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Ken Notes: Milwaukee has hit the ball out of the park with the new Deer District. I know wrong sports metaphor, but three pointer seems cliché. Food Fight enters the MKE market with Cervo’s on the 9th floor! I think they should sponsor a WisconsinDevelopment.com road trip...

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While Kenosha and Racine counties are experiencing a development boon, employers and developers are missing a key piece for incoming residents and construction workers: Healthcare.

In Kenosha, city officials and developers announced plans for a nine-block downtown redevelopment project to replace empty lots with around 1,000 new apartments, and similarly transform the 107-acre former Chrysler plant. In nearby Racine County, Microsoft entered an agreement to build buy 315 acres and build a $1 billion data center in the village of Mount Pleasant...

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Ken Notes: Economic Development is a team effort and we have to remember it takes: housing, education, workforce, infrastructure, state and local partnerships, and yes healthcare...

Microsoft`s proposed data center in Mount Pleasant would likely be the first beneficiary of a bill introduced Monday to exempt data center equipment, software and other costs from state sales and use taxes.

Tom Still: Microsoft hyperscale data center need not be the last in Wisconsin

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Ken Notes: We need to be careful. The new project needs to create enough value to pay for the infrastructure investments needed for the project and already made in the area. I would do this with a development agreement a good development agreement. I also do not like legislation targeted at a single large project. Most of our jobs still come from smaller companies...

The City of Kenosha Plan Commission will consider a major Downtown development plan covering numerous city blocks Thursday evening.

The plan is a partnership with Cobalt Partners, LLC of Milwaukee and C. D. Smith, a general contractor and development firm based in Fond du Lac. The comprehensive plan covers nine blocks of Downtown Kenosha bordered by Sheridan Road on the west, 52nd Street on the north, 56th Street on the south and Lake Michigan on the east...
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Hughes outlines economic development agenda that includes ‘our underlying investments’

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Ken Notes: Missy Hughes has brought much to WEDC, the focus has taken us through Covid, rebuilt many of our downtown`s, and helped business grow in Wisconsin. I wonder if she could weigh in on restructuring TIF laws to allow communities to work with WEDC on a specific project. We do this now but it involves bending the rules. I remember working with EPIC when they came to Verona - Pay as you go - Great development agreement - Get funds to the schools in a timely manor - Build community wide infrastructure - And little or no risk - All great ideas and none of them are specifically in the actual TIF laws...

Spanish manufacturer Ingeteam will expand capacity at its Milwaukee plant, creating 100 jobs producing electric vehicle charging stations as the U.S. advances ambitious plans to build out a national charging network.

The development points to Wisconsin’s growing promise as a critical manufacturing hub in the nation’s quickly expanding energy future, which was detailed in a recent WEDC report.

“This significant investment, in addition to the more than $20 million already invested in our cutting-edge manufacturing plant since 2010, will add up to 100 new well-paying jobs to the region, and to our production facility in Milwaukee over the next five years,” said Jesus Rodriguez, executive vice president of Ingeteam EV Chargers USA.

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Ken Notes: I like this, a Spanish Company employing Wisconsin workers on next gen jobs. I hope we can build more plants like this...

APPLETON, Wis. (WLUK) — A historic building in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin, is getting new life as a luxury apartment complex.

The 90-year-old Zuelke Building, which has been filled with office spaces for years, opened Monday as Residences at Zuelke, a 66-unit apartment building.

The first floor will remain a commercial space, but the other 11 stories will become luxury living.

While the building`s renovation was extensive, the design team said maintaining historical significance remained a top priority throughout the process. Because of this, some of the original features, like the marble floor, have been preserved.

New features include a fitness room, golf simulator and a theater...

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WEDC: Small businesses are key to thriving communities

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Milwaukee has a newly proposed plan that would help guide downtown area development over the next several years ? with another development plan pending for the city`s Bay View neighborhood.

Both plans, proposed by Mayor Cavalier Johnson`s administration, need Common Council approval, with that review to occur over the next couple of months.

But, before the Plan Commission and council review those proposals, there are other opportunities for people to comment on the plans. That includes a May 11 open house on the downtown plan.

Here are four things you need to know about the plans...

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The way the world accesses the internet is in constant flux and at an ever-increasingly rapid pace. WIFI 6, 5G, and 6G are all heavy hitters of the next generation of wireless connectivity that will drive IoT and Industry 4.0 networks.

As Industry 4.0’s use cases become more standardized, instead of bleeding edge, the internet of things further converges OT and IT. As the devices connecting to these evolving networks grow in scope and industry touchpoints, it becomes more critical than ever to choose the right technology for the right environment...

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Ken Notes: We are in the process of burying hundreds of millions of dollars worth of fiber when in fact the future is wireless. Perspective, we used to have corded phones...

SCS Engineers	Kraus-Anderson
The Gialamas Company	Miron Construction

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A group of state lawmakers released a package of draft bills Tuesday, aimed at tackling Wisconsin`s affordable housing crisis.

The bipartisan group has two main goals: to lower the cost of construction, and to limit the power of neighbors to oppose development.

Lower-cost housing is aim of bipartisan legislative package

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Ken Notes: Much more on this in the next WWHNews.com on Workforce Housing. Remember Nimby is only one of many issues. Cost of development, density, infrastructure, cost of property, and exclusionary zoning, and most of all profit margins are all on the table...

The Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is back for its 20th year of helping entrepreneurs prepare to launch their business. A total of 150 entries have been narrowed down to 13 finalists who will all present their businesses to a panel of judges on May 31.

Finalists from southeastern Wisconsin include:

• Germantown-based Chocolate Rescue for Dogs: Founder Arek Schmocker has created a dog treat that encapsulates the toxins found in chocolate if a dog were to accidentally eat some.
  
  
• Milwaukee-based Energy Tech Innovations: Founder Bryan Johnson is helping the company develop a low-cost, water-based gas treatment method that will convert biogas into renewable natural gas, a greenhouse gas neutral fuel.
  
  
• Oconomowoc-based Soul Mobility: Founder Troy Tesmer aims to provide solutions to the physically challenged through the startup’s user-inspired designs and innovations.
  
  
• West Allis-based WORKSHIFT: Founder Bekki Yang is helping connect local health care workers with businesses and organizations seeking on-demand health care workers to perform necessary COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, among other medical/clinical services.

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Milwaukee, Wis. – Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld made stops at Stainless Foundry & Engineering, Lakefront Brewery, and Milwaukee Riverkeeper as part of a tour marking the recent release of the Clean Energy Plan Progress Report by Governor Tony Evers.

“Creating and sustaining a clean energy economy for Wisconsin is going to take collaborative action across the public and private sector, learning from each other,” Secretary Blumenfeld said. “The Clean Energy Plan is a starting point for how we can best create pathways toward sustainability that will benefit our business community and economy, as well as the health and pocketbooks of Wisconsin residents long term.”...

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MENTOR Greater Milwaukee, EmpowHER will expand the apprenticeship mentorship framework for registered apprentices and sponsors.

MADISON – When considering the main elements of an apprenticeship, hands-on training or related instruction are often the first things to come to mind. However, another integral component to the apprenticeship program structure is mentorship.

"Mentorships are the heartbeat of Wisconsin apprenticeship," said David Polk, director of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development`s (DWD) Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. "We want apprentices to have all the resources available to them to promote completion of apprenticeships at a high level. If apprentices have a positive mentorship experience, they will, in turn, become better mentors for the next generation of apprentices." ...

SEE ALSO:

Wisconsin apprenticeship programs growing more popular

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Mid-America Real Estate-Wisconsin completed its fourth Shopko sale collaboration with CORTA Development, this sale closing in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

Earlier, Mid-America’s Asset Advisory team assisted CORTA with vacant department store acquisition and redevelopments in Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and West Bend, Wisconsin, all of which are in various stages of redevelopment.

In August of last year, the Onalaska Plan Commission approved a zoning change around the former Shopko building, part of the East Towne Plaza, from mixed-use community to regional business property...

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Ken Notes: While I miss Shopko, it has been interesting to see what adaptive reuses have taken over the spaces. I especially like the Farm and Fleet in Monroe and some of the grocery options. Onalaska is bringing another of my favs, Five Below...

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Ken Notes: ETC is one of my favorite companies in Wisconsin and their work in LED Theatre lighting will keep them growing as the leader in the industry...

Evers op­ti­mistic that bi­par­tisan deal on local gov­ernment aid can be reached

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Northwood Tech’s new mobile welding lab held its official ribbon cutting ceremony on the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Reservation

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JANESVILLE, Wis. – The Madison office of Kraus-Anderson (KA) has completed the renovation of Janesville Kia and Janesville Subaru located at 3301 North Pontiac Dr. in Janesville, Wis.  The dealerships are owned by Janesville-based Home Run Auto Group.

Designed by R.B. Custom Designs, the $1.76 million, 7,485-square-foot project renovated an existing, abandoned motorcycle storage building into a car wash and auto detailing center.  The new building offers two car wash bays, two detailing bays, a photo booth room, undercoating bay and a new surface lot for overflow parking for both Kia and Subaru dealerships.

KA constructed the Janesville Kia and Janesville Subaru in 2016, and has built several other dealerships for Home Run Auto Group, including Kenosha Subaru in Bristol, Wis., and Racine Honda and Racine Hyundai in Mount Pleasant, Wis...


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Broihahn Management & Consulting		Engineered Construction
Coalesce Marketing	Miron Construction	Findorff
Artis REIT

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Trevor Lord has joined Appleton, Wisconsin-based contractor The Boldt Company as director of business development for its Northern Operations Division. He will concentrate on Boldt’s Wisconsin offices in Green Bay and Appleton.

In this position, Lord will be responsible for developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key business partners and customers and representing the firm within these communities....

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A decade-long slowdown in wind energy development in Wisconsin appears to be ending.

In early April, the Red Barn Wind Park began operation in Grant County, producing enough energy to power 32,000 homes.

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The Water Council and its partners have been awarded $1 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to plan a Regional Innovation Engine in eastern Wisconsin addressing water and energy resilience for manufacturers and utilities.

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Ken Notes: I still believe the key is working with local communities, acquiring land and controlling development. Home ownership is also a key factor. I like the Madison practice of building rental apartments to condo standards so they could eventually be sold as stand alone units. This legislation is a nice effort though, More Friday in WWHnews.com...

 Helios Technologies Inc. is expanding its specialized engineering capabilities through the acquisition of Wisconsin-based i3 Product Development, a custom engineering services firm that specializes in electronics, mechanical, industrials and software.

i3’s 55-member engineering team will complement Helios’ existing internal engineering operations, including its industrial design and rapid prototyping capabilities, according to Helios president and CEO Josef Matosevic...
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Stay up to date by reading our MadREP Report, a bi-monthly newsletter that features regional economic development news, events and opportunities.

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GREEN BAY –  The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized area Main Street programs for 2022 downtown revitalization projects during the 32nd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held April 21 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse.

On Broadway, Inc. earned top honors for Best Volunteer Engagement and Best Creative Fundraising Effort for its High Five fundraiser held in September.

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RACINE — The Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program, the highest national recognition available to a community revitalizing its downtown district through the Main Street Approach.

The Main Street Approach is a community-driven, comprehensive strategy for revitalizing downtowns. It involves the preservation of historic buildings, the promotion of public-private partnerships, and the support of small businesses.

“We are honored to be recognized as an Accredited Main Street America program,” said Kelly Kruse, executive director of DRC. “This designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community partners, volunteers, and staff.”...

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SUSSEX, Wis. — It`s prime home-building time in our region as warmer weather rolls in, but can developers keep up with demand? The I-Team looks into a new study that shows the Badger State is in a housing shortage and it could get worse in the next few years if things don`t pick up.

According to the Wisconsin Counties Association and Forward Analytics, 140,000 homes need to be built by 2030 to keep up with demand for folks under 65. It`s a staggering number to avoid a state-wide housing shortage. Researchers aren`t optimistic, but developers said they think it`s doable.

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Ken Notes: We need to think small dense affordable owner occupied with shared amenities.

WAUPACA (WLUK) -- A Waupaca County program was highlighted for giving workers more than just a lift to work.

On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation held a celebration for the "Catch a Ride" program at Waupaca Foundry.

The program reached a milestone, offering more than 1,000 rides to and from work.

It is supported by the Workforce Innovation Grant from WEDC and the Department of Workforce Development.

"The goals of this is to meet people where they are and understand that everybody wants the opportunity to fully participate in the economy sometimes there are barriers that keep them from being able to do that," said CEO of WEDC, Missy Hughes...

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Wisconsin businesses will have a chance establish or expand their export sales in a series of eight trade ventures spanning the globe through April 2024.

“These are boots-on-the-ground opportunities to develop markets and build  valuable relationships,” says Katy Sinnott, WEDC’s vice president of global trade and investment. “WEDC’s slate of Global Trade Ventures provides a great opportunity to make contacts, demonstrate  products and services, and build  valuable business relationships internationally.”

WEDC’s Global Trade Venture Program has scheduled in-person trips to markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Destinations for 2023-24 include:

• Belgium and the Netherlands, Sept. 9-16, with stops in Amsterdam and Brussels
• Poland, Nov. 11-18, centered in Warsaw
• India, Dec. 2-9, with stops in Mumbai and Delhi
• Mexico, Jan. 28-Feb. 2, with stops in Monterrey and Mexico City
• United Arab Emirates, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, centered in Dubai
• China, March 9-16, with stops in Shanghai and Beijing
• Canada, April 7-12, with stops in Toronto and Winnipeg
• Germany, April 6-13, centered in Munich

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Ken Notes: I think they need a reporter/Blogger along with them...

COMBINED LOCKS - When the former Appleton Coated paper mill came back to life in 2018, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced it would award up to $1.8 million in state income tax credits to support the Combined Locks facility.

In order to receive the full amount, Midwest Paper Group needed to create 321 jobs by 2020 and maintain those positions through at least 2022. At the time, it also committed to investing at least $30 million in the more-than-century-old paper mill....
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Ken Notes: So it seems the systems is working as planned. Jobs = credits, No jobs no credits...

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Economic Development Division	Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority	nwrpc.com momentumwest.org 7riversalliance.org driftlessdevelopment.com grownorth.org prosperitysouthwest.com centergy.net madisonregion.org thenewnorth.com mke7.com
PropertyDrive.com	CirexNews.com	www.weda.org	DOA
Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Directory		Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

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Highland Estates would be west of Pleasant Prairie`s existing Devonshire and Village Green Heights subdivisions between 93rd and 104th streets.

As southeast Wisconsin and much of the nation face a housing shortage, the project would create single- and two-family houses for both homebuyers and renters. The developer has received "tremendous interest" from the local builder community.

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GERMANTOWN — F Street Development Group and Keller, Inc. on Tuesday broke ground on a new industrial warehouse in Germantown that is set to open in January 2024.

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BROOKFIELD, WIS. — Caribou Coffee has signed a lease to open as the inaugural tenant at a new mixed-use development in the Milwaukee suburb of Brookfield. The project is a redevelopment of a former Pepino’s restaurant and a tax preparation office located at the intersection of Capitol and Calhoun roads. Construction is underway, and Caribou Coffee is slated to open this summer. Bill Quinlivan of Colliers | Wisconsin is marketing the property for lease...   ...Full Story Here

MADISON, WIS – This week, employers, economic development organizations and other key leaders from across Wisconsin sent a letter to the co-chairs of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance in support of significant funding for child care in the state budget.

“Wisconsin families need access to high-quality, affordable child care to participate in the workforce, and our businesses need a stable workforce to operate efficiently and grow,” the letter states. “As such, the above- named employers, organizations, and leaders in Wisconsin’s business and economic development community are writing today to request your support for a strong state investment in child care in the 2023-25 biennial budget. We simply cannot afford to invest any less.”...
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MILWAUKEE, WI — The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce continues to grow with the addition of two new team members, Jessa Michie as Supplier Diversity Program Manager and Alexis Hernandez as South Central WI Outreach Coordinator.

“Thanks to the support of Governor Evers and the Diverse Business Assistance Program, we’re excited to be expanding our team to help support the growth and development of LGBTQ and diverse businesses,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber. “With Jessa and Alexis, we can continue to build up LGBTQ+ allied businesses in our state.”....
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MADISON, Wis. (WEAU) - The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Wednesday is releasing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of unemployment and employment statistics for Wis. metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wis. for April 2023.

As stated in a media release from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, in brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wis. shows:..
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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced 10 Wisconsin companies will receive a DATCP Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (BLBW) grant in 2023.

BLBW is a competitive grant program designed to strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture and food industries by helping farms and businesses more efficiently process, market, and distribute locally grown food products. BLBW grants pro?vide consumers with access to more Wisconsin-grown food products, including organic fruits and vegetables, hazelnut products, locally grown grain, and other value-added products.

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Ken Notes: WDNews relies on the actual journalism provided by your local media outlets. Without these partners we can not bring you the unbiased news, leads and updates you need to thrive in Wisconsin. Support your local media...

Land & Space Development Database

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Ken Notes: Tom Daykin is the source for ED news in MKE. This is a permanent link to articles in his blog which is updated daily...

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Online at WisconsinDevelopment.com  & WDNGreen.com Featuring Storues & Links you can use everyday to help your bisiness and Wisconsin grow! Edited and published by Ken Harwood @ LinkedIn. 

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Ken Notes: "Ken Notes" may be reprinted in context without permission. Attribution should be Ken Harwood, Editor Wisconsin Development News or Ken Harwood Advocate for Wisconsin.

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