For Immediate Release
Fitchburg Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta to Recognize Community Leaders and Organizations with 2024 Mayoral Award
Fitchburg, WI—Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Mayoral Award. The award honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Fitchburg community. The ceremony will take place during the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
This year’s honorees include long-time community member Ryan Estrella, Fitchburg-based businesses Sub-Zero Wolf, Cove, and Adesys IT, and the non-profit organization Bike Fitchburg. Mayor Arata-Fratta selected these recipients in recognition of their exemplary leadership, dedication to community service, and impactful contributions to Fitchburg’s growth and well-being.
“These awardees set an inspiring example for others in Fitchburg,” said Mayor Arata-Fratta. “Their investment in our community has not only strengthened Fitchburg but has made it a better place to live, work, and thrive.”
Resident Award: Ryan Estrella has been a resident of Fitchburg for almost 20 years, when he and his wife decided to settle in Fitchburg shortly after getting married in 2004. Professionally, Ryan has also been a community social worker in various Fitchburg neighborhoods supporting economically disadvantaged families since 2003. In 2017 Ryan became involved with the early discussions around Fitchburg’s Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative (HNI) which works to strengthen and empower Fitchburg’s Priority Neighborhoods. He was the first chair of the HNI committee starting in 2018 and remained chair until 2022. He then served as vice chair of the committee from 2022 until eventually stepping down from HNI earlier this year. Ryan has been a strong supporter of the inclusive playground located at McKee Farms Park, a vocal advocate for the Neighborhood Hub off of North Fish Hatchery Rd. and he continues to stay connected with the teen center project off West Verona Road. Ryan has also participated on Fitchburg hiring committees, as well as with helping plan community outreach events. Ryan finds Fitchburg to be a unique and extraordinary place to live and raise a family, because of its wonderful diversity and the tremendous opportunities it has to offer all people.
Small Business Award: Adesys: Powering IT Solutions for Fitchburg and Beyond Since 1997
Founded in 1997 by President Jason Adamany, Adesys has been a cornerstone in providing reliable IT consulting services for small to mid-sized businesses throughout the Greater Madison area. With a mission to simplify IT management, Adesys allows businesses to operate smoothly without the burden of large-scale, in-house IT investments. By offering tailored solutions, they’ve earned a reputation as trusted experts in helping companies manage and maintain their critical IT infrastructures.
But Adesys is more than just an IT solutions company—they are deeply rooted in the community. Their longstanding partnerships with the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce highlight their commitment to fostering local economic growth and supporting regional businesses. Beyond their professional work, Adesys has significantly impacted by supporting various local causes, including the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Clean Lakes Alliance, Leopold Elementary School, Fitchburg Splash Pad, and the Fitchburg Library, among many others. Their dedication to community well-being showcases their belief in giving back and making a lasting difference.
Whether it's helping businesses thrive through innovative IT solutions or uplifting local causes, Adesys is proud to be a driving force for progress in Fitchburg and the surrounding areas.
Large Company Award: Sub-Zero Group: Global brands with Midwest (Fitchburg) roots
Sub-Zero Group, Inc., based in Madison and Fitchburg with its Global Campus Sub-Zero Group, Inc. has been at the forefront of appliance manufacturing since 1945. As a third-generation, family-owned company, they produce the premium brands Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove. Renowned for pioneering appliance innovation and excelling in customer satisfaction, Sub-Zero Group, Inc. is a hallmark of excellence in the industry.
In 2019, Sub Zero expanded its operation in Fitchburg with a 350,000-square-foot research and development facility. The $70 million project created 100 jobs. The city of Fitchburg is grateful that Sub-Zero continues to invest in our city with another $20 million project approved in 2024.
Beyond its economic contributions, Sub-Zero Group is deeply involved in community support through its Sub-Zero Group Foundation. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $4 million in local causes. Much of this funding supports food security initiatives, including a $500,000 donation to The River Food Pantry, which serves thousands of individuals weekly.
Nonprofit Organization Award: Bike Fitchburg: Advocating for a Healthier, Happier, and More Connected Community Since 2015
Bike Fitchburg, Inc. is Fitchburg’s leading voice for safe, accessible, and enjoyable biking and walking. Founded in 2015 as Fitchburg Bicycle Advocates and officially incorporated under its current name in 2017, this 501(c)(3) is a passionate, all-volunteer board that drives a nonprofit. Together, they harness the energy and dedication of community volunteers to fulfill their mission: making biking and walking easier, safer, more fun, and more equitable for everyone.
Bike Fitchburg has been instrumental in transforming the city into a more bike-friendly community. Their advocacy efforts have led to the development of multi-use paths, bike lanes, and significant safety upgrades, such as the recent reconstruction of Fish Hatchery Road, which now includes features designed specifically for cyclists.
In close collaboration with city officials, Bike Fitchburg is continually working to expand biking access and safety across the city. Their community-focused events and initiatives reflect their dedication to creating a vibrant, inclusive biking culture. From Bike to Work Day to slow roll rides, bike playgrounds, and safety classes, Bike Fitchburg brings people together to celebrate biking as a healthy, sustainable, and fun mode of transportation.
With a strong focus on equity, Bike Fitchburg ensures that the benefits of biking reach all corners of the community, particularly lower-income areas. Through programs like bike playgrounds, free helmet giveaways, and advocacy for bike paths that connect underserved neighborhoods to the city’s larger bike network, they’re helping to build a more connected, healthier Fitchburg—one ride at a time.
Bike Fitchburg advocates for the safety, convenience, and comfort of bicyclists and pedestrians in our city. Their outreach efforts have resulted in Fitchburg's Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community award as well as twenty Bicycle Friendly Businesses (the most in any WI city, ninth in the nation), eleven Bicycle Benefits merchants, and many new stalls of bike parking around the city. Their League Certified Instructors host multiple educational events each year, and their volunteers distribute literature, maps, and bike lights at various events throughout the year. They are currently spearheading an effort to purchase a trishaw to bring Cycling Without Age to Fitchburg.
Staff: Congratulations to Kevin Richmond, Recipient of the Mayoral Award!
Kevin Richmond, a supervisor in the Public Works Department, has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the 2024 Mayoral Award. Voted by his peers for his outstanding commitment and dedication, Kevin exemplifies the values and spirit of public service that keep Fitchburg running smoothly and safely.
Kevin has a challenging role as the Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor. As a working supervisor, he performs the duties of identifying and fixing building repairs, contracting professional services, and supervising his team related to facility maintenance and upkeep. Much of Kevin's time is spent responding to unanticipated critical repairs for ongoing City operations. He has managed to minimize the disruption of services to restore heat, water pressure, roof leaks, solar outages, pumps, and boilers. This past year, Kevin played an instrumental role in the replacement of the Library’s chiller. This project was able to keep the Library in operation while the chiller was replaced over two months this past spring. What truly sets Kevin apart is that he works continuously until the issue is resolved, attending to matters day and night. He and his staff keep the facilities clean and perform routine painting, repairs, and office reorganization. He assists with mowing and plowing operations to keep our grounds neat and facilities safe and open to the public. His expertise and hard work allow us to continue offering public services with minimal interference.
“Kevin’s dedication to Fitchburg is truly remarkable,” said Mayor Julia. “He embodies the reliability, hard work, and commitment to public service that our city values. His efforts have made a significant impact on our buildings and grounds, making them spaces we can all be proud of. It’s an honor to recognize his contributions with this award." The Mayoral Award is presented annually to a city employee who demonstrates exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the Fitchburg community.
The Mayoral Awards began in 2019 to recognize residents, businesses, and staff who make Fitchburg a great place to live, work, and recreate. The Mayora Awards are an opportunity to celebrate some of the many great people in Fitchburg and bring the community together every year.
The awards will be presented on November 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Frances Huntley-Cooper Council Chambers at City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road. The public is invited to attend.
For more information, contact the Office of the Mayor.