KW2 Makes 2022 Inc. 5000 Annual List, Named Number 22 in Wisconsin

NEW YORK, August 23, 2022 – Inc. Magazine revealed that Madison-based digital and advertising agency KW2 (Knupp & Watson & Wallman, Inc.) is No. 2254 and No. 22 in Wisconsin on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

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The Curtain Rises on Madison Ballet’s 41st Season

MADISON, WI – The artists of Madison Ballet are back in the studio preparing for an unprecedentedly athletic and inspiring season under the artistic leadership of Ja’ Malik. The newly appointed Artistic Director has built a company of local and international dancers that has grown exponentially while providing more opportunities for audiences to be inspired.

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National Guardian Life Insurance Company Sponsors the 2022 Conference of African American Financial Professionals

National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to be a Platinum Sponsor of the 16^th Annual Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP) held in Washington, D.C. This is the third consecutive year NGL has sponsored the event with it being the first time NGL employees were able to attend in-person since the pandemic began. Hosted by The American College of Financial Services, the conference was August 8-10 and is the largest gathering of African American financial professionals that provides an opportunity for education, networking, and engagement.

“The CAAFP was one of the best conferences I have attended,” shared Christin Blotz, Talent Development & DEI Partner at NGL. “At NGL, we are committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion and we are proud to be an ally and help foster change in the financial services industry that create opportunities and lead to economic empowerment for Black communities.”

In addition to attending the conference, Blotz introduced keynote speakers, George Nichols, President & CEO of The American College of Financial Services and Jacob Pruitt, President of Fidelity Charitable. During their keynote session they highlight family inspiration and values, philanthropy, and business and community leadership.

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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Suttle-Straus Holding Free Brunch Event on Paper and Packaging Ideas

JOIN US FOR AN EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR AND FREE BRUNCH!

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2022 9:00-10:30am

Where: Suttle-Straus 1050 Uniek Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597

Who: Limited to 40 marketers and/or creatives at this session

What: A hot breakfast buffet and the presentation on “The Idea Shop Packaging Collection.”

As buyers receive a purchase at their doorstep, they start to consider if it was a good investment or an item to soon be returned. The unboxing experience gives each buyer a moment to see how the brand values their own product, how the brand values the customer, and what they can expect from that brand moving forward. All this communication happens in the few moments after the tape is cut and item is revealed.

With a focus on sustainable solutions, The Idea Shop Packaging Collection takes a careful look at each moment in the unboxing experience. Through print demonstrations we explore how to maximize brand impact while utilizing materials that are responsibly made and recyclable. Primary and secondary boxes as well as wraps, labels, envelopes, and invites are featured.

Each attendee will receive a kit free of charge.

How: Register on the Eventbrite page to claim your ticket. RSVP before tickets run out!

Have questions? Email marketing@suttle-straus.com or call Maeghan Nicholson at 608-850-2967.

WPS named DAV’s 2022 Large Employer of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5724
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS named DAV’s 2022 Large Employer of the Year

MADISON, Wis.—Aug. 17, 2022- DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a nonprofit veterans organization founded in 1920, has named WPS Health Solutions, a Wisconsin-based not-for-profit health insurance company, its Large Employer of the Year. WPS Health Solutions was formally recognized Aug. 7 during the 2022 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Orlando, Fla.

“Like DAV, WPS Health Solutions began as a means to serve the many ill and injured soldiers returning from a world war,” DAV National Commander Andrew Marshall said. “By providing meaningful employment and opportunities to grow, WPS Health Solutions continues to support veterans of all generations. Beyond that, the company is a fierce advocate of veterans throughout their community and across the country. We are thrilled to recognize those efforts.”

WPS Health Solutions was founded in 1946 to meet the health care needs of returning World War II soldiers. Today, WPS is also a primary claims processor for TRICARE For Life and a subcontractor for the TRICARE East Region serving more than 8 million beneficiaries. For more than 75 years, the company has shown its dedication to military veterans through its recruiting initiatives, support groups and mentorship programs. The company was selected for the national-level honor over numerous other businesses with 1,000 or more employees.

In 2015, in an effort to enhance its recruiting and hiring of veteran candidates, WPS Health Solutions created a military affairs manager position to work closely with its Human Resource Talent Acquisition Team. The company also includes a veteran on its hiring panel when interviewing veteran candidates.

Once hired, veteran employees at WPS are set up for success with several resources. The Veterans Enhancement Team (VET) was created as an employee resource group for its roughly 100 veteran employees to build camaraderie. The group also serves as a mentorship resource and has implemented a companywide Meet our Veterans initiative.

“WPS Health Solutions knows first-hand that our veterans are an amazingly capable group of employees. The leadership skills, soft skills and ability to grow greatly benefit our company’s culture and success,” said Military and Veteran Inclusion Lead Timothy La Sage. “We are honored to support and mentor these employees and grateful for this recognition of WPS Health Solutions’ longstanding mission to serve those who served.”

WPS Health Solutions supports many veteran initiatives, including several state Honor Flights, the Green Bay Packers’ Operation Fan Mail program, Sierra Delta, Fisher House Wisconsin, Heat for Heroes, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and more.

About DAV

DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: keeping our promise to America’s veterans. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at DAV.org.

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 2,700 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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