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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Findorff Field Promotions

Findorff’s esteemed field employees, who make our clients’ visions a reality, have recently seen many well-deserved promotions! Please join us in congratulating each of these hard-working individuals.

Dave Ritter, Jamie Zudonyi, Andrew Wiedenfeld, Jeremy White, Tim Masters, Tony Smith, Corey Loeffelholz, Josh Ellickson, Shannon O’Rourke, TJ Marks, and Adam Cisewski have been promoted to Supervisor.

Chad Baker has been promoted to Special Projects Group (SPG) Supervisor.

Promotions to Superintendent include Chris Zorzin, Brian Rindy, Kevin Dempsey, Dave Pahl, Jeff Alexander, and Terry Lucey.

Chad Vivian, Todd Brakob, Tom Hepler, and Jeff Kremel have all been promoted to Senior Superintendent—a new Findorff role.

WPS Health Solutions interns discover ‘Moments That Matter’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

WPS Health Solutions interns discover ‘Moments That Matter’
Project focuses on optimizing the employee experience

MADISON, Wis.—Aug. 15, 2022—To conclude the 12-week summer internship program, interns at WPS Health Solutions virtually presented their final group project to senior leadership, including President and CEO Mike Hamerlik. 

The project is meant to have a lasting impact at WPS for the next class of interns or the company as a whole. The 2022 class, which included 32 interns from across the country, focused on optimizing the employee experience for the entire employee lifecycle, from “hire to retire.”

They named this year’s project “Free to Be Me—Moments That Matter” and identified six moments employees may experience at a given moment in their careers: attract, recruit, onboard, engage, develop, and reward. Using internal and external surveys, industry research, and competitor analyses, they shared their findings and provided data-driven recommendations to the company for each of these career milestones.

The interns agreed companies should prioritize “getting their own house in order” first. Prioritizing an inclusive culture internally will attract and retain top talent. “It must begin from within,” they explained. They commended WPS Health Solutions for its current, caring culture and heightened employee engagement.

“It’s strange to think that we had just started working at WPS only a few months ago and that we had no relationship with each other yet,” Ryan McGrath, an intern, said. “But by the end of the project, we built a sense of a small community that was able to put a lot of collective effort into making this project. We had many dedicated and inspiring people working closely together, with some fantastic advisors helping us along the way. I, for one, am very happy to have had the chance to participate.”

This year’s internship program was led by Savannah Paukner, corporate recruiter and internship program lead.

“I am incredibly proud of all the hard work and dedication the interns put forth with this year’s project,” Paukner said. “Their research, findings, and recommendations will continue to support WPS’ Core Values and propel us into the future of really supporting and developing the employee experience at every stage. What they accomplished in such a short amount of time—all within a remote environment—gave us a small glimpse into what amazing and innovative things they will accomplish in the future. It was an absolute honor and blessing to walk with them through this small part of their journey.” 

The final project was just one element of the extensive internship program. WPS interns focused on:

• Gaining skills in their functional area of study.
• Gaining exposure to a corporate culture through professional development training sessions hosted by the Talent Development team, Executive Speaker Series, and day-to-day meetings.
• Gaining project-management and team-building skills by working on the Moments that Matter project.
• Gaining public-speaking and leadership skills by presenting their projects to their managers and the executive team.

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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22 Recent Findorff Promotions

Findorff team members play a significant role in the Company’s success, both on the job and in the community. Join us in congratulating each of these individuals who were recently promoted!

Steve Bunge: As Project Executive, Steve has over 32 years of industry experience. He has been involved with many projects at Carle Foundation Hospital, including the radiology expansion and the roof garden. Traveling four days per week, Steve spends quality time with his family when he’s not working.

Matt Claggett: With over 19 years of industry experience, Matt now serves as Senior Project Manager. He recently worked on projects including Harvest Intermediate School, Bell Laboratories, Inc. Corporate Office Building, and Sentry Insurance Corporate Office Building. Outside of work, Matt is involved with CycleNation Events, charity bike rides for the Boys & Girls Club, as well as the Wildcat Youth Hockey Association as a board member and hockey coach.

Grady Couch: With over 30 years of industry experience, Grady now serves as a Project Executive. He’s currently working on projects including Hub Blacksburg, 191 College, and The Dewberry Hotel.

Tina Crichton: Tina was the first Project Cost Accountant hired at Findorff and she brings 16 years of accounting industry experience to her new position as Senior Project Cost Accountant. For 11 years, Tina has participated in over 50 audits of over 700 million dollars at Findorff. She is also the PCA for high-profile, skyline-changing jobs in Milwaukee including The Couture and The Trade Milwaukee. Outside of work, she’s Sunshine Chair for the Elm Grove Junior Guild, a volunteer and room mom for her children’s school and church, and a Hunger Task Force volunteer.

Matt Femal: Matt, recently promoted to Senior Project Manager, has 11 years of industry experience. Two of his recent projects include the D.C. Everest Area School District administration building and the Bone & Joint – ASC and Pain Clinic. Outside of work, he’s a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, a hockey coach for the Everest Youth Hockey Association, and a committee member for the Joint Apprenticeship Committee – Carpenters Union.

Tom Ganser: Tom brings 14 years of industry experience to his new role as Senior Project Manager. Tom is currently working on projects for clients including Catalent and Madison Metropolitan School District. He’s on the Property Committee for St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, a member of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, and a member of the Groundswell Conservancy.

Victoria Georgeson: Victoria has been in the data and analytics industry for 7 years. Currently, she’s leading the effort to stand up Findorff’s data warehouse, Snowflake. This will help Findorff get faster business insights, and better data quality, and allow for the continued growth of data-driven decision-making. She has also been establishing key performance indicators to help our departments understand how they’re performing. Outside of Findorff, she volunteers at her husband’s chiropractic clinic and recently held a cookout to raise money for the new Children’s Museum in Sun Prairie.

Ben Hager: Ben brings 17 years of industry experience to his new position as Project Executive. Recently, he has worked on projects including the Westin Milwaukee Hotel, Summit Credit Union Headquarters, Hub Tampa, and the Marriott Milwaukee Hotel. He is also a member of the State Ironworking Advisory Committee and a member of the Wisconsin AGC.

Chris Helt: Chris has been in the industry for 12 years. His recent projects include the SHINE Medical Technologies LLC office and Therapeutics Buildings, ōLiv Madison, and The Dean – Champaign. When he’s not in the office or on a job site, he spends his time at the Waunakee Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter.

Menno Huiser: Menno has been a part of the Findorff family for 10 years and has been in the construction industry for 15 years. Menno has recently worked with Hooper Corporation to create their corporate office in DeForest. He has also worked with Exact Sciences to renovate the Rayovac Building on their Nexus Discovery Campus. Menno is involved with AGC Wisconsin as a Leadership AGC Alumni, as well as Stoughton Area Youth Soccer Association as a board member.

Erik Ivers: Starting as a Findorff Co-op in 2012 and joining the company full time in 2013, Erik is now a Senior Project Manager. He recently worked on Hub Park Avenue – Tucson, AZ as well as the new Verona Area High School, and he’s currently working on ōLiv at Seattle.

Michelle Kraemer: Having worked in human resources for 13 years, Michelle has been promoted to People Solutions Manager. She’s helped rebrand Findorff’s HR department into the People Strategy department. She also has a passion for helping map out the careers of field employees who want to move into project management. She’s currently involved with the Recovery Foundation, Special Spaces, and St. Mary’s Care Center.

Adam Lawrence: Adam has worked in the IT industry for over 15 years. He’s currently co-leading the migration of Findorff’s phone and conferencing systems over to Microsoft Teams. This will make video conferencing and phone calls blend in with the Microsoft software we’re currently using, making processes more streamlined for employees. Outside of work, he has been involved with Meals on Wheels for the past nine years.

Greg Manzetti: Greg has over two decades of industry experience, which make him a great Project Executive. His recent projects included the Central Wisconsin Airport‘s terminal remodel and boarding bridge replacements, the new amenities building and parking ramp at CUNA Mutual Group, and the facility assessment of Westfield Schools. He also volunteers for Meals on Wheels and is a member of Leadership Greater Madison 2022.

Camilla McKay: Camilla brings 8 years of industry experience to her new position as Employee Experience Manager. She recently helped rebrand Findorff’s HR department into the People Strategy department and organized the 2022 Summer Company Picnic to celebrate Findorff employees coming together as a whole company since the pandemic. She’s currently involved in the Board of Directors for GiGi’s Playhouse Madison as Vice President, Tri4Schools as a volunteer, and Meals on Wheels as a volunteer.

Eric Mergen: Eric brings 10 years of industry experience to his new role as Senior Project Manager. He has recently been involved in projects for the Hub at Champaign, Sentry Insurance, and Bell Laboratories, Inc. Eric is involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as a committee member, as well as the St. Thomas Aquinas Church as a member.

Brad Olson: For over 20 years, Brad has worked his way up the ladder in this industry to be the Project Executive he is today. Recently, he worked on Exact Sciences‘ Nexus Lab and Warehouse expansions, as well as Associated Bank‘s Mineral Point Road branch. Brad is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity, a member of Downtown Madison, Inc., and a Board Member for Friends of MSCR.

Matt Premo: As Project Executive, Matt brings 20 years of experience to his new position. A few of his most recent projects include Hub at Cincinnati, his work on the Middleton High School Referendum, and the Sun Prairie School Referendum. He’s currently the Vice-Chair of the Madison Children’s Museum Board of Directors, a volunteer for United Way and Meals on Wheels, as well as a member of the American Hard Hats with Heart’s Executive Leadership Team Committee.

Pierre Rideau: Beginning his career in construction in 2009, Findorff has promoted Pierre to Senior Project Manager. Recently, Pierre has worked on projects including the SHINE Medical Isotope Production Facility, the URP Element Lab Facility, and the Exact Sciences B1 clinical lab and parking structure.

Matt Stadelman: Matt, recently promoted to Project Executive, has over 13 years of experience in the construction industry. Matt has recently worked on projects including ōLiv at Seattle, Hub at College Park, and the School District of Waukesha. Outside of Findorff, Matt holds the position of Lead United Councilmember for United Way of Dane County as well as member of the Miracle League of Dane County.

JoAnn Taylor: JoAnn brings over 32 years of industry experience to her new position as Senior Project Cost Accountant. She handles all Core Spaces projects which is a significant effort. When she’s not in the office, she’s riding a UTV with her partner.

Aaron Zutz: As the newly appointed Director of Project Management, Aaron has 12 years of industry experience. Recently, he has worked on the successful Madison Metropolitan School District 2020 Referendum, the Verona Area High School, and the UW Credit Union on Excelsior Drive Campus Expansion. When not attending school board meetings or managing multi-million-dollar K-12 education projects, Aaron is volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Junior Achievement, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, as well as the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra as a board member.