“There`s
a difference in what the data tells us, and what reality dictates to
us, and if we deliver on what we said we would do with equity and
justice,” said Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of
Commerce. “If we don’t do these things, I don’t think recovery is
guaranteed.”
Ken Harwood
Advocating for Wisconsin
Ken [at] KenHarwood.com
608.334.2174
Ken [at] KenHarwood.com
608.334.2174
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This Weeks Articles...
Exclusive: Wisconsin report confirms Foxconn’s so-called LCD factory isn’t real
Wisconsin unemployment drops to 5.4% in September
Verso has halted its effort to sell Rapids mill...
State sees record home sales for third quarter
Lutheran Social Services and Waukesha Countyopened the LSS Aspen Center
Wisconsin to begin paying out federal Lost Wage Assistance benefit for unemployed residents
Alliant Energy: Recognized for excellence in economic development
Children`s Wisconsin plans clinic to replace former south side library. But its historic status could be a roadblock.
Wisconsin skilled worker training program offers employers grants of $5,000 to $400,000
Travel Wisconsin awards grants to local tourism promoters
Payments Start Going Out Under Trump Administration`s Unemployment Supplement
Tech Council: Can Wisconsin lead bio-industrial surge? Find out at 2020 Early Stage Symposium
North side`s Community Within The Corridor development asks for $250,000 state grant as construction start draws near
Wisconsin workforce department using Google Cloud to hasten unemployment payments
Data company spun from UW-Madison raises $4M from Silicon Valley investors
Applications for Disaster Recovery Microloan Program open Oct. 26
Gov. Evers, WEDC, PSC announce six communities selected for Broadband Connectors Pilot Program
...moreWisconsin unemployment drops to 5.4% in September
Verso has halted its effort to sell Rapids mill...
State sees record home sales for third quarter
Lutheran Social Services and Waukesha Countyopened the LSS Aspen Center
Wisconsin to begin paying out federal Lost Wage Assistance benefit for unemployed residents
Alliant Energy: Recognized for excellence in economic development
Children`s Wisconsin plans clinic to replace former south side library. But its historic status could be a roadblock.
Wisconsin skilled worker training program offers employers grants of $5,000 to $400,000
Travel Wisconsin awards grants to local tourism promoters
Payments Start Going Out Under Trump Administration`s Unemployment Supplement
Tech Council: Can Wisconsin lead bio-industrial surge? Find out at 2020 Early Stage Symposium
North side`s Community Within The Corridor development asks for $250,000 state grant as construction start draws near
Wisconsin workforce department using Google Cloud to hasten unemployment payments
Data company spun from UW-Madison raises $4M from Silicon Valley investors
Applications for Disaster Recovery Microloan Program open Oct. 26
Gov. Evers, WEDC, PSC announce six communities selected for Broadband Connectors Pilot Program
The chapel is the newest venue in a family of properties that, while focused in the Village of Kohler, are also scattered around Sheboygan.
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Ken Notes: WOW this is fantastic. Kohler does so much for the area. And of course the Ryder Cup is coming in 2021!
Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation: Joseph Project creates opportunity for for workforce
Sheboygan County, WI – A key mission of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is to create proactive workforce recruitment campaigns in partnership with area firms. The SCEDC has partnered with the Pentecostals of Sheboygan County (POSC) to assist with the Joseph Project Sheboygan County, a faith-based workforce initiative that provides essential-skills training to help connect people to the career opportunities in Sheboygan County.
The Joseph Project started as a constituent service through the office of U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and became a collaboration with Pastor Jerome Smith of Greater Praise Church of God in Christ in Milwaukee, then grew through other partnerships throughout the state of Wisconsin. While traveling the state, the Senator found that manufacturers’ primary concern was the lack of workers. The Sheboygan County Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has the third highest concentration of manufacturing in the United States accounting for 33.1% of employment in the area, and the MSA is the fastest-growing labor force in Wisconsin. Finding employees is a major challenge for area employers.
Through this program, Johnson staffers and Joseph Project volunteers identify people ready for a life change based on their attitude and determination. These determined individuals participate in free week-long class sessions. The classes are taught by volunteers and cover the topics of teamwork, time management, financial management, conflict resolution, and spiritual fitness. Participants who persevere through the week of classes are given job interviews with employers who are hiring for well-paying manufacturing careers...
...moreThe Joseph Project started as a constituent service through the office of U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and became a collaboration with Pastor Jerome Smith of Greater Praise Church of God in Christ in Milwaukee, then grew through other partnerships throughout the state of Wisconsin. While traveling the state, the Senator found that manufacturers’ primary concern was the lack of workers. The Sheboygan County Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has the third highest concentration of manufacturing in the United States accounting for 33.1% of employment in the area, and the MSA is the fastest-growing labor force in Wisconsin. Finding employees is a major challenge for area employers.
Through this program, Johnson staffers and Joseph Project volunteers identify people ready for a life change based on their attitude and determination. These determined individuals participate in free week-long class sessions. The classes are taught by volunteers and cover the topics of teamwork, time management, financial management, conflict resolution, and spiritual fitness. Participants who persevere through the week of classes are given job interviews with employers who are hiring for well-paying manufacturing careers...
Ken Notes: Every County need a program like this. We have a segment of society that wants more, we need to be positioned to provide the paths to get there. Education, corporate diversity, apprenticeship or work experience, public private partnerships, and more. This is not a hand out opportunity it is a hand up opportunity...
A Wisconsin factory hailed by President Donald Trump as proof he was reviving U.S. manufacturing did not create enough jobs in 2019 to earn its owner Foxconn Technology Group tax credits, the state said on Monday, the second year it has missed its targets.
In a letter to the Taiwan-based company’s Vice Chairman Jay Lee, Wisconsin’s economic development agency said Foxconn was a long way away from building the large TV screens it had proposed in 2017, when it promised to eventually create 13,000 jobs in the state.
In a letter to the Taiwan-based company’s Vice Chairman Jay Lee, Wisconsin’s economic development agency said Foxconn was a long way away from building the large TV screens it had proposed in 2017, when it promised to eventually create 13,000 jobs in the state.
Key Points
- In a letter to the Taiwan-based company’s Vice Chairman Jay Lee, Wisconsin’s economic development agency said Foxconn was a long way away from building the large TV screens it had proposed in 2017, when it promised to eventually create 13,000 jobs in the state.
- The Apple Inc supplier’s plans for the Mount Pleasant factory are now unclear, the letter from The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) said.
- The planned $10 billion, 20-million-square-foot campus was hailed by the White House as the largest investment for a brand new location by a foreign-based company in U.S. history.
See Also:
Wisconsin denies Foxconn tax subsidies after contract negotiations fail
Foxconn Needs to Fess Up to Its Trumpian Failure in Wisconsin
And many more...
Ken Notes: When a 65 inch TV was available yesterday for under $300 dollars, it is clear the original plans for Foxconn were not economically feasible. Now we need to work with a new vision for the space and I hope we can keep Foxconn in the mix. We have spent a lot on infrastructure and land acquisition and the pandemic and policy may serve as an exit strategy for Foxconn. They are in the dirt so lets see what they can do going forward. Medical imaging seems viable as does manufacturing automation. Finally there are lots of articles in the national spotlight on this, we need to use the attention to suggest that Wisconsin is still willing to work with businesses looking to grow in the state...
As the Wisconsin economy continues to struggle six months into the coronavirus crisis, Gov. Tony Evers has announced $109 million in new and renewed grant funding for small businesses.Among those that stand to benefit: music venues, hotels, restaurants, bars, nonprofit cultural venues, and privately owned movie theaters.
“It’s really focused on our mom-and-pops, our Main Street businesses. We want to get dollars into their hands," said Missy Hughes, CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. "These businesses are so stressed. It would really help with what they’re facing.”...
See Also:
...moreKen Notes: Again why not let businesses borrow interest free what they need and then evaluate exactly what can be forgiven after the economy stabilizes. We are currently throwing money into a system when we are not sure of exactly how best to help. We are not allowing the businesses input into the process.
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The building ‘may be better suited for demonstration purposes rather than as a viable commercial glass fabrication facility’
A state report on Foxconn’s Wisconsin factory depicts a project gone far
off course. The report, issued this month by Wisconsin’s Division of
Executive Budget and Finance and obtained through a records request,
confirms that the company has not built the enormous Gen 10.5 LCD
factory specified in its contract. It also says that the building the
company claims is a smaller Gen 6 LCD factory shows no signs of
manufacturing LCDs in the foreseeable future and “may be better suited
for demonstration purposes.”
See Also:
...moreKen Notes: I remain concerned that the bulk of this story is being told by the Verge, and a political agenda is attached to their reporting. Foxconn realized shortly after beginning the project that larger LCD panels were not going to be profitable. (The price of a 65 inch TV has fallen from several thousand to less the $500). So Foxconn is still looking for a product / products that they can make money on and build in the US. The hunt is not going well, but Wisconsin is also not paying anywhere near the 3 Billion we promised.
Time to sit down and rethink where we go from here. I will say for the hundredth time, we should not chase them away or give them an excuse to fold up there tent and go home. Gou, founder, has hinted at this,“as long as policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels remain committed to Foxconn and the very important technology development goals driving the company’s investments.”.... We have invested in land and infrastructure and need to recoup these expenses. The last article above may hold some promise, but they have not suggested this platform will be made in Wisconsin..... YET!
“Founded in 1976 by George and Candy Gialamas, The Gialamas Company specializes in Class A Commercial Real Estate. 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....
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...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News
The U.S. Army has selected the University of Wisconsin for a multimillion-dollar grant to develop hybrid-electric engine technology for the service branch as part of the Pentagon`s efforts to cut down on carbon emissions.
The Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory last week awarded researchers at the university an $11.5 million grant for research set to begin this fall on technology that will investigate whether hybrid-electric engines could be integrated into existing Army systems.See Also:
...moreKen Notes: This is great news for Wisconsin, I hope that some of the resulting research enters the private sector. I could see the government who can pay the startup premium for new tech leading the way for adoption into the private sector. On area not in the grant that should be is co-gen and storage of electricity. We need to rethink our distribution model as we learn how to use solar and wind more regionally...
MADISON — The Governors Council on Workforce Investment has submitted their budget recommendations to continue improving Wisconsin`s employment force and spur economic development...
...The list of budget recommendations as stated in the press release :
- Request
an annual GPR allocation of $3.14M for the Department of Public
Instruction to expand a proven youth talent development system statewide
between employers, public agencies, and K12 staff, its students, and
families.
- Support programs to assist students in paying for materials associated with the apprenticeship program.
- Support
flexible job training options along with employment-related support to
maximize efficient use of resources to meet customers` employment needs.
- Direct DWD to coordinate with the Wisconsin Broadband Office to focus resources on improving broadband expansion access in rural and underserved areas of Wisconsin to promote workforce development and effective labor market participation...
Ken Notes: Wow some of the members must read WisconsinDevelopment.com as I have been advocating for all of these for years...
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin’s unemployment rate dropped from 6.3% in August to 5.4% in September, below the national rate but 2 points higher than a year ago as the state deals with a surge in coronavirus cases.Wisconsin’s jobless rate for September was below the 7.9% national rate.
The state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday that Wisconsin added 13,700 private-sector jobs in September....
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WISCONSIN RAPIDS - After months of exploring possibilities, Verso Corp. announced Wednesday it would slow down its effort to find a buyer for the Wisconsin Rapids mill.David Sams, Verso`s vice president of environmental health, safety and sustainability, told members of the Wisconsin Rapids Together Task Force Wednesday morning that, the economic environment and the continued COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult to find a buyer.
Sams said it has become apparent that a sale in the near future will be “impossible.”
State Rep. Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa told the Daily Tribune that Verso`s announcement was a shock to task force members who are trying to find ways to help the community cope with the mill`s shutdown and get the more than 800 workers who have lost their jobs back to work.
Ken Notes: This is not good news, we need to apply some pressure to move reopening this plant forward. I would look at assessment based on their asking price to start... Wisconsin Development has partnered with GBIG to produce a weekly newsletter on the Paper Pulp Printing Packaging and Plastic industries... You can read or subscribe at 5PNews.com...
Today,BioForward Wisconsin, the collective voice of Wisconsin’s robust and comprehensive biohealth cluster representing more than 220 member organizations, shared results of the Wisconsin Biohealth: Industry Landscape and Economic Impact Report which highlights the statewide biohealth industry as a leading economic growth and innovation driver for Wisconsin.According to the report, prepared by TEConomy Partners, LLC, a global leader in research, analysis and strategy for innovation-based economic development, Wisconsin’s biohealth industry is outperforming most major state industries in terms of job growth and wages. Among the highlights within the third-party report are:
- Economic Impact: The total state economic impact contribution by the biohealth industry is $28.8 billion...
- Jobs: Wisconsin’s biohealth research organizations, manufacturers, digital health, and distribution companies directly employ more than 46,000 individuals...
- Wages: The high-quality jobs generated across the biohealth industry pay more than $87,000 on average...
- Funding: Wisconsin-based institutions and organizations received almost $500 million in National Institutes of Health funding in 2019...
- COVID-19 Response: The report specifically emphasizes the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic stating..
SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) - A judge has ordered a temporary restraining order halting Gov. Tony Evers` emergency order that limited public gatherings as the state deals with a COVID-19 outbreak.Hon. John M. Yackel entered the order Wednesday morning in Sawyer County Court. That’s where the Tavern League of Wisconsin filed its lawsuit seeking to block the emergency order issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
A court hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, in which the state can give its reasons why a temporary restraining order should not be in place.
“A Sawyer County judge has just issued a temporary restraining order in our lawsuit against the enforcement of Secretary Palm designee’s recent Executive Order #3 limiting gatherings to 25% of occupancy at restaurants, taverns and supper clubs. This is only a temporary order and there is a hearing scheduled for Monday morning...
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Ken Notes: This is tough, we are mandating failure for some while allowing others to thrive. At what point do we allow individuals to be responsible for for their own health. We need a public policy that governs public space and let that policy end at the door where a business can establish their own guidelines, inform their clients of those choices, and let the customer decide. Education efforts should be key here, the more we know the safer we will be.
We will power our communities and empower cooperative members
to improve the quality of their lives.
Wisconsin saw its strongest third quarter on record for home sales, eclipsing the previous third quarter sales record established last year by 9.8 percent.“Demand has increased in recent months for a couple of reasons: low mortgage rates and an
improving job market in the state,” said Wisconsin Realtors Association President and CEO Michael Theo.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 2.89 percent in September, which pushed home sales up 18.1 percent compared to September 2019, and increased the statewide median price 17.9 percent to $229,900, according to the WRA...
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WEST ALLIS, Wis.(Oct. 15, 2020)–Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), in partnership with Waukesha County,opened the LSS Aspen Center, a comprehensive medically-monitored treatment center for women and men from throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
The 23,000-square foot community-based residential facility is located at 2000 W. Bluemound Road, Waukesha. LSS Aspen Center will begin accepting referrals immediately.The 22-bed center offers a wide range of substance use disorder rehabilitation and therapeutic services in two gender-specific wings with the capacity to grow to 34 beds based on need. LSS Aspen Center anticipates serving approximately 125 individuals from Waukesha County and southeastern Wisconsin annually.
...moreKen Notes: My wife is a therapist and reports to me daily that the number of substance abuse, domestic violence and other mental health cases are increasing exponentially as we continue to shelter for Covid. I like the public private partnership here and hope for the day when we do not need these facilities...
Joaquin Altoro has spent most of his professional career serving Milwaukee communities.
But for the last year as executive director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, also known as WHEDA, Altoro has been making his mark on the entire state.
By providing loans and grants to first-time homebuyers, farmers and entrepreneurs, WHEDA is responsible for much of the affordable housing created in Wisconsin.
“The most common question I ask myself is: How do I use my position to create a greater impact?” Altoro said...
...moreKen Notes: They (WHEDA) have great programs, I just wish we had more programs like Habitat and the Village in Milwaukee for vets. Part of the solution has to be smaller homes and apartments and communities that integrate this type of development into their neighborhoods. We could start by being the first state to guarantee housing to every veteran in the state.
Governor Tony Evers announced two major investment programs on October 6 to aid the state’s recovery from the pandemic, a $47 million investment to support for child care, healthcare navigators, and energy and rental assistance to Wisconsinites, and a $100 million investment plan aimed at providing additional economic stabilization for small businesses and communities hardest hit by COVID-19.The efforts will be funded in part through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The new infusion of funds includes an additional $50 million for “We’re All In Grants,” an economic development grant program launched by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) this summer. More than 26,000 businesses received “We’re all In Grants” statewide, but many continue to face economic challenges from the pandemic...
See Also:
...moreEvers invests additional $100M for Wis. small businesses
Ken Notes: Again I ask are we spending ahead of the curve and a real assessment of damage? A person I am close to was sent an invite from their accountant to apply for the new funds (they guaranteed results for a $150.00 filing fee) even though this business was not negatively impacted by the Pandemic.
The region`s explosion of coronavirus cases doesn`t just threaten more lives but could reverse Wisconsin`s economic recovery as it infects more of the workforce and saps consumer demand. Wisconsin`s Department of Health Services is reporting more than 2,300 new, positive test results each day right now with the Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Marinette areas all in counties with very high case activity. They`re among the 20 U.S. metro areas with the greatest number of positive COVID-19 tests per 100,000 people, according to the New York Times.
The impact is being felt by large and small businesses, alike.
The Green Bay Packers, for instance, announced Tuesday fans would not be allowed to attend home games indefinitely, citing the rampant community spread of the coronavirus...
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A Madison developer will lay out its vision for $17 million in mixed-use artist housing, studio and gallery space before the Cambridge Plan Commission next week.The proposed three-story Artists Lofts would offer 75 units of affordable housing with rental priority given to “active artists,” said Ted Matkom, Wisconsin market president for developer Gorman & Company, of Madison.
The firm, that would design, construct and manage the property, also has offices in Phoenix, Miami, Denver and Chicago.
Fair housing law allows artist housing to be earmarked for anyone from musicians to writers to painters, Matkom said. He said “active artists” could be doing full or part-time work or be serious hobbyists...
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SCS - At the forefront of sustainable environmental solutions for over 40 years and ...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News
TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WAOW)— Several area organizations are launching a housing survey to gather a closer look at determining housing needs in the Tomahawk Community.Some of the organizations leading the survey are: City of Tomahawk, Tomahawk Area Chamber of Commerce, Tomahawk Main Street Organization, and Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation. UW-Madison Lincoln County Extension is assisting.
The survey will act as a direct line to hear what residents and businesses in the Tomahawk area feel are housings needs, desires, and limitations in their community...
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Ken Notes: Every community needs to do this. Actually I can predict the outcome, service and retail workers need a place to live that they can afford...
Wisconsinites receiving unemployment could see up to $1,800 in federal payments as the state begins to release funds from the Lost Wage Assistance program. The payments are retroactive to Aug. 1 and cover six weeks of $300 payments, ending for the week of Sept. 5, according to a release from the Department of Workforce Development. The $300 will not be applied to any unemployment checks outside of that time frame...
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MADISON, Wisconsin – October 19, 2020 – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has presented Alliant Energy with two awards for excellence in economic development. The awards reflect the company’s commitment to help position the communities it serves for future job growth and economic success.Alliant Energy received a Gold Award for Partnerships with Educational Institutions for its collaboration with Beloit College. This partnership transformed the 100-year-old Blackhawk Generating Station building into a one-of-a-kind student union and recreational center called The Powerhouse. The seven-story complex is now a community asset that houses a coffee shop, conference center, theater, competition-style swimming pool, suspended 200-meter track and turf field house for football, softball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer and Ultimate Frisbee...
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Ken Notes: Congrats!!!
PLEASANT PRAIRIE — A proposed new Tax Incremental District in the village received glowing reviews during a public hearing Monday night.And now it’s one step closer to fruition.
Backed by the lone comment from a resident and positive remarks from the commissioners, the proposal for TID No. 8 that covers 127 acres south of Highway 50 between 104th and 115th Avenues received unanimous approval and now heads to the Village Board for action at its Nov. 2 meeting.
From there, if the proposal continues to progress, it will head to the Joint Review Board for the second time on Nov. 17. The final step is for approval documents to be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue before the TID officially is created.
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SHEBOYGAN - Citing a New York Times report that shows COVID-19 cases growing faster here than any U.S. metro area besides Seneca, South Carolina, the county issued an "emergency alert" Tuesday evening.The alert — co-signed by the health department, health care providers and business organizations — says the recent escalation in new cases has forced hospitals to enact emergency plans and limited contact tracers` ability to notify positive cases and their close contacts "in a timely manner."
Coming the same day that Gov. Tony Evers limited capacity in Wisconsin`s bars, restaurants and stores, the county alert asked residents "to join us and take action to stop the spread."
Specifically, it said county residents should:
- Distance 6 feet from people outside of the home.
- Wear a cloth face mask unless medical reasons prevent you.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Don`t gather indoors with people from outside your household.
- Limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people, while distancing and wearing face coverings.
- If you have symptoms, get tested and stay home while waiting for results.
- Cooperate with health officials if you test positive or are a close contact of somebody who has tested positive.
Ken Notes: Not bad advice, but this is now political (which is nuts).
Established in 2001, KA’s Wisconsin team upholds our commitment of more than 40 years of construction service in Wisconsin. Combined with the resources of the total KA enterprise, we are capable of undertaking work of virtually any size, scope, or location, whether locally, regionally, or nationally.
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Welcome 2020 WDN sponsor Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. Please check out the link to view the amazing projects they have developed from idea to completion.
The events of this summer and through the fall have reinforced the need for a statewide conference to address issues of racism, inclusivity and diversity in communities and workplaces. Organizers for this year’s “Toward One Wisconsin” inclusivity conference are heading into the final month of preparations for what is now a total virtual program on November 11-13.
“As a state and a nation, we have had to reckon with the repeated, horrific violence of racism, while a pandemic forced us to see racism as a public health crisis,” said Eric Giordano, executive director for the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, which is hosting the conference.
“By going virtual, we can ensure the safety of presenters and attendees and allow everyone to fully participate in the interest sessions, plenary talks and conference dialogues,” Giordano noted.
Toward One Wisconsin will offer 50 interest sessions and 90-plus presenters...
...more“By going virtual, we can ensure the safety of presenters and attendees and allow everyone to fully participate in the interest sessions, plenary talks and conference dialogues,” Giordano noted.
Toward One Wisconsin will offer 50 interest sessions and 90-plus presenters...
Beginning November 2, 2020, Wisconsin employers will be required to notify workers at separation about the availability of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits pursuant to an emergency rule recently issued by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). As in other states, Wisconsin’s DWD has interpreted a provision in the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to require promulgation of this rule as a condition for receiving significant federal emergency funding.
Notice Contents
The notice only needs to advise the worker that they can apply for UI benefits. DWD has posted suggested notice language on its website, which includes the following single sentence and a link to the UI Poster
already required under Wisconsin law: “You may file an unemployment
claim in the first week that your employment stops or your work hours
are reduced.” ....
Ken Notes: The language at the link should help and includes posters you can download is several languages as well as online versions...
(Download a PDF version of this report: Campus Climate Report – Fall 2020)
Since we last updated campus on UW–Madison’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, our campus, community, state and nation have reacted to the senseless killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake in nearby Kenosha at the hands of police. As Chancellor Blank recently said, “We have seen an outpouring of millions of voices demanding justice and equity for Americans who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC). Our university has been one focus of those demands. It is incumbent upon all of us to re-examine our commitments to racial justice and marshal the energy and resources to do more and better.”....
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Children`s Wisconsin is planning to operate a clinic in a new building that is to be developed on Milwaukee`s near south side.But the development site could be designated as historic — which could block that proposed clinic.
The $5.4 million medical office building is planned for the site of the former Forest Home Branch Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave.
I-Forest LLC, an affiliate of ICAP Development LLC, would buy the city-owned property for $450,000, according to a new proposal pending before the Common Council...
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Ken Notes: Very nice project. Details behind Journal Sentinel Paywall so think twice before reading --- you only have a few lives left.
Madison Office Lifestyle Portfolio is a portfolio of 16, Class A amenity-rich office properties ranging from 14,000 square feet to over 300,000 square feet in size, and is home to over 130 tenants.
...more
Mayor Tom Barrett`s $6.5 million housing aid proposal will help make homeownership more accessible for lower income Milwaukeeans next year.But those efforts, which include a focus on improving the city`s Black homeownership rate, need to be sustained beyond just 2021.
That`s according to Barrett`s development commissioner, Lafayette Crump, who spoke Tuesday to the Common Council`s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee.
"We know it`s extremely important to find a way to do this in a sustainable way," Crump told committee members.
Homeownership is a key element of how Americans build wealth. Higher homeownership rates often correlate with more stable, peaceful neighborhoods...
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MADISON, Wis. — Employers who can demonstrate a critical need for skilled workers can apply for Wisconsin Fast Forward training grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 to develop and initiate skills training programs.
The programs should be designed to provide sustainable, short- and medium-term training to help workers achieve long-term professional growth and economic opportunities, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, which announced the grant initiative Tuesday.
The training will help add new people to the workforce and increase wages for the trainees, the department said....
See Also:
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EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - Travel Wisconsin is using federal CARES Act dollars to help local tourism promoters.The organization awarded $11,894,966.26 in Tourism Relief to Accelerate Vitality and Economic Lift (TRAVEL) Stimulus Grants. The dollars will go to local tourism development organizations. The money makes up for revenue losses due to lower hotel tax revenues during the coronavirus pandemic. Hotel tax revenues generally compose most of a local tourism development organization’s operating budget.
Tourism promoters will use these dollars to promote their communities, hopefully stimulating local tourism economies...
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Notes:
October 9, 2020 – With over 15,000 job openings projected in the construction industry in 2021, the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) is thanking Governor Evers for proclaiming October as Careers in Construction Month.In 2019, 125,033 individuals were employed throughout the state in construction and extraction occupations, with a projection of over 127,000 individuals working in the construction trades in 2021. The employment numbers provided by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development show a continuing shortfall of workers to fill much-needed construction jobs.
“When builders are unable to schedule trades on time because of the lack of qualified workers, it means that buyers are unable to move into their home on time. These delays and production logjams are hurting the housing recovery by increasing the cost of building homes and making housing more expensive for consumers,” said WBA President Jeff Dorner....
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MADISON, Wis. – Two people who are helping to shape the Epic Health Research Network will explain how it is tapping digital health records to push out data to better inform clinical experts during the 2020 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, to be held on a virtual platform Nov. 9-11.Registration is now open.
The EHRN is a journal designed for rapid sharing of knowledge to help solve medical problems. This anonymous information is made available with internal peer review, but without third-party peer review, to expedite sharing. Developers believe it’s important that good data be available sooner, rather than perfect data be available too late...
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Miron’s comprehensive range of construction services are designed to meet the unique and diversified needs of our clients. Contact Us.
...more
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World Homeless Day on Oct. 10 continues the conversation about the ongoing challenges faced by the homeless"...
Newspaper outlets from across Wisconsin are coming together to once again report on the plight of the homeless in Wisconsin.
In 2019 more than 30 news outlets reported on the state of homelessness in Wisconsin. The content from the reporting which was circulated by the Associated Press appeared in newspapers across the country.
The homelessness reporting project spearheaded by the newspapers of Multi-Media Channels and the Wisconsin State Journal is challenging Wisconsin’s newspapers to tell the story of the state’s homeless.
This year’s reporting will mark the upcoming World Homeless Day on October 10 by continuing the conversation about the ongoing challenges faced by the homeless...
...moreKen Notes: I hope we can add micro or smaller homes, socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods, and a look at successful programs into the reporting mix...
For the last several years, WEDC’s INvest newsletter has come out on a
quarterly basis to keep subscribers informed about developments in
Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Topics have included funding
sources, investor profiles, and reports on the startup and investment
climate in Wisconsin.
...moreKen Notes: If you were an INvest subscribers you will receive these updates. Or you can just go Here...
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says it has either paid or denied 92 percent of the unemployment claims it has received so far.The state agency claims it is making progress on catching up after some people say they had to wait months for a determination...
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Payments under the Trump administration`s Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program have started going out to unemployment insurance recipients in Wisconsin, nearly three months after a previous federal supplement expired and seven weeks after the federal government approved the state`s application.The program, created by President Donald Trump in early August, supplements state-level unemployment benefits by $300 a week in Wisconsin.
An estimated 120,000 recipients in Wisconsin will receive payments this week, with the first large wave of payments sent out Tuesday night, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The department began sending out payments to smaller groups of recipients Thursday...
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Equity and
access will be critical for economic expansion and recovery in Madison
in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, local leaders said in a recent Cap
Times Idea Fest panel.Ken Notes: A video of the presentation at the link!
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
...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News
Solar PV development and construction company SunPeak announced it is now ISO 9001:2015 certified. Perry Johnson Registrars issued SunPeak’s certificate of registration on Sept. 21, recognizing SunPeak as a company that has developed, implemented and maintains a quality management system conforming to the stringent requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 international standard. The scope of the certification includes the design, installation, and servicing of solar PV electricity systems.“Earning this certification is an important accomplishment that aligns with our core values as an organization,” said Chad Sorenson, SunPeak’s President. “ISO 9001 requires our processes and our employees’ actions to be rooted in the pursuit of quality, and it demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and exceptional customer care.”...
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The US Department of Agriculture announced a $3 million investment in
rural broadband for Wisconsin`s small towns as a way to help grow local
economies and keep businesses connected...
...Ntera was given the $3 million grant to create a
fiber-to-the-premises network that would connect over 2,000 people and
more than 60 businesses to high-speed internet in Chippewa, Rusk and
Taylor counties in northern Wisconsin...
...moreKen Notes: I feel like I am banging my head against a wall. Money to cable is funding stuff they must build anyway. You need to trade urban access for rural infrastructure...
MADISON, Wis. – A growing national network that could build on Wisconsin’s tradition of manufacturing, agricultural and nature resource excellence will be described during the 2020 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, to be held on a virtual platform Nov. 9-11.Registration is now open.
Michael Koeris, the founding chief executive officer of the BioIndustrial Institute of Manufacturng Excellence, will join with Mary Blanchard of the Madison-based Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center for a 10:15 a.m., Nov. 11 panel discussion. It will be led by former state government cabinet secretary Karen Timberlake, now with Michael Best Strategies....
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Bob Klebba has been a small business owner in Madison for over a decade. He is also a staunch advocate for the preservation of historic neighborhoods and buildings around the city. And he has become heavily involved in the downtown real estate development scene, frequently chairing steering committees designed to give the public a voice and input into the approval process for development.......more
Ken Notes: Interesting perspective. Again I would like to know what plan B is for development he questions...
Stay up to date by reading our MadREP Report, a bi-monthly newsletter that features regional economic development news, events and opportunities. ...more
Funding for five affordable housing projects that would bring an estimated 240 units of affordable housing to Madison received support from the city’s Finance Committee Monday. On its consent agenda, the committee unanimously recommended awarding up to $5.77 million from the city’s five-year-old Affordable Housing Fund, which will allow developers to leverage federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)...
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A large mixed-use development that`s beginning construction on Milwaukee`s north side is seeking a state grant to help complete its financing package.The $60 million Community Within The Corridor will redevelop about 7 acres bordered by West Center, West Hadley and North 33rd streets, and Union Pacific railroad tracks. It was once home to Briggs & Stratton Corp.
Six buildings, ranging from one to three stories and totaling 380,000 square feet, will be converted into 197 apartments, 23,000 square feet of commercial space and 40,000 square feet of recreational and community space.
A new proposal calls for Milwaukee County to seek a $250,000 Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp....
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Notes:
MADISON, Wis. — Much attention has been focused on vaccine development to stop COVID-19, but effective treatments are also needed to fight this still relatively new virus.
UW Health clinicians are utilizing current respiratory treatments on the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2; and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is working together with UW Health on clinical trials for several novel therapies.
For patients who become hospitalized from a COVID-19 infection, there are current treatments that are effective, many utilizing the approved protocol to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS, according to Lynn Schnapp, chair of the Department of Medicine at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.
See Also:
Health Systems utilize proven treatments and develop new methods to fight COVID-19
...moreKen Notes: Like I said the solution to Covid will come through Wisconsin...
The Cambridge Village Board last week gave key approvals to Dancing Goat Distillery’s proposed expansion onto a second site along Lagoon Road, east of State Highway 134.The Village Board approved a land purchase, a certified survey map and master plan for the project on Sept. 29 and approved a developer’s agreement at a special meeting on Oct. 2.
The Village Board’s action finalizes the sale of the 50 acres on which the project would sit to Dancing Goat. The village bought the acreage from a neighboring farm family in the 1970s...
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Researchers from the U.S. Army and the University of Wisconsin-Madison team up to develop new hybrid-electric vehicle designs with customized engines and electric drivetrains like this one credited to work performed in conjunction with the university’s Engine Research Center.
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The U.S. Army awarded the University of Wisconsin-Madison a four year, $11.5 million contract for research that’s expected to lead to new designs of multi-fuel capable hybrid-electric engines for future Army air and ground vehicles. Researchers expect to begin work this fall...
...“The University of Wisconsin-Madison is well-situated to contribute substantially to the understanding and development of the advanced technologies needed by the Army for multi-fuel capable engines and hybrid-electric propulsion systems,” said David Rothamer, principal investigator for the project team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“The university has unique capabilities and research strengths in these areas as a result of the faculty, staff, and facilities of the Engine Research Center and Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium. We look forward to working with the Army Research Laboratory and other project partners to address critical Army needs.”...
Ken Notes: This could prove huge for the state. I hope they can work with Oshkosh Truck as well...
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development has received 965,939 unemployment insurance applications since March, and the average number of days until a person receives a payment after filing an application is currently 26...
Ken Notes: Article is behind paywall so I do not have details. As a former computer consultant I will affirm that it would not be difficult to move the data base used by an older hardware platform to cloud (online) system and then write web based programs to access it. This newsletter is stored on line and uses code I wrote in less than a week to store, add, edit, and display the articles and links. It is not rocket science, but you do dream about SQL while you are working on it...
DataChat, a Madison company that developed an intelligence interface that allows business users to extract insight from their data simply by talking to a chatbot, has raised $4 million to build its team and customer base, the company announced Wednesday.DataChat was created at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by computer science professor Jignesh Patel. The round of funding was led by Silicon Valley venture capital firms WRVI Capital and Nepenthe Capital. Other participants included individual investors from Google and Santa Clara, California-based cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks.
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Findorff, builders of Wisconsin`s finest projects...and ...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News
MILWAUKEE, WI— In a vote Tuesday, the Common Council approved a zoning change that allows a $20 million expansion and renovation of the 5xen Super Asian Market. The market is located at 6300 N. 76th Street.
The expansion project is set to begin in early 2021, with completion expected in July 2021, according to Alderman Cavalier Johnson, whose 2nd Aldermanic District includes the busy northwest side market location. Johnson explained the Council`s approval of an ordinance changed the zoning from Industrial Light, IL1, to Detailed Planned Development, DPD...
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UW–Madison, in partnership with Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College
and the College of Menominee Nation, has been awarded a grant from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture to support Native American students by
fostering a path from secondary to postsecondary education. The grant
will support collaboration among the three land-grant institutions in
Wisconsin to broadly coordinate systemic efforts to support Native
American education pathways across Tribal and public educational
systems.
The project, Wisconsin Land-Grant System Partnership for Advancing Native Education Pathways, seeks to authentically engage Tribal Nations, university faculty and staff, and community members as partners in advancing the academic achievement and pursuit of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) interests of Native American students by integrating Indigenous knowledge and methods...
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JSD provides complete services in Planning & Development, Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Water Resources, Landscape Architecture, Construction Services, Surveying & Mapping, and Environmental Services. Offices in Madison - Milwaukee - Kenosha - Fox Valley & Wausau.
Kenosha County business owners attempting to recover from damage during the civil unrest in August are eligible for aid from the state of Wisconsin. The interest-free loans aim to help business owners make repairs and rebuild inventory.The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will make $4 million in loans available in amounts up to $50,000 for local business owners who suffered measurable physical damage to their buildings or business. WEDC will work with the Kenosha Area Business Alliance to administer the loans.
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MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today, together with the state Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), announced six communities were selected for the new Broadband Connectors Pilot program cohort.“As families, business owners, and communities across the state continue to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for affordable, accessible high-speed broadband is perhaps more important now than ever,” said Gov. Evers. “This joint program will provide critical support and resources to help local communities get connected.”...
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Ken Notes:Since two of the six are tribes can we look at the gaming pacts and see if we could offer low stake poker tournaments to taverns across the state. These businesses have been hit hard buy the pandemic and a small client base increase would go a long way to helping....
UNION GROVE — After worries from local organizers in August that the Rails to Trails project could fail after the remaining $500,000 to acquire the rights to the trail could not easily be obtained, county officials may have a solution.Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave announced a proposed $500,000 allocation for the Rails to Trails project in his budget address last week.
The investment would go toward the acquisition of the 11-mile corridor that is part of the regional vision for the Route of the Badger trail network...
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Local cultural agencies in nine communities across Wisconsin will engage local artists to design and complete cultural and creative projects, in an initiative announced today at the beginning of National Arts and Humanities Month.The We’re All In Creative Workforce Program, supported by WEDC along with other funding sources, aims to employ creative workers who have lost employment opportunities due to the pandemic.
Participating communities and organizations include:
- Ashland and Bayfield Counties – Chequamegon Bay Arts Council
- Eau Claire – Eau Claire Public Arts Committee and Pablo Center for the Arts
- Green Bay – Mosaic Arts Inc.
- La Crosse – Pump House Regional Arts Center
- Madison – Madison Arts Commission
- Milwaukee – Imagine MKE
- Portage County – CREATE Portage County
- Rhinelander – Artstart Rhinelander
- Viroqua – Viroqua Chamber Main Street
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Notes:
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...
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Small businesses in Wisconsin are expected to take the most damage from the new order from Gov. Tony Evers Tuesday that restricts gatherings to 25% of buildings capacity. Owners say it’s another challenge in an already stressful situation.“It’s been a little bit of a roller coaster. There was a lot of support back in February, March, and April. But in the last couple months things have fallen off,” Fat Joe’s Pizza owner Joe Hixon said...
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Note: I changed the link here to Toms Twitter account. JS limits the number of articles I can read so I look at TD`s Twitter feed every week. I`ll Still include JS articles but after ten you need to subscribe.
I also updated the picture because, well Tom is getting old and development is taking it`s toll!!!
Milwaukee
- 1/1/2020 Journal Sentinel business reporter Tom Daykin talks about
commercial real estate and development, including stores, hotels,
offices, condos, apartments and industrial buildings...
Land & Space Development Database
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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...
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... WDN si Available free thanks to our SPONSORS... Why I publish WDN... WDGreen Environmental News From a Business Perspective!
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Ken Notes: "Ken Notes" may be reprinted in context without permission. Attribution should be Ken Harwood, Editor Wisconsin Development News or Ken Harwood Advocate for Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Development News is
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