TASC is a driven and visionary company. Innovation is king among our core values. It’s not just a word to us. It’s a mindset.
As I pause to reflect on the past year, I recognize that innovation and transformation is not easy. It’s messy. It’s disruptive. We’ve certainly felt that as we transitioned our customers to Universal Benefit Account®. We call this technology the future of benefits administration. Our new clients have embraced the new platform and all it has to offer. But for some of our most loyal customers, change is hard.
It’s also rewarding. And necessary.
One of our recent hires fully understands just how necessary. Dawn Mortimer joined TASC in November as Chief Innovation Officer. She leads the charge to form new partnerships, driving innovation and developing strategies to enter new markets. Dawn has over 30 years of experience leading innovation, strategy, digital marketing, IT, claims, agency, and product line teams. I look forward to seeing what Dawn and her people can achieve.
As TASC continues to grow, we test the physical limits of our headquarters on International Lane. For years we have endorsed a remote workforce and our employees conduct business from coast to coast. Then in 2019 we decided to expand our footprint in Madison by leasing office space at 316 W. Washington Ave.
Madison is a city on the rise. It’s positioned to become the next great technology hub in the country, according to a study by Brookings Institution and Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Furthermore, Madison was ranked 2019’s 2nd Most Caring City in America by Wallethub.
The new downtown office is very different from our north side offices, even from the leased space for our IT crew at the former Oscar Mayer plant. Our new neighbors include entrepreneurs like EatStreet, 100State and Jack Yip, co-founder and sushi chef at RED. We named the space TASC Ventures, both in reference to our investment capital business and as a play on the word venture, meaning “an undertaking involving uncertainty as to the outcome.”
Our suite on West Washington Avenue has a startup vibe with an open floorplan, SMART technology and flexible seating that encourages collaboration. The space is accessible to employees who want to shake up their routine, get out of their home office or cubicle, and cultivate creative thought. Two members of Dawn’s team, our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, can often be found at TASC Ventures. You’ll hear more about the exciting projects they’re incubating in a future blog post.
Speaking of the future, TASC staffers are already dreaming up innovative ideas and activities for our 45th Annual Company Meeting in March. We’re celebrating this milestone year with a big commitment to improve the health, wealth and well-being of our customers, employees and community. That’s right, we’re living our mission through a strategic partnership with Madison Metropolitan School District and Demco, a leading resource for librarians and educators.
Much like our 40th anniversary, when we sent 500 employees to 40 nonprofit organizations around Madison, in 2020 we will deploy a volunteer corps to MMSD’s 50 schools. Over 1,100 TASC employees will engage with students through reading circles, Demco Maker Carts and Wonderosity™ kits. Volunteers will also coordinate a Scholastic Book Fair and shop for school supply closets and food pantries.
This ambitious initiative will have two important outcomes: 1.) We will provide a meaningful volunteer experience for all TASC employees, and 2.) We will enhance the student experience across all MMSD schools.
I can’t help but look forward to the coming year with these many innovative things ahead. Happy holidays from the TASC family to you and yours.
TASC CEO Blog 