This Weeks Articles...

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By a 4-3 majority, the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ “Safer at Home” order, finding that it is unlawful, invalid and unenforceable.

The ‘Safer at Home’ order was an attempt to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the state and keep the health care system from becoming overwhelmed by a potential surge in patients. Several businesses were deemed “essential” by the order and allowed to maintain full or partial operations, but the order also had the affect of shutting down much of the state’s economy, resulting in significant job losses since it was put in place by Evers in late March. Evers had recently eased some of the restrictions of “Safer at Home,” which was set to expire on May 26.

The action by the state Supreme Court means all businesses in the state can for now resume normal operations, although local governments may attempt to put their own restrictions in place...

...Republican lawmakers, who brought the legal challenge, had asked the court to issue a temporary injection against the order but then stay the injunction for at least six days. But the majority rejected that option, adding that more than two weeks had passed since the case started. Therefore, “Safer at Home” is immediately struck down by the court...

See Also:

Wisconsin Supreme Court invalidates state`s COVID-19 stay-at-home order

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Ken Notes: When I was a Debater in college, we used to joke about needing to, "Lay the bodies on the table" to justify a plan of action. I never thought that would be an actual political reality, because I never thought our politicians on both sides of the isle could become so detached from the actual public they represent.

I was once proud to call myself a politician (although I preferred public servant), now I have no party, no faith in my representatives, and a fear that the pendulum is now swinging so fast that we may never be able to restore balance. If there is an upside to any of this, I suggested that rather than throw WEDC out, we reshape the organization into a true advocate for business and jobs in Wisconsin and they have clearly moved in that direction. Keep reading...

More than half a million people in Wisconsin have filed for unemployment benefits since the coronavirus outbreak began in March, according to the latest figures from the Department of Workforce Development.

As of Tuesday morning, there were 511,577 claims filed since mid-March. Total benefits paid topped $384 million.

Workforce Development says it received 4.7 million calls about unemployment benefits during the week of April 26 alone, about eight per second if the offices were open 24 hours a day, seven days a week....

See Also:

More than 511,000 people in Wisconsin file for unemployment

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Imagine that you live in a beautiful oceanfront home and discover that a hurricane is headed directly your way. do you:

•     A. Board up the windows head for higher ground and wait out the storm to pass then assess the damage and repair or rebuild your home. Or do you…
  
  
•     B. Immediately take out a second mortgage on the house, run to Home Depot, buy all the materials necessary to rebuild your home and have them shipped to the site prior to the hurricane.

I believe America may have chosen option B.

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Ken Notes: My observations, please feel free to reprint or share...

On May 8, 2020, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) published a series of general and industry-specific guidelines to assist businesses with reopening under Governor Tony Evers’s “Badger Bounce Back” plan. Guidelines are available for many industries, including agriculture, construction, entertainment/amusement, gym and fitness centers, hair and nail salons, hospitality/lodging, manufacturing, professional services, public facilities, restaurants, retail, transportation, outdoor gatherings, outdoor recreation, and warehouse/wholesale trades.

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Notes:

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV)-- Madison is yet again being hailed as a good place to live, after Forbes found that the city ranked as one of the top cities to make a speedy recovery when the pandemic ends.

The Forbes ranking, citing research from Moody`s Analytics, grouped the best 10 cities to recover quickly following the pandemic, and the top 10 cities with the worst chance of recovering.

Moody`s analyzed population density and compared it against the share of jobs that require a college or graduate degree, as well as other research methods.
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Ken Notes: Good news I hope. Let`s get back to work but be careful out there!

The company says that they brewed "a lot" of beer before the pandemic hit, and now with their restaurants and customers partially shut down, they have to get rid of the stuff.

“Time doesn’t do well for beer,” head brewer Eric Brusewitz explained.

He continued, “Beer moves so quickly. It was more of an issue trying to keep up. To all of a sudden have that screech to a halt, it was really difficult seeing beer go to waste."

But after all, this is Wisconsin, and one cannot simply poor good brew down the drain.

That`s why the Great Dane has decided to not only sell its brew on the cheap, but donate all the proceeds to the Briarpatch Youth Services, a local nonprofit that supports runaway, homeless and at-risk youth.

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Ken Notes: Available TODAY! Lets help them sell out! I promise this is the best news of the week!

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced on Monday, May 18 $75 million in assistance for small businesses as part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s We’re All In initiative, a comprehensive effort to celebrate and help Wisconsin’s small businesses get back on their feet and support best practices to keep businesses, consumers, employees and communities safe.

A news release says this initiative will provide direct assistance to small businesses most impacted by the duration and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. These $2,500 cash grants will assist with the costs of business interruption or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages, and inventory. Businesses will be able to apply for grant assistance in early June.

Gov. Evers issued the following statement in a news release:

“We are still encouraging people to stay home as much as possible, practice physical distancing and good hygiene, and take protective measures like wearing a mask in public, but as more businesses continue to reopen around the state, we need to go all in on doing this together.”

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Ken Notes:Glad to see him moving away from the wild west quotes although it must have been frustrating to see much of this play out as a partisan political and legal battle. One note for the governor, the great leaders of our time have been able to put the partisan rhetoric aside and align with the people for the greater good.

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future. John F. Kennedy

 “Founded in 1976 by George and Candy Gialamas, The Gialamas Company specializes in Class A Commercial Real Estate. Old Sauk Trails Park, is one of the most prestigious business parks in Wisconsin; containing numerous office buildings supplemented by restaurants, hotels, financial institutions, a childcare facility and a walking/jogging trail system....
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...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began negatively impacting Wisconsin`s economy in mid-March, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development has deployed $384.3 million to those in need of unemployment benefits, the department announced.

Through May 2 and dating back to March 15, DWD has received 498,297 preliminary unemployment benefit applications. The daily counts reported by DWD are not yet official. After the claims are processed and verified, the counts are reported weekly to the U.S. Department of Labor....
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Notes:

Several Wisconsin bars on Wednesday opened their doors and welcomed customers for the first time in months after the state`s Supreme Court sided with Republican legislators and struck down the extension of Gov. Tony Evers`s (D) stay-at-home order.

The Tavern League of Wisconsin, a trade association that represents bars in the state, announced after the ruling that businesses "can OPEN IMMEDIATELY!"

Photos and videos showed groups of patrons dining in bars across the state. Multiple bars opened in the Green Bay area and hosted more than a dozen people, according to USA Today. One video shared from Nick`s, a bar in Platteville, Wis., showed a number of individuals that appeared crowded into the location...

SEE ALSO:

After Wisconsin court ruling, crowds liberated and thirsty descend on bars. ‘We’re the Wild West,’ Gov. Tony Evers says

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Ken Notes: No surprise here, but not exactly what the court said. It will be interesting to watch this play out. I am truly frustrated that this in now a political football with many issues not even on the table. Of course Darwin will have something to say about all of this in the end.

Most businesses responding to the second statewide COVID-19 Wisconsin Business Impact survey anticipate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to continue through 2020 and beyond.

While 23 percent of responding businesses reported not being able to remain open beyond three months if current conditions persist, 32 percent of respondents reported they would likely survive beyond 10 months under current conditions.

Jeffrey Sachse, director of UW-Oshkosh Center for Customized Research and Services (CCRS) indicates these data point to a “greater sense of resilience.”

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Ken Notes:Thanks to those who pushed for this comprehensive study, it is giving Wisconsin a head start as we return to business. Remember the economic impact will be with us for awhile. The lack of sporting events and theater productions alone will cost billions. Even as we slowly emerge from our homes events have been canceled well into the future.

Reimagined Annual Member Meeting- bigger and better than ever!

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Wisconsin Economic and Development Corporation Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said there`s more money coming for businesses needing help during the COVID-19 crisis.

During a weekly presentation as part of a new initiative called Focus Forward, Hughes said resources are coming from the federal government through the Small Business Administration...

"As the result of our work with the Small Business Administration we`ve seen in the first amount of money that came from PPP, about $8 billion has come into Wisconsin. Now we`ve just heard that another $2 billion is coming into Wisconsin..."

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he second observation period of a statewide survey is underway to measure the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wisconsin businesses. The survey is open for past participants and new participants until May 14.

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espite a record-setting year for Wisconsin tourism in 2019, the industry is now scrambling to adjust to the shock of coronavirus while hoping the Memorial Day weekend can start a comeback to mitigate millions of dollars in losses.

The state Supreme Court ruling that tossed the statewide stay-at-home extension, due to expire May 26, has resulted in hope and uncertainty as the crucial traditional start of summer approaches. A patchwork of local rules and lingering reluctance to embrace usual activities could put a damper on things...
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Ken Notes: I have an idea that would help a great deal. Companies should strongly consider a 4 day work week. Your employees are more productive, your scheduling is more flexible, you costs could be reduced, you are supporting the rest of the economy. This actually makes a great deal of economic and social sense and could help jump start our economy.

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Ken Notes: This impact will be huge. Also consider much of our tourism income comes from outside Wisconsin...

MADISON, Wis.– A Madison-based collaboration joins scientists around the world in racing to develop a vaccine to combat the coronavirus.

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are teaming up with FluGen and Bharat Biotech to develop a coronavirus vaccine at a pace much quicker than usual.

“This collaboration has thrown it’s hat in the ring to produce a vaccine as quick as possible, one that is safe and effective,” Eric Hamilton, a UW-Madison spokesperson, said. “If this is the one or one of several that works, that would be fantastic.”...

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Ken Notes: If, and I believe they will, Wisconsin companies, the UW, WARF, and URP are responsible for a vaccine or treatment we need to be in a position to publicize this globally. Also I suggest a hashtag be developed for all articles, stories, and news releases. At the very lease use #Wisconsin...

RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary Missy Hughes says businesses should be looking toward her agency as they open up for business.

Hughes says the virus cuts across county lines and she says business owners should consider some options. "That`s where WEDC`s guidelines can be helpful because businesses can stand in the middle of their shop or cafe and think about `what to I need to change to help my employees feel safe and my customers feel safe?"

Hughes says many people thought they would have more time to consider what to do under the Badger Bounce Back plan presented by Governor Evers. When the state Supreme Court reopened the state right away, many people were looking for guidance on what to do says Hughes.

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Ken Notes: WEDC has taken on a new role as the pandemic impacts us all. I hope the focus on smaller and rural Wisconsin continues and we can get development and employment growth incentives for all Wisconsin businesses back on the table, but it does look like Hughes has turned the ship in that direction. Time will tell.

Waukesha County executive Paul Farrow encouraged businesses to follow CDC and Wisconsin Economic Corp. guidelines after a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling striking down Gov. Tony Evers’ “Safer at Home” order.

“While there is no longer a ‘Safer at Home’ order, there is still COVID-19 in our community. Be smart, be vigilant, and stay safe,” Farrow said in a statement.

Farrow said he expects many businesses previously closed by the order would choose to open on Thursday...

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Ken Notes: and now the CYA verbiage begins. Every politician will say "Stay Safe", while cashing the checks from groups who lobbied for opening the state. I want the state opened back up, but even more I want our elected officials to cooperate on a plan to do this. I want to restore fiscal conservancy and social awareness to a system that has thrown both out the window.

The Madison Plan Commission`s approval last week of the demolition of a house at 935 W. Johnson St. received little attention, but it represents a significant step toward the construction of a massive University of Wisconsin-Madison project that would house offices currently located in the maligned George L. Mosse Humanities Building.

The planned Letters & Sciences research facility will be home to various humanities departments with the goal of “emptying out” the Mosse building, said campus planning director Gary Brown. It will include seminar rooms and student gathering areas. The university is in the process of purchasing other property on the block for further development, including more research buildings and an underground parking facility.

The 143,000-square-foot academic research facility project is budgeted to cost $83 million. The project represents the university’s number one priority out of 12 projects planned for the 2021-2023 budget, Brown said.
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The southeastern Wisconsin industrial real estate market had a banner year in 2019 and remains strong. According to Catalyst, the industrial market in southeastern Wisconsin had a vacancy rate of approximately 4 percent at the end of 2019 and that rate has moved down slightly to 3.9 percent during the first quarter of 2020. This rate is well below the historical vacancy rate in southeastern Wisconsin, which averages between 7 and 9 percent.

Several submarkets are significantly lower than the southeastern Wisconsin average: Racine, where the massive Foxconn project is underway, has a 3.8 percent vacancy rate; the large Waukesha submarket, which has nearly 83 million square feet of inventory, has a vacancy rate of 1.9 percent; and the Sheboygan submarket, which has about 27 million square feet of industrial space, has an astonishing 0.1 percent vacancy rate....
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Yesterday, Public Health Madison & Dane County announced the implementation of a county-wide reopening plan called Forward Dane. It went into effect today and removed travel restrictions, opened tennis and disc golf courses, allowed businesses to prepare to reopen, and removed any criminal penalty for violating the county’s stay-at-home order. Dane County executive Joe Parisi told WKOW yesterday that it resembles the current statewide plan, but adapted for local use.

“It’ll be similar, but it’ll be specific to Dane County,” said Parisi. “Because, given the fact that we’re a different population, a smaller population, a different circumstance than the statewide numbers, it’ll be similar but we want to make sure that whatever we do makes sense for Dane County.”

But reopening will still be difficult...   ...more

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SCS - At the forefront of sustainable environmental solutions for over 40 years and ...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News

MADISON — The Department of Workforce Development reported it has been awarded $999,000 in initial funding from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of a COVID-19 Dislocated Worker Grant. The award was made last week in response to Wisconsin’s $3 million request.

The grant funds will be distributed to participating Wisconsin workforce development boards that will use the funds to create temporary jobs for laid-off workers, including self-employed individuals whose businesses have been impacted by the public health emergency.

The jobs will focus on the provision of humanitarian assistance relating to COVID-19 disaster relief efforts...

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MADISON -- Still waiting on that unemployment check? Labor attorneys and state employees say Wisconsin`s spike in unemployment claims isn`t the only thing to blame.

"No one planned for Godzilla attacking the city," labor and employment attorney Victor Forberger said. "And this is kind of like Godzilla is attacking the city through this unemployment crisis. But there are things a state can do to make it easier to manage that process, and it seems to me Wisconsin through the last several years really made the process difficult and complicated."

The Department of Workforce Development, which oversees unemployment benefits, points to outdated software and an unprecedented, overwhelming number of calls from people trying to file claims; Forberger points to years of policies that made navigating the unemployment system increasingly difficult...

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Ken Notes: This is interesting, as a consultant and advisor for 20 years, I can attest to some very antiquated computer systems in the state government. The problem is also that there is no oversight or leadership on technology so every department is on their own. To quote the Governor, "It is the wild west out there". And for the record that was taken out of context, because I am sure that no Governor has a clue what is going on.

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Ken Notes: I have to give the DWD some credot they had and exponential increase in workload and only minor staffing changes. I think we are doing OK but need to asses who needs help most and soonest. If history in any indication many will profit from the suffering of others and we will do (or be able to do) much about this.

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Ken Notes: Please be very careful when someone offers assistance for a fee. Deal ONLY with advisors you know and trust.

I will keep this page updated and at the top of WisconsinDevelopment.com until the crisis passes.

The number of people to file for unemployment insurance in Wisconsin has surpassed 550,000 since March 15, including 31,851 who filed for benefits the week ending May 16, according to preliminary data reported by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

In that span, the department has paid out $1.14 billion in benefits. That includes $550 million during the week beginning May 3, the largest amount DWD has ever paid in a single week...
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Ken Notes: See...

Many investigators at the Morgridge Institute are taking on new research challenges to help understand the COVID-19 novel coronavirus and defeat the viral outbreak. Research teams in virology, metabolism, regenerative biology and medical engineering have the expertise and technologies uniquely suited to address the pandemic.
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Ken Notes: I am telling you, solution will come through Madison...

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Welcome 2020 WDN sponsor Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. Please check out the link to view the amazing projects they have developed from idea to completion.

A free app designed like a Swiss Army knife for Wisconsinites coping with the coronavirus pandemic launched Monday.

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WalletHub, a personal-finance website, released Tuesday updated rankings for the States with the Fewest Coronavirus Restrictions, as well as accompanying videos.
To determine which states have the fewest coronavirus restrictions, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 11 key metrics. The data set ranges from whether child-care programs and restaurants have reopened to the presence or absence of a "shelter-in-place" order. Highlights from the report are as follows:   ...more

Ken Notes: I am not sure this is a good thing...

MADISON, Wis. (WEAU)-- Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced 31 school districts were awarded grants that total up to $690,000.

These grants are for fab lab facilities. Fab lab`s are high-technology workshops equipped with computer controlled manufacturing components.

The Eau Claire Area School District says the money will go towards the purchase of equipment to develop of fab lab at both Memorial High School and North High School...
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Whole Trees, a Wisconsin Company, was featured in  Architect Magazine. I would aggregate some of the text but they do not allow it. Amelia, CEO, is quoted about half way into the article.
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Several University of Wisconsin-Madison students are registered to speak at the Monday, May 18, meeting of Madison`s Plan Commission to express their opposition to The Langdon, a proposed apartment building slated for 126 Langdon St. They allege that the developer has been improperly offering special benefits to students who sign on in support of the project.

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Ken Notes:Fraternity and sorority are complaining about the potential for noise??? Seriously... They actually use there Langdon Street "party hub" locations to recruit new members. I have no opinion on this project, but I would ask what is best use for the property...

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Ken Notes: I have no comment...

The simultaneous crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic collapse have left many executives cowering in their C-Level bunkers.

Carl Sheeley Jr. is having none of that.

“I feel so comfortable in an economic downturn,” Sheeley says. “I know it seems counterintuitive, but I do.”

What fuels Sheeley’s optimism? He survived the economic quagmire after the attacks on 9-11 in 2001 and the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009, when the American banking system almost collapsed and the U.S. automotive industry needed to be bailed out.

In other words, Sheeley has seen hard times. And they only made him stronger.

“You can complain that rose bushes have thorns. Or you can rejoice that the thorn bushes have roses,” Sheeley says, sounding like a reincarnation of Mark Twain. “It’s been said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. An economic recession is the best sunshine. You can’t hide anything. It’s time for the best to rise to the top.”...
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Ken Notes: I must admit I too like the positive actions and viewpoints that appear in the news during this time, "the rose among thorns".

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Ken Notes: What do we expect when we segregate our socioeconomic poor into segregated housing where they have no pride of ownership, no incentive to improve, and no leadership or mentorship to guide them. This is not their problem this is our problem and we are failing...

Through a collaboration between the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee 7 Economic Development Partnership, an online toolkit is now available to help area businesses reopen.

The toolkit is designed to help businesses identify risks and implement health and safety procedures that will protect their workers and customers...

The online kit includes guidelines and links to other sources...

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Ken Notes: Again this is great advice and a resource for the entire state. I like the printable PDFs it will help your business look professional!!!

GoDiagnostics, or GoDx, was formed with the vision to “democratize diagnostics” so that all people can more quickly learn about infections that make them sick.

The founder and chief executive officer of GoDx, Chang Hee Kim, and his team are in the process of gaining regulatory approval of their two diagnostics tests — GutChecker and CoronaChecker.

Kim founded the company to combat deaths related to diarrhea-inducing gut pathogens. With between millions of annual deaths, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under age 5 worldwide. Furthermore, founders have identified an unmet need for quick, inexpensive and effective diagnostics tests in the health care system. GoDx is tackling this need head on.   ...more

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Ken Notes: Well said...

NEWaukee has landed a $250,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to support its plan to redevelop the former Schlitz Tivoli Palm Garden in Walker’s Point.

The grant will support the $4.4 million project, which the social architecture firm hopes to complete by 2021.

The City of Milwaukee would act as a pass-through agent for the grant. The Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee approved its acceptance Tuesday morning...
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ov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced May 1 that the Rice Lake Area School District was among 31 public school districts in the state to receive a Fab Lab grant.

Grant funds ranged from $9,700-$25,000, with a total of $693,200. RLASD is one of 20 school districts to receive the full $25,000. The program requires matching funds from each district.

A $500 contribution was also rceived from V&S Construction Services to invest in a new 60 watt laser engraver, advanced 3D printing systems, and a desktop sized waterjet cutter for student use in the Warrior Fab Lab...
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The Wisconsin Partnership Program at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health has announced 21 new awards totaling $2.2 million to researchers and community organizations across Wisconsin for their efforts to lessen the impact of COVID-19.

“We are pleased to support such a broad range of innovative projects, including efforts to support the most vulnerable in our communities and studies that have the potential to advance the fight against this pandemic,” said Robert N. Golden, MD, dean of the School of Medicine and Public Health. “The Wisconsin Partnership Program has provided a nimble and highly responsive approach to addressing COVID-19 that is well aligned with our mission to improve health and well-being in Wisconsin.”...
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Ken Notes: Great update from UW...

The SCEDC and SBDC stated that they are enforcing the “Sheboygan County Safe Restart Recommendations” that were placed by the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health on May 14...
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Stay up to date by reading our MadREP Report, a bi-monthly newsletter that features regional economic development news, events and opportunities.

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In the first of what will be many required actions, a local developer aiming to transform an underused block on the Capitol Square gained approval Monday from a Madison commission to move forward with demolishing a landmark building.

The Landmarks Commission granted Urban Land Interests’ application for a variance from the Historic Preservation Ordinance that would allow for the developer to raze the landmark Centre Seven building, 7-11 N. Pinckney St., as part of its $125 million redevelopment project.
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Ken Notes:Wow -- now I have seen everything, staff has concerns and landmarks says it`s OK with them.

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Ken Notes: If not when, how will be determined by the consumer and their risk aversion. I fear that many will permanently change their buying habits and this will require businesses to change. We can look to department stores and malls for an example of just how devastating this can be.

“Hey @elonmusk & @Tesla: Having issues in CA? Welcome to Janesville, WI. We have a cleared former (General Motors) auto plant site ready for use and a skilled workforce ready to make cars. It’s Janesville’s history—it’s in our blood,” the city tweeted Monday....

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The Wisconsin Veterans Home at King has been caring for our heroes for 130 years. Now, their campus is undergoing its biggest transformation yet with the addition of John R. Moses Hall, a new state-of-the-art 24-hour skilled nursing facility.
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Dane County ED
		STATE STRATEGIES FOR GROWING BUSINESSES AND CREATING JOBS	ED TOOLS
			Health Tech Capitol
		APA WI

Madison Area Chambers

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Artificial intelligence, ethics in technology, the origins of life, astrophysical data — these exciting but complex subjects are the focus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s fourth round of cluster hires, the Office of the Provost announced today.

The hires, which are made as a group across departments rather than individually within departments, build upon the university’s existing strengths. They foster collaborative research, education and outreach by creating new interdisciplinary areas of knowledge.

UW–Madison first launched the Cluster Hiring Initiative in 1998 as an innovative partnership between the university, state and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. In its first phase, the initiative authorized nearly 50 clusters, adding nearly 150 new faculty members through several rounds of hiring. In 2017, the Office of the Provost authorized phase two of the initiative, with a goal of supporting at least 12 clusters...

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MADISON — Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development on Monday, May 11 released new information regarding unemployment insurance data amid the coronavirus pandemic — including that more than $940 in benefits was paid out over eight weeks “to ease anxiety during this crisis.”

The DWD said in a news release Monday “DWD distributed over $550 million in unemployment benefits for the week of May 3 alone.”

Below is the data released by the DWD Monday:...
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Foot Locker will eliminate multiple departments in its downtown Wausau location, shifting some operations to Florida, Wausau Pilot & Review has learned.

Mary Signorino, a media spokesperson for Foot Locker, Inc., confirmed the move late Wednesday in an email, calling the initiative an effort to drive productivity...

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – A small business recovery fund has been created for small businesses in La Crosse County struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several economic development organizations have partnered to create a new fund.

Couleecap, Inc., Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. (DMI), La Crosse County, La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO), and North La Crosse Business Association (NLBA) announced the Launch La Crosse Small Business Recovery Fund, which will provide grants up to $5000 to small, locally owned retail, restaurant, or personal service storefront businesses with 1?20 employees located in central commercial districts within La Crosse County.

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Findorff, builders of Wisconsin`s finest projects...and ...A sponsor of Wisconsin Development News

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Ken Notes: President Cross may have proposed a bridge too far, but their is merit in creating UW Centers of excellence at the undergraduate level and maybe creating fewer but better graduate programs at select UW Systems. Cross asked us to think and discuss new and challenging ideas, once upon a time that was the Wisconsin Idea....

Like many Americans, I’ve been struggling to adjust to the dramatic changes that have taken place over the last few months. It may sound cliché at this point, but it rings true nonetheless: COVID-19 and the worldwide effort to combat it have scrambled everything around us. Indeed, even energy markets have not been immune to sudden, dramatic and unprecedented changes.

Over this period, I’ve struggled with a central question: “Who cares about energy when tens of thousands of Americans are dying and millions are losing their livelihoods?”

It’s a hard question to answer. Amid a public health crisis and the potential for economic damage never seen before in history, who cares about solar panels and natural gas plants? Energy might not be making headlines right now, but only because the electricity we rely on to power our homes, hospitals, and essential services has not failed us. With that in mind, there are a few things I think we should consider as we prepare for a COVID-19 reality now and moving ahead.

Energy is as critical as it has ever been...   ...more

Ken Notes:Yes it is. Good read...

“Our team has been diligently working to sustain our supply of PPE and the investigation of products from non-traditional suppliers has helped us fill some key needs during the management of this pandemic,” said Adam Trafton, Vice President and Chief Resource Officer for Ascension Wisconsin with The Resource Group, Ascension’s resource and supply management organization.   ...more

OSHKOSH, WI – Jackson-based Alro Steel opened its doors nearly 72 years ago in Michigan.

Now it’s opened the doors to a new 194,000-square-foot facility in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The plant, which opened in mid-March, nearly triples the size of the company’s previous Oshkosh facility, that was only 66,000 square feet. Construction began on the new facility, located four miles from Alro’s previous Oshkosh location, in January.

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Family Health La Clinica, in partnership with the Wisconsin Farmworkers’ Coalition, received $322,420 on April 20 for the Education and Empowerment for Wisconsin Migrant Seasonal Agriculture Workers Project. This funding will support a statewide outreach initiative for the prevention and response to COVID-19 to protect the health of MSAWs, employers, and Wisconsin communities through the development of resources, guidance, and education on how to prevent and slow the spread of the virus.

The initiative will be informed by a variety of stakeholders including, Wisconsin agriculture employers and employees; statewide advocate organizations such as United Migrant Opportunity Services and Legal Action of Wisconsin; and Wisconsin governmental bodies such as Department of Public Instruction and Department of Workforce Development.
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CHILTON, Wis. (WBAY) - A cheese plant in Chilton is closing due to "significant challenges" at the facility.

Foremost Farms USA informed the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development that it planned to permanently close the Chilton Facility, W3286 County Road F.

The decision impacts 50 employees.

Layoffs are scheduled for July 17.

"We regret to inform you that Foremost Farms USA’s business operations have been facing significant challenges from a plant layout, infrastructure, and building and equipment age perspective at its Chilton facility. In addition, work order volumes from clients have significantly decreased in a short period due to COVID-19, creating overcapacity of product and a significant and sudden drop in demand for production," reads a letter provided to DWD.

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Third Coast Underwriters (3CU) has made a foray into Florida and Wisconsin expanding its coverage to a total of 21 US states.

It will now offer workers’ compensation insurance in both these states.

The company said it is currently exploring opportunities for appointing agents and identifying qualified customers within the new areas under the direction of its Underwriting and Data Analytics Business Development vice-president Mike Valiante.

Commenting on the new development, Mike Valiante said: “Our expansion into Florida and Wisconsin further enhances our national presence as a specialty workers’ compensation solution and expands the collective strength of AF Group.
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The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is seeking a senior level Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer who is a proactive entrepreneurial talent, equally able to represent the organization on a local and national stage at the highest levels, and manage the day-to-day operations of a small, growing, and promising fundraising program.  Over the last several years, our contributed revenue sources have steadily grown from less than $1 million annually to more than $3 million this year, as we have expanded relationships with key funders nationally and regionally, along with growing individual support.

The VP/CAO will be responsible for the development, implementation, and management of all aspects of community and national stakeholder engagement integral with the fundraising strategies for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, including increased annual unrestricted and restricted support; the execution of a strategic growth campaign with a potential goal of at least $15 million; and the identification and engagement of new prospective donors at all levels – including at the highest level of leadership giving.
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Ken Notes: Both sides failed to take strong leadership roles. Oddly enough, WEDC`s Missy Hughes did. We need to stop pointing fingers, take WEDC`s advice and carefully return to whatever the new normal will be.

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