The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) is a premier investment organization that provides investment management of trusts and public funds. Of the approximately $165.6 billion in assets under management, a majority is comprised of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), which consistently ranks among the 10 largest public pension funds in the U.S. SWIB also manages the State Investment Fund, which operates as the state’s cash management funds, and other separately managed funds. The WRS provides retirement benefits for more than 663,000 former and current public employees. SWIB brings a disciplined, prudent and innovative approach to market opportunities. Providing a strong, steady economic pillar for the people, and the state we serve, SWIB’s forward-thinking culture has helped the agency fuel one of the best-funded pension funds in the U.S., protecting and growing the assets our constituents count on for a more confident financial future. Mission To be a trusted and skilled global investment organization contributing to strong financial futures for the beneficiaries of the funds entrusted to us. Vision SWIB will be an innovative, agile, integrated organization that optimizes investment returns while managing risk and cost over the long term.

Our group currently owns 5 companies in the Upper Midwest and is looking to invest in 3 to 6 companies in the next 1 to 2 years. We seek proprietary investment opportunities through operating partners with a proven track record of performance, in-depth industry experience, shared values and a desire to participate in ownership. Our role would be to enter transaction as an equity sponsor and provide operational and board-level advisory services. The operating partner’s interests are aligned through co-investment and a performance based compensation program. An operating partner often assumes the position vacated by the exiting owner(s). This relationship allows our operating partners to participate in larger transactions, minimize risk of over-leverage and gain access to growth capital. Our investment philosophy is primarily a buy-and-hold strategy, which affords our operating partners the flexibility to execute a long-term growth strategy. Focus industry sectors include manufacturing, metal finishing and powder coating, film extrusion, flexible packaging, fabrication, chemical manufacturing, value-added distribution and transportation. We prefer companies that generate EBITDA between $1.0 and $5.0MM. Companies should have a minimum operating history of three to five years. Our primary target area is the Upper Midwest; however, we may consider opportunities in other regions of the United States.

Wisconsin Health News is an independent, nonpartisan, online news service. Our daily email newsletter features a round up of the day’s most pressing health care news stories, as well as original content you can’t find anywhere else. Wisconsin Health News readers include CEOs and executives from every hospital in the state, CEOs and executives from the state’s largest health plans, state and federal lawmakers, lobbyists, long term care leaders, lawyers, advocates, journalists, and more.

Take an alternate route to a familiar destination, and you could make some surprising finds; perhaps even change your perception of the landscape around you. While the view looking back reminds you of where you are, what’s ahead presents new opportunities for planning and changes in direction. At DJA, we travel that alternate path with the clients we serve. Our accountants don’t just resurface at tax time, and we don’t only prepare your returns. We get on the ground with you in the office, yard or on the factory floor to get to know how you work, truly understand where you hope to go and, as always, help with directions. We offer our clients a way of doing business that allows the opportunity to see your business from all angles while offering a fresh perspective and exciting possibilities.

Cardinal Capital Management, Inc. is a full-service multi-family development company based in Wisconsin. Serving all economic levels, we are expanding our footprint through new construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and partnership opportunities. We stay committed and involved with our investments, ensuring that management, maintenance, and improvements continue at the highest standard.

Richards is an insurance brokerage with offices in Oshkosh, West Bend, Beaver Dam, Watertown, Columbus, & Sauk City. The agency provides insurance services to hundreds of employers seeking to provide benefits to employees & thousands of employers/entities seeking insurance with regard to commercial assets, WC, owner’s & officer’s liability, & more. One of my primary responsibilities was to be available in person, by phone &/or email to give guidance to clients with regard to employment issues, questions & problems. Subjects included, but were not limited to: recruitment, employment agreements, employment policies & procedures (best practices), strategic planning, performance, attendance, wage & hour regulations, benefit plans, FMLA, WI Continuation & COBRA, employee relations & union avoidance, labor agreement interpretation & grievance mitigation, OSHA & safety, WC, discrimination, unlawful harassment, layoffs, termination, severance agreements, etc. I was also responsible for billable hours’ income. Examples of work performed include WI Continuation & COBRA administration services for Beaver Dam Unified School District, Horicon School District, Oakfield School District, City of Columbus as well as other private industry clients on a monthly basis. I provided HR advice & guidance to City of Beaver Dam’s department directors, committees and the Police & Fire Commission on a day-to-day basis. I wrote over 30 employee handbooks & have expertise with HIPAA.

Northern Illinois Retina Ltd is a facilities services company based out of 4855 E State St Ste 20, Rockford, Illinois, United States.

Capital First Trust Company is an independent South Dakota chartered trust company. We serve as trustee and trust administrator for Settlement Trusts and Advisor Directed Trusts. Capital First administers over 1,450 trusts, including over 250 Special Needs Trusts, throughout the country. Our mission is to provide our beneficiaries with exceptional trust administration and customer service. The hallmark of Capital First's approach to superior customer service is the assignment of a dedicated Trust Officer to each beneficiary. Each beneficiary develops a personal relationship with their Trust Officer and as a result the Trust Officer can better serve that client in a more personalized fashion.

KANDU Industries is committed to providing efficient solutions to your packaging and production needs, allowing you to maximize profits by outsourcing time-consuming and tedious processes to our experienced workforce. Our nimble, responsible, & enthusiastic team will not only flex to your specific needs, but also to your timeline. You can turn to us for year-round projects or during seasonal peaks to avoid the stress of hiring and training temporary workers. With diverse capabilities ranging from packaging and labeling to storage and shipping, KANDU's southern-Wisconsin-based services are relied upon by both independently owned local businesses and Fortune 100 companies. Our USDA-approved manufacturing facility and large warehouses accommodate jobs of any size and our staff can manage your inventory, procurement, packaging & shipping while you focus on the core capabilities of your business. With more than 60 years of experience, we promise our customers efficient processes, a well-trained workforce and competitive prices. When you partner with KANDU for packaging and production solutions, you will not only save time and money but also contribute to providing onsite training, vocational services, and long-term employment to KANDU “clients” (adults with developmental disabilities). When you choose KANDU for your production needs, you know you are empowering more than 200 individuals to pursue greater independence and explore their limitless potential. All profits from KANDU’s production services go back to fund the critical programs supporting adults with disabilities in our community. By providing a range of fulfilling and enriching opportunities, we offer our clients the chance to earn a living, make friends, and thrive among their peers. At KANDU, people with disabilities find purpose, families find hope, and businesses find a trusted partner. Contact us today to find out more about how we can support your business and personal goals: (608) 755-4123.

LYDIA S. MEYER, TRUSTEE is a legal services company based out of 308 WEST STATE STREET-SUITE 212, ROCKFORD, Illinois, United States.

Governing Committee Board Member for the Wisconsin Insurance Plan Vice chairperson 2016-2018 Chairperson 2019-2021