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Wisconsin Development News (click here to read online)
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Gov. Tony Evers announces he`ll direct $2.5 billion in federal relief money to economic recovery in Wisconsin
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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... ...more  |
Madison commission asks for three-block `Summer on State` proposal
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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.  Proponents argue the “Summer on State” program, proposed by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District, is necessary to breathe life into Madison’s downtown and its struggling businesses.... ...more 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.
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Gov. Tony Evers approves Ho-Chunk casino in Beloit that could become one of the state`s largest gambling facilities
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 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. The complex just west of Interstate 39/90 would feature a casino, convention center, 300-room hotel and 40,000-square-foot indoor water park on 73 acres, according to the tribe and government officials. It would create 1,500 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs.
The approval comes as plans for a proposed Hard Rock casino in Rockford — just 20 miles from Beloit — also advance....
...more 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....
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Satya Rhodes-Conway: Madison needs more housing — our zoning should support that goal
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 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.... ...more 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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In Business Commercial Design Awards 2021
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 In Business magazine invites your participation in the 14th
annual Commercial Design Awards. The award honors the best commercial
design projects built in Wisconsin. The winners will be featured in the
April 2021 issue of In Business magazine with the 2021 Project of the Year gracing the cover of this anticipated issue...
...more Ken Notes: Congrats to all the winners! GREAT photos at the link and in the articles! Amazing projects this year...
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Scott Resnick: Fetch shows potential for high-growth technology companies in Wisconsin
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 Fetch Rewards has delivered to Madison its first unicorn — and, at least as important, lessons for how to achieve more high-growth startup companies. A “unicorn” in the technology sector is a venture-backed startup with a valuation of $1 billion or more. Currently, only 632 unicorns are in the entire world — across 11 countries. Just 10 of those unicorns are in the Midwest. So it’s a big deal that in late March, for the first time, Madison minted a unicorn named Fetch.
The reason we know Fetch is a unicorn
is because in March it raised a $210 million round of venture capital
funding from Softbank, one of the world’s largest venture funds.
Investors valued the company at upwards of $1.5 billion. It’s an
exciting event and an opportunity for reflection... ...more Ken Notes: Great story! I love the idea of Madison becoming a hub for companies like this.
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Plan Commission halts Raemisch Farm development over F35s, environmental impacts
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 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.... ...more Ken Notes: I hope that there is not a political agenda in this decision but I fear there is...
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One City Schools to buy $12M building with large donation, expand to 4K-12
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 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.... ...more 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!
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All Aboard: Why high-speed rail is the future of transportation in the U.S., Wisconsin
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 After Wisconsin had opportunity to set tone for
high-speed transportation 10 years ago, U.S. projects provide renewed
hope for futureIn 1999, Wisconsin Gov. Tommy
Thompson (R) unveiled a new “Midwest Rail Initiative” that would create a
railway network connecting Milwaukee and Madison to existing passenger
railways in Chicago and Minneapolis.
While Thompson hoped to have the
train completed by 2003 with contributions from the federal and state
governments, Thompson was instead named to President-elect George W.
Bush’s Cabinet in Dec. 2000, putting an end to Thompson’s push for the
project... Ken`s Favorite Podcast:And do not forget: ...more 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!
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Future SE Wisconsin economic growth eyed in regional plan
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 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... ...more 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....
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Boys and Girls Club opens hub on Capitol Square
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 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... ...more 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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The Masters
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 Official home of The 2021 Masters at Augusta National. Get scores, player information, patron information, watch live.
The 85th Masters begins Thursday with innumerable storylines entering the year`s most thrilling major championship, which is thankfully returning to its normal April spot in the golf calendar. The azaleas are in full bloom, the Augusta National course is set to play tough, and an absolutely stacked field is ready to roll at the first major of the season...
...Once again, Lee Elder has made history at the Masters.Forty-six
years ago, in 1975, Elder broke a longstanding color barrier when he
became the first Black man to play in the Tournament. On Thursday
morning, with the sun just starting to climb above the Georgia pines, he
served as an Honorary Starter for the 2021 Masters Tournament, joining
his good friends and old rivals Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player on the
first tee... ...more 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!!!
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Wisconsin to award $5,000 grants to small businesses
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 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... ...more  |
Titletown Development welcomes Miron Construction at Titletown Office
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Miron is currently constructing building set for June 2021
completion, adding Green Bay location to its six other locations
Titletown Development LLC, the real estate development arm of the Green Bay Packers, today announced plans for Miron Construction to open an office at Titletown Office, which the firm is currently building.
"We`re pleased to have Miron Construction join us at Titletown Office," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "They`ve been a big part of bringing to life our vision not only for Titletown, but for Lambeau Field as well, and we look forward to them continuing their growth as a company here in the Greater Green Bay area."
Miron, a longtime construction partner with the Packers as the Official Provider of Construction Services for the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field, has done extensive work at Lambeau Field and Titletown, including much of the ongoing work at Titletown. Miron will occupy part of the third floor of the building, nearly 23,000 square feet...
...more 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...
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Madison firm developing lab-grown seafood raises $1.6M in pre-seed round
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 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. “We’ve been impressed with the team’s skill set and scientific integrity,” Ashley Hartman, a senior principal at Bluestein Ventures, said in a press release. “We’re excited to join the pre-seed round for Cultured Decadence and for the potential of their technology to transform the market for seafood. We look forward to supporting their vision to create animal-free shellfish.” ....
...more 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???
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Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: Releases report outlining state’s economic recovery strategy
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 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. “A strategy for investment, for economic recovery and for growth must draw upon the authentic Wisconsin ideal – that everyone deserves an opportunity to prosper. Central to this strategy is a comprehensive approach that promotes economic well-being for every person in our state, which must focus on removing obstacles, valuing all individuals, and understanding their needs and their dreams,” she said...
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Lift Bridge Brewery Announces Expansion Into Wisconsin
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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. According to Lift Bridge co-founder Brad Glynn, the brewing company is remaining true to its Stillwater roots, but is “looking forward to taking advantage of the opportunities and laws Wisconsin has to offer.” ...
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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Kimberly-Clark to move 250 jobs from Neenah, will open Chicago location
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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: ...more 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.
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Kahler Slater: Announces partnership with Wisconsin Youth Company
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 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.... ...more Ken Notes: What a great partnership, Thank you!
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Dane County seeks proposals for Alliant Energy Center redevelopment
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 Dane County is seeking
developers who can take years of data, surveys, feedback, and research
on the 164-acre Alliant Energy Center campus and create a path toward a
reimagined destination district.
Typically, the campus on
Madison’s south side sees more than 1 million visitors each year who
generate more than $80 million in local spending. The last year saw
cancellations because of the pandemic, and the venue adapted to new uses
including testing, vaccinations, farmers’ market drive-thru and food
bank work....
...more 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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Developer wants to raze Coliseum and Wonder bars for $40 million, 18-story project
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 A developer is proposing to demolish two popular, adjacent, South Side
bar-restaurants for a $40 million-plus, 18-story housing project with
first-floor commercial and office space near the Alliant Energy Center. McGrath Property Group hopes to raze
the Coliseum Bar & Banquet, 232 E. Olin Ave., and The Wonder Bar
steakhouse, 222 E. Olin Ave., for the 18-story structure, which would
offer 291 apartments and 12,500 square feet of commercial space and
parking. The building would likely be the city’s
third-tallest behind the state Capitol and UW-Madison’s Van Hise Hall,
and certainly the tallest building with a residential component, city
officials said. ...more Ken Notes: Interesting...
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UW gauges community input on Library Mall redevelopment, feasibility report to come in fall
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 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. ...more<  |
Promega Opens New Research & Development Facility Supporting Science at the Edge of Innovation
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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.... ...
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210406005070/en/ ...more Ken Notes: I love this company....
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Wisconsin Development Partners
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CBRE acquires 35% interest in flex office provider Industrious
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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.... ...more Notes:
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MilliporeSigma Expands Verona, Wisconsin, Manufacturing Center
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 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.... ...more  |
Green Bay Packers` Titletown Development welcomes Breakthrough as first company to join Titletown Office
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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
Titletown Development LLC, the real estate development arm of the Green Bay Packers, today announced plans for Breakthrough, a transportation management and technology provider in Green Bay, to locate its new headquarters, the Breakthrough Collaboration Hub, in Titletown Office in partnership with the Green Bay Packers.
"As our vision for Titletown continues to be realized, Breakthrough is an ideal company to join us," said Mark Murphy, Packers president and CEO. "From its leading-edge business approach to its talented people and creative culture, Breakthrough is an asset to our region and the Packers are very excited to welcome their team to Titletown...
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Wisconsin Business Owners Say Federal Stimulus Can Help Them Build Post-Pandemic Futures
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 Hard-Hit Restaurant, Hospitality Sectors Will Receive Grant Funds Beginning This MonthLeaders of Wisconsin businesses in hard-hit sectors say the millions in federal aid set to be distributed is a chance to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic`s effects and make lasting changes in their industries.
Restaurant and hospitality business owners spoke Wednesday at a virtual listening session convened by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The session included businesses from urban and rural parts of the state, who discussed how funds from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package can help them in the short term and set up Wisconsin businesses for success after the pandemic.
"We have been hit very hard financially," said Michelle Tressler, co-owner of Green Bay`s Hinterland Brewery....
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Innovation One completes at University Research Park in Madison, Wis.
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Valerio Dewalt Train designed the project.
University Research Park (URP) recently partnered with Valerio Dewalt
Train (VDT) to produce a master plan meant to enliven and densify the
office park’s existing facilities. A master plan was created with the
intention of carving a new road from a bordering main artery street and
adding below-grade parking to leave the ground level open for public
space and amenities accessible by foot.
The master plan caught the eye of Exact Sciences, a molecular
diagnostics company, which led to the company committing to working with
URP and VDT to design an office building to serve as its headquarters.
The new facility would bring together their executive and R&D teams
into a single, collaborative, amenity-such space...
...more Ken Notes: Wow!!!
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Business owners tell Lt. Gov. Barnes to expand BadgerCare, broadband
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 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... ...more 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.
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Milwaukee area beer gardens are growing. This summer`s lineup is to include new sites in downtown Milwaukee, Bayshore and Waukesha.
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 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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BIOQuébec and BioForward Wisconsin to Formalize International Cooperative Relationship
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 BROMONT, Québec--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BIOQuébec, Québec`s largest network of biotechnologies and life sciences, and BioForward Wisconsin, the collective voice of Wisconsin`s robust and comprehensive biohealth cluster, will sign a memorandum of understanding to advance cooperative relationships and promote life sciences.
“Québec and Wisconsin: Two Thriving Life Science Ecosystems Sharing Strengths and Opportunities”
"Quebec and the American Midwest have extremely dynamic and rich life sciences ecosystems. I am confident that the collaborations initiated between the two regions through this new partnership will be successful and generate projects that will benefit our mutual industries," says Martine Hébert. ..
...more Ken Notes: I am a huge fan of BioForward and love this concept!
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Wisconsin to Launch Virtual Career Center Built on Google Cloud
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 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..
...more 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...
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Hotel Development Announced For Brookfield
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 IM Properties purchased 4.25 acres of land which includes the now-closed La Quinta hotel, KFC and Jose`s Blue Sombrero.BROOKFIELD, WI— IM Properties announced on Wednesday the purchase of 4.25 acres comprising three parcels of land at the southeast corner of Bluemound Rd and N Barker Rd in the Town of Brookfield, according to a news release...
...IM has entered into an agreement with Marriott International in which
IM will develop, own and operate a premium, full-service Tribute
Portfolio hotel. The expected 140-room hotel will be located on the west
side of Lord Street and will form part of the next phase of the
mixed-use development, which IM is calling the West End. The hotel is
scheduled to open by summer 2024... ...more  |
Weather Shield plans to expand operations in Park Falls
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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.”... ...more  |
Madison committee to review Madison Yards, Baker`s Place designs
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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.... ...more  |
UW-Madison hires former Foxconn official to build business relationships
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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.... ...more  |
Foxconn talks continue in Wisconsin
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 KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — We are waiting to learn details on a possible new deal involving the state of Wisconsin and Foxconn. If you recall, Foxconn was ineligible to receive tax credits from Wisconsin for work done in 2019, according to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
WEDC said Foxconn did not meet the required minimum number of
full-time employees hired to work on the project and the company did not
follow through on its project that it described in the original
contract.
Spectrum News 1 checked in with the state to learn new details on a
possible contract, but leaders stress they won’t release information out
of respect for the company until things are finalized.... What You Need To Know
- Foxconn was ineligible to receive tax credits from Wisconsin for work done in 2019
- WEDC said Foxconn did not meet the required minimum number of full-time employees hired to work on the project
- The WEDC is working with Foxconn to renegotiate
...more 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.
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WED AM News: Distillers find opportunity, innovation in pandemic; Packers CEO highlights success off the field
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 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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New development proposal would mean a tear down of an old Madison icon
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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... ...more  |
Proposed location for men’s shelter causes controversy
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 District 17 alder says city has `out of sight, out of mind` mentalityIn a quiet corner of the east side, adjacent to East-Towne mall, there is a struggle brewing that has thrown the mayor’s office, residents, advocates for the homeless and property developers into a showdown, with millions of dollars potentially on the line....
...more 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...
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Madison City Council delays decision on buying building for men’s homeless shelter
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 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. .. ...more 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...
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Wisconsin legislators, ag groups push expanded ag export funding bill
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 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 30th, 2026... ...more 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...
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How one Milwaukee restaurant is rebounding, despite federal stimulus grant denials
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 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’...
...more 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.
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Wisconsin Development News Supporting Sponsors
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Notes:
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Missy Hughes: The ingenuity and grit of small business leaders are key to recovery in Wisconsin
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 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.... ...more 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.
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Wisconsin Takes Proactive Approach to PFAS Regulation
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 Developing an action plan for PFAS regulation by collaborating with solid waste and wastewater industries and state agenciesThe solid waste and wastewater industries are evaluating their
intertwined roles in the PFAS life cycle to protect the public from
potential adverse health impacts of PFAS. The widespread use of products
containing PFAS results in multiple exposure pathways throughout the
life cycle of the chemicals, making it difficult to develop a data- and
science-driven action plan for mitigating potential public exposure... ...more 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.
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The St. Croix Crossing is fueling a Twin Cities-driven boom in western Wisconsin
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 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... ...more Ken Notes: Imagine what a great rail system could do...
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Wisconsin communities receive $90 million from HUD to address homelessness, develop affordable housing
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 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.... ...more 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...
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Alliant lays out plans for 414 MW of fresh solar in Wisconsin
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 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... ...more  |
Public Hearing Set For 36 Condo Unit Development In Waukesha
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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.WAUKESHA, WI—The Waukesha Common Council will meet on Thursday for a public hearing regarding a 36-unit condo development.
The Aspen Overlook condominium development will be located on the west side of Tenny Avenue directly across from the Meijer store, on a currently vacant, 11 acre of land.
The project will be 9 four-unit buildings, for a total of 36 condo units. About five acres at the south end of the property will be left as green space, according to city documents.
...more  |
Associated Bank Announces Community Commitment of $3.37 Billion
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 Three-year Commitment Plan Designed to Help Communities ThriveGREEN BAY, Wis., April 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Bank, N.A. today announced its $3.37 billion Community Commitment Plan (Plan) focused on helping the communities it serves across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. This is a 40 percent increase from the 2018-2020 Plan and the organization`s most significant commitment to date. The Plan sets forth the company`s three-year commitment to help communities grow and prosper through sound financial services, volunteerism and community investment.
Highlights of Associated`s commitments include:....
...more Ken Notes: Thank you!
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Affordable housing in high demand as Milwaukee approves $7M for efforts
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Newly Proposed Plan Aims to Address Madison’s Housing Crisis
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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.... ...more  |
`You Have to be Flexible`: Entrepreneur Reacts to Running a Business in a Pandemic
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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... ...more  |
Report: Milwaukee housing leaders say affordable housing developments should be located near job hubs, suburbs
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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 ...more  |
Platteville finalizes land sale tied to $20 million plant, but contract contains no job creation guarantees
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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... ...more 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...
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OrthoIllinois withdraws proposal for Wisconsin ASC after controversy
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 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.... ...more 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.
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Winmark Brands Announces Territory Expansion in Wisconsin
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 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... ...more  |
BMO Tower: Project of the Year — Milwaukee Business Journal 2021 Real Estate Awards
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Wauwatosa advances development with up to 525 apartments for site near village area
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Wisconsin unemployment rate remains at 3.8%
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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... ...more  |
Wisconsin GOP plans for spending federal stimulus may not be allowed
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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. ...more  |
MadREP News
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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.
...more  |
Wisconsin lawmakers claim $555K in expenses during 2020
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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.... ...more Ken Notes: Are we surprised???
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Momentum West annual meeting and Economic Development Awards to be held Mar. 31
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 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... ...more  |
gener8tor extends partnership program to Luxembourg startups
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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.... ...more  |
Wisconsin unemployment rate ninth lowest in U.S., but officials are keeping an eye on vaccinations and worker shortage
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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... ...more Notes:
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Building a Gaming Industry Ecosystem in the Madison Region
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 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... ...more  |
City of Eau Claire Economic Development Manager Joins Statewide Board
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 Aaron White elected to Wisconsin Economic Development Association panelCity of Eau Claire Economic Development Manager Aaron White was recently elected to the board of directors of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association. WEDA is a statewide nonprofit that is focused on expanding Wisconsin’s economy.
“I am excited and honored to join the WEDA Board,” White said after he was elected in February. “The organization provides a great support platform for economic developers across the state, including networking, resource sharing, advocacy, and education, and I look forward to being part of the leadership team. Great things are happening in Wisconsin and in the Eau Claire region, and I am pleased to be involved with an organization like WEDA that further helps advance economic growth.”
White has spent nearly 13 years in the economic development field, the past two with the City of Eau Claire....
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Economic Development Resources
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Sow’s Ear: Wins first Main Street Mini-Makeover contest
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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.” ...more  |
Department Of Workforce Development Warns About Surge Of Fraudulent Activity
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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. ...more  |
OPINION: Wisconsin’s tradition of building safety is alive and well
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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. ...more  |
The Future of American High-Tech Manufacturing: Gummy Bears?
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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. Last week, Taiwanese manufacturing giant Foxconn Technology Group teased a major update to its government-subsidized Wisconsin factory. The project has come under fire for years over inexplicable delays and opaque changes. The world’s largest electronics contract manufacturer said Wisconsin could be the home of its future electric-car plant, which would give the Badger State a manufacturing foothold in the hot automotive market.
Wisconsin leaders weren’t immediately enamored with Foxconn’s promise du jour. Days after the news, the state economic agency overseeing the Foxconn development published a newsletter that touted not the potential for EV production but, of all things, gummy bear manufacturing. The century-old German candy maker Haribo GmbH, the agency wrote, is building a new “state-of-the-art facility” that’s expected to churn out 132 million pounds of confections annually and create 385 jobs...
...more 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!
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Wisconsin Restaurant Initiative Lends Helping Hand to Sheboygan County Restaurateurs
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 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... ...more  |
This bird seed benefits more than just birds
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 The filler-free seed, branded as Birders`
Select, provides a means of income for Endeavors, director Kathleen
Clark says. It`s also a hit with the birds. In this episode of Northland Outdoors, Chad Koel travels to Balsam Lake, Wis., to check out a program at Endeavors Adult Development Center, a service-oriented, nonprofit organization for adults with special needs.... ...more  |
The city of Oconomowoc has acquired an important property for the future Olympia Fields development
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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... ...more  |
Milwaukee Tool to expand corporate offices to downtown Milwaukee, add up to 2,000 jobs
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Ken Notes: Paywall ahead, I hate these and apologize in advance...
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Peak Construction Corporation awarded construction job for NorthPoint Development’s logistics center building in Kenosha
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 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. ...more  |
Hospitality industry struggling to hire
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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... ...more  |
Proposal to downgrade metro areas could slow economic growth in Janesville
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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... ...more  |
Apartment Developments Proposed For Wauwatosa
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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. WAUWATOSA, WI— There are two
proposed apartment buildings up for discussion during the Plan
Commission meeting in April, according to an online meeting agenda. General Capital Group LLP and Joseph Development Group wants to
develop six 5-story multi-family residential buildings with 475 units
(with flexibility for an additional 50 units for a total of up to 525
units)at 1300 Glenview Place.
The intersection of Harwood Avenue and Glenview Place would be realigned
to create a safer intersection, and a bike path would be added to
connect the Village to the Oak Leaf Trail... ...more Ken Notes: Great location....
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Peak to Construct 757,281 SF Industrial Building in Kenosha, Wisconsin
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 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  |
Subscribe to you Local paper!
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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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Land and Space / Tom Daykin
|
 Note: I changed the link here to Toms Twitter account. JS limits the number of articles I can read so I look at TD`s Twitter feed every week. I`ll Still include JS articles but after ten you need to subscribe.
I also updated the picture because, well Tom is getting old and development is taking it`s toll!!!
Milwaukee
- 1/1/2020 Journal Sentinel business reporter Tom Daykin talks about
commercial real estate and development, including stores, hotels,
offices, condos, apartments and industrial buildings... ...more Ken Notes: Tom Daykin is the source for ED news in MKE. This is a permanent link to articles in his blog which is updated daily...
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Sponsorship Opportunities for 2021
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 WisconsinDevelopment.com WDNGreen.comWisconsin Development and WDNGreen newsletters are now emailed to over 12,000 professionals, planners, developers, news outlets, and elected officials each week. We see over 1,000 opens within the first hour every week for each publication. The websites, WisconsinDevelopment.com and WDNGreen.com are always online and available to view and search where we maintain several years worth of articles. All of our rates are now less than in previous years.
"Our goal is to present a positive view of economic development in the State of Wisconsin”, Ken Harwood, Editor and Publisher.
WisconsinDevelopment is a positive look at economic development and commercial projects across the state. In WDNGreen we highlight pro-environmental developments and issues that make economic sense.
We believe in the Wisconsin business community and believe that telling their stories will positively impact both growth and better legislation in the State. We are nonpartisan, pro business, pro positive environmental issues, and most importantly pro WISCONSIN...
Support WisconsinDevelopment.com or WDNGreen.com- Support WisconsinDevelopment.com or WDNGreen.com for $250 per year
- Unlimited Number of Companies
- Your Logo (120 x 120 px) and Links to your website will appear in every issue
Special Options for Partners and Primary Sponsors... You may also become a Partner in the Newsletter for $1,000- Limited to Four (4) Companies
- Larger (240 x 240 px) Logo and Link to your website will appear in every issue
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- We will run at least four featured stories about your company or projects
- You can forward press releases for inclusion in any issue
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- You will be listed as a sponsor for all our seminars and events
- As a partner you may call Ken (608.334.2174) with story ideas, comments, or notes anytime
Or become a Primary Sponsor for $500- Limited to Nine Companies
A large (160 x 160 px) Logo and Link to your website will appear in every issue - A 60 Character “Tag Line” or text message below logo
- We will run at least two featured stories about your company or projects
- You company will be added to our search algorithm
Here are the sponsors in the New format from 5PNews
Examples - Please Note partner and Sponsor “logos” may be animated GIF files. We can animate a set of up to 5 images for you or you can send us the completed GIF file or a link to the file on your website.
- Partners Appear in a 2 by 2 grid at the top of every issue*
- Sponsors Appear in a 3 by 3 grid in the middle of every issue*
- Supporters Appear in 4 by 4 grid(s) in every issue*
*and on our websites
To sponsor call or text 608.334.2174 ...more  |
The Wisconsin Development Network
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WDN Notes...
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Ken Notes: "Ken Notes" may be reprinted in context without permission. Attribution should be Ken Harwood, Editor Wisconsin Development News or Ken Harwood Advocate for Wisconsin.
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Contact WisconsinDevelopment
|
 Wisconsin Development News is Edited and Published by:
Ken Harwood Ken [at] KenHarwood.com 608.334.2174
Mailing Address:WisconsinDevelopment.com P.O. Box 930234 Verona, WI 53593-0234
Please feel free to send story ideas or Press Releases to:Ken [at] KenHarwood.com Call 608.334.2174 to confirm receipt.
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