The number of Wisconsin residents filing for first-time unemployment insurance claims fell to 12,492 last week, the lowest weekly total since the week of May 29.
The total of first-time filers dropped from 14,483 in the previous week and from 18,510 a year ago.
The total number of weekly claims for unemployment in Wisconsin dropped to 115,611 from 123,553 in the previous week and 157,530 a year earlier.
Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 7.9 percent, which was better than the national rate of 9.5 percent.

Rockwell Automation Inc. today reported fiscal third quarter net income of $119.4 million, or 83 cents per share, up from $32.8 million, or 23 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.
The Milwaukee-based company reported quarterly revenue of $1.3 billion, up 25 percent from $1.0 billion, a year earlier.
Keith Nosbusch, chairman and chief executive officer, said, "I am pleased with the strong revenue and earnings performance this quarter. Our revenue growth was broad-based across all regions. China had an exceptional quarter with 42 percent year-over-year organic growth and Latin America rebounded strongly. Operating margin expanded and we increased spending to fuel future growth."
Looking ahead, Nosbusch said, "We expect fourth quarter revenue to grow sequentially on the strength of our solutions and services business and emerging markets. Based on our third quarter results and this outlook, we are raising our full-year fiscal 2010 guidance to earnings per share of $2.95 to $3.05 on revenue of approximately $4.8 billion."
Nosbusch added, "We have performed very well in the early part of the recovery. Although macroeconomic conditions are uncertain, we are optimistic that the global recovery will continue. I am confident in our strategy and our ability to execute. We are well-positioned to take advantage of improving market conditions as we proceed through the cycle."

Indianapolis-based Wellpoint Inc., which does business in the Badger State as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin, today reported second quarter net income of $722.4 million, or $1.71 per share, up from $693.5 million, or $1.43 per share, in the same period a year ago.
"Our quarterly results exceeded our expectation primarily due to higher-than-anticipated favorable reserve development and continued strong performance in our capital management areas. We are also seeing positive results in our core operations from many of the strategic initiatives we put in place over the last two years," said Angela Braly, chair, president and chief executive officer of Wellpoint. "It is our goal to make health care reform work for our customers and the country. We will continue working collaboratively with our industry partners, the health care delivery system and governmental agencies as the regulations for health care reform are developed."

Kenosha-based Jockey International Inc. announced that pro football quarterback Tim Tebow has agreed to a multi-year contract in which he will serve as a Jockey spokesman.
"Tim is a highly gifted athlete with a positive attitude and an admirable character," said Jockey chairman and chief executive officer Debra Waller. "We at Jockey see a very bright future with Tim, and believe that he is an excellent representative for the brand. Tim is genuine, smart and driven and those qualities align well with Jockey. We look forward to building a long and collaborative relationship with him in the coming years."
"I'm excited to represent the Jockey brand and to work with such an innovative company," Tebow said. "I've long been a fan and consumer of Jockey, and think they make a quality product with a great fit. I'm looking forward to a great relationship with such a respectable company."
Tebow was a first-round NFL draft pick by the Denver Broncos. At the University of Florida, he won two national championships and was the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy.

After four consecutive positive trading days, the stock market was in the red this morning, with decliners outnumbering advancers.
The largest local decliners in the BizTimes Stock Index were Rockwell Automation Inc. (down $1.59 to $54.37) and Manpower Inc. (down 76 cents to $47.53).
The largest local advancers this morning were Fiserv Inc. (up $1.47 to $49.10) and Johnson Controls Inc. (up $1.09 to $29.21).

The Green Bay Packers are calling this week's extravaganza of Packers-related events "Back to Football," which means it's also back to an annual spike in tourist traffic and spending. The coming days include the annual shareholders meeting, the beginning of training camp, a 5K run and walk, the sale of the team's new throwback jersey and a movie night at Lambeau Field. For more, read today’s BizTimes Wisconsin Morning Headlines bulletin.

Palermo Villa Inc., the manufacturer of Palermo’s Pizza, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony today to celebrate the start of construction for a 100,000-square-foot expansion of its headquarters located at 3301 W. Canal St. in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley. For more, read the new edition of the BizTimes Real Estate Weekly bulletin.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state’s largest business advocacy group, needs a new chief executive officer. Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), has the diplomatic and team-building skills that would make him the ideal candidate for the statewide job, according to BizTimes executive editor Steve Jagler. Read more in today’s Milwaukee Biz Blog.

Answer today's BizTimes Poll question and view the results so far at www.biztimes.com.

Michael Knetter, the Nicholas Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business and vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the UW Foundation.
Knetter will succeed Andrew “Sandy” Wilcox, who has served 22 years as president and will retire at the end of 2010. Knetter will join the foundation on Oct. 16.
An international search will be conducted for a successor to Knetter as dean of the Wisconsin School of Business, Chancellor Biddy Martin announced today.
Joan Schmit, vice dean at the School of Business, will serve as interim dean, Martin said.
Established in 1945, the UW Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that raises, invests and distributes funds for the benefit of UW-Madison.
Knetter, a former presidential economic advisor to Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, has served as dean since 2002. As dean, he orchestrated the novel $85 million Wisconsin Naming Gift, the expansion of Grainger Hall, the restructuring and improved national standing of the full-time MBA program, and the restructuring and expansion of the Enterprise MBA programs for working professionals.
He also has served as the resident economist for the Northern Trust Economic Trends Breakfast presented annually by BizTimes Milwaukee.
A national search was conducted by the firm SpencerStuart under the auspices of a search committee appointed by the foundation’s board of directors.
“The richness of Mike’s background makes him uniquely qualified for this important position,” said Frances Taylor, chair of the foundation board. “As dean, Mike repositioned the Wisconsin School of Business, improving focus and effectiveness, especially in the full-time, evening and executive MBA programs and external relations efforts. He has been actively engaged in fundraising and has already developed many important relationships with UW-Madison donors.
Martin said, “We are fortunate to have someone with Mike’s experience, talent and energy as the next president of the UW Foundation. As dean of the Wisconsin School of Business and vice chancellor for advancement, he has been an innovative leader, dedicated to enhancing the quality of the school and the university as a whole. I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
Knetter said, “While I have enjoyed many aspects of my work at Wisconsin, nothing has given me greater satisfaction than engaging alumni in support of our mission. The support alumni and friends have provided for our programs, MBA centers, faculty chairs, the new wing of Grainger Hall, unrestricted annual gift fund and, ultimately, the Wisconsin Naming Gift have been vital to our progress and fulfilling to all involved. This new role will enable me to focus on facilitating support for the entire university and build on the success that the foundation has enjoyed throughout its history.”
Wilcox will assume the title of president emeritus, effective Oct. 16, through his retirement. During this period, he will assist Knetter, ensuring a smooth transition.