News Summary test

HTI to cuts 50 jobs in Eau Claire, 300 total: Minnesota-based Hutchinson Technology Inc., which has a plant in Eau Claire, announced Tuesday a net loss of $57.7 million for its fiscal second quarter and unveiled cost-cutting plans that include the elimination of 50 local jobs and 300 companywide.
http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-news.asp?id=BJSJ26NSJM6

Amcore posts another loss; 116 jobs to be cut: After its fifth consecutive quarterly loss, Amcore Financial of Rockford, Ill., has announced cost-reduction measures including elimination of 116 jobs, decreases in executive pay and an adjustment of branch hours.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/448957

GM to force more than 1,000 dealers to close: General Motors Corp. told its dealers Tuesday that it will force 1,000 to 1,200 underperforming locations to close their doors as the automaker tries to thin dealer ranks to make the remaining outlets more profitable.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/449122

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See commentary from around the state and columns from WisBusiness contributors Jennifer Sereno, Kevin McKinley, Tom Burzinski, Gregg Hoffmann, Tom Still and Steve Jagler: http://blogs.wisbusiness.com/bizopinion

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TECHNOLOGY (back to top)
– Hospitals entering world of social media
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/04/27/focus1.html?b=1240804800^1817887

– Executives exploring Twitter as business tool
http://www.jsonline.com/business/43930047.html

– ARI acquires Virginia online marketing firm
http://www.jsonline.com/business/43882327.html

ECONOMY (back to top)
– Sales decline by 11 percent at Bemis Co. Inc.
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090429/APC03/904290494/1028

– Boats take a hit during the recession
http://www.jsonline.com/business/43879092.html

LABOR (back to top)
– Fox Cities reflects trend toward use of interim project executives
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090428/APC03/904280436/1028

– Hmong immigrants among hardest hit by layoffs in down economy
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20090428/WDH0101/904280587

– Another town meeting set to help unemployed workers
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/449016

SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
– Tilted Kilt restaurant opens in Oshkosh; chain eyes Appleton
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090429/APC03/904290489/1028

INVESTING (back to top)
– Weyco profits down; firm raises dividend
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/04/27/daily40.html

– Furlong tells M&I shareholders bank may increase dividend in 2010
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/04/27/daily32.html

REAL ESTATE (back to top)
– Housing prices’ downward spiral slows
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/04/27/daily34.html

AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
– Farmer, Milk Hauler Charged in Cheese Plant Sales Scheme
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=521&yr=2009

– Hog farmers worry ‘swine flu’ name may sink profits
http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-news.asp?id=BJSIC0SCJM9

TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
– Proposed county Regional Transit Authority tax: $172 for average household
http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/449072

RETAIL (back to top)
– Investors group that bought Northridge Mall faces lawsuit
http://www.jsonline.com/business/43930797.html

TOURISM (back to top)
– Madison is No. 2 among uniquely American communities
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/448988

UTILITIES (back to top)
– Kewaunee nuclear plant improving, regulators say
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090429/GPG0101/904290687/1978

HEALTH CARE (back to top)
– Wheaton, physicians to open orthopedic hospital
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/04/27/daily36.html

– Centene profit down, revenue up
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/04/27/daily37.html

– Reject drug industry perks, doctors urged
http://www.jsonline.com/features/health/43937057.html

FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top)
– Blunt talk on bank rescue expected as UWM hosts watchdog panel
http://www.jsonline.com/business/43931367.html

MANAGEMENT (back to top)
– Appleton Downtown Inc. names new board
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090429/APC03/904290487/10

PRESS RELEASES (back to top)
· BioSentinel: Releases “real-time” detection test for deadly strains of botulinum toxins
· Cooperative Health Choices of Western Wisconsin: Sets webcast — prospective members can learn more on May 14
· Lake Delton Fisheries Restoration Project: Minnow release, Leinenkugel donation boost Lake Delton restoration
· Madison International Trade Association: Wisconsin’s international trade office directors’ breakfast
· Metrix: Enters software-as-a-service (SaaS) market
· National Assn of RV Parks & Campgrounds: Many private campgrounds and RV parks are moving ahead with capital improvement projects, despite the recession
· Savant Capital Management: Rolls out new educational events and speakers bureau to offer information from experts on relevant financial topics
· Savant Capital Management: To host “Am I Okay?” event
· U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Amended hunting regulations proposed for Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
· Wis. Better Business Bureau: Ethics award workshop to assist applicants’ efforts

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