— In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” MI Group Senior Advisor Terry Dittrich discusses the path ahead for rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine.
While the war between Russia and Ukraine rages on, Dittrich says reconstruction planning has already begun, noting “if you wait, you’ll be too late.” He shares insights from a recent conference held in Poland focused on these efforts.
“The bottom line is, the Europeans, the Asians and to an extent, some American companies, are already in planning,” he said. “A lot of engineering, planning, design … particularly things like social housing and hospitals, schools. Very immediate need-type projects.”
While banks in Ukraine aren’t currently operating due to instability, according to Dittrich, large European banks are “starting to put themselves in a position to go in” once the conflict is over.
“I’d say we’re probably about six to 12 months away from major funding being available,” he said. “And of course that’s all contingent on things settling down over there … but pre-planning is going on full speed.”
Dittrich adds the “real gateway” into Ukraine right now is Poland, noting most staging efforts for financing, exports and services are based in Warsaw.
Watch the latest episode here: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2023/talking-trade-with-terry-dittrich-mi-group/
“Talking Trade” is now available in audio form on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe and find more episodes here: https://www.wisbusiness.com/category/talking-trade/
— The Wisconsin Broadband Workforce Coalition has been chosen to lead workforce development planning for the more than $1 billion in broadband infrastructure funding coming to the state.
That’s according to a recent release from the organization, which announced Friday it’s been selected for this role by the state Public Service Commission. It includes leaders from all 11 of the state’s local workforce development boards, the release shows.
The coalition will be led by Josh Morby, a public affairs specialist in Milwaukee with JRM Advisors, as well as executives from a national workforce development group called WRTP | BIG STEP.
“We’ve been working on behalf of our members for months to draw attention to the importance of supporting workforce development efforts for the broadband infrastructure investments coming,” Morby said in the release.
The broadband infrastructure funding is coming from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program, which is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
At a conference held in Brookfield earlier this year, Sen. Julian Bradley, R-Franklin, said Wisconsin could see as much as $1.2 billion from the BEAD program. Bradley, who chairs the state Senate Utilities and Technology Committee, says the federal dollars will offer a chance for bipartisan compromise among lawmakers in the state.
See more on the coalition here: https://www.wisconsinbroadbandworkforce.org/
See the release: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2023/wisconsin-broadband-workforce-coalition-selected-to-lead-bead-workforce-planning-efforts/
See a recent story on broadband funding coming to the state: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2023/senator-says-broadband-funding-offers-chance-for-bipartisanship/
— Starting next month, parts of northeastern Wisconsin will have a new 274 area code, state regulators announced.
According to the Public Service Commission, the area’s 920 area code is expected to run out of assignable three-digit prefixes by the first quarter of next year. The new area code will be in service starting May 5, and the North American Numbering Plan Administrator will begin assigning 274 codes once all the 920 area codes are assigned, the PSC release shows.
The new code will be used for new telephone numbers in communities including Appleton, Beaver Dam, Berlin, Fond du Lac, Fort Atkinson, Green Bay, Manitowoc, Oshkosh, Ripon, Sheboygan, Sturgeon Bay and Watertown.
See the release: https://files.constantcontact.com/ea808663201/89f1ca4e-e3d5-4f1c-9457-c9b909a26c55.pdf
See more details: https://apps.psc.wi.gov/ERF/ERFview/viewdoc.aspx?docid=439806
— At least 5,400 homeowners in the state have gotten support through the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners Program, which aims to prevent foreclosures through financial assistance.
In a recent release, Gov. Tony Evers said the program has helped “prevent folks from having to choose between putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their heads” during times of hardship.
The WHH program, launched in March of last year, provides up to $40,000 to offset pandemic-related financial burdens, the release shows. Funding comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
See the release: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3523407
<br><b><i>Top headlines from the Health Care Report…</b></i>
— State health officials announced $10 million in opioid settlement funds will go toward three construction projects in Wisconsin.
And U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin at an appearance in Madison expressed her “personal joy,” at the Wisconsin Supreme Court election results, noting the implications for abortion rights.
<i>For more of the most relevant news on COVID-19, reports on groundbreaking health research in Wisconsin, links to top stories and more, sign up today for the free daily Health Care Report from WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com.</i>
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#TOP STORIES#
# Wisconsin could be a global manufacturing hub for EV production, but more skilled workers, training needed
# ‘Without us, there is no Madison’: Arts conference focuses on business
# ‘Off to a good start’: Advocate Health Care’s co-CEOs committed to patients, community
#TOPICS#
# AGRIBUSINESS
– Wisconsin native takes the reins at ASAC, bringing fresh perspective to agriculture industry
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=409&yr=2023
– Wisconsin congressman tours farms to promote green energy policy
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=408&yr=2023
# CONSTRUCTION
– Wisconsin set to receive $139M for drinking water infrastructure upgrades
– Harley-Davidson to break ground in coming weeks on ‘The Hub,’ HQ plans in works
# ECONOMY
– Nine Wisconsinites on Forbes list of world’s billionaires
# EDUCATION
– Building blocks: School District of Ladysmith renovations
# ENVIRONMENT
– Wisconsin DNR releases 3,500 public comments on wolf plan
– Carp barriers proposed on Mississippi River north of Winona as part of $17M proposal
# LEGAL
– DATCP and AG Kaul announce $75,000 judgment against manufactured home community operators for unfair and illegal rental practices
# MANUFACTURING
– Despite slowdown in customer spending, Fathom CEO is optimistic for second half of 2023
# POLITICS
– Wisconsin agriculture groups rally for legislative support
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=407&yr=2023
– US Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley tour homes after $5 million affordable housing federal investment
– After second major loss, Wisconsin GOP leaders say it’s about more than abortion
# REAL ESTATE
– Madison ‘M Block’ housing complex declared chronic nuisance
– Three Leaf buys land to build West Allis apartments on National Avenue
– Sprawling industrial complex planned at former Malteurop site in West Milwaukee
– Hundred Acre scaling up with plans for a second Milwaukee location
# REGULATION
– The 920 area code region will add the area code 274 in early May
# SMALL BUSINESS
– Second Breakfast Bakery’s sweet treats can be hobbit-forming
# SPORTS
– Milwaukee Admirals to sponsor new Milwaukee dog park near Foxtown Landing development
– Milwaukee Brewers testing beer sales past seventh inning as pitch clock shortens games
# TOURISM
– Website helps campers find a spot at Wisconsin’s private campgrounds
# PRESS RELEASES
<i>See these and other press releases:
http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82 </i>
Wisconsin Broadband Workforce Coalition: Selected to lead BEAD workforce planning efforts
