From WisBusiness.com …
— Mark Bugher, director of Madison’s University Research Park, announced this morning that construction will start in May or June on a 67,000-square-foot “accelerator” building that will cost between $6 million and $8 million.
Bugher said tenants will include young companies that need more space and are moving from the MGE Innovation Center. He said the new structure will be built directly to the south of the Innovation Center on Research Park Drive.
— The nation may be headed toward a recession, but for many rural and inner city Wisconsin communities, it’s already here.
That’s why Madison’s Edgewood College plans to launch a new degree program focusing on rural and urban economic development, Business School Dean Charles Taylor said Tuesday at a luncheon sponsored by WisBusiness.com, Madison Magazine and the Madison Club.
“Students from those areas are leaving in droves,” he said. “We need to train a new generation to transform depressed inner cities and rural areas to combat the economic disparities that are widening along racial and economic lines.”
Taylor said the private, Dominican college is ideally suited to create such a program because of its tradition of service. But he said it will continue to offer a traditional business curriculum while developing this new area of study and research that would ultimately return students to their homes and get entrepreneurial ideas and jobs into areas that have declined in recent decades.
“This could have a tremendous, positive impact on our state,” he said, holding up the economic develop work of former basketball star and businessman Magic Johnson in the Watts area of Los Angeles.
— The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is praising a United States Patent and Trademark Office decision upholding WARF’s claims on the non-profit foundation’s two most important base human embryonic stem cell patents. The decisions are final and can’t be appealed.
These actions mark the second time in two weeks that the patent office has supported the claims of key stem cell patents held by WARF. On February 25, the office affirmed the claims of a third patent also relating to James Thomson’s discovery and culture of human embryonic stem cells.
See release: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=120566
— The Milwaukee region, still reeling from the news that Miller/Coors will likely look elsewhere for a location of its new headquarters, received another blow today when the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) announced this morning it will move its office from Greendale to Arlington, Texas.
The move means the loss of 230 jobs and more than $12 million in payroll for the Milwaukee area.
The USBC plans to partner with the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA) to eventually form a $14 million international bowling campus with equipment for testing and training.
The BPAA board unanimously decided to endorse the proposed purchase of land and a building for the project and the integration at its meeting this past January.
The decision to move to Texas came, despite efforts by the Milwaukee 7 and other local officials who offered incentives to keep the organization in Wisconsin.
See story: http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2008/3/11/#bowling-congress-decides-to-move-to-texas
— Andy Franken has been picked to succeed Eric Englund as president of the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance.
Englund will retire at the end of this legislative session after 22 years as WIA president. Franken, a former Senate aide, comes to the organization from the Hamilton Consulting Group.
See the press release:
http://wispolitics.com/1006/080310WIArelease.pdf
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Press Releases
Air Wisconsin Reports February Traffic
Appleton Applauds U.S. Commerce Department Decision to Sanction Subsidized Lightweight Thermal Paper Imports From China
Appleton Reports Fourth Quarter and 2007 Results
Arctic Climate Models Play Key Role in Pending Polar Bear Decision
Edgewood College Welcomes Author of New JFK Book
Elekta Chosen to Deliver Sophisticated Brain Mapping Technology to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee
Four-Day Sale on Spring Travel: Midwest Airlines Offers Sale Fares on Travel Through June 11, 2008
Global Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Indicates Softer Job Prospects Ahead for U.S., China, Italy, Norway and Spain
Hotwire 2008 Travel Value Index Names Phoenix Top U.S. City for Vacation Value
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Foreshadows Hiring Slowdown
Michael Parker Appointed Executive Vice President – Field Operations
Midwest Air Group Names Sislowski Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Patent Office Upholds Remaining WARF Stem Cell Patents
For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82
TOP STORIES
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Two UW stem-cell patents upheld: The federal government has upheld two more UW-Madison stem-cell patents, meaning all three patents under contention can stand. But expected appeals on one of the patents could linger for years. And the government review caused the university to narrow some patent claims and loosen its licensing policies, the patent challengers say. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, UW-Madison ‘s tech-transfer organization, holds the patents, based on work by campus stem-cell pioneer James Thomson. The patents essentially cover all human embryonic stem-cell research in the country. WARF, which has earned more than $3.2 million from patents, stands to gain many millions more.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/276677
Third Wave says key products effective in trials : Stock soars in aftermarket trading… Madison-based Third Wave Technologies today reported that in clinical trials its human papillomavirus (HPV) genetic tests were effective in detecting the most dangerous strains of the disease, which can cause cervical cancer. Third Wave has repeatedly cited the HPV tests as key products that it hopes to submit for Food and Drug Administration approval this year. Today it said it expects to submit the tests to the FDA next month. The news sent the company’s stock soaring more than 40 percent in aftermarket trading. Shares were up $2.89 per share from Tuesday’s market close to $9.99, surpassing the high mark of the prior year of $9.89.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/276656
Manitowoc launches joint venture in China: The Manitowoc Co. Inc. said Tuesday that it has formed a joint venture with the shareholders of TaiAn Dongyue Heavy Machinery Co. Ltd. for the production of mobile and truck-mounted hydraulic cranes. The joint venture is located in TaiAn City, Shandong Province, China, approximately 300 miles south of Beijing, the Manitowoc-based manufacturer of cranes, lifting equipment, ships and food service equipment said. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “This transaction solidifies Manitowoc’s position in one of the world’s fastest-growing construction markets,” said Eric Etchart, president of Manitowoc’s Crane segment.
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/03/10/daily22.html?surround=lfn
Jobs in state dip, report shows: 0.2% decrease not seen as a concern… Wisconsin had the third-largest percentage drop in jobs in the latest 12 months, a slight dip of 0.2%, but the state’s chief labor economist cautions against reading too much into it. “I wouldn’t make a whole lot of these numbers as being a precursor to any particular path in the future of the economy,” said Dennis K. Winters, chief of the office of economic advisers in the Department of Workforce Development. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday that Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted loss of payroll jobs since January 2007 trailed decreases of 1.5% by Rhode Island and 1.3% by Michigan.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=727207
Dairy farmers fear consumer backlash: Animal cruelty in food chain debated at state conference… Less than two months after a videotape was released showing California slaughterhouse workers abusing sick and crippled cattle, Wisconsin dairy farmers and animal rights activists say consumers will lose confidence in the food chain if livestock mistreatment continues. Tuesday, at the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin annual conference, animal rights activist Gene Baur said he wasn’t surprised by the undercover video taken at a Chino, Calif., slaughterhouse operated by Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=727205
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WISBUSINESS FEATURED COLUMNISTS
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TECHNOLOGY (back to top)
– Wisconsin stem cell patents upheld
http://www.madison.com/tct/mad/topstories/276565
– Third Wave trials a success
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/276705
– NEW Zoo will get a big tech upgrade
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/GPG03/803120708/1247/GPGbusiness
BIOTECH (back to top)
– Leaders: Increase money for biomedical research
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/276670
ECONOMY (back to top)
– U.S. gas prices hit record high
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/276490
– Business Expo 2008: Networking never stops for those who succeed
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/GPG03/803120703/1247/GPGbusiness
– Hal Leonard to buy majority of European music publisher
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/03/10/daily14.html?surround=lfn
MANUFACTURING (back to top)
– Appleton posts wider loss; wins favorable trade ruling
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/03/10/daily15.html?surround=lfn
– Papermaker ends year at a loss
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/APC03/803120538/1888/APCbusiness
LABOR (back to top)
– Hiring shows slight slowdown
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/276568
– Survey shows employers are getting cautious
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03112008_05.asp
– Immigrant sweeps decried at rally
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/276570
– 2 million in U.S. will retire with Favre in ’08
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/GPG03/803120704/1247/GPGbusiness
SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
– Valley firms receive awards
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/APC03/803120544/1888/APCbusiness
– Couple to open Fitness Together in Ashwaubenon
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/GPG03/803120699/1247/GPGbusiness
INVESTING (back to top)
– Fed unveils rescue package
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/276703
– Stocks rocket on Fed action
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=727289
– Third Wave stock leaps
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=727211
REAL ESTATE (back to top)
– Deal pending in condo lawsuit
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/276706
– Couple wants to divide Ely House property
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/276528
– Ozaukee County’s rural landscape in danger of disappearing
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03112008_14.asp
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
– Madison hosts Super Bowl of cheese
http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/276605
– Rural Agri-Business Campus Proposed in Clark County
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=323&yr=2008
– WFBF Pleased with Rohde Appointment to State DNR Board
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=324&yr=2008
– State Deer Hunters Post Second-Best Season Ever
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=322&yr=2008
TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
– Bill’s failure means transit ideas likely stalled for year
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=727293
– Paltzer pitches again for ‘Appleton Airport’
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/APC0101/803120548/1003/APCnews
– Passenger counts up at Air Wisconsin
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/APC03/803120534/1888/APCbusiness
RETAIL (back to top)
– Madison public market envisioned
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/276675
– Shopko goes for boutique look
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/APC03/803120535/1028/APCbusiness
– Bon-Ton 4Q profit down, but tops analysts’ outlook
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/03/10/daily16.html?surround=lfn
REGULATION (back to top)
– Credit card legislation bogs down in Madison
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/GPG0101/803120688/1207/GPGnews
– Green Bay, Brown Co. at odds over room tax
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/GPG0101/803120695/1207/GPGnews
– Contractor group threatens to sue Milwaukee
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20048082&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20048082%26snippet%3Df
TOURISM (back to top)
– Milwaukee loses crown as bowling capital of world
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/276542
– Windmill spurs plans in Little Chute
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/APC0101/803120570/1003/APCnews
– National Railroad Museum gets funds to promote exhibit
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/GPG03/803120700/1247/GPGbusiness
UTILITIES (back to top)
– Appleton officials say water treatment expels medicine
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/APC0101/803120547/1003/APCnews
– Appleton panel OKs water rate hike application
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/APC0101/803120575/1003/APCnews
– Requirements omit drug residue tests
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/March_08/03112008_09.asp
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
– Milwaukee health systems support hospital tax
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/03/10/daily18.html?surround=lfn
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top)
– UW wary of grant deal
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/276550
– M&I chief’s pay fell 19% as earnings missed goals
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=727209
MANAGEMENT (back to top)
– Humana CEO got $6.4 million in ’07
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/GPG03/803120705/1247/GPGbusiness
– Founder of Trek Bicycle, Richard Burke, dies at 73
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/03/12/wi/11wi0312.txt
– Associated adds MasterCard executive to Milwaukee office
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/03/10/daily21.html?surround=lfn
BUSINESS COLUMNS (back to top)
– Mike Ivey: State image change will prove an uphill fight
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/276569
– Tannette Johnson-Elie: Speaking the same language
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=727218
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