From WisBusiness.com …
— The east side of Madison should get a state-of-the-art theater complex with 16 stadium-seating auditoriums by the end of the year or early next year.
That’s the plan of Milwaukee-based Marcus Theatres, which says it plans to build an entertainment complex on 26 acres in the area known as “The Crossing” at U.S. Highway 151 and Nelson Road.
Officials site will accommodate the new theater and any future expansion, as well as a variety of what it calls “synergistic mixed-uses” on the remainder of the land.
Bruce Olson, president of Marcus Theatres, said the company also has signed an agreement to sell the nearby Eastgate Cinema property, located at 5202 High Crossing Road, to a Madison-based real estate company. The building will be razed and the site redeveloped for other use.
See the release:
http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=125376
— The Milwaukee Small Business Times reports that UW System President Kevin Reilly will name UW-Madison Business School Dean Mike Knetter and three other internal candidates as finalists for the chancellor position at the state’s flagship campus.
But a source who had seen the list of finalists said told WisPolitics the report was inaccurate and the perception the finalists were all internal was incorrect. The source would not divulge who was on the list of finalists.
The Small Business Times says that in addition to Knetter, other internal finalists included Provost Patrick Farrell, Physiology Department chairman Richard Moss, and College of Letters and Sciences Dean Gary Sandefur. The names of five finalists to replace retiring Chancellor John Wiley are scheduled to be released tomorrow.
The UW System had no comment on the candidates, with a spokesman saying that “confidentiality will remain in effect” for applicants who requested anonymity through the finalist selection process.
*See the Small Business Times article:
http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2008/5/6/knetter-among-candidates-for-uw-chancellor-job
*See more on Knetter:
http://www.bus.wisc.edu/faculty/facdetails.asp?id=419
— As the losses continue to pile up for Great Wolf Resorts Inc., the Madison-based developer of indoor waterpark resorts, the company has announced that John Emery will resign as chief executive officer and a director of the firm.
The announcement was made near the bottom of a press release about the company’s quarterly earnings. Great Wolf lost $2.3 million in the first quarter.
Emery will resign rather than face a contested board election at Great Wolf’s annual meeting on Wednesday, May 28. The company is facing increasing pressure from Hovde Capital Advisors LLC, which controls a 5.6-percent stake in Great Wolf.
See story: http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2008/5/6/great-wolf-ceo-to-resign-as-pressure-mounts
–The Harley-Davidson Museum will open its doors to the public in Milwaukee on July 12.
Grand Opening festivities will kick off with a “Harley-Davidson-style” ceremony at 10 a.m. and will continue throughout the weekend.
The 130,000-square-foot museum in Milwaukee’s Menomonee River Valley will have exhibits telling the stories of the people, culture, products and history of Harley-Davidson.
The museum will feature 20-acre park-like grounds, the Museum Restaurant and Café and a retail store. It will be open 24 hours a day. Tickets for the museum’s grand opening weekend and other dates go on sale online May 20.
For more information, see: http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_Museum/Museum.jsp?locale=en_US
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Press Releases
A Fund For Women encourages Dane County community groups to apply for grants
Counseling Canines to Help Reduce Study Stress
Fire Sprinklers Where We Live, Work & Play: Building Safety Week is May 5-11, 2008
GoodNites(R) Brand Celebrates ‘Positive Parenting Month’ This May
Great Wolf Resorts Reports First Quarter 2008 Results
GWC Technolgies Appoints Biotron Healthcare as Exclusive Distributor For India
Kohler Acquires Hospitality Furniture Leader Mark David
Lands’ End Announces Winners of the 2008 ‘Teachers Light the Way’ Contest
Last Chance for Great Fares on Summer Travel: Midwest Airlines Offers Sale Fares on Travel Through Nov. 19, 2008
Manitowoc Company Directors Approve 2 Cent Quarterly Dividend
Marcus Theatres® to Replace Eastgate Cinema with New Theatre
Meeting to Focus on Marketing for Entrepreneurs
Natural Resources Foundation and AmeriCorps Join Forces for largest invasive plant battle in Wisconsin history
Renaissance Learning Releases Groundbreaking Reading Habits Report
Two Alumni Receive Honorary Degrees
United Vacations Announces SALE on Coast to Coast Vacations
For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82
TOP STORIES
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Joy Global lowers its 2008 earnings forecast: Mining equipment maker cites charges of acquisition deal… Joy Global Inc. lowered its 2008 earnings forecast Tuesday, citing higher charges from the acquisition of a conveyor equipment company it purchased in February and early termination of a maintenance and repair contract. Joy said it expects to earn from $2.96 to $3.22 a share, down more than 6% from the previous guidance of $3.15 to $3.45 a share. Analysts were expecting earnings of $3.41 a share on revenue of $3.24 billion, according to Reuters Estimates. The conveyor equipment company, Continental Global Inc., makes conveyor systems used in mining and industrial applications. Based in Canonsburg, Pa., it has manufacturing plants in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=747855
Spectrum Brands cuts loss: Spectrum Brands Inc., which has its Rayovac and Remington units based in Madison, on Tuesday reported a smaller fiscal second-quarter loss. Spectrum reported a net loss of $111.7 million, or $2.19 per share, for the three months ended March 30, compared with a loss of $237.5 million, or $4.77 per share, a year earlier. Net sales rose 2 percent to $647.1 million from $634.5 million, led by double-digit sales growth in personal care and pet supply items. Excluding one-time items, the loss was 14 cents per share, nine cents better than the loss of 23 cents analysts were expecting, according to First Call. The company said foreign currency translation gains boosted sales by $27 million, or 4 percent.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/284949
Madison bars that banned drink specials win price-fixing case: Madison bars cannot be sued for a 2002 agreement to limit drink specials, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. The court refused to reinstate an antitrust lawsuit brought by drinkers claiming they were overcharged as a result of the bars’ pact to stop serving drink specials after 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. More than 20 Downtown bars joined the agreement, which was designed to thwart a ban the city was considering on specials such as 2-for-1 beers or $1 shots. City and UW-Madison officials argued the specials encouraged dangerous binge drinking by students. But a Minnesota law firm sued the bars in 2004 on behalf of UW-Madison students and other drinkers who claimed they were ripped off by the bars.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/285084
Beer tax hike urged: Health board wants lawmakers to act… Marathon County leaders have developed a resolution that calls on the state Legislature to raise Wisconsin’s beer tax — a move some local businesses say is unfair and badly timed. The Marathon County Board of Health approved a draft of the resolution Tuesday that would call for an increase to the tax on beer and other fermented malt beverages to pay for alcohol treatment, prevention and enforcement. In the last legislative session, Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison, proposed a bill to increase the tax from $2 to $10 per barrel of beer. The bill was not acted upon by legislators, but she plans to reintroduce it during the next legislative session, her office confirmed Tuesday.
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/WDH0101/805070655/1581/WDHnews
Kohler acquires hospitality furniture firm Mark David: Kohler Co. is expanding its offerings with the acquisition of Mark David, an upscale provider of sourced case goods and upholstered seating to the hospitality industry. Kohler announced Tuesday that the acquisition was completed last Friday. Terms were not disclosed. Kohler’s best known products are for the bath and kitchen, and it also offers fine home furnishings and power systems as well as its world famous golf and resort complex north of Milwaukee. Mark David joins the Kohler Interiors Group, which is comprised of the Baker and McGuire brands of fine furnishings, Ann Sacks tile and stone, and Kallista, a luxury plumbing brand.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/284944
A&A to buy Connecticut manufacturer: A&A Manufacturing Co. Inc., a New Berlin manufacturer of protective systems, has agreed to buy Custom Products Corp. of North Haven, Conn., for $5.25 million in cash. Custom Products is a manufacturer of precision miniature clutches. Custom Products’ owner Bolt Technology Corp. announced the deal Tuesday, saying that its management believes Custom Products will be a better fit with A&A. The sale also will allow Bolt to focus on its core business in the oil services industry, said Bolt chairman, president and CEO Raymond Soto. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of June.
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/05/daily21.html?surround=lfn
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WISBUSINESS FEATURED COLUMNISTS
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TECHNOLOGY (back to top)
– Libraries use state aid to upgrade technology
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/MNH0101/805070462/1980
– WCTC gives officers a shot at virtual learning
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/May_08/05062008_05.asp
BIOTECH (back to top)
– Giving patients a perfect fit
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2008/May_08/05062008_07.asp
ECONOMY (back to top)
– R.R. Donnelley reports $182M earnings
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/APC03/805070555/1028
– Sheiffer calls for economic summit
http://www.gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-news/2008/may/07/sheiffer-calls-economic-summit/
– Ashley Furniture closing southern Indiana location
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/05/daily15.html?surround=lfn
MANUFACTURING (back to top)
– Wausaukee Composites acquires Pla-Ma
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/GPG03/805070670/1247
– Industrial fire temporarily closes plant
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/05/07/local_news/doc4820da09d00da410823216.txt
LABOR (back to top)
– Hanley Co. is closing in Sun Prairie
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/285008
– GM employment levels fall short of those needed for state grants
http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/may/06/gm-employment-levels-fall-short-those-needed-state/
– Union exposes gaps in granite work
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20048542&snippet=t&forward=%2Fitem%2Ecfm%3Frecid%3D20048542%26snippet%3Df
SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
– Appleton salon takes creative approaches to family hair styling under one roof
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/APC03/805070558/1028
INVESTING (back to top)
– NewPage files for stock offering
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/MNH0101/805070594/1980
– Impressed investors say they’ll buy more Manitowoc Company stock
http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/MAN0101/805070511/1984
– Sales boost Molson Coors
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=747828
REAL ESTATE (back to top)
– Real estate group nets tax break designed for farmers
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/285007
– City OKs 40-unit Bassett apartment complex
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/285152
– Report by Zillow.com says median home value in Dane County dropped 2.1 percent
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/285052
– Falls panel OKs Quad/Graphics warehouse plan
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=747895
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
– Drought may hurt Door County cherries
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/GPG03/805070673/1247
– Beefmobile coming to Bonduel
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/GPG03/805070671/1247
– WBA & GDWF to Hold Annual Meeting on Thursday
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=565&yr=2008
TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
– Racine City Council votes to allow electric vehicles
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/05/07/local_news/doc482127f7e30d9952188168.txt
– AirTran expands service at Mitchell
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/05/daily20.html?surround=lfn
– Northwest April traffic up slightly
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/05/daily16.html?surround=lfn
RETAIL (back to top)
– New Marcus Theatres would open as Eastgate closes
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/284982
– Marcus plans new entertainment complex
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/284955
– Chrysler, Suzuki offering gas subsidies to boost sales
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/APC03/80506113/1028
– Muskego panel delays action on Wal-Mart
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=747934
REGULATION (back to top)
– State to propose inspecting all new permanent thrill rides
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/285033
– Biron business park gets committee nod
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/MNH0101/805070595/1980
– Change of plans: City scales down building moratorium
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/05/07/news/01city.txt
– Feingold Working to Prevent Energy Market Manipulation in Farm Bill
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=564&yr=2008
TOURISM (back to top)
– Great Wolf tops analysts’ expectations; CEO to step down
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/284947
– Tourism breakfast to be held in Oshkosh
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/APC03/805070553/1028
UTILITIES (back to top)
– No break on energy costs
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=747858
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
– Thompson, Shalala offer views on health care reform
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/APC0101/805070566/1979/APCnews
– Prevea names new directors
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/GPG03/805070672/1247
– Poll: Majority of Wisconsin residents want universal care
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/05/07/wi/5wi07.txt
– Assisted Living posts higher revenue
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/05/daily24.html?surround=lfn
– Target matches Wal-Mart prescription drug program
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/05/daily17.html?surround=lfn
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top)
– ‘Strong’ 2007 for Nicolet Bankshares
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/GPG03/805070674/1247
MANAGEMENT (back to top)
– UW’s Ogg Hall left half-razed after state kills contract with demolition company
http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/285081
– Great Wolf CEO resigns
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/284948
– Drivers race their way to series sponsorship
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/GPG03/805070669/1247
– HR manager honored by women’s group
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/APC03/805070552/1028
– Carroll weighs ‘university’
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=747871
– Neurognostics names new CEO
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/05/05/daily23.html?surround=lfn
BUSINESS COLUMNS (back to top)
– Mike Ivey: Wisconsin’s got the job loss blues
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/284941
– Tannette Johnson-Elie: Designer reached out, made things happen
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=747857
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