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Wisconsin Development News (click here to read online) | |||||||||
![]() Ken Harwood Advocating for Wisconsin ...Full Story HereKen [at] KenHarwood.com 608.334.2174 This Weeks Articles for 5/25/2023 ...
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A peek at the shiny new restaurants & bars inside The Trade Hotel | |||||||||
The Trade Hotel, an Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott, officially opened today at 420 W. Juneau Ave. adjacent to Fiserv Forum in the Deer District. Built to pay homage to the various trades and tradespeople who built Milwaukee from the ground up, the hotel sports a modern industrial look and feel which embraces masonry, metal and wood to create a beautiful, state of the art environs. In addition to hotel accommodations, The Trade boasts three food and beverage venues: The Craft gastropub, Solomon’s lounge and Il Cervo, an Italian concept from Madison’s Food Fight Restaurant Group.... ...Full Story HereKen 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... ![]() | |||||||||
$450M development in Kenosha moves forward, could reshape downtown area | |||||||||
![]() Kenosha Common Council approved development agreement MondayA major development plan in Kenosha could reshape the city`s downtown in the coming years. Plans for the development include over 1,000 apartments and condominiums, office buildings, retail space, a market hall and hotel and across a nine-block radius downtown. The plan would also develop a new municipal office building, while razing the existing city hall to make way for a residential tower and mixed-use development... See Also: ![]() | |||||||||
Health care gap emerges amid development boon for Kenosha, Racine counties | |||||||||
![]() 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... 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... ![]() | |||||||||
Sponsors of bill to exempt data center equipment from sales tax say it`s key to competing with other states | |||||||||
![]() The bill`s authors, Rep. Shannon Zimmerman, R-River Falls, and Sen. Romaine Robert Quinn, R-Cameron, say the exemption is needed to attract tech companies that are rapidly developing networks of data centers to support their cloud computing customers... See Also: 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... ![]() | |||||||||
Construction on major development plan for Downtown Kenosha could begin this fall | |||||||||
![]() 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... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
At WEDC, focus expands to communities and small businesses — not just big ones | |||||||||
![]() Hughes outlines economic development agenda that includes ‘our underlying investments’Economic development is about much more than attracting big businesses to Wisconsin communities, the state’s chief economic development official said Tuesday during a public Q & A session in Madison. In the three and a half years since she was appointed, said Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., her work has broadened beyond “increasing the square footage in a community” occupied by industry or “attracting businesses and things like that.”.. 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... ![]() | |||||||||
Ingeteam’s Wisconsin expansion charges up the future of electric vehicles in the U.S. | |||||||||
![]() 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. Ingeteam will increase production of DC Fast Chargers and L2EV chargers for the U.S. market at its existing plant. The fast chargers will be Buy America-compliant and will meet the requirements of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program... Ken Notes: I like this, a Spanish Company employing Wisconsin workers on next gen jobs. I hope we can build more plants like this... ![]() | |||||||||
Historic building in Wisconsin gets new life as luxury apartment complex | |||||||||
![]() 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. ![]() | |||||||||
Wisconsin had the second-best 10-year small business survival rate over the last decade | |||||||||
![]() WEDC: Small businesses are key to thriving communitiesWisconsin had the second-best 10-year small business survival rate in the nation over the last decade. Only Iowa had a better ranking. ...Full Story HereThat’s according to a recent analysis from The Southern Bank Company, a financial institution based in Alabama that looked at data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare the state-by-state business survival rates from March 2012 through that month of 2022... ![]() | |||||||||
Milwaukee is getting new development plans for downtown and Bay View. Here`s what you need to know. | |||||||||
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... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
The Next Gen of Wireless Connectivity | |||||||||
![]() 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... 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... ![]() | |||||||||
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State lawmakers proposed solutions to the state`s housing crisis. Here`s what to know | |||||||||
![]() The bipartisan group has two main goals: to lower the cost of construction, and to limit the power of neighbors to oppose development. The proposals would make it cheaper to borrow money for new, affordable construction projects. The lawmakers say this would create more "workforce housing": homes that middle-income Wisconsinites can afford. As construction costs soar, it`s getting harder to build homes in that price range... See Also: ...Full Story Here 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... ![]() | |||||||||
Four southeastern Wisconsin companies named finalists in Governor’s Business Plan Contest | |||||||||
![]() Finalists from southeastern Wisconsin include:
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Dept. of Administration: Visits showcase sustainability efforts in Milwaukee | |||||||||
![]() 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.”... ...Full Story Here![]() | |||||||||
DWD Announces New Partnerships to Advance Mentorship Training and Resources | |||||||||
![]() 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. SEE ALSO: Wisconsin apprenticeship programs growing more popular ...Full Story Here![]() | |||||||||
Mid-America closes fourth Shopko sale in Wisconsin | |||||||||
![]() 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... 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... ![]() | |||||||||
Electronic Theatre Controls: Tollefson named 2023 Wisconsin ORBIE® finalist | |||||||||
![]() Middleton, WI (24 May 2023) – Bob Tollefson, Vice President of Business Resources at ETC, has been named as a finalist for the 2023 Wisconsin ORBIE® Awards in the Corporate category, presented by the Wisconsin Leadership Association (WisconsinCIO.) Tollefson was selected from a list of over 120 nominations. As a finalist in this Award category, he will be honored at an awards banquet in June in front of more than 300 technology professionals and business leaders... See Also: ...Full Story HereKen 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... ![]() | |||||||||
Bill would increase funding to counties, cities, towns and villages by $227 million over the next two years | |||||||||
Evers optimistic that bipartisan deal on local government aid can be reachedMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers said Wednesday that he and Republicans who control the Legislature are working toward a bipartisan compromise on a bill that would increase funding for local governments, a measure that the Democrat promised to veto as originally introduced... ...Full Story Here![]() | |||||||||
Northwood Tech Cut Ribbon At Ceremony For New Mobile Welding Lab | |||||||||
![]() Northwood Tech’s new mobile welding lab held its official ribbon cutting ceremony on the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin ReservationNorthwood Tech’s new mobile welding lab held its official ribbon cutting ceremony on the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Reservation. Speakers at the event included Dr. John Will, president of Northwood Tech, Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Amy Pecachek, secretary-designee for the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Bruce Songetay, cultural coordinator and first speaker/language advisor – St. Croix Tribe, Janine McNulty, higher education and community development research/recruiter – St. Croix Tribe, and Keith Burns, welding instructor... ![]() | |||||||||
Kraus-Anderson completes Kia Subaru renovation in Janesville, Wis. | |||||||||
![]() 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... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
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Wisconsin’s Boldt Company adds director of business development | |||||||||
![]() 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.... ...Full Story Here![]() | |||||||||
Wisconsin`s first new wind farm in 6 years went online in April. Why did it take so long and what does the future hold for wind energy? | |||||||||
![]() In early April, the Red Barn Wind Park began operation in Grant County, producing enough energy to power 32,000 homes. Red Barn is the first new utility-scale wind farm in nearly six years and only the second to go live since 2012, when three wind farms went into operation in east-central Wisconsin... ![]() | |||||||||
Wisconsin wins $1M NSF Engines Development Award to address water and energy resiliency | |||||||||
![]() The Water Council applied for the two-year grant with its lead partners MKE Tech Hub Coalition, Wisconsin Technology Council, Marquette University, Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity, and Madison Region Economic Partnership... ![]() | |||||||||
State lawmakers unveil package of bills aimed at addressing Wisconsin`s housing shortage | |||||||||
![]() Bills have support from real estate, builders, local governments and public health groupsA bipartisan group of state lawmakers recently introduced a package of bills aimed at addressing Wisconsin’s affordable housing crisis. Supporters of the legislation say the bills will target high construction costs through low- to zero-interest loans for certain housing projects, as well as make it easier for local governments to approve housing developments. The bills have received support from real estate, building groups, local government associations and public health associations... 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` acquisition of Wisconsin firm said to `turbocharge` new product development | |||||||||
![]() 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... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
Wausau affordable housing development moves forward | |||||||||
![]() City Council reverts to prior policies, votes to sell land for $A plan to create 50 affordable apartments on city-owned property will move forward after the council approved new amendments to the plan, under which Wausau will sell the land to a developer for $1. Project plans for the property, at 415 S. First Ave. and 401 S. First Ave., have twice been scuttled since Wausau acquired the land. City leaders in September 2016 purchased the West Side Battery property for $200,000 using a loan made by the Judd S. Alexander Foundation. The adjoining parcel, the former home of L&S Printing, was sold to the city in 2014 for $190,000, also with a loan from the Judd S. Alexander Foundation. The $390,000 properties are now considered a single parcel for development purposes... ![]() | |||||||||
MadREP News | |||||||||
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Area programs recognized during Main Street Awards ceremony | |||||||||
![]() On Broadway, Inc. earned top honors for Best Volunteer Engagement and Best Creative Fundraising Effort for its High Five fundraiser held in September. “Volunteers are a huge part of how On Broadway, Inc. operates and achieves its goals. More than 2300 volunteer hours were tracked in 2022 helping with events, district cleanup, community art projects and large-scale development projects like the Shipyard and Green Bay Public Market,” a release from On Broadway stated... ![]() | |||||||||
Downtown Racine Corporation earns accredited 2023 Main Street America status | |||||||||
![]() 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.”... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
Research shows Badger State is short on houses, developers fight to keep up with demand | |||||||||
![]() 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. "This is something that`s been coming for a long time," Dale Knapp said. .. Ken Notes: We need to think small dense affordable owner occupied with shared amenities. ![]() | |||||||||
Waupaca County`s `Catch a Ride` program breaks down transportation barriers for workers | |||||||||
![]() 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. ![]() | |||||||||
WEDC offers a world of export growth through upcoming trade ventures | |||||||||
![]() 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:
Ken Notes: I think they need a reporter/Blogger along with them... ![]() | |||||||||
Midwest Paper Group was awarded $1.8M in tax credits when it reopened. Ultimately, the mill didn`t get the full amount. | |||||||||
![]() 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.... ...Full Story Here Ken Notes: So it seems the systems is working as planned. Jobs = credits, No jobs no credits... ![]() | |||||||||
Economic Development Resources | |||||||||
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Proposal for massive Kenosha County subdivision gets green light | |||||||||
![]() 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. ...Full Story Here![]() | |||||||||
It takes a village: How collaboration helped a small northern Wisconsin city add crucial child care | |||||||||
![]() Langlade County, where Antigo is located, is a child care desert: an area either without child care or where there’s fewer than one slot per three children.The old proverb says that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Today, it takes the whole village, city or town — employers, families and government — to raise a child care center. Gabby Sorano needed support from all three to open the 35-slot Antigo Child Care Center last year in the city of 8,100 people 80 miles northwest of Green Bay. Langlade County, where Antigo is located, is a child care desert: an area either without child care or where there’s fewer than one slot per three children. Langlade currently has one child care slot for every 4.3 children, the highest ratio in the 10-county North Central Wisconsin region... ![]() | |||||||||
F Street Development and Keller break ground on warehouse | |||||||||
![]() F Street Development is working with Keller, Inc. to build an approximately 375,000-square-foot industrial precast speculative building in Germantown. The development, called Town Nine, is aimed at fulfilling the need for new quality class A industrial warehouse/distribution space in the Germantown market, according to F
Street. The project`s future address will be at the corner of Wausaukee
Road and Donges Bay Road in Germantown... ![]() | |||||||||
Caribou Coffee to Open at New Mixed-Use Development in Brookfield, Wisconsin | |||||||||
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Wisconsin Early Childhood Association: Wisconsin businesses, organizations support child care funding in 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.”... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber: Continues growth with two additional team members | |||||||||
![]() “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.”.... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
Wis. DWD releases April 2023 unemployment data | |||||||||
![]() As stated in a media release from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, in brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wis. shows:.. ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
Dept. of Agriculture: Announces 2023 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant recipients | |||||||||
![]() 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. “These grants play an important role in strengthening the tie between Wisconsin’s food producers and consumers, thus ensuring more Wisconsinites can gain access to local foods,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “The awarded companies will have the opportunity to use these funds to expand their operations and improve the local food marketplace across the state.”... Together Farms, Mondovi Expand agritourism efforts and increase marketing to support a new on-farm retail store. American Hazelnut Company, Gays Mills Enhance processing, update product labels to improve brand integrity and recognition, and diversify product lines. ![]() | |||||||||
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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 and Space / Tom Daykin | |||||||||
![]() Note: I changed the link here to Toms Twitter account. JS limits the number of articles I can read so I look at TD`s Twitter feed every week. I`ll Still include JS articles but after ten you need to subscribe. I also updated the picture because, well Tom is getting old and development is taking it`s toll!!! Milwaukee
- 1/1/2020 Journal Sentinel business reporter Tom Daykin talks about
commercial real estate and development, including stores, hotels,
offices, condos, apartments and industrial buildings... Land & Space Development Database...Full Story Here 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... ![]() | |||||||||
The Wisconsin Development Network | |||||||||
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![]() Wisconsin Development News is Edited and Published by: Ken Harwood Ken [at] KenHarwood.com 608.334.2174 Mailing Address:
Please feel free to send story ideas or Press Releases to:Ken [at] KenHarwood.com Call 608.334.2174 to confirm receipt. ![]() |