Union’s dining options and online store, as well as Wisconsin Union membership purchases. For a full lineup of Terrace season events, visit terracesummer.com.