From WisBusiness.com …
— JL French Automotive Castings Inc. is permanently laying off 297 workers as it closes two Sheboygan facilities.
See the company’s filing with the state: http://www.wisbusiness.com/1008/090126JLfrench.pdf
— The Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association has announced that James L. Leonhart is leaving his position as the association’s executive director to pursue opportunities that combine his experience in biotechnology with a passion for education.
Laura Strong, president of the association’s board of directors, said the association’s board of directors has begun a search for Mr. Leonhart’s successor and anticipates naming a new executive director in the second quarter.
See the WBMA press release: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=146833
— As banks nationwide suffer along with the rest of the economy, two Milwaukee-area banks are touting their strength during the downturn.
*North Shore Bank today announced earnings of $8.03 million for calendar year 2008, an 8.1 percent increase over $7.43 million for 2007. North Shore Bank officials said the rise illustrates the bank’s secure position as the entire banking industry continues to face deep economic challenges.
*Over the past year Milwaukee-headquartered Securant Bank & Trust has experienced a 21.4 percent growth in assets and a 20 percent growth in staff while expanding its services and adding locations. The 95-year-old community bank plans to open a new branch – its fifth in the metro area – in Elm Grove on Feb. 1.
See more: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=146880
— The Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2008 competition through the end of this week. To enter, contestants can submit 250 Word IDEA Abstract now through 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2009. The contest’s Grand Prize is worth $50,000 in cash and services.
The contest is free to enter at http://www.govsbizplancontest.com.
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Auto industry layoffs continue in Wisconsin: Job losses continue to mount in Wisconsin. The Department of Workforce Development announced Monday that J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc. plans to lay off many workers at its Taylor and Gateway Facilities in Sheboygan within the next few weeks. “The timing of this notice is occasioned by a sudden, dramatic and unexpected decline in J.L. French’s customer production schedules which was not previously foreseeable,” the company said in its notice to the DWD.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/434889
Oshkosh Corp. nets new U.S. Army contract for unmanned TerraMax vehicles: A unit of Oshkosh Corp. said Monday it signed a research-and-development deal with the Army for refining the technology that enables unmanned ground vehicles to operate in a convoy. The three-year collaboration between Oshkosh Defense and the U.S. Army’s Tank and Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center will focus on upgrading Oshkosh’s unmanned TerraMax vehicle.
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090127/APC03/901270447/1028
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. seeks Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection: It’s business as usual at Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. as the company works to restructure its debt. “We’re still working to provide the best value to our customers,” Tim Rowden, a spokesman for Smurfit-Stone said Monday. The company has seven sites in Wisconsin with a total of 766 workers, including a facility in Neenah, which has 60 employees.
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090127/APC03/901270448/1028
Niagra to study mill conversion: A small northeastern Wisconsin community has a federal grant to study the possibility of turning a former paper mill into wood fiber-based ethanol plant. The city of Niagra lost 300 jobs when the New Page paper mill closed last August.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090127/GPG03/90127011/1978
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BIOTECH (back to top)
– Wisconsin biotech association leader steps down
http://www.jsonline.com/business/38356769.html
ECONOMY (back to top)
– Business startups face big challenges in struggling economy
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090127/APC03/901270437/1028
– Economic indicators, home sales rise
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/434789
MANUFACTURING (back to top)
– Kimberly-Clark marks net income drop in 2008
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090126/APC03/90126024/1028
– Harley-Davidson seeks federal aid to make loans
http://www.jsonline.com/business/38429459.html
– Harley-Davidson introduces new Dark Custom series model
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/01/26/daily9.html
LABOR (back to top)
– Apprenticeship programs still a bright spot despite recession
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090127/APC03/901270451/1028
INVESTING (back to top)
– Shares of Great Wolf Resorts rise on mortgage extension
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/434814
– Confessions of a Money Manager: Have we stopped the bleeding?
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/434431
REAL ESTATE (back to top)
– Change visible on Downer
http://www.jsonline.com/business/38432309.html
– Downtown Staybridge project swaps rentals for condos
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/38355874.html
– County Board committee recommends land option for Chicago firm
http://www.jsonline.com/business/38429464.html
– Going home: Cardinal Stritch returns to its roots
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/01/26/focus1.html?b=1232946000^1766877
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
– DNR Issues Pollution Discharge Permit to Emerald Dairy
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=105&yr=2009
TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
– Decrease seen as symptom of suffering economy
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090127/GPG03/901270565/1247
RETAIL (back to top)
– Appleton AT&T U-verse vendor reopens after fire guts office
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090127/APC03/901270441/1028
– Marcus won’t include bus, bike facilities in far east side complex
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/434906
– Darrow to lead auto dealers trade group
http://www.jsonline.com/business/38356839.html
– Two Racine George Webbs to close
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/01/26/daily14.html
REGULATION (back to top)
– PSC suspends telecom rule review in face of FCC action
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/434809
– Monona Menards to seek approval to expand
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/434865
– Are you prepared? Estate tax end among Wisconsin changes
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/434477
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
– Hospital tax plan’s prognosis mixed
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090127/GPG0101/901270542/1978
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top)
– U.S. Bank ending golf tournament sponsorship
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/01/26/daily17.html
– North Shore Bank reports profit growth
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/01/26/daily8.html
MANAGEMENT (back to top)
– Ostby to retire as Southport Bank CEO
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/01/26/daily15.html
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