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!

Broadcast Legend Judy Woodruff to Keynote TEMPO Madison’s 40^th Anniversary Gala

TEMPO Madison is pleased to announce Judy Woodruff, anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour, as the keynote speaker for the organization’s 40^th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2022. The Gala will be held at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.  

"I am thrilled to be taking part in this 40^th Anniversary Gala for TEMPO Madison, which provides vital encouragement for women of all backgrounds to grow and succeed in today's competitive environment," said Judy Woodruff.

Ms. Woodruff has covered politics and other news for over four decades at NBC, CNN and PBS. In 2013, she and the late Gwen Ifill became the first two women to co-anchor a national news broadcast. After Ifill’s death in 2016, Woodruff was named sole anchor of NewsHour. Ms. Woodruff is also a founding co-chair of the International Women’s Media Foundation.

“We are ecstatic that after years of sharing other people’s stories, legendary journalist Judy Woodruff will share her personal journey as a trailblazer in broadcast news at TEMPO Madison’s 40^th Anniversary Gala,” said TEMPO Madison President Michelle Vetterkind.

TEMPO Madison, the city’s premiere networking organization for professional and executive leaders, seeks to connect influential women of diverse backgrounds and experience to help them succeed at the highest professional levels in our community. Membership consists of approximately 240 women across a variety of industries and includes C-Suite leaders, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Directors and State Agency Secretaries. TEMPO Madison provides programming related to professional development, assistance with securing corporate board seats and networking events. In addition, the TEMPO of Madison Foundation provides needs-based scholarships to young women in Dane County.

There are many sponsorship opportunities available for organizations that wish to support the advancement of professional women in our community. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the TEMPO of Madison Foundation Scholarship Program.

General admission tickets are $115 and must be purchased in advance.

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Darcy Luoma, CEO, Darcy Luoma Coaching and Consulting

Darcy Luoma, Founder and CEO of Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, was recently a guest on The Larry Meiller show on Wisconsin Public Radio. She discussed her book and how you can train to be Thoughtfully Fit to manage the challenges and chaos of day-to-day life. Take a listen

Marilyn Ruffin, VP, Family and Community Engagement, One City Schools

Marilyn Ruffin was part of the panel: "Leadership is Not a Title.” Women executives talk power, responsibility at Women’s Leadership Summit

Vickie Wenzel, shared this wonderful book about Kit Saunders-Nordeen, former director of women’s athletics, University of Wisconsin " The Right Thing to Do"

Kit Saunders - Noreen was a Tempo Madison member for many years and a dear friend to many. Vicki noted that Paula Bonner (past member) was extensively interviewed for the book. Before Paula ran the Alumni Association, she worked for Kit in Women’s Athletics.

Doug Moe is the author of the 50th anniversary year of the landmark Title IX gender equity legislation becoming law, “The Right Thing to Do” is both a chronicle of the rise of women’s intercollegiate athletics in the United States and a biography of one of the movement’s leaders, Kit Saunders-Nordeen, the first director of women’s athletics at the University of Wisconsin and vice president of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW).

The book is locally available at Mystery to Me Bookstore, 1863 Monroe Street, Madison, WI

Orange Schroeder, Co-owner, Orange Tree Imports

Orange Schroeder is pleased to introduce the sequel to the popular APT Talkbacks to Go series: the APT Portable Prologues podcast. Together with Buzz Kemper of Audio for the Arts, Orange presents short interviews with the directors and actors of each play in the American Players Theatre season. Listen on your way to or from Spring Green to enhance your appreciation of your theatrical experience! Available on Podbean and (soon) on Apple Podcasts.

Alyssa Tsagong, Director of Education, PBS Wisconsin

The Legend of the Lost Emerald, a PBS Wisconsin Education point-and-click adventure video game, won a gold medal in the 2022 International Serious Play Awards Program. Released in February, The Legend of the Lost Emerald provides learners in grades 4-6 the opportunity to use critical thinking and historical inquiry skills by stepping into the shoes of Jules, a maritime archaeologist. Players dive underwater and gather clues to build evidence and uncover the real treasure ­– the stories of shipwrecks inspired by real Great Lakes history.

We're looking for ideas and suggestions for the 2023 TEMPOShares event! Do you have a couple of hours over the next 8 months to help us plan? We are looking to host the event in February or March 2023.

We would like to schedule the first meeting at the end of July / beginning of August, hopefully in person over a drink! We would love to have you join us!

Click on the Doodle Poll here to let us know your availability.

The TEMPO Madison Leadership Series will no longer partner with UW-Madison’s Wisconsin School of Business. The program will continue to focus on relevant, business-focused professional development programming starting in the Spring of 2023.

TEMPO Madison members, as well as external experts, will be eligible speakers. Our organization has a wealth of talent and expertise from which members can greatly benefit. Please consider serving on the leadership series committee to help develop training and programming for the professional advancement of our members.

Contact Leslie M. Petty  if you are interested in participating on the committee! 

TEMPO Madison – we are ALL stronger TOGETHER!

First and foremost, thank you for the incredible privilege to serve as your new TEMPO Madison President!  As I mentioned in my remarks at the Annual Meeting, while I’ll be forever grateful to my dear friend Joan Gillman for bringing me into TEMPO Madison in 2008, I never thought I’d be awarded the opportunity and distinct honor of leading such a prestigious group of women.   

I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from our immediate past president, Elaine Rich, during her term.  Elaine’s oh-so-calming manner and collaborative leadership style should be an inspiration to us all. 

As part of a recent radio interview (featuring local Lady Bosses), I was asked about my role in TEMPO Madison.   While of course I recited TEMPO Madison’s mission – To lead, engage, and connect influential women of diverse backgrounds and experience to help them succeed at the highest professional levels in our community….. it made me pause to think about everything else that TEMPO Madison stands for….. In addition, several weeks ago, I was asked by the program committee – what my theme will be for my year as President of TEMPO Madison.  I’ll admit that my initial reaction was to not mess up the fine work of Elaine – and all of the amazing leaders who have come before me. 

Upon taking some time to further ponder both of those questions, I’d have to say my theme for the coming year would be “Synergy – TEMPO Madison – we are ALL stronger TOGETHER”

A year ago, in my letter to the TEMPO Madison Foundation Board as president of that organization, I mentioned that one of my favorite words is Synergy…..the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect GREATER than the sum of their separate effects.”    At that time, I stated that when I think of TEMPO Madison, and the TEMPO of Madison Foundation, I believe synergy describes this mutually beneficial partnership perfectly!   While each organization is represented by phenomenal, compassionate and strong women leaders – it is TOGETHER that we make an even greater positive impact in our community.

However, after the past year, upon learning (much) more about the work of the two organizations, I strongly believe that theme continues even more-so into my role as TEMPO Madison President.  

We genuinely are ALL stronger TOGETHER – we’re there for each other – in the good times – in the bad. 

Together – we grow; Together – we are stronger; Together – we thrive.

And….Together - we have fun!   After all, there’s nothing like the energy & excitement you hear and feel when you walk into one of our monthly meetings. 

I hope you all have October 8 on your calendars for the 40^th Anniversary Gala.  From the anticipation and excitement of having Judy Woodruff as our Keynote Speaker – to the unveiling of our new TEMPO Madison Video.  I can’t wait to see the finished product of the great work of Susan Pigorsch and her Team.  After all, there’s nothing like first-hand testimonials to speak to what TEMPO Madison is truly about!   

On that note, another goal of mine is to increase awareness of TEMPO Madison.  After all, we have such an inspiring story to tell! 

We’re most definitely poised for an exciting year and many new initiatives which will be highlighted over the coming year.

I look forward to working with our TEMPO Madison Board and the newly restructured TEMPO of Madison Foundation Board.

I look forward to working with our committees, including our three new standing committees (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI); Mentorship; and Scholarship).

I look forward to working with our Executive Director, Erin Fabrizius. 

And….last but certainly not least, I look forward to working with (and connecting with) all of you, our most valued TEMPO of Madison Members. 

For now – enjoy our Madison summer.  There’s truly nothing like it!

My appreciation to you all -

Michelle Vetterkind, TEMPO Madison President

All members are invited to share their perspective on what TEMPO Madison means to them in our coming 40th anniversary video. There are two opportunities to share your story.

1. Tuesday, June 14, prior to or after our TEMPO Madison annual meeting. Our interview team will be set up in the Madison Club's Capitol Room, second floor.
2. Wednesday, June 15, by appointment. Our interview team will again be set up in the Madison Club's Capitol Room, second floor.

Please let Susan Pigorsch know if you’re able to participate on either June 14 or 15, and what time slots you might be able to accommodate on your calendar.

We welcome your perspective! Our hope is to record as many voices as possible to celebrate TEMPO Madison's 40th anniversary.