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Ken Harwood
Advocating for Wisconsin
HarwoodKen [at] Gmail.com
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With $75 million gift for new UW–Madison engineering building, brothers’ impact spans generations and transcends campus boundaries


A historic $75 million gift will fuel construction of a much-needed new engineering building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

With their lead gift — the largest single gift in college history — brothers and UW–Madison alumni Marvin and Jeffrey Levy are honoring the memory of their brother, Phil, who passed away in 2021. A passionate and accomplished professional interior designer, Phil earned an English degree from the university in 1964.

A stunning facility that marries intentional design with future-ready engineering flexibility, the Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center will be the new centerpiece of the College of Engineering campus.

The transformative facility will spark collaboration and yield breakthroughs that echo across generations. With final approval by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on March 6, 2024, it underscores the importance of outstanding engineers to Wisconsin’s economy...
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Ken Notes:Thank you to the entire Levy family. What a great addition to an even greater school!

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DWD Publishes 2024 Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council Annual Report


MADISON – Agriculture in Wisconsin continues to contribute more than $100 billion to the state’s economy each year, and the Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council’s (WAEWDC) newly published 2024 annual report highlights the efforts to continue future growth.

The report, which was recently approved by the council and is published by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), addresses the need for a strong and highly trained workforce that can manage the increasingly technologically advanced agriculture systems that are emerging in the industry...

The WAEWDC 2024 annual report is available online.

ALSO:

Wisconsin employment hits fourth straight monthly record high, DWD reports


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Notes:

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Funding announced for companies launched by UW-Madison researchers


Seven projects linked to startups founded by UW-Madison researchers have been chosen for $500,000 in funding from the State Economic Engagement and Development program, supporting further research and technology advancement. 

The university’s Discovery to Product program, which coordinates the SEED program, yesterday announced recipients for funding in fiscal year 2025. The $500,000 total includes a matching grant of $250,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Funding varies by recipient, up to a maximum of $100,000, according to a D2P spokesperson. 

D2P Interim Director Abram Becker says the grants will offer “crucial support to these outstanding early-stage companies” as they develop their technologies for market readiness...

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Ken Notes: I remain a huge fan of the Wisconsin Idea and it is clearly working for us. These programs will keep Wisconsin on the map as one of the nations leading research institutes and the WARF and SEED programs will help attract the most brilliant professors and researchers to the campus.

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Microsoft signs solar PPA with National Grid Renewables in Wisconsin


Will include solar project and construction of new substation

US renewable energy developer National Grid Renewables has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Microsoft for its Portage Solar Project.

Portage Solar is a 250MW solar project in development in Portage County, Wisconsin, on 2,167 acres of primarily agricultural land.

In addition to the solar array, the project will include the construction of a new on-site substation, an operations and maintenance building, and a battery energy storage system with a proposed capacity of up to 137.5MW/550MWh.

Portage Solar received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in April 2023. Construction is expected to commence in 2025, and the project is slated for operation in 2027...
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UW-Green Bay Tackles Corporate Training


Regional business survey, recent corporate partnerships reveal growing need for accessible employee training and skill development

Green Bay, Wis.—UW-Green Bay’s 2024 Continuing Education and Workforce Training Business Survey revealed that human resource managers in Northeast Wisconsin face significant challenges in assessing their employee training needs, securing leadership buy-in to address specific gaps and finding cost-effective employee training programs. Those findings from the second annual survey, together with recent corporate training partnerships, have led the University to expand its customized training solutions in an effort to tackle the region’s growing needs.

“The velocity and scale of workforce training and retraining needs are a challenge for small and large employers alike, and the needs keep growing,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “There’s no doubt that rapid technological advances, automation and AI are all contributing to this evolution in the workplace and the skills employers and employees need to be successful. Our role as a regional comprehensive university includes partnering with employers to navigate the change and deliver the education and training their employees need.”...
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Ken Notes: In the 1980`s while PCs were making an entrance into corporate America I worked with Fox Valley Tech to train both users and far more importantly corporate execs on what to expect from adopting new technologies. It was this understanding that helped companies embrace the tech with a clear understanding of what it could and more importantly what it could not do.

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UW-Parkside receives national recognition in Forbes for workforce development initiatives


The University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been nationally recognized in a recent Forbes article for its innovative approach to workforce development and collaboration with local businesses.

The article, titled “Colleges, Companies, And Communities Are Working Together To Improve Higher Ed,” highlights UW-Parkside’s involvement with Higher Expectations for Racine County, working with educational, business, and community partners to improve outcomes for young people across the region.

It also highlights the Parkside Promise Plus program, which covers any tuition not covered by federal and state grant aid and scholarships for Wisconsin students with limited resources.

The Forbes article underscores the university’s commitment to creating practical, real-world learning opportunities for its students. It notes that these collaborations are not only enhancing the educational experience but are also driving economic growth in the region...


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Ken Notes: Congrats, nice to see national attention for this program...

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One of Chicagoland’s hottest industrial markets isn’t in Illinois


It’s been nearly a decade since Amazon planted its flag in southeast Wisconsin, spurring a wave of industrial development that has transformed the Interstate 94 corridor into one of the fastest-growing submarkets in Chicagoland.

In fact, the inventory of industrial product in southeast Wisconsin is now more than 84 million square feet across 652 buildings, surpassing that of the older and more established Lake County submarket, which comprises 80 million square feet, according to CBRE.

Abundant, large parcels of improved land made it easy for developers to launch new projects, many of them big-box warehouses ranging from 500,000 to 1 million-plus square feet, with plenty of space for trailer parking as well...

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Ken Notes: Just imagine what the corridor could have been with a high speed rail system running right the middle of it!

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Kwik Trip Hiring About 400 Employees for New Distribution Center


Convenience-store retailer expects site outside Madison, Wisconsin, to open in 2025

La Crosse, Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip is hiring about 400 employees to work at the distribution center it is building in DeForest, Wisconsin, outside Madison.

Positions include CDL drivers, with starting wages around $92,000 yearly, according to Spectrum News 1, adding that Kwik Trip is offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus and paid on-the-job training available for those 18 and older.

In addition, the company gives 40% of pre-tax profits back to its employees, according to the company’s website. The profit-sharing bonus ranges from 8% to 12% of each coworker’s gross annual wages, depending on company profitability...

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Want to know more about high-speed internet? Door County to host regional broadband summit


STURGEON BAY - On the surface, it might seem the Regional Broadband Summit taking place Oct. 24 in Sturgeon Bay is meant primarily for local government officials, business owners, decision makers, IT pros and others with a stake in bringing high-speed internet services to areas lacking it in Northeast Wisconsin.

Not so – it`s for anyone and everyone with an interest in what broadband has been doing for communities that just started getting it recently and what it can do for communities that don`t have the latest or most reliable services, Door County Economic Development Corp. executive director Michelle Lawrie said...


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Can Monona help solve Madison’s housing crisis?


The suburb is actively exploring ‘upfill’ development in underutilized corridors

Monona, a city surrounded by a city famously surrounded by reality, might prove to be the real deal in the quest to house the influx of new residents Madison’s booming economy is expected to attract in the next several decades.

Wait, what? Housing — in “landlocked” Monona?

Hemmed in by Lake Monona and the city of Madison, Monona lacks the cornfields along its borders that are easy pickings for other communities to annex, subdivide and develop. Madison, Sun Prairie, Middleton and Fitchburg are where 85% of the 16,000 new rental housing units in Dane County were built from 2010 to 2021, according to the April 2024 Dane County Regional Housing Strategy report. Monona accounted for a scant 2%...


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Ken Notes: The "burbs" could all have an impact, especially if they were to allow height and density. The problem is affordability and that will remain an issue for some time to come until we bring developers to the table and work together...

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Gov. Evers, WHEDA announces new programs to restore older homes across WI


MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Gov. Tony Evers along with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority announced on Wednesday a new program to help repair and renew older homes across the state.

The More Like Home™ Repair and Renew Loan program will offer low-interest loans between $5,000 and $50,000 to owners of houses more than 40 years old. Officials said homeowners can use the money toward important house repairs like roofing, plumbing and heating.

Gov. Evers said having stable housing plays a crucial role in helping families succeed.

“Expanding access to safe, reliable, affordable housing across Wisconsin is a critical part of our work to address our state’s pressing workforce challenges while also connecting the dots to ensure our kids, workers, and families can be successful and thrive,” said Gov. Evers. “Through this program, we are reinvesting in our older housing stock to stabilize property values and make housing safer, more stable, and more secure for Wisconsinites in every corner of our state.”...


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Old Milwaukee school re­de­veloped into af­fordable housing


MILWAUKEE — Edison School Apartments had its official grand opening on Thursday.

Gorman & Company, in partnership with other local developers and organizations including, Cupid Development, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), and the State Historic Preservation Office, transformed North Milwaukee High School into affordable housing.

The project costed $25.5 million.

The redevelopment features 63 apartments for seniors and 12 newly built three-bedroom townhomes on the property for young families. The senior apartments are all located in the former school and the townhomes were built across the parking lot.

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Ken Notes: But a $333K per they may not be that "affordable"...

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Gov. Evers and WHEDA new Wisconsin housing program explained


EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - Governor Tony Evers announced a new bill to help Wisconsinites stay in their homes on Wednesday.

Evers along with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) announced the ‘More like Home’ Repair and Renew loan program.

Helping homeowners of older homes make critical repairs that increase energy efficiency, safety and security.

$5,000 to $50,000 low interest loans are available to home owners whose houses are more than 40 years old.

WHEDA CEO and executive director Elmer Moore Jr., says these loans can help enhance property values, improve health and prevent displacement if you lose your insurance.

“WHEDA is statutorily obligated to focus our work on families who are low to moderate income...We know that even families that earn into the six figures, still need help getting access to the resources to make these vital and necessary improvements.” Moore said.

Moore continued to say that this is an opportunity to make critical energy improvements that can change how communities feel about the sustainability of their homes...

See Also:

Wisconsin announces $50M in low-interest home repair loans

Brooke Street Lofts Wins Coveted Community and Economic Development Award

Green County Home Construction Cooperative wins coveted Community and Economic Development Award


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Hands on Wisconsin: Madison needs to build more high-rise apartment buildings

























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Ken Notes: I do like Phil...

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Brooke Street Lofts Wins Coveted Community and Economic Development Award


The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) is excited to announce the Brooke Street Lofts apartments project has won a 2024 Community and Economic Development Award (CEDA) in the Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse category. The CEDA Awards were established by WEDA to recognize economic development projects, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Wisconsin economy. Winners were recognized at the annual CEDA Awards ceremony, which was held September 26, 2024, in Eau Claire, WI.

Three CEDA finalists were selected in each of the four following CEDA categories: Business Retention and Expansion; Community Impact; Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse; and Talent Attraction, Development, and Retention. The winners in each category were announced and celebrated at the awards ceremony that was attended by over 200 economic development professionals from across the state...


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Environmental groups call on Microsoft to power Mount Pleasant data centers with clean energy


Beyond Microsoft project, Alliant Energy hints more data centers could be coming to Wisconsin

State environmental groups are calling on Microsoft to power its Mount Pleasant data center campus with renewable energy, as advocates say data center expansion nationally has slowed progress in the clean energy transition.

Last week, more than a dozen advocacy groups signed onto an “open letter” to the tech giant, warning the multi-billion-dollar project could “push Wisconsin backwards in the fight for clean energy and safe, healthy air.”

And more data centers — which use 10 to 50 times the energy per floor space of a typical commercial office building — could be coming to Wisconsin in the coming years, raising concerns it could lead to more fossil fuel infrastructure to meet increased demand...

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Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: Wisconsin employment breaks fourth consecutive month record, jobs reach new record high


MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials in Wisconsin announced that the month of August saw new record highs for jobs and employment throughout the state.

According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), preliminary estimates from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) say this is the fourth consecutive monthly record for state employment during which time the number of nonfarm jobs throughout the state also reached a new all-time high.

Officials say employment estimates for August 2024 show Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate came in 1.3 percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 4.2%...

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DNR To Host Free Learning Sessions For Local Governments On Redevelopment


MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it will host learning sessions on redevelopment of properties known as brownfields. Local government officials and others interested in learning more about brownfield redevelopment in Wisconsin are encouraged to attend.

The sessions are free to attend, and the same content will be covered at each session.

  • Nov. 12: The Innovation Center (1221 Innovation Drive, Whitewater), 10 a.m. – noon
  • Nov. 15: Health and Human Services Building (303 W. Chapel Street, Dodgeville), 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
  • Nov. 20: City Hall Community Room (127 S. Sawyer Street, Shawano), 10 a.m. – noon

A brownfield is a property with the potential for redevelopment, but its reuse is complicated by real or perceived contamination in the soil or groundwater. Brownfields can be found in many locations and vary in size, age and past use.
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Graduate School awarded AmeriCorps grant to develop nonprofit partner program


The Marquette Graduate School is working to develop the EXCEL Milwaukee Fellowship Program, which will place Marquette graduate students in local nonprofit organizations to create mutually beneficial relationships, thanks to a planning grant from AmeriCorps.

The Graduate School is embarking on a year-long planning process to develop the EXCEL Milwaukee Fellowship Program with the goal of earning a three-year program grant from AmeriCorps. A formal proposal for the three-year program grant will be submitted in the spring. Dr. Scott D’Urso, Maggie Nettesheim Hoffmann and Alisha Klapps Balistreri are serving as co-PIs on the planning grant. 

In alignment with Marquette’s strategic plan, Guided By Mission, Inspired To Change, and its theme of “Care for the World,” this program would establish additional university and community partnerships, build capacity for nonprofit organizations in Milwaukee and provide research-informed support for nonprofit programs, outcomes and systems.

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Worker Training Grants Available in Wisconsin


The Department of Workforce Development recently announced a program that will assist employers with the costs of occupational training for full-time unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers.

The Fast Forward Program assists employers with innovative solutions that will help meet the needs of their workforce.

“Any business interested in building its pool of skilled workers should consider applying for this grant,” said Amy Pechacek, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The Fast Forward program is an investment in Wisconsin’s workforce, providing a training boost that fills positions while offering workers the skills they need to succeed.”...

...The application deadline is 3:00 pm. CT, Monday, October 28, 2024.

More information and instructions to apply can be found at  https://wisconsinfastforward.com/

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UW-Madison working group issues report on university’s entrepreneurship climate


A report from a UW-Madison working group says the university’s culture around entrepreneurship “emphasizes gatekeeping and risk management,” weakening its ability to attract startup talent.

The university yesterday released a report called “Empowering the Wisconsin Idea: The Future of Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison,” authored by a group of business experts assembled by UW-Madison leadership.

Along with highlighting areas of weakness within the university’s framework for supporting entrepreneurship, the report also includes a series of recommendations aimed at improving related programs, internal coordination and private sector collaboration. The No. 1 finding from the working group is that UW-Madison is “well-positioned to achieve greater excellence” in this area...

The Report is Here


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Mount Pleasant Hires Communications Director


MOUNT PLEASANT, WI ­– The Village of Mount Pleasant has hired long-time southeastern Wisconsin business reporter Sean Ryan as its communications director.

The village is gaining population and property value thanks to development of new housing, and job-creating businesses such as Microsoft Corp., and a new Educators Credit Union headquarters. The Mount Pleasant Village Board approved the new communications director position to better promote the village, and inform residents about public services ranging from snow plowing to parks programming.

In this role, Ryan will coordinate internal and external communications. That includes social media, responding to reporter inquiries, and reinforcing the village’s identity, brand, and mission.

“As our community grows, so does our desire to improve services and amenities, and to encourage more people to enjoy them,” said Mount Pleasant Village Administrator Maureen Murphy. “With Sean on the team, we can help more residents enjoy parks programs, attend live concerts at Campus Park, or use basic services like garbage and recycling pick-up. We can also better promote Mount Pleasant to the region – and the world­­­ – as a great place to live and work.”...

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Ken Notes: I know Sean, MP got a good one. He has always kept me in the loop!

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MadREP News


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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WEDC
NEWSROOM

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9% of Wisconsin economic development awardees didn`t provide documentation


(The Center Square) – An audit of businesses that received grants and tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. resulted in 9% of businesses not providing the agency with documentation to prove they deserved the award.

An additional 19% of businesses didn’t keep the required paperwork and now understand what they need to keep in the future. Now, the WEDC must decide what to do about the businesses that did not provide the required proof.

The state collected 664 performance reports across the state from awardees and audited 80 of those included 40 tax credit workbooks...

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Ken Notes: The WEDC did go above and beyond by partnering with local organizations to get millions of federal dollars into the hands of businesses that would have otherwise failed. The issue was not the WEDC or the local groups, it was the individuals who thought they could take advantage of a difficult situation and cold call ever LLC and registered business in the state.

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Wisconsin looks to land millions in manufacturing AI money


(The Center Square) – Wisconsin is looking at another artificial intelligence project.

The state’s economic development arm, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., announced it is putting together a concept paper for a new manufacturing AI effort.

WEDC boss Missy Hughes said if Wisconsin is chosen, it could unlock a new wave of investment into the state.

“The potential is, between federal funding and private sector matching, to be a 10s of millions of dollar-investment in this opportunity,” Hughes said.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is driving the project. NIST said there is $70 million available for five-year projects....

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Wisconsin Economic Summit


The 2024 Wisconsin Economic Summit takes place at the La Crosse Center in beautiful La Crosse on Oct. 15 and 16, 2024.  This year promises to be a groundbreaking event that will explore the latest trends in innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) and how they are shaping the future of our economy.

Online registration closes at midnight on Oct.10. In-person registration is available at the Summit.

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Wisconsin Tech Month, now in its fourth year, continues to grow


Wisconsin Tech Month returns on Tuesday, Oct. 1, with midwest-wide events to amplify opportunities, resources and innovation in Wisconsin as a regional tech hub.

Wisconsin Tech Month has been around for four years to celebrate the tech industry. It was started as an initiative declared by Gov. Tony Evers in 2021 and organized by The Milky Way Tech Hub and Latinos in Tech. The effort serves as a means to help Wisocnsin’s BIPOC communities navigate the growing tech industry through educational opportunities. This year’s Tech Month marks the inclusion of Detroit and Chicago to push the month-long celebration across the Midwest.

“This year, while we’re not necessarily focusing on increasing the number of events, but making sure that the events are quality and meeting our mark for increasing the access, the awareness and the education knowledge base around our being artificial intelligence and the future of work and education,” said Nadiyah Johnson, founder of Milky Way Tech Hub.

Wisconsin Tech Month has continuously scaled upwards throughout its four years. In its first run, it held 40 events, but the outpouring of support led it to increase the number to 80 the following year...

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New North region to hold local, regional entrepreneurial pitch contests


Local partners planning Startup Week events, leading up to December 4 regional event; Deadline for entry by uploading pitch ideas is October 31

NEW NORTH, October 1, 2024 – Continuing to support entrepreneurial activity in Northeast Wisconsin, New North Inc. is working with 12 of its local partners to hold pitch events during Startup Week in the state. The event winners will advance to a regional pitch event, scheduled for December 4 at TitletownTech in Green Bay.

Entrepreneurs within the New North who are interested in participating in the qualifying, local pitch events are asked to upload their pitch ideas at https://www.startupwi.org/new-north. The deadline to do so is October 31. Those registering will be asked to select the one local pitch event that is closest to them or where their business is/will be located.

The local and regional entrepreneurial pitch contests are supported by the NEW Launch Alliance of New North Inc., along with WBD Inc. The NEW Launch Alliance was formed to create a more robust and productive entrepreneurial ecosystem across the 18 counties of the New North region, connecting entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, educators, accelerators and other resources....


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Wisconsin starts $100 million investment fund to help start-ups, entrepreneurs


MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Wisconsin officials announced the start of a $100 million investment to support start-ups and entrepreneurs across the state.

The Wisconsin Investment Fund is a public-private venture capital initiative to help small businesses grow, Gov. Tony Evers explained during a news conference at Forward BIOLABS on Wednesday. Forward BIOLABS is a nonprofit in Madison that has helped launch startup companies....
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Controversial Madison development breaks ground at Filene House site


Vermilion Development, a Chicago-based company, broke ground on a $96 million multi-family development called Lane Lock Apartments at 1617 Sherman Avenue in Madison on Monday.

The development includes three buildings totaling approximately 309 market rate units and is adjacent to Tenney Park. Two buildings are planned to be five stories tall. One building is planned to be a row of three townhomes.

Vermilion has spent years on its plans for Lane Lock Apartments, with the exterior architecture changing at least once in 2022 and interior layout changes last year...
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Why did the Social Development Commission fail? Here are takeaways from our investigation


Roughly five months have passed since the Social Development Commission abruptly shut down and laid off its entire staff, creating gaps in essential services for low-income Milwaukee residents.

So what happened?

The results of a state audit launched after its closing should fill in some details. Already clear, however, is that SDC’s past leaders significantly weakened internal financial controls with little outside scrutiny, an investigation by WPR and Wisconsin Watch found.

Here are some takeaways from our investigation...


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While some Milwaukee projects take off, others hit roadblocks


Some projects such as The Couture get built after years of delay. But for every project without a hitch, some projects such as The Caroline and the Hotel Third Ward hit roadblocks.

The latter project was slated to be an 11-story hotel addition to the historic Hoffco building in the Third Ward. In 2021, Wimmer Properties proposed turning the former warehouse into a 102-room boutique hotel operated as a Marriott Tribute Portfolio. The neighborhood architecture board gave approval, but the Hoffco building currently stands as is.

The story is similar for a handful of public and private projects across the city....
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Milwaukee’s Social Development Commission to sell office and warehouse


The Social Development Commission is selling its properties on Milwaukee’s North Avenue for about $3 million to help pay for expenses needed to move the now-closed agency forward, NNS has learned.

The SDC’s main office at 1730 W. North Ave. and two parking lots are listed for $2.59 million, and its nearby warehouse and parking lot at 1810 W. North Ave. are listed for $639,000 by Ogden & Company, Inc.

William Sulton, SDC’s attorney, confirmed on Tuesday that the buildings are for sale. 

He said the board made the decision on Sept. 18 to sell the properties to limit ongoing expenditures, plan for future operations, pay some of SDC’s debts and avoid future debt...

See Also:

How Milwaukee’s giant anti- poverty agency unraveled: weak controls, little oversight

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Rural Projects in Northeast Wisconsin Receive Grants to Lower Energy Costs, Create Jobs


(WTAQ-WLUK) — A handful of projects in rural Northeast Wisconsin communities received federal dollars to lower energy costs and create jobs.

$93 million was awarded to 23 projects across the state — six of which are in the Northeast Wisconsin region. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America (REAP) and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs.

Officials say the funding will help build a more resilient and prosperous future for people living and running businesses in rural areas of Wisconsin.

“This grant funding will invest directly in farmers, business owners, and cooperatives, helping lower energy costs and increase sustainability,” said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa in a news release.

Projects in Coleman, Manitowoc, Weyauwega, Wrightstown and Seymour are receiving funding. Descriptions of each of the projects are below...


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Ozaukee Economic Development honors award winners


CEDARBURG — Ozaukee Economic Development held its annual Business of the Year/Economic Forecast Breakfast Sept. 26. Three businesses were honored in the categories of small, medium and large businesses. The annual economic forecast was moderated by a panel of, from left, Jim Winistorfer of Doig Corporation, Paul Westphal of RBC Wealth Management and Manuel Rosado of Spectrum Investments.

Photos courtesy of Ozaukee Economic Development

Ken Theiler, owner of Hometown Heating Air and Electric in Cedarburg, accepts the award for Medium Business of the Year.

Left, Kristina and Phil Eckert hold the award they received for their business, glaze in Thiensville. glaze was honored for small business of the year. Above, Shelly Pollum accepts the award for Large Business of the Year. Pollum is president and owner of RAM Tool in Grafton...
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City Seeks State Funds for Small Businesses


It’s not a huge grant and the city is not guaranteed of getting it, but members of the Common Council were excited about what it could do for Milwaukee.

Milwaukee’s Department of City Development (DCD) is vying for a $250,000 grant from a newly-created Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation program. The program would help the city fund the startup or expansion of other small businesses.

“We do anticipate that this is going to be a highly competitive statewide competition [for the funds]” said Matt Rejc, head of the city’s Commercial Corridor Team, in explaining the proposal to the  Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee Tuesday...
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How to create professional development that’s meaningful this year



"I`ve never met a teacher that did not want to learn, or I`ve never met a teacher that did not want to do their best," says Olentangy Orange High School Principal Monica Asher.



Professional development can make or break your teachers’ motivation and engagement in the goals you’ve set for the current school year. It should be something your teachers look forward to, but oftentimes such opportunities miss the mark. Here are some tips from a leader who prioritizes meaningful PD in her building.

In a northern suburb of Columbus, Ohio, Principal Monica Asher spearheads numerous initiatives for her 2,000 students and nearly 140 staff at Olentangy Orange High School. Successful PD programming is one area that tops her list.

Ashers says that empowering and promoting teachers’ voices and ownership are the key components of a meaningful PD program...
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Ken Notes: Good read!

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Local coalition in Green County begins new rural entrepreneurship program


MONROE — The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) in Green County is partnering up with UW-Madison Extension on a new effort to engage rural entrepreneurs and strengthen community connection. As part of a grant-funded program from Compeer Financial, Extension is providing coaching and guidance for local groups to spur sustained entrepreneurship. The groups selected for this program recently moved into a phase to implement best practices and procedures for economic growth.

Extension’s Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) is an entrepreneurial development program designed to advance small town economies through a targeted business approach. Wisconsin REV is being developed in partnership with Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), Compeer Financial, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), and e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. This effort is being funded by Compeer Financial. Launched this year, Wisconsin REV provides coaching, resources and connections throughout the visioning and implementation process as each community explores what economic development means for their communities. More information can be found at https://go.wisc.edu/wirev....

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Ken Notes: WDNews relies on the actual journalism provided by your local media outlets. Without these partners we can not bring you the unbiased news, leads and updates you need to thrive in Wisconsin. Support your local media...

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Land and Space / Tom Daykin


Note: I changed the link here to Toms Twitter account. JS limits the number of articles I can read so I look at TD`s Twitter feed every week. I`ll Still include JS articles but after ten you need to subscribe.

I also updated the picture because, well Tom is getting old and development is taking it`s toll!!!

Milwaukee - 1/1/2020 Journal Sentinel business reporter Tom Daykin talks about commercial real estate and development, including stores, hotels, offices, condos, apartments and industrial buildings...

Land & Space Development Database


   ...Full Story Here

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


Our Current Publications:


 

On Hiatus

WWHNews


Cirex News


WisCraftNews.com

FOR SALE!

    
Ken Harwood
Advocating for Wisconsin
HarwoodKen@Gmail.com
608.334.2174
   ...Full Story Here

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WDN Notes...


WisconsinDevelopment.com
&/or WDNGreen.com

Wisconsin Development and WDNGreen newsletters are now emailed to over 12,000 professionals, planners, developers, news outlets, and elected officials each week. We see over 1,000 opens within the first hour every week for each publication. The websites, WisconsinDevelopment.com and WDNGreen.com are always online and available to view and search where we maintain several years worth of articles.

"My goal is to present a positive view of economic development, business and employment in the State of Wisconsin”, Ken Harwood, Editor and Publisher.

Each week WisconsinDevelopment presents a positive look at economic development, commercial projects and ideas that work from across the state. In WDNGreen we highlight pro-environmental development and issues that make economic sense.

We believe in the Wisconsin business community and believe that telling their stories will positively impact both growth and better legislation in the State. We are nonpartisan, pro business, pro positive environmental issues, and most importantly pro WISCONSIN...

Online at WisconsinDevelopment.com  & WDNGreen.com Featuring Storues & Links you can use everyday to help your bisiness and Wisconsin grow! Edited and published by Ken Harwood @ LinkedIn. 


   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: "Ken Notes" may be reprinted in context without permission. Attribution should be Ken Harwood, Editor Wisconsin Development News or Ken Harwood Advocate for Wisconsin.

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Contact WisconsinDevelopment


Wisconsin Development News is
Edited and Published by:

Ken Harwood
Ken [at] KenHarwood.com
608.334.2174


Mailing Address:

WisconsinDevelopment.com
1221 Hagar St UNIT 209
La Crosse  WI  54603

Please feel free to send story ideas or Press Releases to:

Ken [at] KenHarwood.com
Call 608.334.2174 to confirm receipt.

   ...Full Story Here

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