Goodwill SCWI celebrates 50 years in South Central Wisconsin

NEWS ALERT
January 21, 2021

David Johnson
Communications Coordinator
djohnson@goodwillscwi.org
608-438-7775

Goodwill SCWI celebrates 50 years in South Central Wisconsin

Madison, WI – Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin is celebrating 50 years of serving our neighbors in South Central Wisconsin, helping people gain independence through the power of work.

Since 1971, Goodwill SCWI has provided a hand up for anyone, throughout the 14-county region we serve, who wants to achieve independence through jobs, education, and skills training.

50 years of strengthening the community by helping staff members realize their potential, achieve goals in the career pathways they set, while providing support along the way.

50 years of service to the community by offering job and training programs to assist those with obstacles to employment, help develop marketable skills, and find meaningful work.

And during those 50 years, our 3 group homes have provided a safe, supportive way for hundreds of adults with mental illness regain their independence.

But our impact in the community doesn’t stop there. Goodwill SCWI is also a green business, keeping 16 million of pounds of goods each year out of local landfills through resale and responsible recycling.

This is who we’ve been for 50 years. Goodwill SCWI is excited to continue our mission of providing services for people with obstacles to employment for another half century and beyond.

About Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin

Goodwill SCWI is a local nonprofit operating 13 stores in the South Central region. The stores exist as the economic engine for Goodwill’s mission services, providing career guidance, supported employment and residential services to people with disabilities, mental health concerns and other obstacles to employment and independent living.

History of Black Madison story series by Madison365 sponsored by National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Madison, Wis. (February 1, 2021) – Through a partnership with Madison365, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is sponsoring a series of articles throughout February highlighting notable African Americans in Wisconsin’s past and present.

Sponsoring Madison365’s story series is one of the ways NGL is supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) not only in the workplace but also throughout the community. NGL is proud to support these critical features on the works and impact of some of Wisconsin’s most prominent Black residents.

“We are fortunate to partner with Madison365, a leading media outlet for people of color in the Midwest, to celebrate Black History Month. This article series is an excellent way to highlight and honor the history of Madison’s Black residents who have made significant contributions to our city since 1839,” said Dave Anderson, NGL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

There will be a total of four stories on the history of Black Madison that will be distributed each week during Black History Month featuring:

• The founders of Madison, including John Hill of Hill’s Grocery, Wisconsin Weekly Blade, Free African Methodist Church and first Black University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates.
• Madison’s first Black women highlighting the first Black woman police officer, firefighter, first (and still only) mayor.
• Black educators, including Helen McLean, John Odom, Milt McPike, Geraldine Bernard who impacted the community.
• Influential Black musicians, including Clyde Stubblefield, Richard Davis, Hanah Jon Taylor.

“We are inspired by the creativity and vision of the Madison365 team in developing The History of Black Madison series. NGL is thankful for the for the opportunity to support such rich and important content and storytelling,” said Dwayne Maddox, NGL Marketing Director.

The story series can be found at: Madison365.com.

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.

###

Homeister, Janquart Receive Promotions at Capitol Bank

Madison, WI: Ken Thompson, President and CEO of Capitol Bank, announced the promotions of Brenda Homeister to Assistant Vice President of Loan Documentation and Paige Janquart to Controller.

Brenda joined Capitol Bank in 2016, with experience in all areas of loan operations and credit administration. Her work in handling complex loan transactions and PPP loan documentation continues to be impactful to employees and customers.

Paige’s work has been vital to the financial operations of Capitol Bank and Capitol Bankshares, Inc. since 2014. Her impact and improvements have been recognized by the Bank’s employees and shareholders.

Brenda is involved with LPGA Amateur Golf Association of Madison and is a committee member for the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund annual golf outing fundraiser. Paige is a member of the National Charity League and also serves on the Capitol Bank Cares Committee, which oversees the Bank’s philanthropic endeavors within the community.

Contact: Natalie Gregerson
Director of Marketing/Officer
Capitol Bank
710 N. High Point Road
Madison, WI 53717
608.836.1616

Capitol Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Wisconsin Union Theater Patrons to Experience a Night of Storytelling Through Music with Singer-Songwriter Okaidja Afroso on Feb. 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 28, 2021

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

WISCONSIN UNION THEATER PATRONS TO EXPERIENCE A NIGHT OF STORYTELLING THROUGH MUSIC WITH SINGER-SONGWRITER OKAIDJA AFROSO ON FEB. 11

MADISON –  Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Okaidja Afroso believes in bringing together diverse forms of expression to create global harmony. He will bring his genre-defying approach to music to Wisconsin Union Theater patrons during a virtual performance on Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

Audience members can enjoy this special solo performance recorded just for the Wisconsin Union Theater audience, which will include Ghanaian music infused with cross-cultural influences.

Tickets for this online event cost $10 for UW-Madison students; $17 for Wisconsin Union members, UW-Madison staff and faculty, and students that do not attend UW-Madison; and $20 for all other Theater patrons.

“Okaidja Afroso effortlessly weaves fascinating stories into this intimate musical performance,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “I recommend turning the lights low, relaxing back in your favorite chair, and letting Okaidja transport you to another place with the beautiful sounds from Ghana.”

Afroso will perform “Nshorke,” “Afterlife Voyage,” “Kpehe,” “Akamo Nnane,” “Siak,” “The Palm Wine Sea,” “Faako,” and “State of Mind.” He will sing in English and Ga.

Wisconsin Union Theater presents music from around the globe as part of every season to provide patrons with an opportunity to learn and experience art from many different cultures.

The Wisconsin Union Theater presents Afroso’s performance in collaboration with the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee. The Theater, often in collaboration with the Committee, creates more than a dozen arts performances each year. For more than 75 years, the Theater has served as a center for cultural activity.

The Theater works to create accessible performing arts experiences, including virtual spaces. Those that need accommodations can reach out to the Wisconsin Union Theater at wisconsinuniontheater@union.wisc.edu.

The Wisconsin Union Theater stands against racial inequities and is taking steps to address those inequalities, including commissioning programming that highlights BIPOC stories. For a full statement on the Theater’s stance and efforts, click here.

This performance is presented in part through Wisconsin Arts Board funding from the State of Wisconsin and financial assistance from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about Afroso’s performance, click here.

-###-

About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 75 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The Theater hosts performances in multiple locations, including Memorial Union, and has an expansive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Theater: union.wisc.edu/visit/wisconsin-union-theater.

About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee plans and promotes events for the historic Wisconsin Union Theater stages. The student-led committee programs a variety of events to provide a diverse and cultural experience for students, faculty, alumni, community members and visitors. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts.

[Click here to download a photo of Okaidja Afroso. Photo by Lisa Monet Photography.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/okaidja-afroso.

Communications Engineering Company (CEC) Celebrates 75-Year Milestone

Company positions itself to remain sustainable and relevant for the next 75 years

Hiawatha, IA (Jan. 26, 2021) – CEC (Communications Engineering Company), a nationally recognized technology solutions provider and systems integrator in the Midwest, announces today a year-long celebration of its 75^th anniversary.

CEC was established in 1946 by founder Paul Parmer to support the growing need for communication via radio transmission. From post-WWII to a worldwide pandemic, CEC evolved as communication systems became increasingly sophisticated and pervasive. Jim and Lisa Smith, CEC owners, share, “When we purchased CEC 30 years ago, we acquired a company steeped in 45 years of technology history, and, most importantly, an amazing team of people focused on solving customers’ complex needs. We are here today because of our employees’ passion for bringing tools that help our customers face organizational challenges.”

A year-long series of celebrations will be held across Iowa and Wisconsin to honor the company’s history, showcase emerging technologies, and put a spotlight on the talented people creating premier customer experiences. This includes re-launching the popular Business Technology Conference (BTC) in October 2021. With a historic and timely focus – 75 Years of Technology & Innovation: Past, Present, and Future – the conference will be an opportunity for organizations to assess their technology foundation, learn about trends, and work on their technology vision and roadmap.

“CEC is a trusted partner of hospitals, manufacturers, educators, governments, and financial institutions because we deliver great technology experiences,” states Kim Lehrman, CEO. “Technology is in a constant state of change and evolution. To position ourselves for the next 75 years, we will continue to invest in building the talent that customers want beside them as they choose, engineer, implement, and integrate their mission-critical systems. That has been the foundation for CEC’s success in the last 75 years and will continue to be for the next 75 years.”

In anticipation of renewed growth, CEC has developed industry-leading training and mentoring initiatives, including: Department of Labor-sanctioned apprenticeships, Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI)-certified training, and manufacturer certifications. In addition, planned summer internships will focus on developing knowledge of technology and associated career paths within CEC. Discovering the potential in each individual and growing and nurturing that passion is what leads the company to success. These premier programs promote a deep understanding of the specific skills needed to impact the next generation of technology masters – and CEC is leading the way.

About CEC

CEC employs more than 300 professional and technical staff in eight locations in Iowa and Wisconsin. The company offers solution design, integration, and technical services specializing in audio/video, fire and security, healthcare communications, IT, and two-way communications. Focused on creating world class technology experiences, the CEC team partners with clients to understand their businesses, tailor solutions, and plan for future technology needs. Visit www.cecinfo.com.

Media Contact: Angie Worrell, aworrell@cecinfo.com, 319.731.1245

Photos available upon request.