Improving mental health is focus of new WPS report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Corporate Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

Improving mental health is focus of new WPS report

MADISON, Wis.—April 8, 2024—The 2023 WPS Health Solutions^® Corporate Social Responsibility Report, “Mental Health is Health,” is now available on wpshealthsolutions.com. The report details the company’s commitment to good mental health along with an overview of how various lines of business at WPS Health Solutions supported mental health initiatives in 2023.

During the year, WPS worked to bring awareness, fund programming, reduce stigmas, and advance availability of mental health care. A highlight of the efforts was adding 20% more mental health care providers to its networks, reducing wait time from weeks to hours.

“Addressing the mental health needs of beneficiaries, our insured, and our employees has been a focus of mine since becoming President and CEO last April. I’m proud of how company leaders have stepped up and brought real solutions to the table,” said WPS President and CEO Wendy Perkins. “This report highlights our continued focus and progress and reaffirms our belief that mental health care is essential health care.”

More than 75 years since its founding, WPS continues its work to protect the health and financial well-being of its customers.

About WPS Health Solutions^®

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, has more than 2,600 employees. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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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.

‘Mythbusters’ Host, Author Kari Byron to Speak on Unlocking Curiosity at Wisconsin Union Directorate Event April 24

MADISON – Author and “MythBusters” television host Kari Byron will share her thoughts on how to use curiosity to solve problems at Shannon Hall in Memorial Union on April 24 at 7 p.m. at a Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee-hosted free lecture.

The event, titled “Curiosity Unlocked: An Evening with Kari Byron,” will feature a 60-minute lecture followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A. The event is free, but tickets are required. Current University of Wisconsin–Madison students may register for tickets on April 9 at 2 p.m. Students will require a promo code, which they will receive via email, to acquire their ticket. Any remaining tickets will become available to the general public on April 10 at 2 p.m., with a limit of two tickets per person. Ticket registration for the event will be available here. 

Known for her work on reality science television shows such as “MythBusters,” “Thrill Factor” and “The White Rabbit Project,” Byron has a steady presence in the science education community. Using her own arts background, Byron works to connect the fields of art and science, which can be regarded as conflicting approaches. 

Byron is the co-director of the National STEM Challenge, a competition that fosters creativity, critical thinking and a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics for middle and high school students. She is also the co-founder of EXPLR Media, which provides science-related resources to kids worldwide.

Her book, “Crash Test Girl: An Unlikely Experiment in Using the Scientific Method to Answer Life’s Toughest Questions,” explores the use of the scientific method in her own life to solve everyday issues, including career-building, love and friendship.

“I’m a living, limping, example of how being a risk-taking methodologist can bring you love, success, and inspiration,” Byron said in her 2018 autobiography. “I had to be a crash test girl to evolve into a road-tested woman.”

The WUD DLS Committee brings engaging and influential people to the UW–Madison campus to encourage thought-provoking conversations. WUD includes 12 committees and six Wisconsin Hoofers clubs that program thousands of events each year.

Patrons can learn more about the upcoming free talk featuring Byron here.

Midwest Mujeres Announces Two Upcoming Events

Join us for an empowering event presented by Midwest Mujeres and Summit Credit Union. It will take place on Saturday, May 18th, at StartingBlock from 11 AM to 3 PM.

I want Money! Dress, Feel, and Empower Yourself for More Money in Your Life is designed to inspire and equip individuals with valuable insights and strategies for financial success, professional growth, and navigating challenges unique to people of color.

Learn more and register here.

You are also invited to witness local women of color on a journey to be public speakers and storytellers. This storytelling forum will be open to the public.

We are excited to announce our annual event, iYo Quiero Dinero! June 15th, 2024, at the MyArts building (1055 E. Mifflin St.) at 1 PM. Networking for the show starts at 2 PM.

June 15th, 2024, at the MyArts building (1055 E. Mifflin St.). Networking will start at 1 PM, and the show will start at 2 PM.

***TICKETS SALES WILL END ON Wednesday, JUNE 12th at 11:30 PM**

Learn more and register here.

Spare Time Entertainment

Spare Time Entertainment is a place where you can enjoy Laser Tag, Escape Rooms, Bowling, Arcade Games, a Restaurant, Bar, and other fun activities. We believe in working hard and playing harder! We provide private meeting rooms, team-building activities, group activities, field trips, and much more to make your experience even better. We can’t wait to welcome you to Spare Time Entertainment.

Located at 7415 Mineral Point Rd.