Wisconsin Power and Light marks Kilbourn Dam’s century of service

The Kilbourn Dam, a hydroelectric generating station, began generating power in early August 1909 and continues to provide up to 10 megawatts of renewable, green energy to this day.

“We are delighted to mark the 100th year of operations at the Kilbourn Dam and take this time to recognize the rich history of the facility, the role it played in the birth of Wisconsin Power and Light Company and the boost it provides to the Wisconsin Dells area,” says Bill Harvey, Alliant Energy Chairman, President and CEO. “The Kilbourn and Prairie du Sac Hydros were among the first Wisconsin Power and Light electric generating stations when they were purchased in 1917 and they hold a special place in our company history.”

The current Kilbourn Dam was constructed from 1906 to 1909 and at the time it was completed, it was the largest dam west of Niagara Falls and was viewed as a modern engineering marvel. Once the dam was operational, the flow of the Wisconsin River was stabilized, and the water depth was increased significantly. The increased water level was important because it permitted large boats to reach points in the Upper Dells that previously had been almost inaccessible. In addition, the dam also increased the average flow of the Lower Dells.

The dam was not profitable in its early years and was sold once in 1916 and then again in 1917 to what later became Wisconsin Power and Light Company. The availability of power from the Kilbourn Dam spurred the consolidation of several utility systems serving southern Wisconsin into one, larger inter-connected utility company. By 1924, these individual operating companies united as Wisconsin Power and Light Company, the current owner of the dam.

First National Bank and Trust to acquire two new branches

First National Bank and Trust Co. of Beloit has reached an agreement with AMCORE Bank N.A. to acquire two branches located in Monroe and Argyle. The transaction includes approximately $70 million in loans, $140 million in deposits and sweep accounts and up to $50 million in related trust accounts. The brokerage and 401(k) plan business are not part of the sale and will remain with AMCORE.

“We believe this acquisition is good for the communities, since branch resources will be kept working right here in the Argyle and Monroe areas to serve the many needs of our neighbors,” says Steven M. Eldred, president and chief executive officer of First National Bank and Trust, expressing his optimism for the potential new opportunities made possible by the acquisition. “We realize the importance of offering more than just competitively-priced financial products. We're confident that by offering sound advice and exceptional service we will earn the trust of each customer.”

First National Bank and Trust Co. operates 11 banking locations in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The bank has total assets of $631 million. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the fourth quarter 2009. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

MOVERS

>> Ad 2 Madison, the young professionals affiliate organization of the American Advertising Federation-Madison, has announced that founding member Lindsay Ostrowski will serve as the vice chair on the Ad 2 National Executive Board for the 2009-2010 club year. She is currently employed at Dean Foundation.

>> AM Mailing Services LLC of Edgerton has announced three promotions: Eric Stein to vice president of production, Fred Schulze to vice president of customer care and Dan Topel to vice president of sales.

>> Exact Sciences Corp. has announced the appointment of Graham P. Lidgard, Ph.D., as the company’s chief scientific officer.

>> LifelineUSA has added Rick Pawlak as vice president of sales and Scott Logan as medical rehab product manager.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

MADISON: Sustainable Engineering Group (SEG) has received a 2009 Dane County Small Business Award. The firm works with various building types and specializes in making them more energy efficient. The company was also recognized for its unique initiatives like the firm’s Green Commute program, where employees earn $1 for every mile they bike to and from work. The earned dollars are then contributed to a charitable organization chosen by the employee.