— The Dow Jones spent another week hovering near the 10,000 mark, but it lost more than 100 points on Friday to drop below it. It opens this week at 9,972, 23 points lower than last week’s open. The WisBusiness index of Wisconsin stocks had a steady week as well. It opens at 1,754, just one point lower than last week’s open. — More than a dozen companies with state ties release their quarterly earnings this week. On Thursday comes the first quarterly report from Brunswick Corporation since its Mercury Marine division decided to stay in Wisconsin last month. Then the state utilities Alliant Energy and the Wisconsin Energy Corporation release their earnings at the end of the week, with Wisconsin Energy coming Thursday and Alliant coming on Friday. See details on the WisBusiness Stock index and earnings releases: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=140042 — In a new BizOpinion column, Bill Kraus details his fruitless efforts to track down stimulus funding for a startup company that he says would create instant jobs in rural areas. Read his column: http://blogs.wisbusiness.com/bizopinion/2009/10/desperately-seeking-stimulus.html — It might seem like a stretch to combine beer and health care in one idea, but City Brewery and Gundersen Lutheran Health System have accomplished just that with a unique renewable energy partnership. The two companies have combined efforts to generate 8 to 10 percent of the electricity used on Gundersen Lutheran’s campuses in La Crosse and Onalaska by using waste biogas from the brewing process. The project launched Oct. 7 and has been operating effectively. It is projected to generate about 3 million kilowatt hours per year. As Corey Zarecki, the project engineer and efficiency improvement leader for Gundersen Lutheran, puts it, that’s the environmental impact equivalent of planting 490 acres of forest or removing 395 cars from the road. It is enough electricity to power about 300 homes. See more on the project in a new GreenBiz column: http://blogs.wisbusiness.com/bizopinion/2009/10/hospital-combines-with-brewery-to.html — Gov. Jim Doyle has signed a new law to require electronics manufacturers to arrange for recycling of their products. The law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, makes it illegal to dump products like TVs and computers that contain toxic chemicals in landfills. It sets up a collection, recycling, and disposal program for Wisconsin residents. — Today will see two Milwaukee press conferences celebrating three federal grants received by Madison, Milwaukee, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association to increase solar energy in Wisconsin and the Midwest. See details: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=174676 TOP STORIES Harley-Davidson’s Buell decision stuns dealers: Although Harley-Davidson Inc.’s decision to permanently end production of its Buell line of bikes stunned some local motorcycle dealership owners, many said they understood the need for the company to rid itself of the unprofitable brand given the lingering economic downturn. Wisconsin legislators, insurers blame each other for increased car insurance premiums: As insurance companies begin mailing notices to Wisconsin customers telling them that their premiums are likely to increase soon, state politicians are scrambling to avoid the blame. The first changes expected to affect premiums start Nov. 1 with more coming next year when all motorists must carry liability insurance. The minimum levels of coverage are also increasing. Aldevron could generate up to 20 jobs in Madison: Aldevron, the latest technology company to bring operations to the Madison area, could have as many as 20 employees here in a couple of years, said Tom Foti, vice president and general manager of the local operation.
************************************************************ 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)
MANUFACTURING (back to top)
LABOR (back to top) – Chamber president reveals stance on public issues – Recruiter matches students with careers in trades
SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
INVESTING (back to top) – Bucyrus earnings climb
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top)
TRANSPORTATION (back to top)
RETAIL (back to top) – Boomerang Books of Rothschild to transfer its used paperbacks, antiques to downtown Wausau REGULATION (back to top)
TOURISM (back to top)
UTILITIES (back to top)
HEALTH CARE (back to top) – Riverview Hospital Association adjusts to the times
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top) – Regulators close Racine lender – Regulators close Bank of Elmwood – U.S. Bancorp eyeing Illinois bank
MANAGEMENT (back to top) – Wipfli leader gains broad perspective on economy – New Tournament of Roses director has Wisconsin ties PRESS RELEASES (back to top) For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82 |
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