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Learn who’s growing, changing, moving and more! Stay on top of what’s new with your neighboring businesses. We share news releases and announcements from your peers in the Madison area. Want to toot your own horn? Use our Submit Member News form to share your own stories.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Orange Shoe Personal Fitness Celebrates 20 Years

Two Decades of Empowering Members with Comfort and Confidence in Their Health & Fitness Journeys 

MADISON, Wisc. – Orange Shoe Personal Fitness (Orange Shoe) knows that it takes more than physical strength to lift one’s confidence about incorporating a healthy workout routine into their life. The studio concept has been inspiring optimistic outlooks on fitness now for two decades and it is celebrating its members’ successes with a 20-year anniversary celebration.

The Madison, Wisconsin-born personal fitness studio, now with 3 locations locally and 12 locations between Madison, Milwaukee and Chicagoland, is marking this milestone with a community open house across all studios on no other day than of course — December 20. It will include personal fitness assessments, mini personal training consultations and a free community introduction class. In addition to the gathering, all Orange Shoe locations will be honoring their 20th anniversary with a celebratory 20 percent discount offer. The savings can be applied to the first month of membership packages.

“Our journey started here in Madison 20 years ago fueled by a mission to provide a personal, supportive, and inclusive fitness experience for everyone, regardless of where they are in their health and wellness journey,” said Lauren Birkel,  Owner of the Madison West and Downtown, Wisc. Studios. “Over the past two decades, we’ve had the privilege of being part of countless transformations, not just in terms of fitness, but in confidence, resilience, and a sense of community. This celebration is more than a milestone; it’s a heartfelt thank you to the incredible people who have made it all possible—our loyal clients who inspire us every day, our talented trainers who bring passion and expertise to their work, and our supportive staff who embody the spirit of Orange Shoe.”

Known for its highly personalized approach to training and wellness, Orange Shoe has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their fitness goals through customized training and a welcoming community environment.

Since its inception 20 years ago, Orange Shoe has achieved several memorable milestones, including opening its first franchised studio in Madison in 2008 and expanding to Milwaukee and Chicago by 2010. Likewise, as it has expanded, the brand has consistently provided the exceptional personal trainers working at their studios with opportunities to begin their entrepreneurial journeys within existing and newly built locations.

“Paying it forward, whether to our trainers, our members or communities has always been at the heart of Orange Shoe,” said Birkel. “As we celebrate 20 years of empowering people through fitness, we’re proud to reflect on the impact we’ve made beyond the gym. Each year, we partner with local nonprofits, sponsor community events, and lead initiatives like ‘Burpees for Bucks,’ where our trainers do a burpee for every dollar donated to a chosen charity. It’s a fun and meaningful way to engage our clients, support important causes, and show our gratitude to the communities that have supported us over the past two decades.”

This year, the brand expanded its presence in Chicagoland with its fourth opening in the market, this one arriving in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Looking ahead, Orange Shoe Fitness aims to continue being the premier personal training studio in each of its markets, which include Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago.

To explore membership options in https://www.orangeshoe.com/MadisonDowntown and at all studios, visit https://www.orangeshoe.com/.

About Orange Shoe Fitness

Orange Shoe Fitness is a leading provider of personalized fitness solutions, dedicated to empowering individuals through tailored workout programs and expert guidance. Orange Shoe was founded in 2004 by Josh Martin in Madison, Wisconsin while working as a successful pharmaceutical rep. Known for always wearing bright orange sneakers during his visits to local hospitals and clinics, Josh was inspired to help people avoid the need for medication by focusing on personal fitness and wellness. With the support of Scott and Katie Michel, both passionate professionals with degrees in Exercise Sports Science and Teaching, Orange Shoe Personal Fitness expanded its reach across the Midwest. Emphasizing one-on-one attention and community engagement, Orange Shoe Fitness delivers a unique fitness experience designed to meet each client’s specific goals and needs. From weight loss and strength building to overall wellness and mobility, Orange Shoe Fitness creates customized plans that fit seamlessly into clients’ lifestyles. The brand has 12 studios open across Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin and throughout the Chicagoland area.

For more information, visit https://www.orangeshoe.com

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Oak Bank Welcomes Andrew Gleiter as Treasury Management Support Specialist

December 4, 2024
For Immediate Release

Contact: Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000
kvirnoche@oak.bank

Oak Bank Welcomes Andrew Gleiter as Treasury Management Support Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, Fitchburg’s trusted community bank since 2000, is pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Gleiter as its new Treasury Management Support Specialist. Andrew joins Oak Bank with nearly a decade of experience in the banking industry, bringing valuable expertise in client servicing and banking operations.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Andrew has spent the last nine years in various roles at Madison-area banks, including Personal Banker, Assistant Branch Manager, and Corporate Banking Specialist. His broad range of experience will contribute to Oak Bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional service to its clients while continuing to grow its Treasury Management division.

“Andrew is a terrific addition to our Treasury Management Team, bringing his strong sense of client service experience and dedication to making our business needs a top priority,” said Linda Zimdars, Senior Vice President Business Banking. “We are thrilled to welcome him to our team and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our clients and the entire Oak Bank team.”

Andrew and his family reside in Belleville, WI, where he and his wife enjoy spending time together with their 18-month-old daughter while they wait for their second child due in May. Outside of work, Andrew is passionate about golfing, cooking, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs, and home improvement projects.

“I’m excited to bring nearly 10 years of client servicing and banking knowledge to Oak Bank and the Treasury team,” said Andrew Gleiter. “I look forward to getting to know our clients and being a reliable resource for everyone. I’m excited to further my career at Oak Bank with a team of energetic and bright individuals.”

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for over 24 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Madison Reading Project’s Community Book Drive Nearing Goal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 5, 2024

MORE INFORMATION:

Rowan Childs, Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 347-79790
Emily Wills, @madisonreadingproject.com, (773) 318-6784

Madison Reading Project’s Community Book Drive Nearing Goal

DANE COUNTY –  Madison Reading Project is asking for your support this holiday giving season to reach its goal of $110,000 during its fifth annual Community Book Drive!.

“We’re committed to growing book ownership for children in Southern Wisconsin by giving away hundreds of new books this holiday season,” says Rowan Childs, Madison Reading Project’s Co-Executive Director and Founder. “Your monetary donations help contribute to our larger goal of year-round book-giving. And, we’re almost there!”

“Together, we’ll get new books that children want, many of whom have few books in their homes,” Childs adds. “We’re confident we’ll reach our donation goals. Everyone deserves that new book feeling, especially our children.”

Donations of books and cash for book buying stay here in the Dane County-area, going to numerous school districts, social workers, educators, and large toy and book-giving events such as Wisconsin State Journal’s Empty Stocking Club, Toys for Tots, Gifts for Christmas, and Santas Without Chimneys, ensuring that hundreds of children get a new book this month.

Local bookstores participating in Community Book Drive include Lake City Books, Mystery To Me, Leopold’s Books Bar Cafe, Room of One’s Own, Book Deal, and Books 4 School. 

“Books may be donated online or at several of our bookseller partners across Dane County or at our Book Center, 1337 Greenway Cross, in Madison,” Childs adds. “Donations are cheerfully accepted throughout December.” 

Visit Madison Reading Project’s website for more on the book drive, book suggestions, book-giving programs, or to make a monetary contribution:  www.madisonreadingproject.com/communitybookdrive

Madison Reading Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect the community with free books and literacy enrichment programs that ignite a love for reading. 

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The annual Community Book Drive helps Madison Reading Project distribute books to children during the holiday season.  

Photo by Richard Hurd

Endres Foundation Announces November 2024 Grants

Read the press release here

Photo by Richard Hurd

One Community Bank Invests in Education: $5,000 Contribution to Monona Grove Education Foundation

December 2, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Ameilia Abraham
One Community Bank
608-838-3141
aabraham@onecommunity.bank

One Community Bank Invests in Education: $5,000 Contribution to Monona Grove Education Foundation

(December 2024) – Continuing its mission to invest in communities, One Community Bank is thrilled to announce a $5,000 donation match to the Monona Grove Education Foundation (MGEF) CARES Campaign. For any donations made in the month of December, OCB will match up to $5,000. The CARES Campaign centers on children, awareness, resources, education, and stability. Funds raised through this annual initiative will directly support teachers and students within the Monona Grove School District, fostering a stronger and more resilient educational community.

“This is an incredible opportunity to support and invest in the communities of Cottage Grove and Monona,” said Dan Carey, Chief Commercial Officer at One Community Bank. “We are thrilled to contribute to the CARES Campaign and help create lasting benefits for students, teachers, and families. We look forward to this being just the beginning of a strong and impactful partnership with the Monona Grove Education Foundation and the Monona Grove School District, working together to build a brighter future for our community.”

The Monona Grove Education Foundation provides opportunities in and out of the classroom to better educate and prepare students for life after graduation. MGEF runs five different programs within the school district, including the Pay It Forward Campaign, Monona Grove Weekend Snack Pack Program, Summer Scholarship Program, MGEF Teacher Innovation Grants, and the Rundle Starting Line Fund.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to One Community Bank for their generous investment in MGEF,” said Jason McCutchin, President of the Monona Grove Education Foundation. “Their contribution to the CARES Campaign will make a significant, positive impact on our students, adding an extra layer of excitement and support to their educational journey.”


One Community Bank is one of the largest community banks in south central Wisconsin. The locally owned bank has 16 bank locations and $2.2 billion in assets. It provides both personal and business banking solutions, with an intense focus on serving clients, supporting colleagues, and investing in its communities. Six years in a row named one of Madison’s best places to work, One Community Bank serves the communities of Oregon, McFarland, Cottage Grove, Waunakee, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Adams, Oxford, Grand Marsh, Hillsboro, La Farge, Readstown, Wonewoc, and Union Center. Member FDIC.