— In its newest “Beige Book,” the Federal Reserve Bank suggests the pace of decline has moderated and economic activity has begun to stabilize. The Chicago Fed, covering southern Wisconsin, reported some improving trends while the Minneapolis Fed, covering northern Wisconsin, reported continued regional decline. In northwestern Wisconsin, tourism was equal to or greater than last summer, but overall sales activity was slow. The Beige Book is a report based on anecdotal information on current economic conditions. See more: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=165809 — Congressional representatives from Wisconsin and two other states have asked the national officials to change a rule that would disqualify as many as 15 percent of Wisconsin drivers from a rebate under the so-called “Cash for Clunkers” program. The program, enacted under the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009, provides up to $4,500 for car buyers to trade in old vehicles for newer, more fuel efficient ones. That rule requires eligible consumers be continuously insured for at least one year prior to the trade. Wisconsin is one of only two states that don’t currently require car insurance, meaning some law-abiding drivers could be prevented from getting the rebate if that rule isn’t changed. See more: http://dc.wispolitics.com — BizOpinion columnist Tom Still says a bill to extend the life of an effective federal research grant program might slip between Washington’s legislative cracks. Still says he hopes the Small Business Innovation Research grant program, better known by the acronym SBIR, hasn’t slipped too far. The delay on Capitol Hill has less to do with Democrats versus Republicans or White House versus Congress than it does small business versus mostly small business. Read more on SBIR: http://blogs.wisbusiness.com/bizopinion/2009/07/small-business-research-grants-bill.html TOP STORIES Harley-Davidson sets timing for 398 local layoffs: Harley-Davidson Inc. has informed state officials that 398 employees at its Wauwatosa plant are set to be laid off Sept. 25 during the latest round of layoffs at the Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer. OSHA report due soon on Wis. power-plant explosion : Federal safety officials are expected to release more information this week on a power-plant explosion in suburban Milwaukee that injured at least six contract workers. WPL may seek bigger rate increase; closed factories to affect revenues : As more factories in southern Wisconsin announce plans to cut production or close, Wisconsin Power & Light is warning state regulators that its revenues next year will fall shorter than anticipated.
************************************************************ See commentary from around the state and columns from WisBusiness contributors Jennifer Sereno, Kevin McKinley, Tom Burzinski, Gregg Hoffmann, Tom Still and Steve Jagler: ************************************************************
ECONOMY (back to top) – UW-L awarded $1.2M in federal grants – CVC makes sole bid for A-B InBev European breweries
MANUFACTURING (back to top) – Plexus Corp. reports 3 percent revenue drop – Milwaukee leaders want Talgo production at Super Steel – Carter’s Inc. Q2 profit skyrockets – Cambridge Major to dedicate bigger manufacturing plant
LABOR (back to top)
INVESTING (back to top) – Ladish sales, earnings plummet
REAL ESTATE (back to top)
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
RETAIL (back to top)
REGULATION (back to top) – ‘Clunkers’ insurance rule rattles lawmakers – Wisconsin bans California loan modification firm
TOURISM (back to top) – Miller Park sales-tax collections way down
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top) – MBA: Fewer loans, refinancings as rates rise – IRS warns first-time home buyers of tax scam
MANAGEMENT (back to top) – Bradley Center’s Payne steps down PRESS RELEASES (back to top) For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82 |
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