From WisBusiness.com …
— Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman says Wisconsin’s unemployment rate for June was 4.9 percent, up 0.7 percentage points from May.
She called it a “seasonal phenomenon as the workforce surges due to students looking for summer jobs.”
The rate was one-tenth of a percentage point higher than the rate in June of 2007. The national rate for June was 5.7, up 0.5 percentage points from May, and up 1.0 percentage points from June 2007.
“Wisconsin’s labor market showed improvement in June, with private sector job growth across all major industry groups, particularly summer leisure and hospitality jobs,” Secretary Gassman said. “Also positive is the trend in construction and manufacturing employment, both of which showed job increases in June for the fourth consecutive month.”
From May to June, total Wisconsin non-farm jobs increased by 31,500 to 2,924,500. Private sector jobs grew by 36,500, led by strong growth in the Leisure & Hospitality sector (10,600 more jobs), Manufacturing (up 6,500 jobs), and Construction (up 5,200 jobs).
Over the year, June 2008 showed a decline of 17,800 Wisconsin non-farm jobs. Goods producers were down 17,900, led by a decline in manufacturing of 13,300. Service providers were up 100 over the year, led by a increase of 8,800 in Educational and Health Services. Government jobs increased 3,100 over the year, led by growth in local government jobs, which were up 1,900 and state government jobs, up 1,700. Federal government decreased their employment by 500 over the year.
See release: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=131380
— Hindered by a weak U.S. economy and gas prices topping the $4 mark, Harley-Davidson Inc. says its earnings fell nearly 25 percent during the second quarter. They dropped from $290.5 million, or $1.14 per share for the same period last year, to $222.8 million, or 95 cents per share, this quarter.
Officials said the Milwaukee-based company’s revenue dropped roughly 3 percent to $1.57 billion, down from $1.62 billion for last year’s second quarter.
During the second quarter the company shipped 80,326 motorcycles to its dealers and distributors, a decrease of nearly 16 percent form the same quarter last year.
See the full story:
http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=131358
— MGIC Investment Corp. is reporting a net loss of $98 million for the quarter ending June 30, down from a profit of $77 million for the same period last year.
The Milwaukee-based firm’s net loss for the first six months the year was $132 million. During the same period last year, it had a profit of $169 million.
MGIC Chairman and CEO Curt S. Culver said the company is being hard hit by delinquencies and foreclosures caused by falling home values and a hurting economy.
See the release:
http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=131341
— Johnson Controls, one of the stars of the Wisconsin economy, is reporting a profit of $439 million for its third quarter, up from $396 million for the same period last year.
Officials said sales for the period jumped to $9.9 billion, up 11 percent from $8.9 billion for the quarter last year.
Stephen A. Roell, chairman and CEO, said the company achieved record results despite the difficult conditions in the domestic automotive and residential construction markets which affect approximately 20 percent of Johnson Controls’ revenues.
But he said business is booming in the areas of energy efficiency and sustainability.
“We also continue to benefit from our strong presence in emerging growth markets and our increasing shares in the large markets for buildings and batteries,” he said.
See the release:
http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=131334
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Press Releases
A. O. Smith Reports Record Second Quarter Earnings of $1.06 Per Share; Increases 2008 Forecast to $2.70 – $2.85 Per Share
AIG Travel Guard Launches ‘Adventure’ Travel Insurance Plan
Bayside, Wisconsin Police Officers and Dispatchers Join Teamsters Local 200
Blackhawk Bancorp Announces Record Results for Second Quarter 2008
Deadline extended for flood-related tax relief
Facility to House a New Instrument to Speed Biomedical Research
Governor Doyle Announces $225,000 to “Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin”
Harley-Davidson Announces 2008 Second Quarter Results
Hologic, Inc. Accepts Shares of Third Wave Technologies, Inc. in Tender Offer and Commences Subsequent Offering Period
Johnson Controls Earnings Increase 11% on Record Third-Quarter Sales
June Unemployment Rates Announced
Knupp & Watson Announces New Hire and Promotion
Maximum Back-to-School Options from Lands’ End: Makes Cents!
MGIC Investment Corporation Reports Second Quarter Results
Renaissance Learning, Inc. Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
Rep. Tammy Baldwin Receives 2008 Congressional Partnership Award for Support of Community and Economic Development Efforts
Top of the Food Chain: Snap-on Unveils 1/2-Inch Magnesium Impact Wrench
For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82
TOP STORIES
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MGIC loses $97.9M in 2Q but sounds optimistic tone: MGIC Investment Corp., the nation’s largest mortgage insurer, said Thursday it lost nearly $100 million in the previous quarter, but its shares soared almost 40 percent amid optimism over its long-term outlook. Mortgage delinquencies and home foreclosures remain high, the Milwaukee-based company said, leading to a loss of $97.9 million in the quarter ended June 30. That translates to a loss of 79 cents per share, or 74 cents per share after excluding one-time expenses. In the same quarter last year, MGIC reported profits of $76.7 million, or 93 cents per share. Thomson Financial says analysts expected a loss of 61 cents per share.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WI_EARNS_MGIC_WIOL-?SITE=WIMAD&SECTION=HOME
State unemployment rate up slightly: A surge in the work force due to students looking for summer jobs pushed Wisconsin’s unemployment figure to 4.9 percent in June, up 0.7 of a point from May but only 0.1 point higher than the unemployment rate a year ago. Figures released Thursday by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) showed Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is still below the national unemployment rate of 5.7 percent. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 4.6 percent, up 0.2 of a point from May but down 0.5 of a point from June 2007. Even though unemployment numbers were up, total non-farm jobs in Wisconsin increased by 31,500 to 2,924,500.
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/296697
Walgreens chain sues city of Eau Claire: Eight days after the release of a state Supreme Court decision that the city of Madison had been charging two Walgreens stores too much in property taxes, the drugstore giant made a similar claim against the city of Eau Claire. In a civil suit filed Wednesday, Walgreens is asking an Eau Claire County judge for a property tax refund totaling more than $43,500 plus interest. The suit also is asking the court to find that the 2007 assessment on the store at 1106 W. Clairemont Ave. should be no higher than $2.32 million and its property taxes for 2007 should be no higher than $43,978. For 2007, the city’s assessor set the property’s assessment at $4.6 million, and based on that assessment the property tax totaled $87,487, according to court records.
http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-news_local.asp?id=BH7IMUK8EBL
Johnson Controls 3Q profit rises: Johnson Controls Inc., which makes building and automotive systems, said Thursday its fiscal third-quarter profit rose 11 percent on a jump in sales at its building efficiency division. But the Milwaukee-based company also issued a fourth-quarter profit outlook below Wall Street predictions and cut its fiscal-year outlook, blaming charges related to an acquisition and higher commodity costs, along with the ongoing downturn in the automotive and housing markets. Johnson Controls shares rose 50 cents to $30.11 Thursday, after initially dropping to $26 earlier in the day and passing its previous 52-week low of $27.17. For the quarter ended June 30, Johnson Controls earned $439 million, or 73 cents per share, compared with $396 million, or 66 cents per share, for the same quarter last year.
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/07/18/wi/11wis.txt
Harley’s profit off but beats forecasts: International sales grow for motorcycle-maker… A weakened U.S. economy and lower consumer confidence continue to put the brakes on Harley-Davidson Inc.’s domestic motorcycle sales, although increased international sales have helped the company overcome some rough patches in the road. On Thursday the company stood by its full-year earnings outlook of between $3 and $3.18 per share. The company said its earnings for the quarter that ended June 29 fell 23% to $222.8 million, or 95 cents per share, from $290.5 million, or $1.14 , in the same quarter last year. The second-quarter results, although not stellar, beat Wall Street estimates. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected earnings of 76 cents per share on $1.4 billion in revenue, on average.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773786
Leadership change for UAW Local 95: United Auto Workers Local 95 may soon have another leadership change. Current President Brad Dutcher has accepted a position with the International Union as a Service Rep. As Service Rep for the region, Dutcher says UAW Local 95 will be included in his duties. In fact, he’ll still have an office at the Union Hall. Dutcher officially took control of the “local” last month from retiring President Mike Sheridan. Current UAW Local 95 First Vice President Andy Richardson will take over the president’s duties. The moves become official July 28th. Dutcher says he’s already gotten permission from the International Union to continue efforts to convince General Motors to keep a presence in Janesville following their announcement to close the plant.
http://www.gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-news/2008/jul/18/leadership-change-uaw-local-95/
Kohl secures funding for state ag projects in ’09 budget bill: It’s budget time again in Washington and U.S. Senator Herb Kohl says he was able to set some money aside for a range of Wisconsin agricultural research, development and conservation projects in the 2009 Agriculture Appropriations bill. Kohl, who is Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, says the measure provides over $97.2 billion in funding for the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration. “There is no better place than Wisconsin to make federal investments in agriculture research and conservation,” Kohl said. “There are many skilled minds and hands at work in our state, finding the best ways to farm, preserve the land and protect the food supply.”
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=870&yr=2008
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WISBUSINESS FEATURED COLUMNISTS
– GREGG HOFFMANN: Contributor, WisBusiness.com
– TOM STILL: President, Wisconsin Technology Council
– JENNIFER SERENO: Senior manager, Wood Communications Group
– STEVE JAGLER: Executive editor, Small Business Times
– TOM BURZINSKI: IT executive and consultant
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TECHNOLOGY (back to top)
– Wisconsin governor names science adviser
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/07/18/wi/16wis.txt
BIOTECH (back to top)
– Corn Growers Free Offer for E85 Still Available
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=871&yr=2008
ECONOMY (back to top)
– ITW notes strong quarter
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/APC03/807180565/1028
– Fox Cities chamber expo set for Sept. 9
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/APC03/807180562/1028
– Pabst touts its ascent to No. 1 American-owned beer maker
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/07/18/news/03pabst0718.txt
MANUFACTURING (back to top)
– Wisconsin manufacturing employment at lowest level ever for June
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773787
– Johnson Controls profit rises 11 percent
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/07/14/daily36.html?surround=lfn
– A.O. Smith 2Q profit up 18 percent
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/07/14/daily35.html?surround=lfn
– Modine will now require majority-vote election for director
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773788
LABOR (back to top)
– Rapids Job Center to keep staff
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/WDH0101/807180658/1981/WDHnews
– Local Workforce Development office to remain
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/07/18/local_news/doc4880224174c8e340825464.txt
– Sargent secures key union endorsement in 81st Assembly race
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/296714
– Milwaukee museum to give ‘Body Worlds’ bonuses
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/07/18/wi/13wis.txt
– Bayside officers join Teamsters
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/07/14/daily39.html?surround=lfn
SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
– Erin’s Snug Irish Pub gets provisional license
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/296773
– Grocer marks 100 years in business
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/APC03/807180534/1028
– New downtown restaurant features locally grown and organic elements
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/07/18/local_news/doc487fa1847600d527957411.txt
INVESTING (back to top)
– Wall Street surges again on falling fuel prices
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/WDH03/807180432/1618
– Harley 2Q profit tumbles on fewer shipments
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/07/18/wi/05wis.txt
– Orion Energy to buy back shares
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/07/14/daily42.html?surround=lfn
REAL ESTATE (back to top)
– Capitol West a ‘real shot in the arm’ for Downtown
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/296761
– Landlord too slow to fix problems, tenants say
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773844
– Condo project would attach to historic Milwaukee mansion
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773782
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
– Area farmers get how-to on containing manure spills
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/GPG03/807180585/1247
– Amish farmer may get national legal help in permit case
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/07/18/news/02amish.txt
– ‘Embrace’ Wins Wisconsin State Holstein Championship Show
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=869&yr=2008
– NASS Cheese Survey Prices Down on Friday
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=872&yr=2008
TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
– FAA advises on airspace rules during convention
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MN_GOP_CONVENTION_AIR_RESTRICTIONS_WIOL-?SITE=WIMAD&SECTION=HOME
– GOP convention may boost Eau Claire air traffic
http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-news_local.asp?id=BH7KPQ32EBS
– State to rebuild washed-out County A by Lake Delton
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/296641
– Nestle selects Schneider as primary intermodal supplier
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/GPG03/807180590/1247
– Bus ridership up with rising gas prices
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/July_08/07182008_02.asp
RETAIL (back to top)
– Heating, cooling system sales get boost
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ENERGY_SAVINGS_WIOL-?SITE=WIMAD&SECTION=HOME
– Cod prices eating at restaurants’ profits
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/GPG0101/807180602/1978/GPGnews
– Shrimp truck has customers hooked
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773842
REGULATION (back to top)
– State lawmakers seek review of state employee sick leave use
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773846
– State gives grant to buy local produce
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/296689
– A la carte cable ruling faces appeal
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/296681
– Green Bay’s Broadway board approves $40,000 budget
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/GPG03/807180591/1247
TOURISM (back to top)
– Madison to host U.S. Transplant Games in 2010
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/296775
– Planners may close motorized access to 55% of forest roads
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773870
UTILITIES (back to top)
– Natural gas highs may lift winter heating bills
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/July_08/07172008_07.asp
– PCB removal route hits traffic jam in De Pere
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/GPG0101/807180603/1978/GPGnews
– ATC challengers want to bury the line
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20049081&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20049081%26snippet%3Df
– Milwaukee could clog water deal
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20049082&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20049082%26snippet%3Df
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
– Health care services in Wisconsin try to improve stroke treatment
http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/296701
– Dental clinic to improve access
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/MNH0101/807180669/1980
– Mental health advocates back Walker’s plan to move center
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773791
– ResCare buys Caregivers Home Health
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/07/14/daily40.html?surround=lfn
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top)
– EDC seeks to make ‘credit worthy’ dreams a reality
http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/MAN0101/807180452/1984
– Taxpayers in Wisconsin flood areas get extension
http://www.gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-news/2008/jul/17/taxpayers-wisconsin-flood-areas-get-extension/
MANAGEMENT (back to top)
– Dineen named president of GE Healthcare
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/07/14/daily37.html?surround=lfn
– Esperanza Unida director under fire
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773790
– Transfer agreement to help MATC students to UW College of Engineering
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/296730
– UW-Extension names new provost/vice chancellor
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/296656
– TV production company gets Emmy nomination
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/07/18/wi/17wis.txt
– MSOE reaches westward
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=773916
BUSINESS COLUMNS (back to top)
– John Oncken: Rain cancels Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/296717
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