M3 Insurance Promotes Ryan Barbieri to Vice President

M3 Insurance recently promoted Ryan Barbieri to the position of Vice President, Employee Benefits. Ryan is now responsible for the direction, performance, and management of the employee benefits group throughout M3’s five locations in Wisconsin.

Prior to joining M3 in 2015, Ryan spent 11 years with Willis North American as a Senior Vice President working with mid to large employers, fully insured and self-funded in both the public and private sectors. He has built a solid reputation for success in providing complex benefit program solutions and, in the public sector, for his ability to work with administration as well as organized employee groups to create transformational cost containment strategies.

In his new role, Ryan will work closely with Rich Twietmeyer, Executive Vice President-Employee Benefits, and Rebecca Menefee, Sales Manager-Employee Benefits, on strategic planning and execution for employee benefit business development at M3. Rich said, “This promotion is a natural progression given Ryan’s performance since joining M3. His experience and expertise in the employee benefit marketplace has allowed M3 to better serve our clients. He has also exhibited exceptional leadership skills, serving as a valuable resource for our sales professionals. I am excited to work with Ryan in this new capacity.”

M3’s evolving leadership structure represents continued agency growth and commitment to building a strong infrastructure from which to serve M3’s clients.

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About M3

M3 Insurance offers insight, advice and strategies to help clients manage risk, purchase insurance and provide employee benefits. We are committed to being experts in both the products we represent and the industries we serve. Our people advance M3’s competitive advantage in the marketplace, and our focus on community builds better places to live and work. M3 is consistently ranked a top 100 broker in America.

Chamber President Zach Brandon Receives Distinguished Service Award from Wisconsin National Guard Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 2, 2017)

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced that Chamber President Zach Brandon is the recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Service Award, the Wisconsin National Guard Association’s highest civilian honor. The award was presented Saturday during WINGA’s 67^th Annual State Conference in Elkhart Lake.

The award recognizes Brandon and the Chamber’s involvement in the effort to base the next-generation F-35A aircraft at Madison’s Truax Field, outstanding leadership and community advocacy in support of the mission of the 115^th Fighter Wing through the Chamber’s work with the Badger Air Community Council (BACC).

“While I am humbled and honored to accept this award, I share it with the business leaders, elected officials, advocates, community members and countless others who have supported and shown their appreciation for the remarkable, hardworking men and women of the 115^th Fighter Wing,” said Brandon. “Landing the F-35A at Truax would be both a national defense asset and an economic opportunity for Greater Madison, and we are proud to do everything we can to promote the 1,200 airmen of the 115^th and the significant contributions they make to our community.”

In addition to supporting 1,200 Wisconsin jobs, the 115^th Fighter Wing contributes $100 million in annual economic impact, provides emergency response services for Dane County Regional Airport and pays more than $1 million in tuition assistance to colleges and universities for area students who serve in the Guard.

In January, the Chamber launched Together Truax, the next step of an initiative designed to support the effort to base the F-35A at Truax Field. The initiative includes a new website, TogetherTruax.com, and Facebook and Twitter pages, in addition to ongoing advocacy. The Air Force announced in December that Truax is one of five finalist sites for the F-35A, with the two bases that will receive the next-generation jets to be named at a later date.

About the Wisconsin National Guard Association:
The Wisconsin National Guard Association, Inc. (WINGA) is a nonpartisan organization representing more than 1,800 current and former Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard officers. Formed in 1951, the association promotes the relevance, readiness, and modernization of our National Guard, improving the quality of life for its members and supporting state and national policies to advance the security of the United States. To learn more, visit http://www.winga.org.

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 9,500 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at greatermadisonchamber.com.

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Agrace to Offer Orientation for Prospective Volunteers, Weekly Grief Support Group in June

Volunteering for Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care can be a very rewarding experience. In June, Agrace will offer orientation for people interested in brightening the lives of patients with serious illnesses. Agrace has opportunities for volunteers who would like to work directly with Agrace patients, as well as support roles that do not involve patient care. Agrace’s most immediate needs are for customer-service volunteers at the Agrace Thrift Store on Madison’s East Side, and café and kitchen help at Agrace’s Madison campus in Fitchburg.

Agrace’s next volunteer orientation opportunities are Tuesday, June 6, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday, June 27, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Agrace’s Madison campus. Before they attend orientation, prospective volunteers will complete an application and an interview process with Agrace’s Volunteer Services staff to identify skills and interests. Call (608) 327-7163 to receive an application and register for orientation.

In addition, Agrace offers “Bridges,” a weekly grief support group for adults,each Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison. No pre-registration is required. For details, visit agrace.org.

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CEC receives BICSI Presidential Eagle Award

Hiawatha, IA (April 28, 2017) – CEC, a nationally recognized systems and technology integrator, received BISCI’s annual Presidential Eagle Award for its BICSI Authorized Training Facility (ATF).

Accredited since 2015, CEC’s Authorized Training Facility offers training on the proper methods for installing data, voice, and video cabling in commercial buildings to CEC staff as well as customers and other industry professionals.

“Two years ago, CEC envisioned a program that allowed people to develop in their career through levels of certification,” said Brian Morrow, director of PMO and BICSI certified trainer. “We now have a program that not only trains on best practices, it empowers participants with the resources to find answers for the rest of their career.”

“The BISCI Authorized Training Facilities embody the criteria of the Presidential Eagle Award ensuring the highest degree of excellence for BICSI training,” said BICSI President Brian Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, RTPM, CSI. “It is important to recognize all they have done for BICSI and the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) cabling installation industry.”

The Presidential Eagle Award is presented to individuals who have exhibited leadership, sacrifice, faith in the BICSI association, and dedication to the industry.

For more information about BICSI training contact CEC training at 319-731-4811.

About CEC

With offices in the Midwest serving local and national customers, CEC offers solution design, integration, and technical services specializing in audio/video, safety and security, IT, structured cabling, and two-way communications. Focused on the customer experience, the CEC teams partner with clients to understand their business, tailor solutions, and plan for future technology needs. To learn more, visit www.cecinfo.com or contact CEC at 800.377.0721.

About BISCI

BICSI is the worldwide association for cabling design and installation professionals. BISCI strives to provide information, education, and knowledge assessment for individuals in the information and communications technology (ICT) community. For more information visit www.bicsi.org

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For more information:

Melissa Henderson, Director, Marketing & Business Development

mhenderson@cecinfo.com or 319-294-9000