(WisBusiness) WED News Summary — 13 Aug. 2008

From WisBusiness.com …

— The Governor’s Global Warming Task Force finished its work last month, producing a raft of recommendations to cut carbon dioxide emissions in Wisconsin 22 percent by 2022 and 75 percent by 2050.

Soon, the heavy lifting will begin when the suggestions go to the state Legislature.

Speaking Tuesday at a luncheon sponsored by WisBusiness.com, Madison Magazine, the Madison Club and Xcel Energy, task force co-chair Tia Nelson said she wants the recommendations passed as a whole, not chopped up in pieces.

State Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona, who attended the luncheon, said he would fight efforts to “undermine” the package.

“I believe the task force did a balanced job,” Miller said. “It produced a comprehensive proposal and the Legislature needs to be diligent to get it passed.”

To do that, the package will need the backing of the state’s business leadership, said Roy Thilly, president of Wisconsin Public Power Inc. and Nelson’s co-chair on the task force.

“Major corporations around the country are trying to get ahead of this,” said Thilly, who said he hopes companies will support efforts to cut carbon dioxide emissions here.

See the WisBusiness story: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=133396

— The state has settled a lawsuit against Aurora Health Care Inc. of Milwaukee for violating state air pollution control laws at facilities it constructed and operates in Brown, Manitowoc, Winnebago, Washington and Kenosha counties. The deal will cost Aurora $250,000.

See the release:
http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=133348

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Press Releases
Appleton Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results
Aurora Health Care, Inc. to pay $250,000 for violating state air pollution control laws
Dealerships Sponsor 4-Day 105th Party with Antique Bike Parade
Family Resource Center of Fond du Lac County receives $5,000 flood recovery grant from the Alliant Energy Foundation
Frequently Fatal Horse Virus Shows Up Again; Vaccinate Horses, Control Mosquito Populations
Governor Doyle Awards Bayfield with Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative Grant
Jason A. Smith Named Director of Communications
Johnson Controls to Harness Renewable Energy, Improve Energy Conservation Measures for Oak Ridge National Laboratories
Johnson Controls-Saft Awarded $8.2 Million Development Contract
Miron Construction Co., Inc. Completes Grainger Hall Addition on U. W. Campus
Neenah Enterprises, Inc. and Neenah Foundry Company Schedule Conference Call to Discuss Quarterly Results
Plexus Announces Closure of Ayer, MA Facility
PSC Staff Slam Alliant Energy’s Proposed Cassville Coal Plant
RedPrairie WMS integrates Build-To-Order features in new release
Sajan Sponsors Gilbane Group Study, Multilingual Communications as a Business Imperative
Tuesday Truth #10: E-10 is Safe for all Small Engines
Unsavory Businesses Can Arrive with EAB; Protect Your Wallet and Your Trees

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


TOP STORIES
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Aurora Health Care settles pollution lawsuit: Aurora Health Care, Inc., has agreed to pay $250,000 to settle an air pollution lawsuit. The Wisconsin Justice Department accused Milwaukee-based Aurora of violating state air pollution laws at facilities the company built and runs in Brown, Manitowoc, Winnebago, Washington and Kenosha counties. According to the suit, Aurora failed to obtain pollutant source construction and operation permits and violated emission limits and other air pollution control requirements. Aurora Vice President of Corporate Communications Jeff Squire issued a statement saying the violations didn’t harm the environment, and the company has established procedures to ensure compliance with air quality regulations.
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/08/13/wi/09wis.txt

NewPage records $21 million loss in quarter: NewPage Corp., the paper maker intending to close its historic Kimberly mill this month, reported a $21 million second quarter loss in a report released today. The company, a maker of fine coated paper, announced July 30 plans to shut down the Kimberly mill, eliminating about 600 local jobs. Net sales more than doubled, to $1 billion, compared to the year ago quarter reflecting the firm’s acquisition of the North American assets of Finland-based Stora Enso last December. “The U.S. economy caught up with the coated paper market during the second quarter and we saw a dramatic slowdown in demand and rapid increases in input costs,” Mark Suwyn, chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/APC03/80812060/1028

Shipping focus shifts from highways to waterways: Legislation’s tax break could lure more port business… Port and harbor officials want federal lawmakers to help make water transport more attractive to companies by exempting some vessels from a harbor maintenance tax. The American Great Lakes Ports Association, meeting Tuesday in Green Bay, added its support to federal legislation that would maintain the tax for bulk haulers but eliminate it for shorter hauls throughout the Great Lakes. “There are no traffic jams out on the water,” said Steve Fisher, association executive director. “We’re trying to create new shipping and make it more attractive. The waterways become an asset and can be a tremendous way to move more commerce around the region.”
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/GPG0101/808130647/1978/GPGnews

Tourism touch and go for resorts: Navigating an empty Lake Delton and high gas prices … In a summertime when the livin’ ain’t easy for many Wisconsin tourism destinations, the Milwaukee Brewers’ promising season and Harley-Davidson Inc.’s new museum are attracting vacationers to local hotels despite the difficult economy. Occupancy rates were up at hotels in Milwaukee and Brookfield during the first six months of the year, offsetting gloomier results so far in the Wisconsin Dells – the state’s largest vacation spot – and other areas hit by massive flooding in June. Meanwhile, high gas prices have led to a mixed picture in Door County, the North Woods and other places where people go to escape when the temperature rises.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782673

Falls water-sensor maker sold: AquaSensor’s buyer hints at expansion… A Menomonee Falls company that makes novel sensors for water quality and industrial processes has been acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for an undisclosed price. AquaSensors LLC’s team will lead an initiative into the water and waste process markets for Thermo Fisher’s environmental instruments division. “This is a great deal for the community and ultimately could lead to more jobs in Milwaukee,” said Herb Zien, chief executive officer of Centron Energy Corp., Grafton, and an AquaSensors investor. Zien and other members of Silicon Pastures angel network put $360,000 into AquaSensors in late 2005, the only outside money the company raised. Thermo Fisher, a Waltham, Mass., provider of equipment and services to hospitals, diagnostic labs, researchers and others, has annual revenue of $10 billion and more than 30,000 employees.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782646

Johnson Controls-Saft lands hybrid technology contract: Johnson Controls-Saft has been awarded an $8.2 million contract from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, for work on the development of lithium-ion battery systems for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. “We are working on the development of the complete PHEV system, which includes high-energy capacity cells, battery management electronics, control software and an efficient thermal management system, all optimally packaged for safety and efficient integration into the vehicle,” said Mary Ann Wright, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture and is vice president and general manager for Johnson Controls hybrid battery business. “Specifically, key goals for this PHEV contract are to optimize cell and battery system design for 10-mile and 40-mile electric range vehicles.”
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/08/11/daily12.html?surround=lfn

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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)
– Joint venture to study hybrids
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782647

– AT&T adds Net phone service
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/APC03/808130619/1028

– Spaceport stalled while waiting for liftoff
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20049283&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20049283%26snippet%3Df

BIOTECH (back to top)
– Montgomery snares a biotech
http://www.gazette.net/stories/08112008/businew173907_32485.shtml

ECONOMY (back to top)
– NewPage reports loss, will cut output
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/300367

– Miles Kimball parent acquires women’s products company
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/OSH03/808130516/1987

MANUFACTURING (back to top)
– 300 evacuated from Bemis plant during fire
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/SHE0101/808130553/1973

– Plexus Corp. to close Massachusetts plant
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/APC03/808130614/1028

– Merge’s bad days are behind it, CEO says
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782653

– Automakers focus on factory adjustments
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20049275&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20049275%26snippet%3Df

LABOR (back to top)
– NewPage defends shutdown
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/APC03/808130611/1028

– Labor law spurs unrest
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20049281&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20049281%26snippet%3Df

– Tyson reopens, cuts half of jobs
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/GPG03/808130523/1247

– Harris Bank to lay off 27 in Cedarburg
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/Aug_08/08122008_14.asp

SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
– Mount Horeb kennel The Dogwoods installs waterfall, pond for dog customers
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/300432

– Gabriel Furniture turns 80
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/APC03/808130606/1028

– Slinger resident takes a gamble on emerging fitness trend
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/Aug_08/08122008_13.asp

INVESTING (back to top)
– Dow falls on weak banking sector reports
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/APC03/80812053/1028

– Oil prices hold steady on stronger dollar
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/APC03/80812052/1028

REAL ESTATE (back to top)
– Stoughton Road site primed for major development
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/300379

– Inclusionary zoning panel agrees to disagree
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/300358

– Area home sales see smaller drop in July
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/Aug_08/08122008_09.asp

AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
– Corn yield estimates high; lower prices expected for three key grains
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/300430

– Fatal virus kills horse in Dodge County
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/300346

– Tree-killer isn’t going away
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/Aug_08/08122008_02.asp

– Family Dairies USA Launches New Website, Moves Office
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=982&yr=2008

TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
– Delta drops Green Bay service
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/APC0101/808130592/1979/APCnews

RETAIL (back to top)
– Business owners prepare for Harley weekend
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/Aug_08/08122008_07.asp

– Bayshore Town Center adds Fossil store
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/08/11/daily13.html?surround=lfn

– Proven Power eyes town of Vernon location
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/Aug_08/08122008_10.asp

– Captain’s Walk Winery wins best of class
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/GPG03/808130525/1247

– Coffee shops’ poor pours short their customers
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782690

REGULATION (back to top)
– Looming budget cuts draw concern from some city residents
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/300447

– Sales tax to be on fall ballot in Vernon County
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/08/13/news/z05tax.txt

– Smoking ban may go to referendum
http://kenoshanews.com/article_comments/view_comments.php?articleNum=3375922

– Business owner might be deported after tax evasion conviction
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/300411

– Emission, energy reduction at heart of proposed building code
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/300318

– Green Bay riverfront plan gets vote of confidence
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/GPG03/808130529/1247

– County eyes cash to rebuild in townships
http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/aug/12/county-eyes-cash-rebuild-townships/

TOURISM (back to top)
– Wisconsin Historical Museum welcomes 2 millionth visitor
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/300419

– Iron Horse Hotel to open after Harley anniversary
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782651

– Plans revived for Ice Age Trail complex at Cross Plains
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/300352

– Pig mud wrestling proving popular at rural Wisconsin fairs
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/300425

UTILITIES (back to top)
– Weston seeks 9 percent water-rate increase
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/WDH0101/808130726/1981/WDHnews

– Insurance agency: City not negligent with sewers
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/OSH0101/808130522/1987

– Consumers warned of high winter bills
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782714

HEALTH CARE (back to top)
– Affiliates planned for Waukesha Memorial Hospital
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782650

– Froedtert, MCW opening new health center
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/08/11/daily18.html?surround=lfn

– More calls for health care reform legislation
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/08/11/daily17.html?surround=lfn

– Kagen names health care advisory group
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/APC0101/808130588/1979/APCnews

– Aspirus takes ‘green’ steps
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/WDH0101/808130723/1981/WDHnews

– Outagamie health, human services spending up in ’09
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/APC0101/808130594/1979/APCnews

– Medical translators certified in Dane County
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/08/13/wi/14wis.txt

FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top)
– PrivateBank-Wisconsin makes changes
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/08/11/daily11.html?surround=lfn

– Credit union victim of robbery
http://kenoshanews.com/article_comments/view_comments.php?articleNum=3374987

MANAGEMENT (back to top)
– R.R. Donnelley to hold recycling event
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/APC0101/808130604/1979/APCnews

– Ariens elected to Packers Executive Committee
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/GPG0101/808130650/1978/GPGnews

– Carroll, UW-Platteville engineer partnership
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/Aug_08/08122008_01.asp

– Changes at Blue Horse ad/PR agency
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/08/11/daily16.html?surround=lfn

– La Quinta makeover irks Brookfield, Delafield
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782692

BUSINESS COLUMNS (back to top)
– Mike Ivey: Critic wants Allied project to be eco-friendly, accessible
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/300396

– Tannette Johnson-Elie: Trio make good on resolve to rebuild failing factory
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=782652

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

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