— A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank suggests a cautiously positive Midwest outlook in part due to federal stimulus programs. The new Beige Book says “Cash for Clunkers” programs boosted car sales in the region, although officials questioned whether the brisk sales pace was sustainable. Real estate showed positive sales of existing homes, particularly lower-priced homes. That was due in part to federal tax incentives. Other stimulus effects included extensive road repair activity across the region. See more in a new WisBusiness story: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.Iml?Article=169606 — In one new example of that stimulus money, Wisconsin is getting $15 million to allow local governments and businesses to buy more than 500 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. Gov. Jim Doyle says the money will help 119 communities to purchase the vehicles, which will save at least 1.6 million gallons of fuel per year. The state is also receiving $1 million for the installation of 27 ethanol and biodiesel retail locations around the state. See details: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=169586 — Two Wisconsin companies have been named to BusinessWeek magazine’s new list of the 50 best places to start a career. Milwaukee-based insurance company Northwestern Mutual ranked number 29 on the list, up from number 34 a year ago. And Kohl’s Department Stores made the list at number 50, up 44 spots from its ranking a year ago. BusinessWeek compiles the list by getting information from recent graduates, college career counselors and the companies themselves. See the BusinessWeek release: http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?STORY=/www/story/09-03-2009/0005088301= ************************* TOP EXPERTS TO DISCUSS WIS. GREEN JOBS FUTURE “Green Jobs: Growing Wisconsin Employment” is part of a series of forums at Discovery World and aims to assess Wisconsin’s future in the green jobs market. The forum, sponsored by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, UW-Milwaukee, We Energies, Wisconsin Environmental Initiative and Johnson Controls, begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 9 a.m. Breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will provide remarks about his city’s efforts to cultivate green jobs. Confirmed panelists include: The event is organized by WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com with the help of MMAC, Discovery World, and UW-Milwaukee. More sponsorship opportunities are available; contact Jim Greer at 608-237-6296 or greer@wispolitics.com. The event is open to the public, and the price is $30 per person. But WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com subscribers, members of the Wisconsin Academy, the UW-Milwaukee community, and members of MMAC and Discovery World are able to attend for $20 per person. The price includes the breakfast buffet but not parking. ************************* TOP STORIES
Proposed Agribusiness Park Receives $4 Million Federal Grant: The proposed agribusiness park and farm innovation center being planned in northern Clark County took a major step forward this week. On Tuesday, the Federal Economic Development Administration announced it will provide a $4 million grant to the city of Owen to help put the project together. Fond du Lac County Board OKs sales tax for Mercury Marine loan: Fond du Lac County leaders are putting their money where their collective mouth is to fund a $50 million low-interest loan to Mercury Marine. Related: Mercury Marine to repay tax credits to Okla. Consultant chosen by UW System for payroll project faces accounting scandal: The University of Wisconsin System acknowledged Wednesday the high-priced consultant working on its $81.4 million payroll project is reeling from an accounting scandal that is raising questions about its future.
************************************************************ See commentary from around the state and columns from WisBusiness contributors Jennifer Sereno, Kevin McKinley, Tom Burzinski, Gregg Hoffmann, Tom Still and Steve Jagler: ************************************************************
BIOTECH (back to top)
MANUFACTURING (back to top) – Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ new manufacturing center receives LEED Silver certification – $5 million grant could boost UWSP paper research – Rockwell’s Nosbusch takes manufacturing pitch to Washington
REAL ESTATE (back to top) – Legislation introduced to help troubled TIFs – Task force recommends steps to reduce foreclosures
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
TRANSPORTATION (back to top) – Airport board votes to swap MSP service for Chicago – Greyhound service may move to Madison’s East Side – State OKs Central Wisconsin Airport terminal project
RETAIL (back to top) – Wal-Mart upgrades Merrill store – Tosa Target will open in October
REGULATION (back to top)
UTILITIES (back to top) – State’s alt-fuels grant is biggest in U.S.
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
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