The day is an official state holiday in most states, with names including Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, President’s Day, Presidents Day, and Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday.[2] The various states use 15 different names. Depending upon the specific law, the state holiday may officially celebrate Washington alone, Washington and Abraham Lincoln, or some other combination of U.S. presidents (such as Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who was born in April).[2]
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 (N.S.). Washington’s Birthday was celebrated on this date from 1879 until 1970. To give federal employees a three-day weekend, in 1968 the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday in February.[3] The day soon became known as Presidents(‘) Day[4] (the presence and placement of the apostrophe varies) and provides an occasion to remember all the U.S. presidents, to honor Abraham Lincoln‘s and Washington’s birthdays together, or any single president of choice.[2]
As many states and cities followed suit, some states that had been celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 combined the two into Presidents Day. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, preserved the Union, abolishedslavery, bolstered the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.
Photo (provided): Joe Scanlin (’12) shown holding a piece of his patented smart flooring system that captures every footstep, every movement, every pattern invisibly, anonymously, continuously.
Celebrating Innovation Day (2/16):From Warhawk to Global Industry Innovator:UW-Whitewater Alumnus Joe Scanlin’s smart building company acquired by global manufacturing leader
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is celebrating a milestone achievement as alumnus Joe Scanlin (2012), founder and CEO of Scanalytics, announces his company’s acquisition by East West Manufacturing, a global technology manufacturing leader backed by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation with over 25 years of operations spanning seven countries.
Scanlin’s journey from Warhawk student entrepreneur to industry innovator exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit cultivated in the business school. Scanlin, a 2012 CoBE graduate, earned a prestigious Launchpad Scholar Award as an undergraduate management major in 2011; a competitive Launchpad grant is given to elite students selected through a rigorous process similar to that of a seed-stage accelerator and based on academic performance and potential for success in developing a successful startup.
Scanlin’s company, Scanalytics, pioneered smart flooring technology that transforms buildings into intelligent systems capable of real-time occupancy tracking, space optimization, and enhanced safety. The company’s innovative hardware and software solutions enable building owners to capture actionable insights that improve energy efficiency, optimize operations, and create safer environments across commercial and residential settings.
“Joe’s success represents everything we strive to achieve at CoBE,” said Dean Dr. Paul Ambrose. “We don’t just educate business students in the classroom; we empower innovators to transform industries. Joe took an idea, nurtured it through our Launchpad program with the support of our world-class faculty, and built a company that’s literally changing how the world thinks about buildings. That’s the power of combining entrepreneurial vision with the resources and mentorship available at Wisconsin’s largest business school. This acquisition validates not only Joe’s brilliance, but also the ecosystem of innovation we’ve built at CoBE.”
The acquisition underscores the growing recognition of smart building technology as essential infrastructure for the AI-driven future. As Scanlin noted in announcing the deal, “buildings represent the largest, most expensive computers we never instrumented and Scanalytics’ technology creates the measurement layer that makes physical spaces legible to software and AI systems.”
“Watching Joe’s journey has been extraordinary,” said Dr. Choton Basu, Professor of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management. “What made Joe stand out from day one was his ability to see possibilities others missed. The Launchpad Scholar program provided him with the initial support to explore his vision, and it was his determination, strategic thinking, and willingness to tackle complex problems that ultimately turned that vision into reality. This acquisition is a testament to the caliber of entrepreneurs we attract and develop at CoBE. When students have bold ideas, we encourage them; mentor them and connect them with the resources and networks they need to succeed.”
“What sets CoBE apart is that we’re not just teaching from textbooks; we’re actively engaged in providing immersive experiences that shape the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs” said William Dougan, Professor of Management. “As Joe’s Launchpad mentor, I observed firsthand how he thrived in our culture of hands-on faculty engagement. The spirit of the Launchpad program is to accelerate the successful careers of student entrepreneurs and Joe has shown what’s possible when talented students meet faculty who are genuinely and actively committed to their success.”
CoBE’s Launchpad program continues to serve as a catalyst for student entrepreneurs, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses. The program reflects CoBE’s commitment to experiential learning and real-world impact by connecting students with faculty advisors, industry experts, and potential investors who can accelerate their ventures.
As Wisconsin’s largest accredited business school, CoBE serves over 5,000 students and holds elite AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting: a distinction achieved by only 1% of institutions worldwide. The college’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the classroom, with faculty actively engaged in research, entrepreneurship, and industry partnerships that create opportunities for students to learn by doing.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Scanalytics will retain its brand and operate as a product division of East West Manufacturing, combining its proprietary smart flooring technology with East West’s global manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution capabilities to scale production and reach new markets worldwide.
Joe Scanlin is a 2012 graduate of UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics and the founder and CEO of Scanalytics. He was awarded a CoBE Launchpad Scholar grant in 2011. Scanalytics develops smart flooring technology that transforms physical spaces into intelligent systems capable of real-time data collection and analysis. Learn more at www.scanalyticsinc.com.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.
2-13-26 – Pair of swans hanging on Cravath with the geese.
Also another.
2-8-26 – Steve Watson writes, “It’s my understanding that crows are very intelligent and fun-loving birds. On my walkabout I spied this in the fresh snow. I didn’t see what made this, but there was a murder of crows around. I’m calling it a crow angel.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for the ongoing generous sharing of his beautiful photos.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
The Whitewater Area League of Women Voters will host a special public program, “The State of UWW, The State of the City of Whitewater, and The State of the Whitewater Unified School District,” on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Whitewater Public Library.
The League has invited Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Superintendent, Samuel Karns of the Whitewater Unified School District, and Whitewater City Manager, John Weidl, to provide updates on their respective institutions.
Each speaker will have approximately 15 minutes to share insights on current initiatives, accomplishments, challenges, and future priorities affecting the Whitewater community.
Following each presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question -and -answer session.
The event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Final review and approval of the Meeting and Study Room Policy and adjourn to closed session, not to reconvene, to discuss library director performance evaluation. Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2 431 West Center St., Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88007004489?pwd=icu51WXigR8fuXblk9q0WUGU8eoLq5.1 Meeting ID: 880 0700 4489 Passcode: vC89AN8y Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Ethics Committee – Tuesday @ 4:00 p.m. Agenda includes discussion and action regarding two recently received ethics complaints. Two closed sessions may be individually followed by open sessions. Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23059002706708?p=Crg2XYEg3nT8fIDw4d Meeting ID: 230 590 027 067 08 Passcode: Es7Ht6ya Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,,654848445# United States, New York City Find a local number Phone conference ID: 654 848 445#
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding request for direction regarding Congressionally Directed Spending for Immigration Liaison program; Discussion and Possible Action regarding direction on traffic safety measures on Starin Road (UW-W campus segment). Whitewater High School, LMC, 2nd Floor, 534 S Elizabeth St, Whitewater, WI 53190 Agenda Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23416707570629?p=xCZsiQKTBioRQlb6DW Meeting ID: 234 167 075 706 29 Passcode: Wh9t3gw7 Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,,398510369# United States Phone conference ID: 398 510 369#
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 pm The agenda has not been posted as of 2/15/26.
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes a closed session, to reconvene, to discuss six items including Review and discussion of Open Records Request for Closed session meeting minutes (October 2025) Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/21189804496547?p=RSpuSw3hjtQBAANctM Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,,129564377# United States, New York City Find a local number Phone conference ID: 129 564 377#
Have you always wanted to help the Ukrainian crisis, but never knew what to do or how to go about doing it? This is your chance to make a difference. Watch local resident James Olm’s YouTube link to learn more and then be a supportive force for the good of Ukrainian refugees.
Editor’s note: The video was recorded at Christmastime, but its placement on The Banner was delayed while we did our due diligence regarding the Hope Shelter in Przemysl, Poland. Rather than the donations site that James suggested, we found that there is a US partner of the shelter that has 501(c)(3) status. Hope and Action, Inc. may be reached at hopeandactions.org. Donations should be specified for Hope Shelter.
By the way, the following announcement regarding a new IRS deduction for charitable contributions may be of interest.
New $1,000 standard deduction charity break in 2026
Do you typically claim the standard deduction on your federal taxes? You’re in luck. Beginning in 2026, there’s a new deduction you could take.
The non-itemizer charitable deduction is available for all taxpayers claiming the standard deduction, worth up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers).
Here are a few fast facts on this key tax break:
Only cash contributions qualify (checks, credit card charges, online donations and payroll deductions).
You must follow the typical IRS rules for a charitable deduction, including obtaining a written acknowledgement if you donate $250 or more.
Unlike the itemized charitable deduction, any contributions exceeding the annual limit for the non-itemized deduction cannot be carried forward. You also can’t use the deduction in conjunction with a donor-advised fund (DAF) or private foundation, as you can for itemized charitable contributions.
Despite these limitations, some predict that 144 million Americans will be eligible to claim the standard deduction charitable tax break.
LWV Whitewater Area Program:We the People Town Hall
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is proud to co-sponsor The Town Hall Coalition of Rock County’s “We the People Town Hall.” Federal legislators relevant to Rock County, including US Senators Baldwin and Johnson and Congressional Representatives Pocan and Steil, are invited to answer the community’s commentary and questions.
The Town Hall will be strictly nonpartisan, and all attendees will be required to maintain a respectful environment.
The Town Hall will be held at Craig High School,401 S Randall Ave, Janesville,on Saturday, February 21st, from 2:00-3:30 pm.
You do not need to be a League member to attend. For questions or further information, please contact Brad Munger, Bradmunger@gmail.com.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and we are featuring another long-married couple from Whitewater History. This is a 1923 photo of George and Rebecca Marsh who were married for 54 years. George Marsh was the son of Sanger Marsh, founder of the First National Bank. After working in his father’s bank, George became Cashier, then later, President of the Citizens State Bank. These banks merged in the 1930s as the First Citizens State Bank, still operating today. In May of 1928, George and Rebecca celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary, then both died within weeks of each other in November and December of 1928. A true-life love story!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
Jim Caldwell (center) was presented with a 60-Year Club award by Paul Northway (left), president and CEO of American National Bank Fox Cities and the 2025–2026 WBA Chair, and Rose Oswald Poels (right), WBA president and CEO, at the 2026 WBA Bank Executives Conference.
James Caldwell from First Citizens State Bank has been honored with a 60-Year Club Award by the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). This award recognizes exceptional dedication to Wisconsin’s banking industry.
“Few achievements speak more powerfully than a career defined by six decades of service,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “We are honored to celebrate Jim whose enduring commitment has left an indelible mark on Wisconsin’s banking industry.”
Caldwell is a DeForest High School graduate and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and his master’s degree in business. He began his career with his first job out of college at First Wisconsin National Bank of Milwaukee, now known as US Bank. After working at First Wisconsin for over eight years, he was employed by the board of directors of First Citizens State Bank on October 1, 1974 as its executive V.P. and was promoted to president in 1979. In 2017, Caldwell transitioned from president & CEO to CEO as Nate Parrish was promoted to president. Caldwell continues to work closely with customers, city leaders, and numerous organizations to strengthen and enrich the communities the bank serves. His passion for CRA (Community Reinvestment Act), business development, community development, and the personal development of his staff and community members is evident every day — shown through the relationships he builds and the advocacy and guidance he provides.
Caldwell was recognized during a special luncheon at the largest banking industry event in the state, the WBA Bank Executives Conference. This year’s event took place on February 5, 2026, in Wisconsin Dells.
About the Wisconsin Bankers Association Founded in 1892, the Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing 180 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and nearly 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and 96 percent of banks in the state are WBA members.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Wisconsin Bankers Association.
