From WisBusiness.com …
— The Badger State will send around 120 people and spend at least $250,000 to show off Wisconsin’s biotech prowess during this year’s BIO 2008 International Convention, which runs from June 17-20 in San Diego.
More than 55 companies, plus UW-Madison and other entities will be represented at the 1,600-square-foot Wisconsin Pavilion, where Gov. Jim Doyle will speak and introduce famed biotech venture capitalist and UW grad Steven Burrill. In addition, the governor will host a private reception for heavy hitters on June 18 at the swank Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel in San Diego.
This is the third year in a row that the state has had a major presence at BIO. The state unveiled its pavilion in Chicago in 2005, when more than 60 companies participated. Wisconsin also took the pavilion to Boston for last year’s gathering. Each time, the state spent $250,000 to promote itself.
See the full story:
http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=127280
— Milwaukee-based Strattec Security Corp., in combination with Witte Automotive of Velbert, Germany, and Vehicle Access Systems Technology (VAST) LLC, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets of Delphi Corp.’s Power Products business for $7.8 million, subject to closing adjustments.
The assets will consist primarily of equipment and inventory, and some employee liabilities. The assets will not include any of Delphi’s operations in Oak Creek.
Strattec will acquire the North American portion of Delphi’s Power Products business. Witte will acquire the European portion, and VAST will acquire the Asian portion.
See story: http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2008/5/28/#total-comfort-changes-name-acquires-lombard-electric
— Cornell University Provost Carolyn “Biddy” Martin has been named the preferred candidate to replace retiring Chancellor John Wiley at the helm of UW-Madison.
Martin, who began her academic career as a lecturer at UW-Madison, has been at the Ithaca, N.Y., Ivy League school since 1983, starting as an instructor in Germanic studies and women’s studies. She holds a doctorate in German literature from UW.
UW System President Kevin Reilly announced the decision today following a four-month search process. Her appointment is pending approval by the UW Board of Regents at its June meeting in Milwaukee.
“As the provost of New York’s land-grant research university, she has wide-ranging experience with all of the roles UW-Madison must play in the life of this state, the nation and the world,” Reilly said in a statement.
Martin said the UW’s role in the economy of the state is “absolutely critical.” In particular, she noted in a statement that faculty retention must be a priority for not just the Madison campus, but all higher education institutions over the next 10-20 years.
“All institutions are going to face much stronger competition for their best scholars and scientists,” Martin said in a statement. “It’s critical to get ourselves in a position where faculty are appropriately rewarded and supported to meet this problem head-on and from a position of strength.”
If approved, Martin is set to earn considerably more than her predecessor. The Board of Regents adjusted the salary range for the chancellor of the state’s flagship campus in February, raising it to between $370,000 to $452,000 annually. Wiley currently earns $327,000 per year, which UW officials say places him near the bottom of comparable universities.
UW spokesman David Giroux said the terms of Martin’s appointment would not be released until after her expected confirmation on June 5.
*See the UW System statement:
http://www.wisconsin.edu/news/2008/r080528.htm
*See the UW-Madison statement:
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=127250
*See more on Martin:
http://www.cornell.edu/provost/about.cfm
— The Legislature has signed off on all 15 contracts with state employee unions.
*See the Senate in session page for the roll calls:
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/insession/senate/index.htm
*See the Assembly in session page for the roll calls:
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/insession/assembly/index.htm
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Panelists include: Scott Lockard, U.S. Bank, Madison market president, James R. Imhoff, Jr., chairman/CEO. First Weber Group, Inc., Bill Duddleston, director of the Center for Economic Education at Edgewood College, Department of Revenue Administrator of the Division of Research and Policy John Koskinen, and State Representative Patricia Strachota, Chairwoman of the Assembly Committee on Jobs and The Economy.
For more details go to: http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=127084
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TOP STORIES
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InBev looks at SABMiller: Newspaper reports Miller parent is open to merger offer… Miller Brewing Co.’s corporate parent is open to the possibility of merging with InBev, the world’s largest brewer, if InBev fails in its pursuit of Anheuser-Busch Cos., according to a British newspaper report. London-based SABMiller PLC has “quietly indicated” to Belgium’s InBev SA that it would consider a buyout offer, said a Wednesday report in the Financial Times. The newspaper’s Alphaville blog said SABMiller, the world’s second-largest brewer, prefers a “merger of equals” with InBev, while InBev would prefer a simple takeover of SABMiller. An SABMiller/InBev merger would be a fallback strategy if InBev is unable to mount a purchase of Anheuser-Busch, the newspaper said.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=756095
Aramark workers vote to strike: Workers at the Aramark Laundry have voted unanimously to authorize a strike against the company over what the union contends are unfair labor practices. The dispute between the company and its workers has heated up in recent weeks as the company called police to have union representatives tossed from the company, which police declined to do. The strike vote authorizes the Unite Here Local 229 to call a strike over unfair labor practices. The union alleges the company denied the union’s health and safety expert access to gather information relevant to potential grievances, and says the company has made unilateral modifications to the existing bargaining agreement to keep union representatives out of the building.
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/288662
Tower Tech to add plants: South Dakota, Texas on agenda… Broadwind Energy Inc. announced Wednesday that its wholly owned subsidiary, Tower Tech Systems, will expand its wind tower manufacturing operations to Sioux Falls, S.D., and Abilene, Texas. Tower Tech Systems operates a manufacturing facility in Manitowoc, 500 S. 16th St., which has been producing wind towers since 2004. Broadwind Chief Executive Officer J. Cameron Drecoll said transportation and logistics for tower sections have become increasingly complex and costly to the wind energy marketplace. Broadwind and Tower Tech will provide tower production capabilities close to major wind energy development areas and supply logistical services to project sites.
http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/MAN0101/805290516/1984
Madison biotech firm gains two patents: Madison-based BellBrook Labs, which makes high-throughput screening tools for the drug discovery industry, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has approved issuing the company two patents (U.S. Pat. No. 7,355,010 and 7,378,505). The patents are the second and the third in a series of allowed patents covering BellBrook’s “Transcreener” technology. Additional patent applications pertaining to the Transcreener technology have been filed by Quarles & Brady on BellBrook’s behalf. Transcreener is a universal, high-throughput biochemical assay based on detection of nucleotides, which are formed by thousands of cellular enzymes, among them the catalyzers of regulatory reactions that are central to cell signaling and are high value targets in drug discovery.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/288641
Auto lock maker aims to power up: Strattec deal would boost product line, contracts… Strattec Security Corp.’s annual sales would rise by at least 35% and the company would have its first contract with a Korean-based automaker under a deal pending in bankruptcy court in New York. Strattec and two of its joint venture partners are buying a business that makes power sliding doors and truck latches from bankrupt Delphi Corp. of Troy, Mich. Pat Hansen, Strattec chief financial officer, said the deal helps the Glendale-based auto parts supplier as it moves to broaden its line of products. Strattec is known for its production of car keys and locksets. The former unit of Briggs & Stratton Corp. has been independent of the Wauwatosa engine maker for more than a dozen years.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=756145
Wis. Assembly fails to override governor’s budget vetoes: Three attempts to override vetoes Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle made to the state budget have failed in the Republican-controlled state Assembly. Republicans argued overriding the vetoes would protect schools, SeniorCare and roads programs from budget cuts. But Democrats attacked the votes Wednesday as cheap, political theatrics. None of the three override attempts got the 64 votes needed to succeed. Two overrides got 57 votes, one got 60. There are 51 Republicans in the Assembly.
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/05/29/wi/02wis.txt
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TECHNOLOGY (back to top)
– Flight of fantasy: RotoWire.com folks live their dream in Madison
http://www.madison.com/tct/mad/sports/288619
– Fiber optics is the future, city officials told
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/288742
– Musicnotes signs deals for new MXTabs.net site
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/288622
BIOTECH (back to top)
– Biotech groups hoping for industry contacts
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/288702
– Gas giveaway in Richfield Friday
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/288668
ECONOMY (back to top)
– City one of worst carbon emitters
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/288701
– Gambling on casino to pay off big
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20048686&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20048686%26snippet%3Df
– Enodis board expected to back buyout by Manitowoc
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/26/daily17.html?surround=lfn
– Stadium sales tax has best May ever
http://www.jsonline.com/watch/?watch=1&date=5/29/2008&id=40336
– Johnson’s control device a landmark
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=756111
MANUFACTURING (back to top)
– Durable goods show strength
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/APC03/805290463/1028
– GM to return to full production, for a while
http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2008/may/28/gm-return-full-production-while/
– Total Comfort buys firm, changes name
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/May_08/05282008_07.asp
– Rexnord reports higher sales
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/26/daily18.html?surround=lfn
– MSI General to build Charter Wire plant
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/26/daily26.html?surround=lfn
LABOR (back to top)
– SNE Enterprises extending layoff
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/26/daily19.html?surround=lfn
– Job Ready program prepares teens for workforce
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/288517
– Northeastern Wisconsin temp agencies hit by gas prices
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/GPG03/805290645/1247
– Redi Help buys Milwaukee Dental Staffing
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/26/daily25.html?surround=lfn
SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
– Pedaling a dream: New bike shop brings hot wheels, jobs to Allied Drive
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/288521
– German Glass & Gift adjusting to life outside of Germantown
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/May_08/05282008_08.asp
INVESTING (back to top)
– Venture seeks Chinese investment in Wisconsin
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=756106
REAL ESTATE (back to top)
– New condominiums target empty nesters
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/May_08/05282008_06.asp
– Developers: Waterfront project still moving forward
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/OSH0101/805290439/1987
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
– Agricultural programs get grants
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/288691
– Farmers pick up pace on planting
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/APC03/805290462/1028
– State DNR Board May Not Favor Wolf Hunting Yet
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=655&yr=2008
– State Dairy Herd Count Now Totals 13,807
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=656&yr=2008
– Saxon Creamery to Host Grand Opening June 8
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=657&yr=2008
TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
– Milwaukee mayor calls for more state money for mass transit
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/front/topstory07.asp
– Demand down but fuel prices up
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/288747
– Couple makes a go of Foxy Lady cruises
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/APC03/805290455/1028
RETAIL (back to top)
– Bag Borrow or Steal is ready for its ‘Sex and the City’ close-up
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/288571
– Monks turn office products into $4.5M business
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/05/29/local_news/doc483e9dbdb7ee1427759700.txt
– Leinie’s tips one back for customers
http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-news_local.asp?id=BGOOIKRMDAT
– Boosting spirits
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=756094
REGULATION (back to top)
– Budget override bids fail in Assembly
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/APC0101/805290477/1979/APCnews
– Deal set on smoking ban in Monona
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/288675
– State sues Oconomowoc over restaurant variance
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/May_08/05282008_03.asp
– Alderman pushes car fee to fuel projects
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20048696&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20048696%26snippet%3Df
– Iceport developers file claim of fraud
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=756150
TOURISM (back to top)
– Music, Mallards, fireworks to highlight Rhythmn & Booms
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/288614
UTILITIES (back to top)
– Power companies pitch ‘smarter’ savings
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=90683
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
– TomoTherapy tops user satisfaction survey
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/288642
– Fiserv gets ready to build brand recognition as UMR
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/WDH03/805290602/1618
– Saint Joseph’s Hospital planning expansion
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/MNH0101/805290376/1980
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top)
– Wisconsin court: HMO must pay for child’s cancer treatment
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/05/29/wi/01wis.txt
– Bank nears start-up goal
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=756110
– Tax professionals seminar set June 13
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/APC03/805290454/1028
MANAGEMENT (back to top)
– Next UW-Madison chancellor ready for ‘opportunities’
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/288605
– Three new directors on Great Wolf board
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/288673
– Raasch Associates under new ownership
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/GPG03/805290650/1978/GPGnews
– SNC vice president selected for state board
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/GPG03/805290647/1247
– African-Americans get apprenticeship support
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=756154
BUSINESS COLUMNS (back to top)
– Mike Ivey: Boomer retirement blues
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/288507
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