Oak Bank: Bob Gorsuch Honored With 2021 WBA Leaders in Banking Excellence

Bob Gorsuch Honored With 2021 WBA Leaders in Banking Excellence
Gorsuch is the longest-serving bank CEO in Fitchburg and Madison.

Fitchburg, WI – A career in banking wasn’t a childhood dream, but Oak Bank’s CEO Bob Gorsuch says he is blessed to have 57 years of experience in banking (and counting).

“I am one of those people who doesn’t feel like I go to work every day – I love what I do,” said Gorsuch. “The moment it starts to feel like work is when I will retire.”

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) honored Gorsuch, along with four others, with the 2021 Leaders in Banking Excellence award on October 29 during the WBA recognition luncheon.

“Over the last five decades, Bob helped shape what local banking looks like today and has made a significant impact on the lives of employees, clients and the community,” said Ken Thompson, WBA Chair. “Bob has been a tremendous leader and paved the path for others to follow in his footsteps by encouraging professional growth and community involvement.”

Gorsuch, the longest-serving bank CEO in Madison-area, began his career in 1964 at First National Bank & Trust, Co. in Marquette, Michigan, where he served as cashier and eventually vice president. In 1975, at the age of 32, Gorsuch moved to Wisconsin where he became president and CEO at Park Bank. He fulfilled his dream of opening a bank that provided the personal touch every client deserved by starting Oak Bank in Fitchburg in 2000. 

“The human element makes the difference,” said Gorsuch. “That’s what community banking is all about. We go above and beyond our clients’ expectations here at Oak Bank by taking the time to listen and understand their needs. This helps us develop creative solutions that other banks may not take the time to do.” 

Under Gorsuch’s leadership, Oak Bank has grown from just an idea in 2000 into a $420 million community bank employing 40 individuals. Oak Bank supports the growth of local businesses, helps area residents achieve their homeownership dreams and has been instrumental in the development and prosperity of the City of Fitchburg and its surrounding communities. In fact, Oak Bank joined other financial institutions across Wisconsin over the last year in processing a collective total of 33,000 Paycheck Protection Program loans worth a combined $2.2 billion.

“I have known Bob throughout my entire 30-year career at WBA and he remains as passionate and energized about community banking today as he was 30 years ago,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “His commitment to the communities his bank serves, as well as his dedication to many of his personal passions, notably JDRF, epitomize the essence of community banking. It is an honor to recognize Bob and the four other bankers for being true ‘Leaders in Banking Excellence’ in the state of Wisconsin.”

Gorsuch’s community involvement runs deep. He has been treasurer for several church organizations, president of South Madison Rotary, president of Community Bankers of Wisconsin and a WBA Board member. Gorsuch was inducted into the WBA 50-Year Club in 2015 and was recognized by Community Bankers of Wisconsin as “Banker of the Year” in 1990. He is heavily involved with JDRF, has served on the Fitchburg New Economy Technology Team and contributed to the Wisconsin Academically Challenged and Talented Youth organization. Through Bob’s leadership, Oak Bank and its staff support more than 125 local nonprofits throughout the year through time, talent and donations.  

“Bob truly leads by example,” said Terry Taylor, President at Oak Bank. “Bob lives Oak Bank’s ethos and sets the tone for not only how we treat our clients but also how we engage with the communities in which we live and work. He is very deserving of this honor.”

Gorsuch’s plaque is now on display at the WBA headquarters in Madison on the WBA’s Leaders in Banking Excellence Wall to serve as inspiration to others. This is the second year WBA has honored current and former bankers, bestowing the designation to 12 recipients last year. Click here to read more about the recipients of the WBA Leaders in Banking Excellence.

About Oak Bank 

Founded in 2000, Oak Bank is celebrating nearly 22 years of deep roots in the Fitchburg community and Madison area. The community bank meets the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers and unique solutions, all while supporting over 125 local nonprofits each year. Visit oakbankonline.com to learn more.

Photos attached:

• Bob Gorsuch Receives Award – Pictured: Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO; Bob Gorsuch; Ken Thompson, WBA Chair

• WBA Leaders in Banking Excellence Wall

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WPS Health Solutions: Army veteran Gauge Hunter saluted for Operation Fan Mail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

Army veteran Gauge Hunter saluted for Operation Fan Mail
Program is sponsored by WPS Health Solutions and the Green Bay Packers

MADISON, Wis.—Nov. 15, 2021—The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute this week to Army veteran Gauge Hunter and his family in conjunction with the Nov. 14 game against Seattle. Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, marks its 15th season in 2021.

Hunter, who was born in California but spent much of his childhood in Michigan, joined the U.S. Army in 2012 to serve his country. After basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, he received orders to the 23rd Engineer Company (Sappers) in Fort Richardson, Alaska. After a year of active duty, he was deployed to the east region of Afghanistan, where his unit did route clearance missions.

Five months into deployment, his truck was hit with a roadside bomb while on mission and he was injured. Following the deployment, he was medically retired.

After his retirement from the service, Hunter, a lifelong Packers fan, decided to make Wisconsin his home. He and his wife, Alli, moved to Oshkosh, where they have lived for five years. They attended Sunday’s game with Hunter’s sister, Lindsey, and his brother-in-law, Fred.

As the honorees for Operation Fan Mail this week, the Hunter family also 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 2021 home game and recognize the members on the video boards during pregame activities. A total of 142 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 packers.com/lambeau-field/operation-fan-mail.

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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Findorff Announces Additional Shareholders To Help Guide The Future Of The Company

J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. (Findorff) is pleased to announce the recent promotion of nine members of the senior leadership team to Company Shareholders. These talented individuals continue to play a vital role in the Company’s commitment to advancing the commercial construction industry. They join the current Findorff ownership team of President and CEO Jim Yehle and Executive Vice Presidents Brian Hornung, Jeff McLean, and Jeff Tubbs in guiding the strategic direction of Findorff. “We are excited to grow our leadership base with these individuals,” says Chairman Rich Lynch. “We look forward to engaging others in the future, as our foundation for ownership expands.”

Matt Breunig has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Matt joined Findorff in 2006 as a Project Engineer and was promoted to Director of Project Management in 2016. His project portfolio includes University Square, Danisco, Edgerton City Hall, and UW–School of Nursing before he began his focus on projects in the education market sector. During his tenure, he has overseen and supported the construction of over $1 billion in education projects. Matt has been involved with Leadership AGC, Leadership Greater Madison, and was a recipient of In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2017. Matt currently serves as the American Red Cross – Southwest WI Chapter Board Chair and is involved with educational organizations including WASBO and the UW–Stout Industry Advisory Committee.

John Feller began his career at Findorff as a Project Manager more than 25 years ago. He now brings his industry experience to the role of Preconstruction Vice President. John is actively involved in the life cycle of projects during the earliest stages including facilities master planning, budgeting, and value engineering. John currently manages the preconstruction efforts for Findorff’s large-scale residential projects located across the United States. He is actively involved in the AGC of Wisconsin, Madison Rotary, the National “W” Club, and serves on the Board of Catholic Charities.

Bob Hougard serves as Project Executive to the Science & Technology market. With 40 years of experience in the industry, Bob contributes his technical expertise in highly regulated markets including industrial, pharma, food & beverage, and advanced manufacturing environments. His knowledge of lean fast-track design and construction methods, expertise on facility scale-up capabilities, and go-to-market strategies are some of the reasons Bob was recognized as The Daily Reporter’s Icon of Construction in 2020. Bob joined Findorff in 2006 and is currently active in the American Heart Association (AHA) Executive Leadership Team and Wisconsin Technology Council.

Luke Hutchins was hired at Findorff nearly 20 years ago as a laborer. Since that time, he has progressed his career through various project management roles and currently leads Findorff’s travel group. As Director of Project Management, his group has successfully completed nearly three dozen major projects across the United States including local student-housing developments such as The James on the UW-Madison campus and The Commons at Marquette University. Luke’s community involvement includes serving as Board Chair of Second Harvest Food Bank, and being active in the AGC of Wisconsin and United Way. The key roles Luke has had earned him recognition with In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018.

Jim Martin joined Findorff in 2003 and has been instrumental in the construction of many iconic projects including the Overture Center for the Arts, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, and over 200 retail bank branches throughout the Midwest. Jim was promoted to Vice President of Project Management in 2019. Today, his focus is supporting the project management staff including training and development. Jim served on the Ronald McDonald House of Madison Board and was the 2018 recipient of the Red Shoe award to recognize his contributions to the expansion of the Ronald McDonald House. He is a member of AGC of Wisconsin and North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Training Fund, volunteers as a coach with Verona Wildcat Youth Hockey, and was honored as a 2019 recipient of The Daily Reporter’s Icon of Construction.

Jason Mattila is a United States Military Academy West Point graduate who began his career at Findorff over 17 years ago. Since 2020 he has served as a Project Executive. Jason is responsible for providing guidance, technical support, and team leadership as part of the “end-to-end” project plan to ensure complex Science & Tech projects are delivered successfully. He is an active AGC of Wisconsin member and a registered State of Wisconsin Professional Engineer. His community involvement includes volunteer work with United Way and the Verona Wildcat Youth Hockey Association. Jason was selected as part of In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2012.

Christin Mlsna has over two decades of industry experience and leads Findorff’s K-12 and higher education initiatives as Director of Education Market & Communication Services. She brings strategic communications, engagement, facilitation, and marketing services to corporate, education, and non-profit clients during the planning, design, and construction phases of a project. Her creative work and drive for excellence have set new standards in the industry and have helped achieve success on over $2 billion in school referendum projects. Christin speaks locally, regionally, and nationally, sharing best practices for engaging internal and external stakeholders. She is actively involved in many industry and community boards, receiving several awards for her efforts.

Ben Pechan graduated from UW-Whitewater with a master’s degree in accounting before finding his niche in the construction industry 15 years ago. Ben joined Findorff in 2018 as CFO and as a member of the board of directors. He oversees finance, accounting, business technology, and corporate risk at Findorff. He is an active member of the Agrace Finance Committee, UW Whitewater Accounting Advisory Board, and Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Madison Chapter. Ben is a recent In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 and CFMA honoree, as well as a Wisconsin Institute of CPAs Business and Management award winner. He currently serves on the executive committee of the American Heart Association Heart Walk. Ben is heavily involved in driving the Company’s corporate governance, strategic planning and execution, and overall corporate risk management strategies.

Eric Plautz began his career at Findorff over 20 years ago as an intern on the Overture Center for the Arts project. In 2020, he was promoted to Project Executive. During his tenure at the Company, he has enjoyed the challenges of helping construct unique and complex environments including MMoCA’s glass stair and gallery spaces, local restaurants, education, and office facilities, such as Epic’s Farm and Storybook Campuses. Eric is a member of the AGC of Wisconsin and the MMoCA Board. He is a volunteer for the American Diabetes Association, United Way of Dane County, Meals on Wheels, and mentors UW-Madison Civil Engineering students. He is a Class of 2019 recipient of In Business’ 40 Under 40 recognition.

WPS joins Disability:IN Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS joins Disability:IN Wisconsin
Partnership promotes inclusion of people with disabilities

MADISON, Wis.—Nov. 8, 2021—WPS Health Solutions commits to support Disability:IN Wisconsin as a Sustaining Partner. Disability:IN Wisconsin is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, business-to-business network of professionals with disabilities and allies across the state. The partnership allows WPS to share best practices and local resources on disability inclusion.

Events organized by Disability:IN Wisconsin will allow WPS employees to engage with local, regional, and national experts on important topics in disability inclusion. Working with the organization also allows WPS to connect with local certified disability-owned businesses.

Jihan Bekiri, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at WPS, said, “Joining Disability:IN is a conscious step toward disability inclusion at WPS. I am thrilled to have WPS join this group of dedicated advocates so we can learn more and move forward together.”

Disability:IN Wisconsin offers participating employers resources for recruiting candidates with disabilities, information on disability issues/topics, recognition for best disability employment practices, and exposure to an untapped market for goods and services.

The new partnership follows on the heels of other WPS diversity, equity, and inclusion work, including hiring Bekiri in January, signing the CEO Action Pledge and participating in the Day of Understanding, joining the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber in June, and the creation of the ‘WPS Diversity in Insurance’ scholarship, which helps underrepresented Madison College students pursuing careers in insurance, in September.

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 2,800 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.

Wisconsin Union: Beloved Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Resale to Return to Union South Dec. 4-5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 5, 2021

Contact Information:
Abby Synnes, Communications Associate
Email: asynnes@wisc.edu

BELOVED HOOFER SKI AND SNOWBOARD RESALE TO RETURN TO UNION SOUTH DEC. 4-5

MADISON – After a year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Resale will return next month, celebrating 57 years of the time-honored tradition. The Resale will take place at Union South’s Varsity Hall on Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Local and national vendors will sell new and gently used gear at the Resale, such as downhill and cross-country skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, poles, jackets and other winter recreation equipment at significantly reduced prices. Some of this year’s vendors include: 

• Endurance Enterprises
• Fitzharris Ski, Bike and Outdoor
• Lakewood Ski and Sport
• Sol Alpine
• Wayne’s Ski and Cycle

In addition to purchasing items from vendors, community members also have the opportunity to bring in their own new and gently used products to sell. Individuals can drop off up to 10 approved items, receive help pricing the items from on-site salespeople and monitor the sale of their items online. 

“The Resale is loved by members and the community, since ski equipment is usually very expensive,” Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club President Isabel Ullrich said. “Having the opportunity to buy discounted yet high quality equipment opens up skiing and snowboarding to people who otherwise might not be able to afford to try the sports. We are excited to hold the Resale again and to get more people on the slopes this winter.”

Members of the Hoofer Alpine and Nordic Ski Teams will also offer waxing and sharpening services at the Resale. Waxing or tuning will cost $10 per snowboard or pair of skis. 

Proceeds from the Resale help fund the Hoofer Nordic, Alpine and Freestyle Ski Teams, as well as Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club events and outings, including annual free ski trips with local non-profit groups.

The Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club is dedicated to fostering a love of the outdoors and promoting leadership opportunities for University of Wisconsin-Madison students. Members can join the Hoofer Alpine, Nordic and Freestyle Teams; go on trips to local ski hills or larger ski resorts out west; and participate in optional lessons. 

The Wisconsin Hoofers is composed of six outdoors clubs, including the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club, and is open to everyone 18 and over. With nearly 2,000 members, Hoofers is one of the oldest and largest student organizations at UW-Madison. From sailing on Lake Mendota to climbing at Devil’s Lake, Hoofers provides opportunities for people of all abilities to learn outdoor skills and enjoy outdoor activities. 

More information about the 57th Annual Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Resale is available at hoofersns.org/resale. 

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.  

[Click here to download a photo from the 2016 Resale. Photo by Owen Desai.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/2021-resale