— Basic economic history teaches that down economies stimulate innovators. If that’s true, then this Tuesday and Wednesday’s Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Conference in Milwaukee should attract a sizable crowd. “We haven’t scaled back a bit,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, which is sponsoring the event. “Entrepreneurship is as hot or hotter than in years past,” he said. “We believe more people than ever are thinking about starting a company.” Still said the conference will have around 65 presenters, including several serial entrepreneurs speaking about their experiences. In addition, there will be talks by investors and panel discussions led by start-up experts. The gathering will take place at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 W. Kilbourn St. To register, go to http://www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com/events/ent_conf/ See a preview of the conference later today at http://www.wisbusiness.com — Reducing the number of dealerships won’t help GM and Chrysler’s bottom lines and will instead hurt customers and communities, says American International Automobile Dealers Association Chairman Russ Darrow. Darrow, who owns 19 Wisconsin dealerships, told “UpFront with Mike Gousha” Sunday said that besides government, dealers are the manufacturers’ only retail customers and pay for everything in advance. “They’re the risk takers, they’re the employers, they pay for everything up front,” Darrow said. Darrow said the move will result in inconvenience for customers and harm communities through the loss of jobs and the sponsorships and donations auto dealers are known for. “Dealers are one of the biggest civic partners in every community,” Darrow said. Chrysler has given 789 dealers nationally, 18 in Wisconsin, until Tuesday to close. GM is closing 1,100 GM dealers and another 900 through selling off some of its brands. Darrow said he is able to move his cars from the Madison Chrysler dealership he must close to another lot, but many others don’t have options like that and will lose their businesses. “That’s why there’s real carnage in the auto industry today in America,” Darrow said. “Nobody would have expected that the company was going to pull the pin out from the dealerships.” Watch ‘UpFront’ online: http://www.wisn.com/upfront/19684008/detail.html — Marvel Manufacturing filed notice with the state of a possible mass layoff at a plant in Oshkosh. If necessary, the layoffs could involve 60 workers beginning August 7. See the state filing: http://www.wisbusiness.com/1008/090605marvel.pdf ************************* FUTURE OF SE WISCONSIN. TRANSPO FORUM WEDNESDAY — Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (and Ships): Shaping Southeastern Wisconsin’s Transportation Future — WEDNESDAY, June 10, 7:15 AM at Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Milwaukee Hear major decision-makers debate the future of passenger rail, highway expansion, the port of Milwaukee and Mitchell Field in light of stressed state and local budgets and commuters’ continuing search for the best way to get to work. Confirmed panelists include Milwaukee County Exec. Scott Walker, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine and a member of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee; and Rep. Jeff Stone, R-Greendale and a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee. Initial sponsors for the event include UW-Milwaukee, Wisconsin Urban & Rural Transit Association and HNTB. The event is open to the public, and the price is $30 per person. But WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com subscribers, the UW-Milwaukee community, and members of MMAC and Discovery World will be able to attend for $20 per person. The price includes the breakfast buffet but not parking. Call Debra Jordan (414) 287-4127 or e-mail djordan@mmac.org to register. Online registration is also available: http://mmac.org/display/router.asp?docid=488&event=1227&startDate=06/10/09 Additional sponsorships are available as well. For sponsorship information, contact Jim Greer at 608-237-6296 or webmaster@wisbusiness.com ************************* TOP STORIES Jeld-Wen will close Morgan plant Aug. 7: Jeld-Wen will close its Oshkosh plant, eliminating 79 jobs and bringing an end to the former Morgan Door Co.’s 141-year manufacturing history in Oshkosh. GM, Penske reach tentative Saturn deal: The man who brought the compact European Smart car to the U.S., now will focus his efforts on revitalizing the Saturn brand. General Motors Corp. announced a tentative deal Friday that Michigan businessman Roger Penske would acquire GM’s Saturn brand and distribution network. State to cut Wisconsin Energy Independence renewable energy fund: Gov. Jim Doyle is sacrificing one of his signature programs, a multimillion dollar effort to help Wisconsin companies discover new sources of energy, to balance the state budget. Marvel Manufacturing may lay off 60 employees: Marvel Manufacturing in Oshkosh is considering temporary lay-off that would affect 60 employees at its Oshkosh plant, 3501 Marvel Drive.
************************************************************ See commentary from around the state and columns from WisBusiness contributors Jennifer Sereno, Kevin McKinley, Tom Burzinski, Gregg Hoffmann, Tom Still and Steve Jagler: ************************************************************ TECHNOLOGY (back to top) – Service partly restored for Summit Credit Union site – Wisconsin makes pitch for high-tech investment
ECONOMY (back to top) – A.O. Smith still seeking acquisitions
MANUFACTURING (back to top) – Saturn plant is key foe of Janesville in battle to build new GM subcompact – GE Healthcare opens $165M N.Y. plant – Sale of S.C Johnson shaving brands closes – Reindl Bindery moves to Germantown
LABOR (back to top) – Laid-off workers still awaiting final pay SMALL BUSINESS (back to top) – Planned sale of Saturn brand is welcomed by Madison dealer – BVK hired to market Dominican Republic region – 12 will face off in business plan contest at entrepreneurs’ conference
INVESTING (back to top) – Managers get in position to rise with natural gas prices
REAL ESTATE (back to top)
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
RETAIL (back to top)
UTILITIES (back to top) – ATC powers up central Wisconsin electric line – State’s wind-power opportunities blowing away
HEALTH CARE (back to top) – Hospital revenue tax may expand
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top) – M&I Foundation grants to prevent foreclosures
MANAGEMENT (back to top) PRESS RELEASES (back to top) For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82 |
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