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This Weeks Articles...

1. Madison commission asks for three-block `Summer on State` proposal
2. Scott Resnick: Fetch shows potential for high-growth technology companies in Wisconsin
3. Plan Commission halts Raemisch Farm development over F35s, environmental impacts
4. Titletown Development welcomes Miron Construction at Titletown Office
5. Madison firm developing lab-grown seafood raises $1.6M in pre-seed round
6. Kimberly-Clark to move 250 jobs from Neenah, will open Chicago location
7. Milwaukee area beer gardens are growing. This summer`s lineup is to include new sites in downtown Milwaukee, Bayshore and Waukesha.
8. Foxconn talks continue in Wisconsin
9. New development proposal would mean a tear down of an old Madison icon
10. Wisconsin legislators, ag groups push expanded ag export funding bill
11. Wisconsin communities receive $90 million from HUD to address homelessness, develop affordable housing
12. Affordable housing in high demand as Milwaukee approves $7M for efforts
13. Newly Proposed Plan Aims to Address Madison’s Housing Crisis
14. Report: Milwaukee housing leaders say affordable housing developments should be located near job hubs, suburbs
15. OrthoIllinois withdraws proposal for Wisconsin ASC after controversy
16. BMO Tower: Project of the Year — Milwaukee Business Journal 2021 Real Estate Awards
17. Wauwatosa advances development with up to 525 apartments for site near village area
18. Building a Gaming Industry Ecosystem in the Madison Region
19. Wisconsin Restaurant Initiative Lends Helping Hand to Sheboygan County Restaurateurs
20. This bird seed benefits more than just birds
21. Hospitality industry struggling to hire

New 2021 Sponsor Opportunities

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Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday he will spend $2.5 billion in federal relief funding to help Wisconsin`s economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Democratic governor delivered the news at a Milwaukee cafe just before he vetoed a bill that would have given that decision-making power over billions coming to Wisconsin through the federal American Rescue Plan to Republicans who control the state Legislature. 

“We were pushed back every step of the way every time we tried to mitigate the disease,” Evers said about giving Republicans control over COVID-19 relief spending...

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With questions about a proposal to close six blocks of State Street on summer weekends, Madison’s Transportation Commission pushed off that decision Wednesday and asked for details on how the plan could work on just three blocks.

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Ken Notes: I love this idea! I would love it even more if 20 feet in the center of State were set aside for a rubber wheel electric drive Trolley that runs from Terrace to Terrace. Just a thought.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers gave approval Wednesday for the Ho-Chunk Nation to build a $405 million casino in Beloit, clearing one of the Wisconsin tribe`s major hurdles for the long-sought project.   

Last year the administration of then-President Donald Trump approved the project. The Democratic governor announced Wednesday he was siding with that decision, allowing it to move forward.  

Wisconsin governors have sole say on casino projects, and Republicans who control the Legislature don`t have an easy way to block them if they oppose them.

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Ken Notes: As we renegotiate the tribal gambling pacts, we should allow for low stakes poker tournaments and other social events to be held in our local taverns. We could use the existing bingo statutes as a guideline for permitting and licensing limit buy in to $10 or $20 dollars allow progressive tournaments over time. This would be huge for the tavern industry....

This week, the Plan Commission unanimously recommended the city adopt a proposal to revise city zoning and permit processes to support the development of more housing and more diversity in the sizes and types of housing in Madison. I want to voice my strong support for the proposal, which is headed to the Common Council for a vote on March 30.

The proposed changes would make it easier to develop housing in most multi-family residential and mixed-use zoning districts across the city by standardizing the permit review process for projects that meet basic requirements....
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Ken Notes: The key here will be smaller affordable not "Affordable" housing. We can do this, in fact we could lead the nation in how to do this but it will require leadership not mandates. I miss my radio show where we talked about this with experts each week...

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Ken Notes: Congrats to all the winners! GREAT photos at the link and in the articles! Amazing projects this year...

Fetch Rewards has delivered to Madison its first unicorn — and, at least as important, lessons for how to achieve more high-growth startup companies.

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Ken Notes: Great story! I love the idea of Madison becoming a hub for companies like this.

Uncertainty around the future impact of the noise from F35 fighter jets based at Madison’s Truax Field led to the city’s Plan Commission halting a major development proposal earlier this week.

The Plan Commission on Monday reviewed a proposal to rezone property at 4000-4150 Packers Ave. and 4201 N. Sherman Ave. in order to allow construction of 124 single family homes as well as a potential mix of condominiums, apartment buildings, mixed-use buildings and commercial space called Raemisch Farm....
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Ken Notes: I hope that there is not a political agenda in this decision but I fear there is...

With a $14 million donation from American Girl founder and philanthropist Pleasant Rowland, One City Schools announced plans on Tuesday to purchase an office building in Monona that will become a new home for the fast-growing independent charter school.

One City will use the donation to buy a 157,000-square-foot office building on the campus of WPS Health Solutions for $12 million and transform it into a school....

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Ken Notes: How fortunate to have Pleasant Rowland and Jerome Frautschi in our community! They have made a real contribution not just financially but in our future by supporting art, literacy, and our youth. Thank you for all that you do!

After Wisconsin had opportunity to set tone for high-speed transportation 10 years ago, U.S. projects provide renewed hope for future

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Ken Notes: I sat on Tommy Thompson`s Rail Advisory Board in 1999 and will state without a doubt that Wisconsin missed it`s greatest economic opportunity by not building the rail corridor when it had the chance. Now the two largest rail companies have merged, the new economy demands low cost coast to cost transit, and the opportunity for manufacturing and distribution would create thousands of jobs in Wisconsin. If we only had a brain!

Expanded transit connections, more economic opportunities and an affordable and reliable energy infrastructure are important concerns of business, economic development and community leaders in southeastern Wisconsin.

That’s according to some 40 attendees of a virtual presentation hosted by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with Milwaukee 7. They were responding to a 2021-25 draft plan presented by the Committee for Economic Development.

Officials said the future of economic development here in southeastern Wisconsin should be a regional approach. The plan represents a collaborative effort to develop a strategic plan that will diversify and strengthen the region’s economy...
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Ken Notes: Lets hope for a strong recovery and I nope we do not see a have and have not situation. We need to remember the staff and and retailers that suffered most as we move forward....

The Boys and Girls Club of Dane County is moving into some prime real estate on Madison’s Capitol Square.

The spaces at 1 and 3 N. Pinckney St. — formerly home to American Family Insurance’s Dream Band and Quizno’s Subs, respectively — will house operations for grassroots organizations Feeding the Youth and the Black Men Coalition of Dane County, as well as a hub for BGCDC volunteers and a training space for other nonprofits...
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Ken Notes: I am a huge fan of CEO Michael Johnson, he walks the walk and demonstrates everyday how to get things done and more importantly his kids get to see how to get things done. #MJforGOV....

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Ken Notes: A sign that life is returning to normal and if you are back at the office here is a link you can use to return to the normalcy of wasting time while there. I teared up a little watching the start, I love life!!!

More than 9,000 Wisconsin businesses that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are slated to receive grants of up to $5,000, Gov. Tony Evers announced.

The grants are for businesses who applied for pandemic relief through Wisconsin’s “We’re All In” program, an initiative aimed at supporting small businesses throughout the state.

“Our small businesses have had to innovate to stay afloat this past year and that’s why it’s critically important we make sure they have the resources to recover and bounce back from this pandemic,” Evers said in a statement...
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Miron is currently constructing building set for June 2021 completion, adding Green Bay location to its six other locations

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Ken Notes: GREAT COMPANY, great fit and a very cool space. Any interest in hosting a busload from Madison after you open?? Titletown is an amazing development...

Cultured Decadence, a Madison startup specializing in cell-cultured seafood products such as lab-grown lobster meat, said it has closed a $1.6 million pre-seed round of funding.

The round was led by investors including Bluestein Ventures, Joyance Partners, Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, gener8tor, GlassWall Syndicate, Bascom Ventures and Dao Foods, an investment holding company based in China.

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Ken Notes: This one is interesting. I want to taste it without knowing about the lab part. Does FRESH WISCONSIN LOBSTER sound weird to anyone else???

MADISON, WI. APRIL 6, 2021 — A new report from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) sets out a comprehensive strategy for investing in people to help Wisconsin recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes announced today.

The report, Wisconsin Tomorrow: Building an Economy for All, is intended to help guide the state’s use of federal American Rescue Package (ARP) funds as well other public and private sector investments, Hughes said.

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Lift Bridge Brewing Company has announced its plans to expand its operations by opening a taproom and production facility in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

Ken Notes: Tomorrow will be the inaugural edition of WisCraftNews.com an aggregation of positive news about Wisconsin`s Craft Beer, Wine, and Distillery businesses. You may subscribe here it is free and we never share your info period. We have a great story to tell!

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NEENAH – Kimberly-Clark will move more than 250 positions in sales, marketing and executive management from Wisconsin to a new commercial center in Chicago, the company said Wednesday.

The move is expected to take effect in the first fiscal quarter of 2022, which begins in January.

The new Chicago facility will house the sales, retail and marketing teams for the company`s North American consumer products that include such brands as Huggies and Kleenex.

Kimberly-Clark said in an email that more than 2,500 employees will remain in Wisconsin.

See Also:

Kimberly-Clark moving 250 Fox Valley jobs to Chicago

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Ken Notes: First Texas now Chicago, I question if KC knows the value of Wisconsin, our schools systems, our quality of life, our role in a global society. Why not Madison or Milwaukee if you think the Fox Valley does not provide "access to people and partners with diverse experiences, skills and capabilities to grow our brands with world class commercial capability". We need more global players in the state not leaving it...

A friend of mine moved to Dallas in the 80`s with KC for "lower taxes" he told me, I now live in a gated community, send my kids to private school and my sail boat is 178 miles away instead of across the street.

MADISON, WI—March 31, 2021 Kahler Slater is excited to announce that it has chosen the firm’s 2021/2022 community partner organization. Kahler Slater has committed to a two-year partnership with Wisconsin Youth Company in Madison, Wisconsin as part of its corporate core value to give back to the communities where they live, work and play. Kahler Slater’s two-year partnership program began in 2013 in an effort to form relationships and have a deeper impact on the community.     

Wisconsin Youth Co.’s mission is to engage youth in opportunities that encourage them to be their best selves. The non-profit organization provides high-quality programming to kids beyond the school day throughout Dane and Waukesha Counties. Programs include before and after school, 4K wrap, summer camps, Middle School U, Wander Wisconsin, and non-school days and break programs. Wisconsin Youth Co. works to positively impact children by providing a safe place to nurture social and emotional skills and create positive character development....

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Ken Notes: What a great partnership, Thank you!

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Ken Notes: My old idea, use the 6,000 parking stalls to ease parking downtown. Shuttle or "park and bike" to solve the last mile problem...

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Ken Notes: Interesting...

The University of Wisconsin-Madison held its first virtual meeting Tuesday to gather community input about the future of Library Mall, the public open space on campus located between Memorial Library and the Wisconsin Historical Society and home to the Hagenah Fountain.

UW-Madison launched a feasibility study in January with the purpose of creating a concept design, cost estimate and a tentative timeline for the area’s redevelopment, said Gary Brown, director of campus planning and landscape architecture. The feasibility project costs $105,700 and is fully privately funded and does not include tuition or tax dollars, and the university does not yet have funding for the implementation itself.
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Promega Corporation today announced the opening of Kornberg Center, the biotech company’s newly constructed research and development facility on its Fitchburg, WI campus. The three-story, 280,000-square-foot building, named for Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Arthur Kornberg, will support core product and technology development in life science research, cellular and molecular biology, genetic identity, clinical diagnostic and scientific applications and training....

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This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210406005070/en/

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Ken Notes: I love this company....

SCS Engineers	Kraus-Anderson
The Gialamas Company	JSD Professional Services

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The vote of confidence in the co-working space industry continues. The latest example comes courtesy of commercial real estate services and investment firm CBRE who acquired 35% interest in flexible workspace provider Industrious this week. The purchase makes CBRE Industrious’ largest shareholder. The real estate firm is expected to acquire another 5% in the flexible office space provider in the coming weeks to bring its stake up to 40%.

CBRE’s investment in Industrious is a sign the company is looking at the future of the co-working industry, rather than its present. Many companies are working from home these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but when tenants do return to offices, they’ll likely want the lease flexibility a company like Industrious provides—at least that’s what companies like CBRE are counting on. CBRE’s recent surveys show that 86% of its occupier clients, including many of the world’s largest global corporations, plan to add flexible office space to their real estate strategies. Meanwhile 82% will lean towards buildings that offer a flexible office environment....
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Notes:

A leading life science company, MilliporeSigma will invest $65 million to expand its facility in Verona, Wisconsin. The company plans to create approximately 50 jobs starting this year.

The new 70,000-square-foot expansion in Verona will allow MilliporeSigma to facilitate complex, large-scale manufacturing of increasingly potent compounds, including Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (HPAPI) and Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC). Both compounds have the potential to treat cancer. The expansion project is slated to break ground this spring and completed by mid-2022....
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Green Bay-based transportation management and technology provider’s new headquarters, the Breakthrough Collaboration Hub, will open in late fall 2021

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Ken Notes: Wow!!!

At a Wednesday listening session, small business owners from across the state told Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and the state’s economic development agency about the policy changes they believe will help businesses like theirs recover from the pandemic and thrive in the years ahead. High on the list: expanding access to broadband internet and BadgerCare.

The event comes as the Legislature begins its budget process, choosing which measures from Gov. Tony Evers’ $91 billion two-year spending plan to toss and which to keep. Already, the state has spent more than $370 million in federal dollars allocated through the CARES Act to support Wisconsin small businesses, farms and the hospitality and tourism industry. And just yesterday, Evers announced that the state would use more than $46 million in remaining CARES Act dollars to provide $5,000 grants to an estimated 9,300 small businesses across the state that applied for pandemic relief...
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Ken Notes: Interesting, why not make badger care or the government insurance option available to everyone. Wisconsin cold lead the nation in health care reform.

The growing popularity of Milwaukee area beer gardens is creating new locations beyond their traditional sites in parks as summer beckons — and the pandemic shows signs of retreating.

Along with providing outdoor gathering spaces for people to have fun, some of the new beer gardens will bring more life to underused sites, including a downtown Milwaukee parking lot and an empty building at Glendale`s redeveloping Bayshore mixed-use project.

Ken Notes: Interested in Craft Beer, Wine, and Spirits in Wisconsin? Check out WisCraftNews.com you can subscribe for free!

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Ken Notes: I am a huge fan of BioForward and love this concept!

MADISON, Wisc., and SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced it is launching a Virtual Career Center (VCC), built on Google Cloud. The VCC will connect Wisconsinites to career services, relevant job opportunities and dramatically expand access to key resources across the state, via an innovative, data-driven, and easy-to-navigate online platform.

This $2.9-million project brings together Wisconsin government and industry-leading technology providers to harness the power of cloud platforms to support candidates` job searches, helping connect the state`s workforce with pathways to available career opportunities. Wisconsin will become one of the first states in the country to leverage Google Cloud technology to help people get back to work and support economic recovery statewide. DWD plans to use federal funding to pay for the new project..

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Ken Notes: Wow 2.9 million is a lot to pay for a resource center. I might bring the private sector on board and offer apprenticeship and school to work transitional opportunities. Partner with Tech schools for more hands on training. Work with small businesses to hire more entry level employees. We seem focused on hand out not hand up programing and we know that does not work. It is about jobs! The name says it all Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development...

IM Properties purchased 4.25 acres of land which includes the now-closed La Quinta hotel, KFC and Jose`s Blue Sombrero.

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Weather Shield Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of windows and doors, is expanding its facility in Park Falls, a $3.6 million project expected to create 40 jobs over the next three years.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $225,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Weather Shield will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.

“This investment by Weather Shield Manufacturing Inc. solidifies the company’s continued commitment to Wisconsin and is a testament to the strength of our manufacturing industry,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “In addition to the jobs created by this project, this expansion allows Weather Shield to take advantage of a growing market and position itself for future growth.”...
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Two of the most ambitious development projects in recent memory will make presentations before the Madison Urban Design Commission on Wednesday night.

A team from Summit Smith development will seek initial or final approval from UDC for Block One of its Madison Yards project slated for 4702 Sheboygan Ave., near Hilldale Shopping Center on the site of the old Department of Transportation building.

Block One (of a seven-block development) includes 4 separate buildings that would occupy the corner of Segoe Road and Sheboygan Avenue....
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 The University of Wisconsin-Madison has hired a former official with Foxconn Technology Group to lead the university`s Office of Business Engagement.

John Garnetti will lead the office as managing director, UW-Madison said Thursday. He starts April 26.

In his new role, Garnetti will support and execute the Office of Business Engagement`s strategic vision, lead and grow the office`s team of engagement directors, and expand existing and cultivate new business relationships across all UW schools and colleges. Garnetti will report to Christopher Kozina, assistant vice chancellor for industry engagement....
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Ken Notes: Honestly why do we care? We made a deal with Foxconn based on jobs and build-out that they did not produce and therefore they did not collect. We now need to let them figure out where they are going and how can we help --- and WE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR ANY WISCONSIN COMPANY. I believe Missy Hughes gets this at least I hope she does. We also need to make sure Foxconn and other growth in the area covers the investment made by the local communities in land acquisition and infrastructure build-out.

Wisconsin distilleries Driftless Glen and Wollersheim see opportunity and innovation amid the global pandemic. 

Baraboo’s Driftless Glen made a conscious effort about four years ago to push its bourbon to off-premise consumption, such as in liquor stores. When the pandemic hit, that decision paid off with 2020 wholesales surpassing those in 2019...

Ken Notes: Please remember to look at our new WisCraftNews.com and subscribe to follow the Craft Beer, Wine and Spirits in Wisconsin...

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The third tallest building in Madison; that’s what JLA Architects is calling a newly proposed building near Alliant Energy Center.

It’s a privately funded $40 million project that would stand 18 stories high, along Olin Ave. to John Nolan Drive. If the project does go through, it means the Wonder Bar Steakhouse and the Coliseum Bar would be torn down, leaving one employee of the 92-year-old building upset...
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Ken Notes: We need to stop building shelters and start building micro units with shared amenities and mental health support. When will we learn this is actually a cheaper option...

Madison’s City Council did not make a decision early Wednesday morning on purchasing a site for a permanent men’s homeless shelter, pushing off the vote until May after the spring election when the makeup of alders could change.

Toward the end of a Tuesday meeting that wrapped up around 2 a.m. Wednesday, the council voted 16-1 to refer the decision on purchasing a 2.67-acre property at 2002 Zeier Road that includes a vacant 31,500-square-foot building to its May 4 meeting. ..
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Ken Notes: instead of a cot and a shelter, why not create an ownership opportunity for 144 sq. ft. with great shared amenities. Think about it if you rob a bank we will give you this for free...

Two Wisconsin legislators say Governor Tony Evers’ export expansion proposal doesn’t go far enough.  State Senator Joan Ballweg says, “We know that Wisconsin ranks first in exports for things like ginseng roots, prepared and preserved cranberries, raw fur skins, and bovine semen, yet these industries are excluded from the Governor’s proposal in his current budget.”

State Representative Tony Kurtz agrees.  “Over 104 billion dollars we produce, but yet we only export roughly, you know, about 3.5 billion dollars.”

Ballweg and Kurtz introduced their agriculture and agribusiness comprehensive export program Monday, which would require the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to create a plan and achieve export objectives by June 30^th, 2026...

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Ken Notes: Good ideas but I think the privates sector has a better chance here and the real hurdles are at the federal level. DATCP and WEDC can help but we need a delegation at at national and global levels to make a dent...

MILWAUKEE — Helps is on the way for thousands of struggling restaurants in Wisconsin.

The Badger State is about to receive about $5 billion out of $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package.

We asked the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for a breakdown of how much of the last two federal stimulus money was allocated to Wisconsin bars and restaurants. They shared these figures:

• Phase 1 Grant: $7.685 million was given to 3,066 restaurants and bars

• Phase 2 Grant: $22.01 was given to 4,402 restaurants and bars

• Phase 3 Grant: $45 million to restaurants and bars ‘We’re All In for Restaurants’...

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Ken Notes: Great read and very interesting. I worry about small businesses on both sides of the coin. Some really need help to make it over the hump while others who may have been destined to fail are taking money to pocket it short term and will fail anyway. The pandemic has been difficult and our response has been to just throw money at it.

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

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Notes:

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin’s economy stands at a crossroads between the depths of recession and a return to healthy growth. We need to seize this opportunity for economic recovery by accelerating support for a cornerstone of our prosperity: small businesses.

Wisconsin’s small businesses, numbering nearly half a million enterprises, are vital to the health of our state. Yet they were crushed by the pandemic, with industries like retail, leisure and restaurants in the direct line of fire. Many lacked the financing to get them through lean times and had fewer financial reserves to start with. Overall, the number of small businesses plunged a staggering 29%, killing the livelihood for tens of thousands of Wisconsinites....
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Ken Notes: I am becoming a Missy Hughes fan more every day. Small business is a key as is manufacturing, energy, new technology, and health care. We need to remain focused on good jobs and a sustainable economy.

Developing an action plan for PFAS regulation by collaborating with solid waste and wastewater industries and state agencies

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Ken Notes: I follow this closely in WDNGreen.com, it is very important that we have companies at the table so we do not adopt a "solution" that is worse than the problem.

Lift Bridge Brewery`s announcement last week that it is opening a second taproom in New Richmond isn`t the only sign of economic development in western Wisconsin.

The state of play: Yes, Lift Bridge chose Wisconsin in part because of its more lenient liquor laws that will allow it to sell more products from the brewery, but co-founder Brad Glynn told Axios the $690 million St. Croix Crossing was also a factor...
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Ken Notes: Imagine what a great rail system could do...

GREEN BAY - Efforts to address homelessness and develop affordable housing in Wisconsin are getting a nearly $90 million boost from the American Rescue Plan.

Wisconsin cities, counties and regional consortiums received a total of $89.9 million of grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to create affordable housing and provide services for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless....
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Ken Notes: We need to rethink what an affordable home actually is. Now we do not build affordable housing we build subsidized housing and it is not the same thing, subsidized housing creates a dependency, makes it very difficult to leave, and cost us way too much...

April 1 (Renewables Now) - US utility Alliant Energy Corp (NYSE:LNT) on Wednesday unveiled plans to deploy 414 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity through six new projects in Wisconsin.

The solar farms are planned to be installed mostly in rural areas of Dodge, Grant, Green, Rock and Waushara counties, with individual capacities ranging between 50 MW and 100 MW. Alliant will develop five of those schemes by itself, while the sixth one is under development by National Grid Renewables. Details on the projects are available in the table...
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The Aspen Overlook condominium development will be located on the west side of Tenny Avenue directly across from the Meijer store.

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Three-year Commitment Plan Designed to Help Communities Thrive

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Ken Notes: Thank you!

Affordable housing development efforts in Milwaukee need more money, according to a Wisconsin Policy Forum report released this week amid an ongoing push to meet that need.

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Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway calls the plan “Housing Forward.” It is a sweeping framework that aims to address the short-term goal of housing insecurity and the lingering issue of housing shortages across the city.

Matthew Wachter, Madison’s Director of Planning, Community and Economic Development, said the plan builds on extensive research on the city’s housing issues.

“In the last seven years, the city of Madison has written seven different housing reports that look at different parts of the housing market…if you add all of those reports together, it’s 1,000 pages, it’s hundreds of recommendations, so what Housing Forward does is it goes through all of those and pulls out the ideas that rose to the top,” Wachter said....
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LA CROSSE, Wis.—  The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center is tied to the state’s university system. It has branches across the state, including in La Crosse at UW-La Crosse.

SBDC hosts entrepreneurial training programs for aspiring and current business owners. It serves about 400, annually. The pandemic made that number skyrocket to more than 1,100.

“This most recent session started in early February and this year; we’re doing it virtually,” said director Anne Hlavacka.

ETP helps entrepreneurs test their concept, develop their business plan, and hone in on marketing and financial skills...
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More financial support is needed to develop additional affordable housing units in metro Milwaukee, according to a new report.

Wisconsin Policy Forum released a report Wednesday taking stock of housing affordability challenges in the city, where more than half of renter households spend at least 30% of their income on rent.

Based on a survey of dozens of nonprofit organizations and private developers whose work involves affordable housing development or housing services, WPF said increased affordable housing development was named as the strategy most in need of increased financial support. More than half (54%) of the 61 housing leaders surveyed said it was the top priority to address the housing affordability gap
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City of Platteville leaders this week authorized the sale of almost 21 acres in the city’s industrial park to a developer that will construct and lease a facility whose tenant has pledged to employ at least 200 people.

The $20 million estimated cost of the planned 342,000-square-foot warehousing, light manufacturing and distribution facility is so high that the city will sell the property, valued at $1.4 million, for a maximally discounted rate of $1 per acre, based on a land-price formula that reduces costs for job creation and infrastructure investment...
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Ken Notes: The developer will not "create" the jobs so this make sense, but I hope the agreement does have a guaranteed property value which the developer is responsible for. This may be the case of the press not knowing what questions to ask...

OrthoIllinois withdrew its application to build an ASC (Ambulatory surgery center) in Beloit, Wis., after a months long controversy over planning and zoning, the Beloit Daily News reported April 12. 

The controversy began in October, when Rockford-based OrthoIllinois submitted a proposal for a conditional use permit to build a 25,605-square-foot ASC. 

The proposal was met with criticism by Beloit Health System, which said the ASC could harm the level of care the system offers, according to Beloit Daily News.

The Beloit Plan Commission denied OrthoIllinois` conditional use permit on Nov. 18 in a 3-3 vote. OrthoIllinois resubmitted plans for the ASC Dec. 9, claiming the city made a mistake in considering the ASC`s zoning use....

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Ken Notes: These are a very tough call, nice new development but it take the profitable part of your local hospital away while leaving their responsibility for emergency and no insurance health care both which lose money. A community needs to address it`s total care needs when allowing new development. If we are wondering why Health Care is so expensive we need to address these issues.

MINNEAPOLIS, March 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Winmark, The Resale Company™, announced today that the Sheboygan, Wisc. market is now open and available for new Once Upon A Child®, Plato`s Closet®, Play It Again Sports® and Style Encore® franchise locations. Each of the Winmark brands have set the bar high in terms of industry standards to become the most dependable choice as consumers are continuously looking for high-quality, affordable, used retail resale shopping options.

Once Upon a Child, the largest children`s resale franchise in North America, specializes in reselling gently-used kid`s clothes, shoes, toys, furniture and baby gear. With a focus on being fashion savvy and shopping smart, Plato`s Closet specializes in clothing and accessories for teens and twenty-somethings. The hip, trendy clothing store buys and sells guys` and girls` gently-used, brand-name clothing and accessories, including shoes, belts, purses, and jewelry, among other items...

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Developer Irgens overcame several challenges to complete the BMO Tower in downtown Milwaukee, the Business Journal`s Project of the Year for the 2021 Real Estate Awards. Find out more about the high-profile development that one of the newest addition to the city`s skyline...

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Wauwatosa officials advanced two developments that would add up to 769 more apartments to its already active housing market...

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s unemployment rate remained at 3.8% in February, far below the national rate of 6.2%, the state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday.

A year ago, at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the state unemployment rate was 3.3%.

Wisconsin lost 1,000 private-sector jobs in February and is down 129,600 for the year...
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The majority of Wisconsin Republicans’ plans for spending $3.2 billion in federal stimulus money either may not be allowed under the law or might have to be repaid, according to nonpartisan analyses of the bills that are moving quickly through the Legislature.

Republicans are moving to pass bills that would spend the federal money as they want, rather than as Democratic Gov. Tony Evers intends. The law gives the governor control over most of the money and he has provided few details on how he intends for it to be spent. Evers has signaled he will veto the Republican measures.
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Stay up to date by reading our MadREP Report, a bi-monthly newsletter that features regional economic development news, events and opportunities.

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Wisconsin state lawmakers claimed more than $555,000 in daily expense reimbursements in 2020 even though they never convened for a floor session over the last eight months of a year marked by the coronavirus pandemic, records released Tuesday show.

Legislators claimed $555,159 in expenses, known as per diems, according to the records from the Senate and Assembly chief clerk`s offices. Lawmakers can claim such payments for daily expenses they accrue for work done in Madison. The payments are in addition to their $53,000 annual salaries....

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Ken Notes: Are we surprised???

Momentum West, a regional economic development organization, will host its Annual Meeting and Economic Development Awards virtually on March 31 from 11 a.m. to noon.

This well-attended event celebrates the best of West Central Wisconsin and those who are making a difference in the community every day. Sponsored by Bremer Bank, it is an opportunity for the community to come together.

“We have a lot to celebrate in West Central Wisconsin. While 2020 was certainly a challenging and unprecedented year, it was also a year when local businesses, partners and organizations rose to those challenges. They demonstrated the strength, resiliency, dedication and innovative spirit that defines West Central Wisconsin. As a community leader I am proud of what we have accomplished together and pleased to be able to shine light on leaders within our community,” said Steve Jahn, executive director of Momentum West...
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 Madison-based startup accelerator gener8tor has launched an international partnership program with the country of Luxembourg.

This week, the nation’s Ministry of Economy, Franz Fayot announced the program during the opening of the first economic mission to Wisconsin. The virtual event, held March 29-31, is a partnership between the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, the Luxembourg House of Fintech, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to strengthen collaboration and trade between the two regions, according to a release from the department....
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Devonte Cunningham walked out of Wisconsin State Fair Park a happy man Friday after being hired for his second part-time job.  

Cunningham recently landed a part-time job at a grocery store, and after a successful interview at a job fair, he will join a crew to clean and sanitize the State Fair Park buildings before, during and after events.  

It`s been a difficult several months for Cunningham, who was out of work and called job hunting during the pandemic "very, very, very stressful.”

“With coronavirus, everybody closed, Jesus, I’m glad I got these two jobs. I thank God for that," he said...
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Notes:

Between 2010 and 2020, the Madison Region has seen a 76.4% increase in Computer Systems Design and Related Services (NAICS 54151) jobs, a category that includes video game development. That number is even more startling when compared against a 50% increase throughout the United States. (Emsi)

Wisconsin has a relatively low cost of doing business when compared to other states currently dominating the game development landscape. Business owners looking to relocate or establish new or satellite offices find Wisconsin to be an affordable option. The low cost of living/doing business, access to talent, the existing industry network and the high quality of life come together to make Wisconsin a viable option...
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Aaron White elected to Wisconsin Economic Development Association panel

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

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MADISON, WI. APRIL 5, 2021 – The Sow’s Ear, a yarn and coffee shop in downtown Verona, has been named the winner in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) inaugural Main Street Mini-Makeover contest.

An outgrowth of the popular Main Street Makeover contest, the Mini-Makeover was designed specifically to benefit retailers who want a new look in anticipation of welcoming customers back this summer. The larger makeover contest generally requires a full-scale remodel and has substantial costs, while the mini-makeover will provide a simpler merchandising refresh.

“For every business able and willing to undertake the commitment of a full makeover, there are many that would benefit equally from a simpler approach,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “Helping businesses refresh and update their look is one of the ways WEDC can help keep our downtowns vibrant.”

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The state of Wisconsin is warning people about a surge of fraudulent activity concerning unemployment benefits this week.

The Department of Workforce Development says people were being contacted by email, social media, and phone calls.

A fake account called the “Wisconsin Department of Workforce” was trying to get personal information with the goal of intercepting the victims’ unemployment insurance benefits.

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I write today about a topic few think about on a daily basis — the statutory basis of Wisconsin’s building codes. Although this may seem like minutia, without a solid statutory foundation, Wisconsin’s building codes would crumble just as your home would fall if it had no foundation. As the former director of program development in the Safety and Buildings Division of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, I have over 25 years of experience with building codes and their statutory basis.

Unfortunately, the statutory basis for the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code — as well as dozens of other state agency codes — was challenged and questioned over the last four years. As a result, code requirements for fire sprinklers in multifamily dwellings of three to 19 units have not been enforced in recent years — allowing such buildings to be constructed without the lifesaving and property-protecting benefits of fire sprinklers.
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Hey y’all, it’s Austin. The future of American manufacturing may not rely on ultra-flat-screen TVs, robotic coffee baristas or even electric vehicles. It might just depend on gummy bears.

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Ken Notes: It is so easy to be cynical about Foxconn but I still believe they will figure something out and in the meantime I will drown my sorrows in Gummy Bears. Life is good!

The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Green Bay aspire to offer a wide array of services, resources and expertise designed to help lead both budding and experienced entrepreneurs on the road to sustainable success.

Through this unique collaboration between the SCEDC and the SBDC, the Wisconsin Restaurant Initiative (WRI) has stepped to the forefront in aiding restaurant owners, many of which have been dealing with numerous challenges over the past year related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spearheaded by Southwest Wisconsin SBDC Business Consultant Jason Schleip, the Wisconsin Restaurant Initiative initially formed in December 2019 to address the specialized needs of the state’s restaurant industry...
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Another piece of the Olympia Fields project was put into place recently when city of Oconomowoc officials gave the go-ahead to acquire 11.8 acres through condemnation.

The property is an important piece to the proposed mixed-use development, which is slated to include a medical office building, newly created commercial outlots and structures, rehabilitated existing commercial real estate and multifamily housing units.

On March 16, the common council directed city attorney Stan Riffle to pay $2.6 million to property owner Park Studios LLC, which is linked to Edmond Baysari. Baysari died in September 2018 without a will...

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Milwaukee Tool said it is exploring downtown Milwaukee for an expansion of its local corporate operations, a project that would add to the company’s already rapid growth in southeast Wisconsin. Find out the details...

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Ken Notes: Paywall ahead, I hate these and apologize in advance...

Peak Construction Corporation has been awarded NorthPoint Development’s Heartland 94 Logistics Building 1 at 8311 38th St. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Peak is teamed with studioNorth Architecture and Pinnacle Engineering Group on this project. Construction will start this spring with a scheduled completion for January of 2022.
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EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) - Many restaurants and hotels are eager to welcome back customers and clients, but it`s hard to fully reopen when you`re not fully staffed.

Sheila Arredondo, owner of Silly Serrano in Eau Claire, has been looking to hire another cook and cashier for months.

"It just blows my mind how I can put out an ad and it can be weeks or months before somebody even applies for the position," Arredondo said...
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JANESVILLE (WKOW) -- Federal officials are considering a proposal that could have a significant impact on the economic future of dozens of communities across the country.

A committee of statisticians is proposing to downgrade 144 communities that are currently designated as metropolitan statistical areas. It would require a metro area to have at least 100,000 residents in its core city, doubling the current requirement. Cities with core populations between 50,000 and 100,000 people would become “micropolitan" statistical areas.

That would impact several communities in Wisconsin, including Janesville/Beloit, Wausau/Weston, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and Oshkosh/Neenah...
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Two plans near Wauwatosa`s village area and Mayfair mall will be considered during the Wauwatosa Plan Commission meeting on April 12.

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Ken Notes: Great location....

KENOSHA, WIS. — Peak Construction Corp. has been selected by NorthPoint Development to construct Heartland 94 Logistics Center Building 1 in Kenosha. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring with completion slated for January 2022. The 757,281-square-foot industrial building, located at 8311 38th St., will feature a clear height of 40 feet, 76 dock doors, four drive-in doors, 234 trailer parking spaces and 414 car parking spaces. The project team includes studioNorth Architecture and Pinnacle Engineering Group...   ...more

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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...

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

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