Ready, set, save! Registration now open for Dupaco’s 21-day Sprint to Savings Challenge

Dupaco Credit Union invites individuals of all financial fitness levels to join its Sprint to Savings Challenge, a 21-day journey that will help participants build stronger saving habits. Credit union membership is not required to participate.  

The three-week challenge will help participants take control of their finances, build momentum toward their savings goals and have a chance to win cash prizes along the way.  

During the challenge, participants will: 

• Build learning habits with simple strategies to grow their savings.  
• Stay motivated with regular check-ins to help stay on track and celebrate progress. 
• Get rewarded with weekly cash prize opportunities and the chance to win the $500 grand prize.  

“While this challenge is a sprint, it’s really about preparing for the bigger picture — each participant’s savings marathon,” said Tara McDermott, Senior Marketing Communication Specialist at Dupaco. “The goal is to help build confidence through small, repeatable actions that lead to long-term financial changes. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, this challenge offers a supportive way to move closer to reaching your savings goals and dreams.” 

Registration is open now through May 30. The challenge officially kicks off June 2.  

Those interested in registering for Dupaco’s 21-day Sprint to Savings Challenge and learning about all the contest details can visit dupaco.com/sprint-to-savings-challenge.  

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION  

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 173,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com

New “Climate Action Playbook” Offers Groundbreaking Framework for Nurturing Climate-Resilient Children

(Madison, Wis.) —In an era marked by a rapidly changing climate, the newly published Climate Action Playbook is a vital resource for museum professionals, educators, caregivers, and others who work with children from birth to age eight.

The Climate Action Playbook addresses a critical gap in existing climate resources by focusing on the developmental needs of early learners.

Caretakers of Wonder, a consortium of children’s museums led by Madison Children’s Museum in partnership with Environment & Culture Partners, the Association of Children’s Museums, and Verdis Group, developed this innovative, holistic approach to preparing young children for a changing world while fostering compassion, excitement about the natural world, agency, and hope for a bright climate future.

Children’s museums are leading on the issue because the well-being and healthy development of children are their top concern.

“Our approach to early learning climate education is to center our work on cultivating curiosity, agency, empathy, hope, and deep connections with nature, rather than burdening young children with problems they are too young to solve,” says Brenda Baker, the Caretakers of Wonder project manager and vice president of exhibits, facilities & strategic initiatives at Madison Children’s Museum. “We’re equipping adults to be effective role models who can help grow resilient children capable of flourishing in a warming world.”

David Sobel, children’s environmental education expert and advisor to the Playbook, sums up the approach succinctly. “If we want children to flourish… then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.”

Developed through a collaborative effort between nine children’s museums and science centers, along with experts in neuroscience, climate psychology, early childhood education, climate science, and equity, the Playbook offers practical tools to improve the lives of young children and families:

• Creating norms of self-care and connection
• Cultivating children’s well-being and capacity to flourish
• Establishing enduring relationships with Earth’s living beings and systems
• Building capacity for hope through action 

The Playbook is divided into two sections: one for Museum Visitors and one for Museum Professionals. Each section divides the content into age bands: birth to 3, 3 to 6, and 6 to 8 years old. Content is subdivided into three areas of emphasis: Nature & Well-being; Empathy & Resilience, and Hope & Collective Action. The Playbook also includes a comprehensive literature review of published pieces at the intersection of children and climate change.

The timing of this resource is particularly significant, as data from the World Health Organization shows that children are especially vulnerable to climate change impacts. An overwhelming 88% of the disease burden attributable to climate change afflicts children under five years of age, and studies show these impacts are felt the hardest by Black and brown children. In addition, recent research shows that over half of children feel “eco-anxiety” and many “feel sadness, anxiety, anger, helplessness, and guilt all at once.”

Consequently, adults who care for young children need guidance on what to do and say so their kids feel safe and hopeful. The Playbook provides the practical guidance these concerned adults need.

“Continue to foster a love of nature with young children,” advises the Playbook. “Catch fireflies, collect dandelions, and ford streams. You’re sowing the seeds of good stewardship and future action.”

The Climate Action Playbook is available now for museums, educators, and caregivers committed to nurturing the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Visit www.caretakersofwonder.org to learn more.

Caretakers of Wonder, a consortium of children’s museums led by Madison Children’s Museum in partnership with Environment & Culture Partners, the Association of Children’s Museums, and Verdis Group, was launched in 2022 with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services MG 252083-OMS-22. Nine museums participated in the project’s first two years. That grant has been terminated by the federal government, though all promised funds have been received and the grant work is mostly complete. 

Phase II of Caretakers of Wonder was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Climate Smart grant. That grant has also since been terminated—with no money disbursed. Madison Children’s Museum and partners remain committed to the coalition and the work.

M3 Expands Surety Expertise with the Addition of Babcock Solutions

M3 is pleased to announce we have joined forces with Babcock Solutions, strengthening our surety expertise and our commitment to delivering best-in-class surety solutions. This partnership aligns with M3’s focus on providing comprehensive risk management backed by deep industry knowledge and a client-first approach.

“We are excited to join M3 and look forward to working with the M3 Surety team to continue building trusted relationships and best-in-class surety services for our current and future clients,” said Brad Babcock, founder of Babcock Solutions and now managing director of M3 Surety. “I believe joining with M3 allows us expand our team and reach throughout Wisconsin, Rockford, and the Upper Peninsula.”

Since 2012, Babcock Solutions has been a trusted provider of surety bonds. Brad Babcock and team are known for their dedication to client success and personalized service. By integrating their expertise with M3’s broad capabilities, clients will benefit from an even stronger foundation of resources, industry insight, and tailored surety solutions.

“Welcoming Babcock Solutions to M3 is pivotal for our surety practice,” said Mike Victorson, CEO and partner at M3. “Their legacy of trusted relationships and expertise aligns with our promise to deliver unmatched value to clients. Together, we’re not just expanding services, we’re raising the bar for what’s possible for our clients.”

Babcock Solutions’ clients will continue to receive the same high level of service they have come to expect. In the coming months, all services will be fully integrated under the M3 brand, providing a seamless experience with expanded support and solutions.
For more information about this transition and how it benefits our clients, please visit m3ins.com/surety.

About M3
M3 is a top insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work. For more information on M3, visit www.m3ins.com.

Madison Night Market Celebrates the University of Wisconsin

Showcase of Local Businesses, 100+ Unique Vendors, Live Music and Food Trucks

DOWNTOWN MADISON, WI – Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) welcomes the entire community to the return of the expanded Madison Night Market on May 8, from 5-9 p.m. Last year’s expansion onto N. Carroll and W. Mifflin Streets on Capitol Square is back, along with State Street and Gilman Street, showcasing more local artisans and food vendors in the heart of Madison’s fast-growing downtown district.

Celebrating the University of Wisconsin and its graduates!

Coming just 2 days before UW-Madison’s Spring Commencement, the first Madison Night Market of the year will celebrate the University of Wisconsin’s impact on and commitment to our community.

• Bucky on Parade photo-op: Downtown Madison’s own Madison Traditions Bucky will make a special appearance on the 500-block of State Street along with a beautiful ballon display, providing a great photo op for graduates (along with the rest of the Madison community).
• Discounts for UW Health nurses: Nurses Week runs from May 6-12, and select vendors at the Madison Night Market will offer exclusive discounts for UW Health nurses and all other nurses in our community.
• Special vendors: Be on the lookout for vintage badger apparel and other licensed gear throughout the market.

Madison is known for great shopping, amazing food and a talented arts scene, and the Madison Night Market brings our urban experience together in celebration. Vendors and State Street retailers combine to showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, artisanal foods, and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts, and pop-up restaurant experiences.

NEW: Family Activity Zone

Fun for the whole family! Where State Street meets Capitol Square, you’ll find the Madison Night Market Family Activity Zone, filled with a rotating slate of family-friendly activities to keep kids (and their grown-ups!) engaged and entertained. Stay tuned for a new batch of activities for each market in 2025. The May 8 market will feature:

• Family Fitness Challenge with MADabolic Madison: Put yourself (and your kiddos) to the test with simple fitness challenges that will keep adults and kids alike on their toes.
• Madison Reading Project: Stop by Madison Reading Project’s Big Red Reading Bus for information about local resources and reading programs for kids and families—along with some special giveaways for your little bookworms.

Live music lineup

Peace Park Music Stage
452 State Street
5:00 – 6:30pm: Soul Impressions
7 – 9pm: Sam Ness

Capitol Square @ State Street
5:00-9:00 p.m. – Eric De Los Santos

200 Block of State
5:00-7:00 p.m. – Wendy Lynn Marcus

Frances Street Plaza
6:00 p.m. – Becca Murray

The most up-to-date market details, including vendors and participating businesses, can be found here: https://madisonnightmarket.com

Follow along on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/madisonnightmarket/

And on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/madisonnightmarket/

Stay up to date on ALL downtown events here: https://visitdowntownmadison.com/events/

The Madison Night Market is brought to you by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District and the City of Madison. Special thanks to our generous sponsors: Madison Gas & Electric, Steve Brown Apartments, Bubbl’r, and Henry Vilas Zoo.

ABOUT MADISON’S CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)

The BID represents more than 370 businesses and 250 property owners. It is dedicated to supporting the economic vitality, safety and vibrancy of downtown Madison. We serve the greater State Street, Capitol Square and First Settlement district, working collaboratively with property owners, small businesses and city stakeholders to make downtown Madison the best place to shop, dine, work, live and explore. As a special assessment district, we provide important services, including marketing, public programming, small business support and storefront advocacy to ensure a thriving downtown.

Locally Crafted Sunburst Sparkler Beverage Expands with Two New Flavors

MADISON – The flavor lineup of Sunburst Sparkler — locally crafted, fruit-infused, caffeinated sparkling beverages created by the Wisconsin Union and Karben4 teams — has expanded with two new flavors, Kiwi Berry Bang and Raspberry Ginger Rush.

All Sunburst Sparkler flavors are on shelves now at all Wisconsin Union-run dining locations, some campus vending machines, and some Madison area retailers’ locations, such as Woodman’s Markets, Barriques, and Triangle Market.

            Kiwi Berry Bang blends strawberry, kiwi, and guava juice concentrates with tea-derived caffeine for a tropical-inspired, new Sunburst Sparkler flavor option. Raspberry Ginger Rush brings together raspberry and ginger with a hint of lime as a zesty Sunburst Sparkler lineup addition.

            Kiwi Berry Bang and Raspberry Ginger Rush join the original four Sunburst Sparkler flavors lineup of Cherry SubLime, Flamango Tango, Poppin’ Peach Punch, and Berry Burst. Like the originals, these new flavor options contain no added sweeteners, feature real fruit juice as the only source of sweetness, and have tea-derived, natural caffeine. Each can contains between 15 and 35 calories and are $3.69 per can at Wisconsin Union-run dining locations.

            “We’re excited to expand the Sunburst Sparkler line with two new flavors of our locally created, naturally caffeinated energy drinks,” said Carl Korz, Wisconsin Union associate director for dining and hospitality services. “This is such an incredible alternative to the artificially flavored energy drinks out there. You’re still getting a sustained burst of energy but without added sweeteners like stevia or hard-to-pronounce chemicals and additives.”

            Other Wisconsin Union-made food and beverage products include Terrace Lemonade and Terrace Strawberry Lemonade produced in collaboration with Karben4 and Wisconsin Union Beef Snack Sticks produced in collaboration with Bucky’s Varsity Meats. The Wisconsin Union also offers exclusive Wisconsin Union gifts and merchandise at its Badger Markets at Memorial Union and Union South as well as at its online Terrace Store.

            Purchases of Wisconsin Union food, beverages and merchandise help support the nonprofit’s work to create free and low-cost events, community spaces and student leadership opportunities.

Patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/about/wisconsin-union-products to learn about some Wisconsin Union-made products, including the Sunburst Sparkler lineup.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The non-profit Wisconsin Union strives to enhance and support student leadership and community engagement, including through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities and by providing world-class support services, such as in event management. The Wisconsin Union includes student leadership opportunities available through the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the Center for Leadership and Involvement, the Wisconsin Singers, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee; Memorial Union; Union South; various dining options throughout downtown Madison; UW Conference Centers; and the Fluno Center. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

About Karben4 Brewing

Founded in 2012, Karben4 (K4) was built to make great beverages while never taking itself too seriously. The team is committed to brewing high-quality, innovative beers and other drinks that push the boundaries of traditional brewing. Check K4 out online at karben4.com.