NewsNews articles, press releases View Press Releases // View Newsletter
May 15, 2008 The Journal Times
Gordon Kacala: Racine County Economic Development Corp. celebrates 25th anniversary
While it’s not quite the Green Bay Packers Ice Bowl Game of 1967, when you talk to folks around the county about the Wingspread conference that recommended the creation of the Racine County Economic Development Corp. in 1983, a lot of folks seemed to have been there. . . . Community leaders, however, had a vision for a proactive business development organization that would be organized differently than others across the country.
May 15, 2008 Small Business Times
Wisconsin Legislature approves Great Lakes Water Compact
With Gov. Jim Doyle's expected signature, Wisconsin will soon become the fifth state to sign the Great Lakes Water Compact. The compact was approved by a 96-1 vote in the Wisconsin Assembly and a 32-1 vote in the Senate.
April 23, 2008 Small Business Times
New web tool connects Wisconsin businesses to federal contracts
A new web-based tool is available for Wisconsin companies to identify specific opportunities for doing business with the federal government.
The web site, www.B2Gconnect.org, is part of the continuing work of the Wisconsin Procurement Institute to return more federal dollars to the state via business contracts.
April 22, 2008 The Journal Times
Masonry Specialists moving into larger headquarters
TOWN OF DOVER — This will be a year of change and growth for Masonry Specialists, a local company that does commercial brick, block and stone installations.
April 19, 2008 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Racine – Mayor Becker’s ‘State of the City’ address
Mayor Becker encourages a regional approach to growth and support for continuing education and homeownership. For the full story, please go to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
For Becker’s full state of the city speech, please go to www.cityofracine.org April 18, 2008 Small Business Times
The Boomerang Effect - Wisconsin manufacturers win back overseas business
As the 21st century began, China loomed as an ominous threat to manufacturers in Wisconsin and across the United States. The common refrain was that American manufacturers could not compete with China’s low-cost labor and lack of environmental or labor standards. . . . However, many manufacturers in southeastern Wisconsin are not only dealing with global competition, but they are they’re beating it. For the full story, please go to the Small Business Times:
April 18, 2008 Small Business Times
Manufacturers thrive by building brands
The second-quarter Business Outlook Survey released recently by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce showed that many businesses are pessimistic about their prospects. However, the story was different in manufacturing: While 50 percent of companies overall predicted that sales for the second quarter will be down this year, 68 percent of manufacturers forecasted solid growth. Why are manufacturers feeling more optimistic – even as they face intensifying global competition? Fro the full story, please go to the Small Business Times:
April 18, 2008 Milwaukee Business Journal
WWBIC poised for increased loans
The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative (WWBIC) is anticipating an increase in requests for loans by small businesses as banks tighten their lending requirements.
April 9, 2008 The Journal Times
Gordon Kacala: Education still the key
Throughout southeastern Wisconsin, there is significant interest in working together to solve regional economic development problems. . . . Working together to identify solutions just makes sense. Of particular interest throughout the region is education. Specifically, in this case, the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. Economic development interests across the region are especially interested in the issue of attracting, retaining and educating students in STEM disciplines to the benefit of employers.
April 9, 2008 Small Business Times
State legislators reach agreement on Great Lakes Water Compact
Gov. Jim Doyle announced today that he and Wisconsin legislators have reached an agreement on the Great Lakes Water Compact. Doyle said he will call for a special session on April 17 for the Legislature to adopt the compact. For the full story, please go to the Small Business Times:
April 9. 2008 Small Business Times Real Estate Weekly
Scherrer Construction forms development subsidiary
Burlington-based Scherrer Construction Co. Inc. recently announced that it has created a subsidiary called Scherrer Development Group that will provide development services. Scherrer Development Group will offer development, design and construction services, financing/investment services and property management and leasing.
April 8, 2008 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Living a dream: Tour will fire up aspiring students
A national tour aiming to get young people revved up about entrepreneurship will roll into Kenosha today. The Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour is run by Michael Simmons, 26, and Sheena Lindahl, 25. The couple, who met when they were students at New York University, say their event is the first-ever national collegiate entrepreneurial tour. It combines advice from successful young entrepreneurs, a workshop designed to inspire action, a speed networking event and panel discussion with lots of cheerleading to push attendees into acting on their dreams.
April 7, 2008 The Journal Times
Spee-Dee-ing toward a bigger future
YORKVILLE — More elbow room is already making a big difference for the growing Spee-Dee Packaging. The privately owned manufacturer of filling and measuring equipment has been in Grandview Business Park for about a month since moving from 9950 Durand Ave. The new location, at 1360 Grandview Parkway, has about 25,000 square feet — double that of the previous location. The warehouse is no longer separate from everything else.
April 5, 2008 The Journal Times
Speaker encourages college students to be entrepeneurs
Michael Simmons, who started his first business when he was 16, will be the next Sustainable Community Series speaker. The New York City resident, now 26, is co-founder and chief executive officer of Extreme Entrepreneurship Education, which visits the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Tuesday. He is also author of “The Student Success Manifesto: How to Create a Life of Passion, Purpose and Prosperity.” He will speak at the SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater, 1525 Howe St., from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday. The program is free; call (262) 260-2154 to RSVP.
April 5, 2008 The Journal Times
RAMAC announces Excellence in Business awards
It’s that time of year again when Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce bestows its RAMAC Excellence in Business awards. Most of these honors are given in partnership with local organizations.
April 2, 2008 Milwaukee Business Journal
$2.5 M grant to Southeast Wisconsin’s Regional Workforce Alliance
The U.S. Department of Labor WIRED grant will be used to invest in innovative workforce training partnerships. The Milwaukee 7 and the Regional Workforce Alliance will be holding an informational forum for interested parties on Friday, April 11th from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
April 2, 2008 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin moves to No. 3 nationwide in technology sector employment
The American Electronics Association released its 11th Annual Cyberstates Report on the technology sector, providing a state-by-state overview. “Wisconsin hosts the nation's third-largest cluster of medical-equipment manufacturers as measured by employment (5,800 jobs), behind No. 1 California (13,100) and No. 2 Minnesota (12,600),” according to an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
April 1, 2008 Printing Impressions
HGI Co. — Completing a Triple PlayHOW’S THIS for a five-year plan? Buy three companies—web offset, sheetfed and digital— and meld their operations, people and cultures into a cohesive whole.
March 30, 2008 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Business Awards – Racine County Manufacturing
Midland Container, Franksville, earned the Gold Award in the semi-permanent category for tobacco for its Red Man counter display, which was produced in conjunction with Benchmarc Display for Swedish Match of North America. The award was presented by POPAI, the global association for retail marketing. For the list of award recipients in all categories, please go to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
March 27, 2008 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin’s healthcare ranks 2nd in U.S.Wisconsin has been ranked among the top states since the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has been measuring quality on approximately 200 independent measures for the past four years. Wisconsin’s score, slightly less than Minnesota’s this year, was number one last year.
March 26, 2008 Business Journal
Grant awarded to SE Wisconsin Workforce Development Board for training
The Wisconsin Department of Development has awarded $100,000 to the Southeast Wisconsin Workforce Development Board in support of Gateway Technical College’s “The Future is Now” project. The grant is from Governor Doyle’s Emerging Industries Skills Partnership initiative and will provide training for CNC (computer numerical control) operation and set up skills in the three county region Gateway serves.
March 25, 2008 Wisconsin Department of Commerce Announcement
Governor Doyle Launches Clean Energy WisconsinA plan for Energy Independence
Governor Jim Doyle today launched Clean Energy Wisconsin, his strategy to strengthen Wisconsin's energy future. This comprehensive plan moves Wisconsin forward by promoting renewable energy, creating new jobs, increasing energy security and efficiency, and improving the environment. . . Governor Doyle also announced today that the Department of Commerce will soon begin taking applications from businesses and researchers for financial assistance from the new Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund. The application period for the first round of funding will run from April 1 to June 2, 2008. The department expects to award $15 million annually in grants and loans for research and development, commercialization or adoption of new technologies, and supply chain development.
For application materials and more information about the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund and a program fact sheet, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/renewableenergy.
March 18, 2008 Small Business Times
Johnson Bank to expand into Wausau
Johnson Bank, a member of the Racine-based Johnson Financial Group, will open a new loan production office in Wausau next Monday. The 3,500-square-foot loan production office, to be located in downtown Wausau, will be the bank's first entry into the Wausau market, and will focus on building commercial banking, private banking, cash management, insurance and investments, said Brad Quade, Milwaukee regional president of Johnson Bank.
March 17, 2008 Small Business Times
Ruud Lighting to launch new division this summerRuud Lighting Inc., a Racine-based manufacturer of lighting products, will launch KramerLED, a new interior LED lighting division, in May. Orders will begin shipping by late July or early August, said Alan Ruud, president and chief executive officer of the company.
March 15, 2008 The Journal Times
Lakefront project reaches for the sky
A condominium/hotel proposal that would dwarf the courthouse, called Virginia Towers, will soon go before the City of Racine for consideration. At 255 feet above street level, it would easily be the tallest building in Racine, towering 100 feet above the courthouse.
March 11, 2008 Milwaukee Business Journal
Manpower indicates possible growth for the Milwaukee area
The most recent data from Manpower’s Unemployment Outlook Survey tends to demonstrate a “wait and see” attitude among employers rather than a steep recessionary reaction to the downturn.
February 28, 2008 Small Business Times
Modine to ramp up production in China
Modine Manufacturing Co., a Racine-based provider of thermal management technology and solutions, announced today it has landed $14 million in contracts to produce exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers for diesel engines for Great Wall Motor in Baoding, Hebei Province, China.
February 26, 2008 The Journal Times
Racine's Ruud Lighting is at forefront of industry's changing technology
Ruud Lighting has good reason to believe this country is on the brink of a revolution in lighting technology, with Ruud as the vanguard.
February 25, 2008 Small Business Times
Vinyl product maker taps consumer market for growth
Racine-based Dynaseal Inc. has manufactured vinyl binders, CD holders, padfolios, zip-top bags, bookmarks, convention badge holders and many other vinyl products for decades.
February 22, 2008 Small Business Times
State grant will help redevelop brownfield site in Sturtevant
RKB Enterprises LLC in Sturtevant will receive a Blight Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment (BEBR) grant of $325,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce to help remediate a 13-acre site and create 25 new full-time jobs.
Febrauary 21, 2008 Small Business Times
Wisconsin's international exports are soaring
Wisconsin's exports increased by 11.8 percent to a record $19.2 billion in 2007, and Wisconsin now ranks as the 19th-largest exporting state in the nation, an improvement from its 21st ranking in 2006.
February 18, 2008 Small Business Times
Downtown Racine to celebrate 'Sphere Madness'
"Sphere Madness" has been chosen by the Downtown Racine Corp. as the name for its 2008 Public Art Event.
February 14, 2008 Small Business Times
Modine lands new engine cooling contracts
Modine Manufacturing Co., a Racine-based provider of thermal management technology and solutions, announced today that has been awarded a series of contracts to supply exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooling solutions to a variety of customers, with a combined value of $125 million in annual revenues.
February 6, 2008 Small Business Times
Real Estate Odds and Ends
The Downtown Racine Corporation recently honored The Harbor at State and Main with the 2007 Downtown Achievement Brick & Mortar Award. The Brick & Mortar award recognizes a building or property that has helped to revitalize the area and bring new residents to Downtown Racine. The Harbor at State and Main (located in downtown Racine at the corner of State and Main Streets) is an urban infill project that transformed an abandoned industrial site into a mixed-used development that includes 84 apartment units, 19 condominium units, and 16,500 square feet of retail space. Harbor at State and Main was developed by Madison-based Gorman & Company and designed by Milwaukee-based Eptein Uhen Architects.
February 5, 2008 Small Business Times
SBT to present the "Next Stage" M&A Forum
Small Business Times will conduct aa M&A Forum, titled " The Next Stage," on March 27, from 7:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Thousands of Wisconsin businesses are owned and managed by baby boomers who will soon be reaching the age of retirement. What then? What will be the "next stage" for their business? The event will examine different exit strategies, including recapitalizations, employee stock ownership programs, management buyouts, sale to private equity firms, mergers with strategic partners and more.
February 5, 2008
Small Business Times
Venture capital grew in '07, has promise this yearWhile Wisconsin attracted a fraction of the $29.4 billion in total U.S. venture capital invested in 2007, the state's share is growing. Last year, venture capitalists invested $87.6 million in Wisconsin companies, according to a MoneyTree report issued by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association. In 2006, VCs invested $72 million, the report states.
January 24, 2008 Small Business Times
Doyle unveils plans to grow state’s economy
In his State of the State Address last night, Gov. Jim Doyle unveiled his plans to grow Wisconsin’s economy. Doyle said the state faces challenges, including revenue shortfalls, and must cut state spending, work to boost state businesses and reform health care.
January/February, 2008 Trade & Industry Development
Focus on Wisconsin
Trade & Industry touts Wisconsin as a growing “hub” for the biotechnology and medical device industry, citing “a strong network of partners and supporters” and a “continued commitment to research, education and technology transfer” as driving forces. Wisconsin’s commitment to investing in the life sciences will continue to propel the state forward in these crucial areas.
January 23, 2008 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Poll finds support for lakes compact
Eighty percent polled believed the Great Lakes should be protected through the Great Lakes Compact Law. Fear that the Great Lakes water supply would dwindle are impacting several states abutting the lakes as they work to pass legislation to protect fresh water access by neighboring communities and states out west.
January 22, 2008 BellaOnline.com
A Trip to Racine, Wisconsin
Racine, Wisconsin is located right on Lake Michigan just a couple of hours north of Chicago, Illinois and little more than a half hour south of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s a beautiful city with an historical downtown area. Venture out toward the lake and you’ll think you’ve travelled far. The focus near the lake is much more modern and new.
January 21, 2008 The Journal Times
New SCJ center to ease overflow
STURTEVANT — SC Johnson will move some of its warehousing operations into a new, $20 million distribution center to be built this year. The 432,000-square-foot facility will go into construction this spring along the southern edge of Renaissance Business Park, (On Highway 20, near Highway H) officials said.
January 21, 2008 The Journal Times
Two Racine Johnson companies make top 50 in Fortune's best workplaces list
Fortune has placed two local Johnson family companies among the 50 best places in the country to work. SC Johnson, the Racine-based consumer products manufacturer, ranked No. 27 on Fortune’s 11th annual list of the best companies to work for. Johnson Financial Group, the $5 billion parent company of Johnson Bank and Johnson Insurance, is ranked No. 37. . . The full list and related stories will appear in the Feb. 4 issue of Fortune, available on newsstands Monday and at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2008 today.
January 21, 2008 Business Journal of Milwaukee
Wisconsin healthcare start-ups investments double over 2006
Wisconsin healthcare start-ups received $ 56.2 million in investments through venture capital firms this year.
January 20, 2008 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Mount Pleasant preparing for developments
The Village of Mount Pleasant is poised for millions of dollars of development in 2008. Plans to install the necessary infrastructure for developing business parks at Interstate 94 and Highway 20 will be implemented early this year to prepare for HSA’s projects.
January 19, 2008 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Conglomerate, Siemens AG of Germany, chooses Wisconsin as water technologies global R&D center
Siemens has two subsidiaries that create the most likely headquarters for water technology engineering. The southeastern Wisconsin region, comprised of seven counties that make up the Milwaukee 7 economic development consortium, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are pursuing efforts to build on water technologies’ role and importance for the future.
January 18, 2008 Business Journal of Milwaukee
How to hire a customs brokerCustoms Broker professionals have the know-how to meet the stringent rules and regulations required to import and export products world-wide.
January 16, 2008 Small Business Times
Doyle launches Next Generation Manufacturing plan
Gov. Jim Doyle announced a plan this week to help propel Wisconsin manufacturers into the next generation by focusing on efficiency and lean manufacturing principles.
January 16, 2008 Small Business Times
Wisconsin companies invited to Midwest Venture Summit
Wisconsin companies hoping to present at the 2008 Midwest Venture Summit in Chicago must submit their business plans by Jan. 30 for a chance to join companies that have raised more than $222 million in private equity funding in past years.
January 14, 2008 Small Business Times
Governor's Business Plan Contest seek entrants
The State of Wisconsin has launched its 2008 Governor's Business Plan Contest to encourage entrepreneurs in the creation, start-up and early-growth stages of high-tech businesses. Participants have the chance to win seed capital, services that will help them launch their businesses and a grand prize worth $50,000.
January 14, 2008 Small Business Times
Forum will focus on business emergencies
Corporate executives are invited to attend a special forum on "Business Preparedness and Emergency Planning," which will take place at the Waukesha County Technical College's Richard T. Anderson Education Center, 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, on Monday, Jan. 14. The forum is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to noon. The cost to attend the event is $50 per person. Seating is limited. RSVP by Friday, Jan. 4.
January 11, 2008 Wisconsin Technology Network
Tech transfer results in plant to produce cholesterol-reducing dairy ingredient
The Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation has announced that Alliance Enterprises of Southeastern Wisconsin has begun construction of a production plant for the research and development of Benelact, a new dairy ingredient that extracts cholesterol from milk. The project represents an estimated $1.5 million investment.
January 10, 2008 The Journal Times
Alliance Enterprises constructing a production plant at CATI Inc.
The Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation announced today that Alliance Enterprises of SE Wisconsin, LLC is constructing a production plant at CATI Inc. The plant will be used for the research and development of Benelact, a new, healthy dairy ingredient based on patented technology licensed from CATI. Its headquarters will be the CATI Center, a business incubator and education facility founded in 2003 through a partnership with Gateway Technical College and CATI Inc.
January 10, 2008 The Journal Times
Corner of highways 20 and 31 to have retail stores by summer
MOUNT PLEASANT — A retail project seven years in the making will soon emerge at one of the area’s busiest corners — highways 20 and 31. Big Bend Development of Brookfield has begun construction of a 16,250-square-foot retail center at the intersection’s northwest corner. Four tenants are already committed, including two restaurants new to Racine County.
January 9, 2008 The Journal Times
City receives $196,000 grant for uptown revitalization program
The city has landed a $196,000 federal grant to help charge its Uptown revitalization program. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, was included in the Omnibus spending bill that President Bush signed Dec. 26. It will be used by the Racine Redevelopment Authority for the purchase and renovation of buildings in the Uptown commercial area.
January 8, 2008 Small Business Times
Governor launches program to encourage business innovation
Gov. Jim Doyle on Tuesday unveiled a new program, Innovate Wisconsin, which will offer incentives for private businesses to focus on future breakthroughs by encouraging them to invest in research and development.
January 7, 2008 Business Journal of Milwaukee
Gov. Doyle to expand early-stage investment
Governor Doyle announced the expansion of “Accelerate Wisconsin,” to increase investments and support start-up companies.
January 5, 2008 The Journal Times
Horizon filled with big ideas: National contractor plans to hire more employees, expand Mount Pleasant hub
Patrick Christensen unrolls a wide organizational chart on his wide desk to show how Horizon Retail Construction is set up. In the center portion are the existing positions in the company that was founded in 1993. And off to the sides are many dozens more jobs that Christensen, president and majority owner, plans to add to the company within the next five years.
January 5, 2008 The Journal Times
Horizon Retail Construction is ready to build
From its lighting, heating and cooling systems to its landscaping, the new Horizon Retail Construction headquarters will be a model of modern sustainability. Construction just began on the estimated $8 million, 75,000-square-foot structure. Horizon President and majority owner Patrick Christensen hopes Horizon will move into the stone and steel building in November.
December 17, 2007 Small Business Times
QPS survey forecasts strong 2008
Nearly three-fourths of local employers recently surveyed by Brookfield-based QPS Companies Inc. believe 2008 will be a year of average to above average growth and development for their companies.
December 16, 2007 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Union Grove creates facade grant program to boost downtownThrough the combined efforts of the Village and three local banks, downtown businesses will have access to both grants and low interest loans to make facade improvements.
December 13, 2007 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee Area Technical College promotes manufacturing jobs
MATC, as well as the Milwaukee 7 group, are marketing high-paying technical manufacturing jobs as a mainstay in southeast Wisconsin. Manufacturing is not going away, and there is an increasing need for technology related skills for these positions. The Milwaukee 7 is working to join the ranks of the National Association of Manufacturers to promote manufacturing through the “Dream It. Do It.” Campaign.
December 12, 2007 The Journal Times
Gordon Kacala: Companies making good use of WMEP's expanded services
Manufacturers in Racine County are paying attention when it comes to responding to the marketplace. Both large and small companies that Racine County Economic Development Corp. staff visit with during the year are changing. The employers, many of whom have been with us for decades, are now driven by technology and innovation, world markets and better ways of doing business.
December 8, 2007 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Sturtevant warehouse tenant will be SC Johnson
Village of Sturtevant officials indicated SC Johnson will become the tenant in the warehouse that’s slated for construction just south of the Renaissance Business Park.
December 7, 2007 Business Journal of Milwaukee
Milwaukee fares well in America’s fun places survey
Bizjournals surveyed the top 50 urban markets to determine the fun factor. New York ranked first, Boston second . . . Milwaukee came in at 14th!
December 5, 2007 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee beats Shanghai in first round for large manufacturer
C&D Technologies has made a tentative commitment to bring a new manufacturing research facility and up to 150 jobs the Milwaukee if it can obtain the federal funding to help with the initial investment over the first 3-4 years.
December 5, 2007 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin system hits record enrollments
A record of 173,313 students have enrolled this fall semester. The largest increase was in the UW-Milwaukee campus, adding more than 1,000 with freshman enrollment almost doubled this year.
December 5, 2007 Business Journal
Law office, Foley & Lardner LLP opens office in Shanghai
Foley & Lardner was granted a license to practice in the People’s Republic of China by the Ministry of Justice. The law firm’s focus will be on intellectual property, protection of patents, trademark and copyright assets.
December 2, 2007 The Plain Dealer, Cleveland OH
Milwaukee region’s leaders noticed for forward thinking
Milwaukee’s work to protect the Great Lakes and anticipate emerging needs and industries is being noted by surrounding states.
December 1, 2007 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Just call us Print U.S.A.31 of top 400 printing companies have roots in Wisconsin
Earlier this month, Hi-Liter Graphics/Inland Graphics dedicated a new press at its Burlington plant, part of $10 million in new equipment the company has added in the last four years, as it more than tripled sales and more than doubled employment.
|
||
|
|
