American Transmission Co. receives regulatory approval

After more than five years of public involvement and regulatory review, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has approved the construction of a new 32-mile, 345,000-volt electric transmission line through Dane County between the towns of Middleton and Christiana along a route that generally follows the Beltline and existing rights of way, and does not include placing the line underground.

“We are pleased that the PSC agreed with our assessment of this much-needed transmission line,” says Sarah Justus, ATC local relations manager. “This is a critically important project for the Dane County region. This regulatory approval is good news for homeowners, businesses and industries that depend upon a reliable electric system.”

ATC first identified the need for the project in 2002. In 2003, the project need was independently reviewed by the Energy Initiative, a group of Wisconsin utilities, public advocacy organizations, environmental groups and local stakeholders.

Before filing an application with the PSC in October 2007, ATC conducted extensive public outreach. “Over a five-year period we hosted 22 open houses attended by more than 3,300 people, and regularly corresponded with more than 13,000 Dane County residents, businesses and other stakeholders in an effort to address public concerns,” says Justus.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in summer 2011, and the line is expected to be in service in 2013.

MOVERS

>> Networked Insights, a social media and customer intelligence company has added Jacob Apelbaum as vice president of technology. He will be responsible for all facets of the technology development of Networked Insights’ SocialSense listening platform.

>> Greg C. Garton Jr. has joined Community Business Bank, which has locations in Sauk City and Lodi.

>> Tamara Abraham has joined Madison-based Howick Associates as a consultant.

>> Jennifer Dodd has joined Fitchburg-based boutique food retailer MyMenu as U.S. divisional vice president.

>> Michael Brennan has joined the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the Wisconsin School of Business as executive director.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

MADISON: Sergenian’s Floor Coverings is the recipient of the 2008 Starnet/CARE (Carpet America Recovery Effort) Carpet Reclamation Award for medium-sized businesses. The Award is available to Starnet members as recognition for the largest amount of annual landfill diversion based on sales volume. For the second year running, Sergenian’s received the medium-sized member award for diverting more than 515,000 pounds of used carpet from landfills.

>> Star (Saving to Achieve Results) Credit Union, the only youth-chartered credit union in the country, has been honored with the 2009 Governor’s Financial Literacy Award. Established in 2005, STAR Credit Union is open to members of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County and is supported by Summit Credit Union.