From WisBusiness.com …
— The Wisconsin Entrepreneuers Conference kicks off this morning in Milwaukee and will run through tomorrow with a number of seminars for participants. Craig Culver, head of the Culver restaurants, will deliver the opening remarks at 9:30 a.m. today at the Hyatt Regency.
At 6:45 p.m. today, the Governor’s Business Plan Contest awards will be presented as part of a dinner at which biotech venture capital giant G. Steven Burrill will speak.
For more information, see: http://www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com/Events/win/index.aspx?ID=383
— Madison is getting a saucy new research center.
Yuzaburo Mogi, Chairman and CEO of Kikkoman Corporation, said the corporation will be opening a research facility that will help create products for an evolving U.S. marketplace.
In addition, he said the company is will give $100,000 to the University of Wisconsin for its Environmental Studies program.
University Research Park in Madison will house the research facility, which is set to open this fall. Mogi said that the new lab will help Kikkoman better serve consumers. One researcher will be brought from Japan and the others will be hired locally. Kikkoman officials did not say how many people the lab will employ.
— Papermaker Stora Enso North America’s new owner is cutting nearly 200 jobs in Wisconsin in the next year. NewPage said there’ll be 59 union workers cut and about 140 of the company’s 207 nonunion office employees.
Many of the employees work at the company’s offices in Wisconsin Rapids. NewPage spokeswoman Shannon Semmerling said jobs will be cut periodically over the next year and they’ll continue through July or August next year.
She said workers will be given severance pay, health benefits and help finding other jobs.
NewPage bought the North American operations of Finland-based Stora Enso for more than $2 billion last year.
— Sussex-based Quad/Graphics Inc. is investing $25 million to strengthen and expand its direct mail services through its QuadDirect division
The $25 million investment includes new equipment such as digital and variable cutoff offset presses, high-speed envelope inserters and commingling machinery, as well as vast upgrades to Quad/Graphics’ existing 300,000-square-foot facility in Pewaukee. The upgrades will transform the plant into a state-of-the-art direct mail production facility, complete with a digital pressroom.
See story: http://www.biztimes.com/manufacturingweekly/2008/6/9/#quad-graphics-invests-25-million-in-direct-mail-division
****************************************
THANKS TO OUR WISBUSINESS SPONSORS
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Madison Gas & Electric
- University Research Park
- Wisconsin Technology Council
****************************************
QUICK LINKS
Use these links to jump directly to a news summary topic
Technology | Biotech | Economy | Manufacturing | Labor | Small Business | Investing | Real Estate | Agribusiness | Transportation | Retail | Regulation | Tourism | Utilities | Health Care | Financial Services | Management | Business Columns |
Press Releases
· ‘Let Your Worries Go’ Charitable Campaign Inducted Into Viral Marketing Hall of Fame
· Dairyland Procures Major Biomass Energy Contract
· Festival Foods makes donations to food pantries through new workplace health program
· Johnson Controls Again Among World’s Most Ethical Companies
· Midwest Air Group Reports May Performance
· NewPage Taking 25,000 Tons of Market-Related Downtime and Shutting Down Niagara, Wisconsin Paper Machines July 2008
· Pioneering Safe Medication Return Initiative Reviewed During Pharmaceutical Disposal Summit
· Quad/Graphics to Invest $25 Million to Strengthen and Expand Direct Mail Services
· Spare Backup to Present at Investor Conference in June 2008
· Trig’s announces matching gift for autism support
· Wisconsin Power and Light Co. moves to expand wind generation
For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82
TOP STORIES
*************
Fireworks Shortage a Month Before 4th of July
Problems in China have local fireworks dealers holding their breath. With the 4th of July less than a month away, many of the fireworks that people shoot off are still on ships headed for the U.S. In 32 years in business, this Howard fireworks store has never seen anything like it. “Normally we would be stocked to the gills. I’ve got several trucks coming in next week,” Deb Decker at Decker’s Uncle Sam Fireworks said. Decker said recent events in China, including a massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse, problems at Chinese ports, and shipping restrictions due to the summer Olympics have caused a shortage across the U.S. for both back yard and commercial fireworks.
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=8443766
Cell phones users added to no-call list; Telemarketers to be fined for each call made
… “Back to when I helped write the bill in, we didn’t include cell phones. However, with the complaints of telemarketing calls increasing, I felt it was unfair for residents to have their cell phone minutes chewed up by these calls,” Erpenbach said. This change was part of the budget repair bill signed by Gov. Jim Doyle last month. Cell phones users can rid themselves of telemarketing calls by registering their numbers to the list either on the phone or online until the end of August. This will then be effective in October.
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/June_08/06072008_03.asp
Report on Younkers case goes to U.S. attorney; Green Bay City Council requested review of findings
Green Bay City Council President Chris Wery has turned over the Younkers case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Wery confirmed last week that he delivered the report by private investigator Bob Langan along with a request that the office review the report and give an opinion about whether further investigation is warranted. The City Council voted May 21 to request the U.S. Attorney’s Office involvement. Langan, the city’s former police chief, was appointed by Mayor Jim Schmitt to investigate whether former Mayor Paul Jadin or his staff misled the City Council in 2003 concerning the city’s deal with Saks Inc. over condemnation of the Younkers lease. In striking a deal with Saks to acquire some property, the city condemned the property and lease and agreed to assume Saks’ liability in case the condemnation was deemed illegal. Some members of the council have said that Jadin or his staff misled them by hiding the fact that the city had agreed to assume Saks’ liability.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/GPG0101/806090569/1207
Lawmakers look to tweak film incentives; Wisconsin officials hope to attract more filmmakers
The state film’s incentives have been successful by anyone’s measure: They’ve attracted a big-budget Johnny Depp movie, independent films and TV shows. Businesses supporting the industry also are popping up. But the architects of the 25 percent tax break for filmmakers want to rejigger the law to attract even more productions. … Right now, if filmmakers’ tax credits exceed their tax liability they can only use the leftover credits if and when they return to Wisconsin. Lawton and others want to make those credits transferable, possibly to other film companies for a small fee.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/GPG0101/806090577/1207
Kikkoman to open research facility at UW
Kikkoman Foods Inc. will establish a research and development laboratory as well as an environmental studies scholarship in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The new lab, which will open this fall, will be located at University Research Park in Madison. It will be led by one of the company’s research scientists from its research and development facility in Noda, Japan.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/290108
Working on a band of angels; Network encourages co-investing by groups backing young firms
A growing number of wealthy Wisconsin investors are funding young companies. Now they need to band together. The state has 20 angel investing groups, compared with six just three years ago, according to the Wisconsin Angel Network. That means there are enough groups providing funding, advice and connections to fledgling companies for the angel groups to begin making more investments together, said Joe Kremer, the network’s director. Kremer’s group will begin encouraging that today at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference, the state’s biggest gathering of fast-growing companies, financiers and other businesspeople.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759445
Penn.: Franklin County businesses have multitude of ties to Wisconsin
Wisconsin industry has a second home in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. More than 5,500 people work in factories whose parent companies are based in the Badger State. “I’m not sure what the connection is, if it’s coincidental or what,” said L. Michael Ross, president of the Franklin County Area Development Corp. “For whatever reason, an unusually high concentration of firms are coming from Wisconsin and matriculating to Franklin County”
http://www.publicopiniononline.com/ci_9524985
************************************************************
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
************************************************************
TECHNOLOGY (back to top)
– Wind beneath Magnetek’s wing; Alternative power is key to firm’s potential
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759447
– Catching a new light wave; Madison entrepreneur develops innovative exterior lighting units
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759472
BIOTECH (back to top)
– Fla.: UM’s bets on biotech future
http://www.miamiherald.com/business_monday/story/562545.html
– How the top biotech areas stack up
http://www.miamiherald.com/1060/story/562548.html
– Biotech giants demand a high price for saving the planet
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/biotech-giants-demand-a-high-price-for-saving-the-planet-842480.html
ECONOMY (back to top)
– Business leader: Wisconsin Rapids economy resilient
http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/SPJ0101/706090630/1657
– [Oshkosh ciy manager] Rohloff: Development, vision first priorities
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/OSH0101/806090358/1128&located=RSS
– Fed turns attention to inflation worries
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759463
– G-8 nations gather on fear of global recession
http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-news.asp?id=BGRP87FDDIL
MANUFACTURING (back to top)
– Pentair, GE may link water businesses; Joint venture would add heft to area’s expertise
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759439
LABOR (back to top)
– Miller likely to maintain civic profile; Nonprofits hope support continues after joint venture
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759394
– Stora Enso’s New Owner To Cut Nearly 200 Jobs In Wisconsin
http://www.channel3000.com/money/16538130/detail.html
– Aramark, union extend negotiations
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/290124
SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
– A green diaper biz grows in New Glarus
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/290477
– Inc. Innovator Update: Yang to expand assisted living and Monarch Gardens
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/APC03/806090484/1028
INVESTING (back to top)
– Hard-asset funds can balance stock returns
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759446
– Oil surge, job losses rip stocks
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759510
REAL ESTATE (back to top)
– Company Aims To Build 14-Story Hotel In Downtown Madison
http://www.channel3000.com/money/16532782/detail.html
– Madison: Developer Continues Push For Hotel Near Camp Randall
http://www.channel3000.com/money/16532763/detail.html
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
– Farmers markets’ financial clout rises; UW-Waukesha study to look at economic impact
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759857
– Wisconsin-born Organic Valley celebrates 20 years
http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/organicvalley.html
– Ethanol cited for popcorn prices
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/06/09/story4.html?b=1212984000^1647142
TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
– Depot food plans stir tension; Civic, business leaders disagree over proposed restaurant for Amtrak station
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759856
RETAIL (back to top)
– Companies offering free gas to attract business
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/06/09/wi/01wis09.txt
– Muskego group starts recall effort; After Wal-Mart approval, aldermen, mayor being considered as targets
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/June_08/06062008_03.asp
– Milwaukee: Knuckleheads plays the smoke shop game smartly
http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/knuckleheads.html
– Retail sales take unexpected jump in May
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/290104
REGULATION (back to top)
– Smoking ban on the table in Middleton
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/290457
TOURISM (back to top)
– Wisconsin eyes Chicago Olympic bid
http://www.wrn.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=5F7AA5B0-B562-9494-7676FB21C00F7B8B
– Oshkosh: Study could be starting point to enhance citys image
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/OSH0101/806090357/1128
– Wausau prepares to host Gus Macker teams, fans
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/MNH0101/806090597/1732
– Marshfield: Waste removal keeps Dairyfest family-friendly; Crews clean up downtown after parade
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/MNH0101/806090417/1732&located=RSS
UTILITIES (back to top)
– WI Power & Light Moves to Expand Wind Generation
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=699&yr=2008
– Madison Mayor Nominates Candidate To Manage Water Utility
http://www.channel3000.com/news/16529706/detail.html
– Dairyland hopes to choose ash landfill site by fall
http://www.rivervalleynewspapers.com/articles/2008/06/07/business/dairyland.txt
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
– State to take physicals of people for research project
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/06/09/wi/00wis09.txt
– Milwaukee: Clinic’s health has been restored
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=759393
– Pro-life group protests birth control ruling
http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/SPJ0101/806090421/1657
– Mobile unit will boost health screening availability
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/MNH0101/806090599/1732
– La Crosse: VA clinic expands in shopping center
http://www.rivervalleynewspapers.com/articles/2008/06/09/business/01cahalan.txt
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top)
– Managing risk: American Family Insurance is weathering two years of losses
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/290135
– First Business adopts takeover prevention plan
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/290123
MANAGEMENT (back to top)
– Executive Q&A: Terry Taylor – Bank sometimes willing to step out of the box
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/290136
BUSINESS COLUMNS (back to top)
– Commentary: The Big Gig’s brand gag
http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/biggigbrand.html
– Wineke: What GM did wrong in Janesville
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/column/290153
Media Partners
—Channel3000
—Small Business Times
—Madison Magazine
—BusinessWeek
National Business Roundups ( back to top)
–YAHOO FINANCE: http://finance.yahoo.com/
–CNBC BUSINESS NEWS: http://www.cnbc.com
–ABC BUSINESS NEWS: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/business/
–GOOGLE NEWS: http://news.google.com/news/en/us/business.html
(c)2008 WisBusiness.com.
All rights reserved. Reproduction or retransmission of this publication, in whole or in part, without the express permission of WisBusiness.com is prohibited. Unauthorized reproduction violates United States copyright law (17 USC 101 et seq.), as does retransmission by facsimile or any other electronic means, including electronic mail.
