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![]() Ken Harwood Advocating for Wisconsin ...moreKen [at] KenHarwood.com 608.334.2174 ThisWeek - Ken Notes - Search - Index - This Weeks Articles for 8/4/2022 (links work) ...
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![]() The five-story museum, to open in 2026 at West McKinley Avenue and North Sixth Street, will be a primarily concrete and glass structure. Its exterior design is reminiscent of the geological formations in Mill Bluff State Park, which overlooks Interstate 90 near Camp Douglas, in central Wisconsin. The building`s exterior texture will mimic Mill Bluff`s ancient rock columns, with its rounded corners portraying the erosion and weathering that happens as landscapes evolve... ...moreKen Notes: WOW Milwaukee is hitting on all cylinders. ![]() | |||||||||
![]() A labor shortage in the state is expected to last for years as thousands of jobs in trucking, maintenance and nursing are not being filled, even as the unemployment rate has returned to pre-pandemic levels.Wisconsin`s economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic with unemployment dropping to historic lows. Because of that, employers all over the state are now facing a labor shortage. Employers are having a hard time finding qualified applicants for available jobs, so many are boosting pay and offering things like remote schedules. Still, Wisconsin now faces a shortage of about 140,000 workers, because there simply are not enough people who are not already working to fill these jobs... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Now in its 10th year of operations, the Fab Lab — a design and digital fabrication laboratory — still is the only such facility available to all students at a Wisconsin university. And, adhering to the Wisconsin Idea, it has grown to help meet the needs of residents across the state... "WEDC has awarded 100 fab lab grants | |||||||||
![]() WAUKESHA, Wis. (August 3, 2022) – People who want to build their new dream homes throughout the state of Wisconsin including the Milwaukee metropolitan area are now facing a new obstacle that is stretching the home building industry: an acute shortage of available lots. As seen in the graphic below, the number of available lots dropped from 13,601 in 1994 to a mere 2,491 this year. “Over the last 20+ years we have seen a drastic change in the number of new lots created for the housing market.” Said Toby Van Sistine, Director of Government Affairs for the Metropolitan Builders Association of Greater Milwaukee. “Even after the 2008 housing downturn, the development side of new homes construction never really recovered.”... ...moreKen Notes: Communities need to strongly consider partnering with the development community, buying land, developing infrastructure and then making land/lots available to builders. The community can then control the type of housing and supporting development they need. Think Industrial Park for workforce housing. We could even request TIF rules to support this type of investment. ![]() | |||||||||
![]() MADISON, WI. JULY 25, 2022 – New national rankings prove something that Wisconsinites already know – Wisconsin is a great place to live and work. Six Wisconsin cities made Livability.com’s 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. list with Madison securing the top spot for the second year in a row. “From our natural resources to our thriving culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to the people who call our state home, Wisconsin is being recognized as a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Governor Tony Evers. “This is great news for Wisconsin as we continue working to expand access to high-speed internet, invest in improving our schools, fix our roads, and support small businesses and communities — all things that go toward building strong, vibrant communities that make for great places to live.”... Ken Notes: I agree and Missy has clearly turned the focus back to community. Now we need to ensure our best places to live also include places to live for all the people who make them so special. ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Does the area need more housing options? Or, even more specifically, more senior or affordable housing? Do families need more choices for entertainment? What about retail stores? Are there types of restaurants that are missing from the area? In early April, Cool Investment LLC purchased the former Shopko building at 1100 E. Riverview Expressway when it went to auction. Now, the owners are talking with retailers who could potentially fill the space inside the former department store, as well as any potential developments that could build on three outlots on the edge of the parking lot... Ken Notes: the Farm and Fleet in Monroe Wisconsin in the old Shopko is one of the best adaptive reuses I have seen in awhile. ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Bayfield County board will solicit proposals to develop 40 to 60 housing unitsOne northern Wisconsin county is moving forward on a plan to address its housing shortage as the county sees high demand for senior and workforce housing. The Bayfield County board unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to support the development of 40 to 60 housing units on nearly 10 acres of land that would be donated by the county. The development would prioritize housing for seniors or a mix of units for seniors, families, and workers. The development would be located next to the county’s only nursing home in Washburn... Ken Notes: I wonder if we should have a statewide housing conference that could discuss how we can build affordable non-subsidized housing for our workers and seniors. ![]() | |||||||||
![]() M&R is co-developing the project with Campbell Capital Group. A five-story building, 2929 on Mayfair will feature studio, convertible, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. All residences will feature kitchens with upgraded countertops, contemporary tile backsplash, modern two-tone cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, including a backless range and French door refrigerator. ...more ![]() | |||||||||
![]() The 60,000 square foot specialty cheesemaking facility began production in February with the retail store opening in April. The creamery replaced the cooperative’s aging Comstock Creamery. “The Menomonie Creamery is an exciting new part of the Cooperative,” said Paul Bauer, the cooperative’s CEO. “In its 112 years of operations this is the Creamery’s first new facility... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() The Menominee Indian Tribe will embark on a renewed development which it said will provide “necessary resources” for members. It is one of the Badger State’s largest and poorest tribes, regularly reporting high poverty rates while simultaneously ranking low for health outcomes. An $800m development was planned in 2015, also in partnership with Hard Rock, but it was scrapped by Wisconsin’s then Governor Scott Walker... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() SHEBOYGAN, WI — The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation aims to provide services that assist new and existing businesses, this includes the administration of the County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). The RLF is available through Sheboygan County’s Industrial Development and Revolving Loan Agency. This fund is designed to create a low-cost alternative financing option for small businesses and startups in the county. The RLF program includes interest rates and loan maturities designed to encourage business development, private investment, and job creation in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin... Ken Notes:RLF`s will become far more important in the near future as the feds bump up interest rates to slow inflation and business exit the pandemic era. ![]() | |||||||||
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![]() In brief, the non-seasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:
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![]() It’s why the organization brought state and regional business and economic development leaders to Rhinelander Monday. The “Creative Economy Tour” consisted of two roundtable discussions and visits to local businesses. The focus of the visit was focused on how the Northwoods tourism and entertainment industry has recovered from the pandemic... ...more Ken Notes: Great read. Business is tough and putting ED leaders in the same forum as new and existing businesses is so important! Especially when those businesses are in tourism and entertainment. We tend to focus on the EPIC`s and FOXCONN`s and forget that most of our jobs come from smaller employers or even sole proprietors. Also service and retail workers afford us the lifestyles we desire if you can`t live near your barista you may need to make your own coffee... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() July 29, 2022 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Education, Animal Agriculture, Animal Protein, Beef, Livestock, Meat Processing Plants, News, Pigs, Pork, Poultry, Scholarships & Internships, WisconsinA Wisconsin effort to get more people trained as meat processors is developing rapidly. Betsy Leonard with the Wisconsin Technical College System tells Brownfield the Meat Talent Development Program partnership with the state’s ag department has moved from an idea to a program rapidly. “It is not very easy to start a conversation in January and have programming come to fruition in that same August, or in that same calendar or fiscal year and a lot of our nine colleges are looking at starting this programming already this fall in some sort of manner.”... Ken Notes: Clearly not on the minds of most highschoolers! ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Three awards will be presented this year to Wisconsin exporters of products, services and agriculture. They are open to companies of all sizes as well as to organizations that have contributed to the state’s ability to compete in the global economy. Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 12 and the awards ceremony will take place in-person on Oct. 26 following the final event of the World Trade Association’s 2022 Global Business Insights series in Milwaukee... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Resorts of the Northwoods has announced a two-phase, $193 million development project designed to bring more year-round housing and visitors to the Cable area in southwestern Bayfield County. The 496-acre, $92.6 million first phase of the development would be constructed on the now-closed golf course of the former Telemark Resort and include hotels, private and vacation homes, villas, condominiums, workforce housing and a free-standing pub featuring regional cuisine from local and national chefs and live entertainment. A $100 million, 200-acre second phase, located nine miles to the southeast on Clear Lake in Sawyer County, would add another resort and residential units... ...more Ken Notes: I really hope this works because tourism will actually save our woods. ![]() | |||||||||
![]() TWG Development started construction on The Fort at the Rail Yard in fall 2020, but only got as far as erecting the stairwell shafts before an investor pulled millions of dollars in funding from the project, forcing work to halt... ...more Ken Notes: I am guessing Neil Stechschulte is behind this because he is beyond good! I hope Green Bay realizes what they got in Neil. ![]() | |||||||||
![]() The city made a commitment in 2010 to cut emissions in half by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and recently made the decision to power city hall with solar. The city hall complex includes government offices plus the local civic center and public library. The complex has a flat roof area of just under an acre, perfect for rooftop solar, but challenges included shading on parts of the roof as well as Wisconsin snowy weather. Arch Solar C&I was selected as the installer after convincing the council that the solar system would provide enough clean energy to help Wauwatosa meet its green goals, while offsetting upfront costs through a fast ROI... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() “We’re so grateful to Wells Fargo for providing funding to continue the important support to veterans that the Veteran Loan Fund provides,” says Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) President and Chief Visionary Officer Wendy K. Baumann.... ...more ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. is buying the 6.4-acre former Bimbo Bakeries USA property at 3401 E. Washington Ave. and will create 245 subsidized apartments in four buildings, commercial space, a small park and parking... ![]() | |||||||||
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![]() A large mixed-use project on South Milwaukee’s former Bucyrus campus has been shelved. The planned $35.7 million “Bucyrus Community” project could have included 160 apartments, a restaurant, green space and more from Milwaukee-based Scott Crawford, Inc. South Milwaukee’s Assistant City Administrator and Economic Development Director Patrick Brever said the Reich Brothers, owners of the Bucyrus campus, informed South Milwaukee at the end of June that "they will not be moving forward with a sale to Scott Crawford." ...more![]() | |||||||||
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![]() The company will be adding an office to its existing, 62,000-square-foot building, which a 2020 renovation nearly doubled in size, while also constructing an adjacent, 150,000-square-foot warehouse facility. This continued expansion is a response to rapidly growing demand for Whisker products and inefficiencies at the current facility... ...more ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Specifically, he plans to advance his hopes for a WNBA team in Milwaukee. “I want to explore getting some investors together, I’ll be either a minority or majority owner,” Butler said. “If I had the money, I’d do it myself. But these kinds of things need to be done with a financial group and it has to be put together the right way.” ... ...more Ken Notes: We should do a stock offering like the Packers, I`ll buy a share or two... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Kim and Jim Mahoney are the last homeowners left in a subdivision that used to have 13 propertiesKim and Jim Mahoney had lived at their Mount Pleasant home for less than a year before they learned Foxconn was coming to town. Now, five years after the Foxconn plan was announced, the Mahoney`s remain in their house — but not for long. On Monday, the Mount Pleasant Village Board discussed the sale of their property, 10640 S. Prairie View Dr., during a closed session... Ken Notes: Emanate Domain in the very best of circumstances is difficult. The laws actually protect the homeowner but no law is perfect and even the fairest technical assessment can be viewed with many intangibles by the owner. Communication is the key here and solid planning. The real challenge will now be the next case... ![]() | |||||||||
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![]() The Omro event, held at the Omro Rushford Volunteer Fire Department, highlighted public infrastructure improvements planned for street, utility, and sewer work on West Larabee Street, Grant Avenue, and Michigan Street. The city plans to replace old clay and concrete pipes as well as a cast iron water main that dates back to the 1950s, install storm sewer, gutters, and expand sidewalks. It is one of 18 municipalities to receive awards for needed infrastructure improvements statewide from the 2022 CDBG-PF grant program... ...In addition to the $1 million CDBG-PF award, the City of Omro has
received a combined American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investment of
$939,000 for small businesses from the Evers Administration, while
Winnebago County received an overall $106.7 million investment.
Neighboring counties of Waupaca and Waushara each received a $1 million
public facility award.... ...moreKen Notes: The money is there for the taking... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() The American Institute of Architects Wisconsin bestowed honor awards, the Wisconsin Architectural Awards program`s highest recognition, on four projects designed by its members. Another eight projects received merit awards... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() This grant would support the hiring of staff and a contractor for four years to complete and implement the plan. “Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment in the Oneida Nation will support its efforts to transition to renewable energy to not only build economic resiliency on the reservation, but also diversify its economy and create energy sector-related jobs.”... ![]() | |||||||||
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![]() “Evers had announced that $20 million of ARPA would be used for a grant program to fund the projects. Another $5 million of ARPA funds were added after applications showed that more money was needed. Now, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority is adding $7.4 million in National Housing Trust funds to the grant program, bringing the total to $32.4 million.” See Also: ...more ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Adam Heffron will take over on a permanent basis for Brent Kyzer-McHenry, who left the position in January after about a year and a half on the job... ...more ![]() | |||||||||
![]() In the five years since the Racine County Foxconn development was announced with much fanfare, taxpayers in Mount Pleasant have spent nearly $167 million on vendors related to the project. The
money has been used to pay for attorneys, a public relations firm, real
estate consultants and a project manager who is making $28,000 a month,
according to records obtained by the Journal Sentinel... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Company officials at Peshtigo’s Aacer Flooring refer to a “challenging labor market” when explaining that the hardwood floor-making plant is shutting down. Northeastern Wisconsin will lose 126 jobs when the doors close for the final time Sunday... ...moreNotes: ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving with more organizations creating innovative programs to support residents as they build businesses. Now the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering additional opportunities for these organizations to receive grants to support entrepreneurs and remove barriers to their success. “Throughout Wisconsin there are wonderful nonprofits supporting our state’s entrepreneurs and small business owners with training, technical assistance and more,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO... For more information, visit: www.wedc.org/programs-and-resources/entrepreneurship-partner-grant/... ![]() | |||||||||
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![]() Plans for the new ballpark at the site of a former dog-racing track, St. Croix Meadows, were first unveiled in 2016, with an opening envisioned for May 2018. But the date passed, and that delay was further complicated. But developer St Croix Meadows Planned Commercial District is back with an ambitious mixed-use development that includes the new ballpark, a new home for the Lift Bridge Brewery (check out the Farm Girl saison; it’s a great summertime brew), housing and a park. That plan was met with enthusiasm by the Hudson City Council last night, receiving preliminary approval. A final development plans still needs to be submitted and approved, but if things proceed quickly and site prep is done, you could conceivably see a new ballpark in June 2023... ...more ![]() | |||||||||
The new facility is supported by a $136.7 million contract award from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Lateral flow membranes are a key component in rapid diagnostic test kits for a variety of applications, including Covid-19 testing, according to company... ...more ![]() | |||||||||
![]() DELAFIELD — The Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of a land use amendment to accommodate a proposed planned use development for the former St. John’s Northwestern Academies property during its meeting Wednesday. The land use amendment changes the zoning from Institutional Category to Low-Density Residential category for the Hendricks Commercial Properties proposal, and from Institutional category to High-Density category for Miller Marriott Construction Co.’s proposal. ...more![]() | |||||||||
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MADISON, Wis, Aug. 1, 2022
MADISON, Wis, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - BMO Financial Group today announced a $650,000 investment in several Madison community programs and organizations. These contributions will support the Urban League of Greater Madison`s Black Business Hub, The Center for Black Excellence & Culture, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County`s McKenzie Workforce Development Center... ...more![]() | |||||||||
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Ken Notes: WDNews relies on the actual journalism provided by your local media outlets. Without these partners we can not bring you the unbiased news, leads and updates you need to thrive in Wisconsin. Support your local media... ![]() | |||||||||
![]() Note: I changed the link here to Toms Twitter account. JS limits the number of articles I can read so I look at TD`s Twitter feed every week. I`ll Still include JS articles but after ten you need to subscribe. I also updated the picture because, well Tom is getting old and development is taking it`s toll!!! Milwaukee
- 1/1/2020 Journal Sentinel business reporter Tom Daykin talks about
commercial real estate and development, including stores, hotels,
offices, condos, apartments and industrial buildings... Land & Space Development Database...more Ken Notes: Tom Daykin is the source for ED news in MKE. This is a permanent link to articles in his blog which is updated daily... ![]() | |||||||||
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![]() Wisconsin Development News is Edited and Published by: Ken Harwood Ken [at] KenHarwood.com 608.334.2174 Mailing Address:
Please feel free to send story ideas or Press Releases to:Ken [at] KenHarwood.com Call 608.334.2174 to confirm receipt. ![]() |