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 Online at WisconsinDevelopment.com (4 weeks of articles) - Searchable at Search WDN - WDN Tool Box, Links you can use everyday to help you and Wisconsin grow! Edited and published by Ken Harwood @ LinkedIn. Click Here To Subscribe or add Friends and Colleagues... Available free from our SPONSORS... Why I publish WDN... WDGreen Environmental News From a Business Perspective! Ken Harwood ...moreAdvocating for Wisconsin Ken [at] KenHarwood.com 608.334.2174  |
 Gov. Scott Walker on Wednesday offered a deal to legislative leaders who have been at odds for months on how to fund road projects in the next state budget. Walker proposes lowering borrowing for roads projects by $200 million, down from the $500 million proposed in his budget. The deal also includes contingency borrowing tied to potential additional federal funds for interstate projects in southeastern Wisconsin, according to a letter sent Wednesday to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.... |
 In an unusual action possibly related to efforts to land a manufacturing plant that could employ thousands, the Racine County Board has agreed to funnel $500,000 to the area’s economic development organization. The special appropriation to the Racine County Economic Development Corp. is in the form of a letter of credit “to cover expenses related to economic development projects." The nonprofit organization must spend the money within the next six months... ...moreKen Notes: I can not stress enough the importance of the TEAM in an effort like this. LOCAL ED professionals will need to serve as ombudsmen for the company throughout the process. The State, County, and Community can do much, but the need for confidentiality, navigating the bureaucracy, finding the right property, negotiating with other businesses in the area, and so much more (that public officials can not cover) is necessary for a project of this magnitude. Remember IBM and Dubuque - Lets get this one right! |
 A project that would convert the existing
Madison Area Technical College`s Downtown buildings into a hotel and
build a 10-story office building on the property received initial
approval by a state board Wednesday. A state board has offered its initial approval for Madison Area Technical College’s plan to lease its Downtown campus for a $130 million private development. The Wisconsin Technical College System Board unanimously approved Wednesday the concept to convert MATC’s Downtown Education Center into a hotel, office building and retail space, bringing the proposal by Madison-based Hovde Properties and hotel developer Drury Southwest closer to an intended 2019 start date. In May, MATC’s Board of Trustees voted to begin negotiations with the development team after it was selected from five finalists seeking to develop the block just off Capitol Square. Ken Notes: Get `er done... |
 Assembly Republicans say the prospect of iPhone maker Foxconn bringing as many as 10,000 jobs to Wisconsin is among the issues in the state’s current budget standoff — which could affect funding for a freeway project south of Milwaukee, where the company reportedly is eyeing building sites. Assembly GOP leaders, in a memo made public Wednesday, also urge business groups to offer their own ideas to resolve the impasse over the state’s next transportation budget... Ken Notes: I see Foxconn trickling through our fingers. As for me, "Attention Foxconn, how can I help?" |
 Developers are refining plans for a massive project with a hotel, housing, office and retail space next to the towering new state office building and parking garage at Hill Farms on Madison’s West Side. The ambitious private development could be among the most expensive in city history, with a combined private and public investment totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Smith Gilbane, which is now completing a $150 million, nine-story, 600,000-square-foot office building and $36 million parking garage for the state on the western side of the Hill Farms site, bought the remaining 13.9 acres at that location and another 4.4 acres on the city’s South Side from the state for $13 million in 2015.... Ken Notes: Still in the pencil rendering stage but looking nice none the less. I still love the idea of this area becoming a retirement promise land for the boomers. I may have already mentioned this, but rapid transit to downtown from the area would be nice. Imagine a rubber wheel natural gas trolley system... |
 Oak Creek`s IKEA store will put southeastern Wisconsin on "the world stage" and is already attracting interest from other businesses that want to locate nearby, Mayor Dan Bukiewicz said. Noting that the popular home furnishings retailer has only 44 stores in the United States, Bukiewicz, in a brief address to more than 100 people gathered Thursday at the construction site for the store`s groundbreaking ceremony, suggested that bringing IKEA to town was akin to adding a professional sports team to a community.... ...moreKen Notes: I have often talked about destination retailers and their stimulus on a market. We will see the impact of this in Oak Creek, now Madison needs a destination retailer or attraction... Attention Madison, why not put a REGIONAL TIF package together for Foxconn offering: Land, Infrastructure, Transit, Housing, Recreation, and more. Partner with communities like Madison, Verona, Fitchburg, Sun, Middleton and others including townships and the county(s). Find 1,000+ acres and allow all the communities to become players and partners, each providing a piece of the puzzle. It amazes me that a CAFO can find thousands of acres to dump cow !@#$ yet our territorial competitiveness keeps us from working together to create great projects, parks, and other systems... Excuse the rant, but when I see the The Research Triangle in North Carolina and others I just shake my head... |
 After months on hold, a major development proposal near West Towne Mall is reappearing in a completely new form: An office complex that could bring as many as 1,000 jobs from a single anchor tenant. Last fall, Livesey Co. proposed West Place, a mix of retail, commercial and residential uses across 17 buildings on a 23-acre property at the corner of South Gammon and Mineral Point roads. It was put on hold in March when it did not prove financially feasible... |
 While not thrilled with a a second round of design plans for Madison’s public market, members of the committee overseeing the project moved the site plan forward Thursday night with plans to refine the design. Madison’s first public market will be located within a development that includes private retail, office and residential space. Currently the Washington Plaza shopping center site, the property is framed by East Washington Avenue, First Street, East Mifflin Street and Burr Jones Field....
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 A Downtown neighborhood of low-income, elderly and disabled residents borne amid controversial “urban renewal” a half-century ago may be reshaped again, this time with residents having a say. The city’s Community Development Authority and a nonprofit are eyeing a major redevelopment of more than 400 dated and deteriorating housing units on “the Triangle,” roughly 26 acres bounded by South Park and Regent streets and West Washington Avenue... |
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 MADISON - Wisconsin has emerged as a top potential site for a major investment from Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn, drawing multiple visits from top executives and boosting private hopes of the state winning a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Wisconsin still faces competition from multiple states and could have to provide enormous incentives to land a plant from Foxconn Technology Group under a potentially tight timeline... ALSO: Highly unlikely Foxconn could be lured to Waukesha CountyFoxconn will demand staggering government incentive package to land in WisconsinMilwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett pledges to recruit workers for possible Foxconn plantLawmakers: Foxconn deal with Wisconsin could come soonKen Notes: Remember listen and, How can we help? What other States have seen the plane?? Know your adversaries. let them be made the basis of a comparison" From The Art of War By Sun Tzu |
 The speculation began within minutes of when President Trump, speaking in Waukesha and alluding to negotiations with an unspecified company, told Gov. Scott Walker he might get “a very happy surprise very soon.” That surprise may well be Foxconn, a Taiwanese giant that assembles Apple’s iPhones and other electronics. No one will say for sure, but the Associated Press reported it had off-the-record confirmation that Foxconn is talking with Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. never comments on pending or potential opportunities – which is appropriate given how fragile and competitive such talks can be – so the potential “surprise” is still tightly wrapped inside a box awaiting a party that may never come.... ...moreKen Notes: This will be another test of our ability to all work together to attract a project. Tom mentions our plugged in business community, the Tech System and UW, and manufacturing tradition. Again I need to stress the importance of bringing all of these entities to the table with the "how can we help?" mantra. |
 Two weeks ago, the Madison Urban Design Commission rejected the design for the city`s massive Judge Doyle Square development, effectively stalling the project. Wednesday night, the UDC gave the project another shot, and, after a lengthy debate, approved it with a long list of conditions. The approval enabled the project to meet a deadline to secure $24 million in financing, a factor that swayed some commission members to argue in favor of the plans.... |
Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group, a major electronics manufacturer well known for making Apple`s iPhones, has announced plans to invest $10 billion to expand U.S. operations, and although it has not announced where or how that money will be spent, Wisconsin officials have let slip that their state is a top contender. ...moreKen Notes: If this is the case, and I think it is, I`d be making a few phone calls. |
 MADISON - Foxconn Technology Group is considering bringing 10,000 jobs to southeastern Wisconsin, leaders of the state Assembly said Wednesday. With their passing reference to the proposed project in a memo, the leaders became the first high-ranking state officials to acknowledge the Taiwanese company is considering a massive presence here. The firm also is considering putting the development in Michigan or other states.... ...more |
 Although the triangle plot of land at the intersection of Madison`s Fish Hatchery Road and South Park Street has been empty for a long time, there are plans in the works to develop the site. But after the city`s Plan Commission pointed out problems with the designs at a meeting Monday night, the plot will remain empty for a little longer. “I generally like this project,” said commission chair Ken Opin, adding, “It’s not ready.” The mixed-use project by T. Wall Enterprises named “The Peloton Residences” is slated for 1004 and 1032 S. Park St. It would be triangular to fit the property, with a courtyard at its center.... |
 ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, which produces 80 tons of cheese curds a day, is getting a boost from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for the expansion of its facility in western Wisconsin. The creamery, which was founded in 1910, has been authorized by WEDC to receive up to $175,000 in state tax credits for the 28,500-square-foot expansion of its plant in Ellsworth. The expansion project is expected to create 14 new jobs... ...moreKen Notes: Their plan 14 jobs $175,000. My plan 14 jobs 2K per for ten years $280,000. But trackable, no need for claw-back, and it flexes wit the growth, timing and quantity of jobs. |
 On Madison’s fast-growing Near East Side, Dane County officials are looking to entice developers to create more affordable housing with rent-free land for 99 years. The county is seeking proposals for a mixed-income rental housing project at the vacant Messner Inc. warehouse at 1326 E. Washington Ave. A request for proposals released last week prioritizes a project that provides a mix of affordable and market-rate units, commits to long-term affordability and creates lower-cost units for families. In return, a successful developer could enter into a no-cost, 99-year ground lease for the 1-acre property in the booming Capitol East District... Ken notes: How about a high rise of micro (say 10x16) condos available for 15Kish each. Some great common spaces for laundry, tech, socialization, education, health and mental care, dining and more. Creates OWNERSHIP, affordability, mentorship, and a hand up... I will buy the first one and donate it to a homeless vet... |
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 Almost a year after opening its third location, Willy Street Co-op is on the cusp of expanding its Middleton store and eyeing further expansion opportunities elsewhere. The co-op’s more than 34,000 members will vote this month on new members for the board of directors and an amendment to the by-laws that addresses conduct by board members. But the two most notable items on the ballot, if approved, would expand the co-op’s brand as competition in the Madison area grocery market continues to expand and evolve. One proposal asks the... ...more |
A private jet believed to be connected to Foxconn Technology Group, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer that has said it plans to build new factories employing thousands in the United States, landed in Madison Wednesday, then departed within hours. The jet’s brief presence at Dane County Regional Airport likely will intensify speculation about Wisconsin’s chances to win a piece of the huge investment in manufacturing capacity Foxconn has said it will make.... ...moreKen Notes: I see no red carpet, I hope we had cheese, beer and brats for them somewhere... How can we help! |
“Can’t talk about it:” Closed-door meeting in Racine Co. adds to speculation Foxconn wants to build therePaul Ryan meets with Foxconn as it considers building plant in WisconsinFoxconn forces Wisconsin to confront acute shortage of automation-age tech workersAs Foxconn speculation continues, Wisconsin wins just by being on the mapMore fuel added — airplane fuel, in this case — to Foxconn speculationApple iPhone supplier Foxconn may bring plant, 10,000 jobs to WisconsinFoxconn bringing 10,000 jobs to southeastern Wisconsin, Assembly speaker saysiPhone maker Foxconn considering bringing jobs to WisconsinMout Pleasant, Sturtevant to meet Monday amid growing development buzz Milwaukee may be top choice for massive Foxconn project; is Columbus still in running? ...more |
 The last few packages of Oscar Mayer meats will soon come gliding down the conveyor belts at the company’s Madison factory. Just a couple of hours on Thursday and workers on the last production line still running — thinly sliced ham — will flip off the switches, ending 98 years of manufacturing hot dogs and cold cuts at the Oscar Mayer plant at 910 Mayer Ave., part of the bedrock of the East Side’s economy for several generations... ...more |
 Boutique hotel developers eyeingnew sites after property sold. The development team seeking to build a boutique hotel at the corner of King and South Webster streets is exploring new locations now that the site it was eyeing has been sold to another buyer. Since announcing plans for the hotel in 2015, Patrick Sweeney and Josh Berkson, the co-owners of Merchant and Lucille, had been in negotiations to buy 118 King St. — a small, triangular parking lot previously owned by Scott Lewis of CMI Management. But the property changed hands earlier this year and is now owned by Oleysa Kuzmenko, the girlfriend of Madison businessman Eric Fleming. Kuzmenko is also listed as the owner of 112-116 King St., which houses Ancora Coffee Roasters, Woof’s and Opus Lounge.... ...moreKen Notes: I liked the hotel idea, I hope they find new digs. Verona could use a boutique hotel for the upscale EPIC visitors. Think Hospital Execs being wined and dined by Judy and company. |
 Proposed Annexation Goes Before Common Council The Kohler Co.`s controversial plan to build another golf course on roughly 250 acres of land it owns along Lake Michigan faces a key vote Monday evening. Sheboygan`s Common Council is expected to decide on Kohler`s request to have Sheboygan annex part of the Town of Wilson, where the golf course would be developed. The annexation would include a section of Kohler-Andrae State Park the company wants to use for the project. Former park superintendent Jim Buchholz, now retired, said the firm should leave the state land as is. "They`ll be pushing in roadways through that area, building their shop and building their parking lot, all on state park land that people previously have used and enjoyed," Buchholz said.... Ken Notes: Attention Kohler, if this does not go well I can get you some land for a resort complex next to University Ridge and you would have 5,000 potential guests training at EPIC every week all year long. It is a beautiful course with an annual senior event, and minutes from Madison. Sort of a no brainer... |
 Assembly Speaker Vos Says It`s Up To Senate To Come Up With Budget That Can Pass Both Chambers The new fiscal year started on Saturday, but Wisconsin still does not have a new state budget. That`s the result of a three-way Republican disagreement between the state Assembly, Senate and Gov. Scott Walker. They`re arguing over funding levels for things like roads, and education spending.... 11 highlights of $56.5B Michigan budget headed to Snyder`s deskIllinois budget crisis pits governor against his wifeA Look At Minnesota’s $46 Billion BudgetKen Notes: with Illinois in such disarray we should capitalize and get a good balanced budget to the Governor soon. Foxconn is watching... |
 The start of the state’s fiscal year, July 1, has passed without lawmakers and Gov. Scott Walker enacting a new state budget. What does that mean for most Wisconsinites? In the short term, very little. Spending levels from the previous two-year budget cycle carry over into the new one, enabling state agencies to continue operating... |
SCS - At the forefront of sustainable environmental solutions for over 40 years |
 The number of investments in Wisconsin startups has nearly doubled over the past five years, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Technology Council. The Wisconsin Portfolio report shows at least 137 Wisconsin early- stage companies raised investment capital last year, up 7 percent year-over-year and nearly twice the number of deals as in 2011, when 76 companies received early- stage funding. The state’s startups raised $276.2 million in 2016, up 31 percent from $209.5 million in 2015, but down from $346.2 million in 2014. ...moreKen Notes: Thanks to Tom Still, and local media and others for keeping this issue front and center! |
 Exact Sciences Corp.’s fortunes are on the upswing.Sales of its Cologuard test for colorectal cancer are on the rise, its stock is hitting record highs, and the company has padded its coffers with the sale of even more stock. Its new research and development center is fully occupied, and Exact is looking for more space to grow.... ...more |
 With CEO Magazine just naming Wisconsin the 10th best place to conduct business, the state is officially on the national economic development map. While Wisconsin has come a long way over the past several years (ranked 43rd in 2009), there continues to be one glaring weakness in its offerings. Despite all of the progress that has been made to attract and grow business, Wisconsin continues to be a high tax state. The Tax Foundation recently ranked Wisconsin #39 in the U.S. for total tax burden and the 4th worst state for property taxes. Legislators are currently discussing changes to the way that real estate will be assessed, specifically targeting commercial properties occupied by job-creating businesses. Labeled Assembly Bill 387, “The Walgreens Bill “ (which should not be confused with AB-386, “The Dark Store Bill”) the proposed legislation seeks to fundamentally change the assessment of properties leased to a business via a third-party property owner, also known as a triple-net lease in which the tenant is responsible for paying the annual real estate tax bill. While the bill targets large national retailers, specifically Walgreens, the new legislation will potentially have profound impact on property taxes for all types of businesses.... Walgreens “Market Rents” $12.00/SF: Walgreens “In Place Rents” $19.45/SF: Walgreens Investment Sale: Ken Notes: This is tough, Walgreens takes the best corner builds out nice brick and mortar, pays top dollar and then fights the assessment and most often wins. Alas trying to fix this at the expense of other businesses is not fair either. If Walgreens is in a TIF -- GET A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT!!!! If not see if you can negotiate a fair assessment during the permitting process. Also note if they are successful they will have a new store built and can leave the old one dark for some time. There is not a good legislative solution, you need to be diligent in your approval process and get EVERYTHING in writing. I went through this in both Neenah and Verona, their lawyers are VERY GOOD. |
 Brennan’s Market simply became irrelevant. The beloved company has been an institution in southern Wisconsin where it sold “chin drippin’” peaches from Idaho, blueberries from Michigan and cherries from Door County. The shelves are stocked with fresh produce, world championship cheese, and pickles, jams, mustards and spreads from Wisconsin companies.... ...moreKen Notes: Mixed feelings here, I love the stores but did not shop there much because you could not get everything you needed. I would love to see a Sendiks, Metcalfe`s, Trader Joes or Millers take them over -- all would do well and used grocery stores are a tough sell so the price may be right... |
 Local elected officials are concerned about the federal government’s plan to cut funding from a program for homeless veterans at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Home near Union Grove. State Sen. Bob Wirch, D-Somers, called the decision “a mean-spirited action by the Trump administration.” The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs announced Friday that cuts by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development will close Wisconsin Veteran Housing and Recovery Programs at King in Waupaca County and Dover in Racine County by the end of this year.... ...moreKen Notes: I am a fiscal conservative and I can think of no better program than to house and care for our vets. I would love to see more micro homes and ultra affordable condo/apartment units made available. If you fought for my freedom, I owe you a safe bed and health care, not to mention my undying gratitude. |
 ASHWAUBENON (WLUK) -- Another piece of the Green Bay Packers` Titletown District is taking shape just west of Lambeau Field. In total, the Titletown District will cover 34 acres. Part of that will be a sledding hill and public park. And if you`ve driven by lately, it`s hard to miss the area that will be the sledding hill. On Tuesday, crews finished pouring the concrete to complete the slope... ...moreKen Notes: OK this is way cool -- a sledding hill, we need one in Madison! |
 MANITOWOC - Redevelopment of Manitowoc`s former Mirro Plant 3 building into the Artist Lofts has been nominated for a Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse Award. A press release from Wisconsin Economic Development Association said the Wisconsin Redevelopment, LLC, project was nominated for the award by New North Inc......The five-story, 40-unit Artist Lofts at 2402 W. Franklin St. opened in July 2016 and features income-restricted apartments and a handful of market-rate units, with 25 percent of units targeted to U.S. veterans. ...more Ken Notes: see... |
 The state of Wisconsin is providing more than $1.6 million for manufacturing job training efforts, some of which is going to organizations in Milwaukee, Gov. Scott Walker’s office said. The Wisconsin Fast Forward program, which issues job training grants through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, is appropriating $1.6 million in new manufacturing grant awards statewide. Of that, $185,862 will go to WRTP/BIG STEP (Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/Building Industry Group Skilled Trades Employment Program)... ...more |
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 MADISON, Wis. – With a half-dozen or so states reportedly in the running for a $10-billion Foxconn facility in the United States, Wisconsin’s chances of landing the plant are at least known: It’s still a long shot, but possible. Even if Wisconsin does not become a U.S. home for Foxconn, a Taiwanese company best known for assembling Apple’s iPhones, it has the right ingredients to attract similar firms. That’s important in an age when “new-collar” jobs offer a way up for workers with technology skills but little or no college education.... |
 BELOIT - Hendricks Commercial Properties has been nominated for a Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse award for transforming the former Beloit Corporation campus into the Ironworks Campus. The Rock County Economic Development Agency nominated Hendricks Commercial Properties for the award, which is part of the Community and Economic Development Awards program created by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association.... ...moreKen Notes: Ironworks Campus is one of my favorite developments in the state, followed by Third Ward, and sans transit East Washington. Are there others that I should be writing about??? |
 Amid one of the most tumultuous decades in the history of U.S. retailing, a new wrinkle will be added Thursday when ground is broken on Wisconsin`s first IKEA store. Twenty-nine acres along W. Drexel Ave. near Interstate 94 in Oak Creek are about to be transformed into what could become one of the most popular retail destinations in the state... ...moreKen Notes: I for one can`t wait... Ohmmmmmm.... |
 ...During the special meeting, the council will hear an update from MontDevCo LLC, the developers of the One Big Sky Center project, as well as from Hammes Company, the joint venture firm recently included in the proposed $165 million development that had remained unnamed until now.... ...Hammes Company includes three brief case studies touching on the company`s involvement in three developments: a 20-year, $5.6 billion private and public Destination Medical Center in Rochester, the Lambeau Field and Titletown Development District in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the Allentown Entertainment District.... Ken Notes: Congrats! There were many nice thing said about Hammes in the article!! |
 If there is a fundamental question facing Congress, it can be summed up like this: How can the U.S. advance our most important objectives without digging a bigger budgetary hole for future generations? It’s a tough one, especially when it comes to affordable housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development alone spent over $40 billion on the affordable housing mission last year. Much of that money goes to worthy programs, yet many low- and moderate-income Wisconsinites are still struggling to lease an apartment or buy a home.... Ken Notes: Great read. I have an idea I would like to talk about more. What if we used the new idea of micro housing to home ever homeless veteran (to start with). A 10 x 16 with a loft would cost less that 10K, could be assembled by local groups as a public service, could be sited in existing neighborhoods at 5 to 10 units per lot. Covenants and strict codes could keep the properties pristine... This is worth discussing and would actually cost far less than we are now spending.... |
 BadgerCare would be available to all Wisconsinites rather than only low-income residents under a Democratic proposal announced Wednesday. The "BadgerCare for All" bill, introduced by Rep. Eric Genrich, D-Green Bay, and Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee, would make BadgerCare a public option available to anyone in Wisconsin through the federal health insurance exchange. The plan offers a "common sense, affordable, high quality solution," Genrich said in a news conference. Ken Notes: While partisanship will keep this on the table, I have often thought we should have a statewide "group" for our small business to buy into. I also feel we should expand our state insurance plan to cover all public employees this would remove health care from the bargaining table and save us millions. Alas pro business fiscal conservancy has given way to all out partisanship and big donors... |
 Anne Katz, executive director of Arts Wisconsin, believes that art justifies itself. “The reason the arts are important is because the arts are important,” Katz said. “Arts make us human.” But she admits, “When we’re talking about investing in the arts, it helps to make the economic argument.” Ken Notes: At least... |
 Also allows employers to search for candidatesThe state Department of Workforce Development is seeking to boost the number of college students with internships at Wisconsin companies with a new website that’s similar to its Jobs Center of Wisconsin. The website, www.internshipwisconsin.com, and its flagship tool, WisConnect, seeks to match employers with potential interns. College students with an active .edu email address can create an account, upload their resume and search for opportunities by geography, major and other categories.... ...more |
 Landscape Architecture, Planning, Architecture, Engineering... Please see our blog here for updates... . ...more |
 The Milwaukee County Board on Thursday urged the Republican-controlled Legislature to create an independent panel responsible for redrawing congressional and legislative districts that do not favor one political party over another. The board`s action comes three days after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case on appeal that found Wisconsin Republicans in 2011 drew legislative district maps so favorable to their party that the districts violated the federal constitution... ...more |
 “It’s not how many restaurants you have, but how many good ones.” That was the philosophy of the late George Culver, co-founder of the Prairie du Sac-based Culver Franchising System. That mindset has served as a catalyst for growth over the years. Starting off with one Culver’s restaurant in Sauk City in 1984, Culver’s now has 627 restaurants in 24 states. And it all began with the butterburger and frozen custard.... |
 The site is still under wraps, but Capital Times photographer Michelle Stocker got a glimpse of Alumni Park, a Wisconsin Alumni Association development on the shores of Lake Mendota between Memorial Union and the Red Gym on the UW-Madison campus. Construction of the 1.3 acre site, including with a visitor center, public boat pier and exhibits on alumni achievements, continues toward an Oct. 6 opening. |
 In the great transportation debate that has thus far defied resolution by state Republicans and delayed the passage of a state budget there are clear choices – borrow or pay as you go. Gov. Scott Walker has proposed borrowing $500 million to patch the state transportation budget hole of $1 billion in the two-year budget cycle and the state Senate, lead by Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, wants to jack it up even higher to $850 million. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has resisted those calls to run up the state’s credit card approach to road funding and has advocated for raising state revenue by a combination of fee increases such as a heavy truck fee, an increase in the sales tax on gasoline, DOT savings and cutting the minimum markup on gasoline.... Ken Notes: I went to New York last month and paid tolls in every state except Wisconsin... I`m just saying... |
 A group of Republican lawmakers on Thursday introduced a package of legislative proposals aimed at making the state Department of Transportation more efficient and accountable. The proposals, rolled into an omnibus bill, come as the majority party struggles to reach a consensus
on the broader issue of how to fill a project $1 billion deficit in the
transportation fund. The dispute has brought progress on the state
budget, now 12 days overdue, to a halt. |
 MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin voters` views of President Donald Trump are getting worse, while Gov. Scott Walker`s approval ratings are the highest they`ve been in nearly three years, a poll released Wednesday showed.... More Details Here: https://law.marquette.edu/poll/ ...moreKen Notes: Lots of data here, good read. The one glaring issue remains the huge partisan divide. We have to bridge this to move forward as a nation, as well as as a state... |
 A long-vacant east side convenience store will be replaced by a chain restaurant that bakes and delivers calzones, under a new proposal. D.P. Dough Franchising LLC, whose business model focuses on baking and delivering calzones near college campuses, plans to open its first Wisconsin location at 1515 E. North Ave., according to a proposal reviewed Wednesday by the East Side Architectural Review Board. That 2,500-square-foot building is a former Open Pantry store that closed six years ago. ...moreKen Notes: We need legislation that creates adaptive reuse of vacated retail. I go nuts when I see a dark Walgreens just down the way from a brand new one... |
 For 50 years, rivals fought over its size, location and whether it should be built at all. When the new St. Croix bridge begins carrying thousands of cars and trucks over the shimmering river next month, the largest road and bridge project in Minnesota history will represent as much a triumph over politics as a feat of engineering. The $646 million bridge, with a design so rare it’s only the second of its type in the United States, required a congressional exemption to span the federally protected river, prized for its natural beauty.... ...moreKen Notes: This may be among the most beautiful structures in Wisconsin. WATCH THE VIDEO... |
 Miron’s comprehensive range of construction services are designed to meet the unique and diversified needs of our clients. Contact Us. ...more |
 grant will fund first work at Sonnentag Complex siteWork on the future site of a UW-Eau Claire event and recreation complex will begin by the end of the year with the demolition of 12 buildings on the property between Menomonie Street and the Chippewa River, the Blugold Real Estate Foundation says. The news came as part of a series of announcements at a June 22 press conference about the Sonnentag Event and Recreation Complex, which will be built on the former site of County Materials Corp., which the Sonnentag family donated to the university-affiliate foundation in 2014..... ...more |
 MANITOWOC - Demolition of the former Mirro Aluminum Company building on Washington Street has begun in earnest. The City of Manitowoc said on Twitter June 30 that 542 tons of the former building were removed from the 5-acre site during the last week.... ...more |
 MADISON, Wis.
A Wisconsin company is seeing success after facing issues over an attempted move into new office space. Sales of Exact Sciences Corp.`s Cologuard DNA stool test for colorectal cancer are on the rise and its stock is hitting record highs, the Wisconsin State Journal reported... |
 MADISON – Governor Scott Walker announced $2.4 million in grants today to protect and improve the Great Lakes resources in Wisconsin’s coastal communities. Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, the 34 grants will be used by local and state governments, regional planning commissions, universities, and nonprofit organizations to assist with projects totaling nearly $2.4 million. Wisconsin’s Great Lakes are an important economic, cultural and natural resource. Lake Michigan and Lake Superior provide the people of Wisconsin with drinking water, commerce and recreation, and are a reason so many people live and visit the state... ...more |
 CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) -- The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced Wednesday it is providing Mills Fleet Farm with a $1.5 million loan to support the company’s expansion in Chippewa Falls. “This project will provide an economic boost to Chippewa County, the region and the entire state,” said Barb LaMue, vice president of business and community development for WEDC... ...moreKen Notes: The Mills brothers are great businessmen... |
 CLAYTON - An unnamed regional health care provider, widely believed to be ThedaCare, is looking at land for a future development off State 76 and U.S. 10, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin has learned. ThedaCare officials have been exploring the possibility of building a regional medical center in the Fox Cities for the past year-and-a-half and have said five potential sites are in play, but those sites have mostly been kept under wraps. While ThedaCare officials would neither confirm or deny their interest in the location, officials with both Aurora Health Care and Ascension Wisconsin — two other major players in the health care field — indicated they weren`t pursuing the site... Ken Notes: If TC moves I wonder what will happen to their newer office developments on the original site. |
 June 8, I (Greg Buckley) shared the podium with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett at a Wisconsin Urban Alliance meeting in Madison on “A 21st Century Fiscal Structure for Local Government in Wisconsin.” Our presentation focused on the impact reduced state funding for local governments, along with state-imposed tax, revenue and spending caps for local units, have had on Wisconsin cities, large and small.... ...moreKen Notes: This has been an issue for decades. What we need is a fixed revenue source from the state tax for communities and state funding for things that communities can not control. Health care comes to mind, and education is a struggle for all communities because it has little to do with property and much to do with income. We should use property tax for the things we do as community like public safety, recreation, local government, local infrastructure and other things that impact the community and it`s "value". I am a fiscal Conservative and having served in all levels of government, I promise that the further away decisions are made form the actual spending the more we waste... |
 The Public Market Development Committee will meet Thursday evening to provide an update on the estimated $14 million project. Eden Checkol reports. Video... |
 Pallets stacked with various gauges of sheet metal stand at one end of a long, low and surprisingly quiet factory in Schofield, in Central Wisconsin. At the other end, building ventilation equipment is being crated for shipment around the United States. In between, a tightly choreographed manufacturing system ensures high quality, low cost and rapid delivery. Despite Greenheck’s size and growth – 2,700 workers in Wisconsin and 3,400 worldwide — Greenheck is hardly a household name. “People are surprised: ‘Why have I never heard of this place?’” says general manager of architectural products Scott Graf, who got his first UW–Madison engineering degree in 1988. “We sell into commercial markets, and for many business units, we have 40 percent to 50 percent of the market. But unless you are in the construction industry, you would not know us. If you are in construction, you know Greenheck.”... ...moreKen Notes: I was surprised... |
 EBI takes the time to get to know you and your business. We’ll provide you with options so that together we can make the most of your space and stay within your budget. ...more |
 The Madison Park Commission late Wednesday approved $1.6 million for remediation efforts after contaminated soil was discovered at the landmark Garver Feed Mill on the East Side. Just before midnight, the commission voted 5-1 to approve financing and a development agreement to allow Baum Development to turn the crumbling Garver Feed Mill, 109 S. Fair Oaks Ave., into an artisan food production facility and add up to 50 "microlodging" units averaging 250 square feet for short-term rental on the surrounding five acres... |
 MADISON - The Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission, which includes Kewaunee County as well as Door County, was awarded two grants totaling more than $45,000 for projects to protect and utilize coastal resources. The commission was awarded a $25,161 grant for a coastal recreation study of Kewaunee, Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties and a $20,000 grant toward providing technical assistance to local governments in the Bay-Lake region. The grants came from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, which distributed $2.4 million statewide for 34 grants that will be used by local and state governments, regional planning commissions, universities and nonprofit organizations to assist with projects, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Administration... ...moreKen Notes: Our coasts could and should be an economic mecca for Wisconsin. Think about it Milwaukee to Manitowoc, The Door Peninsula, Green Bay to Marinette, up to Ashland over to Superior, down to the St Croix, Mississippi and Wisconsin, catch the lakes in Madison and Geneva, not to mention all the lakes, rivers and streams in between. We could exponentially increase our tourism revenue by improving opening these shores to the public... P.S. 100K is nice but I will always wonder what we could have done with the half billion we spent dredging the Fox. |
 A key city panel has signed off on the final design of the $170 million Judge Doyle Square project in Downtown Madison. That’s great news for the future of our city. The large and stylish development will help energize the city’s core, provide more housing Downtown, replace a crumbling parking garage with an underground ramp, create a second hotel catering to Monona Terrace conventions, and bring in lots of tax revenue for city services. The city’s Urban Design Commission can be fussy. But it wisely approved Beitler Real Estate Services’ plans Wednesday... ...moreKen Notes: I know it is never on the minds of the public servents, but holding costs and delay are deadly to the developer. |
 MADISON – Governor Scott Walker, Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Ben Brancel, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Mark R. Hogan will visit six cheese companies throughout the state today as part of the Wisconsin’s Dairy Month activities. During the “Wisconsin Cheese Day” tour, Governor Walker, Secretaries Brancel and Hogan, and other officials are visiting the companies to highlight the importance of the cheese industry to Wisconsin’s economy and to acknowledge the cheesemakers’ contributions to the industry. Also taking part in the tour are DATCP Deputy Secretary Jeff Lyon and WEDC Deputy Secretary and COO Tricia Braun. They are being joined by leaders from the dairy and cheese industry, local and regional economic development organizations, state legislators, and the University of Wisconsin... More here: Walker, Brancel Celebrate `WI Cheese Day` with Industry Tours Ken Notes: We need to do more of this. |
 EAU CLAIRE - Elizabeth de Cleyre, a writer, had never been to Wisconsin before she trekked to Eau Claire last summer for a festival co-created by the city`s most famous musician, Justin Vernon.But what de Cleyre and her husband found when they arrived from Portland was more than a two-day celebration of music on the Chippewa River. They found a thriving scene of local artists, designers and writers. They saw a downtown with new apartments, bike trails, hotels and plans for a performing arts center at the confluence of two rivers. They discovered home prices that were a third of the price of Portland`s... ...moreKen Notes: Wisconsin has the potential to become the affordable San Fran, Portland, Austin, NYC and much more... |
 “I think the county investing in
affordable housing is good and I think the homeless resource center
(that will open this fall at 615 E. Washington Ave.) would also be good,.. ...“Affordable housing would be a nice change of pace, I think.... ...“I would live in the area if there were more affordable housing... ...“I’m all for affordable housing considering how many high-rises are going up that aren’t affordable... Ken Notes: First the people responding are referring to lower market rate options not affordable housing. Second the site is more valuable as a bargaining chip that as an affordable development site. Trade for affordable / lower market rate units in another location. Win Win and far more bang for your buck... |
 Stay up to date by reading our MadREP Report, a bi-monthly newsletter that features regional economic development news, events and opportunities.Find older issues here. ...more |
 KIMBERLY - A second plan for new housing at the former NewPage paper mill site is in the works, Kimberly officials confirmed Tuesday. The
plans are in the early stages and the village is open to working with
developers on the project, said Danielle Block, village administrator.... |
 A plan to build a mixed-use building at a prominent South Park Street intersection is being held up after members of the Madison Plan Commission were not satisfied with the proposal Monday. In the latest iteration of a planned development at the corner of Park and Fish Hatchery Road, commission members gave a lukewarm response to T. Wall Enterprises’ proposal consisting of 162 apartment units — including five live-work residences — and about 12,000 square feet of commercial space on the vacant, triangular property... |
 In a typical summer, Alpine Amusement has a traveling staff of about 50 people. The carnival operator crisscrosses Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, where workers set up, run and take down more than 20 rides every week from May to October... ...more |
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 Milwaukee-area soda company Black Bear Bottling Group LLC will close permanently, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced Wednesday. The company at 2025 S. Branch Blvd. in Oak Creek will cease operations on Sept. 15, affecting about 76 workers, according to the department. The department and the Employ Milwaukee Rapid Response team will offer services to the workers, according to a news release from the DWD... ...moreKen Notes: I see potential for a great startup... |
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently announced it will lead six global trade ventures during the next year aimed at helping Wisconsin businesses establish or expand their global reach. The upcoming schedule is: • Japan and South Korea, Sept. 8-16, 2017. Cities: Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea • Israel, Oct. 26-Nov. 3, 2017. City: Tel Aviv. • Mexico, Jan. 27-Feb. 3, 2018. Cities: Mexico City and Guadalajara. • Canada, March 18-23, 2018. Cities: Toronto and Winnipeg. • China, April 13-25, 2018. Cities: Shanghai, Ningbo, Harbin and Guangzhou. • Germany, June 23-30, 2018. Cities: Stuttgart, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt. ...more |
 A growing speaker company in the Green Lake County village of Princeton is trying raise funds for expansion and is getting assistance from a major national player in venture capital. Princeton Audio, which since 2014 has been manufacturing a series of high-end wireless speakers with proprietary components that can be upgraded as technology changes, has joined First Democracy VC, a joint effort between Indiegogo and MicroVentures designed to help entrepreneurs from around the country raise money.... ...more |
The manufacturer of gummy bears has owned a parcel of land in the Hazleton area for almost two decades with the intention of building a manufacturing plant. Haribo Corp. has apparently turned its nose up at Hazleton, opting in March to build a plant in Wisconsin and selling the land here. Mericle Development, which has purchased numerous parcels in area industrial parks and built speculative buildings where new industry has located, recently purchased a site CAN DO sold to Haribo in the Humboldt Industrial Park... ...moreKen Notes: WELCOME!!! These are an addiction... |
 FRANKLIN — Baptista’s Bakery LLC, a subsidiary of Snyder’s-Lance Inc., is expanding its snack-food manufacturing operations in Franklin, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced Tuesday. The company expects to create 125 jobs and invest $7.8 million in building renovations, machinery and equipment as part of the expansion currently underway at the Franklin Business Park on West Ryan Road.... |
 Tavernakaya, the pan-Asian restaurant that opened last summer on the Capitol Square, may look a little different by the end of September. Business partners Mike Ding and Kai Kuo are buying out Food Fight Restaurant Group next week and becoming a fully independent restaurant.... Ken Notes: Hmmmmm..., I`d want food fight in my corner but hey we will see.... |
 GENERAL CONTRACTING Residential - Commercial - Retail - Controlled Environments FIRE / WATER / STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION DESIGN / BUILD & REMODELING “Located in the Madison region for over 30 years, Engineered Construction is an industry leader in commercial construction and the restoration of commercial and residential fire and water damage.” See comments from our clients here. ...more |
 OSHKOSH – City officials have come up with the money for roadwork near the incoming D-League basketball arena after bids came in $1 million more than expected. The Oshkosh Common Council approved five measures Tuesday relating to the work, which officials originally anticipated would cost $2.5 million. The city previously made a deal that commits the arena`s developer to covering that cost, which the city then will pay back in the form of a tax incentive... ...more |
 NEENAH - The city will begin to regulate tourist housing made popular by online services like Airbnb in an attempt to protect the integrity of its neighborhoods. Homeowners who offer their property for short-term rentals will need to comply with a series of conditions and obtain an annual permit from the Department of Community Development. ...moreKen Notes: We need to make sure they pay the room tax and are safe and clean... |
 The cockpit of an airplane is usually the target for most innovations in aviation technology. Over the past decade, at least some of that attention has focused on the pilot’s “flight bag,” a mainstay of the flight deck. The term refers to the box-like briefcase that holds everything a pilot might need: the aircraft operating manual, aeronautical and navigational charts (usually Jeppesen chart binders, or “Jepps”), a route manual, flight checklists, logbooks, weather reports, pilot’s license, passport, and other accessories like calculator, pens, sunglasses, and headphones... ...more |
 GRAND MARSH - When Joe Paul and Megan and Eric Wallendal talk shop, it`s in the language of fertilizers and nutrients. They`re talking about their crops and the current status of their fields. And as they do, they reference the image files collected by a drone flying over the cornfields at Wallendal Farms. The Wallendals are
focused on growing the food, while Paul`s three-foot fixed-wing
drone flies over their fields, gathering crop information that will
help the farmers make important business and production decisions. ... |
 ROTHSCHILD - Gander Mountain is changing hands, but what that means for the popular sporting goods store`s nine Wisconsin locations is uncertain. On June 27, the company, which in May declared bankruptcy, sent notice to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development that nine Gander Mountain stores in the state would close as of Aug. 30 or shortly after that date. The stores are in Rothschild, Baraboo, Franklin, Green Bay, Janesville, Kenosha, La Crosse, Madison and Waukesha.... ...moreKen Notes: They have some nice brick and mortar I wonder in Amazon needs a sporting outlet/Distribution network. |
 MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two Republican legislators introduced bills Thursday that would make it easier for people to sell and develop their land and for sand mine companies to win local permits.... Ken Notes: This is not about the property owner, it is about negating local planning and permitting. |
 The outdoor beer garden is up and running in Madison`s Olbrich Park, several months months after the contentious project gained City Council approval in March. The project sprang from a “placemaking” effort led by the Madison Parks Division to spruce up underutilized buildings in the parks. For the Olbrich Park beach house, the city chose the BKM Group for its beer garden concept in addition to water recreation rental company Rutabaga Paddlesports. |
 YORKVILLE — Merz North America will plant deeper roots in Racine County with a $3 million consolidation and expansion that will retain 165 good-paying jobs and create up to 20 more. Merz North America, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., operates four sites in Racine County for manufacturing and distributing aesthetics products used by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and neurologists. Merz plans to consolidate its three leased facilities into one expanded location at 13900 Grandview Parkway. The new site will be home to the company’s particle manufacturing, packaging, professional services and distribution operations... |
 “Founded in 1976 by George and Candy Gialamas, The Gialamas Company specializes in Class A Commercial Real Estate. For 40 years, The Gialamas Company has brought its real estate development, brokerage, leasing and building management expertise to the City of Madison and the State of Wisconsin. Our premier development, Old Sauk Trails Park, is one of the most prestigious business parks in Wisconsin; containing numerous office buildings supplemented by restaurants, hotels, financial institutions, a childcare facility and a walking/jogging trail system. The Gialamas Company’s fully integrated in-house staff and maintenance team, combined with our distinct knowledge and experience, ensures the highest level of service in all facets of the company. We offer an unmatched commitment to our clients. It’s a relationship that begins with our first contact and continues beyond the life of the lease. Experience the Gialamas standard of service today.” ...more |
 If you’re someone who appreciates the Cap Times and — more importantly — enjoys a thought-provoking, in-person experience, we have just the, um, ticket for you. Today we announce the “Cap Times Idea Fest,” a two-day smorgasbord of some two dozen sessions on Sept. 16-17, a weekend with no home football game. The festival will be staged across three buildings on the University of Wisconsin campus. UW-Madison was our first co-sponsor... |
 Wausau, Wis. – A large crowd gathered at the YWCA for
the Wausau HATCH event on Thursday, June 22nd. Four businesses pitched
their ideas to compete for a $2,000 prize. The winning pitch was made by
Stevens Point based Unpublished.io......For more information about HATCH, to submit an idea, or to become a resource partner, please visit: www.hatchwi.com.. ...more |
 As Wisconsin struggles to grow private-sector jobs, there is potential to expand telecommuting work outside urbanized areas of the state by improving broadband connections. As it stands, about 13 percent of Wisconsin`s population lacks access to high-speed internet connections, according to a 2016 progress report from the Federal Communications Commission... ...moreKen Notes: Good read, this is a density issue and the cost per person is the real issue because it will never see a payback. Technology will eventually catch up and focusing on schools and libraries has been the solution so far. 20 years ago in the Fox Valley we cheated and used the school system for private hookups but don`t ask me for details because I am still sworn to secrecy. |
R.A. Smith National, Inc. is a leading consulting engineering firm, providing multi-disciplinary services to federal, state and local government and the land development industry nationwide. |
 WATERFORD — Absolutely Waterford has been designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its coordinating program partner in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. Twenty-three of Wisconsin’s 33 Main Street programs have achieved accreditation for 2017. Ken Notes: The website is here: http://www.absolutelywaterford.org/ ...more |
 The Eagle’s Nest could have hatchlings soon. Riverwood Eagle’s Nest, the senior living community proposed for Wisconsin Dells off Bowman Road south of downtown, has moved from proposed to planned, thanks to recent approvals from the city’s Common Council... |
 As politicians in Wisconsin and other Midwestern states compete to lure Foxconn Technology Corp., the high-stakes gambit has drawn attention to a disconnect between nostalgic perceptions about the American manufacturing sector and the jobs it actually generates in the modern economy. Foxconn, which ships freighters full of Apple iPhones, Amazon Kindles and Sony PlayStations to U.S. consumers, pays its Chinese assembly workers an estimated $2.50 an hour – including benefits and social entitlements. Once castigated for sweatshops, Foxconn these days is one of Asia`s most vocal enthusiasts of replacing humans with robots. It almost single-handedly sets the global standards for the sort of cutthroat production costs that have shaken the confidence of America’s industrial heartland.... ...moreKen Notes: Wow lots to digest here! Foxconn will no doubt automate a Wisconsin facility, but jobs are still required to run the show. And they will be good jobs. We need to bring them here and provide the expertise they require.... |
 ALGOMA — When Howard Renard bought the Rosewood cheese plant on County Road S north of Algoma 56 years ago, all the cheese was raw milk and was made in two small vats in cramped quarters with living space attached. “My one cooler used to be my grandparents’ living room until 1971 when they moved to a new house next door,” said Chris Renard, Howard’s grandson and the third generation of family to operate the plant just north of the Kewaunee-Door county line. ...moreKen Notes: I love these stories!!! |
 Project supported by $500,000 in WEDC tax creditsThe company and Racine County officials planned a groundbreaking ceremony for today but postponed it because of inclement weather. The $8 million project is supported by $500,000 in Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. tax credits, $450,000 in tax increment financing from Sturtevant and a $200,000 forgivable loan. The company is relocating its headquarters from Zion, Illinois along with consolidatihttps://www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/transportationlogistics/grand-appliance-and-tv-beginning-work-on-new-hq/ng warehouses in Zion and New Berlin. The result will be 120 jobs moved to Sturtevant and plans to create another 22 new jobs over the next three years... ...more |
 Forgive the generic name, because Madison Tap isn’t just serving some of the best bar food in Madison: It’s serving some of the best food in Madison. And because it’s still somewhat unknown, there’s no trouble getting a table, indoors or out, when no event or programming is going on there... |
 JOHNSTOWN — A national apartment developer based in Wisconsin has purchased about 13 acres of land at 2534, a mixed-use development in Johnstown, where it plans to build a 212-unit apartment complex. Continental Properties in Menomonee Falls, Wis., paid $3.53 million to Gerrard Development Corp. for the property near the southeast corner of Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 34, according to public records... ...more |
 A husband and wife duo restore historic apartment units It’s hard to ignore the influx of high rise and luxury apartments downtown. Older properties are being torn down to make way for higher-density housing. Keith and Lori Wessel of Wessel Properties strive to do things differently by restoring historic homes to their original look. They started with one house in 1978. Keith, a local attorney, and Lori have now expanded Wessel Properties to five homes, totaling 13 apartment units. Their properties are located on the near east side on the isthmus and in downtown Madison. ...more |
 A new initiative aimed at helping Door County employers meet the current and future demand for qualified workers is getting a boost from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). WEDC has awarded the Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) a $50,000 matching grant for its Grow Door County initiative, a four-year plan focused on attracting and retaining employees... ...more |
 MADISON - Door County communities and organizations were awarded state grants totaling more than $140,000 for projects that protect and improve resources along Lake Michigan and Green Bay. The Bay-Lake Regional
Planning Commission, which includes Door and Kewaunee counties, also was
awarded two grants. The commission was awarded a $25,161 grant for a
coastal recreation study of Kewaunee, Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties
and a $20,000 grant towards providing technical assistance to local
governments in the Bay-Lake region. |
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 SUPERIOR, WI. June 27, 2017 – The City of Superior has received a $109,877 state grant to help redevelop an old beer distribution warehouse into a new craft brewery – a project expected to spur further development downtown. The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will be used to renovate the former Leamon Mercantile warehouse on Superior’s North End to the 16,000-square-foot Earth Rider Brewery. The redevelopment is the second phase of a plan to create a $2.5 million campus in the North Tower Avenue area that would include the brewery and office/retail space in one building, and a beer tasting room in a second building... More Here: State grant aids Superior`s first brewery in 50 years |
 A year-long process for the city of Black River Falls has come to an end and officials are able to call their industrial park a Certified in Wisconsin site. When a business wants to come and do any sort of building, there is a slew of studies and things to look into from electrical systems to transportation options. Becoming a certified site takes care of a lot of those issues for businesses. Becoming a certified site is a notice to companies that the area is ready and open for business and provides them with independent verification that the site is ready for development.... |
 Dozens of winery owners voiced support for a bill Wednesday that would extend their operating hours, a move they say would significantly improve business. Ken Notes: This is a lot better than the other bill that would limit sales... |
 The city and a developer are addressing a newly surfaced environmental problem that will add costs to the long-delayed, $19.8 million redevelopment of the landmark Garver Feed Mill on the East Side. The exact amount of contaminated soil at the site is still undetermined, but removing or capping materials could cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more than $1 million, city officials said. The city has budgeted $1.95 million for the redevelopment, but that doesn’t cover the environmental problem.... Notes: |
CHS Inc. and the Madison-based American Society of Agronomy signed
an agreement to collaborate in creating a dynamic, online-learning
program focused on improving sustainability practices and standards in
production agriculture. The curriculum will be
designed for agronomists and agribusiness professionals and will
establish a recognized, industry-wide standard of education to help
agronomists and other agriculture professionals truly implement
sustainable practices in the field... ...more |
 So you’re looking for employment? Here are some facts, figures, and projections to keep in mind1. CHECK OUT THE HOT Jobs2. BE THANKFUL3. BE THANKFUL (PART 2)4. ON THE OTHER HAND …5. USE YOUR DEGREE...moreKen Notes: Good read... |
 BELOIT - Plans have been submitted for a 102-room extended stay hotel in Beloit. Plans have been submitted to the city to build a Home2 Suites hotel by Hilton adjacent to the Hampton Inn on Reynolds Drive, officials confirmed Tuesday. The hotel is expected to have site preparation work start this summer, with a projected opening set for the spring of next year, according to Beloit Hotel Group associate Lance Schaefer. ...more |
 CADOTT, Wis. (WEAU) -- James Tinjum, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison`s Department of Engineering Professional Development (EPD), will travel across four Midwestern states by bicycle in July to visit wind turbines and bring attention to wind energy. Tinjum will "bike the wind" in a 1,250-mile long journey entirely by bike that will take him past more than 50 wind energy sites in an educational journey that combines his passions for bicycling, sustainability and energy. His route will pass energy sites in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa. With a plan to bike 75 miles or six hours each day, Tinjum`s journey will last three weeks. He will be joined parts of the way by his colleagues in the wind energy business.... ...more |
 APPLETON — The Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators marked this year’s Professional Development Conference June 25-29 in Appleton as a centennial celebration of the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act, which established state boards of vocational education and federal funding to develop high school agriculture programs nationwide... ...more |
We manage your IT-- so you can focus on running your business Know you need IT but not sure where to start? Let our technical experts designs an IT plan that works for your company. We`re your IT one stop shop. |
 WISCONSIN RAPIDS - Northern Steel Castings has given its employees notice that it intends to suspend production at its two plants, Mayor Zach Vruwink said Monday. The company will keep its shipping operation going for some time, Vruwink said. He did not know how long. The company has two foundries in Wisconsin Rapids — one on Ninth Avenue South, which had a major fire Dec. 12, and one at 80 Oliver St. The company had rebuilt the Ninth Avenue facility damaged by the fire, Vruwink said... ...more |
 Terri Urbanek is not one to work just for recognition. So when she received the 2017 Small Business Development Center State Star Award from the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, she was surprised to see her work being honored. “It was really appreciated,” Urbanek said. “We work really hard here to help as many businesses as we can.” |
At its July 5 meeting, Two Rivers City Council will consider an initial resolution related to the issuance of industrial development revenue bonds for the financing of a $7.2 million project by Riverside Foods, 2520 Wilson St. ...more |
 CAMBRIA — Cambria-Friesland School District is the recent recipient of a $25,000 grant from the Wisconsin Technology Initiative. Notes: |
Land & Space Development Database...more 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... |
 Perhaps the notion of people with a wide variety of incomes living in the same apartment building shouldn`t be considered exotic. After all, a typical office has people with salaries ranging from entry-level to executive. And the redevelopment of downtown Milwaukee`s Germania Building is creating apartments aimed at people who work nearby.. ...more |
 MILWAUKEE, WI – A new Sendik’s grocery store will open in the heart of the Marquette campus on the northeast corner of 16th and West Wells Streets, university officials announced Wednesday. The store, which is anticipated to be a catalyst for additional area development, will open during the 2017-18 academic year. “From my earliest days as president at Marquette, I told our students and our partners in the Near West Side that bringing a top-quality grocer to our community was the highest priority,” Marquette University President Michael R. Lovell said in a prepared statement... ...more |
Investment advisory firm Voit & Company will lease the newly renovated Ruby Farmhouse at The Corridor in Brookfield, Wisconsin, a mixed-use development owned by Irgens. Voit & Company expects to move into the building by October. Irgens contracted with Ruvin Bros. Artisans & Trades to have the Ruby Farmhouse building’s exterior renovated during the past year. The neighboring Ruby Barn has been renovated with a new roof and foundation along with repairs made to its exterior siding... ...moreKen Notes: Cool digs!! |
 A long-vacant school in Milwaukee`s central city, built in the late 19th century, would be converted to 40 apartments under a new proposal. Gorman & Co., which has redeveloped other local school buildings, is seeking a zoning change for the former William McKinley School, 2001 W. Vliet St., according to a Common Council proposal posted Wednesday. That zoning change would allow Gorman to convert the school into apartments, the proposal said. It would need Common Council approval. ...more |
 By now, construction should be well underway on a development that would create 64 apartments on Milwaukee`s north side. But that $13.7 million project is facing a funding gap tied to last November`s surprising election results. Around half of its financing is coming from federal tax credits given to developers of affordable apartments. Investors throughout the country are paying less for those tax credits because they believe President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress will likely cut corporate income tax rates. Such tax rate cuts would make the tax credits, which are used over a 10-year period, less valuable to banks and other firms that buy them from developers.... ...more |
 Columbia St Mary’s Hospital is proposing to move its downtown Milwaukee health clinic into a nearby apartment development for low-income tenants,according to zoning documents filed with the city. Ascension St. Ben`s Clinic primarily serves uninsured or under-insured patients from the downtown Milwaukee area and is staffed by the hospital`s trained personnel... ...more |
 A proposal for a nine-screen movie theater at the new The Corners of Brookfield retail-residential development is scheduled for review next week by Town of Brookfield officials. The town’s Plan Commission is expected to consider the theater plans at 7 p.m. Monday at Town Hall, 645 N. Janacek Road. ...more |
 Outdoor apparel retailer L.L. Bean made its Wisconsin debut Friday with the opening of a store at The Corners of Brookfield development. See the slideshow for a look at the new store. ...more |
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 FINANCING & GRANTS Brownfield Grants: Grants to local governments, businesses, non-profits and individuals for developing commercial and industrial sites that have been adversely affected by environmental contamination. Brownfield Site Assessment Grant: Grant funds to approved projects to assist local governments with conducting initial environmental assessment and demolition activities on an eligible abandoned, idle or underutilized industrial or commercial site. Business Opportunity Loan Fund: Financing options ranging from loans to loan guaranties for businesses making investments to expand in or relocate to Wisconsin. Capacity Building Grants: Grants to assist local and regional economic development groups to create an advanced economic development network within Wisconsin. Capital Catalyst: Matching grants to seed funds managed by local communities and other eligible entities to provide capital to high-growth startups and emerging growth companies. Community Development Investment Grant: Financial support for shovel-ready projects with particular emphasis on downtown community driven efforts that deliver significant, measurable benefits in job opportunities, property values, and/or leveraged investment by local and private partners. Global Business Development Grants: Grant funding to support the growth and expansion of exports by Wisconsin companies. Idle Industrial Sites Redevelopment: Highly competitive program offering grants to Wisconsin communities for the implementation of redevelopment plans for large industrial sites that have been idle, abandoned or underutilized for at least five years. Industrial Revenue Bonds: A unique type of revenue bond organized and issued by a state or local government, the proceeds of which are directed to a private, for-profit business. Seed Accelerator: Provides grants to eligible communities and other organizations to support a pre-seed business model program that incorporates training, mentoring and financial assistance to entrepreneurs in their area. Grant funds may be used as seed capital for companies in the accelerator, as well as for costs associated with initiating the accelerator program. Special Project Loan Fund: Loans or loan guarantees to eligible companies preparing for future growth; diversifying operations, markets or product lines to increase competitiveness; or preparing a project site for future commercial development. Technology Development Loans: Flexible lending program designed to assist high-tech startup and emerging growth companies in financing the development and launch of innovative products and services. TAX INCENTIVES Business Development Tax Credit: Provides refundable income tax credits that can be earned based on jobs, capital investment, training and the location or retention of corporate headquarters. Capital Gains Investment Incentives: Capital gains on funds invested in qualified Wisconsin businesses are completely exempt from the capital gains tax after the investment has been held for five years. Capital gains on existing investments which are sold in order to generate funds for investments in qualified Wisconsin businesses are deferred so that they are not taxed at the time they are invested in the Wisconsin businesses. Development Opportunity Zones: Non-refundable tax credits for new and expanding businesses in the cities of Beloit, Janesville and Kenosha to assist with capital investment and the creation and retention of new, full-time jobs. Enterprise Zone Tax Credit: Refundable tax credits for new and expanding businesses that can be earned based on job creation, job retention, training, investment and Wisconsin supply chain expenditures. Historic Preservation Tax Credit: State income tax credit for 20% of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures for eligible buildings. Job Creation Deduction: Companies can take an exclusion from income if they create jobs in Wisconsin of $4,000 per employee for small businesses and $2,000 per employee for larger businesses. Manufacturing & Agriculture Credit: Available to individuals and entities for taxable years that begin on or after January 1, 2013, for manufacturing and agricultural activities in Wisconsin. The credit is a percentage of “eligible qualified production activities income.” The credit is calculated by multiplying eligible qualified production activities income by one of the following percentages.
For individuals, the credit is limited to the amount of income tax paid on the income from which the credit is based. For a corporation, eligible qualified production activities income is the lesser of:
Property Tax Exemptions: Machinery and equipment used in manufacturing is exempt from personal property taxes. Manufacturer and merchant inventories are exempt from personal property taxes. Certain waste treatment facilities owned by utilities, manufacturers, and commercial businesses used for the treatment of industrial waste materials are exempt from general property taxes. Qualified New Business Venture (QNBV) Program: Helps drive investment to innovate early-stage Wisconsin companies by allowing investors to claim a 25% tax credit on the amount they invest into a QNBV-certified business. Research and Development Tax Credit: An R&D credit is available to corporations, sole proprietorships and pass-through entities equal to 5% (10% in some cases) of the excess of qualified research expenses for the current year over a base amount. Sales Tax Exemptions: Wisconsin sales tax does not have to be paid on the following:
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Apprenticeship Completion Award Program: Offers employers, adult apprentices and sponsors a 25% reimbursement (up to $1,000) for instruction costs, including tuition, books, materials and other course fees. ExporTech: Export acceleration program to help Wisconsin companies expand their global market reach through targeted export strategy development and execution. Industry Development: WEDC’s Division of Business and Industry Development delivers customized solutions—technical and financial—to established business associations, consortia and industry cluster organizations in order to create favorable conditions for expanding existing Wisconsin industries and attracting new companies to priority industry sectors in Wisconsin. The division also supports minority business development by working with and providing resources for revolving loan funds and technical assistance to minority business development groups. Veteran Grant Program: Offers employers a state grant of up to $10,000 over four years for hiring and retaining eligible veterans. Wisconsin Fast Forward: Makes $15 million in grants available to employers to develop and implement innovative and collaborative customized training solutions for skilled workers. ...moreKen Notes: I ran across this and thought I would add links as time permits. Hope it helps... |
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 Notes from Ken Harwood Editor WDNews and WisconsinDevelopment.com.For several years I have suggested that WEDC create a database that lists all their loans, grants and other incentives and the current status of these investments. Now they do. Created for a report they recently issued, the data base is available online or as a spreadsheet. If you are a business or ED professional, study the list an a resource of what type of assistance may be available. Make sure you have your local ED professional and representatives from WEDC as well as other agencies that may have available funds in the loop as you plan your expansion. I will continue to advocate for a new jobs based tax credit to level the playing field and streamline the process, but do applaud the efforts of WEDC. I hope local media reports on this data base as well as the report and available options for new and growing businesses... The Report is here... All info is here... http://inwisconsin.com/inside-wedc/core-strategies/operational-and-fiscal-excellence#programoutcomes ...more Ken Notes: I will keep this article as a permanent link in WDN. |
Ken Notes: I will say it one more time ROAD TRIP Grand Rapids MI!!!
