Property Owner, Urban Land Interests, Invests in Cutting-Edge Air Quality System

Test results demonstrate a 99.4% kill rate against SARS-COV-2 (COVID19) using a Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI) system

DOWNTOWN MADISON, WI – To make people feel safe and more comfortable returning to work in Downtown Madison, Urban Land Interests, has invested in a Global Plasma Solutions (GPS) powered Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI) system for its downtown Class-A office buildings. This technology will dramatically improve the indoor air quality in ULI’s portfolio. Testing results released by Innovative Bioanalysis on June 2, 2020 demonstrate a 99.4% kill rate of SARS-COV-2 (COVID19) when using Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology. 

Around the globe, there is a renewed focus on indoor air quality because of the COVID-19 pandemic. ULI carefully considered a number of alternatives including HEPA filtration, UV lights, and general air purification systems to improve the quality of indoor air in our office buildings  

Urban Land Interests chose to invest in needlepoint bi-polar ionization technology, which has been developed and brought to market by Global Plasma Solutions a leader in the indoor air quality solutions market.  Needlepoint bipolar ionization (NBPI) is revolutionizing the clean air industry, and ULI feels the technology is the best in the market to deliver an unprecedented level of air quality in its Class-A office buildings.  The equipment produces electrically charged molecules creating an ionization field within the air stream that migrates throughout occupied spaces to kill viruses, bacteria, allergens and mold spores.  The ionization field also causes dust particles to agglomerate into larger particles which can then be filtered out of the air stream by existing filtration systems. UW Hospital and clinics have also recently installed NBPI technology to kill virus and other pathogens.

As a market leader in Downtown Madison commercial real estate, ULI is investing in this innovative technology with the goal of delivering the highest-level indoor air quality as its Tenants and their guests return to work.  ULI is collaborating with restaurant tenants within its portfolio with the same goal.  Initial restaurant partners include; L’Etoile, Graze, Lucille, Tavernakaya, and Capital Take-out.  ULI is also investigating how to install this innovative technology in its residential properties.

About Urban Land Interests

Urban Land Interests (ULI) develops, manages, operates and invests in real estate with the perspective of long-term owners committed to improving the value of every building. We build long-term relationships with our tenants by providing services that anticipate and meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Urban Land Interests has developed and currently manages over 1,360,000 rentable square feet of office and retail space in downtown Madison, primarily located on the Capitol Square.  Of this total, approximately 250,000 square feet is retail, restaurant, bank and service space.

ULI owned properties with installed GPS Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI) systems

US Bank Plaza
33 East Main, at Block89
10 East Doty, at Block89
One East Main, at Block89
Tenney Plaza
44 East Mifflin
25 West Main
Pressman Apartments
Fire Station No.2

Initial Participating Restaurants
Graze
L’Etoile
Lucille
Tavernakaya
Capital Take Out

Installation Partner
1901 Inc. Brady Farrell – 1901 Inc. is a world-class HVAC, Plumbing, and Mechanical contractor serving customers all across Wisconsin and the Midwest

Resources

GPS WEBSITE: https://globalplasmasolutions.com/

GPS TECH OVERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oHHN5drXmU

GPS PARTICULATE REDUCTION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcEYG5qy1h4

Media Contact:

Press Inquiries-
Emily Mehl
Urban Land Interests
t: (608) 692-3525
emehl@ULI.com

Technical Inquires –
David Perretz
Urban Land Interests
t: (608) 441-7563
dperretz@ULI.com

New logo and brand revealed at National Guardian Life Insurance Company

National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) has always been a creator of connection and promoter of people.

“For more than a century NGL has been a leader in the insurance industry. We believe in providing insurance solutions that link people to the right products and partners for life’s journey. Our purpose is to help people face life’s financial challenges with confidence, dignity and grace,” said Jessica Grann, NGL Chief of Staff and Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communications.

Greater focus and new purpose

NGL has utilized the “tree of life” logo since 1965 when it was originally created. It has been a strong logo, however with NGL’s renewed purpose and focus, a modern brand that resonated with partners and policyholders was created.

Several logos were developed and tested using Implicit Association Testing to determine which logos appeared to be more reliable, inviting, authentic, experienced and innovative. After additional testing by agents and policyholders, NGL’s new logo was selected.

“Testing several logos and selecting one that represents NGL’s values has been a valuable process. We chose a logo and messaging that promotes the ideas and values of NGL as a reliable, trustworthy leader who will be there for partners, policyholders and employees when they need it most,” said Jessica Grann, NGL Chief of Staff and Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communications.

Throughout the upcoming year NGL will update its digital platforms, marketing materials, applications and building signage.

NGL’s branding and messaging may be changing but that doesn’t mean the company is abandoning its heritage. NGL is writing the next chapter in its story – a chapter that builds on the company’s promises, strengths and innovation.

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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WPS launches MedEncentive digital health pilot; first trial to be sponsored by commercial health insurer

For WPS Health Solutions

DeAnne Boegli
DeAnne.Boegli@wpsic.com
Phone: 608-977-7343

For MedEncentive

Jim Dempster
jdempster@medencentive.com
Phone: 405-319-8454

WPS launches MedEncentive digital health pilot; first trial to be sponsored by commercial health insurer

Madison, Wis. and Oklahoma City – June 4, 2020 – In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, WPS Health Solutions, a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin, and MedEncentive, developer of a breakthrough digital health service, announced a partnership today, to conduct a pilot of the MedEncentive Mutual Accountability and Information e-Therapy (e-MAIT) Program. The purpose of the pilot is to demonstrate the program’s health-improvement and cost-containment capabilities to health insurers, researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

Starting immediately, a subset of WPS’s employee health plan will be covered by the e-MAIT Program. Health and cost outcomes from this covered group will be compared to the balance of the WPS employee health plan, in a multiyear controlled trial.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is transforming how healthcare and health insurance will be delivered,” said WPS Chief Strategy Officer John Stephens. “Part of this transformation is the acceleration of digital health. MedEncentive has developed a promising digital health solution that we believe will improve health and lower costs. WPS is committed to being a health insurance leader in the post-COVID-19 era, and it is for this reason that we are proud to be sponsoring this important demonstration with MedEncentive.”

In a five-year study, recently published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Medical Internet Research and certified by the Validation Institute, the e-MAIT Program was found to be associated with significant reductions in hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and per-capita expenditures, which produced a large return on investment for the health plan sponsor.

“As the first controlled trial sponsored by a commercial health insurer, this pilot is an important step toward our goal of widespread and universal adoption of our program,” said MedEncentive CEO Jeff Greene. “WPS is to be commended for its leadership and commitment to excellence.”

About WPS Health Solutions

WPS Health Solutions is a nationally regarded government contractor and a leading Wisconsin not-for-profit health insurer. The WPS Health Insurance division offers affordable health plans and benefits administration. The WPS Government Health Administrators division administers Part A and B Medicare benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and the WPS Military and Veterans Health division serves millions more members who are active in the U.S. military, veterans, and their families. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions) has been based in Madison, Wis., for more than 70 years. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

About MedEncentive LLC

MedEncentive offers a health-improvement, cost-containment service to employers, insurers and governments, based on the Company’s web-based and mobile-enabled incentive system.  This patented system, called the Mutual Accountability and Information Therapy (MAIT) Program, has been proven to improve health and health care, and lower costs, an objective often referred to as the “Triple-Quadruple-Quintuple Aim.” What makes the MAIT Program unique is how it offers financial incentives to both patients and doctors for holding each other accountable for assimilating “information therapy.” To learn more, visit www.medencentive.com.

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Keeping music alive: WCO unveils new look, more digital concerts and 20/21 season series

May 18, 2020

For Immediate Release

Media contact:
Jake Miller, 608-957-4797, jake@hellosundaypaper.com

Keeping music alive: WCO unveils new look, more digital concerts and 20/21 season series
With its musicians at center stage, the WCO aims to bridge classical music and community

MADISON –  The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra today unveiled its new look and feel, an upcoming digital concert and several new programs – all with the goal of bringing the community closer to classical music and the musicians behind it.

As many art and music organizations nationwide have been forced to hit pause, the WCO has worked tirelessly to march forward, ensuring the 60-year-old organization, famous for its Concerts on the Square series and top-tier musicianship, remains relevant and engaged with its audience.

Focused on the artistry, richness, quality and intimacy of its performances, the WCO has captured that essence in a new look, including an updated logo and website, wcoconcerts.org. More importantly, though, is what the new look stands for during this time. The WCO is putting its musicians in the spotlight, bridging the gap between audience and artist and making classical music accessible without sacrificing what makes it magical.

“Experiencing music is about so much more than just what you hear,” said Joe Loehnis, WCO CEO and a professional cellist. “It’s about getting to know the musicians, diving into the stories behind them, what inspires them. When you go deeper, the music means more. It sounds even better. That’s the connection we want to make with existing and new audiences.”

The WCO worked with Suz Brewer of SUZCO, to capture the brand’s soul in its new image. Brewer is known nationally for her work with Duluth Trading Company’s now famous advertising. She also positioned EatStreet for its rapid growth, and is known for her ability to unearth what audiences want to experience.

Online concert series expanded

As part of the effort to better connect musicians and audience, while making classical music more accessible and enjoyable, the WCO is ramping up its new digital concert series.

At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, the WCO will air a recorded PBS Wisconsin rebroadcast of one the  most popular Concerts on the Square on wcoconcerts.org. The concert, like Concerts on the Square, is free to everyone.

“For 37 years, we’ve been the orchestra that instigated and hosts these magical summer concerts with 250,000 people attending each year,” said Maestro Andrew Sewell, WCO’s music director for 20 years. “Concerts on the Square means a lot to this community and while we work to bring back the live performance, we wanted to find a way to keep the music coming while keeping everyone safe.”

Additionally, the WCO will continue to showcase its Coucherto Series, featuring home performances by its musicians, Sewell and Loehnis. The Coucherto Series launched within two weeks of the Safer at Home Order and compelled musicians to perform from their homes – and sometimes doing so in flannel lounge pants.

20/21 season, Friends of the WCO announced

Keeping the music going is more critical than ever, which is why the WCO also is unveiling its 20/21 season, which includes Masterworks I on Nov. 20. The concert will feature John O’Conor on Piano at the Capitol Theatre, Overture Center for the Arts.

“We’re optimistic that we’ll be able to have live performances as the months progress, and that includes a number of concerts this fall,” Loehnis said. “But, if we have to pivot we will. Ultimately, our goal is to make sure everyone is safe, our musicians can play, and our community can enjoy the WCO – no matter the platform.”

To view the entire schedule, visit the WCO’s event calendar.

As part of its focus on connecting with its supporters, the WCO has launched Friends of the WCO, a new program that makes it possible for the WCO to employ some of the best musicians in the nation.

While donations and the Payroll Protection Plan has allowed the WCO to pay its musicians despite having to cancel performances, it’s the community support that keeps the organization going.

As a member of Friends of the WCO, you receive discounted concert tickets, invitations to member-only parties, gifts and other perks. To donate, visit the Friends of the WCO page online.

About the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

Founded in 1960, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) is one of the elite chamber ensembles in the United States and is dedicated to advancing Wisconsin communities through the transformative power of music. Under the direction of Maestro Andrew Sewell, the WCO leverages the unique characteristics of chamber music to bring a wide variety of repertoire to audiences in settings that range from the formality of the concert hall to the intimacy of smaller community venues and the open accessibility of parks and other public spaces. Through collaborations with regional performing arts groups and touring performances, the WCO extends its artistic programming to broader audiences and communities across Dane, Columbia, Jefferson, Waukesha, and Sauk counties.

The WCO is nationally known for its summer series Concerts on the Square®, drawing 250,000 patrons annually to downtown Madison. Via its annual education programs, including the bi-annual Side-by-Side concert with the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra, WCO provides artistic development opportunities for young musicians.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra visit wcoconcerts.org.

Anytime Fitness Providing Daily Support for Local Communities During Safer at Home Extension

Area gyms encouraging us to stay active with an online accountability group while supporting local businesses

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN (April 30, 2020) – With the recent extension of Wisconsin’s Safer at Home order, it is unclear when gyms in Wisconsin will be able to reopen. In the meantime, Anytime Fitness of Southern Wisconsin is offering Wisconsinites virtual support to stay connected and on track with their health goals. Andy Gundlach, owner of the 33 locations that make up Anytime Fitness of Southern Wisconsin, started the Anytime Fitness Healthy at Home Challenge Facebook group in March to encourage members of the community to continue their fitness routine while abiding by the Safer at Home order. Gundlach’s team posts a daily workout to the group, and participants are encouraged to share a sweaty selfie for the chance to win a prize that supports local businesses in their communities. Since the group begin, it has grown to include more than 1300 members and has awarded $500 worth of local gift cards to prize winners.

Under Safer at Home, going to the gym is off-limits, yet most people would benefit from keeping their regular exercise routine, especially in times of high stress. “Regular movement and exercise can help decrease stress, improve your mood, and encourage better sleep. In times of uncertainty, like what we’re currently experiencing, it is essential to implement movement into your daily routine,” says Ryan Campbell, Training Specialist for Anytime Fitness of Southern Wisconsin. To that end, Anytime Fitness of Southern Wisconsin is posting daily workouts that can be done at home with little to no equipment. New workouts are posted seven days a week, and participants can also browse and select from more than 45 previous workouts available in the Facebook group.

“Lots of health clubs out there are offering at-home workouts or virtual training in response to the need to temporarily close due to COVID-19,” Gundlach explained. “What makes this group unique is the community aspect. It’s more than just a daily workout; it’s the support, motivation, accountability, and encouragement from your teammates. It gives a sense of normalcy in this unprecedented time in which we are living.”

Gundlach is also offering a weekly prize, drawn at random, to someone who posts an after-workout selfie. As a small business owner, Gundlach understands the importance of supporting local businesses. Each week he purchases $100 in gift cards to local businesses of the winner’s choice for the winner. Since the prize drawings began, there have been five winners who have supported businesses like J&D Care Care LLC of Janesville, WI, Vince’s Pizza and Pancho and Lefty’s of Monroe, WI, Java Cat of Madison, WI, and Rosie’s Coffee Bar and Bakery and Monona Bakery and Eatery of Monona, WI among others.

People are sharing more than just their #sweatyselfies for their chance to win a prize. Pets and kids are cheerleaders and workout buddies. Laundry detergent, jugs of cat litter, and cases of beer are substitutes for weights. Group members are finding time for the daily workouts and establishing new at-home routines, and the overwhelming sense of community and togetherness underlies the entire group. Comments such as, “I am grateful for this support page to hear others are also struggling with working out at home….makes me feel better and normal. I miss the gym so much!” (Kelly M.) and “With all the support and positive attitudes and just wanting to stay healthy, it’s not like being at the gym but everybody here is wonderful and I just wanna say thank you,” (Katherine D.) reiterate the importance of community at this time, even if can only be online and not at the gym.

To join the Anytime Fitness Healthy at Home Challenge Facebook group, search for “Anytime Fitness Healthy at Home Challenge” on Facebook. This group is open to the public. You do not need to be a member at Anytime Fitness to join. For more information on Anytime Fitness, please visit www.anytimefitness.com or email afcustomercare@gmail.com.

About Anytime Fitness of Southern Wisconsin

We get the health and fitness industry can be confusing and overwhelming, which is why we offer you a free consultation and free personal training experience to learn how to become healthier. Our trainers have helped thousands of people in Southern Wisconsin get healthier and happier by taking the guess work out of achieving their goals. Don’t change who you are to fit in at a different gym; come to Anytime Fitness and be YOU, healthy and happy.