By Brian E. Clark
RISING
Cranberry industry
A coalition of cranberry producers and processors is pushing a plan to
expand cranberry acreage in Wisconsin that could add 1,115 jobs to the
state and have an annual economic impact of $75 million.
The group is seeking fast-track approval from the state for permits
that would allow growers to increase the number of acres of the crop
grown here to 23,000 from the current 18,000.
Industry sources say the move to expand is driven by a growing national
and international demand for the fruit. Currently, the cranberry
industry contributes $350 million to the state’s economy and supports
around 7,200 jobs, the state growers association says.
See WisBusiness.com coverage of the plan:
http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=131445
MIXED
MillerCoors
The new MillerCoors joint venture will be based in downtown Chicago,
meaning the Brew City will probably lose several hundred high-paying
jobs.
But MillerCoors softened the blow by announcing that it will invest $50
million in the Milwaukee brewery to increase production levels.
Though MillerCoors officials said months ago that they were looking for
a neutral site for the headquarters, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and
Gov. Jim Doyle said they were disappointed by the news.
See an interview with a top exec on “UpFront with Mike Gousha”:
http://www.wisn.com/upfront/16934566/detail.html#video
FALLING
Jack Fischer
Following a rash of negative publicity over what critics called
expensive travel habits, Commerce Secretary Jack Fischer has left his
post to return to private business life.
In a resignation letter, Doyle’s appointee said it had “become
increasingly difficult to carry out the mission of the Department.”
Earlier this month, the Appleton architect was the subject of several
stories in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel raising questions about trade
mission expenses and his performance. Deputy Secretary Aaron Olver is
leading the agency until a new head is chosen.