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Wisconsin Development News (click to read online)
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 Ken Harwood
Advocating for Wisconsin
Ken [at] KenHarwood.com
608.334.2174
...more
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Developer drops bid to redevelop Essen Haus block
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 Facing a redevelopment wrecking ball, Downtown’s venerable Essen Haus German restaurant has been spared for now. Developer
Lance McGrath has dropped plans to buy the Essen Haus, the Come Back In
and another building on the 500 block of East Wilson Street, a large
parking lot behind them, and four houses from 110 to 120 S. Blair St.
for a mixed-use project...
Ken Notes: Too bad, this is a great site but it will require the perfect project... You might keep the corner and wrap a project around it with some great terrace views of the lake....
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Madison Finance Committee strongly objects to plan for separate affordable units in JDS building
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The Madison City Council has chosen
Gebhardt Development to build a tower on the block of Judge Doyle Square
with the municipal building. Gebhardt`s plan is a $52 million,
mixed-use project with 196 apartments, 78 of which would be deemed as
affordable. Gebhardt
delivered an update before the city’s Finance Committee on Monday
night, and committee members were visibly frustrated that the proposal
would place affordable units on separate floors than mixed-rate units,
something alders had previously spoken specifically against...
Ken Notes: Wow I am confused here, same building, great developer, great design, I like this project. If we want to address issues lets talk Madison neighborhoods, no sighting options for micro housing, no sub 150K homes being built in the city, cherry picking who gets affordable housing, not finding real solutions that are affordable, perpetuating the hand out rather than hand up model. If we want to fix a problem we need to work together, we can ask for a mix of properties on each floor, but please remember Gebhardt IS a business so pointing finger accusing them of being a business just seems strange. I am guessing ALL the residents of the property will be treated well because it is a great place to live...
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Gov. Evers to lead trade mission to Japan
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 Governor Evers will lead a trade mission to Japan as the state
continues to search for new and expanding markets for Wisconsin-made
goods, the Wisconsin Economic Development Council announced.
Evers will visit Tokyo, Yokohama, and Chiba City. WEDC says it
selected the cities because it believes those areas are places to
develop or increase trade.
“Japan represents a market that cannot be ignored for Wisconsin,
especially in the areas of medical and scientific instruments,
industrial machinery and electrical machinery,” Katy Sinnott, vice
president of international business development for WEDC wrote in a
prepared statement. “Wisconsin’s leadership in these areas and our
well-known manufacturing and research capabilities create exciting
export opportunities for globally minded companies in our state.”.... ...more
Ken Notes: Interesting!
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OPINION: It`s time for Madison to give up on the hotel dream for Judge Doyle Square
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 Way back in 2010, city officials had
an idea: sell the parking lot behind the Madison Municipal Building,
tear down the 50-year-old parking garage on East Wilson Street and build
a big hotel connected to Monona Terrace (which might help reduce its
annual multimillion-dollar deficits), along with an office building,
apartments and lots of parking... See Also: Ken Notes: We can solve many of the issues addressed here with one solution - Transit. Create a system to get people from: airport to downtown, terrace to terrace, SunMidVer to city via BRT, Parking at AEC to a downtown via a small rubber wheel shuttle system, and more. I can name ten cities that have these options NOW. Here is one of them!
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There better be beer!
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 Madison Public Market Plan design incorporates feedback from the publicThere should be green spaces, as well as “green”
infrastructure throughout. Make room for plenty of public art, and
public spaces where artists can work. Make it easily accessible from all
forms of transportation — even kayaks! — and put a BCycle station right
out front. And, of course, it should be dog-friendly. Or, maybe not.
These were among the suggestions visitors made at the first public
unveiling of plans for the new Madison Public Market on May 8. The city
plans to turn the Madison Fleet Service Division headquarters at 200 N.
First St. into the market — a small-business incubator and public
gathering space — by the latter part of 2021...
Ken Notes: I still think we should visit some of the great markets in other cities. There are a lot of ideas that I have seen that have not even been mentioned in Madison...
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SCS Engineers
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SCS - At the forefront of sustainable environmental solutions for over 40 years and ...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News
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Drug company to build new plant in southeastern Wisconsin
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 Gov. Tony Evers says an Illinois pharmaceutical company plans to build a drug manufacturing plant in southeastern Wisconsin. Evers
announced Wednesday that Lincolnshire-based Nexus Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., plans to build the $250 million, 100,000-square-foot facility in
Pleasant Prairie. Construction is expected to begin in August
with production starting in 2022. The company expects to hire 77 workers
at an average salary of $70,000. Evers says the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has
authorized up to $1.5 million in state income tax credits over the next
four years for the company contingent on the number of jobs actually
created and the amount of capital investment during that period... SEE ALSO:
"Under the first phase of the project, the company will construct a
three-story manufacturing facility with an investment of around $85m ..."
...more
Ken Notes: Average 70K, I want to see the details here. Also note they are talking 10 years out regarding the 250 Million. This is why we need a comprehensive tracking system at WEDC because a year from now no one will remember the details....
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Wisconsin`s Minimum Wage Workers Locked Out Of Affordable Housing
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 2-Bedroom Apartments Out Of Reach For Those Earning Minimum Wage In WisconsinWisconsin is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis, so much so that someone earning the minimum wage can`t afford a basic two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the state.
Wisconsin`s minimum wage is $7.25, whereas the housing wage — the
cost for comfortably affording a home — is $16.77 an hour, on average,
for a two-bedroom apartment. That number increases to $17.65 in
Milwaukee County and $21.02 in Dane County.
"They might have a job, they might have a decent job ... and they
can`t afford to live in the community where they work," said Kathy
Kamp, executive director of the nonprofit Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development...
Ken Notes: $21.02 in Dane county, we must fix this or we will see our restaurants, retail, and service businesses fail in the region. We need smaller more creative spaces with shared amenities, better transit from the burbs, and new zoning to allow higher density developments...
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Partnership to restore tributary in Foxconn development
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 The American Transmission Company (ATC) is working with Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network
(WIN) to help restore a portion of the Lamparek Ditch, a critical
tributary of the impaired north branch of the Pike River in Mount
Pleasant, Wisconsin. Restoration efforts along this historically degraded riparian corridor will aim to promote regional clean water and ecosystem goals.
ATC will provide funds to purchase and plant
native vegetation along a new 1.2-mile transmission line corridor
between County Trunk Highway (CTH) H and 90th Street, pictured below.
Enhanced seeding and plantings of native, floristically diverse
vegetation will help reduce runoff of pollutants, create wildlife
habitat, and increase floodwater storage capacity for the watershed....
...more
Ken Notes: I have suggested that we could make Foxconn a model for environmental friendly development. this is a nice first step. I hope if ATC gets permission for the "Driftless" line we see prairie restoration under the lines. Oh and a lot more...
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SmartCode version 9-2 - Linked fixed...
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 The Current version is at the link...
The original SmartCode was released by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company (DPZ) in 2003, after two decades of research and implementation. It has been continually updated with input from scores of practitioners from numerous disciplines. Since 2004, the model code has been completely open source and free of charge....
SmartCode is a unified land development ordinance template for planning and urban design. Originally developed by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, this open source program is a model form-based unified land development ordinance designed to create walkable neighborhoods across the full spectrum of human settlement, from the most rural to the most urban, incorporating a transect of character and intensity within each.
It folds zoning, subdivision regulations, urban design, and basic architectural standards into one compact document. Because the SmartCode enables community vision by coding specific outcomes that are desired in particular places, it is meant to be locally calibrated by professional planners, architects, and attorneys....
...more
Ken Notes: I included a link to this last week but it was broken -- this one works and I will keep it at the bottom of WDNews for a while as a resource.
If there is enough interest I can put together a seminar on this and bring in some experts to explain it. Fitchburg is using SmartCode for an new subdivision in the community.
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Proposed apartments on Madison`s east side would provide over 200 units of workforce housing
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 An Indiana-based development company is proposing a major workforce housing project on Madison’s far east side. Some neighbors have expressed
concerns about the project, citing issues at nearby affordable
apartments, with others upset that they just recently found out about
the plans. KCG Development is behind the project currently known as the Meadowlands Multi-Family Project,
which would create seven townhouses and 216 apartments. All of the
units would be affordable workforce housing, said Matt Gilhooly, vice
president of development at KCG...
Ken Notes: and you still need 42K to qualify???...
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Effort to replace South Side neighborhood center moving ahead
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 No standard, affordable Madison
apartment is designed to handle dozens of children. Actually, an entire
four-unit affordable apartment building probably isn’t up to the task. But
that’s the reality Elsa Caetano confronts as the children’s program
coordinator for the South Side’s Bridge-Lakepoint-Waunona (BLW)
Neighborhood Center, which this summer is running programs for some 70
children per day out of a 1970s-era apartment building that’s been only
modestly reconfigured for the purpose. Two years from now, if all goes according to plan, the facilities there could be dramatically improved....
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Dairyland Power Cooperative
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  We will power our communities and empower cooperative members to improve the quality of their lives.
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Wisconsin`s Proposed Senate Bill Can Have Far-Reaching Implications for Wisconsin Municipalities Creating Tax Incremental Financing Districts
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 What is a Tax Incremental Financing District?...What Are The Proposed Changes?
While there are many advantages to TIDs, there is
concern that TIDs increase the tax burden on citizens within the
community. Governor Tony Evers` proposed budget, introduced as 2019 Senate Bill 59 on March 1, 2019, attempts to address this concern by proposing three changes to future TIDs. Those changes are:
-
Capping the developer allocation to 20% of the NIR
(currently, there is no statutory limit to the amount of NIR that can
be allocated to a developer),
-
Requiring TID project plans to include "stress
tests" to test the "TID`s finances and feasibility under different
economic situations, including a slower pace of development and lower
rate of property value growth than expected in the TID," and
-
Allowing cities and villages to transfer TID money
to its general fund if the "city or village erroneously report a higher
value increment for its TID by an aggregate amount of at least $50
million."...
Ken Notes: I have been advocating for simpler TIF rules with stronger guarantees especially for smaller communities. These changes are anything but that. The stress test specifically would be both difficult and expensive for cities to complete. Also how do you develop infrastructure for a project with no specific project on the boards. We need a simple TIF program for smaller cities to help expanding or new businesses with a development agreement based incentive that is bank financed up front.
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Wisconsin governor says Foxconn is again likely to miss job targets
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 - In
an exclusive interview with CNBC, Gov. Tony Evers said Foxconn is
expected to begin production at its new factory next year with fewer
workers than initially promised.
- The Taiwanese contract
manufacturer has promised to hire 13,000 people — including 1,800 by the
end of 2020 — in exchange for more than $4 billion in incentives.
- Evers said the company has told him it plans to employ 1,500 people when production begins next May.
- Foxconn’s top executive in Wisconsin said the company is still committed to its long-term hiring goals.
The giant Foxconn
manufacturing complex planned in Wisconsin is likely to continue
falling short of the threshold required to begin receiving billions of
dollars in state incentives, even after production begins next year.
That is according to Gov. Tony Evers, who says his administration has
now gotten “clarity” from the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer on its
plans — which are much less ambitious than they were originally
portrayed.
Ken Notes: Remember Foxconn is still in the "reboot phase" while looking for new products to actually make in Wisconsin...
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Sub-Zero Group Investing $70M In Wisconsin Expansion
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 Sub-Zero Group Inc., an industry leader in premium refrigeration,
cooking and dishwashing appliances, is expanding its operations in
Fitchburg, WI with a new 350,000-square-foot research and development
facility. The $70 million project is expected to create 100 jobs over
the next three years.“
We are proud to call Wisconsin home for nearly 75 years, and look
forward to bringing new investment, jobs and impact to the local
community,” said Brian Jones, senior director of marketing for Sub-Zero.
“The Fitchburg expansion is a perfect example of the astounding growth
and opportunity that are possible when a company and a community work
together.”... ...more
Ken Notes: I love these guys.
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Foxconn`s Wisconsin factory will begin production May 2020, create just 1,500 jobs
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 What you need to know- Foxconn`s Wisconsin factory is set to open up in May 2020.
- The plant will employ 1,500 at first and ramp up to 1,820 by the end of the year.
- It`s a far cry from the 13,000 jobs president Donald Trump promised
last year, which Foxconn has until 2032 to actually fill out.
Foxconn`s
long-awaited Wisconsin factory is finally opening in May 2020. Governor
Tony Evers confirmed the news in an interview with CNBC, clarifying the murky situation regarding the plant. However, the factory will only employ 1,500, below the company`s original goal of 1,800... ....The Verge
published an expose back in April that outlined how slow progress was
coming along, marred with empty building that were unoccupied or still
inhabited by former tenants. Foxconn shot down the report, but given its
tepid start next year, it seems this plant is as unorganized as the
expose claimed it was....
Ken Notes: The Verge does not know what it is talking because quite honestly Foxconn does not know what it is talking about. At least not yet -- they are still looking for the next big thing and I for one hope they find it...
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Foxconn still unlikely to reach 10% of its promise to Wisconsin tax-payers by hiring 15,000 workers
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Governor Tony Evers predicted that Foxconn will continue to fall
short of hiring goals at its Mount Pleasant manufacturing facility.
In an interview that aired July 9 with CNBC, Evers said his
administration now has clarity on the project. Foxconn will likely hire
1,500 people next year. That was compared to 1,800 under the plan the
company laid out, which would eventually hire up to 13,000 workers in
the state, Evers said. “You know for Wisconsin, 1,500 employees is important,” Evers told
CNBC. “We’re looking forward to working with them. It is more concrete.
In fact, I saw them pouring concrete.”...
...more
Notes: 1,500 hires vs 1,800 projected is great when they are still not sure exactly what they will make...
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Milwaukee Officials OK revised plans for Komatsu HQ
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 Milwaukee officials approved plans on Monday for Komatsu’s proposed
$285 million waterfront headquarters in the city, in a step forward for a
project that could break ground next spring.
Komatsu, a large manufacturer of mining equipment, announced plans
last year to build a main office and manufacturing operation on a site
in Milwaukee’s Harbor District. Komatsu Mining Corp. is a subsidiary of
the Tokyo-based Komatsu limited, and chose Milwaukee for its North
American headquarters in 2017 after purchasing Joy Global. ...more
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Miron Construction
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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...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News
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Dane County growth helps communities well beyond its borders
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 If there’s a tangible sign of
confidence in the opening of Exact Sciences Discovery Campus on
Madison’s West Side, it’s the fact that a nearby parking ramp with
spaces for 970 employees at any one time is also ready to go. With
2,300 employees today and immediate openings for 300 more, Exact
Sciences cut the ribbon June 26 on a 169,000-square-foot clinical
laboratory and warehouse space just south of Madison’s West Beltline....
Ken Notes: So true and the development of hub technologies has revived states across the nation. Madison could be the bio and medical capital of the world. Let me predict that gene/DNA research will lead to the cure for cancer and many other problematic diseases.
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WI Startup Funding Hit Record in 2018 as VCs Cut Bigger Checks
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 A record $300 million was invested in Wisconsin ventures last year,
as maturing businesses pulled in larger funding rounds. But a continued
decrease in the number of firms raising their first outside capital
could signal trouble for the state’s pipeline of budding startups. Those are some of the key takeaways from the latest Wisconsin Portfolio,
an annual report produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council in
partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The
publication, which was released this month, tends to provide a more
comprehensive analysis of yearly Badger State venture capital activity
than some national reports, although it’s not infallible.
The data come primarily from news articles and other published reports,
SEC filings, and company surveys. But since most of the companies
involved in venture deals are privately held, they aren’t required to
disclose information. abc
https://www.ibmadison.com/Blogger/Open-Mic/November-2018/Can-Evers-avoid-same-blunder-with-WEDC-that-Walker-made-with-high-speed-rail/
...moreKen Notes: This is great news. Now we need to restructure how the State supports new businesses. I offered a new plan 7 years and more recently had this advice for the Governor.
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A museum of our own
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 Does Madison’s history need its own space? In the late winter of 1973, Judy Greenspan ran for the Madison school
board and narrowly lost in the primary. That would be less than a
footnote in Madison history if it were not for the fact that Greenspan
was the first openly gay woman to run for public office in the United
States.
“Early activists were presenting their own lives as a way to break
down ignorance,” explains historian Dick Wagner. Greenspan was part of a
group of openly gay people who appeared on panel discussions around
town. But when they were invited by students to appear at West High
School, the principal cancelled it. So, Greenspan ran for the school
board....
...more
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Madison seeks repairs on Downtown buildings as owner pursues demolition
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 Once a “high class shopping
district,” four nearly century-old buildings with distinctive, terra
cotta facades just off Capitol Square and State Street are best known
these days for being rundown and mostly empty for decades. But that may soon change. The
city is ordering Hovde Properties to make exterior repairs to the
series of adjoining, one-story buildings from 119 to 125 W. Mifflin St.
But Hovde is seeking to raze the buildings and landscape the area until a
long-sought, much larger redevelopment, including a new Wisconsin Historical Society Museum and private development, occurs in coming years....
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A housing development with seven living options and a park could come to Sussex
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 The village of Sussex`s newest proposed
housing development — south of Silver Spring, behind Kohl`s — is
designed to appeal to a variety of lifestyles, whether homeowners want
condos, a larger yard or even no yard. Project
Manager Bryan Lindgren of Neumann Developments Inc. said the
development would have 291 units on 176 acres and would include seven
kinds of housing: senior and multifamily housing; single family
side-by-side units; townhomes with two-car garages; condominiums to
target people who are downsizing; villas on 9,000-square-foot lots,
medium-sized homes on 12,000-square-foot lots, and estates on
15,000-square-foot lots. “These will have different price points and fit different lifestyles,” Lindgren said. There would be no rentals, he added... ...more
Ken Notes: Finally some smart planning, millennials have different lifestyles that retiring boomers, and those in between are looking for options. Every neighborhood should become a village.
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The Gialamas Company
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 “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.... ...more...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News
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Wisconsin`s Proposed Senate Bill Can Have Far-Reaching Implications for Wisconsin Municipalities Creating Tax Incremental Financing Districts
|
What is a Tax Incremental Financing District?...What Are The Proposed Changes?
While there are many advantages to TIDs, there is
concern that TIDs increase the tax burden on citizens within the
community. Governor Tony Evers` proposed budget, introduced as 2019 Senate Bill 59 on March 1, 2019, attempts to address this concern by proposing three changes to future TIDs. Those changes are:
-
Capping the developer allocation to 20% of the NIR
(currently, there is no statutory limit to the amount of NIR that can
be allocated to a developer),
-
Requiring TID project plans to include "stress
tests" to test the "TID`s finances and feasibility under different
economic situations, including a slower pace of development and lower
rate of property value growth than expected in the TID," and
-
Allowing cities and villages to transfer TID money
to its general fund if the "city or village erroneously report a higher
value increment for its TID by an aggregate amount of at least $50
million."...
Ken Notes: I have been advocating for simpler TID rules with stronger guarantees especially for smaller communities. These changes are anything but that. The stress test specifically would be both difficult and expensive for cities to complete. Also how do you develop infrastructure for a project with no specific project on the boards. We need a simple TIF program for smaller cities to help expanding or new businesses with a development agreement based incentive that is bank financed up front.
|
Wisconsin`s Proposed Senate Bill Can Have Far-Reaching Implications for Wisconsin Municipalities Creating Tax Incremental Financing Districts
|
What is a Tax Incremental Financing District?...What Are The Proposed Changes?
While there are many advantages to TIDs, there is
concern that TIDs increase the tax burden on citizens within the
community. Governor Tony Evers` proposed budget, introduced as 2019 Senate Bill 59 on March 1, 2019, attempts to address this concern by proposing three changes to future TIDs. Those changes are:
-
Capping the developer allocation to 20% of the NIR
(currently, there is no statutory limit to the amount of NIR that can
be allocated to a developer),
-
Requiring TID project plans to include "stress
tests" to test the "TID`s finances and feasibility under different
economic situations, including a slower pace of development and lower
rate of property value growth than expected in the TID," and
-
Allowing cities and villages to transfer TID money
to its general fund if the "city or village erroneously report a higher
value increment for its TID by an aggregate amount of at least $50
million."...
Ken Notes: I have been advocating for simpler TID rules with stronger guarantees especially for smaller communities. These changes are anything but that. The stress test specifically would be both difficult and expensive for cities to complete. Also how do you develop infrastructure for a project with no specific project on the boards. We need a simple TIF program for smaller cities to help expanding or new businesses with a development agreement based incentive that is bank financed up front.
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Wisconsin establishes outdoor recreation office
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 The windswept beaches and cliffs of Apostle Islands National
Lakeshore. The rolling hills of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The
quiet waters of a stretch of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The
47-run Cascade Mountain ski area. These places, along with many more,
will be promoted by Wisconsin`s new outdoor recreation office. On July 3, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed off on a budget that
allocates money toward the office and the creation of three staff
positions under the Department of Tourism. According to Outdoor Industry Association, Wisconsin generates $17.9 billion in consumer spending annually and supports 168,000 jobs... ...more
Ken Notes: This is a great idea! Now we need to promote economic development that returns the middle class to the great Wisconsin outdoors. Affordable hotels, camping, cabins, that allow Chicagoans to escape for a week or two. Transit options. from Spa to backpack sites Wisconsin needs to be a place to get away to...
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One man`s $40M cheese company is helping to transform a rural Wisconsin community
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 In 1991, Paul Scharfman quit his marketing job at Kraft Foods and took a leap of faith. After
a 12-year career at Kraft`s operation in Madison, Wisconsin, and six
years at Oscar Mayer before that, Scharfman was itching to do something
innovative and entrepreneurial, reported CNN.
Living in `America`s Dairyland,` he decided to start his own cheese
business. But he knew he needed to corner a niche market that would set
his business apart from the large cheese manufacturers and produce
higher margin products.... ...more
Ken Notes: This is an industry that is little known in economic development circles, like craft beer and wine Wisconsin could be home to more smaller craft cheese production facilities and with milk prices tanking smaller farms could develop coop production facilities. I san a lot of this in Lafayette County but the state was not in the loop which is also why I continue to advocate for WEDC to help counties to hire LOCAL economic development professionals.
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Foxconn exec says company `will meet every challenge` in Wisconsin project
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Effort To Transform Wisconsin Rapids Site Into Community Hub Gets $3M Boost In State Budget
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 Tribune Building Project Includes Plans For Brewpub, Job Training ProgramsThe building on the Wisconsin Rapids riverfront is distinctive for
its circular shape on one side. Built in 1960, the 20,000-square-foot
space is the former home of the city’s daily newspaper as well as two
radio stations.
But ever since the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune moved to
different office space about a decade ago, it’s been vacant. In 2012,
the Incourage Community Foundation
bought the building and used it to launch an ambitious community
engagement project they hope will transform the space, and even the
city.
That project got a boost in the state budget signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers on July 3. The Tribune Building Project
received a state grant worth $3 million that leaders say will help
advance the project and make it easier to obtain new private grants...
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The health of Wisconsin`s lakes and what throws them out of balance
|
 Wisconsin is home to an awful lot of
lakes. Precisely how many of these freshwater bodies of water there are
in the state depends on how they`re defined and, of course, is also the
subject of a long-running squabble
with neighboring Minnesota. Either way, lake lovers know that the
number of lakes is trivial in comparison to their quality and whether
they’re able to support healthy ecosystems and the ways of life that
hinge on them.
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Engineered Construction Inc. / General Contractors
|
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
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Foxconn Appears To Push Back Opening Of Mount Pleasant Plant
|
 Foxconn Technology Group appears to have delayed the opening of its manufacturing plant in Racine County. In March, the tech manufacturing company announced construction on the Mount Pleasant Gen 6 fabrication facility would begin this summer and would be operational by the end of 2020.... ...more
Ken Notes: Patience Required Here! Give them a chance to find the next iPhone so they will have something to build in the new plant.
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Westown Association moving to 310W office building
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Rural Wisconsin`s Profile Highlighted At Upcoming Meeting
|
 There`s been some concern that rural America is slowly being lost in
the modern landscape. A meeting coming up next month will give the
public the latest data and efforts to help rural America. Wisconsin
Rural Partners, along with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities,
USDA, UW-Extension, Wisconsin Downtown Action Council and the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation are hosting Small Community Forums
throughout the state. Oneida County Community, Natural Resources
and Economic Development Educator Myles Alexander says Wisconsin Rural
Partners is hosting these meetings to assess the challenges and
opportunities in small communities.. ...more
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Janesville trucking company ceases operations, leaving workers without pay
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 LME Trucking in Janesville has ceased operations, leaving some of their employees without their paychecks, NBC15 learned Friday.
The company announced Thursday that it was
closing because of “unforeseen circumstances” and that it is now using
an alternate freight carrier to make deliveries... ...LME Trucking made the announcement on their website.... We apologize for the inconvenience of the situation but effective July
12, 2019 LME Inc. will no longer be making pickups or deliveries of
freight due to unforeseen circumstances and have ceased operations. Our
plan is to utilize an alternate carrier to assist in getting all freight
delivered and some staff are remaining to help with that. Freight
handled by the alternative carrier will be billed by the alternative
carrier but with your LME rates applied to the invoice. There will be
some delays in the transits of these moves and they may be significantly
delayed in some remote locations. LME Inc.
...more
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IPR (Integrated Public Resources) / McMahon Associates
|
 As an affiliate of McMahon Associates, Inc., IPR provides Public/Private Partnership (P3) opportunities for a vast array of projects in small to medium-sized communities, as well as offering Municipal Administrator Services to local governments on an as-needed basis... and... A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News ...more
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Fanning recognized as one of the food industry`s best
|
 Suzanne Fanning is the lead marketer
behind the nation`s most awarded cheese brand and her efforts are being
recognized by Deli Business Magazine as "the best of the best in the
industry." Fanning`s achievements
earned her a People`s Award, reserved for professionals who have raised
the bar in the food industry. With over twenty-five years of marketing
experience, Fanning brings a unique approach to her work that has
revolutionized how consumers think about Wisconsin Cheese. Since
taking her role in 2017, Fanning has built a fierce team of skilled
marketers and leads efforts to elevate perceptions of Wisconsin Cheese.
As Senior Vice President and CMO, Fanning focuses on branding, digital,
advertising, public relations and consumer events, in addition to
consumer confidence, farmer outreach and channel/retail marketing.
...moreKen Notes: This is the old Milk Marketing Board and their brilliance continue. I once wrote an article comparing them to Apple Computers and I stand by my claim, they do more for the State than any other single entity. Bottom line they make us look "and taste" good...
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Medical College of Wisconsin therapeutic accelerator program receives WEDC grant
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 $400,000 grant will support collaborations with regional biohealth institutions, companiesThe Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. recently awarded a $400,000 grant to a Medical College of Wisconsin program focused on accelerating drug discoveries. MCW’s
Therapeutic Accelerator Program, housed within the school’s Department
of Pharmacology & Toxicology’s Drug Discovery Center, works with
academic scientists to bring their drug discoveries from concept to
commercialization. The WEDC grant will support the program’s
collaborations with other regional biohealth institutions and companies,
according to MCW’s announcement. ...more
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NWSCDC dedicating $1M toward loan to support Milwaukee startups
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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
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Converting paper Market Overview, Production Demand and Forecast 2026
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 Paper converting is a process that comes
from taking the paper and converting it into another product.
Converting paper finds use in various applications such as hygiene
paper, writing paper, newsprint, printing paper, and others. Increasing
demand for converting paper from various applications is expected to
propel growth of the global converting paper market. Request PDF Brochure of Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/2669
...more
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Canada firm expands in Wisconsin to hire more farm-raised engineers
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 MacDon Enterprises, Inc., a Canadian maker of harvesting
equipment, broke ground on a research and development facility in Sun
Prairie this spring. The building will enable the company to double its
Madison-area workforce to about 20.MacDon set up shop in Madison in 2015 for a simple reason, says
Neil Barnett, manager of Madison-area operations. “We moved here to
increase access to engineering talent. We wanted engineers who had farm
experience. We have found that this generally is a good recipe for
product development.”... ...more
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Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: Businesses invited to apply for November 2019 Australia trade venture
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is inviting
Wisconsin companies seeking to establish or expand their exporting
efforts to participate in a global trade venture to Australia from Nov.
15-23. The registration deadline is Sept. 6.
The trade venture will include visits to Sydney/New South Wales and
Melbourne, which are markets of particular opportunity for Wisconsin
companies. In each city, participating companies will be scheduled for
customized business meetings with potential local partners handpicked
for their companies by Wisconsin’s authorized trade representatives in
the markets, based on the company’s needs.... ...more
Ken Notes: I wonder if they need a reporter/blogger??
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Economic Development Resources
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DirectHERy connects consumers to women-owned businesses
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 Business owners can find and support each otherOn a trip to Nashville in 2017, Kate Fletcher Heaney was looking for a
place to eat. She’d been trying to make a more conscious effort to
support women-owned businesses and couldn’t find any resources to help
with her search.
Pretty soon she couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“I woke up one night, literally out of the blue, with DirectHERy in
my mind and that’s when I decided I had to try it,” she says...
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Findorff - Character Community Craftsmanship
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Findorff, builders of Wisconsin`s finest projects...and ...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News
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Dept. of Workforce Development: Wisconsin Business Closing & Mass Layoff (WARN) Notice: Silgan Containers
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 DWD has received the following Wisconsin Business Closing and Mass Layoff (WARN) notice:
Silgan Containers Manufacturing Corporation (Silgan Containers) -- Silgan Containers has provided formal notice of a workforce reduction at
its Waupun location: 505 Libby St., which is expected to occur on
November 8, 2019. A total of 70 workers may be affected. DWD and its
regional partner, the Workforce Development Board of South Central
Wisconsin, will offer rapid response services to the company and the
affected workers. ...more
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Dairy Task Force 2.0: Group lays out a path to a stronger Wisconsin dairy industry
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 An increased focus on exports, funds to
repair rural roads and even a mobile app for farmers are among the
suggestions made by a group tasked with finding ways to bolster
Wisconsin`s embattled dairy industry. The
group, known as the Wisconsin Dairy Task Force 2.0, approved a final
report that lays out 51 recommendations to help a state dairy industry
that has stumbled in recent years amidst an extended downturn in the
price of milk. The task force was created in June
2018 as a joint effort between the state Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection and the University of Wisconsin System. The task force`s 51-page report
outlines how the price of milk has become increasingly volatile over
the last few decades, making it difficult for dairy farmers to pay their
bills and plan for their farm`s future... ...more
Ken Notes: The real problem is we lost 700 farms last year yet are milking more cows. How you ask... CAFOS we no longer have farms we have factories. We will regret this in the future but since no one wants to talk about it we will learn this lesson the hard way...
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State Program Looks to Hire Veterans
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 “Hiring Our Heroes” fights state’s worker shortage by recruiting ex-military staff.
Last month five state officials went to Fort Gordon, the Georgia
military base that is home for about 12,000 active-duty soldiers, armed
with Gardetto’s snacks and this elevator-speech message:
“Your work ethic, loyalty and sense of mission are not things you
just turn in with your uniform on separation day. These skills, and the
character you developed in the military, can be put to good use in
Wisconsin.
“We offer more federally recognized programs for veterans than any
other state as well as an exceptionally high quality of life – including
educational and career opportunities specifically geared toward
honoring the sacrifices veterans have made on behalf of our country.”... ...more
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Germany-Based Fresenius Kabi Plans Regional Distribution Hub in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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 Fresenius Kabi, a Germany-based global health care company, is establishing a regional distribution center in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The multimillion-dollar investment is expected to create 95 jobs over the next four years.
The company expects to invest more than $15 million to complete the
project. The project includes a 590,000-square-foot facility at
Stateline 94 Corporate Park in Pleasant Prairie that will serve as a
regional distribution center for Fresenius Kabi’s Midwestern and
Southern customers within the U.S.
“As part of a larger U.S. supply chain expansion that Fresenius Kabi is
undertaking, the Pleasant Prairie location will serve as our flagship distribution center
in the U.S. and allow us to better serve hospitals and other customers
in the central part of the country,” said Brian Bulgarelli, Senior Vice
President of Supply Chain with Fresenius Kabi USA. “All the supply chain
enhancements we are making by being in Wisconsin, as well as South
Carolina and Nevada, will support our continued growth... ...more
Ken Notes: Wisconsin is becoming the distribution center for the midwest...
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Meijer Honored at WI 4-H Hall of Fame Gala
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 Meijer, Inc. is a family-owned company serving the needs of families
at each of their stores throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois and Kentucky. With the help from their Team Members and
customers, Meijer strives to make the community a better place to live,
work and play. Meijer has also been a major sponsor of the Wisconsin 4-H
Foundation’s annual Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction at the
Wisconsin State Fair for the last 4 years. Find out more about Meijer
at their website, www.Meijer.com. ...more
Ken Notes: I am a huge Mejier fan. Madison Soon???
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JSD Professional Services
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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.
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Housing project would revive former Schneider maintenance site in Ashwaubenon
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 The village has laid the foundation for a
plan to demolish the former Schneider maintenance facility and replace
it with close to 150 owner-occupied condominiums and townhomes. Ashwaubenon`s
Village Board rezoned the 22-acre property at 2661 and 2741 S. Broadway
for residential uses on June 25, pushing the community closer to a
redevelopment of prime riverfront property, something that village
President Mary Kardoskee has hoped to see for years as a resident and
elected trustee. "You only have so much waterfront
and you can`t grow any more," Kardoskee said. "You have what you have
and need to take advantage of it."... ...more
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Why states and cities should stop handing out billions in economic incentives to companies
|
U.S. states and cities hand out tens of billions in taxpayer dollars every year to companies as economic incentives.
These businesses are supposed to use the money, typically
distributed through economic development programs, to open new
facilities, create jobs and generate tax revenue.
But all too often that’s not what happens, as I’ve
learned after doing research on the use of tax incentives to spur
economic development in cities and states across the country,
particularly in Texas... ...more
Ken Notes: We are always talking Tax Cuts, better jobs, and social programs. Why not make this so simple - provide a tax plan offering significant tax incentives for jobs paying a good wage offering good benefits. I believe it is called practice what you preach...
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ADA docks spurs recreation and economy for NE Wisconsin towns
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 Accessible to all or `EZ Docks` canoe and kayak launches are popping up on lakes and rivers all over northeast Wisconsin. The latest one was just installed July 3 on the Manitowoc River.
“You put your kayak down on the launch, you take
this metal bench, and slide it out,” explains Curt Hall, parks planner
for the City of Manitowoc.
The accessible kayak and canoe launch at Manitou Park is the first of its kind for the city.
“Then what you do is just brace, slide the bench back, put your butt in the seat and get ready to go,” Hall said.
The launch was made possible through
funding from the city, the West Foundation and the family of Bill and
Barbara Vorron, lifelong members of the Manitowoc community and avid
outdoors people.
Bill passed away last year, but the family wanted to carry on his love for the water.
“In lieu of flowers and a memorial, we
chipped in for that [the dock] along with the City of Manitowoc, because
he was a big kayaker and canoer,” said Eric Shallue, Bill and Barbara
Vorron’s nephew... ...more
Ken Notes: These are great projects for any community on the water and there is substantial federal funding avaialable!!!
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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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Treasurer Godlewski and BCPL loan over $14 million to Wisconsin communities
|
 Today, the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) chaired by Treasurer Sarah Godlewski approved over $14 million in financing to Wisconsin communities across nine counties.
From the northernmost corners of the state, such as the town of
Superior- which will be building a new fire hall with $1.8 million- to
the coast of Lake Michigan in the city of Port Washington- which is
financing a business development loan with $150,000- the BCPL is
providing the funds necessary to support a variety of initiatives.
The largest of the eleven loans approved today is to finance
referendum projects for the Verona Area School District that is worth
over $6 million. Additionally, the town of Lawrence in Brown County will
be financing an infrastructure project for almost $4 million. ...more
Ken Notes: I hope every community knows about BCPL and the funds available.
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Drift & Row aims to improve the value of play
|
 ...Drift & Row LLC is a Milwaukee-based startup focused on designing
and creating handmade toys that support language and learning in
children. It was founded in 2018 by owner Brenna Davis, a speech
language pathologist.
“The meaning of ‘Drift & Row’ is a reminder about what play
should be. ‘Drift,’ meaning freedom and unstructured time. ‘Row,’
meaning children need to work and fail in order for it to be play,”
Davis said. ...
...Drift & Row was among the top 25 contestants in the 2019 Wisconsin
Governor’s Business Plan Contest, held by the Wisconsin Technology
Council. This year’s contest culminated June 4-5 at the Wisconsin
Entrepreneurs Conference in Milwaukee. ...more
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Innovation Square explores Jefferson County treasures
|
 Come back to Jefferson County. That`s
the message people visiting Innovation Square at Wisconsin Farm
Technology Days will walk away with. But
first, as they walk through Innovation Square, they will be able to
explore the history of the county and it`s agricultural development. A
historical display made possible with support from several local
historical societies and museums in Jefferson County follows the
progression of agriculture from 600 AD Native American agriculture to
today`s progressive farms. Emphasizing the county`s
rich agricultural history will be a Family Farm Honor Wall recognizing
the centennial farms and sesquitennial farms in the county. An 1800s wagon from a Jefferson wagon company is a great spot to grab a selfie to commemorate the FTD visit....
...more
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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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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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Start Week: 26 - Query String:SELECT * FROM wdn WHERE `issue` > 26 and volume = 7 OR `issue` > 90 ORDER BY sortorder
