TEMPO Madison is profoundly devastated and outraged at the racist murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.  We join our community in mourning their loss and condemning the horrendous circumstances of their brutal and senseless deaths.  We also recognize that the violence directed toward these individuals is not a new phenomenon, but reflective of the systemic racism and aggression that exists in our country and our communities, despite our efforts to eradicate both.  Equity, diversity, and inclusion have always been core values of TEMPO Madison.  As influential women of diverse backgrounds, we each have our own different experiences with racism and violence.  The events of the last few days have made us painfully aware of the work that needs to be done so as to allow each of us and our families, friends, and colleagues to exist in a world that, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has said judges us, not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character.   TEMPO Madison recognizes and appreciates the work that many of our members have done and will do in the coming months to help individuals cope after these traumatic events, to address racial injustice and violence, and to develop strategies to improve the world for all members of our community.  In the near future, TEMPO Madison, as an organization, will look for opportunities to participate in the discussions and actions necessary to help our community heal and to make real change.  If you are aware of a way for us to be of assistance or support, please reach out to the members of the TEMPO Madison Board of Directors. 

Sincerely, 

The TEMPO Madison Executive Committee 

Shana Lewis, President

Leslie Petty, Vice President

Elaine Rich, Treasurer

COVID-19 has negatively impacted our community in countless ways.  In addition to the stress on our health care system and our economy, the COVID-19 pandemic is creating an urgent food security challenge for households and communities across the country and in Dane County.  With school closures, job disruptions, and health risks, thousands of people in our community have turned to food banks for much-needed support. 

As many Dane County residents stock up on weeks of provisions, food pantries, food banks and soup kitchens are figuring out how to get hungry people in our community the food they need quickly and safely.  Even before the pandemic, one in eleven households in Wisconsin were food insecure, meaning they didn’t have assured access to the food they needed due to limited resources.

TEMPO Madison was founded to bring women of influence together to make a collective difference.  With this mission in mind, we want to do our part to make sure our most vulnerable community members continue to have reliable access to food. During the months of May and June 2020, we will be raising money through the TEMPO Madison Foundation to donate to The River Food Pantry COVID-19 Emergency Food Fund. 100% of funds raised will be given to River Food Pantry. 

The River Pantry will use the funds we raise to provide:

• Boxes of groceries, including perishable and non-perishable food, for hundreds of local households to pick up curbside at The River or for delivery to low income adults residing in Madison and Monona.
• Pre-bagged lunches for children delivered through MUNCH—The River’s mobile lunch program—to 9 low-income neighborhoods 6 days a week.

Please join me by making a donation to the TEMPO Madison Foundation on TEMPO Madison’s website during the months of May and June 2020, to raise funds for this campaign.  

Donations can be made on our website or by Mail to FOOD PANTRY DONATION C/O TEMPO MADISON FOUNDATION 16 N. Carroll St. Suite 800, Madison, WI 53703. 

To kick off this fundraising campaign, I have made a $1000 donation. I hope you will make a meaningful donation so we can make a difference for those in our community who need our help during this challenging time. 

No one should go hungry, especially during the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Let’s do our part to help those in our community gain necessary access to food. 

Thank you, 
Shana Lewis, TEMPO Madison President 

Due to the extension of Wisconsin's Safer at Home Order through May 26, 2020, the in-person May 12 luncheon at the Madison Club will not occur. However, TEMPO Madison's Board of Directors is committed to providing you with innovative and high-quality programming throughout this difficult time. 

TEMPO Madison will present a virtual luncheon via Zoom on May 12, at noon. More information about the speaker and how to access the virtual luncheon by computer or phone will be included in our May Newsletter.    

In an effort to support local restaurants, TEMPO Madison will provide everyone who registers for our virtual May luncheon with a $20 gift certificate from the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. 100% of the certificate value goes to the locally-owned establishment that you choose—it works just like cash. 

In addition to our virtual luncheon, other TEMPO Madison groups are offering virtual events in May, including:

• Networking Committee: May 7 Virtual Happy Hour via Zoom
• NFL Book Club: May 21 via Zoom
• More to come! 

Ultimately, our goal is to ensure all TEMPO Madison members stay healthy and safe. Please watch our website and your email Inbox for updated information regarding future events and programming. Thank you for your patience and cooperation

Due to the COVID 19 (Coronavirus), our May events are listed as tentative as of today: 

• Tuesday, May 10 Luncheon with Jane Blain Gilbertson, CEO & President, Blain's Farm & Fleet 
• Monday, May 4 Traveler Group at the Imperial Gardens
• Saturday, May 9 Breakfast Club at the Middleton Hills Branch
• Tuesday, May 19 Book Bag
• Thursday, May 21 Happy Hour & NFL Book Club

The following events will occur, a date has not been scheduled: 

• Membership Orientation 
• Leadership Series: Get On-board: Pathways to Corporate Board Leadership
• Networking Event: Relax and unwind at KOSA Spa, located on the east side of Madison

Different Types of Boards and Corresponding Liabilities 
February 11, 2020

Twenty-five participants came together to hear two experts in the field of board service. Kirsten Houghton, Principal at SVA, spoke to the group about the various kinds of boards, their similarities and differences. She also shared stories illustrating the types of situations that can arise while serving on a business board.

Anne Ross, Partner at Foley & Lardner Law Firm, described the risks and rewards of serving on various business boards. She discussed some of the key questions to ask to ensure that the company has adequate Director and Officer (D&O) coverage, and shared insightful advice gleaned from her years of service on multiple boards.

As a follow-up to comments received at the January workshop, Project REACH steering committee member, Kathy Blumenfeld shared Financial Intelligence, a good resource book to help develop additional financial acumen.

The Business Board Search and Selection Process
March 10, 2020

Karl Alleman, US managing partner from Egon Zehnder, an executive search firm with clients world-wide, spoke to a group of approximately 26 TEMPO members about what businesses look for when seeking new board members and the processes typically used. He described the approach their firm and many businesses use when recruiting new board members and shared some interesting data re the competencies most in demand today. He also presented material on how to position oneself for first-time board service.

Key points included; 1) The need to objectively assess your readiness and qualifications for business board service 2) Creating a Board Biography ( different from a resume) that tells the story about the potential value you would bring to a business board and why you want to serve, and 3) The importance of raising your profile in business circles and the community generally.

Mr. Alleman also provided advice on how to prepare for interviewing for a board spot. Finally, he shared some valuable pointers on how to get off to a good start as a new director. There were many questions and comments and he graciously handled as many as time allowed.

Connie Kilmark, Kilmark & Associates, LLC

Way back in December, before the world turned upside down and inside out, I enjoyed an afternoon with Carol Koby recording an hour-long radio show. Carol, a TEMPO member, is a very experienced journalist/host and interviewed me with skill and real interest. My topic was “The Intersection of Money and Emotions”.

The show aired on Feb. 22, 2020 and is archived on Carol’s website. Carol’s show is called All About Living and airs on HANK AM 1550 and 97.7 FM. Her many shows are archived on her website. I hope you listen to the show, and, if you know anyone who might benefit from my help, let them know that I offer a free 20-30 minute phone appointment free of charge to explore whether my skills and their issues match up.

Kilmark & Associates, LLC 608 469-0207.

Wash your hands and stay home!

Listen to the Radio Show

Robin Stroebel, InterionLOGIC

Robin Stroebel and her team at InteriorLOGIC were awarded a Design Excellence Award by the American Society of Interior Designers in March for the design of the interior environments of Blackhawk Church in Fitchburg, WI.

The 40,000 square foot project was completed in December. The building includes a theater for 650 people, pre-K and nursery rooms, education and training rooms, offices, a teen room, and a venue for 100 for smaller events. The building features stone from the original farm silo formerly on site, a large fireplace in the main atrium, a feature tree from Whole Trees in the education area, and large monitors and smart technology throughout.

Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund
Give to the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund to support those affected by COVID-19. 100% of the fund will be invested back into the community – United Way will not collect administrative support through this effort.

United Way of Dane County (to distribute to nonprofits who apply for funding for COVID-19 relief)
www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/help4covid

And the people stayed home.  And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still.  And listened more deeply.  Some meditated, some prayed, some danced.  Some met their shadows.  And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed.  And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.

This is a poem written by Kitty O’Meara, a retired teacher, who lives in our community, to help her process the anxiety she felt as she watched the COVID-19 pandemic unfold.  Her poem went viral causing Oprah Winfrey’s Magazine to label her the poet laureate of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I want to thank all of our TEMPO Madison members who are helping our community deal with this pandemic.  From the health care professionals, to the caretakers, to the scientists, to the educators, to the non-profit leaders, to the government officials, to the community leaders, to the small business owners, to the large business executives, to the artists, to the parents, and to all of us who stayed home in order to help flatten the curve, I appreciate everything our TEMPO Madison members have done and sacrificed for our community.  I also know that you will all be there when we have the opportunity to rebuild and heal.

I am disappointed that we will not be together for the April luncheon.  I had planned to take time during my remarks to announce our new Executive Administrator, Erin Fabrizius of Blumenfeld and Associates LLC.  Erin started working with TEMPO Madison on April 1, 2020.  She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she received a B.A. in Political Science and Journalism with distinction.

Erin has extensive organizational experience that includes planning legislative advocacy days, press conferences, association meetings and summits.  In addition to her work at Blumenfeld & Associates, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for NewBridge Madison, which provides services to older adults living in the greater Madison area.  We look forward to introducing you to Erin.  We are confident that, with Erin’s assistance, support and leadership, TEMPO Madison will be able to continue to offer exceptional programming, interesting events, quality service, and exciting initiatives for our members.

Just a reminder that we will not see you for the April luncheon or any previously announced events in April.  We are working to reschedule the New Member Orientation and the Leadership Series Breakfast.  As soon as we have new dates to share, we will do so. In the interim, please take care of yourself and your families.

TEMPO Member: Laura Cataldo, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

Date: Wednesday, March 18th

Time: 3:30 tour followed by happy hour

Save the date!

Ideal Builders is hosting a WIC tour of the almost-complete Lodgic building on University Ave.

Project description: Lodgic isn't your typical co-working space. An "all-encompassing destination", it also offers onsite daycare, a full-service restaurant and bar, an outdoor patio, an event space, and conference rooms. We began this project with extensive sitework of digging over 20' below grade to pour 22' tall walls for two levels of underground parking. Two-stories of structural steel sit on top to create the framework for the building.

Inside the new Lodgic building on University Ave you will find Kids Camp. A flexible drop-in, pay-as-you-go daycare for children 12 months to 12 years old.

Please RSVP by March 13th to Laura Cataldo
Location and parking info will be given once registered.

TEMPO Member: Mary Bartzen, Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools

A signature initiative of the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools, the Adopt-a-School program facilitates community partnership and investment in schools, thus expanding educational opportunities for the 27,000 scholars in our 50 public schools.

The 2020 Adopt-a-School Summit and Community Breakfast is your chance to:

• Learn more about this program
• Network with current community partners
• See the benefits for your business or organization
• Gain perspective on the needs of our schools
• Discover how Adopt-a-School makes a million-dollar difference in Madison’s public schools each year

New this year: The Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools will host a Community Breakfast as part of the Adopt-a-School Summit. Join us to learn directly from current Adopt-a-School partners about their relationships with Madison’s public schools, and the mutual benefits of this program.

There is no charge to attend the Adopt-a-School Summit and is open to anyone with an interest in supporting our public schools and the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). Registration is required by Friday, March 13.

Learn more and get registered here. 

Questions? Please email Mary Bartzen, Community Partnerships Director or call (608) 237-7723.

TEMPO Member: Jennifer Uphoff Gray, Forward Theater

The Amateurs by Jordan Harrison
March 19 - April 5
Overture Center for the Arts
201 State St., Madison

Directed by Jennifer Uphoff Gray

Hollis is a performer in an itinerant troupe of actors attempting to outrun the Black Plague in this 14th century-set comedy. The Renaissance is still in the future, and so is the concept of self-determination. So when Hollis stops a performance to wonder why Mrs. Noah would get on that ark, she throws her castmates into chaos.

This thought-provoking and centuries-spanning play delights in the imaginations of theater-makers and theater-goers everywhere. And in a tale as inventive and hilarious as its characters, The Amateurs ponders the purpose of art in turbulent times.

Tickets at forwardtheater.com

Did you know that there are presently 231 members of TEMPO Madison? Our members are influential women of diverse backgrounds and experience in business, public service, academia, and the arts. We provide members with the opportunity to connect with women in various industries, including, finance, agriculture, marketing, law, medicine, art, education, media, technology, and more. However, there are many exceptional women in executive and leadership positions in the Madison area, who are not yet TEMPO Madison members.

While we appreciate TEMPO Madison’s intimate size because it fosters deep connections among fellow members, as well as the ability to be among group of high achieving peers at the peak of their careers, and the chance to learn new things and interact with a diverse group of women, in the broadest sense, we also know that there are women in our community who would bring great value to our organization.

To that end, I want to remind you of TEMPO Madison’s membership process and encourage you to consider whether there are women in your professional and personal circles who would be a great fit for TEMPO Madison.

Criteria for Membership. In order to be considered for TEMPO Madison membership, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

• 10+ years professional experience
• 5+ years executive level professional experience
• decision-making responsibility for staff and budget
• direct access to the organization’s top executive
• leadership in professional and/or civic organizations

In addition, the Membership Committee and Board of Directors are responsible for balancing the membership to ensure a wide range of members, diverse in terms of industry, professional background, company/organization, racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity.

Member Nomination. The first step in the membership process is for a TEMPO Madison member to nominate the candidate. Any current TEMPO member may nominate a candidate for membership. Nominees should have attended at least one monthly luncheon. Ideally, the nominee will not be aware that she is being considered for membership at this point in the process. This helps protect the integrity of the process, as well as the feelings/reputations of all involved.

In order to nominate a candidate for TEMPO Madison membership, the TEMPO Madison member must submit the Membership Endorsement Form

It is imperative that a TEMPO Madison member who nominates a candidate for membership refrain from promising or implying to anyone that a membership offer is forthcoming. The only way to become a TEMPO member is to go through this process, and membership is NOT confirmed until the applicant has received her welcome letter and invoice. Nomination/application is NOT a guarantee of admission.

Membership Committee Review. Once we receive a Membership Endorsement Form, the Membership Committee reviews the nomination at its next quarterly meeting. The Committee either recommends moving forward with the application process, or not. In either case, the nominator(s) is contacted by the Membership Committee Chair. It is important to note that, depending upon when the nomination is received, there could be several months between the time a nomination is submitted and when a decision is made about recommending the candidate for membership.

Board Review. At the next board meeting following the quarterly nominations, the Membership Committee Chair submits her recommendations regarding the candidates for membership. The Board then votes on whether to invite the candidate to join TEMPO Madison.

If the candidate has been invited to join TEMPO Madison, we will send a welcome letter, membership form, as well as an invoice. The TEMPO Madison member who nominated the successful candidate will also be notified of the invitation to join.

If not invited to join, the Membership Committee Chair will contact the nominator(s) and the candidate to let them know of the decision, and the reasons why, if appropriate.

Target List. The Membership Committee maintains a list of recruitment targets – women whom we believe would be incredible assets to TEMPO and whom we actively recruit to join. Periodically, TEMPO Madison will host a target list mixer to encourage those women on the target list to consider TEMPO Madison membership.

If you know if a woman in your professional and personal circles who would be a great fit for TEMPO Madison, please consider nominating her or suggesting that she be added to the Target List. If you have any questions about the membership process, please contact the Membership Committee Chair, Michelle Vetterkind, mvetterkind@wi-broadcasters.org.

Shana Lewis, 2019-2020 President