(WisBusiness) MON News Summary — 17 March 2008

From WisBusiness.com …

— Madison’s Third Wave Technologies has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of its InPlex CF Molecular Test. The test simultaneously detects and identifies cystic fibrosis mutations in patient DNA samples. The InPlex CF Molecular Test delivers the accuracy of Third Wave’s Invader chemistry in an easy-to-use microfluidic card developed in collaboration with 3M Co.

In studies submitted to the FDA as part of the company’s clearance application, company officials said the InPlex CF Molecular Test achieved 100% agreement on cystic-fibrosis positive samples and 99.96 percent overall agreement when compared to DNA sequencing, the standard for genotype determination.1

The InPlex CF Molecular Test is a genotyping test that provides information for cystic fibrosis carrier screening for adults of reproductive age as recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and the 2005 American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG)2, as an aid in newborn screening for cystic fibrosis, and in confirmatory diagnostic testing for cystic fibrosis in newborns and children.

See release: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=121063

— For many Americans, tax season is a stressful time. UW-Whitewater is offering a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) that offers qualified taxpayers free tax assistance.

Income tax filing is done by undergraduate accounting students who work with
applicants that earn below $49,000 per year. Students will prepare and file
taxes electronically. All communications between LITC volunteers, staff and
clients are held in strict confidence.

The LITC will not send individuals’ information to the Internal Revenue Service without their permission and the clinic is open year-round and is free to qualified applicants.

See release: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=121064

— S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. has signed a five-year deal in which it will receive 46 percent of its electricity at its manufacturing plant in Bay City, Mich., from giant windmills.

The windmills are provided by Spartan Renewable Energy, which will generate 31.5 million kilowatt hours annually. Racine-based S.C. Johnson is one of the first manufacturers in Michigan to use windpower.

The Bay City wind power project helps the company keep 29,500 tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere annually. The energy saved is comparable to the energy needed to supply electricity to 1,800 average homes per year, and the CO2 reduction is equivalent to taking almost 3,000 cars off of the road annually.

See story: http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2008/3/14/#windmills-will-power-sc-johnsons-michigan-plant

— Thirty-one communities across the state will receive $1.7 million in state grants to assess contamination at abandoned or underused properties. Gov. Jim Doyle said the Brownfields Site Assessment Grants provide seed money to local governments for demolition, environmental assessments and removal of abandoned tanks and containers.

The site assessment grants will fund 46 projects that help redevelop brownfields, which are abandoned, idle, or underused industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination.

The grants will provide funds for environmental activities on 230 acres of land including 69 site assessments and investigations, the demolition of 74 buildings or structures and the removal of more than 37 tanks, drums and other abandoned containers. More than 20 grants were awarded to rural communities looking to spur economic growth in less populated areas.

See release: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=121065

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Press Releases
Baird awards Three UW-Madison Students with Scholarships, Continues Sponsorship of Women in Business Student Organization
Governor Doyle Announces $1.7 Million in Brownfields Grants to Jump-Start Redevelopment in 31 Communities
Swiss Gruyere Wins World Championship Cheese Title
Third Wave’s InPlex™ CF Molecular Test Receives FDA Clearance
UW-Whitewater Low Income Taxpayer Clinic provides free tax assistance

For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82


TOP STORIES
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To propel wind project, EcoEnergy looks to Public Service Commission: Long-term relations with Calumet Co. weren’t producing results, manager says… A wind energy company planning to develop turbine fields in Calumet County says it no longer is going through local regulation to get the project approved. Instead, Curt Bjulin, Wisconsin project manager for EcoEnergy LLC, said his company is seeking approval from the state Public Service Commission for the project in the towns of Chilton and Rantoul. This is the latest salvo in a battle that’s gone on for nearly two years between wind farm developers and Calumet County residents who fear the effects dozens of 400-foot turbines will have on neighbors’ lives and health.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/GPG0101/803170560/1207/GPGnews

Cheerleader for the start-ups: Consultant knows how to nudge young companies… When the results of the Elevator Pitch Olympics were announced last fall, a relatively unknown friend of hungry, young start-ups emerged. Two of the three winners had worked with the same consultant, who helped them turn their 90-second pitches into presentations that left the contest’s judges and audience wanting to hear more. The consultant was Roger Orlady, part-time chief financial officer, full-time cheerleader. Orlady, a certified public accountant who grew up in La Grange, Ill., spent 20 years as chief financial executive at two manufacturing companies, Weather Shield Manufacturing Inc. in Medford and Valleycast Inc., an Appleton maker of copper wire.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728569

Appleton conference tapping international trade: More than 300 expected to attend, including lawmakers… When it comes to peddling goods in overseas markets, many Northeastern Wisconsin manufacturers already are in the game, but some say more companies need to throw their hats into the ring. “New North as a region always has been a great exporter,” said Jerry Murphy, executive director of New North Inc., an 18-county regional economic development organization. “Manitowoc Co., Oshkosh Corp. are just some of the businesses that have been tapping foreign markets for years but when it comes to diversifying our local economy, a critical piece is the ability to sell overseas successfully.”
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/GPG03/803170561/1247/GPGbusiness

Big year, so far, for maple syrup makers: Plenty of work required for the sweet taste of success… The arrival of spring is always sweet, warm and sticky in Wisconsin. It’s maple season for syrup makers and educators at nature preserves who each year demonstrate how to tap trees and collect the sap that eventually will be boiled down to syrup. Daytime temperatures inching up to the 30s over the weekend were just right in the Waupaca County Town of Lebanon, where Ethel O’Brien, 89, and the families of her 16 children were engaged in their annual syrup making activities on Saturday. The tradition spans six generations. With participation from close family friends, the number of visitors to her property topped 85.
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/APC0101/803170506/1003/APCnews

FSH president part of national health care reform effort: Insurance for all, care coordination and electronic medical records are some of the recommendations for health care reform made last week at a national symposium sponsored by Mayo Clinic. Dr. Robert Nesse, president and CEO of Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, was one of more than 300 health care leaders attending the symposium in Washington, D.C., who gathered to make recommendations to the president and Congress. Nesse, a member of Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center’s advisory panel, said the center convened more than 400 people nationwide over the last two years in four forums and a symposium to help develop the reform ideas. “We all agreed that these principles are necessary for reform for the future of quality patient care,” Nesse said.
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/03/17/news/01fsh0317.txt

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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)
– Madison-based TomoTherapy plans new venture: pet therapy
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/03/17/wi/5wi17.txt

BIOTECH (back to top)
– Third Wave gets FDA approval for cystic fibrosis test
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/277354

ECONOMY (back to top)
– With rising prices, residents cutting back elsewhere to keep up
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03172008_01.asp

– RV industry may improve in ’09
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728430

MANUFACTURING (back to top)
– Chrysler to shut down most plants for two weeks in July
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/03/10/daily44.html?surround=lfn

LABOR (back to top)
– Milwaukee 7 targets looming work force issues
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03142008_10.asp

SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
– Upscale eatery remains stalled
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728805

– Delafield jewelers shine in recent competitions
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03152008_07.asp

– 2 State St. boutiques closing
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/277134

INVESTING (back to top)
– ‘Stress test’ can protect against worst-case equity trap
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728567

– Stocks dive as big bank is rescued
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728475

REAL ESTATE (back to top)
– Royster site contaminated; remediation necessary
http://www.madison.com/tct/mad/topstories/277293

– Hampton Inn, office plaza make early debuts
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03152008_04.asp

AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
– Swiss Gruyere takes crown here for world’s best cheese
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/277117

– Midwest National Spring Holstein Show Slated for April 18-19
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=342&yr=2008

TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
– Bus rate hike hits town of Madison
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/277397

RETAIL (back to top)
– Brew U: UW-Platteville may be the only college in the nation to own its own commercial brewery
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/277205

– Super Wal-Mart still a go, other projects in city on track
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03152008_08.asp

– Madison’s not yet ready to go to market
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20048119&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20048119%26snippet%3Df

– OshKosh B’Gosh parent not ready to give up on line
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728409

REGULATION (back to top)
– Council near OK of demolition rules
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/277389

TOURISM (back to top)
– Johnny Depp movie to begin filming today
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/APC0101/803170507/1003/APCnews

– More details emerge on Harley-Davidson celebration
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03152008_09.asp

UTILITIES (back to top)
– One cold fact: Heating bills rise
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728763

– We Energy passing fuel costs onto customers
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03152008_05.asp

– Health-care facilities work to keep medicines out of water supply
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/GPG0101/803170570/1206/GPGnews

– Sierra Club to sue Alliant over late permit renewal for Columbia plant
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/277123

HEALTH CARE (back to top)
– Wait for autism care outlasts bill
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728785

– Health facility fees ambush patients
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728615

– WMC now backs hospital tax
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/277304

FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top)
– Commerce State bank surpasses $200 million in total assets
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03152008_03.asp

– Senate Fails to Act on Ag Investment Tax Credit Bills
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=340&yr=2008

– Developers finding lenders pickier
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728414

– Delinquent deluge
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728413

MANAGEMENT (back to top)
– Whitenack named CIO of Nsight group
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/GPG03/803170554/1247/GPGbusiness

– Lowe’s honors Schneider trucking
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/GPG03/803170552/1247/GPGbusiness

– Dresser names new president for Waukesha Engine
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/03/10/daily49.html?surround=lfn

BUSINESS COLUMNS (back to top)
– Mick Hager: Ultimately, unions don’t represent individuals
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/GPG03/803170555/1247/GPGbusiness

– Dave Willems: St. Paddy’s Day is a gimme; marketing the obscure is fun too
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/APC0701/803170491/1888/APCbusiness

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National Business Roundups ( back to top)
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–GOOGLE NEWS: http://news.google.com/news/en/us/business.html

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