After months of hunkering down, spying the first buds on the forsythia and lilacs offers a pop of excitement for sunnier days ahead.
Coupled with garden changes is the return of spring sports. In our household, it’s the Milwaukee Brewers on the radio (RIP Mr. Baseball), and hauling our camp chairs to the diamond, soccer sidelines and tennis courts to cheer on our boys.
I love watching the camaraderie among the players, their perseverance and the physical and mental well-being that develop from participating in sports. I’m grateful to the coaches who emphasize a positive and supportive environment for these student athletes.
As I reviewed the profiles for IB Madison’s Forty Under 40 honorees, I was struck by how many of them have ties to youth sports. They’ve coached kids in soccer, hockey, lacrosse, running and other outdoor experiences.
At the same time, local businesses are a key part of making these opportunities possible, donating money to help pay for uniforms, equipment and field maintenance, among other costs. Many leagues and programs offer scholarships, too, so all kids are eligible to play regardless of their family’s financial situation. Madison School & Community Recreation is another affordable resource for budding athletes of all ages.
And then there is the fun that comes from attending local games. Our Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year Vern Stenman has played a huge role in bringing family-friendly sporting events to Madison, from the wildly popular Mallards to the new women’s softball team, the Night Mares, and Forward Madison, the professional soccer team that plays at the renovated Breese Stevens Field.
Whether they have a connection to sports or not, the collection of accomplished and community-minded young professionals in this month’s issue is worth paying attention to. As you’ll see in the short profiles of each honoree, these individuals distinguish themselves for their drive, resilience, collaborative spirit and focus on elevating those around them.
We had a good time putting this package together, including our first double cover (called a gatefold in the biz). Other highlights this month include reporter Brittney Kenaston’s interview with DeAndre Martin, the new executive director of CEOs of Tomorrow, and her feature on solopreneurs, business leaders who opt to go it alone.
Jason Busch reports on our latest event, the Real Estate & Construction Symposium, where panelists delved into key topics like the effect of tariffs and AI on the industry. And Joe Vanden Plas explores Gov. Tony Evers’ push to audit health insurance companies that deny claims.
Thanks for reading!
