Business Briefings - April

National News

The U.S. has more full-time workers now than we did a year ago, according to a year-end report from the Department of Labor. An increase in both Hispanic men and African American women fueled these full-time statistics.

Miller High Life Extras, a "loyalty program," is being launched the Miller Brewing Company to encourage High Life consumers to earn points that can be redeemed for merchandise. It is the first such program ever launched by the beer industry.

The U.S. Better Business Bureau has been hampered by continual "phishing" scams and warns businesses that they could receive fraudulent emails. In the latest scam, recipients receive an email from seatac@bbb.org which is not a legitimate address. The document looks official and claims (with a case number) that a claim has been filed against your company. The BBB advises recipients NOT to open or respond to the attachment. Rather, the BBB is asking that recipients of these e-mails forward them to phishing@cbbb.bbb.org. For more information and to follow specific instructions for Outlook users, please to go http://us.bbb.org/securityalerts.

Around the State

A massive new mixed-used development proposed for Lake Geneva is sparking controversy and will head towards an April 1st referendum, much to the dismay of developers and city officials. The proposed $500 million project is targeted for the city's south side. It would add 882 new residences to the area and could increase the population by 770 people over the next 15-20 years, increasing the community's tax base significantly.

A 0.1% sales tax affecting residents in a 5-county area around Milwaukee in 1996 to help fund construction of Miller Park may need to be extended. A decrease in sales tax revenue is causing officials to suggest the tax remain in effect past its 2014 sunset date.

Wisconsin's cell phone numbers will soon be able to be added to the No Call list, if Senator Jon Erpenbach's bill clears the legislature in March.

Madison utility Wisconsin Power & Light Co. has requested a 9.1% hike in electric rates and a 1% increase in natural gas rates, effective January 1, 2009. A typical customer would see an increase of $8.71 monthly for electric, but a savings of about $7 annually for natural gas. The filing is in the hands of the PSC.

The Wisconsin Dept. of Financial Institutions has approved the proposed merger of Summit Credit Union and Great Wisconsin Credit Union, setting the stage for the formation of the state's largest credit union. When the merge is completed this Fall, the new company will operate under the Summit name and hold more than $1 billion in assets.

Announcements

University Research Park publishes "The First Fifteen Years: 1984-1999", a retrospective. University Research Park, established in 1984 and home to more than 114 companies that employ over 4,000 people, announced the publication of "The First Fifteen Years: 1984-1999" a retrospective about the award winning research park. The publication, written by Arthur Hove, takes readers through the park's first 15 years, spotlighting the innovative efforts that brought the park from idea to reality. The publication can be downloaded on the University Research Park website at: http://universityresearchpark.org/15years.

Madison law firm, Cullen Weston Pines & Bach is powered entirely by renewable energy as a result of the EPA's Green Power Partners program.

Rayovac, a division of Spectrum Brands,announced it will be adding 50 new workers to its Fennimore battery factory by May 12th.

Introducing

Collins Realty Group has changed its name to Senior Care Realty, LLC. The business was formed in1999 and helps operators and investors sell and buy senior care real estate.

Studio Melt opened at 202 State Street. It is a group exercise and personal training studio.

Park Bank opened a branch in Sun Prairie at 2679 Windsor Street. This is the 11th location for Park Bank in Dane County. The branch will offer consumer deposit and lending, as well as mortgage and business services.

Dr. Kalli Richey has opened Arc of Life Chiropractic on the corner of Gammon & Watts Road in Madison.

Grand Appliance & TV, 6220 Nesbitt Road, high-end appliance dealer opened by four former Kennedy Hahn employees.

Orange Shoe Gym has leased space in Portofino Place at 601 Junction Road effective March 1 according to Lee & Associates. It will be the companyÕs third location in Madison.

Changes/New Digs

DeWitt Ross & Stevens recently consolidated its Excelsior Dr. office into its newly expanded downtown office at 2 East Mifflin Street.

The Wisconsin Biotech and Medical Device Association has moved into a new location at 455 Science Drive, Suite 160, Madison, WI 53711.

Lakewood Realty was recently purchased by two of its realtors, Ted and Tammy Krez.

People on the Move

Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C., announced that it has added Gerald J. Pace to its Public Finance practice. Pace will be responsible for providing bond counsel to Wisconsin cities, counties, towns, villages, school districts, community development authorities, housing authorities, and special purpose districts.

Kudos

Kraemer Brother's Agora Town Center Project — "Project of the Year" by Masonry Construction Magazine

The Governor's 2008 Financial Literacy Award winners include Asset Builders of America, Inc.(Madison), the Wisconsin Family, Career, Community Leaders of America Foundation, Inc.(Madison), and the Wisconsin WomenÕs Business Initiative Corporation (Milwaukee and Madison).

Keller, Inc.'s Trolley Square Project — "Projects of Distinction Award/Green Building" by Assoc. Builders & Contractors of Wisconsin.

Dane Co. Chapters, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans — "2007 Outstanding Philanthropic Organization" by the Madison chapter, Association for Fundraising Professionals.

Vogel Bros. Building Company's Oakwood Village West-Heritage Oaks Project — "2007 Build Wisconsin Award/Design Build, New Construction" by Assoc. Builders & Contractors of Wisconsin.

Veridian Homes of Madison was named the 2008 Builder of the Year by Professional Builder magazine.

Residence Inn by Marriott - West/Middleton, named Hotel of the Year by Marriott International, topping a pool of all 535 Residence Inns in operation. It was also the only hotel to receive a Diamond Award based on guest satisfaction, occupancy and revenue increase.