On a planet far, far away in a galaxy called the Milky Way, there was a
public outcry for a stronger education of their young adults. The story
goes that the young adults on the planet Earth were not educated in complete
financial strategies. Many were graduating from high school and college
(their education system) unable to make sound decisions about financial
matters that they encounter from day to day. To ensure the continued
leadership of the planet Earth, U.S. Bancorp sponsored the solution.
U.S. Bank gathered a team of creative developers, educators and curriculum
consultants to work tirelessly through the night to create "Escape From Knab,
The Adventure." This simulation provides the young Earthlings with a fun set
of tools to help prepare them to make financial decisions. And in the end,
Earthlings will maintain their position as a leader in the galaxy.
As the 6th largest bank in the United States, we know all about investments -- stocks, bonds, annuities, certificates of deposit and so on. We're also experienced in another kind of investment -- the investment we make every day in our communities, our neighborhoods and in one another. Our objective of "Escape From Knab" was to use existing Internet technology to position U.S. Bank as a provider of information and tools necessary to enable young adults to make better financial decisions.
U.S. Bank is proud to provide a superior set of financial products and services to our customers, but it takes more than that for us to be satisfied. As a good corporate citizen, we want to be closely connected to the communities we serve, doing our best to help our neighborhoods remain strong. The U.S. Bancorp Foundation provided more than $19 million in cash grants to qualified nonprofit organizations in 2004. In addition, we made more than $20 billion in loans and investments to help support the creation of affordable housing, economic revitalization, and organizations providing critically needed services to low- and moderate-income individuals and areas.
At U.S. Bank, we know that our commitment to Five Star Service doesn't end with serving our customers. Service - at its most fundamental level - means connecting with our communities and making an investment in the future of the places we call home.
In line with The Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, U.S. Bank would like to remind and encourage parents to check and monitor their children's use of e-mail and other online activities regularly.
Visit our corporate website at www.usbank.com.
Laughlin/Constable contributed the concept, creative and web development of this site.
Laughlin/Constable has helped some of America's best brands become some of America's best brands. It's no suprise, then, that we've also become a leading developer of Web sites. Sites that don't just reside on your screen, but resonate throughout your entire marketing effort.
In a world of rapidly evolving technology, the most durable asset is a great idea. Laughlin/Constable draws upon a staff of award-winning writers, art directors and designers, who apply only the highest creative standards to Web site content.
L/C is an agency ranked within America's Top 100 Advertising Agencies. In addition to web site design, we specialize in advertising, public relations, promotions, media planning and design.
To take a closer look, go to www.laughlin.com
Since its inception in 1992, DCTS has provided an educational "last chance" to at-risk students from 16 school districts in Dane County. DCTS was a collaborative effort begun by the Director of Dane County CESA 2 and the Dane County Administrators. The development of DCTS was more efficient, cost effective, and innovative than each district "going it alone". With its 8 to 1 student to teacher ratio and an innovative student-centered curriculum, the program has helped supposedly unteachable students to get their diplomas and succeed in post-secondary opportunities. DCTS places equal importance on the academic, social, emotional, and vocational needs of each student. The goal of the DCTS staff is to provide a safe learning environment for students to be successful while in school and become productive members of society. The school has received distinctions from students, parents, area educators, the state superintendent, and the governor. Member district which purchase placements for the student's report having waiting lists for students who would like and need to attend DCTS, but cannot because of the districts budgetary constraints.
DCTS staff includes:
Pete Hanson
Pete Hanson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He's taught in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Currently he teaches at DCTS, designing original, innovative curriculum in math & math related topics.
Judy Olkes
Judy Olkes is recognized as one of the leading experts on managing alternative school programs. As the current coordinator and one of the founders of the Dane County Transition School that serves high school at-risk youth, Ms. Olkes is a leading trainer for alternative school staff throughout the state. The Transition s/school was recently recognized by Governor Tommy Thompson in his State of the State addresses a premier model of alternative education. Ms. Olkes has served on two state committees exploring and making recommendations about charter schools and compulsory attendance.
Dr. Eric Smith
Dr. Smith is the Director of Dane County CESA 2, a 17 school district regional educational consortium. With previous experienced as a university professor and state department of education consultant, Dr. Smith is a nationally recognized expert on grant writing. He has conducted numerous grant writing seminars throughout the upper Midwest and has assisted many organizations in developing their grant writing capabilities. His experience includes work with several non-profit organizations including five years as President of the Dane County Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
Chase/Pheifer & Associates is a group of innovative professionals committed to helping organizations become more effective in what they do and how they do it. Founded in 1991, the firm is dedicated to assisting community-minded organizations clarify their strategic aim, implement strategies to achieve that aim, and measure results.
The guiding philosophy of Chase/Pheifer & Associates' approach to consulting is to help the client identify critical connections such as:
- How the various components of the strategic aim are connected to each other.
- How each of the components is connected to the strategic aim.
- How the strategic aim is connected to the community at large.
All of Chase/Pheifer & Associates' products and services are solidly grounded in current research. Chase/Pheifer & Associates applies this research to develop effective strategies in response to client needs.
Chase/Pheifer & Associates has been particularly active in the area of teacher education. The firm offers staff and curriculum development to teachers, administrators and schools in Southeastern Wisconsin. Chase/Pheifer & Associates offers workshops and programs at various sites throughout the year as well as on-site in-service programs, demonstrations, meeting facilitation and consulting.
Clients include: schools and school districts, colleges and universities, professional organizations, financial institutions, employer associations, risk management companies and healthcare payers.
Chase/Pheifer & Associates principals include:
Denise Pheifer
Denise has 15 years of secondary teaching experience. She is also an Associate Professor in Education at Cardinal Stritch University. Denise has written and published several leadership informational manuals. She has consulted with numerous schools and districts in the area of language arts and is a well-known staff development presenter. Denise also leads Executive Services for the Wisconsin Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and is a member of the editorial board of the Wisconsin State Reading Association.
Patricia Chase
Pat is currently the Literacy Coordinator for the Mequon-Thiensville Schools. She is an elementary teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience. A former Mequon-Thiensville Teacher of the Year, she is an Associate Professor in Education at Cardinal Stritch University. Pat is recognized statewide for her leadership in the area of literacy and is featured in Teaching Math: A Video Library produced by WBGH Boston.
Larry Pheifer
Larry has leadership experience with service industry management, creating a vision, research and development, change management, measurement and satisfaction. Larry has presented nationally in the area of continuous quality improvement and redefining health care delivery. Larry brings with him 25 years of knowledge and experience at various levels of health care administration and leadership.
Cory Anshus
Cory has more than 10 years of experience in product development, marketing and customer service. She also has a law degree and is experienced in working with state and national associations. Cory has developed an expertise in newsletter development.
