Wisconsin Union: Acclaimed Primatologist and Conservationist Jane Goodall Will Reflect on Time in Tanzania and Climate Future at Free Event at Memorial Union

MADISON – Esteemed primatologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, who was the first scientist to observe the human-like behaviors of chimpanzees, will share her story and hope for the environmental future at a free Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee-hosted talk on March 26 at 7 p.m. in Shannon Hall at Memorial Union.

The event, titled “An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall: Inspiring Hope Through Action,” will include a 90-minute speech and Q&A with Goodall. The event is free, but tickets are required. Current University of Wisconsin–Madison students may register for tickets on March 6 at 10 a.m. Students will require a promo code, which they will receive via email, to acquire their ticket. Any remaining tickets will become available to the general public on March 8 at 10 a.m., with a limit of two tickets per person. Starting March 8 at 10 a.m., all are welcome to register for the virtual livestream. Ticket registration for the in-person event and the livestream is available here. 

Goodall was the first primatologist to see the animals fashioning tools and eating meat. Her findings challenged conventional notions about primates and provided evidence for the evolutionary relationship between humans and chimpanzees. 

An involved activist since 1986, Goodall is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, a nonprofit organization that preserves wildlife by protecting chimpanzees and restoring damaged habitats, as well as Roots and Shoots, an organization giving young students in more than 60 countries resources to tackle environmental and social issues in their communities. 

Goodall is the author of “My Friends, the Wild Chimpanzees,” which describes her behavioral findings on chimpanzees. In 2021, Goodall released her latest book “The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times,” which chronicles her life’s work and her optimism that humankind will come together to protect the environment. 

In addition to receiving many prestigious awards – including the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science, the Kyoto Prize and the Gandhi-King Award for Nonviolence – Goodall is a Dame of the British Empire and a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

“This planet – it doesn’t have infinite natural resources,” Goodall said in an interview with CBS News. “The key important thing is to give people hope that we can get through because if you don’t have hope, why bother?”         

The WUD DLS Committee brings engaging and influential people to the UW–Madison campus to encourage thought-provoking conversations. WUD includes 11 committees and six Wisconsin Hoofers clubs that program thousands of events each year.          

This event is made possible, in part, with support from the Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies, the UW–Madison College of Letters & Science, the UW–Madison Office of Sustainability, the UW–Madison Environmental Awareness Fund, UW–Madison Division of Facilities Planning & Management; Carleton Holstrom, Mary Beth Kineke and the Holstrom Kineke Environmental Studies Fund.

Patrons can learn more about the upcoming free talk featuring Goodall here. 

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About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee                

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee contributes to the educational experience of University of Wisconsin–Madison students, Wisconsin Union members and community members by bringing engaging and influential people to campus. Founded in 1987, the series aims to expose the campus community to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/dls.                 

UW Health: Opportunity for Businesses to Show Appreciation for Nurses

UW Health partners with Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce to encourage discounts for all community RNs in May 2023

UW Health is proud to partner with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce for the second year in a row to encourage member businesses to consider offering discounts to nurses in our community during National Nurses Week, May 6-12 or throughout the month of May.

Nurses Week poses a unique opportunity for local businesses to show their appreciation for all the highly valued nurses in our community who make a difference in the lives of patients, families and the community, every day. This opportunity would allow Chamber member businesses to thank all nurses during this special time.

“Local discounts have been provided in the past and our nurses love it—especially food options they can enjoy before, during or after a shift,” states Jen Hein-Aldrich, RN, Chair of the UW Health Nurse Recognition Council. “Our nurses see the importance of supporting local businesses and in turn, we feel appreciated and supported by the community with any discounts that are provided. It’s definitely a win-win.”

If your business is able to offer a discount to nurses from May 6-12 or throughout the month of May, please complete this simple interest form by Friday, April 28. UW Health and the Greater Madison Chamber will share the final list of participating businesses to make all community nurses aware of these local discounts.

Please direct any questions to: Hailey Hicks, BSN, RN, UW Health Nurses Week Committee, at hhicks@uwhealth.org.

We hope you consider this opportunity to show your business’s support of community nurses while enjoying some added exposure for your business among thousands of nurses.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet shines for the 5th year in a row

Blain’s is Recognized by Forbes As One of America’s Best Employers for Fifth Year

Blain’s Farm & Fleet has been named by Forbes magazine as one of “America’s Best Mid-Size Employers” for the fifth year in a row.  This year, Blain’s Farm & Fleet was ranked as the #1 Wisconsin based Retail and Wholesale company.  This title reinforces Blain’s reputation on a national level as a company that provides excellent employment opportunities. Being honored for a fifth year in a row places Blain’s Farm & Fleet in an elite group of companies that consistently demonstrate excellence in their commitment to their employees.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition for the fifth year running,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson, President and CEO of Blain’s Farm & Fleet. “As a family-owned company, we’ve fostered an environment where we treat our associates like family and our customers like neighbors. We all work together to ensure we have the kind of culture that is conducive to people’s sense of belonging within our family.”

Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to select America’s Best Employers 2023 through an independent survey of approximately 45,000 American employees. Across 25 industry sectors, nationwide the top 500 midsize employers were awarded, with Blain’s ranking #277. The ranking was based on evaluations from employees who were asked to rate their employers on topics such as working conditions, company image, salary, potential for development and their willingness to recommend their employers to friends and family.

“Of all of the awards that we have been given, this is the one that means the most,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson, “because it comes from the endorsement of our own associate family.  It is a direct acknowledgement that they feel valued, they can be successful and they are proud to take care of our neighbors.  That means everything to us.”

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Founded in 1955, Blain’s Farm & Fleet is The Modern General Store® with 44 locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan and a thriving online store at FarmandFleet.com. 

In addition to high-quality products with the Blain’s Farm & Fleet brand name, they carry top-rated brands, including:

• Clothing: Carhartt, Dickies, Under Armour, Columbia, Levi’s, Lee, Life is Good, WorkNSport
• Footwear: Skechers, Puma, Keen, Asics, New Balance, CAT, Carhartt, Hey Dude, Sorel, TimberlandPro, Crocs
• Tools & Hardware: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Stanley, Craftsman, Hobart
• Paint & Supplies: Benjamin Moore, Valspar, MinWax, Rustoleum, Graco, Purdy
• Automotive: Pennzoil, Valvoline, Mobil 1, Mystik, Fram, Prestone, Sea Foam, Meguiar’s
• Tire & Auto Repair Service: Michelin, Goodyear, Cooper 
• Sporting Goods: Realtree, Scent Blocker, Yeti, Coleman, Rapala, Plano, St. Croix, Browning, Winchester
• Home & Housewares: KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Keurig, T-Fal, Lodge, Dyson, Calphalon, DeLonghi
• Pet Department: Purina, Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science Diet, Iams, Canidae, Taste of the Wild, Kong, Greenies, Diamond, Eukanuba
• Agriculture: King Kutter, Nutrena, Behrens, Guardian, Manna Pro, Ware, Weaver Leather, Agrimaster
• Lawn & Garden: Scotts, Miracle-Gro, RoundUp, Fiskars, Weber, Char-Broil, Estate
• Outdoor Power Equipment: Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton

Trailblazing Nonprofit Leader Joins Creative Company as Senior Account Executive

FMI: Laura Gallagher
608.442.6336
laura@thecreativecompany.com

Trailblazing Nonprofit Leader Joins Creative Company as Senior Account Executive

MADISON, Wis. (Feb. 21, 2023) — The Creative Company is thrilled to welcome Sarah Schilling to our team. As Senior Account Executive, Sarah will provide strategic counsel for our clients in marketing, branding, and communications. She’ll also lead campaign project management.

For the last 13 years, Sarah served with an international nonprofit where she directed marketing initiatives vying for attention nationally and internationally. During her six years in Paris, France, Sarah trailblazed the development and marketing of leadership programs for university students abroad. When the COVID-19 lockdown abruptly halted in-person programs, Sarah led the rapid pivot to digital programs that impacted a global audience.

“Returning to the U.S. and championing clients in my hometown is an exciting change,” Schilling said. “It is a privilege to join a local company with such a strong reputation and values. The Creative Company has an impressive list of clients making a difference in the world, and I look forward to amplifying their stories.”

With her wealth of experience bringing people, programs, and projects to fruition, Sarah will help The Creative Company’s clients achieve their vision through her collaborative style.

“Sarah and I met nearly 15 years ago. In Sarah, we have a focused and talented marketing professional with extensive cross-cultural experience. Her first-hand work with the next generation makes her even more valuable for our clients. She sees all the steps necessary to make big ideas become finished products, and then assigns the right steps to the right people so that everyone thrives in the process,” the President of The Creative Company, Laura Gallagher, said. “We are confident Sarah’s qualifications and leadership are what we need to build our clients and the communities we serve toward greater outcomes.”

Sarah holds her bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Communications and her master’s in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College. She also speaks fluent French.

About The Creative Company, Inc.

The Creative Company is a leading PR and Digital Agency representing top nonprofits, businesses, and cooperatives, helping them evolve, promote, and protect their brands and reputations. The Creative Company is certified as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise by the State of Wisconsin and the 2022 Dane County Small Business of the Year Winner. Visit thecreativecompany.com for more information.

Lake Ridge Bank Announces Nine Promotions Within its Business and Ag Banking Groups

February 17, 2023 (MADISON, Wis.) – On February 13, Monona Bank and State Bank of Cross Plains officially merged to become Lake Ridge Bank. During the process of combining two banks into one cohesive team, nine associates in the Business and Agriculture banking divisions received promotions. 

The following individuals have been promoted to Senior Vice President-Business Banking Sales Managers. Each will lead a team of Business Relationship Managers and Administrative Assistants: 

• Mike Flynn – SVP Business Banking Sales Manager 
• Stan Koopmans – SVP Business Banking Sales Manager 
• Rob Reichert – SVP Business Banking Sales Manager 
• Jeff Zwettler – SVP Business Banking Sales Manager 

Mike Flynn applies more than 25 years of experience in banking and commercial lending to the community banking service model. He exemplifies the bank’s core belief that for the bank to thrive, so must its clients and communities. 

Stan Koopmans has extensive experience in credit analysis, loan underwriting and review, business development, regulatory examination, mentoring, instructing, and loan/deposit portfolio management. Stan’s desire to help his customers succeed is only matched by his vast knowledge of banking.  

Rob Reichert has more than 35 years of community banking experience in the Dane County market. He is committed to adding value to every client relationship through his in-depth knowledge of loan, depository, and treasury management products and services. 

Jeff Zwettler was born and raised in the community he serves. With more than 25 years of banking experience, his customers consider his extensive background with and knowledge of the area a valuable addition to his experience in commercial lending. 

Lake Ridge Bank is also excited to announce the promotions of the following Business Bankers and Ag Relationship Managers: 

• Dave Wyttenbach – Senior Vice President & Senior Business Relationship Manager 
• Rene Johnson – Senior Vice President Ag/Business Relationship Manager 
• Casey McClyman – Senior Vice President Business Relationship Manager 
• Jeff Schleis – Senior Vice President Business Relationship Manager 
• Klayton Brandt – Assistant Vice President Business Relationship Manager 

Dave Wyttenbach has spent more than 40 years assisting farmers and other agriculture businesses with their credit needs. He is an active volunteer helping young people develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in the farming and ag industry. 

Rene Johnson brings more than 20 years of agriculture banking experience to her role as the bank’s Ag Team Leader. Her extensive knowledge of farming comes from both family history and formal training, giving her a strong foundation to draw upon when serving her customers. 

Casey McClyman has more than 20 years of experience in business banking, with a special interest in working with family-owned and small businesses in particular. He believes there is nothing more rewarding than to helping someone who started with nothing build and grow a successful venture.  

Jeff Schleis has more than 15 years of experience specializing in commercial real estate, commercial lending, and venture capital. He brings first-hand, personal experience to solving many of the challenges his customers face. 

Klayton Brandt started at the bank as a Customer Service Associate in college, then worked as a Credit Analyst after graduation before becoming a trusted Business Banker. Locally born and raised in Verona, he enjoys rolling up his sleeves to help community businesses grow and reach their financial goals. 

Lake Ridge Bank is now the seventh largest bank headquartered in the State of Wisconsin, with 23 branch locations and nearly 400 associates serving almost 40,000 households across 17 communities. The goal was to create a bank with resources and services that compete with regional or national institutions but still maintains its focus on local communities and the businesses that help our area stay strong and vibrant places to live and work. 

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For additional information, please contact Mark Schellpfeffer at mschellpfeffer@lakeridge.bank.