We are stronger together.

The theme I chose for my year as president is synergy, because I believe deeply that when it comes to TEMPO Madison, we are ALL stronger TOGETHER.

My year as president has reenforced by conviction in countless ways, starting from my first few weeks as president when I asked Sue Studz and Joan Gillman to coffee. Joan first introduced me to TEMPO in 2008. We met in Middleton and sat outside on a beautiful day. I asked them what advice they had for me as I took the helm for such an esteemed group of women. Their advice was sage, sound, and spot on. We talked about ways to continue to provide opportunities to Lead, Connect, and Engage.

Stronger together.

As I wrote in my initial column we’re here for each other, in the good times and bad.

And we have fun! I think it’s safe to say we’ve even surpassed the pre-pandemic “noise” level at our noon meetings. And, while yes, it can take a bit to quiet the room, the energy you bring to the table always makes me smile. It’s an energy we couldn’t produce alone.

Stronger together.

As I reflect on our TEMPO Madison events and initiatives of the past year, I have such gratitude for the effort each one of you put in to help reach our many accomplishments. You have a lot to be proud of, and none of it could happen working on our own.

Stronger together.

I transition to the role of Immediate Past President knowing that TEMPO Madison will be in the very best of hands under the leadership of In-Coming President Susan Thomson. I’ve no doubt that you will greatly benefit from Susan’s dynamic personality and significant expertise.

My heartfelt appreciation to our own Erin Fabrizius, the members of our phenomenal Board of Directors as well as our amazingly dedicated committee chairs and committee members. Each of you went above and beyond in offering your time and talents to make this past year extra special for me.

Stronger together.

It’s been a true honor to serve as your President. I am most grateful to you all for your support and friendship and for making my past year incredibly meaningful and memorable.

I hope to see many of you at our annual meeting where we’ll also be recognizing our scholarship winners. Once again we have an amazing group of scholars! Let’s celebrate their success, and ours, together!

With my deepest appreciation and admiration –

Michelle

Michelle Vetterkind, 2022-2023 President

We are so close to our goal of $5000 for this year’s TEMPOShares Experience, so you know what we are going to do? Offering hot smoking deals get us to the finish line!

We are offering the last remaining spots of each experience to those who purchased first – bring a friend, spouse, co-worker, or a TEMPO Madison member you would like to meet!

Fire Sale Options!

Fire Sale Price! 

• 2 spots J Henry Cocktail Class for $40.00
• 2 spots left UW Volleyball at Bucky's Balcony for $100.00
• 13 spots left PBS tour on July for $25.00
• 5 spots left Sip & Scarves for $25.00

Purchase here!

Spring is finally here and you can most definitely feel the renewed excitement and energy in the air!

You could feel it at our TEMPO Madison board meeting this past week and you could most definitely feel it at our Project REACH event on April 11. “Personal Journeys to the Boardroom”, led by the Project REACH Committee, in conjunction with Milwaukee Women, Inc, involved a panel discussion with three inspiring Milwaukee leaders who shared their corporate board experiences. It was an inspiring and informative program. We truly have a gem in our Project REACH initiative, the mission being to get more women on corporate business boards. A special thank you to Kim Sponem and Kris Euclide, as Co-Founders of this most important initiative and to Shana Lewis and Patti Epstein for their roles as current Co-Chairs.

Project REACH has offered many highly valuable workshops to help our TEMPO Madison members who have an interest in serving on a corporate board. One of my personal favorites has been the “Project REACH Workshop: Write Your Corporate/Business Board Bio” with ML Wattman (FYI – I believe another one is in the planning stages). First and foremost, I will echo the comments of those who have participated in the workshop in that ML is AMAZING! If you haven’t worked with her, you’re in for a real treat. Participants leave these workshops with a complete (or almost complete) board bio that they can begin using immediately.

Our Project REACH database offers board brief and board bio documents on a broad pool of qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Project REACH – take a look on our TEMPO Madison website for more details and to see what’s coming up next.

A special thank you to everyone who has donated to our April Showers Match Challenge! As I write this column (on April 22), we are nearly at our goal of getting the full $4,000 matching grant from Joan Collins. Thank YOU so very much, Joan, for your generosity! As a result, we have the potential (and I’ve no doubt we’ll get there) to raise up to $8,000 for our TEMPO Madison Foundation Scholarship Program!

It’s no secret that TEMPO Madison members are most generous and also love a good challenge!

Our TEMPO Madison Annual Meeting will be here before we know it (don’t forget about the new date – Tuesday, June 20 – the 3rd Tuesday vs. our normal 2nd Tuesday of the month). The board had an exciting discussion this past week about what the event will entail. We’re refining the idea for our Speed Networking event – just for us, TEMPO Madison Members, that will be held just prior to the meeting. As the January head shot session was so well received, we’re planning to have Debbie Borth from Camera Kisses back with us to offer headshots during the June event, as well.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for June 20! The TEMPO Madison Annual Meeting is an event that is looked forward to each year. This year will not disappoint!

At our recent board meeting, Theola Carter reminded me of my favorite way to describe TEMPO Madison (besides Synergy, of course) is that TEMPO Madison allows for you to be as involved as you want to be/can be, at any given time! TEMPO Madison has something for everyone.

So – who do you know who’s TEMPO Madison Ready? The next membership nomination deadline will be May 31.

I’m sure you’ll agree that there truly is no better place to network and is often the case, form life-long friendships (yes, it’s Synergy at its best)!

That said, I look forward to seeing you at one of our many upcoming events!

Michelle Vetterkind
2022-23 TEMPO Madison President

TEMPO Madison member Joan Collins is generously matching up to $4,000 in donations made to the TEMPO of Madison Foundation scholarship program during the month of April. Every dollar donated between now and April 30 will be DOUBLED (up to $4,000), with the potential to raise a total of $8,000 for the scholarship program. 

The Foundation has awarded over $123,000 in need-based scholarships to 41 female high school seniors since its inception. 

Help us support the educational goals of young women in our community by making a tax-deductible donation today! 

Donate Today

Eve Galanter is now home and will be recuperating in the coming months. Her daughter Rachel has put together an online food delivery for Eve and her husband, Marc Galanter: This will be updated over the coming weeks, check back! Suggestions for Audiobooks and podcasts to Eve would be greatly appreciated.

SignUpGenius Eve & Marc's support system: Support Eve & Marc (signupgenius.com)

It was a magical night that embodied Synergy……the dedication of the Frances Huntley-Cooper City of Fitchburg Common Council Chambers on March 8.

I was honored to be invited to speak on our behalf as President and I’m thrilled to say that we most definitely had terrific (and most energetic) representation from TEMPO Madison.

I’d like to share my comments from that night:

I stand here, proudly representing TEMPO Madison.

Some of you may wonder what TEMPO Madison is all about….

TEMPO Madison is comprised of approximately 230 women executives, including C-Suite leaders, presidents, vice presidents, executive directors, entrepreneurs, deans, elected officials and political appointees. We are so proud to have so many of our TEMPO Madison Sisters here with us tonight – if you can all please stand.

And…..we’re most proud to say that Frances is one of us.

Not only is she one of us, but…… few people embody TEMPO Madison’s mission to lead, engage and connect influential women of diverse backgrounds more than Frances. After all, throughout her career, she has blazed a path for other women to follow.

From everything we’ve heard today – we all know that Frances goes Big…..

She’s tenacious!!

She’s vibrant….

She’s an amazing leader…..

And…she has a big heart.

She truly has made – and continues to make a difference.

To say that Frances has played a critical role in TEMPO Madison’s history is an understatement – she has made (and inspired) countless contributions to her community thru her leadership roles in TEMPO Madison…. She’s a Past President, She’s served many years on the Board of our TEMPO of Madison Foundation, and she’s served on numerous committees.

That said, while I don’t mean to speak for Frances, I think I can safely say that one of her proudest moments was her instrumental role in bringing Maya Angelou to Madison to speak at TEMPO Madison’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, this was also the year that Frances was our President. While that event took place 20 years ago, our members continue to say it was a highlight – and for some, it was life-changing.

I would like to share two quotes by Maya Angelou's that I believe truly speak to who Frances is: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” and “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy, make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.”

Well done, Frances! You’ve left (and continue to leave) a mark on the world and a legacy that can’t be erased.

We’re most proud that our TEMPO Madison Foundation was able to donate the plaque honoring Frances and we’re most proud of the role that TEMPO Madison’s DEI committee had in helping to organize this commemoration.

On behalf of TEMPO Madison, Congratulations Frances, we could not be more proud than to have YOU as one of us.

As a follow up to last month’s column, I’m pleased to report that your TEMPO Madison Board held a day-long Stratetic/Long-Range Planning Session on Friday, March 17. A special thank you to Susan Thompson for her generosity and leading the day (this is one of Susan’s skills in her profession). And…a special thank you to all of our TEMPO Madison Board members (and of course, Erin) for their enthusiasm, candor, and most importantly, vision. While it will take a bit for the plan to be finalized, I’ve no doubt that TEMPO Madison will realize the benefits of that day for many years to come.

If you haven’t yet signed up for TEMPOShares (May 2 at Vitense Golfland), please do so now. There are many opportunities to provide support, from donating experiences to sponsorships to simply attending and maybe bringing a guest or two. It will be a no-pressure (hey, it’s mini golf ), fun-filled night and I look forward to seeing you there!

As always, my sincere appreciation for your support.

Michelle Vetterkind, 2022-2023 TEMPO Madison President

Our dear friend and TEMPO Madison past president Sue Ann Kaestner passed away in July, 2021. Sue Ann was a successful entrepreneur who loved founding, owning and growing her business, The Widget Source. Throughout her career, she focused on supporting other women with her connections, her kindness, and her financial contributions. Sue Ann loved the women of TEMPO Madison and was an active force in our organization’s success.

Sue Ann's family designated her memorial contributions be made to the TEMPO Madison Foundation. The initial amount donated in Sue Ann's honor was $4,500.00. This has increased to $8,000 with generous donations from The Widget Source and Sue Ann's family. 

An email to our membership last month explained the reorganization of the TEMPO Madison Foundation and the newly launched Grants Committee. This Committee, in conjunction with Sue Ann's family, recently designated the first donations to be made in Sue Ann's name. We think Sue Ann would be pleased to know her memorial is being used to help women learn and to help women launch, improve or grow their businesses.

A portion of Sue Ann's memorial funds will be used to provide:

●      $1,000 Scholarship to be awarded by the TEMPO Madison Scholarship Committee.

●      $4,000 to the TEMPO Madison KIVA Lending Committee.

We will provide updates to you, our membership, and to Sue Ann's family as additional grants are made.

You can learn more about the Foundation Scholarship program here and the Kiva Lending Team here.

Sue Ann's sister Kris offered thoughts that guided our reasoning on these first grants. “When I think of Sue Ann as a business person, I think of her ability to think outside the box. She was great at listening to people and then trying to see what was holding them back from accomplishing their goals and see if there was a way around, over, under, or across the obstacle. She was always ready and willing to listen and lend a hand. She loved being in charge and the challenge of having a small business, so I think along the lines of something that would tie into helping other women start and or sustain their own business would be a great legacy.”

You can donate to the Sue Ann Kaestner Legacy fund here. Please mention Sue Ann's name in the notes.

Thank you to those who have donated in the past in her memory!

Please direct any questions or comments to the Grants Committee.

Vickie Wenzel, Co-chair  - wenzelvickie6@gmail.com

Kris Euclide, Co-chair  - kaeuclide@aol.com

Laurie Dies - lauriedies@tds.net

Have you had a chance to look through your new TEMPO Madison directory?  A special thank you to Erin for her hard work (and to Patti Epstein for proofing).   I’ll mention one more time to make sure you’ve taken a look at the new TEMPO Madison website, as well (thank you Erin & Megan Purtell).  While you’re on the website, don’t forget to take another look at the fabulous video highlighting TEMPO Madison that debuted at our 40^th Anniversary Gala last fall.  The video is in the “about us” section (thank you again to Susan Pigorsch and her Team).  All the above do a beautiful job of telling our TEMPO Madison and our TEMPO Madison Foundation story. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a special thank you to our TEMPO Madison GEM Sponsors!  And….if you are not already a Sponsor, please consider becoming one.  Our GEM Sponsors help your TEMPO Madison to be the outstanding organization it is. 

Thank you to our DEI Committee for all of their work to organize an official dedication of the Frances Huntley-Cooper City of Fitchburg Common Council Chambers on March 8 at 5:00 p.m. at the Fitchburg City Hall.  We hope to see you there!  And….thank you to the TEMPO of Madison Foundation for their generous financial support to purchase a commemorative plaque honoring Frances, which will be installed in the Common Council Chambers and unveiled that night. 

Speaking of our DEI Committee, make sure to join them on Wednesday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the Goodman Community Center for a lunchtime discussion with Angela Russell, host of the Black Oxygen Podcast.  Angela will speak about the creation of Black Oxygen and what she has learned from interviewing and engaging so many Black leaders.  Tickets are $25 (including lunch). 

TEMPO Madison’s Project Reach Committee continues their good work with “Personal Journeys to the Boardroom” on Tuesday, April 11 at 11:30 a.m. (again, at the Goodman Community Center).  This initiative which is being led by the Committee, in conjunction with Milwaukee Women inc, will involve a panel discussion with three inspiriing Milwaukee leaders who will share their corporate board experience.  Tickets are $25 for members, guests are $40 (including lunch). 

TEMPOShares 2023 will take place on May 2 at Vitense Golfland (kicking off at 4:30 p.m.).  This year’s TEMPOShares is all about experiences, from the event to the fundraising fun!  There are many opportunities to get involved – as an attendee, as a sponsor, and by donating an “experience”.  Consider bringing a guest (or several) - the more, the merrier!  I’ll re-iterate that this event is FUN and FREE for TEMPO Madison members (and it also raises funds for our TEMPO Madison Foundation Scholarships).  The experiences will be available for members to purchase May 2 – May 16 (or whenever they sell out).   A special thank you to our TEMPOShares committee for their hard work. 

Also happening – Leslie Petty recently convened a workgroup to revamp the Leadership Series, involving a facilitated session with TEMPO Madison members to get feedback on future professional development programming.  Know that your TEMPO Madison Foundation Scholarship Committee and Mentorship Committee are also hard at work (you’ll be hearing more soon). 

As a follow up to last month’s column, your TEMPO Madison Board has set a date for our Long Range Planning Session.  If you have ideas/thoughts that you would like shared, please let me, Erin, or one of your TEMPO Madison Board members know prior to March 17. 

Our goal is to take a deep-dive collective look at a really good thing – and make it even better (for TEMPO Madison’s NEXT 40 years and beyond….).

Be proud in knowing that YOU are making a difference! 

First and foremost – have you seen our new TEMPO Madison website?  If not, go take a look – as Erin Fabrizius and Megan Purtell (our Executive Director and our Communications Chair) have done an excellent job!  The new site gives a fresh, fabulous, and exciting vibe that perfectly reflects our TEMPO Madison Membership.  To make it even better, registration for our events is now a more seamless, streamlined process, certainly a good thing for all. 

As I write this, we just held our TEMPO Madison Board Meeting and I’m still feeling the excitement, fulfillment, and yes, synergy, that I always feel after our board meetings.  How can you go wrong with such an inspiring (and tenacious) group of women? 

We are excited to be working on a Long Range Planning session for the board (in the March/April timeframe).    We’ll take the majority of a day where we’ll brainstorm and strategize.  The event will be led by our own Vice President, Susan Thomson (we’re fortunate in that this is one of Susan’s specialties in her “day job”).  It’s been several years since we’ve updated our Long Range Plan and we’re excited to take a “deep dive” into what’s next for TEMPO Madison for many years to come.  If you have ideas/thoughts that you would like shared, please let me, Erin, or one of your TEMPO Madison Board members know. 

We’re planning on trying something new in conjunction with our Annual Meeting (don’t forget about the new date – Tuesday, June 20 – the 3^rd Tuesday vs. our normal 2^nd Tuesday of the month).  We’re looking to have a Speed Networking event just for us, TEMPO Madison Members, that will be held prior to the meeting.   As the January head shot session was so well received, it appears that we may have Debbie Borth from Camera Kisses back with us to offer headshots during the June event, as well. 

Don’t forget to keep checking out the myriad options TEMPO Madison offers you, our valued members (committee meetings/events – group events - networking events).  At the recent board meeting, the recommendation was made for TEMPO Madison members to try and attend (if possible) a minimum of 3 events per year aside from our monthly luncheons.      

Finally, make sure to join me on Friday night, February 10, as I’ll be representing TEMPO Madison as a Blackjack Dealer (which in itself should be interesting) at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County Hearts for Helping Sneaker Ball!  It will be a fun-filled event that is attended by business, government, and community leaders to raise funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County to support different pathways to success for youth in our community.  There will be casino games, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, a short awards program and a party dance band.  What a great way to mix, mingle, dance a bit and have some fun – all for a great cause. The link to register for this event can be found under the Member Supported events section of the newsletter!

As always, my sincere appreciation to you all for your time and support!

Michelle Vetterkind, TEMPO Madison President 

Happy New Year, TEMPO Madison Family!

As we head into 2023, we have much to look forward to!

In looking at January alone:

The Clean Lakes Alliance has given TEMPO Madison the opportunity to be named as a "co-producer" of their popular Women in Water event on January 30 from 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Edgewater Hotel. This event is part of their yearly Frozen Assets week-long celebration of the lakes.  They are working to include a TEMPO Madison member on their Science & Sustainability Panel as part of the event. Members are encouraged to attend this special event, followed by cocktails and networking.  Look for more details to come!

The Madison Club will be offering a special membership discount to all TEMPO Madison members.  Stay tuned for specifics to be revealed at our January luncheon.   

Our January luncheon will also feature our drop-in headshot session.  If you want to make sure you get a specific time reserved, make sure to sign up now. 

Our 2022-2023 scholarship applications are currently open.  Female high school seniors from Dane County are eligible to apply.  The application deadline is January 6.  Please make sure to reach out to anyone you know who may be eligible.  We are most proud of our TEMPO Madison Foundation Scholarship Program.

Our popular Wine & Chocolate event with Driftless Chocolates and Cambridge Winery is back on January 25.  Get your tickets today.

Speaking of networking events, it was wonderful to see so many of you at the recent holiday sip & shop event at the J. McLaughlin store at Hilldale on December 18.  15% of sales were donated to the TEMPO Madison Foundation to support our scholarship program.  Shopping (for a wonderful cause) sipping, and our extra special TEMPO Madison camaraderie made for a thoroughly enjoyable event. 

Our Membership Committee is doing a terrific job and we’re proud to continue to welcome new members to TEMPO Madison.  Always be on the lookout for anyone who you feel may be “TEMPO Madison Ready”.

I wish you all good health and true happiness in 2023; may it be your best year yet!