July 2009, Around the State
Southeast
West Bend Mutual’s charitable giving tied to employee volunteerism
In the last 12 months, 68 grants totaling $180,588 were awarded to charitable organizations located in southeastern and central Wisconsin through West Bend Mutual Insurance Company’s Charitable Fund, which ties giving to employee volunteerism. With the bleak economy, more local non-profits have been seeking the support of the company’s unique philanthropic program.
“It’s not surprising to see the need for assistance rise as the economy falls,” says John Duwell of West Bend. “We’re glad to be in a position to help. Volunteerism by West Bend associates is at an all-time high, and we want to help worthy organizations if we can.”
Each cause must be recommended by one of West Bend’s 1,000 plus associates who, in many cases, also volunteer for the non-profit organization. Requests are reviewed and approved by West Bend officers.
In 2008, West Bend was honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Wisconsin Organizational Philanthropy Award. Judges said they liked West Bend’s unique emphasis on volunteerism at organizations it supports financially.
Clifton Gunderson relocates firm headquarters to Milwaukee
Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and consulting firms will relocate its firm headquarters from Peoria, Ill. to Milwaukee. The announcement means Clifton Gunderson becomes the first national Certified Public Accounting firm to be headquartered in Milwaukee and the only national CPA firm headquartered in all of Wisconsin.
“Our decision to move firm headquarters to Milwaukee brings together firm resources and provides additional opportunities to build on our firm’s tremendous strengths and continue to create opportunities for growth,” says Ted Hart, managing partner for Clifton Gunderson’s Wisconsin offices.
Clifton Gunderson has been serving the Milwaukee-area community since 1984. During its 25 year history, the office has grown to nearly 130 professionals. The firm’s other Wisconsin locations include: Madison, Marshfield, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, Sparta, Stevens Point and Tomah. Including Wisconsin, the firm has 45 offices across the country.
“We are thrilled to welcome Clifton Gunderson to the list of great companies already headquartered in Milwaukee,” says Jim Paetsch, director of corporate expansion and relocation for the Milwaukee 7. “The mission of the Milwaukee 7 is to attract, retain and grow diverse business and talent — and we are excited to add Clifton Gunderson’s name under the ‘win column’ for the Milwaukee region.”
MOVERS
>> Mortenson Construction has added Tony Coraggio as a project manager.
>> Irgens Development Partners, LLC has announced that Mary Mokwa CPM has joined the company as senior property manager.
>> Jim Sajdak, owner of Stan’s Fit for Your Feet, with locations in Brookfield, Greenfield and Glendale, was recently awarded the Al Singer Award by the National Shoe Retailers Association.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
OAK CREEK: SU Insurance Company has been assigned a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “A-” for SUIC’s initial rating by A.M. Best Company. SUIC was formed in 2005 to directly insure policies written through its affiliates within SU Group LLC (SU Group). SU Group was founded in 1982 by Michael H. Polaski and is a leader in equipment maintenance insurance and management services for medical, government, education, financial and pharmaceutical markets, providing a wide range of alternatives to traditional service contracts.
OCONOMOWOC: MSI General Corporation won Best of Show and a Finalist Award in the Wisconsin Concrete and Masonry Association’s 2009 Excellence in Masonry Design competition. The top award was given for the Milwaukee Ale House/ Bridgewater Office Building, located in downtown Grafton on the Milwaukee River.