By Patrick Marley
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The state Department of Justice interviewed numerous people and reviewed thousands of pages of documents but found no evidence that Gov. Jim Doyle had improperly influenced decisions on the sale of a nuclear power plant, records released this morning show.
Investigators couldn't find anyone involved in the sale who believed the Democratic governor or his aides acted improperly.
Bert Garvin, who served on the Public Service Commission at the time the sale of the Kewaunee nuclear power plant was approved, told investigators that "in no way, shape or form" did he believe Doyle influenced the commission. Garvin was appointed to the commission by Doyle's predecessor and political rival, Republican Gov. Tommy G. Thompson.
Assistant Attorney General Eric J. Wilson wrote last July that emails and other documents did not show any signs of impropriety.
"Without any documentary proof, we would need to rely on testimonial evidence from a cooperating witness to prove a case," Wilson wrote. "But we have no such evidence."
The investigation was started by then-Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager in October 2005 and closed by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen in July 2007.
Utility executives contributed more than $43,000 to Doyle's campaign around the time the commission approved the sale of the Kewaunee plant by Green Bay-based Wisconsin Public Service Corp. and a subsidiary of Madison-based Alliant Energy Corp. to Virginia-based Dominion Resources Inc.
The donations included money raised by Wisconsin Public Service the night before a commission meeting on the sale in November 2004. The commission denied the sale at that meeting, but approved it at another meeting four months later.
Wilson said the timing of the fund-raiser appeared to be a coincidence because it was scheduled before anyone knew when the commission would meet.
The records were released today to the Journal Sentinel and others, nearly a year to the day after they were requested under the state's open records law.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Orion adding 170 jobs, moving to Manitowoc
Orion Energy Systems Inc. (OESX) will expand its factory and move its headquarters to Manitowoc, in a move that would create 170 jobs, the governor's office announced today.
The $13 million investment would include $854,000 in community development zone tax credits, a statement from Gov. Jim Doyle said.
The new headquarters would include a technology management, demonstration and training center, near the current Orion facility in the former Mirro Corp. aluminum-pots-and-pans factory.
"Energy efficient lighting systems are a great way to conserve energy and decrease facility costs," Doyle said. "This expansion is not only good for Manitowoc, but it will also allow more energy-saving products to reach the market."
Orion Energy is currently based in Plymouth in Sheboygan County.
Neal Verfuerth, Orion president and chief executive, said the project and state aid "will further position Orion to aggressively grow our business, provide quality jobs and promote energy efficiency."
Orion announced this month that it projects its full-year sales of $101 million to $103 million in the fiscal year that ends in March 2009. That would mark sales growth of 25% to 28% from a year ago, the company said.
The $13 million investment would include $854,000 in community development zone tax credits, a statement from Gov. Jim Doyle said.
The new headquarters would include a technology management, demonstration and training center, near the current Orion facility in the former Mirro Corp. aluminum-pots-and-pans factory.
"Energy efficient lighting systems are a great way to conserve energy and decrease facility costs," Doyle said. "This expansion is not only good for Manitowoc, but it will also allow more energy-saving products to reach the market."
Orion Energy is currently based in Plymouth in Sheboygan County.
Neal Verfuerth, Orion president and chief executive, said the project and state aid "will further position Orion to aggressively grow our business, provide quality jobs and promote energy efficiency."
Orion announced this month that it projects its full-year sales of $101 million to $103 million in the fiscal year that ends in March 2009. That would mark sales growth of 25% to 28% from a year ago, the company said.
By Thomas Content
Milwaukee Journal SentinelJ.F. Ahern ranked on national environmental firms list
J.F. Ahern Co. of Fond du Lac was recently ranked number 167 in Engineering News-Record magazine’s Top 200 Environmental Firms list, up four places from last year.
The magazine ranks companies nationwide, based on gross revenue reported in 2007 from providing environmental services and products to domestic and international markets. Ahern reported $27.7 million in revenue from environmental services last year. Wastewater treatment services contributed 70 percent of this revenue, water quality systems 20 percent, and air quality the remaining 10 percent.
The magazine ranks companies nationwide, based on gross revenue reported in 2007 from providing environmental services and products to domestic and international markets. Ahern reported $27.7 million in revenue from environmental services last year. Wastewater treatment services contributed 70 percent of this revenue, water quality systems 20 percent, and air quality the remaining 10 percent.
Thursday at the AirVenture
The fourth day of the EAA AirVenture features a large collection of military aircraft:
- Arriving airplanes include the Navy F-18 Hornet fighter, the Navy C-12 Huron cargo plane, the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter, F-22 Raptor fighters, the Lockheed U-2 spy plane, the E-6B Mercury flying command post, and two World War II bombers, the B-17 Flying Fortress “Yankee Lady” and the B-25 Mitchell “Yankee Warrior.”
- Warbird judging begins at 9 a.m.
- Warbirds in Review will feature the P-38 twin-engine fighter “Glacier Girl” at 10 a.m. and Russian and Chinese planes at 1 p.m.
- The air show at 3:30 p.m. will feature the Liberty Parachute Team, Chuck Aaron, David Martin, the AeroShell Team, Matt Chapman, Julie Clark, Bob Davis, Kyle Franklin, Kent Piestsch, Greg Poe, Debby Rihn-Harvey, Sean Tucker, Mike Wiskus, the Iron Eagles 2, Matt Younkin, and the F-22 Raptor.
- The Fly-In Theater at 8:30 p.m. will feature “Strategic Air Command.”
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Great Lakes compact advances in Congress
By Diana Marrero
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Both chambers of Congress took steps Wednesday to advance an agreement between eight states to prevent outsiders from tapping into water from the Great Lakes.
In the House, a key committee approved the agreement, known as the Great Lakes Compact, through a unanimous vote early Wednesday. A Senate committee held its first hearing on the subject later in the day.
The actions in Washington gave supporters hope that Congress could quickly approve the compact after a painstaking process among the states that took about seven years.
The House Judiciary Committee voted to advance the pact.
“We are all going to benefit by protecting the largest body of fresh water in the world, and the sooner this bill is signed into law, the sooner communities can get relief,” Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R–Menomonee Falls), a member of that committee, said after the vote. “To put it simply, with the Great Lakes Compact, everyone is a winner, and nobody is a loser.”
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle flew into Washington for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, which was presided over by Sen. Russ Feingold (D–Wisconsin).
“By implementing this compact, leaders are taking the necessary steps to protect the Great Lakes and sustainably manage this shared resource,” Doyle said during his testimony.
The lakes are home to nearly 20 percent of the world’s surface freshwater and provide drinking water for more than 30 million people.
All eight Great Lakes states — Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania — have approved the compact. But it won’t have the force of law until Congress approves it.
Calling the Great Lakes “a national treasure,” President Bush urged Congress on Monday to quickly approve the compact.
The once-controversial measure has become widely popular in recent months.
“There is tremendous momentum behind the Great Lakes Compact,” Feingold said.
Supporters are hoping for a swift passage in Congress, but that’s uncertain given the upcoming August recess and the fall campaign season.
“It’s now a question of timing,” said Sharon Cook of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. “Certainly the will is there.”
Even if Congress does not approve the measure this year, the next president would likely also be willing to sign the compact into law. Both Democratic hopeful Barack Obama and Republican John McCain have recently expressed support for the agreement.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Both chambers of Congress took steps Wednesday to advance an agreement between eight states to prevent outsiders from tapping into water from the Great Lakes.
In the House, a key committee approved the agreement, known as the Great Lakes Compact, through a unanimous vote early Wednesday. A Senate committee held its first hearing on the subject later in the day.
The actions in Washington gave supporters hope that Congress could quickly approve the compact after a painstaking process among the states that took about seven years.
The House Judiciary Committee voted to advance the pact.
“We are all going to benefit by protecting the largest body of fresh water in the world, and the sooner this bill is signed into law, the sooner communities can get relief,” Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R–Menomonee Falls), a member of that committee, said after the vote. “To put it simply, with the Great Lakes Compact, everyone is a winner, and nobody is a loser.”
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle flew into Washington for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, which was presided over by Sen. Russ Feingold (D–Wisconsin).
“By implementing this compact, leaders are taking the necessary steps to protect the Great Lakes and sustainably manage this shared resource,” Doyle said during his testimony.
The lakes are home to nearly 20 percent of the world’s surface freshwater and provide drinking water for more than 30 million people.
All eight Great Lakes states — Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania — have approved the compact. But it won’t have the force of law until Congress approves it.
Calling the Great Lakes “a national treasure,” President Bush urged Congress on Monday to quickly approve the compact.
The once-controversial measure has become widely popular in recent months.
“There is tremendous momentum behind the Great Lakes Compact,” Feingold said.
Supporters are hoping for a swift passage in Congress, but that’s uncertain given the upcoming August recess and the fall campaign season.
“It’s now a question of timing,” said Sharon Cook of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. “Certainly the will is there.”
Even if Congress does not approve the measure this year, the next president would likely also be willing to sign the compact into law. Both Democratic hopeful Barack Obama and Republican John McCain have recently expressed support for the agreement.
Web site: Manitowoc Co. may sell marine division
By Rick Romell
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Manitowoc Co. (MTW) is negotiating to sell its marine division that builds ships, including military vessels, a European marine industry Web site has reported.
The suitor is an Italian ship company, Fincantieri, according to the Web site Lloyd’s List, based in London. Lloyd’s List said a report on the deal first appeared in Il Secolo, a newspaper in Genoa, Italy.
Although a Fincantieri spokesman declined comment on the talks, the Trieste-based company has long had a desire to move into the U.S. market and has been particularly eager to establish a larger and significant presence in the U.S. defense sector, Lloyd’s Italian correspondent reported.
Manitowoc executives declined to comment on the report.
The company’s marine division had $114.2 million in net sales in the recent quarter ended June 30, up 34 percent from a year earlier, Manitowoc reported Tuesday.
Manitowoc builds ships, cranes and ice machines.
This week, the company began testing a prototype of a smaller, speedy Navy combat ship on Lake Michigan near its shipyard in Marinette.
The 378-foot vessel, named Freedom, has been built by the marine group. The ship, being built by a consortium that includes Manitowoc Co. and Lockheed Martin, could win a Navy contract for 55 craft.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Manitowoc Co. (MTW) is negotiating to sell its marine division that builds ships, including military vessels, a European marine industry Web site has reported.
The suitor is an Italian ship company, Fincantieri, according to the Web site Lloyd’s List, based in London. Lloyd’s List said a report on the deal first appeared in Il Secolo, a newspaper in Genoa, Italy.
Although a Fincantieri spokesman declined comment on the talks, the Trieste-based company has long had a desire to move into the U.S. market and has been particularly eager to establish a larger and significant presence in the U.S. defense sector, Lloyd’s Italian correspondent reported.
Manitowoc executives declined to comment on the report.
The company’s marine division had $114.2 million in net sales in the recent quarter ended June 30, up 34 percent from a year earlier, Manitowoc reported Tuesday.
Manitowoc builds ships, cranes and ice machines.
This week, the company began testing a prototype of a smaller, speedy Navy combat ship on Lake Michigan near its shipyard in Marinette.
The 378-foot vessel, named Freedom, has been built by the marine group. The ship, being built by a consortium that includes Manitowoc Co. and Lockheed Martin, could win a Navy contract for 55 craft.
Packers Family Night tickets sold out
All available tickets for the eighth Packers Family Night Presented by Fox 11 were sold out as of this morning.
This year’s event, which will take place at Lambeau Field Sunday evening, Aug. 3, will mark the fifth time the Packers sold every available seat in the stadium bowl. More than 60,000 fans are expected.
The Packers also announced a handful of new activities and attractions for younger fans attending the evening.
Outside the stadium in the area inside the security barrier, sidewalk chalk will be available for children to create their best sidewalk art.
Inside the concourse, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., several craft areas will be available to younger fans, as well as other attractions, including airbrush tattoos, G-Force tattoos, a chalk graffiti wall, magicians and sign-making opportunities.
Parking for the event will be $5, with all of the net proceeds to be donated to the Packers’ Family Night partner, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, to support its Wendy’s Wonderful Kids foster care adoption program in Wisconsin. Volunteers for the group also will be in the parking lot and at the gates to share information about the program with fans and accept monetary donations for the foundation.
The Copps–Pick ’N Save Family Night Picnic again will take place in Lambeau Field’s east-side parking lot. It is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will serve food items priced at $1, including corn on the cob, Johnsonville Brats, Nicolet Water and Kemps popsicles. Proceeds will go the Roundy’s Foundation (Roundy’s is the parent company of Copps and Pick ’N Save) to support nonprofit organizations working in the areas of hunger relief, families in crisis (intervention and prevention of neglect and abuse) and literacy.
For fans not attending the event, it will be televised in Green Bay on WLUK-TV (channel 11) in Green Bay and WITI-TV (channel 6) in Milwaukee. Hosted by Drew Smith and other members of the Fox 11 sports and news staffs, the live broadcast will start at 6:30 p.m.
Information about all the attractions at Green Bay Packers training camp is available online at www.packerstrainingcamp.com.
This year’s event, which will take place at Lambeau Field Sunday evening, Aug. 3, will mark the fifth time the Packers sold every available seat in the stadium bowl. More than 60,000 fans are expected.
The Packers also announced a handful of new activities and attractions for younger fans attending the evening.
Outside the stadium in the area inside the security barrier, sidewalk chalk will be available for children to create their best sidewalk art.
Inside the concourse, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., several craft areas will be available to younger fans, as well as other attractions, including airbrush tattoos, G-Force tattoos, a chalk graffiti wall, magicians and sign-making opportunities.
Parking for the event will be $5, with all of the net proceeds to be donated to the Packers’ Family Night partner, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, to support its Wendy’s Wonderful Kids foster care adoption program in Wisconsin. Volunteers for the group also will be in the parking lot and at the gates to share information about the program with fans and accept monetary donations for the foundation.
The Copps–Pick ’N Save Family Night Picnic again will take place in Lambeau Field’s east-side parking lot. It is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will serve food items priced at $1, including corn on the cob, Johnsonville Brats, Nicolet Water and Kemps popsicles. Proceeds will go the Roundy’s Foundation (Roundy’s is the parent company of Copps and Pick ’N Save) to support nonprofit organizations working in the areas of hunger relief, families in crisis (intervention and prevention of neglect and abuse) and literacy.
For fans not attending the event, it will be televised in Green Bay on WLUK-TV (channel 11) in Green Bay and WITI-TV (channel 6) in Milwaukee. Hosted by Drew Smith and other members of the Fox 11 sports and news staffs, the live broadcast will start at 6:30 p.m.
Information about all the attractions at Green Bay Packers training camp is available online at www.packerstrainingcamp.com.
NewPage to close Kimberly mill
By Joel Dresang
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
NewPage Corp. said this morning that it plans to close its paper mill in Kimberly, displacing 475 workers there.
The Miamisburg, Ohio-based leader in coated paper used in magazines and catalogs blamed a reduction in print advertising for lower paper demand at the same time that costs for fuel and raw material have risen.
The company plans to close the mill at the end of next month. In May, it shut down one of three of the mill’s machines, costing 125 jobs.
NewPage bought the Kimberly mill as part of its $2.6 billion buyout of Stora Enso North America, formerly known as Consolidated Papers Inc. NewPage also is closing a mill in Niagara and has other Wisconsin operations in Wisconsin Rapids, Biron, Stevens Point and Whiting.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
NewPage Corp. said this morning that it plans to close its paper mill in Kimberly, displacing 475 workers there.
The Miamisburg, Ohio-based leader in coated paper used in magazines and catalogs blamed a reduction in print advertising for lower paper demand at the same time that costs for fuel and raw material have risen.
The company plans to close the mill at the end of next month. In May, it shut down one of three of the mill’s machines, costing 125 jobs.
NewPage bought the Kimberly mill as part of its $2.6 billion buyout of Stora Enso North America, formerly known as Consolidated Papers Inc. NewPage also is closing a mill in Niagara and has other Wisconsin operations in Wisconsin Rapids, Biron, Stevens Point and Whiting.
Partnership Meeting on health care Aug. 15
CEOs and CFOs are invited to The Partnership Meeting, a health care forum, at Aurora Baycare Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic, 2845 Greenbrier Road, Green Bay, Friday, Aug. 15 at 8 a.m.
Free 15-minute health risk assessments will be offered at the forum, along with free copies of the Mayo Clinic Guide to Self Care. Lunch is provided.
Featured speakers include:
Free 15-minute health risk assessments will be offered at the forum, along with free copies of the Mayo Clinic Guide to Self Care. Lunch is provided.
Featured speakers include:
- Wendy Arnone, president and CEO of UnitedHealthcare, on “The Future of Health Care from the Next Election to Your Next Renewal: What It Means to Your Business.”
- Amy Steinkellner, Pharm.D., R.Ph., vice president of clinical services for Medco, on “The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be: Why Transform the Practice of Pharmacy.”
- Linda Smith, FACHE, executive vice president of Aurora Health Care, on “Cost Containment and the Delivery System: How Can We Help.”
- Sandy Mathy, FLMI, president of @butlerandco.com, on teaching employees how to get the most out of health care financing by purchasing the most appropriate and most effective care.
Schneider named Wal–Mart Intermodal Carrier of the Year
Schneider National announced today it has been selected as the 2007 Intermodal Carrier of the Year by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Schneider was notified of this year’s honor after Wal-Mart’s annual evaluation of its trucking and logistics services providers. Since the award’s inception in 1997, the premier provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services has held this title in three other years, 2002, 2003 and 2004.
“We consider many factors when determining the winner of this award, including overall dedication to customer service, operational excellence and the ability to offer creative solutions to our complex supply chain opportunities,” said Chris Sultemeier, senior vice president of transportation for Wal-Mart. “We are pleased to recognize Schneider National for its outstanding intermodal performance in 2007.”
“Receiving this award from Wal-Mart is a great honor for our organization and a clear demonstration of the high level of service we provide in the intermodal line of business,” said Bill Matheson, president, Schneider National Intermodal. “Of course, our ability to provide such award-winning service stems from the terrific drivers and customer service associates on the Schneider team. Because of their diligence and commitment to excellence, we’re able to help Wal-Mart achieve results by keeping products on the shelves day-in and day-out.”
In 2003, Schneider National also received Wal-Mart’s Truckload Carrier of the Year award. Today, the world’s largest retailer relies on Schneider for a wide array of transportation and logistics solutions. The company provides truckload, dedicated, intermodal, logistics and warehousing/transloading services to Wal-Mart in the U.S., China, Mexico and Canada.
Wednesday at the AirVenture
The Wednesday schedule of the EAA AirVenture includes:
- Aircraft arrivals include two Hawker Sea Fury fighter–bombers, “Riff Raff” and “The Spirit of Texas”; the P-51 Mustang fighter “Quicksilver”; a Jet Blue Embraer 190 jet; and a T-38 Talon trainer.
- Warbirds in Review will feature Col. C.E. “Bud” Anderson and his P-51B Mustang “Old Crow” at 10 a.m. and a restored Supermarine Spitfire Mk 5 and author Bob Hoover at 1 p.m.
- The International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians will meet at noon.
- Warbird judging will begin at 1 p.m.
- The air show at 3 p.m. will feature the Liberty Parachute Team, Chuck Aaron, the Aerostars 3, the Collaborators Formation Aerobatic Team, Bob Davis, Kyle Franklin, Mike Goulian, the Harrier II jump jet, Debby Rihn-Harvey, Soucy–Stokes, Patty Wagstaff, Mike Wiskus, and Warbirds.
- Theater in the Woods at 7 p.m. features the 50th anniversary of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham.
- The Fly-In Theater at 8:30 p.m. features “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” introduced by Edsel B. Ford II and actor Harrison Ford, chairman of the EAA Young Eagles.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Bemis reports lower net earnings
By Joel Dresang
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Citing volatile costs for raw materials, Bemis Co. (BMS), the Neenah-based flexible packaging company, reported lower net income this morning on increased sales.
Net income dropped to $46.4 million or 46 cents per diluted share for the second quarter from $49.5 million or 47 cents a share the year before. Sales grew to nearly $980 million from $921.8 million in the second quarter of 2007.
Bemis, which also has a business in pressure-sensitive materials, said net income for the first half of 2008 dipped to $88.7 million or 88 cents a share from $97.8 milllion or 92 cents a share the year before. Sales for the first two quarters of 2008 rose to $1.9 billion from $1.8 billion the year before.
“Rapidly rising raw material costs and global economic uncertainty have created a challenging operating environment for our industry,” Bemis President and Chief Executive Officer Henry Theisen said in a statement. “Our business teams are aggressively responding to volatile raw material cost increases while maintaining their dedication to cost management and customer service initiatives.”
Bemis projected that third-quarter earnings per diluted share would range from 42 cents to 46 cents and that full-year earnings would fall between $1.75 per share to $1.83 per share, reflecting high material costs and uncertain markets.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Citing volatile costs for raw materials, Bemis Co. (BMS), the Neenah-based flexible packaging company, reported lower net income this morning on increased sales.
Net income dropped to $46.4 million or 46 cents per diluted share for the second quarter from $49.5 million or 47 cents a share the year before. Sales grew to nearly $980 million from $921.8 million in the second quarter of 2007.
Bemis, which also has a business in pressure-sensitive materials, said net income for the first half of 2008 dipped to $88.7 million or 88 cents a share from $97.8 milllion or 92 cents a share the year before. Sales for the first two quarters of 2008 rose to $1.9 billion from $1.8 billion the year before.
“Rapidly rising raw material costs and global economic uncertainty have created a challenging operating environment for our industry,” Bemis President and Chief Executive Officer Henry Theisen said in a statement. “Our business teams are aggressively responding to volatile raw material cost increases while maintaining their dedication to cost management and customer service initiatives.”
Bemis projected that third-quarter earnings per diluted share would range from 42 cents to 46 cents and that full-year earnings would fall between $1.75 per share to $1.83 per share, reflecting high material costs and uncertain markets.
Tuesday at the AirVenture
Day two of the EAA AirVenture features:
- Arriving aircraft include the Goodyear Blimp and the T-38 Talon trainer.
- Flying opportunities include the Ford Tri-Motor from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Bell 47 helicopter from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber "Aluminum Overcast" from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- Warbird judging will begin at 9 a.m.
- The highlight of the day may be the unveiling of the Martin Jetpack, touted as the world's first practical jetpack, at 9:30 a.m.
- Warbirds in Review will feature the Vietnam-era Caribou at 10 a.m. and trainers at 1 p.m.
- A demonstration of the Rocket Racing League will be held at 2:30 p.m. The Rocket Racing League, rocket-powered aircraft, will hold its first exhibition races Friday and Saturday.
- The air show at 3 p.m. will feature the Liberty Parachute Team, Chuck Aaron, the AeroShell Team, Bob Davis, Mike Goulian, the Harrier II jump jet, Debby Rihn-Harvey, Gene Soucy, Sean Tucker, Matt Younkin, the Boeing Dreamlifter, and Warbirds.
- The Boeing Dreamlifter, a 747 modified for cargo, will depart at 6 p.m.
- Theater in the Woods at 7 p.m. will feature pilots of the Vietnam-era Misty and the Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus.
- The Fly-In Theater at 8:30 p.m. features "Speed and Angels," introduced by producer Paco Chierci and actor Jay "Faceshot" Consalvi, a Navy pilot.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Manitowoc net income up
By Rick Barrett
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Manitowoc Co. (MTW) said this afternoon that its second-quarter net income rose to $133.9 million, or $1.01 a share, from $97.5 million, or 76 cents a share, a year earlier.
Revenue for the company, that makes ships, cranes and ice machines, increased to $1.31 billion from $1.02 billion in the year-ago period. Analysts had expected earnings of 90 cents a share on revenue of $1.23 billion, according to FactSet Research.
Manitowoc revised its 2008 earnings-per-share outlook to $3.30 to $3.40 from $3.20 to $3.40.
The earnings report and earnings guidance were released after the market closed.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Manitowoc Co. (MTW) said this afternoon that its second-quarter net income rose to $133.9 million, or $1.01 a share, from $97.5 million, or 76 cents a share, a year earlier.
Revenue for the company, that makes ships, cranes and ice machines, increased to $1.31 billion from $1.02 billion in the year-ago period. Analysts had expected earnings of 90 cents a share on revenue of $1.23 billion, according to FactSet Research.
Manitowoc revised its 2008 earnings-per-share outlook to $3.30 to $3.40 from $3.20 to $3.40.
The earnings report and earnings guidance were released after the market closed.
Wisconsin wins the Olympics of cheese
By Karen Herzog
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A creamy Wisconsin cheese named Snow White Goat Cheddar stole the show at the annual American Cheese Society Competition last week in Chicago, beating out 1,148 other American and Canadian cheeses for top honors in the Olympics of cheese.
Master cheesemaker Sid Cook, of Carr Valley Cheese in LaValle, landed 18 ribbons, including the Best of Show for his goat cheddar and a Third Runner Up Best of Show for his Cave-Aged Marissa, a natural-rind cheese named after his daughter.
Wisconsin cheesemakers captured 91 ribbons total and scored nearly one third of all awards bestowed, more than any other state. The 91 awards included 25 firsts, 32 seconds and 34 third places. Cheesemakers from 181 companies in 30 U.S. states and Canada competed.
First place ribbons went to:
- BelGioioso Cheese Inc., Denmark: Romano, Fresh Mozzarella–Prosciutto Basil Log.
- Park Cheese, Fond du Lac: Provolone.
- Pine River, Newton: Black Diamond Extra Sharp Cold Pack Cheese Food.
- Sartori Foods, Plymouth: Sartori Reserve Raspberry Bellavitano.
ThedaCare sells medical office buildings
By Tom Daykin
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Appleton-based health care provider ThedaCare has sold its medical office buildings in Appleton and Neenah to The Sanders Trust, a Birmingham, Ala.-based real estate investment company, for $34 million, it was announced today.
The five buildings together are 98-percent leased and have a diverse group of medical practices as their tenants, according to The Sanders Trust. The company’s vice chairman is former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr, who was responsible for developing the ThedaCare acquisition for Sanders Trust.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Appleton-based health care provider ThedaCare has sold its medical office buildings in Appleton and Neenah to The Sanders Trust, a Birmingham, Ala.-based real estate investment company, for $34 million, it was announced today.
The five buildings together are 98-percent leased and have a diverse group of medical practices as their tenants, according to The Sanders Trust. The company’s vice chairman is former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr, who was responsible for developing the ThedaCare acquisition for Sanders Trust.
Mercury Marine to cut 60 jobs, temporarily shut down FdL production
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Associated Press
Boat engine maker Mercury Marine says it will cut 60 jobs and temporarily shut down production in Fond du Lac.
The company already has announced layoffs at other facilities in the United States.
Spokesman Steve Fleming says slow boat sales and the poor economy have forced the company to cut costs. He says more layoffs could be coming, but he didn't know how many.
Along with the layoffs announced today, Mercury Marine will shut down production for three weeks starting Aug. 28. Fleming says a two-week shutdown had been expected, but a third week was being added.
He says salaried employees will keep working during the shutdown. Hourly workers will not.
Mercury Marine is a subsidiary of Brunswick Corp., based in Lake Forest, Ill.
Boat engine maker Mercury Marine says it will cut 60 jobs and temporarily shut down production in Fond du Lac.
The company already has announced layoffs at other facilities in the United States.
Spokesman Steve Fleming says slow boat sales and the poor economy have forced the company to cut costs. He says more layoffs could be coming, but he didn't know how many.
Along with the layoffs announced today, Mercury Marine will shut down production for three weeks starting Aug. 28. Fleming says a two-week shutdown had been expected, but a third week was being added.
He says salaried employees will keep working during the shutdown. Hourly workers will not.
Mercury Marine is a subsidiary of Brunswick Corp., based in Lake Forest, Ill.
Packers training camp opens
The Green Bay Packers open the 63rd edition of training camp Monday, and along with players, coaches and staff taking the field, more than 100,000 fans are expected to visit between the first practice, July 28, and the final open practice, Aug. 26.
In addition to Packers practices, followers of the Green and Gold will take in the new Tundra Tailgate Zone, the Lambeau Field Atrium, the Packers Hall of Fame, Lambeau Field Stadium Tours and the Packers Pro Shop.
For visitors to training camp, an all-encompassing guide, www.packerstrainingcamp.com, is available online with daily practice schedules, activities schedules and other important information.
According to the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, training camp will attract an estimated 115,000 visitors from across the nation and as many as 20 foreign countries. With an economic impact estimated at more than $48 million, training camp has a positive financial impact on many area businesses. The figures do not include activity from Family Night.
The newest attraction this summer is the Tundra Tailgate Zone. The free attraction is a 46,000-square foot area in the parking lot on the stadium's east side which includes three climate-controlled tents that will house an entertainment area with a main stage, the Packers Experience presented by Kemps, and a food and beverage area.
The Packers Experience presented by Kemps, a popular interactive games area that annually draws thousands, returns for a fifth summer. Free to the public, it begins July 28 and runs through Aug. 20. Hours vary each day, based on the practice schedule. It will be closed July 31, and Aug. 4, 7, 10, 12, 15-17. All children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult or guardian to enter the area. A signed waiver of liability by the minor's parent or legal guardian is required upon entering and may be downloaded from www.packerstrainingcamp.com and signed in advance to present upon entering.
The "Future Lambeau Leapers" area, designed specifically for fans ages 12 and younger, will take place in the main stage tent in the Tundra Tailgate Zone this year. The area will give kids the chance to meet players, shake their hands, and potentially get autographs. Players will appear in the tent following the first practice of the day (either the 8:45 a.m. or 2 p.m. workout).
The Arise Health Plan Wellness Headquarters returns this year. Other Packers partners will have a presence at camp, too, including Packers Partners Club of Champions, Packer Fan Tours, Gatorade, American Family Insurance, Johnson & Johnson, Kohls and DiGiorno.
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame will be a popular choice for thousands of training camp attendees. New films have been added to the mix, as well as other updates. Its extended training camp hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (920/569-7512 hotline). Lambeau Field Stadium Tours features expanded hours during as well (schedules are available online and through the hotline, (920) 569-7513). Ticket sales begin at 8 a.m. The Legendary Lambeau Experience, a two-hour walking tour, returns this summer after a successful debut in 2007. It features stops in the Lee Remmel Press Box, network TV broadcast booth and visitors locker room. Included in the tour is an admission pass to the Packers Hall of Fame, a snack on the tour, a Packers seat cushion, and a $5 interactive game card for the Curly’s Game Zone at Curly’s Pub.
The Packers Pro Shop also features extended training camp hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (7:30 on days with night practices) Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays (800/992-5750 hotline). Special hours will be in place for Family Night and preseason games. Additionally, the Lambeau Field Atrium will be open to visitors and contains several dining options, including Curly’s Pub and Frozen in Time, plus four eateries. Check www.packerstrainingcamp.com for hours of operation.
In addition to www.packerstrainingcamp.com, a matrix message board in the Tundra Tailgate Zone will display practice times, Atrium information and scheduled activities. A Fan Assistance Kiosk will be located in the Tundra Tailgate Zone, too. A complimentary camp guide will be available daily at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel kiosk.
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