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! 

TEMPO Madison is now accepting scholarship applications from young women who are graduating seniors enrolled in a Dane County high school. 

One $5,000 endowed scholarship will be awarded in honor of former TEMPO Madison member Betty von Rutenberg, and an additional 1-3 scholarships will be provided by the TEMPO of Madison Foundation, the amounts of which vary each year.

Eligible applicants should send a resume and a completed application to tempomadison@tempomadison.org by January 6, 2023. 

Application Form

As I write this, it’s Thanksgiving Day and I just finished a 4-mile run.  Every Thanksgiving, I try my best to go for a run whereby I focus on counting my blessings!  I will say it makes the time fly by.  Of course, I will more than make up for the run with the pumpkin pie (and all the trimmings) that I will enjoy later tonight.

This year, one of my most noteworthy blessings is TEMPO Madison – and all of YOU!

As we’re nearly half-way through this TEMPO Madison Year, I’d like to thank you all for your support and friendship.

While I have been a member of TEMPO Madison since 2008 (thank you, Joan Gillman) – this year, as President, I’ve been fortunate to have a front-row seat to all that we have to offer. 

There are countless ways that you all bring your unique gifts (and energy) to the table – along with myriad ways to get involved (if you so choose).  As many of you have heard me say (repeatedly) at our new member orientations, my favorite way to describe TEMPO Madison (besides Synergy, of course) would be “No Guilt”.  TEMPO Madison allows for you to be as involved as you want to be/can be at any given time.  That said, I think it’s important to remind everyone about the committees and groups we have to offer:

Membership

Networking

Hospitality

Communications

Programs

Project REACH

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Committee

Book Bags Book Club

Non-Fiction Lovers (NFL) Book Club

Traveler Group

Women of Wisdom

Scholarship Committee

Mentorship Committee

Leadership Series

TEMPOShares

Breakfast Club

Kiva Lending Team

No Strings Attached

Speaking of No Strings Attached, I’d like to give a special shout out to Mary Hamre.  No Strings Attached is a Pay It Forward group that helps other women in need.  This group was formed in 2007 by TEMPO Madison members Eve Galanter & Mary Hamre.  Mary has handled referrals for 17 years and while she’s still going to be a part of the committee, she is stepping down from handling referrals.  Mary, you’ve made a significant difference to many and we thank you!   Natalie Erdman will now be handling referrals. 

If you have any questions on any of the above committees or groups, you can find more information on our website (www.tempomadison.org ) or else reach out to Erin Fabrizius, our Executive Director, myself, or any of the committee chairs. 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a safe, happy, and healthy Holiday Season with family and friends.

And…amid the hustle and bustle that the holidays can bring, as I often tell my daughter - make sure to truly enjoy your moments.  

I’ll sign off by sharing a favorite quote of mine:

Oh What A Night!  Or…..Ces soirées-là……for those of you who are familiar with the Jersey Boys Soundtrack!

For those of you who were at our TEMPO Madison 40^th Anniversary Gala, I’m sure you’ll agree that the night couldn’t have gone any better. 

To top it off, the day was recognized by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway with a mayoral decree that October 8, 2022 was TEMPO Madison Day in the City!

Please join me in extending my sincere appreciation to the 40^th Anniversary Committee for all its time, effort, and support over the past many, many months! The Committee members brought their individual skillsets and personalities to the table, and the culminating event was perfect! I’d also like to recognize our own Erin Fabrizius and our meeting planner Megan Dorsch for all their extra hard work. 

Thank you to Eve Galanter for securing our keynote speaker, Judy Woodruff. Her message was inspiring and on point, resonating in a uniquely special way with each attendee. Judy most definitely left us with her own "pearls of wisdom" and she could not have been more gracious. 

Thank you to Susan Pigorsch and Pigorsch Media. She did a beautiful job of telling the TEMPO Madison’s story! I have no doubt that we’ll incorporate her video into our TEMPO Madison branding for many years to come.

Thank you to the many, many volunteers who helped at the event, including students, family members, and the list goes on. It was certainly a team effort.

And, last but not least, our sponsors. We most definitely could not have done it without YOU!!!

As I wrote to the Committee the day after the event, for now, just take a moment to bask in the beauty of knowing it was a night that will not be forgotten and will forever be a glorious chapter in TEMPO Madison’s story.

I’m pleased to share that we had several members of TEMPO Milwaukee in attendance for our 40^th Anniversary Gala. To reciprocate, several of our TEMPO Madison Board members, along with myself, attended the TEMPO Milwaukee 17^th Annual Leadership event on Oct. 20. The event featured Simone Biles and TEMPO Madison was recognized. Thank you!

Yes….Synergy!

**

Before I forget - we still have more of those beautiful AND useful TEMPO Madison mugs for sale – 1 for $15, 2 for $25, 3 for $35, 4 for $45, and 5 for $50. We’ll have them for sale at the November meeting. Don’t forget about the New Member Orientation that will take place prior to the luncheon on November 8!

Meanwhile, I wish you all a glorious Thanksgiving.  May you enjoy your time with family and friends!

If the energy at this past September lunch meeting was any indication of how much TEMPO Madison members invigorate each other…..Wow!

To help make the most of that energy, at the September Board meeting, it was decided that, starting with our November monthly meeting, we will try going back to a format that will allow members and guests a bit more time to network and converse at our individual tables, prior to the start of the program.

Due to its proximity to our 40^th Anniversary Gala – we will not have a regularly scheduled luncheon meeting in October.  HOWEVER, our TEMPO Madison Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is hosting a box lunch discussion on A Raisin in the Sun and its themes on October 11, 2022, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at Madison College – Goodman South Campus. It will be hosted by TEMPO Madison DEI Committee Co-Chair Theola Charter and several other Black thespians.  TEMPO Madison members and their guests may attend the discussion virtually or in person.  In-person attendance costs $20 and includes a boxed lunch, beverage and dessert.  The deadline to sign up for the box lunch discussion is October 2, 2022.   

As was highlighted in the September newsletter, a few of us (Past Presidents Elaine Rich and Laurie Dies, Executive Director Erin Fabrizius, along with myself) attended UW-Madison’s Badger Athletics Title IX 50^th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, September 17 where we joined female leaders of the Madison community for a pregame networking tailgate in celebration of the influential women of Wisconsin Athletics.  It was a great day as the Badgers went on to beat Santa Fe in a 66 to 7 victory.   It was a win-win for TEMPO Madison as well as Wisconsin Athletics also helped to promote our 40^th Anniversary Gala to the Title IX Committee.  

Speaking of our 40^th Anniversary Gala – after months (okay, years) of planning, our 40^th Anniversary Celebration will culminate with our Gala on October 8.  Yes, it’s right around the corner – finally!   As I write this, the Committee met again this morning (the Committee is meeting weekly now).  They’ve done an outstanding job – so please know that you’re in for a real treat.  We’re hoping that you’ll bring your spouses, partners, friends, and colleagues.  We can’t wait to hear from Judy Woodruff and show her what TEMPO Madison is all about.  Judy is a true trailblazer as our many of our members.  The publicity we’ve received has been outstanding – and it will most definitely be THE place to be on Saturday night, October 8 (at Monona Terrace).    

Finally, please make sure to join us for our TEMPO Madison Happy Hour on Thursday, October 27!  We will now be having our Happy Hour every other month (typically, the fourth Thursday; with the exception of December, which will be the third Thursday – December 15).  Happy Hours will start at 4:30 p.m.

TEMPO Madison’s SYNERGY – we are ALL stronger TOGETHER!

Gail Johnson, Restaino Corporate Relocation Manager, Concierge Director

Gail Johnson has recently been nominated for the HR Lifetime Leadership Award given by the Wisconsin SHRM Council. The local Madison HR Association, GMA SHRM board submitted the nomination.

The board noted, "Gail has been an outstanding, active and engaged member of the GMA SHRM Chapter since 2008. She has been an active board member for the last four years. She has played a criterial role in expanding her role and support of the communications committee, she has done so by growing the team of volunteers, providing great ideas and implementing the necessary protocols & collaboration to expand communication to members through the increased use of social media, chapter newsletter content and more. Throughout the years, she has worked diligently to generate and support collaboration across the chapter's various committees. Such collaboration has assisted with additional recognition and interest in our corporate partnership & sponsorship program, events, member/volunteer recognition and so much more! Gail is active on the One Day Conference committee and facilitates roundtable discussions. Gail has been an incredible asset to our chapter and members alike. We feel very grateful to have had her as a part of the board and leadership team over the years and look forward to her continued contributions as a lifetime member moving forward."

Darcy Luoma, Founder and CEO, Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting

Darcy Luoma was recently featured in the Special Issue: Women in Business edition of BRAVA Magazine. The article provides an update to the feature cover story  first published in 2019 on how Darcy is doing after the dramatic arrest of Darcy’s now ex-husband for the sexual assault of a minor online. It highlights how Darcy has been able to find peace and forgiveness by sharing her story publicly. You can read the full article, Using a Low Point to Rise to the Top, here.

Sarah Sorum, Executive Vice President & CEO, Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin

Sarah Sorum Named 2022 University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy Alumni Association Alum of the Year - Dr. Sorum, the first woman to lead the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) as CEO, was recognized for her strong leadership notably supporting Wisconsin pharmacy practices through the phases of the pandemic public health response. Click Here for the story

Hello everyone!

I can’t believe September is here – where did the summer go?  While admittedly, I’ma bit of an anomaly for someone who was born and raised in Wisconsin, in that I absolutely love a good 95 degree humid day, I will admit that I think the most beautiful Wisconsin season is Fall – the changing colors, cozy sweaters, and that crisp fall air.

This Fall is sure to be an exciting time for TEMPO Madison.

In preparation, TEMPO Madison and the TEMPO of Madison Foundation boards held our annual joint board meeting on August 18 at J. Henry & Sons Farm.  A heartfelt thank you to TEMPO Madison member Liz Henry, who went above and beyond with her most gracious hospitality.  The conversation was Inspirational and productive, and of course, there was that omnipresent TEMPO Madison energy.

The Joint Board Meeting tradition was started in 2018 by Beth Bennett. 

A lot has happened since our last Joint Board Meeting, including a significant restructuring of the TEMPO of Madison Foundation governance & board.  I am grateful to our esteemed working group – Linda Bochert, Kristine Euclide, Eve Galanter, Frances Huntley-Cooper, and Shana Lewis for the time, dedication, and expertise they put into laying the groundwork to restructure the governance of the Foundation by creating a smaller Board of Directors and reconstituting the balance of the current Foundation members into an Advisory Council to that Board.   As a result, along with the support of the current TEMPO of Madison Foundation Board, the Bylaws were revised and the new Board voted into place (effective July 1, 2022).    

During the meeting, the consensus was that, as there is so much going on with both TEMPO Madison and the TEMPO of Madison Foundation, that we give a brief overview of board meeting topics for our membership. 

TEMPO Madison Plans for 2022-23

Strategic Plan: TEMPO Madison has budgeted for a strategic planning session with ActionCoach.

New Standing Committees: There are three new standing committees—Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI); Mentorship; and Scholarship. 

Quarterly Happy Hours: The TEMPO Madison Board is going to try holding rotating happy hours on the fourth Thursday of the Month at 4:30 p.m. at various locations. The first one will be held on October 27 at 4:30 p.m. 

TEMPO Madison Foundation Plans for 2022-23

Joint Operating Agreement: There are some items that are housed in TEMPO Madison right now that seem like they should be under the Foundation, such as the Scholarship Committee and TEMPOShares. President Thomson would like to consider moving some of this programming to the Foundation.

Endowments/Legacy Giving: Vickie Wenzel is taking the lead on developing an Endowment/Legacy Giving Model.  

Scholarships: Applications will be going out this Fall, likely October. 

40^th Anniversary Gala – we’re in the home stretch!

Our 40^th Anniversary Gala is on October 8, 2022 at the Monona Terrace. See the newsletter for all the ways you can help make our 40th Anniversary Gala a success!  

All in all – it was a great meeting – SYNERGY was most definitely at play – your TEMPO Madison and your TEMPO of Madison Foundation – while each organization is represented by phenomenal, compassionate and strong women leaders – it is TOGETHER that we make an even greater positive impact.

My sincere appreciation to you all –

Michelle

TEMPO Madison President

It’s an exciting time at TEMPO Madison!

There’s so much going on and you can feel the energy we bring to each other.I’m sure those of you who were at our July meeting, be it in-person or virtual, can attest to the enthusiasm. 

I can’t stress enough that TEMPO Madison offers myriad opportunities to get involved. Please make sure to become familiar with ALL of the clubs and committees that TEMPO Madison offers. There’s truly something for everyone, and the beauty of it is that you can be as involved as much (or as little) as you want. We all have different needs at different times in our lives.

And of course, along with that, don’t lose sight of all the NETWORKING opportunities TEMPO Madison provides.

For instance, last month’s networking opportunity at Susan Thomson’s house on the lake was thoroughly enjoyed by those who were there. Next up from our Networking Committee, mark your calendars as on Sept. 29, back by popular demand, we look forward to Wine & Chocolate Tasting, sponsored by Cambridge Winery and Driftless Chocolates. It’s the perfect opportunity to mix-and mingle with fellow TEMPO Madison members. Special thanks to our members Laurie Tines Peregrine and Robyn Kitson for hosting another round of this ever-popular event. Tickets are $25 per person and include wine, chocolates, and appetizers. I hope to see you there! 

Several of our standing Committees--Hospitality, Networking, Scholarship, Membership and Mentorship--held a working group meeting earlier this summer to share ideas for the coming year. They hosted a dinner on July 27 at Past President Elaine Rich’s house for new members and past scholarship recipients. It was a relaxed evening of food, fun, idea-gathering, and of course, networking. 

And last, but certainly not least – our upcoming 40^th Anniversary Gala.  We’re thrilled to have Judy Woodruff, anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour, as our keynote speaker for our event on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Monona Terrace. The 40^th Anniversary Committee is hard at work finalizing the details for this most special evening.  Please remember that there are numerous sponsorships available and we could use your help in promoting those sponsorships (after all, it’s a win-win for all involved, it’s great recognition, and a portion of the proceeds will go to our TEMPO Madison Foundation Scholarship Fund).  We greatly appreciate your reaching out to anyone you may know who would like to be a part!

You’ll want to be there as it will most definitely be a night to remember! 

Don’t forget –TEMPO Madison’s SYNERGY – we are ALL stronger TOGETHER!