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Photo by Richard Hurd
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s Business Leadership Academy
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber is proud to be accepting applications for the fifth year of the Business Leadership Academy.
This interactive, ten-month experience develops and strengthens the skills of existing and emerging LGBTQ and allied leaders in the workplace by providing quality and transformative programming. Today’s business environment – for non-profits, small businesses and corporations — requires leadership skills like effective communication, adaptability, collaboration and the ability to motivate.
What will be learned through the Business Leadership Academy?
Participating in the Business Leadership Academy will increase your awareness of your own unique leadership and teamwork skills.
Each of the sessions will be facilitated by industry experts, certified trainers, and other business leaders from the community. Through the Business Leadership Academy, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to:
- Discover their leadership style and core values
- Work with and effectively manage other individuals
- Advocate for change in your workplace
- Engage a team for success and inspire others to action
- Understand and apply business finances to their work
- Care for yourself and prevent burnout
- Make a difference in your community through leadership opportunities
- Broaden their perspectives and engage in healthy debate and discussion
Through the program, you’ll be connected to an exceptional network of cross-sector civic, business and community leaders and form long-lasting and impactful professional relationships that will aid in your leadership development.
At the beginning of the program, each participant will take an Insights Discovery assessment to learn more about their personal and professional leadership style to build a framework of success as leaders in the workplace. Sessions will also feature a number of readings and case studies for group discussion so that participants can apply the learnings to real-world situations.
Benefits of Completing the Business Leadership Academy
At the conclusion of the Business Leadership Academy, all those that complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion, public recognition by the Chamber as a program graduate, and the ability to list the program on your resume.
Graduates also be eligible for participation in the Business Leadership Academy’s Alumni Network which will connect you with previous program graduates for continued learning, professional development, and networking.
Program Schedule and Time Commitment
The 2023 Business Leadership Academy will meet in-person in Milwaukee once a month from February to November on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be a total of 10 sessions for the program. We do ask that all attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and we will continue to follow CDC guidance on mask usage.
While all sessions will take place in-person, we recognize that not everyone may be able to travel to Milwaukee for these meetings. While we would prefer attendees to be in-person, we will be providing a hybrid option for those that need to join sessions via Zoom.
Attendance Requirements
Successful completion of the program requires a minimum attendance at 80% of the sessions (minimum of 8 of 10 sessions) and being an active participant in the work of the program.
Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Business Leadership Academy. Participants and their employers must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in the program. If issues do arise during the Program year, we encourage you to reach out for a conversation with our Program Director.
Eligibility
Any Chamber member is eligible to apply to participate in the year-long Business Leadership Academy. Ideal participants are those who have:
- An interest in growing their leadership skills.
- A desire to advance in their career.
- A strong interest in influencing change and having a positive impact on their community.
- A desire to develop new professional relationships.
- A minimum of 5 years of work experience.
- A willingness to commit to attending all Academy sessions during the course of the year and being an active participant in discussions and activities.
Application Process and Timeline
Applicants for the program will be required to submit an online application on the Chamber’s website, which includes submitting a resume and providing short answers to a few questions. Applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of Chamber members supporting the program.
Here is a schedule of the application process:
- December 1, 2022: Application process opens.
- January 13, 2023: Application submission deadline (5:00 p.m.)
- January 21, 2023: Applicants notified of acceptance decision
- February 7, 2023: Tuition Payment Due
- February 14, 2023: First Session of Business Leadership Academy in Milwaukee (3:00 to 7:00 p.m.)
After that the Business Leadership Academy will continue to meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Tuition
The cost for each participant in the program is $1,500.
This fee includes the registration fee for all sessions, the Insights Discovery assessment, as well as additional leadership and program materials.
Employers are eligible to sponsor employees to participate in the program. In addition, a limited number of scholarships are available, as well as various payment plans if needed.
Further Information
If you have additional questions on the program, please contact Phillip Bailey, Program Director, at phillip@wislgbtchamber.com.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Happy Holidays from Community Living Connections!
We are fortunate to have much to celebrate this holiday season. Most importantly, the communities we are part of. We are proud to serve people in Madison, Stoughton, Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, and Platteville. These communities are what make us great. Each person brings a special gift to share, be it their individuality, knowledge, or experiences. Together we help each other to be stronger, more dynamic and inclusive communities.
People we support share with us their goals and dreams for their life. Whether that is within their home or the neighborhood in which they live. CLC’s mission is to support individuals to live their best life in their own home and in their community. Key to living your best life is building meaningful relationships, and accessing and contributing to your community.
The support people receive from CLC direct care staff not only ensures access to basic amenities like healthy food and a clean home; supports are geared toward outcomes that build a happy, fulfilling life. CLC employees genuinely care about the people we support, want them to thrive within their community, and achieve their ambitions! CLC is honored to be chosen to support your adult friends and family members to live their best life.
Support the CLC mission! Here are a few ways you can help us support people to build meaningful relationships in their community.
| Write a “Thank You” note! | Words of appreciation and encouragement go a long way at CLC. Send letters of appreciation for Supported Living Staff, so they know how valued they are! |
| Make a donation | Please consider making a donation of $300. Your gift can go to CLC’s greatest need, or it can be reserved for staff Appreciation. Gifts of all sizes are highly valued! |
Photo by Richard Hurd
Dane Buy Local’s Holiday Shopping Season Kick-Off
Contact: Colin Murray, Executive Director, Dane Buy Local
(608) 729-7342/office • (608) 712-3440/cell • colin@danebuylocal.com • danebuylocal.com
Dane Buy Local’s Holiday Shopping Season Kick-Off
228 East Main St., Downtown Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Monday, November 21 at 11:30 a.m.
Madison, WI – Dane Buy Local Executive Director Colin Murray, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, and Bank of Sun Prairie Senior Vice President Retail John Loeffler join other local business leaders to commemorate Dane Buy Local’s 13th Shop Indie Local campaign. The event highlights Dane Buy Local’s 600 members and the importance of supporting local businesses throughout the holiday season.
“Bank of Sun Prairie is proud to be a presenting sponsor for Shop Indie Local for the third year,” says Chief Retail Officer John Loeffler. “We encourage you to support local, independent businesses. They’re the lifeblood of our communities. They support our local events, nonprofits, school fundraisers and provide services vital to our everyday life.” Loeffler continues, “As Bank of Sun Prairie, a locally owned, independent community bank celebrates our 125th anniversary, we are thrilled to do our part is supporting this initiative at such an important time of year.”
“Our small businesses are unique and help define Dane County’s culture,” said County Executive Joe Parisi. “By participating in Small Business Saturday and Shop Indie Local, Dane County residents do their part to keep our community vibrant and local economy healthy through the holiday season and beyond.”
Small Business Saturday focuses on local business. Has Small Business Saturday made a difference?
U.S. shoppers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reported spending a record high total of an estimated $23.3 billion, up from $19.8 in 2020.
66% reported that the day makes them want to Shop Small all year long.
Online shopping at a small business on Small Business Saturday was up slightly, with 58% of shoppers reporting that they made a purchase online, compared to 56% in 2020 and 43% in 2019.
More shoppers were eager to support independent restaurants with 54% reporting they dined or ordered takeout from a small restaurant, bar, or café, up from 48% in 2020.
70% of respondents reported Small Business Saturday makes them want to encourage others to shop at small, independently owned retailers.
“Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to look for holiday gifts for loved ones or yourself while supporting local businesses,” says Colin Murray, Executive Director for Dane Buy Local. “When you spend your dollars at locally owned retail businesses rather than a chain store, more money returns to the local economy.”
According to Civic Economics, when you spend a dollar at an independent business, approximately 47 cents return to the local economy. When spent at a chain store, only 14 cents return. Spent at an online giant, only a few pennies return. The 47 cents also recirculate through the local economy, generating a ripple effect that strengthens jobs, charitable contributions, and community prosperity.
Shop Indie Local activites go through December, including The Passport Program (November 1-December 18), Plaid Friday (November 25), Small Business Saturday (November 26), Artist Sunday (November 27), Local Cyber Monday (November 28), and Giving Tuesday (November 29), Shopping Local (all year long).
For more information, contact Colin Murray at colin@danebuylocal.com or (608) 712-3440, or visit danebuylocal.com.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Support Sustain Dane’s Year-End Giving Campaign
Support Sustain Dane through our 2022 Year-End Giving Campaign. With your help, we are making a powerful impact in the sustainability and climate movement.
Your support makes this possible. Sustain Dane’s work amplifies sustainable actions in the workplace, at home, in schools and throughout the community. Please consider donating to Sustain Dane today to accelerate equity and sustainable actions for community well-being.
Photo by Richard Hurd
WPS Health Solutions: Navy Petty Officer First Class Matthew Kuzicki saluted for Operation Fan Mail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com
Navy Petty Officer First Class Matthew Kuzicki saluted for Operation Fan Mail
Program is sponsored by WPS Health Solutions and the Green Bay Packers
MADISON, Wis.—Nov. 15, 2022—The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute this week to Navy Petty Officer First Class Matthew Kuzicki and his family in conjunction with the Nov. 13 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, marks its 16th season in 2022.
Kuzicki grew up in Sobieski, Wis., about 20 miles from Lambeau Field. The green-and-gold gene has been passed down for generations in his family. He grew up a Packers fan, with early cherished memories of his family gathering at his Grandpa Ed’s house to watch the games together. When the Packers went to Super Bowl XXXI in 1997, Kuzicki collected every newspaper clipping possible and got a Packers Super Bowl Champion hat, which he still has all these years later.
Kuzicki joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 in 2005, making 2023 his 18th year of service to the country. During his service, he has completed five tours that have taken him to several countries including Cameroon, Ukraine, Germany, Spain, Sicily, Guam, and more. He will begin his sixth tour in February. He has earned four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals and the Afghanistan Campaign medal. He has also been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal. Currently, he is stationed in Gulfport, Miss., and is serving with the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 13.
Kuzicki attended Sunday’s game with his wife, Danielle, his parents, Mike and Marie Kuzicki, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joyce and Mike Maszka, who nominated him for Operation Fan Mail. As the honoree for Operation Fan Mail this week, Kuzicki received four tickets to the game and a $150 Packers Pro Shop gift card, courtesy of WPS.
The program, which debuted in 2007, is designed to honor families with a member who is on active duty or a member who is a veteran. The Packers and WPS Health Solutions will host a family at each 2022 season home game and recognize the members on the video boards during pregame activities. A total of 153 individuals, families, or groups have been recognized through the program since it began.
The Packers and WPS Health Solutions invite interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular family should be saluted this year. Families intended for recognition are those that have a member serving on active duty, or a member who is a veteran. The family member can be a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, or sibling.
Essays can be sent to Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628 or online at operationfanmail.com.
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, Wis., has more than 3,100 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.
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