— With the BIO International Convention in Atlanta seeing more than 1,800 exhibitors displaying everything from the latest biotech manufacturing equipment to ideas for biofuel production, Michael Gay of Madison is promoting something else: An agricultural biotechnology business park. The BioAg Gateway, a new business park proposed on Madison’s southeast corner, will include up to 200 acres of buildings devoted to the research and development of agricultural products, new crop uses, and new ways to produce “green” fuel for the nation’s energy-hungry economy. Another 300 acres surrounding the business park that could be used to grow — and experiment with — new crops. “I’ve met with a number of pharmaceutical and food companies that have expressed interest,” said Gay, managing director of the BioAg Gateway and a business development specialist for the city. — One of the most far-reaching innovations in medicine is unfolding in central Wisconsin, where the Marshfield Clinic is entering the second phase of its nationally recognized Wisconsin Genome Initiative. The Genome Initiative is based on 20,000 patient records that have been collected by the Marshfield Clinic from volunteers. Once fully implemented, doctors will be able to analyze patients’ DNA to look for disease tendencies — and to determine more precise and cost-effective treatments. The initiative is drawing a lot of interest in Atlanta this week at BIO 2009. A senior researcher at Marshfield, Catherine Mc-Carty, calls the week so far “very productive” and says with a database that large, “we can research almost anything.” Read more from the convention in the BIO Blog: http://blogs.wisbusiness.com/bio/ — U.S. Cellular is planning to add more than 100 customer service positions in its Waukesha Customer Care Center. The openings at U.S. Cellular are entry-level positions that can lead to advancement. Customer care center associates receive six weeks of paid classroom instruction before they answer customer calls and continue with professional development as they grow in the organization. See the press release: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=159316 — Wisconsin Public Service, Google and eight other utility companies have recently joined forces to test a software tool that allows customers to view their home electricity use online. Google PowerMeter will enable a limited number of users to access detailed information about their power consumption through a secure Google gadget that displays data on a personalized iGoogle homepage. See details: http://www.integrysgroup.com/news/view_article.cfm?reckey=01785 — Southwest Airlines has announced that it will begin service to General Mitchell International Airport in November. The airline did not release specifics on how many flights it will offer or which cities will be served. — Nearly 40 organizations will band together today for a press conference to condemn liability reforms proposed in Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget. The press conference comes amid speculation compromise could be coming on the issue that critics say could hurt the state’s business climate. The press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Assembly Parlor. See more: http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=159288 TOP STORIES Cummins to cut 69 jobs in Viroqua : Engine manufacturer Cummins will end the jobs of about 69 employees at its Viroqua plant July 20. Upset with outsourcing, union won’t give up raise : The workers won’t give up the 2 percent raise scheduled for June as long as the state continues to outsource additional work to contractors, said Bryan Kennedy, president of AFT-Wisconsin. The union has roughly 10,000 white-collar state workers including computer staff, public defenders and university teaching assistants. Southwest Airlines expanding into Milwaukee: The discount airline says it will offer “multiple destinations” from Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport. It has not yet listed specific destinations. ZBB Energy proposes $94M plant investment: ZBB Energy Corp. of Menomonee Falls said Wednesday that it has applied for more than $47 million in federal stimulus funds that would enable a $94.1 million investment into a new advanced battery manufacturing facility.
************************************************************ See commentary from around the state and columns from WisBusiness contributors Jennifer Sereno, Kevin McKinley, Tom Burzinski, Gregg Hoffmann, Tom Still and Steve Jagler: ************************************************************ TECHNOLOGY (back to top)
ECONOMY (back to top)
MANUFACTURING (back to top) – Brady shares rise 15% on earnings surprise – Janesville GM plant’s remains go to auction
LABOR (back to top) – Claims for state jobless benefits up 77.5% to date
INVESTING (back to top)
REAL ESTATE (back to top) – Restaurant, train station, warehouse garner state architectural awards
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
RETAIL (back to top) – Potawatomi’s Dream Dance to become steakhouse
REGULATION (back to top) – Milwaukee ‘charity’ settles with states in nationwide crackdown – Pension Board will invest Mercer’s $30 million settlement
TOURISM (back to top) – This summer is ripe for day-trippers
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top) – Associated plans to be in two Copps stores in Sun Prairie – UMB Bank buys Harris Bank’s Indiana corporate trust business PRESS RELEASES (back to top) For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82 |
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