Tag Archive for: Advocacy

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Congratulations to the 2022 BIGG Award Winners

The Wisconsin Bankers Association is pleased to report that 35 institutions have been recognized with WBA’s BIGG (Bankers Involved in Grassroots and Government) for for their total involvement in advocacy in 2022. BIGG is the highest level of recognition for advocacy by our member banks.

To achieve BIGG status, institutions must meet at least five (5) of these seven criteria:

  • Have named an Advocacy Officer
  • Obtain Gold Triangle award
  • Contribute to WBA’s issue advocacy fund
  • Have at least one bank employee attend WBA Capitol Day
  • Have a member of the bank participate in a Federal delegation meeting or go on a D.C. regulatory trip
  • Have the bank hold a Take Your Legislator to Work Day
  • Other (e.g. testify on a bill, host a fundraiser, analyze legislation, etc.)

2022 BIGG Recipients

American National Bank Fox Cities, Associated Bank, Bank Five Nine, Bank of Brodhead, Bank of Sun Prairie, Bank of Wisconsin Dells, Bankers’ Bank, Bristol Morgan Bank, Capitol Bank, Charter Bank, Citizens First Bank, East Wisconsin Savings Bank, First Business Bank, Fortifi Bank, Greenwoods State Bank, Horicon Bank, Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan Association, MidWest One Bank, Mound City Bank, National Exchange Bank & Trust, Nicolet National Bank, North Shore Bank, Oostburg State Bank, The Park Bank, The Peoples Community Bank, Premier Community Bank, Royal Bank, Security Financial Bank, State Bank of Cross Plains, The Equitable Bank, The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Town Bank N.A., Unity Bank, Waldo State Bank, and Wolf River Community Bank.

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Banks Join in WBA Political Action Fundraising

We are happy to report that 46 institutions have now achieved Gold Triangle status for political fundraising in 2022. Gold Triangle is the highest level of fundraising recognition for banks and achieved through bank employee or director contributions to the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) political conduit or Wisbankpac, or corporate contributions to WBA’s issue advocacy fund. ABW and Wisbankpac funds are utilized as part of our overall effort to support pro-banking candidates, regardless of whether they have an R or D next to their name. Issue advocacy dollars are used to in several capacities to shape public opinion on pro-banking, pro-business issues.

Demand on our political action funds is as high as it has ever been, and we are battling on numerous fronts in Madison. If you have not already done so, please consider contributing to WBA political action funds. You may contribute via credit card here.

2022 Gold Triangle Club Members

American National Bank Fox Cities, Associated Bank, Bank Five Nine, Bank of Brodhead, Bank of Sun Prairie, Bank of Wisconsin Dells, Bankers’ Bank, Bluff View Bank, Bristol Morgan Bank, Capitol Bank, Charter Bank, Citizens Bank, Citizens First Bank, Citizens State Bank of Loyal, East Wisconsin Savings Bank, The Equitable Bank, First Citizens State Bank, First National Community Bank, Fortifi Bank, Forward Bank, Greenwoods State Bank, Horicon Bank, Mound City Bank, National Bank of Commerce, National Exchange Bank & Trust, Nicolet National Bank, North Shore Bank, Northwestern Bank, Oak Bank, Old National Bank, Oostburg State Bank, Park Bank, The Peoples Community Bank, Peoples State Bank, Premier Community Bank, Security State Bank, Security Financial Bank, State Bank of Cross Plains, State Bank Financial, The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Superior Savings Bank, Town Bank N.A., Unity Bank, Waldo State Bank, Wisconsin Bankers Association, and Wolf River Community Bank.

Gold Triangle Club Contribution Levels by Bank Asset Size

Bank Assets Total Banker Contributions
$0-100 Million $1,500
$100-250 M $2,000
$250-500 M $3,000
$500-750 M $4,000
$750 M – $1 Billion $5,000
$1 B+ $7,000

THANK YOU to all the banks, Gold Triangle or not, that have contributed to our advocacy efforts.

If you have questions or would like to make a contribution, please contact WBA’s Lorenzo Cruz, vice president – government relations.

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Executive Letter: Opportunities to Advocate This Spring

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

With the transition into the new year, so too begins the 2023–24 legislative session. As the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) looks ahead to further engaging with our elected officials and acting on several key priorities including credit unions, regulatory modernization, and elder fraud in 2023, WBA members are also encouraged to make the most of the various opportunities offered by the Association to make their voices heard.

This spring, bankers from across the state are invited to join the WBA Government Relations team in Madison for the 2023 WBA Capitol Day as well as two WBA Washington Trips to meet with our congressional delegation — one in conjunction with the American Bankers Association (ABA) Washington Summit and the other in conjunction with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Capital Summit.

Our 2023 Capitol Day, which will be held on Thursday, May 11, provides Wisconsin bankers with the invaluable opportunity to meet face-to-face with their representatives and demonstrate how public policy impacts a bank’s ability to aid in the economic growth and vitality of their community.

Annually, over 100 bankers and WBA Advocacy Officers are in attendance to receive updates from state Assembly and Senate leaders as well as assist the Association in conveying the role and value of our industry. Registration is open now, and more information will be provided for attendees as the event nears.

Additionally, the WBA will be in Washington, D.C. March 20–22 (bankers are encouraged to schedule late flights on the 22nd or stay until the 23rd given the House Republican schedule that week) for the WBA/ABA Washington Summit as well as May 14–17 for the WBA/ICBA Capital Summit. During these two trips, bankers can expect to hear from a variety of speakers as well as make trips to Capitol Hill to visit with those in our congressional delegation. Please note that during the WBA/ABA Washington Summit, Hill visits will likely occur both on March 21 and through mid-afternoon on Wednesday, March 22 given that the House Republicans will not be in office until Wednesday of that week.

All WBA members, regardless of their membership to either national trade group, are welcome and invited to join WBA’s Washington Trip on either date. Please let WBA know if you are interested in attending one of these two key summits at your earliest convenience. You may register now for the WBA/ABA Washington Summit.

Grassroots advocacy is a fundamental aspect of WBA’s efforts in supporting the industry, and your involvement is critical to the success of our advocacy priorities. Although very few legislators have experience in banking, bankers are looked upon as trusted members of the communities our elected officials represent and are essential in reinforcing the impact legislative proposals will have on your community, bank, and industry.

Thank you for your continued grassroots involvement for the betterment of the banking industry, and I hope to see you and/or other members of your team this spring either at the State Capitol in Madison or on the Hill in D.C.

2023 WBA Capitol Day WBA/ABA Washington Summit WBA/ICBA Capital Summit (Opening Soon!)
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Supporting WBA’s Advocacy Infrastructure, a Key to Success

By Lorenzo Cruz

With the fall elections finally behind us, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) can begin pivoting in preparation for the 2023 legislative session and another round of elections occurring this spring. The passage of a state budget that includes a $6.6B budget surplus will occupy the time of most legislators, the Governor, and state agency heads. A State Supreme Court race and a special election for the 8th State Senate District will keep the candidates busy and usher in another flood of campaign spending.

Last year, outside groups shattered the previous record and spent more than $93M on the Governor and other state races, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. The skyrocketing campaign costs and the increasing need to support pro-banking candidates requires WBA to double down on the financial equation of its advocacy infrastructure. With the start of the new year, our Association is kicking off two new initiatives — the WBA Leadership Circle and the Hall of Fame — and making changes to contribution levels for the Silver Triangle Club and Gold Triangle Club.

New Opportunities to Engage

WBA’s Leadership Circle is for major investors and passionate bankers who are committed to investing and creating a healthy future for member banks and the communities they serve. To join the Leadership Circle at the platinum level, a major investor would need to contribute $3,000 or more annually to Wisbankpac (PAC) and/or Alliance for Bankers Conduit (ABW).

To achieve Hall of Fame designation, a major investor would need an aggregate lifetime investment of $25,000 or more. Leadership Circle and Hall of Fame investors benefits could include: lapel pins, certificates, pens, online recognition, Wisconsin Banker picture recognition, Capitol Day/Conference recognition, and exclusive invitation to special events.

The personal contribution level has been increased from $500 to $1,000 for the Silver Triangle award. Individual bankers can earn the award by contributing $1,000 to any combination of the PAC, ABW, or WBA’s issue advocacy fund. Silver Triangle recipients are honored annually at WBA’s Bank Executives Conference.

To receive WBA’s Gold Triangle recognition, the total contribution amounts for banks based on assets have been increased to:

Gold Triangle is the highest level of bank fundraising recognition which can be achieved by employees contributing to the PAC or conduit or through corporate contributions to WBA’s issue advocacy fund.

Looking Ahead

As we transition into 2023, it is critical that bankers join forces with the Government Relations team to replenish the depleted coffers for the PAC, conduit, and issue funds. Growing the funds allows us to support pro-banking elected officials and provides a seat at the table for those able to positively shape and influence legislation and rules impacting the industry. WBA urges Advocacy Officers to meet with bank employees to encourage them to help us meet the year-end 2023 goal of raising $300,000 in political donations.

While WBA’s advocacy infrastructure is strong, it is important to build and expand upon it. Last year, our industry faced many legislative threats, from credit unions to credit card swipe fees. These challenges will likely return in 2023 as well as a wide range of other issues like elder fraud, taxation, banking modernization, fair access, trust code, and privacy. Our Association and its members cannot afford to be bystanders while other organized and well-financed groups push legislative solutions that are harmful to banks.

While WBA is taking a proactive lead to ensure that public policies adopted are beneficial to the industry, it is critical to enlist the help of bank leaders to expand the base by designating an Advocacy Officer if they have not already done so. Moreover, WBA’s Government Relations team calls upon all bank executives, Advocacy Officers, and bankers to step up and answer the call to support WBA’s advocacy infrastructure by joining the Leadership Circle, being a Hall of Fame member, becoming a Silver Triangle member, and achieving Gold Triangle and BIGG recognition.

Now more than ever is the time to unify behind strengthening and expanding WBA’s advocacy infrastructure. The political stakes are high, but together we can function as one united voice amplifying WBA’s priorities at the State Capitol while protecting the interests of member banks doing business in Wisconsin.

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Spring 2023 Washington, D.C. Summits

Each spring, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) travels to Washington, D.C. alongside both the American Bankers Association (ABA) and Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) to visit with those in our congressional delegation.

WBA members, regardless if their bank is a member of one of the national trade groups, are encouraged to join us and make their voice heard on the Hill during one of these two advocacy trips!

The first trip, the WBA/ABA Washington Summit, is scheduled for March 20–22, 2023*. A virtual option is also available. For more information and to register, please visit aba.com/summit.

The second trip, the WBA/ICBA Capital Summit, will take place May 14–17, 2023. More information and registration for the event will become available in early 2023. Please visit icba.org/capitalsummit to learn more.

The WBA spring summits prove themselves vital each year in providing bankers throughout Wisconsin with insights into policymaking and allow bankers to advocate on behalf of their industry. If you have any questions, please contact WBA.

*Hill visits will likely occur both on March 21 and mid-afternoon on Wednesday, March 22 since the House Republicans will not be in office until Wednesday that week. Attendees should schedule flights to leave later on March 22 or stay until March 23.

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Executive Letter: Ending the Year With a Bang

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

With the end of 2022 right around the corner, I am requesting you to consider making one last donation (for this year) to help us achieve our advocacy goal. As I wrote in the November 8 Executive Letter e-publication, fundraising is a critical component in our Association’s mission of advocating for our industry and ensuring that the public and our elected leaders understand the issues banks across our state face.

This year, the WBA has a goal of raising over $300,000 for our two primary political accounts: Wisbankpac, our registered political action committee and the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW), our state conduit. All money raised through these efforts goes directly to support pro-banking and pro-business candidates and issues. With two weeks left until the end of the year, WBA is just $30,000 away from reaching this year’s goal!

How You Can Get Involved
As we all are well aware, supporting the well-being of our industry as a whole is not something we can accomplish alone. With your involvement, not only will we reach our goal, but it will help WBA to continue to play an important role in moving our industry’s issues forward.

There are several ways you may choose to engage with WBA’s fundraising efforts yet this year.

Silver Triangle
WBA’s Silver Triangle recognizes individual bankers who personally contribute at least $500 to any combination of Wisbankpac, ABW conduit, or the issue advocacy fund.

Gold Triangle
WBA’s Gold Triangle is the highest level of fundraising recognition for banks and achieved through bank employee or director personal contributions to Wisbankpac, or ABW conduit, or corporate contributions to WBA’s issue advocacy fund. Based on bank asset size, qualifying contributions range from $500 to $4,500 across the entire institution.

Beyond fundraising, becoming involved in WBA’s overall advocacy efforts is another critical way to support our industry.

Bankers Involved in Grassroots and Government (BIGG)
WBA’s BIGG Award expands beyond Gold Triangle fundraising to encompass grassroots advocacy engagement and serves as the Association’s highest level of recognition for overall advocacy. In addition to assisting WBA advance the industry’s legislative priorities and promote pro-banking issues to the public, BIGG Award winners receive extensive recognition for their efforts in advocating for our industry.

In order to qualify for the BIGG recognition, banks must meet at least 5 of 7 criteria which include naming an advocacy officer, obtaining Gold Triangle status, contributing to WBA’s issue advocacy fund, sending one employee (at least) to WBA’s annual Capitol Day, participating in a Federal delegation meeting or regulatory trip, hosting a Take Your Legislator to Work event, or other advocacy-related activity.

Thank you very much for your past active involvement in our Association’s advocacy initiatives to support the well-being of our industry. There are just two weeks left in this calendar year to help us achieve our fundraising goal, and to ensure that your bank is recognized for the outstanding work you did in 2022 to promote pro-banking and pro-business initiatives. Make your final contributions today at wisbank.com/give. If you are interested in learning more about WBA’s annual fundraising campaign, how you can get involved, or if your bank qualifies for recognition, please contact Lorenzo Cruz.

Make A Contribution

Thank you to the 51 banks that have already succeeded in achieving WBA’s Gold Triangle status this year:

  • American National Bank – Fox Cities, Appleton
  • Associated Bank, Green Bay
  • Badger Bank, Fort Atkinson
  • Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc
  • Bank of Brodhead
  • Bank of Luxemburg
  • Bank of Sun Prairie
  • Bank of Wisconsin Dells
  • Bankers’ Bank, Madison
  • Bluff View Bank, Galesville
  • Black River Country Bank, Black River Falls
  • BLC Community Bank, Little Chute
  • Bristol Morgan Bank, Oakfield
  • Capitol Bank, Madison
  • Charter Bank, Eau Claire
  • Citizens Bank, Mukwonago
  • Citizens First Bank, Viroqua
  • Citizens State Bank of Loyal
  • Coulee Bank, La Crosse
  • East Wisconsin Savings Bank, Kaukauna
  • The Equitable Bank, Wauwatosa
  • Farmers State Bank, Hillsboro
  • Farmers State Bank of Waupaca
  • First Business Bank, Madison
  • First Citizen State Bank, Whitewater
  • First National Community Bank, New Richmond
  • Forward Bank, Marshfield
  • Forte Bank, Hartford
  • Fortifi Bank, Berlin
  • Greenwood’s State Bank, Lake Mills
  • Horicon Bank
  • Mound City Bank, Platteville
  • National Bank of Commerce, Superior
  • National Exchange Bank and Trust, Fond du Lac
  • Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay
  • North Shore Bank, Brookfield
  • Oak Bank, Fitchburg
  • Old National Bank, Evansville, IN
  • Oostburg State Bank
  • The Park Bank, Madison
  • Partners Bank of Wisconsin, Marshfield
  • Peoples State Bank, Prairie Du Chien
  • The Peoples Community Bank, Mazomanie
  • Premier Community Bank, Marion
  • Security Financial Bank, Durand
  • State Bank of Cross Plains
  • The Stephenson National Bank and Trust, Marinette
  • Superior Savings Bank
  • Town Bank N.A., Hartland
  • Waldo State Bank
  • Wisconsin Bankers Association, Madison
  • Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville
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Executive Letter: Reflecting on WBA’s 130th Year

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

In March, WBA marked its 130th anniversary — a monumental accomplishment and result of the indispensable support of and engagement in our Association every day. As another busy holiday season quickly approaches and many of us pause to reflect upon all we are grateful for, I am continually reminded not only of the gratitude I hold for our membership and their active involvement in making our industry healthy and prosperous, but of the WBA staff who work each day to uphold our mission to advocate, educate, and support bankers across Wisconsin.

Since inception, advocacy and professional development have remained fundamental values of WBA, and I am pleased each day to work alongside individuals who take extensive pride in promoting Wisconsin’s banking industry and the financial success of communities across the state.

This year, the WBA Government Relations team, alongside several banker volunteers, stayed busy advocating at the state capitol in Madison as well as in D.C on topics ranging from the expansion of credit union powers to credit card swipe fees. In addition, our team was incredibly active in this year’s election, supporting pro-banking candidates, and informing others of the key issues Wisconsin bankers face.

In addition to staffing the legal call program and assisting members with questions, WBA’s Legal team has played a critical role in keeping our members informed of regulatory and judicial issues important to the banking industry. In the last calendar year, the Legal team has created a variety of new resources including a video series and toolkits that provide bankers with a variety of mediums to receive timely compliance information.

As always, members of our Education department have spent the last year offering a wide range of relevant and high-quality conferences, events, and training opportunities at WBA’s engagement center in Madison and around the state. Our flexible offerings have provided thousands of bankers with invaluable knowledge to further their banking careers as well as opportunities to connect with banking peers. Additionally, WBA continued to offer free DEI-focused member webinars and develop resources including a membership-wide employee resource group (ERG) as part of the Association’s DEI Plan to foster a culture of diversity.

In the last year, the Communications team has continued to improve, update, and polish our new website that launched in October 2021. It is a priority of our Association that resources such as our Best Practice Library and Associate Member Directory are not only easy to navigate but provide relevant and useful information to all bankers. At the request of our members, the team has also developed a range of consumer resources which banks are encouraged to utilize in their own outreach and education of consumers.

Of course, the success of our Association does not stop at the efforts of our team. As a member-driven association, WBA is wholly dependent on the support and engagement of our members and our accomplishments this calendar year would not be without the direct involvement of you!

In the last year, banks across the state have individually demonstrated many achievements. However, I am quite proud that many bankers, in addition to the work they do in their own organization, have volunteered their time and talents in several key ways with WBA. This year, over 100 bankers attended WBA’s annual Capitol Day, around 140 bankers participated in a WBA committee or section, and 130 bankers reported taking part in financial education programming.

Once again, thank you for your continued involvement and support of the WBA. This year’s accomplishments would not have been possible without the valuable input and engagement from each of our members. I wish you all Happy Holidays and look forward to working together with you in the new year!

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Setting Yourself and Our Industry Up For Success

WBA’s Advocacy Officer program offers leadership opportunity

By Lorenzo Cruz

Leadership in your bank is about more than networking. As many bank leaders can attest, having a wide range of experience in many different areas of the bank is critical in ensuring a broad understanding of the industry as a whole.

As our industry continues to evolve, one significant area of focus for leaders continues to be government involvement. As members of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), banks have an opportunity to designate Advocacy Officers, or volunteers who assist in coordinating community advocacy efforts, to work alongside the WBA Government Relations Team on regulatory, legislative, and political activities that impact our industry each day.

In working with WBA staff; fellow bankers; state, local, and federal levels of government; and other state or national trade groups, WBA Advocacy Officers continue to help make life easier for bankers and accomplish the goals of the banking industry.

The typical background for this position usually includes an interest in public policy, a strong understanding of the banking industry (compliance, credit, external relations, etc.), the ability to speak for the bank regarding matters of regulatory or public policy, and a flexible schedule.

But what does an Advocacy Officer (AO) actually do and what are the rewards and advantages for the banker? Here are five opportunities for every Advocacy Officer:

1. Receive relevant, up-to-date information.

Every week, AOs receive a report detailing emerging topics, upcoming regulation, key legislative items, and inside information that will help you be at the front end of important business, banking, and economic issues in Wisconsin. In addition to weekly reports, AOs who are subscribed to the Wisconsin Banker Daily will receive timely updates on the events impacting the industry.

2. Testify before the Wisconsin Legislature or communicate with key elected officials.

This unique leadership opportunity allows AOs to speak directly to legislators and other community leaders about how the banking industry works and how legislation will impact the banking industry. Working directly with WBA staff, an AO is prepared and reinforced with information to help the banker put their best foot forward. AOs email or call elected officials about banking items to help provide information, meet in Madison at WBA’s annual Capitol Day, and host elected officials at the bank as part of “Take Your Legislator to Work Days.”

3. Recognition before your bank leadership and peers.

WBA recognizes AOs in publications and directly with bank leadership for their efforts to help the banking industry. AOs also have the opportunity to attend events that allow an individual to connect with other bankers and WBA leadership. AOs are given the contact information for every Advocacy Officer peer in Wisconsin.

4. Elect pro-banking officials.

Once per year, the AO helps coordinate fundraising activities at the bank for Wisbankpac (PAC) political action committee or the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) conduit to help support pro-banking candidates. AOs are provided information by WBA in an Advocacy Toolkit that helps with all aspects of the event. WBA is not “D” nor “R,” but “B” for Banking!

5. Meet with leaders from other industries and represent WBA.

AOs regularly attend local and statewide events to represent Wisconsin’s banking industry. These events create an entirely new network of individuals who are leaders in other industries, such as healthcare, accounting, manufacturing, and real estate.

To learn more about the Advocacy Officer position, please visit wisbank.com/advocacyofficer or contact me.

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Is Your Team Ready for Next Month’s Election?

The 2022 Wisconsin general election is November 8

Dan PetersonBy Daniel J. Peterson

As we emerge into the post-pandemic world of record-level inflation and new ways of doing business, ensuring bankers’ voices are heard is now more important than ever. This year’s general election is expected to be action packed and politically divided as many key seats are up for grabs throughout the state.

With the election quickly approaching, members of the WBA Government Relations team are hard at work advocating on behalf of the banking industry and the pro-banking candidates who support our initiatives. However, it is no secret that without the dedication of each of our members — including, but not limited to, the efforts of WBA’s Advocacy Officers from around the state — the achievements our Association continues to have in supporting the industry would not be possible.

As you and your team look ahead to November 8, it’s important to remain informed on the candidates running and what topics are being discussed.

In preparation for the statewide general election next month, the American Bankers Association (ABA) has created a Wisconsin-specific resource and toolkit for the use of bankers around the state. Whether you would like to see the candidates on your ballot, find your polling place, or track important upcoming dates — including the deadline to request your absentee ballot (the deadline is November 3, by the way) — this handy tool offers all the information you and your peers will need to stay up to date on Wisconsin’s election and the contested issues that may impact our industry.

In addition to staying educated this election season, it’s important for every Wisconsinite to be active. The easiest way to do this is by registering to vote and getting to the polls next month. While WBA staff and banker volunteers do excellent work at both the state and federal levels advocating on behalf of the banking industry, the single greatest factor as to whether or not pro-banking laws are enacted is whether pro-banking candidates are in office.

Whether voting in person or absentee (no excuse required) — it’s easy to do your part! Now’s the time to make a plan and mark your calendars for the betterment of the communities in which we live, work, and play.

Peterson is president and CEO of The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette, and the 2022–2023 WBA Chair.

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Madison, WI 53718

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