By Brian E. Clark
RISING
Potawatomi Bingo Casino
The $240 million expansion of the Potawatomi Bingo Casino in
Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley is nearing completion and officials say it
is on schedule for its June 19 grand opening.
The casino, which now draws about 4 million visitors a year, will more
than triple in size with the addition of 500,000 square feet of floor
space and a 1,700-stall parking structure. The addition will include
1,500 slot machines, 60 gaming tables, two restaurants, a food court
and lounge/bar area.
The expanded casino will increase its employment from 1,900 to as many
as 3,000, said officials, who noted that more than 80 percent of the
workers live in Milwaukee County. They are hoping the supersized
casino will provide an economic shot in the arm for the Menomonee
Valley by attracting service companies and creating more jobs for the
surrounding neighborhoods.
MIXED
Ethanol industry
Stung by criticism that use of corn for fuel has resulted in soaring
food costs and hunger abroad, the Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition is
launching a radio ad campaign to inform the public on the positive
economic, environmental and practical benefits of ethanol.
“As gas prices reach record amounts, it is important for people to know
that ethanol is a clean, renewable fuel that can help protect the
environment and can reduce our dependency on foreign oil,” coalition
spokesman Joshua Morby said.
The 30-second ad, which will start today, extols the benefits of the
ethanol industry to the Badger State, including its potential to create
jobs, lower gas prices and reduce the state’s dependence on foreign
oil. To hear the ad, go to www.wisconsinethanol.com.
FALLING
Charter
Charter Communications has the dubious honor of tying Comcast for last
place among cable and satellite TV providers, according to a survey of
20,000 people by phone from January to March.
At the top of the report were smaller operators — in a category called
“all others” that included Cablevision Systems Corp. and RCN Corp. —
with a grade of 69 out of a perfect 100.
Charter also was rated worst among national providers in customer
service by national research firm Forrester Research Inc. late last
year. It rated Charter at “very poor.” Charter shares closed today at
$1.31, down from a 52-week high of $4.93.
