WISCONSIN

April 2013: Issue 6Official magazine of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

Free Enterprise:How are we faring in Wisconsin?

Inside: The American Dream

Supreme Court Elections: Past & Future

June is Safety Month

Detachable Legislative Directory

THE EVOLUTIONof 21st Century IT ManagementEnterprise IT Management is in a new era. One where taking action and knowledge sharing is encouraged. One where mobility, virtual environments and ease of collaboration are expected in order to execute on business initiatives. Finally, one where change is viewed as an opportunity for advancement instead of an impediment. Take time to view our video to learn more about this topic.

presents

For more information visit Flexion.us or call 866.620.4353

SCAN TO WATCHOR VISIT FLEXION.US/EVOLUTION

WISCONSIN BUSINESS VOICE

From the EditorWMC was literally founded to protect free enterprise.

The year was 1911 and Governor Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette wanted to increase regulations and raise taxes on businesses.

In fact, La Follette, who is referred to as a prophet by state progressives today, advocated a 70 percent corporate tax rate.

Faced with a political environment that in many ways parallels today’s, complete with the general vilification of economic freedom, WMC’s founders included the following in their preamble:

“To the thoughtful citizen, it is apparent that the tendency of the times is to antagonize rather than to encourage activities, which make for the country’s material advancement and prosperity. The pendulum of public opinion has swung to extremes and has caused apprehension and uncertainty where confidence and certainty should prevail. Political and social unrest find expression in extreme measures, which seriously disturb economic stability.”

Today, WMC continues to be the voice of Wisconsin business and industry at the Capitol. Our job is to advance policies that allow businesses of every size and from every sector of the economy to prosper. We aim to make Wisconsin the most competitive state in the nation.

Katy Ryder Pettersen Editor, Wisconsin Business Voice kpettersen@wmc.org

In this issue…

Free enterprisepage 5Regulation and the Erosion of Free EnterpriseScott Manley, WMC Vice President of Government Relations, talks about the harmful role excessive regulation can play on business.

page 12The American Dream vs. the Liberal DreamGuest Columnist David Azerrad from The Heritage Foundation, displays the stakes involved with letting the American dream slip away.

page 18Free Enterprise: Capitalism isn’t a Four-letter WordThis edition’s feature article focuses on capitalism and the importance of America’s envied free market system.

page 30-31What should be the Role of Government in Free Enterprise?Wisconsin Senators Jennifer Shilling (D-32nd District) and Scott Fitzgerald (R-13th District) give their take on what role government should play in business.

Feature Columnspage 2The New War Between the StatesKurt R. Bauer, WMC President/CEO, dissects the way other states’ governors are attracting business.

page 8We Need to TalkJim Morgan, WMC Foundation President, talks about vouchers, charter schools and public education.

page 11June is Safety MonthJanie Ritter, Wisconsin Safety Council Director, highlights the National Safety Council’s initiative to promote June as National Safety Month.

page 14Real World Experience… Life Changing ResultsSteve Benzschawel, Wisconsin Business World Director, looks back on 30+ years of free enterprise programs teaching the next generation how to be business leaders.

page 25Minimum Wage: It Doesn’t Have to be Us vs. ThemChris Reader, WMC’s new Director of Health & Human Resources Policy, reviews the case against increasing the minimum wage.

page 27Embrace the Industrial RenaissanceEric Bott, WMC’s new Director of Environment & Energy Policy, discusses the revolution in unconventional oil and natural gas production.

page 29Developments in Transportation and the Impact on Wisconsin’s EconomyJason Culotta, WMC Director of Tax & Transportation Policy, talks about transportation and intermodal containers.

page 35Roggensack Wins Re-electionJim Pugh, WMC Director of Public Relations & Issue Management, talks about WMC’s efforts to educate Wisconsin’s public about the Supreme Court.

guest Columnspage 7Going Global? You’re Not Alone!WEDC Secretary and CEO Reed Hall introduces the assistance his department can give to companies looking to expand globally.

page 26Knowledge Powers Wisconsin’s EconomyKevin Reilly, President of the University of Wisconsin System, describes our economy as one driven by knowledge and innovation.

page 36Chamber Corner: Work TodayGreater Beloit Chamber of Commerce President Randall Upton introduces Wisconsin to Beloit’s newest workforce development initiative.

Wisconsin Business Voice is published quarterly by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. WMC is Wisconsin’s chamber of commerce, manufacturers’ association, and safety council representing businesses of all sizes and from every sector of the economy. Send address changes to WMC, P.O. Box 352, Madison, WI 53701-0352. WMC's physical address is 501 E. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703, (608) 258-3400. This publication is proudly printed on paper made in Wisconsin.Kurt R. Bauer, WMC President/CEOKaty Pettersen, Editor (kpettersen@wmc.org)Jane Sutter, Designer (jsutter@wmc.org)

THE EVOLUTIONof 21st Century IT ManagementEnterprise IT Management is in a new era. One where taking action and knowledge sharing is encouraged. One where mobility, virtual environments and ease of collaboration are expected in order to execute on business initiatives. Finally, one where change is viewed as an opportunity for advancement instead of an impediment. Take time to view our video to learn more about this topic.

presents

For more information visit Flexion.us or call 866.620.4353

SCAN TO WATCHOR VISIT FLEXION.US/EVOLUTION

2

Follow Kurt on Twitter @Kurt_R_Bauer

The New War Between the StatesKurt R. Bauer, WMC President/CEO

Governor Rick Scott of Florida loves it when governors in

other states raise taxes and add regulatory burdens on business. He told a winter gathering of state chamber executives that it plays right into his plan to attract (other governors might say poach) as many businesses to the Sunshine State as possible.“The crazier the [anti-business] proposal, the better,” he said at the conference held in his home state. The first-term Republican then half-jokingly told my counterpart

from Minnesota he hopes Democrat Governor Mark Dayton succeeds in enacting a big tax hike and raising the minimum wage to $10 per hour. “It makes us even more attractive and competitive,” Scott said.But Scott isn’t just selling his state’s business climate. Referring to the gorgeous 80 degree-plus day outside in early February, Scott said his opening line when pitching Florida to Midwestern business CEOs is “what’s the temperature like up there?” He follows that question with another one he already knows the answer to. “What’s the tax rate in your state?” Florida doesn’t have an individual income tax and is in the process of eliminating its corporate tax as well.Scott’s pro-business strategy begs the question; why do governors in states such as California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York pursue tax and regulatory policies employers consider hostile to job growth? The answer is part ideological and part political. Many are Keynesians who believe making business pay their “fair share” feeds the government spending that, in their mind, creates economic activity. It also appeals to their base which includes special interest groups that directly benefit from high government spending. (See David Azerrad’s column on page 12.)I posed that same question to Scott after his remarks. “They are betting businesses won’t leave,” he said.Some states may be losing that bet. A recent report by KCRA-TV in Sacramento identified two dozen businesses that have already left, or are in the process of leaving, California for greener pastures in Arizona and Texas and taking their employees – i.e. consumers and taxpayers – with

them. The story said “core values” in those states were far more “employer friendly.”A business relocation specialist quoted by KCRA said businesses decide to move because of the same three factors we at WMC refer to as “the trinity;” 1) taxes, including fees like worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance, 2) regulations, including permitting timelines and 3) exposure to frivolous lawsuits. Other businesses in those states may not be leaving, but many aren’t expanding there either.The competition for business relocation and expansion between states isn’t a friendly rivalry. It’s been heated at times because there is a lot at stake. It’s not just about jobs and the economic growth, tax revenue and high approval ratings for politicians that come with them. It’s also about validating the very different views each political party has about how to create prosperity. Republicans believe in private sector-driven economic policies, while Democrats pursue government-driven ones. It’s Milton Friedman versus Paul Krugman. Businesses tend to side with Friedman and the Republicans,

which is why you see more GOP governors recruiting companies from states with

Democratic governors than the other way around.Wisconsin has attempted to take advantage of its rise in many of the

major business rankings by contacting businesses in Illinois and Minnesota. State

Rep. Erik Severson (R-Star Prairie) sent a letter to Minnesota businesses touting Wisconsin’s balanced budget and improved business climate. Scott in Florida did the same thing in New York. Texas Governor Rick Perry took the approach a step further by running radio ads in California that said “Come to Texas.” Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Minnesota’s Dayton have had terse rebuttals to Governor Walker when he has compared Wisconsin’s budget surplus, achieved without tax increases, to deficits in Illinois and Minnesota. Scott told me during a brief one-on-one conversation after his formal remarks that he has been watching what Walker is doing in Wisconsin and is impressed. He agrees that controlling state spending gives states an advantage far beyond simply keeping and attracting businesses. Like Walker, Scott is unnerved by the runaway spending at the federal level with a national debt approaching $17 trillion. He said his goal is to put Florida in the best position possible for “the inevitable day of reckoning.” BV

“The crazier the [anti-business] proposal,

the better.”

America’s genius is found in its economic freedom: the ability to buy, sell, produce, create, trade, and own are just a few of the freedoms that drive free enterprise. Whenever countries allow people do what they like to do, economies work better. Government coercion and control distorts incentives and limits innovation. Free enterprise, on the other hand, fosters the courage and hope to disrupt old routines and produce new products, new services, and often a whole new way of doing business. Entrepreneurship is a never ending process of progress pushing and promoting economic flourishing. – Barry Asmus, Senior Economist, NCPA

“Agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and navigation, the four pillars of our prosperity, are the most thriving when left most free to individual enterprise.” – Thomas Jefferson

The freedom to run your business without constant interference from the government. - Robert Peaslee, President, Manitowoc Grey Iron Foundry, Inc., Manitowoc

“A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither. A society that puts freedom before equality will get a high degree of both.” – Milton Friedman

To me “Free Enterprise” means just that – the freedom to conduct business in an “open” and “fair” environment. It ensures quality and cost effectiveness. – Jim King, President, Skyward, Inc., Stevens Point

Free Enterprise is the freedom to create and produce products and services with one’s own resources, capital and personal efforts without encumbering restrictions, regulations or favorable subsidies from or by and level of government. It flourishes in a laissez faire environment where entrepreneurs can, of their own free will, strive to fulfill their own desires and needs. It is the freedom to pursue opportunities, to invest, take risks, fail, succeed, innovate, improve, profit and ultimately create prosperity. It is best guided by the “invisible hand” through competitive free market capitalism to ultimately produce personal achievement and thereby the improvement of all of society. – Cap Wulf, Owner & President, Wulf Brothers, Sturgeon Bay

“Free enterprise means that little companies like Nicolet have a chance to make a difference. Mostly we learn from our mistakes and hope that we don’t make one so big that it takes us out. There is an abundance of great competition out there so it’s hard to be significantly better than your competition, so you find a way to be different.” – Bob MacIntosh, President/CEO, Nicolet Plastics

FREE ENTERPRISE: IN OUR OWN WORDSWe asked business leaders what free enterprise means to them. Below are a few of the responses along with some well-known thoughts from Friedman and Jefferson.

workers for you.apprenticeship: works for wisconsin.

Better workers produce Better work. That’s the idea behind training apprentices. Because more skilled, more knowledgeable, more loyal employees make your company more productive. And a more productive company is a more profitable company. Learn more at WisconsinApprenticeship.org.

Wisconsin Business Voice 5

Regulation and the Erosion of Free EnterpriseFree enterprise is generally understood to be the freedom of

private businesses to operate competitively for profit with minimal government regulation.Why is the level of government regulation important to free enterprise? Perhaps the answer is best illustrated by the example of entrepreneurship, a fundamental component of free enterprise.Government does not create jobs, entrepreneurs do. While this axiom of free market philosophy is obvious to many, less obvious is the negative role that government regulation has on job creation.Excessive regulation, for example, has the potential to stifle entrepreneurship by strangling businesses with bureaucratic red tape. The economic cost of regulation itself stymies job creation because it diverts capital that could otherwise be invested in new employees or higher wages, to instead pay the cost of regulatory compliance.Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman characterized government regulation as having “imposed heavy costs on industry after industry to meet increasingly detailed and extensive government requirements…they have required capital to be invested for nonproductive purposes in ways specified by government bureaucrats.”In 1980, Friedman was alarmed by the growing intervention of the Environmental Protection Agency in the free market, noting the agency “has imposed costs on industry and local and state governments to meet its standards that total in the tens of billions of dollars a year.”Decades later, the concern with the growing cost regulation, and its adverse impact on free enterprise, has only amplified. Regulatory costs are no longer measured in billions of dollars, they amount to trillions.Analysts at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a respected free market think tank, estimate today’s regulatory costs at $1.75 trillion. These costs equate to $10,585 per employee for small businesses, and roughly $7,500 per employee for medium and large employers.What if employers didn’t need to spend so much money on regulation? Consider the enormity of the positive economic impact that would result if employers were able to invest even half of their compliance costs per employee in higher wages or capital expansion.

These missed economic opportunities underscore the corrosive effect of regulation on free enterprise. They also illustrate the ridiculousness of frequent assertions by Obama Administration officials that federal regulations create jobs.It is important to recognize a certain amount of regulation is necessary to ensure any economic system operates in a fair and voluntary manner and that the interests of individuals are protected. However, do we really need an average of more than 3,500 new rules each year, or 169,301 pages of federal regulations to promote a level playing field?The federal government defines as “economically significant” any rule that will cost at least $100 million each year. In 2011, there were 212 “economically significant” rules either completed or pending from a variety of federal agencies. At a minimum, those rules would impose a staggering $21.2 billion in new costs to businesses and consumers each year.Given the trajectory we are on for increasingly numerous and expensive regulations, it should come as no surprise that the cost of regulation is beginning to outstrip traditional economic benchmarks.For example, the $1.75 trillion cost for regulation in 2011 was more than individual income taxes ($956 billion), corporate income taxes ($198 billion), corporate pretax profits ($1.3 trillion) and the annual deficit ($1.29 trillion). It’s difficult to imagine long-term sustainable growth in an economy whose regulatory costs have reached that magnitude.Regulations are increasingly eroding the foundation of free enterprise with growing intrusion into the marketplace by government. They are adding unnecessary cost, delay and complexity to our economy that ultimately result in the nonproductive diversion of capital.The cascading impact of these costs are making businesses less competitive, and are stifling economic growth. Will federal lawmakers take back their rightful role as regulatory decision makers, or will they continue to allow unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats to thwart free enterprise by burying our economy in regulations and red tape? BV

Follow Scott on Twitter @ManleyWMC

Scott Manley WMC Vice President of Government Relations

FREE ENTERPRISE

workers for you.apprenticeship: works for wisconsin.

Better workers produce Better work. That’s the idea behind training apprentices. Because more skilled, more knowledgeable, more loyal employees make your company more productive. And a more productive company is a more profitable company. Learn more at WisconsinApprenticeship.org.

6

Made in WisconsinDiCkten masCh plastiCs

The last time you wondered if your car needed an oil change you probably popped open the hood and used a fluid level indicator - better known as a “dipstick” - to measure the level of the oil. That dipstick most likely came from Dickten Masch Plastics, located in Waukesha County. Dickten Masch is a partner to leading OEMs in automotive, medical, hand and power tools and other markets. The company delivers complete, high-quality assemblies of a variety of complex components and finished products such as automotive dipsticks and tubes. Originally a tooling shop, Dickten

Masch Plastics began molding custom thermoset components for the small appliance and electrical industries in the 1940s. They expanded into thermoplastic molding in the following decade and now employ 520 people in four locations.

www.dicktenplastics.com

realityworksYou have probably witnessed high school students caring for life-like infants as part of a simulation project for their Home

Economics, Family and Consumer Sciences, or Early Childhood Education classes, but did you know there is a good chance that those infant simulators are designed and assembled in Wisconsin? Realityworks is an experiential learning technology company employing 60 people, whose award-winning programs provide students with realistic learning experiences used by educators in career and technical education programs as well as government and social service agencies worldwide. Realityworks RealCare® infant simulators offer real-life experiences that address substance abuse education, prenatal education, child care skills, infant safety and CPR and Shaken Baby Syndrome. Realityworks has had the privilege of being featured by numerous media outlets including Dr. Phil, Good Morning America and Project Runway, to name a few.

www.realityworks.com

Colony BranDs, inC.Nearly every one of us has given or received a gift basket full of assorted meats and cheeses or a box of chocolates. Those gifts more than

likely came from The Swiss Colony in Green County. Since 1961 The Swiss Colony and its affiliated businesses have grown by leaps and bounds, from cheese and food gifts to general merchandise encompassing several different brands. Today, the Swiss Colony (recently renamed Colony Brands to reflect the diversity of companies) is one of the largest direct marketers in the United States and employs more than 1,000 regular employees and about 4,500 temporary employees in 12 communities across the Midwest. Colony Brands, Inc. provides customers with furniture and home décor, apparel, entertaining products, gifts and collectibles and much more. The Swiss Colony, LLC subsidiary was formed to continue to sell cheese, pastries, sausage and other food and gift items through the Swiss Colony® catalogs and web site.

www.swisscolony.com

ameriCan orthoDontiCsYou can credit this Sheboygan County company with helping orthodontists give every

patient the smile they deserve! American Orthodontics, founded in 1968, is the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of orthodontic appliances, with more than 600 employees worldwide, serving customers in more than 100 countries. AO is a global company with a local heart, manufacturing 95 percent of their product offering at their state-of-the–art manufacturing facility in Sheboygan. In its 45 year history, AO has never had one layoff, and has exceeded prior years’ sales each and every year, largely due to its ability to innovate new products and manufacturing technologies. American Orthodontics is a true orthodontic industry leader, committed to providing customers quality products, dependable delivery, and personalized service. So the next time you see someone with braces grinning from ear to ear, remember that the brackets, bands, and wire were most likely made in Wisconsin!

www.americanortho.com

Wisconsin Business Voice 7

Going Global? You,re Not Alone!Global Opportunities and Assistance for Businesses in WisconsinBy Reed E. Hall, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

There’s a world of opportunities for Wisconsin businesses. With

96 percent of the world’s population consuming products outside the U.S. and one billion people expected to join the global middle class in the next decade, Wisconsin businesses need to aggressively seek opportunities outside U.S. borders. Wisconsin has benefited from a booming export economy, especially when it comes to high-quality manufactured products, medical technologies and agricultural products. Exports of Wisconsin goods exceeded $23.1 billion in 2012. The world’s population recently surpassed 7 billion and the United Nations predicts it could reach 9 billion by 2050. Where is this growth and associated opportunity occurring? China is the world’s most populous country with just over 1.3 billion people. One in every five people on the planet is a resident of China. India is home to 1.2 billion people, or 17 percent of the world’s population. In the past decade, India’s population grew by 181 million. That represents an increase nearly equal to the entire population of Brazil. By 2030, it’s predicted India will overtake China as the world’s most populous nation.Brazil is the sixth most populous country in the world after China, India, the United States, Indonesia and the Russian Federation. Its population is approximately 185 million and has a growing middle class, with 62 percent of Brazilians under 29 years of age. Wisconsin has strong opportunities for selling its manufactured goods to overseas markets. Wisconsin exported $7.3 billion of industrial machinery in 2012, representing about 31 percent of total exports.

Equipment for farming, water purification and energy production are among the goods that present long-term growth opportunities. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has helped hundreds of Wisconsin companies grow their export business. WEDC stands ready to help Wisconsin companies gain the insights needed to tap international markets and help them get their foot in the door of markets around the world.WEDC’s team of Market Development Directors are the first points of contact for businesses to get assistance identifying needs and answering questions about a global market. Our team works with other state agencies and trade representatives in 36 countries to provide the insights and contacts businesses need to develop and execute market-specific business development strategies.WEDC’s trade representatives are business consultants who can provide businesses with a detailed market and/or product analysis that will help them develop a market entry strategy and select the right partners to succeed in the market. The trade representatives will also provide assistance to arrange meetings with businesses in the global market.Our Export Development Grants and International Market Access Grants help companies lay the foundation for new export strategies or build upon existing export programs.WEDC has organized numerous in-country trade events in 2013 to introduce new markets to Wisconsin businesses, including a trade venture to South Africa

in March, the Governor’s Trade Mission to China in April and a trade venture to Australia in May. Also vital is foreign direct investment in Wisconsin businesses. WEDC is working to connect foreign investors to Wisconsin companies in ways that create jobs, expand supply chains, open doors to new markets and provide needed investment dollars.

Wisconsin cannot possibly consume or sell everything it produces at home or even nationally. That’s

why exports and foreign investment are important

elements to the success of trade for Wisconsin businesses. The global market provides Wisconsin the opportunity to build, produce and grow what the world needs – and to attract investments from markets that understand the state’s strengths.Visit WEDC online at www.inwisconsin.com/international to grow your business. BV

Reed E. Hall, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Visit www.wedc.org for more information.

Exports of Wisconsin goods exceeded

$23.1 billion in 2012.

8

“We need to talk.” Those are four words you never want to hear

from your teacher, your boss, your parent or your spouse!Full disclosure: I am from a mixed marriage. I work for WMC and my wife is a public school teacher in Madison. More disclosure: Our children are graduates of both public and private high schools. Still more disclosure: I don’t believe my wife and I have ever voted for the same person . . . EVER!With that being said, life is never boring.So to ensure that things stay lively, I decided to wade into the waters of vouchers, charter schools and public education the other night at home, and a spirited discussion ensued. I stepped into the ocean of education reform because I have been fascinated by the recent “dialogue” in the public forum. To read or listen to the debate, you can only come to one of two conclusions: 1) public schools are a disaster, no one is getting a quality education, the public monopoly is destroying our country and the only way to save it is wide-open competition through school vouchers and more charter school autonomy, or 2) the unaccountable, school choice program is sucking the financial life out of the very foundation of our country and our public schools are fantastic, thank you very much!If only life were that simple.Getting back to the family “discussion,” my wife very clearly articulates the challenges facing an urban middle school. She can list the initiatives put into place to deal with controllable factors within the school and some programs to deal with uncontrollable factors outside the school. And she provides an interesting case study in education where you have students in a system for 13 years but leadership that is churning every two or three years and changing direction just as often.

I counter with the need for innovation and the fact that history shows a monopoly is rarely an agent of change, and outside pressure and innovation can often improve results for everyone. Using Madison as an example, we have had an achievement gap for more than 25 years and we continue to reject any ideas that are outside the protected system.And from there, the back and forth begins.As you listen to the polarized debate, it seems we want to attack an enemy and ideology more so than we want to solve the problem, and that led me to some research we did in the Foundation 20 years ago looking at the characteristics of successful schools. We went nationwide looking for consensus on what went into a quality school, tested those characteristics with educational leaders in Wisconsin, publicized them and, through a WMC Foundation awards program, recognized schools and districts for demonstrating them. They were:

1) High expectations of both students and teachers

2) Clear vision 3) Strong leadership 4) Teamwork 5) Strong staff development 6) Appropriate curriculum 7) Safe, clean and orderly

environment 8) Genuine accountability 9) Recognition and reward for

excellence 10) Community and parental support

Those still look pretty good today.I had the opportunity to have this same conversation with a number of educators at our Workforce Paradox Conference in

March and many suggested we re-institute a recognition program for schools doing exceptional work. As a result, in an effort to improve the dialogue around quality education, the WMC Foundation will again consider implementing our Excellence in Education awards to recognize those who are leading the way. We will make a formal announcement in the coming months.In the meantime, the debate will continue… in spirited households like mine, as well as in the town square. I would encourage the debaters to focus the discussion on the 10 characteristics above. In other words… we need to talk. BV

Follow Morgan on Twitter @JimMorgan1960

We Need to Talk

Jim Morgan WMC Foundation President

EDUCATION

Excellence in Education

AwardsMore information coming soon.

The BenefiTs Of hiring VeTerans

Translating Military Expertise to Civilian Excellence

SCHEDULE FOR 2013May 15–Mercury Marine–Fond du Lac

June 4–American Family Insurance–Madison

July 10–Gateway Technical College–iMET Center–Sturtevant

August 7–Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College–Superior

September 10–Blackhawk Technical College–Janesville

October 9–Wausau Window and Wall Systems–Wausau

November 5–Logistics Health, Inc.– La Crosse

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE: How to Translate the Skills Veterans

Possess The Financial Benefits of Hiring

Veterans (tax credits, on-the-job training funds, etc)

Employer Presentations: A Business-to-Business Explanation of how Hiring Veterans will Benefit Your Company

How to Connect with Potential Veteran Candidates, and Much More!!

COST: Free, but space is limited, so register soon to reserve your spot.

For more details and to register, please contact Al Hoffmann: 608.266.1209.

Allen.Hoffmann@dva.wisconsin.gov

You can also access the Registration Forms through the fliers listed on the “Events” page of our website at www.WisVets.com

hiring wisConsin’s heroesThe U.S. currently has a shortage of skilled workers that is projected to get worse. Filling that worker pipeline isn’t as easy as one would think given the 7.6 percent national unemployment rate. It is a paradox and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. But one piece of the puzzle can be the patriotic men and women who have served in the National Guard.WMC’s Kurt Bauer serves on the American Jobs for America’s Heroes (AJAH) Advisory Board. The national effort works to match the unique and very marketable skills National Guard Veterans have acquired when serving their country. Perhaps the most valuable and in-demand traits Guard Veterans offer potential employers are

integrity, discipline and loyalty. They also have both leadership and teamwork skills that can be applied to many different work settings and business sectors.Despite the fact that Guard Veterans can make ideal employees, the unemployment rate among their ranks is 20 percent. AJAH’s goal is to lower that rate by connecting Guard Veterans with employers.Scan this tag or visit the AJAH website (http://www.centerforamerica.org/pledge/ng/ajah_mm.html) to learn more.

wmC in the news

“As an economist, she will bring a welcome perspective to the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Our business community understands that UW-Madison is vitally important to economic development and we look forward to working with the new chancellor to foster economic growth and prosperity for our state.” – Kurt Bauer, WMC President/CEO, speaking on the appointment of Rebecca Blank as chancellor of UW-Madison, The Business Journal, March 18, 2013

“Now a mining company will have a fair chance at getting a permit to mine for iron if the company can demonstrate that it will protect the environment.” – Scott Manley, WMC Vice President of Government Relations, speaking on the mining legislation signed by Governor Walker, Journal Sentinel, March 11, 2013

“If the determination of what is actually going on in the marketplace is between a theoretical review of academic studies and data sources, or the reality of hundreds and hundreds of Wisconsin manufacturers who are trying to hire, we will trust the manufacturers.” – Jim Morgan, WMC Foundation President, speaking on a workforce report released by a UWM professor which stated there is not a workforce shortage in Wisconsin, The Business Journal, March 16, 2013

“I am tempted to praise Governor Quinn’s decision because I do think it makes Wisconsin’s business climate even more attractive by comparison. Quinn is putting political populism ahead of fiscal pragmatism.” – Kurt Bauer, WMC President/CEO, speaking on the Illinois Governor’s proposal to raise his state’s minimum wage from $8.25 to $10/hour, Financial Times, February 13, 2013

“The winners are recognized as the best of the best. Winners tell us year after year they had no idea the award would open so many doors for them.” – Katy Pettersen, WMC Director of Marketing, speaking about the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards, Green Bay Press Gazette, February 18, 2013

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Wisconsin Business Voice 11

June is Safety Month Invest in Your Safety Program

Every June, the National Safety Council (NSC) encourages organizations to

get involved and participate in National Safety Month. National Safety Month is an annual observance to educate and influence behaviors around leading causes of preventable injuries and death. Unintentional injuries and deaths in the United States remain at unacceptable levels, demonstrating the need for a national observance such as National Safety Month. Unintentional deaths reached an estimated 126,100 in 2010*, compared with an estimate of 122,700 in the previous year. The cost of unintentional injuries to Americans and their employers exceeds $730 billion nationally.The Wisconsin Safety Council is a chapter of NSC and we encourage you, as a leader in your organization, to invest in your safety programs by participating in June is National Safety Month. WSC will provide access to posters, tip sheets, safety articles, 5-minute safety talks and other information and

activities to help you involve everyone. We hope you will use these materials to find creative ways to bring out the safety leader in every one of your employees. Visit the Wisconsin Safety Council website – www.wisafetycouncil.org - for June is Safety Month information.This year's theme, "Safety Starts with Me," was inspired by the pillar of Leadership and Employee Engagement from the Journey to Safety Excellence. Successful organizations engage everyone in safety and create a culture where people feel a personal responsibility not only for their own safety, but for that of their coworkers, family and friends. This year’s observance highlights the need to practice safe behaviors 24/7, as significantly more employees are injured off the job than while at work. While leadership from the top is important, creating a culture where there is a sense of ownership of safety by all makes everyone in the organization a safety leader.

2013 Weekly ThemesWeek 1: Preventing Slips, Trips and FallsWeek 2: Employee WellnessWeek 3: Emergency PreparednessWeek 4: Ergonomics Bonus Topics: In the event the weekly themes do not fit into your schedule or you are looking for additional topics you could focus on Summer Safety or Driving Safety.While June has been designated “Safety Month,” don’t stop when June ends. Safety should be a priority all year long. BV

*2010 is the latest year the statistical safety information is available.

Follow WSC on Twitter @WISafetyCouncil

Janie Ritter Director of Wisconsin Safety Council

SAFETY

These companies have shown their commitment to safety through annual sponsorship of the Wisconsin Safety Council.

PLATINUMAriens CompanyBMO Harris Bank, N.A.Briggs & Stratton Corp.John Deere Horicon WorksWaupaca FoundryGOLDAlliant Energy-

Wisconsin Power & LightThe Boldt Company Colony Brands, Inc.Johnsonville Sausage, LLCNSP-Wisconsin/Xcel Energy

RGL Holdings, Inc.Rockwell AutomationTweet/Garot Mechanical, Inc.SILVERABB, Inc.Hy-Test Safety Shoe ServiceInSinkErator (Emerson)ITU Inc.Kerry IngredientsMathews SolocamMG&EPearl Engineering Corp.Sentry Insurance

Waukesha Metal ProductsWMEPBRONZEEnviro-Safe Consulting, LLCFitesa-Green BayFoth Infrastructure &

Environment, LLCHeritage-Crystal CleanJ.F. Ahern Co.JJ Keller & Associates, Inc.Johnson Insurance Services,

LLCKwik Trip

SC JohnsonScheck Mechanical Wisconsin

Co.Secura Insurance CompaniesWebcrafters, Inc.NICKELBalistrieri Environmental &

Development, Inc.Damarco SolutionsHestra JOB Work GlovesMercury MarineNorth Shore Environmental

Construction IncToro Company

12

The American Dream vs. the Liberal DreamBy David Azerrad

The Left and the Right do not see eye-to-eye on much of anything

these days. How interesting, then, how everyone seems to agree that the American Dream—an idea central to our country’s self-understanding—is under threat.Leading Republicans and Democrats worry that it’s becoming too hard to make it in America. Progressive journalists, union leaders, and conservative pundits all wonder whether we are still the land of opportunity. Our cherished American Dream, we are told, is fading into the sunset.Given the deep rift between liberals and conservatives, it should come as no surprise that upon closer inspection, they do not mean the same thing at all when they speak of the American Dream. While conservatives still consider the traditional promise of opportunity and upward mobility to be at the heart of the American Dream, liberals have subtly redefined it along egalitarian and statist lines. The exhortation to work hard and persevere if you fail has given way to calls for greater government involvement in ensuring all rise in the first place. The acceptance of unequal results as an inevitable part of the pursuit of happiness has been supplanted by demands that income be redistributed more fairly.While the American Dream we all know is about climbing the ladder of opportunity, the new liberal American Dream can best be likened to an escalator of results: everyone hops on and moves up without effort.

The real American Dream is first and foremost about hard work and the opportunities created by a free economy. Stemming from our founding principles, it can be summed up by a simple equation:Economic Freedom + Culture of Work = Prosperity and OpportunityContrary to the straw-man caricatures peddled by the Left, government has an important supporting role to play for this dream to come true. It must, for example, uphold the rule of law, secure property rights, ensure access to education, and provide a safety net—not a hammock—for those who fall on hard times. The focus, however, remains on the individual and his efforts to rise and help those around him do the same. Given the diversity of individual efforts and the vagaries of life, not all will succeed. Unequal results are a natural outcome of equal opportunity.The Left’s new dream, by contrast, is first and foremost about all that the federal government must do to create opportunity and ensure that incomes are distributed more equitably. Individual effort takes a backseat to government spending and cradle-to-grave entitlements. Under this scheme, government spending—not private sector growth—generates opportunity. Hence, the new Left’s new catch phrase: “we (i.e. the government) must invest in opportunity (i.e. spend on our pet projects).”

For the Left’s new dream to deliver on its promise, America will have to be completely overhauled, and the character of its citizens profoundly altered. The spirited, entrepreneurial, and determinedly self-reliant citizens envisioned by the Founders of our constitutional republic will give way to a herd of timid and envious clients who increasingly turn to an omnipotent state for their well-being. Those who succeed will no longer be admired and emulated, but envied and targeted.The American Dream is an expression of the American mind. It grows out of our principles and defines us as a nation. People the world over know that America is the land of opportunity. The stakes are too high—the cause is too dear to us—for us to let the American Dream slip away and give way to the Left’s new dream. BV

David Azerrad is the Associate Director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics at The Heritage Foundation and the co-author of “Defending the Dream: Why Income Inequality Doesn’t Threaten Opportunity.”

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A Partnership Built for Members in Wisconsin

14

Steve Benzschawel Business World Director

BUSINESS WORLD

Real World Experience… Life Changing ResultsParents want their kids to be successful, that goes without

saying. Getting them there is what causes sleepless nights. What will they be when they grow up? Will they find their passion? How can I expose them to experiences that will help them on their journey?There are so many things that go into what forms a young person’s life – friends, mentors, teachers, parents and experiences. What finally triggers a 16-year-old’s passion is a mystery, but Business World is proud to have been that trigger in a few lives. The understanding of free enterprise is critical to a student growing up in America, and understanding that and the excitement of entrepreneurism has “lit the bulb” for many Business World graduates. But so has the experience itself. We received this letter from a parent after last summer’s program.

Our success stories of alumni who have gone on to lead Wisconsin companies are many. For more than 30 years, the Wisconsin Business World program has been educating young people about the principles of our free enterprise system so they understand the importance of entrepreneurship and private-sector businesses. From Dan Olszewski, whose professional journey has taken him around the world since his days at Business World, to Austin White-Pentony who was recently named Young Entrepreneur of the Year - our graduates are making a positive impact in their communities and around the world.Dan Olszewski, BW class of 1982 (pictured at right), whose career has taken him from the United States to Tokyo, from the Federal Reserve Board to being a successful CEO of Parts Now!. Dan now

serves as Director of the Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship at UW-Madison and a co-founder of the Wisconsin Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, a graduate level entrepreneurship program ranked 9th globally among business schools.Austin White-Pentony, BW class of 2010 (pictured at right from the Minnesota Daily online story), took a negative situation - a broken cell phone - and turned it into a profitable business that would soon outgrow his dorm room and garner him the prestigious honor of being named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. State Superintendent Tony Evers lauded Austin’s accomplishments, “Congratulations to Austin for tapping into his passion and developing a company that uses green marketing and new technology.” Currently a sophomore at University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, the sky is the limit for Austin!Dan and Austin’s successes are just two of the remarkable stories of our 14,000+ graduates who have attended Business World since 1982. Students who attend BW have an experience unlike any other summer camp can provide because it is taught directly by business professionals. Our advisors are volunteers from the local community who see the value in engaging the future workforce and getting them excited about their careers and the path their professional journey will take. BVFollow Business World on Twitter @WiBusinessWorld

I just wanted to let you know the impact that Business World has had on my daughter. While school and the discipline it takes to succeed there came easily to my other children, she has had to work hard to stay focused and on track. This has not always been easy. I found out about Business World when I attended a conference and brought the information home. To my utter surprise, she said that she thought it sounded like fun. So we signed her up, and obviously she attended and had a great time. She was the operations manager for her company, and met a lot of kids that she continues to interact with.But, what happened after Business World ended is what I wanted to let you know about.When my wife and I dropped her off, she told me she thought she might be “too dumb” to do well at the camp. I gave her my usual Dad pep talk, and reminded her of all her great qualities, including her ability to easily make friends. We left and prayed for the best. I’m not totally sure what specifically sparked it, but being part of that team and being in a leadership role made a huge difference in her. In the weeks following the camp, she talked a lot about the experience, and we actually started having discussions about topics related to manufacturing, leadership and business. She also signed up for an intro to business course at school, and for the first time really started asking questions about college.Her first semester this year has been nothing short of a transformation. I also see a major change in her effort, and she has started to really take pride in her school accomplishments. I think she is starting to understand that in order to reach her goals, she has to start laying the foundation now. Turning 16 is a big reason for her new found maturity, but I am confident that Business World played a major part in her growth. I just want to thank you and WMC for offering the program. If you ever wonder whether it is making a difference in students’ lives, I can without a doubt say that it is. I want to thank you for helping to provide a spark that is making a difference in her life.

Business World30+ Years. 14,000 Students. 2,500 Educators.

Business World, a WMC initiative, brings high school students and educators together with business volunteers at a college campus or local business to learn about the challenges facing our economy. This opportunity helps tomorrow’s leaders prepare for their future in today’s increasingly competitive global marketplace.

@WiBusinessWorld

Wisconsin-Business-World

www.wibusinessworld.org

2013 Summer Programs

June 16-19Edgewood College, Madison

June 23-26St. Norbert College, De Pere

Business World Helps Wisconsin,s Current and Future LeadersBy Shane Leadholm and Dustin Serrault, Wisconsin Business World Interns

Business World is a hands-on summer camp that provides high school students the opportunity to run a “company” and make many of the same decisions faced by real-world

company executives… all while experiencing life on a college campus for four fast-paced days of competitions and activities. Students leave camp with an increased knowledge of the workplace, more self-confidence and ambition… and a lot more friends. Both of us currently work as interns for Wisconsin Business World and have had the opportunity to experience the free enterprise system in different ways.

“I had the opportunity to attend Business World when I was a junior in high school and have never forgotten the experience. In the four days at camp I made life-long friends, gained professional experience and made connections that continue to benefit me today. Four years later I continue to utilize the knowledge and enthusiasm I gained while at camp.”-Dustin Serrault

“During my time interning at Business World, I have greatly enjoyed working towards the goal of educating Wisconsin’s future business leaders. In the few months I have been working here, I have learned that the endless preparation to improve the camp is one of the main reasons this program is so special.”- Shane Leadholm

During the program, our advisors are volunteers from the local community that see the value in engaging the future workforce and getting them excited about their careers and what path their professional journey will take. Bob Denor and Michelle Morrow have both been advisors for the Business World summer program and shared some of their thoughts about the camp with us.

“The business community is greatly served by this program in giving students a chance to encourage their personal investigation and potential for a business career in the state. I see in these students so much positive potential for their contribution to the working environment in this state. As we hopefully continue to grow the business environment in the state, I am sure these students will make a difference when their turn comes as leaders.”- Bob Denor, Retired, Ariens Company, Brillion

“Business World provides students with real-world examples of how a business works and what decisions are needed to help make a business succeed. They are taught team building skills as well as real world experience in finance, marketing, IT and sales that can’t easily be taught in

a classroom. Students who attend Business World leave this program with a better understanding of how a company operates, the different departments in a company and the effects departments have on other departments.”- Michelle Morrow, Senior Employee Relations Specialist, Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation, MadisonWith 14,000+ graduates, Business World continues to not only improve the lives of students who attend the camp but also the Wisconsin community. BV

Wisconsin Business World is honored to have two Edgewood College students interning with the program this year. Shane Leadholm (left) is a junior majoring in Business and Information Technology Education. Dustin Serrault is a junior with a double major in Business Marketing and Finance and a minor in Economics.

16

Chapter of

MILWAUKEE AREA SAFETY TRAININGmay 8Supervisor Development: Safety & Health FundamentalsJuly 16Safety InspectionsJuly 17Job Safety Analysisaugust 6-7OSHA 10-Hour Voluntary Compliance for General Industryaugust 13Creating a World-Class Safety CultureseptemBer 9Ergonomics: Managing for ResultsseptemBer 1122nd Annual Autumn Safety & Health Conference/ExposeptemBer 24NFPA 70E Compliance Requirements

MADISON AREA SAFETY TRAININGmay 6-8Instructor Development Course: First Aid/Adult CPR/AEDmay 13-16Safety Training Methods (STM)may 17OSHA Construction Breakfast “Health Hazards/Basics of Respirator Programs”august 12-15Principles of Occupational Safety & Health (POSH)august 20Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator, Train-the-TrainerseptemBer 6Confined Space, Train-the-TrainerseptemBer 10First Aid/CPR/AED RecertificationseptemBer 16-19OSHA 30-Hour Voluntary Compliance for General Industry

FOX VALLEY/GREEN BAY AREA SAFETY TRAININGJune 17Lockout/Tagout, Train-the-TrainerJune 19Incident Investigation: A Root Cause AnalysisseptemBer 11Effective Team Safety

WAUSAU/STEVENS POINT/MARSHFIELD AREA SAFETY TRAININGmay 20-23OSHA 30-Hour Voluntary Compliance Course for General Industryaugust 21Coaching the Lift Truck Operator, Train-the-Trainer

2013 Safety TrainingThe Wisconsin Safety Council, a division of WMC, is the reason more people go home safely every day from manufacturing plants, offices, and

construction sites. WSC offers training throughout the year at locations across the state.

Company NewsAWI Donates Labor and Material to Klondike Days

The Advanced Welding Institute recently donated labor and materials to build lumberjack stands for Klondike Days which took place in Eagle River in March. Klondike Days is a family-oriented annual event dubbed by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism as "Wisconsin's #1 Winter

Family Fun Festival.” “It’s important to give back to the community and we want to show our students that,” Brian Scheid, AWI Director, says. “Our students were given direction on the project as they worked on the stands after school and on the weekends.” The AWI students graduated from the six month Structural Pipe and Welding Program, which consists of 85 percent hands-on training, in March.

Youth Employment Program Celebrates 20th AnniversaryThe Youth Job Center (YJC) job skills program is celebrating 20 years of service. The program has taught more than 2,000 high school-aged youth valuable life skills such as how to find, secure and keep paid employment. Each year, YJC helps an average of 100 students ranging from 14 to 17 years old through means such as individualized job-

coach mentoring, 10 hours of hard and soft job skills instruction, resume creation, job lead development, application and interview problem solving, 12 weeks of ongoing job performance monitoring and offering free work permits. In celebration of their 20 years of service, YJC is aiming to grow their employer base by enlightening even more companies to the benefits of hiring highly motivated, well-trained and flexible youth. Already, nearly 100 Dane County employers of various sizes have utilized the YJC program to provide summer vacation coverage, meet peak seasonal staffing demands and cover evening and weekend adult staff backup. The program is also a cost-effective recruitment tool for permanent entry-level positions following high school graduation or during college attendance.

James D. Friedman Named in Best Lawyers in America 2013WMC Board and Executive Committee member, James D. Friedman of Quarles & Brady LLP was recently named in The Best Lawyers in America 2013® for Banking and Finance Law / Financial Services Regulation Law / Litigation - Banking & Finance). Jim has been named in Best Lawyers continuously since

1995. He is chair of Quarles & Brady’s Financial Institutions Practice Group. His practice includes the representation of financial institutions and their holding companies as well as manufacturers, service businesses and health care providers in corporate, transactional and international matters. He also advises businesses, boards of directors and independent directors or committees of directors in corporate governance, audit or transactional matters.

Two Wisconsin Executives to Head U.S. Department of Commerce Advisory PanelThe state of Wisconsin will likely have an important role in discussions of manufacturing policy taken on by the U.S. Department of Commerce given recent appointments to the 2013 Manufacturing Council. Michael

Laszkiewicz, Vice President and General Manager of Rockwell Automation in Milwaukee, was recently named by acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank to Chair of the 2013 Manufacturing Council, a 30-member national board that advises the Commerce Secretary. Mary Isbister, President of the Mequon-based GenMet, will serve as the council’s Vice Chair. Both Laszkiewicz and Isbister also served on the Manufacturing Council last year. Laszkiewicz says he looks forward to working with the department and offering new suggestions to strengthen the nation’s manufacturing and global competitiveness.

Wisconsin Business Voice 17

You see the destination. We see your path.

Insight. Experience. Passion for business. And a promise that we’ll work as hard making your business a success as we do our own. Because to us, the only true measure of our success is yours.

OFFICES IN MILWAUKEE, MADISON, WAUKESHA, GREEN BAY AND APPLETON, WISCONSIN AND WASHINGTON, D.C. © 2013 Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

FREE ENTERPRISE

Wisconsin Business Voice 19

FREE ENTERPRISE

Free enterprise is still the best system in the world for creating positive social change.

FREE ENTERPRISE: how are we Faring in wisConsin?

By Mark Crawford

Chances are no two people will have exactly the same definition for free

enterprise – their viewpoints will be based on education, personal experience and business beliefs.That said, most people will agree that free enterprise is about the ability to pursue a business venture and sell the final product or service at a fair price (or even the highest price the market will bear) to make a profit. The goal is not only to better one’s own standing in life, but to improve society by providing valuable services or products that make a difference in people’s lives. The overarching idea is that, ideally, the free enterprise system will regulate itself – that if you make shoddy products, or are unethical or dishonest in your business dealings, consumers will shun your products and your company will fail (and rightly so).“The free enterprise system asks each of us to perform a self-assessment,” says Aaron Powell, partner and vice president of sales and marketing for Flexion Inc. in Sun Prairie.“What am I good at? What am I passionate about? Then compare these answers to a market assessment. What problems are there to be solved that align with my skills and talents? You must also identify with and accept the need to generate income and profit. Profit enables individuals and companies to create value, achieve recognition and give back to society by creating jobs, supporting charities and paying taxes.”The Declaration of Independence outlined the foundation for free enterprise in simple terms: “We hold these truths to be self-

evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”“Inherent in this document is the idea of earned success,” says Thomas Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber in Washington, D.C. “That’s what the founders were talking about when they promised the right to pursue happiness. They didn’t guarantee happiness – nor did they intend for the government to dole it out. Instead, they conceived a nation where success was defined by the individual and achievement was determined by hard work and merit. Free enterprise is built on those principles.” Free enterprise drives economic opportunity and rewards risk. People who work hard and take risks (and occasionally fail) have the opportunity to earn success. Those who are willing to act on a bold idea, or pursue a big dream, have a chance to make a profit. That profit is often reinvested in new ventures, driving innovation and economic growth. “Free enterprise is all about expanding access to opportunity, with no guarantee of equal outcomes,” adds Powell. “One must first fall in love with the work and understand that failure is often the best teacher. Results come through overcoming and learning from failures; the secret is to keep moving forward.”

20

What Is Free Enterprise?Free enterprise is the system of values and laws that respects private property, encourages industry, celebrates liberty, limits government and creates individual opportunity. At any scale, free enterprise must be linked to the principles of capitalism to be successful.“Free enterprise is not just for the one-percenters,” stresses Dan Ariens, President and CEO of Ariens Company in Brillion. “Businesses that want to be successful need to follow a strategy that is based on the principles of capitalism. This even holds true for non-profits. Free enterprise is still the best system in the world for creating positive social change.” Regulation is eyed warily by many business owners as the greatest risk to free enterprise. Too much regulation drags the system down, frustrates business owners, increases red tape, drives up costs and stifles creativity and innovation – hurting the economy. Yet regulation is also essential for creating an even playing field for all businesses (for example, breaking up monopolies). However, achieving a regulatory balance that allows industries to prosper can be a big challenge. “To make free enterprise work effectively, companies must compete in a free and fair environment,” indicates Tom Boldt, CEO of The Boldt Company in Appleton. “To accomplish this, we need an effective legal system of laws and regulations that is fairly interpreted with due process. The system also needs a system of banking that can provide financing for businesses.”

“Government does play a role in a free enterprise system to ensure that the rights of citizens are not infringed upon,” agrees Todd Teske, Chairman, President and CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation in Milwaukee. “However, government should not enact undue rules and regulations, or select winners and losers. Too often, government attempts to influence the free market through fiscal and monetary policies that may result in ‘asset bubbles’ or inefficient

use of resources.” Asset bubbles often burst, creating severe negative impacts. “For example, government policies regarding the desire for more people to own a home arguably created the housing bubble that burst in

2006, and to this day still has profound effects on the economy,” says Teske. “When asset bubbles burst, the generally negative consequences cause people to question the system.”

The Great DivideWhen people react to negative economic news, they often reach the conclusion that free enterprise is only for the self-interest of a few and is fundamentally unfair – and call for the federal government to assume the role of enforcer, punisher and regulator. Yet most of these opponents simply don’t understand how the free enterprise system works, or how it contributes to the prosperity and economic opportunities in their own lives. “For many people, when they think of capitalism, they see Gordon Gekko from the movie Wall Street,” says Ariens. “Or they think products are overpriced and companies are making too much profit. For example, not many people really understand all the steps it takes

for Ariens Company to build a lawnmower, from sourcing all the components, painting and plating the parts, and

assembling and distributing the product.” No system is perfect – and that includes free enterprise. Yet free enterprise has been the workhorse in creating our high standard of living and continues

to drive our economic recovery. “Free enterprise advocates do not claim there is no role for government,”

says Donohue. “Free enterprise works best when there is a wise, prudent and frugal government that upholds the rule of

law, provides a safety net for the disadvantaged, establishes fair rules of conduct and ensures educational opportunities.” In an ideal world, governments and businesses work together to create regulatory frameworks and job opportunities that make sense and are in tune with today’s global economy. “Businesses operate with a different mindset than most government bodies,” says Eric Sauey, Chairman and CEO of Seats Incorporated in Reedsburg. “Speed-to-market is an essential part of success for any business. Most government departments that I have dealt with don’t think that way – this is one of the biggest frustrations business people have when dealing with government agencies. When government agencies can move at the speed of business, or at least be thinking in those terms, businesses will flock to that area because they know they will be able to get things done.”

When government agencies can move at the

speed of business, or at least be thinking in those terms, businesses will flock to that area because they

know they will be able to get things done.

Todd Teske

Wisconsin Business Voice 21

Free Enterprise in WisconsinThis is starting to happen in Wisconsin.Last year, the U.S. Chamber released a study titled “Enterprising States” that highlights specific strategies states are employing to remain competitive and restore jobs. Wisconsin ranked in the top ten for many categories, including tax environment for new firms and regulatory reform – for example, state agencies are now required to submit proposed rules to a cost-benefit analysis, measuring the regulation’s potential impact on businesses and the state’s economy.

“Governor Walker has also been given added powers to stop proposed new rules during promulgation and to kill other proposed regulations, providing a check to state regulatory power,” adds Donohue.Initiatives at a local level have been put in place to encourage innovation and business

start-ups. “For example the Greater Milwaukee Committee created MiKE (Innovation in Milwaukee), which brings together innovative talent, academia and business to develop creative solutions for the market and foster a culture of innovation,” says Teske. “Milwaukee also has the Water Council which is dedicated to making the region a global cluster for water technology.”

Most business leaders agree an economic transformation is taking place in Wisconsin.Getting the state budget in line with revenues was a major first step. “Budget deficits often run counter to a healthy, long-term economic environment,” says Teske. “The regulatory environment has also become more reasonable in the last couple of years.”Powell looks forward to seeing more taxation reform, responsive

job training and venture capital creation to help Wisconsin improve its competitive

standing. “Wisconsin has a window of opportunity to accelerate this economic renaissance in contrast to our neighbors in Minnesota and Illinois,” says Powell.

“Embracing free enterprise and improved collaboration between job

creators and public partners will get the job done. Illinois is near insolvency. Minnesota has a great economy but is increasing taxes, fees, and regulations at the same time we are reforming. Now is the time to sell Wisconsin to like-minded entrepreneurs and high-skilled workers who share the same values and can contribute to our growth objectives.” BV

Crawford is a Madison-based freelance writer.

In an ideal world, governments and businesses

work together to create regulatory frameworks and job opportunities

that make sense and are in tune with today’s global economy.

Tom Donohue

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Capitol Veterans Join wmC

Two Capitol veterans joined the WMC government relations team to advocate on behalf of industry and job creation.

Chris Reader is WMC’s specialist on health care and employment laws and Eric Bott will focus on energy and environmental policy.“I am pleased to announce the addition of Chris and Eric as they are highly respected in the Capitol and true policy experts,” said Scott Manley, WMC vice president of government relations.Reader previously served as Chief of Staff for Senator Rich Zipperer, and as a field

director for U.S. Congressman Mark Green’s campaign. Most recently, he served as Administrator of the Telecommunications Division at the Public Service Commission.Bott served as policy and budget director for Senator Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald. He previously served as policy and budget director, as well as outreach director, for Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald. In addition, Bott has held numerous positions as campaign manager and legislative assistant.“Eric and Chris have both been instrumental in advancing legislation to make Wisconsin a more competitive and business-friendly state,” Manley said. “We are lucky to have them on our team and confident they will zealously advocate on behalf of Wisconsin businesses.”

shoys promoteD to senior ViCe presiDent

WMC’s Kurt Bauer is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Shoys to Senior Vice President. Bauer said “Mike Shoys has been a key member

of the WMC leadership team for a number of years. This promotion is recognition for his position of responsibility and authority to manage most of the operations of the Association. This is a complex organization with many moving parts and Shoys’ experience and organizational skills along with the respect he has garnered from our voluntary leadership and staff warrant this promotion. I have full confidence that the internal operations of the Association are in good hands with Mike Shoys.”Shoys, who has held various positions within WMC since 1995, was originally hired as Vice President of the WMC Service Corporation, a for-profit subsidiary of WMC offering group insurance products and other services to WMC member companies. Since that time, his role has expanded to encompass all internal operations including finance/accounting, human resources, information technology and facilities management. Shoys is leading WMC’s remodel which is underway. BV

Chris Reader Eric Bott

Wisconsin Business Voice 23

iron mining reForm is First law signeD this sessionWMC Pro-Growth Agenda Advancing

A proposed $1.5 billion investment in an iron ore mine in Iron County took an important step forward in February when Governor Walker

signed iron mining reform legislation into law. The Governor signed Act 1 at ceremonies in Rhinelander and Milwaukee, the latter of which took place at mining equipment manufacturer Joy Global. WMC has led the effort to advance the mining reform legislation over the past two years, and greatly appreciates the support of Governor Walker and legislative Republicans who supported its passage. The proposed mining project is expected to create 2,000 construction jobs, 700 mining jobs, and 2,100 other jobs throughout the state to support the mining operation.And while the iron mining reform dominated the debate and headlines in the first few months of 2013, a number of WMC’s key policy proposals are advancing through the Legislature. In 2011, Governor Walker and the Legislature approved a number of key proposals aimed at improving our business climate – tax relief, union reforms, regulation relief and lawsuit reform. They aren’t slowing down, and WMC is working with policymakers to understand which reforms are needed to keep up the momentum to make Wisconsin the most competitive state in the nation.WMC is aggressively advancing our policy agenda in the Legislature with key tax relief, lawsuit reforms and regulatory relief making significant progress at the Capitol.Four significant lawsuit reforms are moving through the Legislature, including “phantom damages” reforms that allow juries to know the actual cost of medical procedures. WMC is also advancing personal injury trust transparency, private attorney contracting reforms for government contingency fee contracts and patient informed consent reforms.WMC is working to ensure the state budget contains tax cuts as it moves through the Legislative process.Visit www.wmc.org to read our full policy agenda, aimed at making Wisconsin the most competitive state in the nation, and to review the status of the bills we are advancing at the Capitol. BV

What You’ll learn

Topics Include• Federal air standards• DNR Division of Air,

Waste, Remediation and Redevelopment (AWaRe)

• Trends in environmental litigation

• DNR rule on phosphorus emissions

• Environmental policy changes

• Best practices from past winners of the Business Friend of the Environment award

Visit www.wmc.org for more information and to register.

environmental PolicY & aWards conference

Governor Walker congratulated WMC's Scott Manley after signing Act 1, which creates an iron ore permitting process.

Wednesday, May 158:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Country Springs, Pewaukee

Wisconsin Business Voice 25

Chris Reader, WMC WMC Director of Health & Human Resources Policy

MINIMUM WAGE

Minimum Wage: It Doesn’t Have to Be Us Versus ThemAn impediment of American free

enterprise is unnecessary government involvement in private industry, even when well intentioned. Such is the case with relentless calls for increasing the minimum wage. Originally struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as unconstitutional multiple times during the 1920s and 1930s, the minimum wage in some form has been law ever since a favorable vote on the 1937 Supreme Court case, West Coast Hotel Company v. Parrish, 300 U.S. 379. Since that time, the political debate has not been whether we should have a minimum wage, but rather what the minimum pay for low-skilled and entry level workers should be.Earlier this year, the never-ending chorus calling for a higher minimum wage continued in Wisconsin when a group of legislative Democrats, led by Senator Bob Wirch of Kenosha and Representative Cory Mason of Racine, introduced Senate Bill 4 (SB4), which would increase the minimum wage in the Badger State from $7.25 to $7.60 an hour. Additionally, SB4 would establish annual increases going forward tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The authors argue that tying the minimum wage to CPI will ensure a so-called living wage into the future. Interestingly, however, their

proposal does not allow for decreases to the mandated wage if the CPI should drop in any future year. Not to be outdone, President Obama asked Congress for an increase to $9.00 per hour during his State of the Union address in February.President Obama and the Wisconsin Democrats are continuing the minimum wage debate by recycling anti-free market arguments as old as the minimum wage itself. For instance, Representative Mason was quoted on Fox 6 in Milwaukee on March 10 saying “A minimum wage basically means the employer would pay

you less if they could, but they can’t. That’s what a minimum wage

basically says.”That anti-

employer tone is emblematic of how minimum wage supporters

view the debate. Rather than

allowing employers and individuals to enter into mutually

beneficial agreements as to what one’s work product is worth, they view it as an ‘us’ versus ‘them’, employer versus employee fight that government needs to referee. Lost on them is the fact employers have a finite number of dollars to pay their staff, and if the government forces employers to pay certain workers higher wages than they otherwise would leverage in the marketplace, that unquestionably results in other workers

receiving less pay and less people being hired overall. Free market economist Milton Friedman spent his career arguing that well-intentioned social welfare ideas, like the minimum wage, actually end up having the opposite impact on low-skilled workers and the poor by causing employers to hire fewer people at entry-level wages, leaving the rest to be unemployed and likely on government assistance. That’s why WMC has a different approach. We want Wisconsin’s workforce to earn a higher wage, to see the standard of living increase and to see more cash infused into our economy. We are focused on doing that not by asking government to simply mandate higher wages, rather we support policies aimed at fixing the workforce paradox in our state so the people coming out of Wisconsin high schools, technical colleges and universities are ready to be active and valuable members of the workforce. By having a skilled workforce and increasing the overall output of our economy, the free enterprise marketplace will ensure workers are paid a proper wage for work performed. BV

Follow Chris on Twitter @ReaderWMC

WMC has a different approach. We want Wisconsin’s

workforce to earn a higher wage, to see the standard of living increase

and to see more cash infused into our economy.

26

Knowledge Powers Wisconsin’s EconomyBy Kevin P. Reilly

In an economy driven by knowledge and innovation, the University of Wisconsin

System is preparing a stronger workforce to accelerate business success. More than 35,000 new University of Wisconsin graduates will enter the workforce this year, ready to put their talent and entrepreneurial spirit to work. This work has never been more important. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce, more than 61 percent of all jobs in Wisconsin by 2018 will require some form of postsecondary education and training, with 27 percent needing a bachelor’s degree or higher. That means more family-supporting Wisconsin jobs will require some kind of education after high school. The UW System is anticipating these marketplace needs by making it more convenient for working adults to obtain a degree. For example, the UW Flexible Option will be an innovative way to meet workforce demands by allowing students to earn degrees through passing a series of assessments demonstrating their mastery of required knowledge and skills. They can acquire this mastery through traditional or

online coursework, military service, on-the-job training and other learning experiences. With an eye toward building educational capacity in the most efficient manner possible, UW campuses are collaborating in new ways. A student at UW-Fox Valley, for example, can earn an engineering degree from UW-Platteville without ever leaving the Fox Valley. Now more than ever, there is a high demand for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and in health-related fields. Looking across all

UW degrees granted last year, more than one-quarter (27.8 percent) were in STEM or health-related fields. That’s the result of steady growth. In the

last 10 years, STEM degrees have increased by

23.4 percent, while health-related degrees have increased by 35.2 percent, and we expect these trends to continue. The Competitive Wisconsin “Be Bold” report cited finance and accounting as areas where Wisconsin may face a major skills gap in the future. Most people are surprised to learn the most popular disciplines at UW System institutions, by far, are business management and related fields, representing

about 18 percent of all undergraduate degrees granted. At the same time, UW is more than a business incubator or job

training school. Our mission is to prepare students to be successful, productive and contributing members of society. These ideas are not mutually exclusive. Employers tell us they need workers who are adaptable and flexible. Every UW graduate - regardless of field of study - is grounded in a set of shared learning goals. That means in addition to technical knowledge and skills, UW students learn to think critically, write clearly, speak persuasively, interpret data, understand and appreciate diversity and work well in teams. Preparing its graduates to be educated and productive workers is only part of how the UW System helps the Wisconsin economy. People sometimes forget a strong public university also creates new jobs. Entrepreneurial UW faculty members today are winning more outside grants and contracts, engaging in cutting-edge research that requires very little state taxpayer support. In fact, academic research and development is now a $1.1 billion industry in Wisconsin - one that helps create well-paying private-sector jobs all across the state. The UW System continues to focus on new strategies that will strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce because a highly skilled and highly competitive workforce is one of our state’s most valuable assets. We are working hard to convey how the UW institutions improve the state’s competitive edge by creating stronger businesses, stronger local communities and a stronger workforce. BV

Kevin P. Reilly is President of the University of Wisconsin System. Visit www.wisconsin.edu to learn more.

WMC was honored to be a sponsor of the UW System’s Posters in the Rotunda in April. The event showcases undergraduate innovations and discoveries from the various UW Campuses and Centers. Pictured here are (from left to right) Tom Still from the Wisconsin Technology Council, Kurt Bauer from WMC and UW System President Kevin Riley.

61 percent of all jobs in Wisconsin by 2018

will require some form of postsecondary education

and training

Wisconsin Business Voice 27

Eric Bott WMC Director of Environmental & Energy Policy

ENERGY

Embrace the Industrial RenaissanceThe revolution in unconventional oil

and natural gas production in the U.S. is nothing short of stunning. In 2012 alone, energy development from hydraulic fracturing accounted for more than $238 billion in direct economic activity, creating 1.7 million jobs and generating $68 billion in new tax revenue. The second-order effects are even more astounding. The American Chemistry Council recently projected cheap natural gas would spawn the investment of $72 billion in gas-demanding industries. That in turn would generate an economic impact of $342 billion from 2015-2020 while creating 1.2 million new jobs. Economists at Citigroup and UBS are predicting that the shale boom alone will lift America’s GDP by about half of a point per year for the next several years.Indeed, affordable energy and low-priced natural gas in particular are leading to an industrial renaissance in the Midwest. A new $650 million steel mill is being built in Youngstown, Ohio. An Egyptian firm is investing $1.4 billion into a fertilizer plant in Iowa.Low natural gas prices are having such an impact that companies like GE and Wham-O Frisbees are “on-shoring,” moving production from overseas back to the U.S. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as manufacturers in Germany and France pay roughly three times what Americans do for gas, and firms in South Korea and Japan pay even more. Wisconsin won’t be left on the sidelines in this explosion of industrial activity. Natural gas comprises 25 percent of the input costs for plastics manufactures, an industry employing more than 34,000 Wisconsinites generating payrolls in excess of $1.5 billion

annually. Since natural gas makes up nearly 70 percent of the input costs for fertilizer, low prices could mean good news for Wisconsin’s agricultural sector as well. Wisconsin benefits from hydraulic fracturing more directly through the mining of industrial or “frac sand.” Frac sand mining is projected to employ thousands of Wisconsinites over the coming decades. A recent study showed Wood County alone will see more than $161 million in infrastructure investment and the creation of 930 permanent jobs over the next seven years.Unfortunately, cheap natural gas could end up becoming less of a growth catalyst for American manufacturers than we hope thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is waging a war on coal-fired power plants and boilers. A slew of regulations commonly referred to as the “EPA Train Wreck,” are intended to make coal, our most abundant and cost effective energy resource, economically infeasible. This is bad news for a country that generates 42 percent of its electricity from coal but it’s potentially lethal to a manufacturing state like Wisconsin where we count on coal for 65 percent of our power.Cheap natural gas could help to offset some of the EPA-driven cost increases but even that production is under threat. Environmentalists once hailed natural gas as a

greener alternative to coal but not anymore. As the price of natural gas has dropped, green opposition to the fuel has increased in-kind. Inexpensive natural gas, it turns out, threatens the opposition’s vision of a solar and wind powered utopia.Casting aside sound science and economics, these modern luddites are conducting an unrelenting assault on hydraulic fracturing and in doing so they are forcing Americans to make a very serious choice about our energy future. The good news is that this is still our choice to make. We can heed the canards of the greens or embrace the industrial renaissance, reaping the benefits of affordable energy for generations. This choice seems simple. Let’s hope it’s as straight forward to our policy makers. BV

Follow Eric on Twitter @BottWMC

28

WMC at Home and on the Road

1. More than 30 Nigerian diplomats visited WMC to hear about Wisconsin’s economic development opportunities.

2. Wisconsin Department of Revenue Secretary Rick Chandler spoke to groups of local chambers of commerce from around the state during regional meetings hosted by Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives organization, a WMC affiliate.

3. WMC was honored to welcome Consul General Zhao Weiping from China’s Chicago Consulate. Pictured with Consul General Zhao is WMC’s Kurt Bauer.

4. Buckley Brinkman, WMEP; Mary Isbister, GenMet; WMC’s Jim Morgan; and Dawn Tabat, Generac Corporation spoke about the workforce paradox at WMEP’s Manufacturing Matters! Conference in Milwaukee.

5. Jim Haney, former WMC President; Charley Klein, Fox Valley Spring Corp; Mark Tyler, OEM Fabricators; Brian Baker, Sentry Equipment Corp; Kim Korth, Dickten Masch Plastics; and Lou Gentine, Sargento Cheese; all past Manufacturer of the Year award-winning companies, spoke at WMEP’s Manufacturing Matters! Conference about what it takes to win a MOTY award.

6. Senators Dale Schulz (R-Richland Center) and Tim Cullen (D-Janesville) spoke to a group of high school students from Janesville that WMC hosted on their trip to Madison.

7. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) awarded First District Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) with an award for his support of American Manufacturing at Snap-on in Kenosha. Pictured (from L to R) is Jay Timmons, NAM president/CEO; Kurt Bauer, WMC president/CEO; Congressman Ryan and Nick Pinchuk, chairman/president/CEO of Snap-on, Inc.

8. Governor Scott Walker declared WMC “the greatest chamber of commerce in the country” during his appearance at this year’s Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year awards ceremony.

9. WMC is building a new video studio within our headquarters to bring timely news to our members. Watch for video updates later this summer.

1

4

7

2

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9Copyright National Assoc of Manufacturers

Wisconsin Business Voice 29

Developments in Transportation and the Impact on Wisconsin’s EconomyThere’s a lot of excitement these days

about major changes occurring in the global economy’s transportation system. As further efficiencies are realized in logistics, a corresponding price reduction for consumers should occur, all things being equal.First, improvements to the Panama Canal will be completed in mid-2015. The canal presently functions like a one-lane country road. Forty-two ships transit the canal each day, leaving a line waiting to get through the next day. Opening the equivalent of an additional lane is a major portion of the canal upgrade. In addition, the current 39.5 foot depth and 110 foot width limit on ships passing through will be increased to 50 feet deep and 180 feet wide.The improvements will allow ships carrying 12,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units, measured in 20-foot international intermodal containers) to pass through the canal, versus the 4,800 TEUs carried by the largest ships transiting the canal today.The canal expansion will substantially improve the connection between the eastern U.S. and Asia. With larger-sized ships passing through the canal, east coast cities like Baltimore, Jacksonville, New York, and Norfolk are preparing to handle ships with a 50-foot draft.

The state of Florida is making substantial investments in deepening and improving the Port of Miami and Port Everglades at Fort Lauderdale. The state is convinced making these investments to allow the larger new ships access will give a natural competitive advantage over other Atlantic ports, especially because Florida’s ports are much closer to Panama.Second, the development across the U.S. of freight rail corridors allowing the use of double-stacked intermodal container trains has greatly increased rail productivity and competitiveness. Years in the making, these projects have raised many bridges over rail corridors and installed double-tracking to allow maximum speed and minimize delays in moving containers between major hubs.Examples of these new corridors include the Meridian Speedway, taking days off the route from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to Atlanta; the Crescent Corridor, which stretches from Birmingham, Alabama, to suburban New York; the Heartland Corridor and the

National Gateway projects, connecting the Midwest with Atlantic ports.Only two intermodal container terminals presently operate in Wisconsin. A private terminal serves Ashley Furniture in Arcadia while Canadian National opened a public Chippewa Falls terminal in 2012 which features Menards as the

anchor tenant. As freight increasingly moves in intermodal containers, Wisconsin will require more such facilities throughout the state to connect with the emerging national intermodal network.Third, a further trend in transportation innovation is the transloading of international freight from 20- or 40-foot

oceangoing international containers to 53-foot domestic containers.

Ocean carriers are concerned about

losing money on equipment heading into the U.S. interior and being unavailable

for extended periods of time. A container

transload operation currently operates near Los Angeles and another is set to open just inland of the Port of Miami.Over 200,000 53-foot domestic containers are now in service in North America, an increase of 51,000 since 2010. While small in numbers compared to the 29 million international containers estimated to exist around the world, the 53-foot container will play an increasingly important role in our economy.How Wisconsin businesses access these logistics opportunities is a major question. Whether benefitting from improved Atlantic port access, getting connected to the freight rail corridors moving increasing volumes of container traffic cross country, or even gaining access to the container equipment moving more of the 21st Century economy, changes will continue for the U.S. transportation infrastructure. BV

Follow Jason on Twitter @JGCullota

Jason CulottaWMC Director of Tax & Transportation Policy

TRANSPORTATION

As freight increasingly moves in intermodal containers, Wisconsin will require more such facilities throughout the state to

connect with the emerging national intermodal network.

30

By State Senator Jennifer Shilling (D-32nd District)

The beginning of spring means it’s time to start enjoying America’s pastime – baseball season. As

we sit back and get ready for another long and hopefully successful Brewers season, it’s easy to take for granted the rules that govern the game of baseball. From the

diameters of the field, to the number of players allowed to participate, to the process of running the bases, Major League Baseball establishes the rules all teams have to follow. These rules ensure all teams are competing on a level playing field as they strive to win a pennant, and maybe even the World Series.In the same way the MLB rules provide structure for professional baseball teams to compete on the field, government plays an important role in providing a structure for businesses to compete in the market. From intellectual property and antitrust laws to consumer and environmental protections, citizens expect their governments to establish rules that ensure a fair and level playing field for business competition.Imagine a free enterprise system that did not have legal protections for intellectual property. Why would any business invest in research and development of new products if they did not have copyright and trademark protections for those products? And imagine if antitrust protections weren’t in place to prevent monopolies from controlling the market and unfairly squeezing competitors. How could our economy truly benefit from free trade without responsible laws that prohibit price-fixing, collusion, monopolization and other practices that limit competition and create an uneven playing field?As with rules governing any competitive sport, the rules governing the free enterprise system must continue to evolve and be responsive to changes in the market. While the basic fundamentals of the market remain the same today as when our nation was first founded, technological advancements, the pressures of globalization and the lessons learned from past mistakes require a continual reassessment of existing laws. Of course, there will always be disagreement between Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, and unions and management about the scope and wording of laws governing the market but this disagreement is part of our democratic system and helps ensure a responsible balance among competing interests. Ensuring that all parties – businesses, consumers, investors, workers, conservationists and others – have a voice in the process is important for creating a level playing field where businesses can succeed, consumers are protected, workers can receive a living wage and investors can see a decent return. Too often in the political world the focus is on partisanship and there is an unwillingness to find common ground and reach a compromise. At the end of the day, we all share the desire to have a strong economy and we want Wisconsin businesses to succeed so they can create jobs, broaden the tax base and make investments in our local communities. As the economy continues to evolve and new lessons are learned it’s important we continue to update and modernize our laws to reflect the changing times. Just like Major League Baseball changed their rules to ban the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing substances to protect the integrity of the game, elected officials must continue to update the laws to prevent cheating and ensure fair competition for all businesses. By ensuring a level playing field with laws that balance the competing interests of the market with the importance of providing adequate consumer, worker, environmental and intellectual property protections, we can create an environment that encourages investment and business growth for the benefit of all Wisconsin residents.BV

Jennifer Shilling represents the 32nd State Senate District which covers La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford and part of Monroe Counties. She currently serves as the ranking Senate Democrat on the Joint Committee on Finance.

What should be the role of government in free enterprise?

Wisconsin Business Voice 31

What should be the role of government in free enterprise?

By State Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-13th District)

With the 2013-14 legislative session now several months old, I am appreciative of the opportunity

to write a few words about the legislature’s efforts to improve our state’s business climate, and the progress that has been made over the past two years.I recently had the opportunity to speak at Steelwind

Industries in Oak Creek about our tax climate and the upcoming budget deliberations that will set the state’s fiscal policy for the next biennium. Steelwind Industries reminded me of how successful entrepreneurs and small business owners can be when government gets out of the way and works to lower taxes, remove unnecessary regulations, and encourage investment and expansion through sound fiscal policy. Senate Republicans know that the private sector is the engine that drives the state’s economy, and that tax hikes and overregulation impede job creators’ efforts.While the national economy continues to endure a sluggish recovery, the White House and Congress seem to be moving farther away from reaching any meaningful compromises to spur growth and reduce unemployment. Fortunately in Wisconsin, that gridlock does not currently exist and time is not being wasted debating massive tax hikes to pay for out-of-control government spending.We have already passed several pro-jobs bills through both houses of the legislature and sent them to Governor Walker for his signature. The first bill signed into law (2013 Act 1) was a comprehensive update of our state’s mining statutes, aimed at encouraging investment in the iron mining industry. In addition to the millions of dollars in investment and the hundreds of jobs a new iron ore mine would create, many peripheral industries stand to benefit as well from the re-emergence of an industry that played a significant role in our state’s heritage. We addressed the need for better job-search tools for unemployed individuals by approving funding for a state of the art Labor Market Information System that will match online applicants to job postings in real time. We passed a law that will give companies experiencing a slow production cycle the flexibility to adjust their

staffing levels instead of resorting to layoffs. And recognizing the critical role a

strong transportation infrastructure plays in our state economy, we passed a joint resolution (that now goes to the Wisconsin voters as a referendum) to protect our

state’s Transportation Fund from raids to pay for other areas of state

government.In the coming months we will be focused on balancing our budget in a fiscally responsible manner, keeping property taxes in check, and continuing to improve the overall business climate. With a national economy that is still lagging, and the full implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act looming, we must be vigilant in ensuring our businesses can operate in an environment where they have the flexibility and tools needed for success. BV

Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald represents the 13th Senate District, which covers parts of Dodge, Jefferson, Waukesha, and Columbia counties.

The private sector is the engine that drives the state’s

economy… tax hikes and overregulation impede job

creators’ efforts.

32

Nearly 200 people attended WMC’s second annual Workforce Development Conference last month at Briggs & Stratton Corporation in Wauwatosa.

Employers have experienced this Workforce Paradox for quite some time and today, thanks to the combined efforts of businesses, educators, local chambers of commerce, and state leaders, it has moved to center stage. Throughout Wisconsin, innovative educators are creatively addressing the skills gap and working with business and community leaders to ensure a qualified workforce. This year’s conference celebrated the progress that has been made and discussed the plans necessary to make Wisconsin competitive in the training and development of human capital. Conference highlights included a keynote address from Briggs & Stratton Chairman, President and CEO Todd Teske and “Ask the Expert” sessions, as well as tours of Briggs & Stratton and advice from today’s leading business and education leaders. In keeping with innovative and forward thinking, Jim Morgan, WMC Foundation President, shared his adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved poem “Green Eggs and Ham” tailored to please the Manufacturing-geared crowd.

The poem reflects the collective efforts of the WMC Foundation and all of WMC’s Workforce Paradox partners to change the younger generations’ negative and skewed perception of manufacturing careers in Wisconsin today. BV

Morgan’s adaptation started out as follows…I do not like to make you knowI do not want, that route to go!

And ended with the rousing, I would run a CNCI would run a CADAnd I would make things in the light,Where the factory is so bright. And I would make things where it’s clean. And where it’s safe and earn some green! And in a shop, that’s where I’ll be. It is so good to make, you see! And I will make here and there. Say! I will make ANYWHERE! I do so like to make, I do. The funny thing, I never knew!

WMC Foundation President Jim Morgan kicks off the second annual Workforce Paradox Conference.

Todd Teske, Briggs & Stratton CEO, delivered the keynote address at the conference.

Nearly 200 people attended the conference hosted by Briggs & Stratton in Wauwatosa.

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Remove this handy tear-out pocket directory so you always know how to contact your legislators.

For more info go to www.wisconsin.gov

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES Review of Adm

inistrative Rules LeM

ahieu (C), Kaufert (VC), August, Hebl, Kahl Aging and Long Term

Care Endsley (C), Czaja (VC), W

illiams, Bernier, Petryk, Nerison, Bernard Schaber, Sargent, Kahl Agriculture Nerison (C), Tauchen (VC), M

arklein, A. Ott, Murtha, Mursau, Ripp, Tranel, Brooks, Schraa, Vruwink, Jorgensen, Danou, Smith, Goyke, W

right Assem

bly Organization Vos (C), Suder (VC), Steineke, Kramer, Ballweg, Barca, Pasch, Jorgensen Audit Kerkman (C), Marklein (VC), Nygren, Richards, Sargent Cam

paigns and Elections Bernier (C), Pridemore (VC), Thiesfeldt, W

eininger, Tranel, Craig, Zamarripa, Kessler, Berceau Children and Fam

ilies Krug (C), Loudenbeck (VC), Endsley, Schraa, Spiros, Kerkman, Taylor, Billings, Johnson Colleges and Universities Nass (C), M

urphy (VC), Knudson, Weatherston, Stroebel, Ballweg, Krug, Schraa,

Bewley, Billings, Hesselbein, Wachs, Berceau

Constitution and Ethics Kapenga (Co-C), Billings (Co-C), Jagler, J. Ott, Tauchen, Murphy, W

achs, Shankland Consum

er Protection Thiesfeldt (C), Tittl (VC), A. Ott, Nerison, W

eatherston, Jagler, Pope, Johnson, Wright

Corrections Bies (C), Schraa (VC), Brooks, Krug, Thiesfeldt, Kleefisch, Doyle, Pasch, Zam

arripa Crim

inal Justice Kleefisch (C), Spiros (VC), Jacque, J. Ott, Severson, Bies, Kessler, Goyke, Johnson Education Kestell (C), Jagler (VC), Severson, Nass, Pridemore, Marklein, Thiesfeldt, Pope, Clark, W

right, Hesselbein Em

ployment Relations

Vos (C), Suder (VC), Nygren, Barca Energy and Utilities Honadel (C), Larson (VC), Jacque, W

eininger, Severson, Klenke, Petersen, Zepnick, Hulsey, Kahl, Shankland Environm

ent and Forestry Mursau (C), Krug (VC), Czaja, Loudenbeck, Stroebel, Danou, Milroy, Clark Fam

ily Law Larson (C), Kestell (VC), W

illiams, Tittl, Craig, Tranel, Taylor, Pasch, Hebl Financial Institutions Craig (C), Kapenga (VC), Stroebel, Sanfelippo, Kramer, Kaufert, M

arklein, Weininger,

Born, Hintz, Zepnick, Young, Richards, Genrich, Sargent Governm

ent Operations and State Licensing August (C), Craig (VC), Knodl, J. Ott, Kooyenga, Hutton, Hulsey, Sinicki, Ringhand Health Severson (C), Stone (VC), Sanfelippo, Strachota, August, Kapenga, Petersen, Pasch, Taylor, Kolste, Riemer Housing and Real Estate Murtha (C), Sanfelippo (VC), Nass, Murphy, Jagler, Swearingen, Young, Bewley, Genrich Insurance Petersen (C), W

eininger (VC), Czaja, Jagler, Honadel, Craig, Tranel, Born, Murphy,

Stroebel, Danou, Berceau, Young, Doyle, Kahl, Ohnstad International Trade and Com

merce

Weininger (C), Kuglitsch (VC), W

illiams, Loudenbeck, Tauchen, Murtha, Jorgensen,

Riemer, Sargent Jobs, Econom

y and Mining W

illiams (C), Knodl (VC), Larson, Sanfelippo, Kapenga, Kuglitsch, Petryk, Petersen, Stone, Jacque, Clark, Bernard Schaber, Zamarripa, Hintz, Hulsey, Ohnstad Judiciary J. Ott (C), Jacque (VC), August, Craig, Kerkman, Larson, Hebl, W

achs, Goyke Labor Knodl (C), August (VC), Kapenga, Nass, Kuglitsch, Kleefisch, Sinicki, Taylor, Ohnstad Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage A. Ott (C), Kleefisch (VC), Born, Bies, W

illiams, Mursau, Nerison, Petryk, Steineke, Swearingen, Milroy, Danou, Clark, Hebl, Shankland, Hesselbein

Public Safety and Homeland Security

Jacque (C), Brooks (VC), Murtha, Bernier, Swearingen, Kessler, Zamarripa, Bewley Rules Suder (C), Vos (VC), Kramer, Steineke, Ballweg, Murtha, W

illiams, Barca, Pasch, Jorgensen, Zamarripa, Pope Rural Affairs Tauchen (C), Bernier (VC), Krug, Murtha, Ripp, Schraa, Mursau, Marklein, Vruwink, Jorgensen, Milroy, Bewley, Smith Sm

all Business Development

Stone (C), Endsley (VC), Hutton, Kaufert, Swearingen, Larson, Ripp, Czaja, Schraa, Tittl, Jorgensen, Ringhand, Sargent, Smith, W

right, Kolste State Affairs Kuglitsch (C), Swearingen (VC), August, Kleefisch, Knodl, Ripp, Zamarripa, Bernard Schaber, Kahl State and Federal Relations Tranel (Co-C), Young (Co-C), Mursau, Petersen, Tittl, Loudenbeck, Zepnick, Barnes State and Local Finance Stroebel (C), Born (VC), Kestell, W

eatherston, Nass, Tauchen, Zepnick, Hintz, Berceau Tourism

Kaufert (C), Bies (VC), Czaja, Kleefisch, Endsley, Born, A. Ott, Swearingen, Ballweg, Billings, Hulsey, Doyle, Hebl, Ohnstad Transportation Ripp (C), Thiesfeldt (VC), Spiros, A. Ott, Sanfelippo, Endsley, Larson, Kaufert, Stone, Bernard Schaber, Vruwink, Doyle, Danou, Riemer, Kolste Urban and Local Affairs Brooks (C), Hutton (VC), Jacque, J. Ott, Honadel, Murphy, Hintz, Ringhand, Barnes Urban Education Pridemore (C), Thiesfeldt (VC), Jagler, Kestell, Knodl, W

eininger, Hutton, Sanfelippo, Sinicki, Pope, Pasch, Barnes, Johnson Veterans Petryk (C), W

eatherston (VC), Suder, Bies, Endsley, Nerison, Pridemore, Brooks, J. Ott, Tittl, Ringhand, Milroy, Sinicki, Vruwink, Hesselbein, Goyke W

ays and Means Marklein (C), Kerkman (VC), Ripp, Spiros, Stone, Honadel, Kestell, Hulsey, Riemer, Barnes, Genrich Assem

bly Workforce Developm

ent Loudenbeck (C), Petryk (VC), Honadel, Kuglitsch, Severson, Pridemore, W

eatherston, Born, Bernier, Knodl, Ringhand, Billings, Kolste, Barnes, Shankland, W

achs SENATE COMMITTEES Agriculture, Sm

all Business, and Tourism

Moulton (C), Tiffany (VC), Harsdorf, Petrowski, Schultz, Vinehout, Hansen, Lassa, Taylor Econom

ic Development and Local Governm

ent Gudex (C), Petrowski (VC), Leibham, Lassa, Taylor Education Olsen (C), Farrow (VC), Darling, Vukmir, Gudex, Lehman, Cullen, Harris, Vinehout Elections and Urban Affairs Lazich (C), Leibham (VC), Lasee, Taylor, Miller Energy, Consum

er Protection, and Government Reform

Cowles (C), Kedzie (VC), Harsdorf, Hansen, Miller Financial Institutions and Rural Issues Schultz (C), Lasee (VC), Petrowski, Lassa, Jauch Governm

ent Operations, Public Works, and Telecom

munications

Farrow (C), Gudex (VC), Lasee, Kedzie, Wirch, Harris, Shilling

Health and Human Services

Vukmir (C), Moulton (VC), Lazich, Erpenbach, Carpenter Insurance and Housing Lasee (C), Olsen (VC), Schultz, Cullen, Erpenbach Judiciary and Labor Grothman (C), Vukmir (VC), Farrow, Risser, Harris Natural Resources Kedzie (C), Moulton (VC), Tiffany, Miller, W

irch Senate Organization Fitzgerald (C), Ellis, Grothman, Larson, Hansen State and Federal Relations Ellis (C), Cowles (VC), Carpenter, Risser, Schultz Transportation, Public Safety, and Veterans and Military Affairs Petrowski (C), Leibham (VC), Cowles, Carpenter, Hansen Universities and Technical Colleges Harsdorf (C), Schultz (VC), Gudex, Shilling, Erpenbach W

orkforce Development, Forestry, Mining, and Revenue

Tiffany (C), Darling (VC), Grothman, Jauch, Lehman For m

ore info go to www.legis.wisconsin.gov

STATE SENATE

Senator

Party-Dist Phone (608) office

Carpenter, Tim D‐3

266‐8535 109 S

Cowles, Robert R‐2

266‐0484 118 S

Cullen, Timothy F. D‐15

266‐2253 108 S

Darling, Alberta (JFC Chair) R‐8

266‐5830 317 E

Ellis, Michael G. (President) R‐19

266‐0718 220 S

Erpenbach, Jon B. D‐27

266‐6670 104 S

Farrow, Paul R‐33

266‐9174 323 S

Fitzgerald, Scott L. (Maj Leader) R‐13

266‐5660 211 S

Grothman, Glenn (Asst Maj Ldr)

R‐20 266‐7513

10 S Gudex, Rick

R‐18 266‐5300

415 S Hansen, Dave (Asst Min Ldr)

D‐30 266‐5670

106 S Harris, Nikiya (Caucus Sgt at Arm

s) D‐6

266‐2500 3 S

Harsdorf, Sheila (Caucus VC) R‐10

266‐7745 18 S

Jauch, Bob D‐25

266‐3510 310 S

Kedzie, Neal R‐11

266‐2635 313 S

Larson, Chris (Min Leader) D‐7

266‐7505 206 S

Lasee, Frank G. (Caucus Chr) R‐1

266‐3512 316 S

Lassa, Julie (Caucus Chair) D‐24

266‐3123 126 S

Lazich, Mary R‐28

266‐5400 8 S

Lehman, John W.

D‐21 266‐1832

5 S Leibham

, Joseph (Pres Pro Temp)

R‐9 266‐2056

15 S Miller, Mark

D‐16 266‐9170

7 S Moulton, Terry

R‐23 266‐7511

306 S Olsen, Luther

R‐14 266‐0751

319 S Petrowski, Jerry

R‐29 266‐2502

123 S Risser, Fred A.

D‐26 266‐1627

130 S Schultz, Dale W

. R‐17

266‐0703 122 S

Shilling, Jennifer D‐32

266‐5490 20 S

Taylor, Lena C. D‐4

266‐5810 19 S

Tiffany, Tom R‐12

266‐2509 409 S

Vinehout, Kathleen (Caucus VC) D‐31

266‐8546 22 S

Vukmir, Leah R‐5

266‐2512 131 S

Wirch, Robert

D‐22 267‐8979

127 S JOINT COMMITTEES Joint Com

mittee for Review of Adm

inistrative Rules Vukmir (Co-C), Leibham, Tiffany, Harris, Vinehout, LeMahieu (Co-C), Kaufert, August, Hebl, Kahl Joint Em

ployment Relations

Ellis (Co-C), Fitzgerald, Darling, Larson, Vos (Co-C), Suder, Nygren, Barca Joint Inform

ation Policy and Technology Harsdorf (Co-C), Cowles, Gudex, Carpenter, Vinehout, Petersen (Co-C), Petryk, W

eininger, Barca Joint Legislative Audit Com

mittee

Cowles (Co-C), Darling, Lazich, Vinehout, Lehman, Kerkm

an (Co-C), Marklein, Nygren, Richards, Sargent Joint Legislative Council Ballweg (Co-C), Olsen (Co-C), Vos, Suder, Kramer, Nygren, Loudenbeck, Stone, Berceau, Barca, Pasch, M

ason, Darling, Farrow, Fitzgerald, Larson, Leibham, Miller, Petrowski, Risser, Shilling, Schultz Joint Review Com

mittee on Crim

inal Penalties Kedzie (Co-C), Jacque (Co-C), Taylor, Goyke Joint Legislative Organization Ellis (Co-C), Fitzgerald, Grothman, Larson, Hansen, Vos (Co-C), Suder, Steineke, Barca, Pasch Joint Survey on Retirem

ent Systems

Schultz (C), Farrow, Hansen, Stroebel (Co-C), Severson, Berceau Joint Survey on Tax Exem

ptions Lasee (C), Tiffany, Lehman, August (Co-C), Honadel, Bernard Schaber

Comm

ittees

Assembly email: Rep.[LAST NAME] @legis.wisconsin.gov

Assembly Chief Clerk: (608) 266-1501

Top leaders in boldface

Joint Finance Cmte member

State Legislature

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Wisconsin Business Voice 35

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Conservative Justice Annette Ziegler elected to the Court.

Activist Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson re-elected to the Court.

Conservative Justice Pat Roggensack re-elected to the Court. The 4-3 conservative majority stands.

Activist-leaning Justice Pat Crooks up for re-election.

Justice Gableman up for re-election.

SUPREME COURTJim Pugh

WMC Director of Public Relations & Issue Management

Roggensack Wins Re-electionWMC Efforts Educate Public About Supreme Court

On April 2, Wisconsin voters handily re-elected Justice Pat Roggensack in a pivotal race for the Wisconsin Supreme

Court.Roggensack defeated Marquette University Assistant Law School Professor Ed Fallone 57 percent to 43 percent. Her re-election preserves the 4-3 conservative majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Roggensack’s victory ensures that pro-growth reforms like Act 10, lawsuit reform, iron mining reform and other key planks in the business agenda will be heard by a rule-of-law court for many years to come. The stakes were incredibly high in the April election, especially with a Constitutional challenge to Act 10 headed to the high court. During his campaign, Fallone wrote that Act 10 was constitutionally suspect.WMC played a leading role in organizing Wisconsin’s business community to educate themselves, their employees, friends and neighbors about Justice Roggensack. WMC worked in partnership with a strong pro-growth coalition to make sure the public understood the important issues at stake regarding the high court. The election of judges was considered a reform in the 1840s when Wisconsin became a state and the elections here were a reaction to the corrupt practices involved in the political appointment of judges in New York and other eastern states. The state Constitution mandates only one Supreme Court seat up for election per year. That was intended to provide stability in the law so judges were not cast out in tidal waves of public opinion.WMC Issues Mobilization Council, Inc. spent nearly $1 million to educate the public about Roggensack’s record on broadcast television and cable statewide. Additionally, WMC printed and mailed 16,000 special editions of Wisconsin Business Voice to WMC members and non-member businesses in the state in an effort to educate the

business community. WMC also created and distributed an online resource center for members and non-members to educate themselves and their employees. Since 2007, WMC has educated the public about the importance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in four campaigns. Voters have embraced the traditionalist candidates and rejected the activist candidates for the high court in four consecutive races. In recent years, WMC educated the public about the records of Justice Annette Ziegler, Justice Michael Gableman and Justice David Prosser.Roggensack will enter her second 10-year term on the high court. She previously was elected and served as an appeals court judge and was an attorney in private practice. The Wisconsin Civil Justice Council (WCJC) gave Roggensack a 74 percent rating for her votes on business cases, the highest rating on the Supreme Court, for her rulings from 2010 through 2012. The conservative majority on the high court could expand in the next few years as activist judges face voters in upcoming elections.Justice Ann Walsh Bradley stands for re-election in 2015. She had only a 27 percent rating from the WCJC. Justice Patrick Crooks, who had a 55 percent WCJC rating in 2012, faces voters in 2016. If those two activist jurists are defeated, the Supreme Court would have a 6-1 conservative majority, with Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson as the sole activist. If a justice resigns, Governor Scott Walker would appoint a replacement without Senate review. WMC’s advocacy regarding the Wisconsin Supreme Court came in reaction to a series of activist rulings in 2005, which drew national attention to the radical rulings on civil justice issues and lead paint liability. Our efforts are an integral part of our pro-growth policies designed to help your business – we promote these policies at the Capitol and defend them in the courts. BV

Activist Justice Ann Walsh Bradley up for re-election.

Justice Zieglerup for re-election.

Chief Justice Abrahamson up for re-election.

Conservative Justice Michael Gableman elected to the Court, tipping the balance to a 4-3 conservative majority.

Conservative Justice David Prosser re-elected to the Court in a hotly-contested race seen as a proxy vote on Governor Walker’s Act 10 collective bargaining reforms.

36

Work TodayBy Randall Upton

The Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce is advancing a work-

based job development program called Work Today for in-demand occupations relevant to the Rock County area. The major innovation of this program is its focus on assisting employers in recruiting and training employees to address specific employer needs, thereby addressing what WMC refers to as the “workforce paradox.”The workforce paradox is a situation in Wisconsin, and particularly Rock County, where high unemployment exists at the same time manufacturers and employers are limited by their ability to find skilled workers.The Chamber is advancing the “Work Today” program in partnership with the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, Community Action Inc., Manpower Inc., community organizations and local private-sector businesses. Unlike workforce development programs which focus on the needs of individual job seekers and ways to solve the employability problems or barriers of these job seekers, the Work Today program focuses on employers and the job skills that are needed by their employees.Work Today first identifies employers’ real-time job skill needs. Once a determination is made of what employers actually require for

specific positions, program participants from the community will be effectively screened and matched against the employers’ needs.Program participants will include adult job seekers interested in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to obtain and retain employment, including individuals with limited experience and/or no previous work history. Project participants who are deemed appropriate for the employers’ positions will receive work-based learning, including soft-skills immersion training, before being presented to the employers for further evaluation and training. Participating private sector businesses and the agencies are developing the program through the Work Today Employer Alliance. These member businesses have current or anticipated job openings, a willingness to collaborate on the design and implementation of workforce services intended to provide job opportunities

to entry-level workers, and are committed to paying a

membership fee. As of the writing of this article, members of the Alliance include some of the

area’s largest employers, with additional companies negotiating

membership. The Alliance also has the financial support of AT&T Wisconsin.This issue of the workforce paradox is being continually studied throughout the state. The WMC Foundation has taken the lead in bringing awareness to the issue through the conduct of a series of listening sessions

in more than 50 communities and over 300 manufacturers. The Foundation has held two excellent conferences on the issue, the latest being at Briggs & Stratton Corporation in Wauwatosa on March 21.Work Today is a program being developed to solve the workforce paradox in Rock County where, as of February 2013, unemployment in the two largest cities in the county - Janesville and Beloit - stood at 10 percent and 13.3 percent respectively. Rock County overall had an unemployment rate of 9.8 percent in February. Yet, there were a total of 470 job postings with the Job Center of Wisconsin for Rock County in the first quarter of 2013, 60 of which were for the month of March in the Beloit area. Additionally, an upcoming job fair has 60 registered employers with more than 1,000 open jobs. We also know anecdotally that a large number of employers are looking for skilled employees, but do not avail themselves of government-assisted job postings.As the program develops in Beloit and Rock County we intend on sharing our findings and processes to create a viable model for replication across Wisconsin. BV

Randall Upton is President of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce. He may be reached at (608) 365-8835. Visit www.greaterbeloitchamber.org for more information.

CHAMBER CORNER

An upcoming job fair has 60 registered employers with more than 1,000 open jobs.

(L-R standing) Corey Chambas, President & CEO of First Business Financial Services, Inc. Joan Burke, President of First Business Trust & Investments

Dave Vetta, President & CEO of First Business Bank - MilwaukeeChuck Batson, President & CEO of First Business Capital Corp.

(L-R seated) Mickey Noone, President of First Busienss Bank - NortheastMark Meloy, President & CEO of First Business Bank - Madison

www.firstbusiness.com608-238-8008

Treasury Management : Trust & Investments : Private Banking : Asset-based Lending : Equipment Finance : Commercial Lending

Y O U R S U C C E S S C O M E S F I R S T.

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