CEOs tout hard-working Wisconsin folks
Given the weather, the wages and the layoffs, I wonder if the state's new business recruitment slogan "Why Wisconsin" isn't missing a question mark.
But officials with the Department of Commerce maintain there's no typographical error.
"I'm an optimistic individual and lots of companies here are doing extremely well," said Jack Fischer, who quietly took over as secretary of the state agency in November, replacing Mary Burke.
Six success stories are included in the new "Why Wisconsin" brochure. The promotional piece features state CEOs explaining why they chose to expand operations in Wisconsin.
The bottom line for all: the quality of the state's workforce.
"Wisconsin is blessed with the most reliable, hard-working and skilled manufacturing workforce in the United States," boasts Timothy Sullivan, president and CEO of Bucyrus International, the South Milwaukee-based mining equipment manufacturer.
Cheryl Rosen Weston, CEO of the Douglas Stewart Co., says the quality of life kept her here after graduating from the UW-Madison. Her firm distributes computer products, consumer electronics and school supplies.
"Wisconsin workers share two main characteristics not readily found elsewhere: a strong work ethic and a customer service perspective," she says in the brochure.
Others CEOs featured include Joel Quadracci of Quad Graphics, Dan Ariens of lawn mower firm Ariens Co., Erik Buell of Buell Motorcycle Co., and fast food king Craig Culver of Culver's Franchising.
But missing are any faces from the state's growing high tech economy. Where is Judy Faulkner of Epic Systems or Bill Linton of Promega?
"There were probably 150 different people we could have used but we went for some of the best known," said Fischer, 54, an architect by training whose 30 years of experience includes working on four continents as a private business consultant.
With that kind of international background, Fischer should understand well the challenges of competing in a global economy. He's got his work cut out for him.
Two-wheeling
For a growing number of fitness-minded executives, bicycling has become the new golf.
Instead of closing a deal during 18 holes at the country club, bike-minded business types can talk shop at 18 mph on the back roads.
And few Wisconsin companies have embraced the bicycling scene like Eppstein Uhen Architects.
For the past several summers, the firm has sponsored a ride between its offices in Milwaukee and Madison, inviting both employees and clients to share in some fun on the road. This year's "Beyond Design Bike Tour" is scheduled for Aug. 13.
Now -- as part of Bike to Work Week, which runs through Friday -- Eppstein Uhen has provided a "company bike" for employees to share at the Madison office at 222 W. Washington Ave. The lightweight single-speed is outfitted so staffers can run errands during lunch or travel to nearby meetings on two wheels.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett rode a similar company bike Monday with EUA President Greg Uhen during the kickoff for that city's Bike to Work Week events.
The company raised money for the new bikes during last year's Bike To Work Week by donating $1 for every mile employees rode or walked to work. Money was also contributed for employees traveling by bike or foot to business-related meetings or for climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator.
"The bikes are a great way to do more than just talk the talk when it comes to supporting sustainability and healthy lifestyles," explains EUA Executive Vice President Rich Tennessen. "We're hopeful that other companies will join us in making it easier for people to use alternative transportation."
Also this week, Eppstein Uhen introduced its new Beyond Design Cycling Team. The group will participate in several charity bike rides during the summer and promote internal team-building throughout the firm.
"EUA is just a small company, but we're really trying to lead the trend in this area," says Gail Burnside, the firm's marketing director. "With increased national interest and importance being placed on sustainability and fitness, I think we're going to start to see a lot more corporations, big and small, take on initiatives like ours."
Adding $4 gasoline into the equation doesn't hurt either.
Cool it, guys
Remember that list of 500 scientists and business leaders who allegedly don't believe in global warming that was distributed last month by the Chicago-based Heartland Institute (Business Beat 4/30)? Turns out a lot of them are believers after all.
The Website "DeSmogBlog" started contacting those on the list and within 24 hours turned up several scientists who were shocked to find they were included.
"I am horrified to find my name on such a list. I have spent the last 20 years arguing the opposite," geography Professor David Sugden of the University of Edinburgh told the blog.
"I have no doubts the recent changes in global climate are man-induced. I insist that you immediately remove my name from this list since I did not give you permission to put it there," demanded Professor Gregory Cutter of the department of ocean, earth and atmospheric sciences at Old Dominion University.
Nearly a dozen people with ties to Wisconsin or the UW-Madison also made the list, including Jim Allard, CEO of Allard Designs in Madison. Allard did not return a phone call from The Capital Times.
One sweet tune
Local activist Jan Sweet, president of a group called Cities Without Cars, is still fuming over city approval last week of an $8 million, four-story apartment where South Bassett Street meets John Nolen Drive.
Sweet intended to post a "singing telegram" on YouTube ripping the City Council and downtown Ald. Mike Verveer for backing the McGrath & Associates project over the objections of some neighbors.
"Verveer has been singing the developer's tune for years so I feel it is only fitting that I write a song of my own and sing it to the city," Sweet said.
But after further review, Sweet and his colleagues decided the material was tactless and in possible violation of YouTube rules.
"My singing debut will have to be delayed until I can compose a new melody," he said.
I can't wait.
As a kickoff to Bike to Work Week in Milwaukee, Mayor Tom Barrett (left) rides to the office with Eppstein Uhen Architects President Greg Uhen.
