Video highlights famed Waukesha musicians
To drum up excitement for the June 9 opening of its “Les Paul: The Wizard of Waukesha” exhibit, the Waukesha County Museum has pieced together a music video featuring Sam Llanas, cofounder of the rock band The BoDeans.
 
Llanas, like Paul, is a Waukesha County native who stepped into the national music spotlight and largely influenced the songs of today.

“It’s always been an honor to say that Les Paul and I come from the same hometown,” Llanas said. “Since the museum is bringing Les’ personal items back to Waukesha and giving them a permanent place for the public to view, I’m honored my song will be used to support their mission.”

The video captures Llanas performing his original song, “The Way Home” at local stomping grounds like Cutler Park, downtown Main Street, and Prairie Home Cemetery where Paul is buried.

The museum approached Llanas, who is a member of the exhibit’s advisory board, about the music video as a way to creatively advertise the exhibit.

“It was…the perfect medium to promote our music-related exhibit,” said Kirsten Lee Villegas, president and chief executive officer of the museum.

The “Les Paul: The Wizard of Waukesha” exhibit, which has been in development for nearly a decade, will display one-of-a-kind artifacts including Paul’s guitars, clothing, personal writings and inventions.

While some of the artifacts belong to the museum and will remain a permanent part of its collection, others are on loan from private collectors as well as the Les Paul Foundation.

“The whole goal of the exhibit is to share Les Paul’s story, and really he is the perfect ambassador to share the story of the American dream,” Villegas said. “Here he was a little kid who grew up in a small Midwestern town and went on to really change the world of music as we knew it with his creativity and inventiveness and of course he was just a phenomenal musician as well.”

The exhibit will also include a 500-square-foot Treasures Gallery that will showcase various artifacts on a rotating basis.

“We hope people are inspired to learn more about who Les Paul was and the impact he made and why his story matters to them,” Villegas said.

Prior to opening “Les Paul: The Wizard of Waukesha” June 9, the Waukesha County Museum will host a private opening on Saturday, June 8. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 262-521-2859 or visit www.lespaulexperience.org or www.waukeshacountymuseum.org.

The Waukesha County Museum is located at 101 W. Main St. in Waukesha and is typically open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors age 62 and older, and $3 for kids ages 6 to 17. Kids age 5 and under and college students with their ID are granted free admission. Museum members can see exhibits for free year round.  

To view Llanas’ tribute music video, click here.

comment »

Milwaukee World Festival to give away $1 million in Summerfest tickets
Summerfest fans can score a free festival ticket thanks to the $1 million Fest Flag Campaign launched by Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. on Wednesday.
 
The campaign, which will run over the next few months leading up to the start of Summerfest in June, directs music lovers to visit www.summerfest.com, “Like” Summerfest on Facebook or “Follow” Summerfest on Twitter in order to learn where they can pick up a free fest flag.

Fest flags will be distributed at Summerfest Street Team events, at professional Milwaukee team sporting events and by Summerfest media partners. The flags will include one weekday admission ticket that festivalgoers can use any day Tuesday through Friday before 4 p.m.

By taking a picture of themselves with their fest flag at landmarks throughout Milwaukee and around the world and posting their pictures on social media or at www.summerfest.com/festflag, Summerfest fans can enter a giveaway contest on the site featuring prizes such as Summerfest ticket packages; Marcus Amphitheater tickets; and a Funjet Vacations Getaway to Cancun, Mexico.

The Fest Flag Campaign is part of Summerfest’s 2013 Smile On Campaign, and select participants’ flag photos will be presented on www.summerfest.com and Summerfest social media pages.

“We are celebrating the hundreds of thousands of festival fans out there who travel from near and far to enjoy the Big Gig each year,” said John Boler, chief marketing officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “This campaign connects music fans who truly know the difference between being happy…and what it means to be ‘Summerfest Happy’ and aren’t afraid to show it.”

The Summerfest Street Team began handing out flags Wednesday at the Grand Avenue Mall Food Court, UW-Milwaukee, and Hooters in Brookfield.

In addition to launching the Fest Flag Campaign, Summerfest has announced more Grounds Stage headlining acts including Matt & Kim, ZZ Ward, the Go-Go’s, Cold War Kids, Talib Kwelil, and Courtyard Hounds.

Summerfest 2013 runs from June 26 through June 30 and July 2 through July 7. For more information about concert lineups, tickets and other promotions visit www.summerfest.com.

comment »

CCN Magazine to honor community leaders with Urban Empowerment Awards
CCN Magazine will salute leaders, innovators and community members who have made significant differences in the Midwest and other regions with the 2013 Midwest Urban Empowerment Awards.
 
The magazine, a Milwaukee-based bi-monthly publication promoting diversity throughout the Midwest, will recognize award winners during a ceremony on Saturday, May 4, at the MillerCoors Stables.

“I am elated that this, our fourth annual awards ceremony, will continue to honor the best of the best in the Midwest,” said Malinda Young, publisher of CCN Magazine. “All of our distinguished recipients are being recognized for their unselfish contributions to their communities.”

Awards acknowledge individuals who have given generously of their time and treasure to benefit communities and promote urban community empowerment.

This year’s award categories and honorees include:

*Leadership:
John Daniels, chairman, Quarles & Brady Law Firm
Marvin Bembry, regional director, State Government Affairs, AbbVie, North Chicago

*Urban:
Reed Hall, secretary and chief executive officer, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

*Philanthropic:
Donald Driver, founder, Donald Driver Foundation

*Youth:
Lillie Wilson, president, NAACP Waukesha County Branch
James E. Roberts, Jr., center director, Milwaukee Job Corps Center

*Financial
Jayne Hladio, regional market manager, U.S. Bank

*Corporation
Larry Waters, senior director of community commerce and partnerships, MillerCoors
Dextra Hadnot, regional vice president of external affairs, AT&T

*Community Faith and Hope:
Major Roger Ross, commander, Milwaukee County Salvation Army
Faithe Colas, director of community relations, Milwaukee County Salvation Army

*Journalism
To be announced.

The awards ceremony, sponsored by MillerCoors, Harley-Davidson, Potawatomi Bingo Casino, and American Family Insurance, will begin at 5:30 p.m. on May 4 and will feature a cocktail reception and live entertainment. Mike Strehlow, CBS-58 news anchor and reporter, will serve as the master of ceremonies, and Betina Driver, president and director of the Donald Driver Foundation and wife of Donald Driver, will present the keynote address.

Tickets for the event cost $100 for individuals, and table reservations can also be arranged.

MillerCoors Stables is located at 4251 W. State St. in Milwaukee.

For more information, visit www.ccnmagazine.com or call 414-774-4226.    

comment »

Safety awards salute Wisconsin companies
The Wisconsin Safety Council and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced 18 companies will receive the 2012 Corporate Safety Award, and two individuals will be honored April 23-24 at the 71st annual Wisconsin Safety & Health Conference and Exposition.
 
“We are proud to honor the deserving winning companies who work tirelessly to ensure safety remains a top priority, everyday” said Janie Ritter, director of the Wisconsin Safety Council. “The exhaustive efforts and determination of these companies to keep their employees safe at the workplace, as well as off the job, provides an example that all Wisconsin companies should strive to emulate.”

Of the 125 companies who submitted applications this year, 92 were qualified finalists. Each of the finalists provided details on their organization’s safety and health leadership, training and implementation programs, and employee participation. Their reports also included information on their safety accomplishments and goals.

The applications were judged by an independent panel of 35 safety, health, and human resource professionals. The 18 awards will be presented during the Conference at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells.

"I congratulate the 2012 Wisconsin Corporate Safety Award winners, who are helping Wisconsin maintain its competitive edge while setting an example for others as successful, profitable, forward-looking employers in making safety a priority for their workers," Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson said. "Governor Walker has introduced a bold set of workforce reforms to address the skills gap and equip workers with the right skills in the years ahead. Safety is paramount, as all of us work as partners in continuing efforts to protect our workers and move Wisconsin's economy forward."

The 2012 Wisconsin Corporate Safety Award winners are:
* ABB Inc. New Berlin.
* Agropur, Inc.- Little Chute, Appleton.
* Alliant Energy – Wisconsin Power and Light, Madison.
* The Boldt Company, Appleton.
* Cummins Filtration - Neillsville, Neillsville.
* Energis High Voltage Resources, Inc., Green Bay.
* Georgia-Pacific, Green Bay Broadway, Green Bay.
* ITU, Inc., New Berlin.
* Lakehead Painting Company, Superior.
* Leicht Transfer and Storage Co., Green Bay.
* Menasha Packaging Company LLC – Green Lake Plant, Green Lake.
* Mercury Marine - Plant 36 Racing, Taycheedah.
* NSP – Wisconsin/Xcel Energy, Eau Claire.
* Phillips Medisize – Phillips Medical, Menomonie.
* Tweet/Garot Mechanical, Inc., Green Bay.
* USG Interiors, LLC, Walworth.
* VJS Construction Services, Pewaukee.
* Wisconsin Public Service – Pulliam Plant, Green Bay.

The Lifetime Achievement Award in Safety will be bestowed upon Tom Baumgartner, director of safety at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac.

Tim Howald is the chairman and CEO of Tweet/Garot Mechanical Inc. in Green Bay and will be honored as the 12th inductee into the Wisconsin Safety Hall of Fame.

Special awards for longevity worked without safety incidents resulting in lost time and for commitment to safety will be announced at the 71st Annual Conference.

For more information, visit www.wisafetycouncil.org.

comment »

Medical College receives grant to study coronary artery disease
The Medical College of Wisconsin has received a four-year, $1.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to study the mechanisms and agents influencing blood flow to the heart.
 
Coronary artery disease, which results in abnormalities of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart, is the leading cause of death in the United States of both men and women.  

Dr. David Gutterman, M.D., Northwestern Mutual Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, is the grant’s primary researcher.

In this project, Medical College researchers will attempt to determine the mechanisms involved in vascular homeostasis (the balance between blood vessel injury and repair) in health and disease. That information will in turn lead to increased knowledge about factors involved in the transition from a healthy cardiovascular system to disease. 

There is little understanding of the changes in vascular function over time and with the onset of disease in humans. By learning how the small blood vessels are dysfunctional in heart disease, it is hoped that improved heart function might be possible.

comment »

BizTimes announces Bravo! and IQ winners
BizTimes Media LLC on Tuesday announced the winners of its 2013 Bravo! Entrepreneur Awards and I.Q. (Innovation Quotient) Awards.
 
The recipients include some of the most bold and dynamic business leaders and the most innovative companies in southeastern Wisconsin.

The winners of the Bravo! Entrepreneur Awards are:
* Steve Laughlin, CEO, Laughlin Constable , Milwaukee.
* Greg Rucinski, president and CEO, Tricast Inc., Wauwatosa.
* J.P. Fingado, president and CEO, API Healthcare Corp., Hartford.
* Katherine Gehl, CEO, Gehl Foods, Germantown.
* Chris Wiser, CEO, TechSquad IT, Waukesha.
* Lori Highby, president, Keystone Click, Milwaukee.
* Michael Erwin, president, Tailored Label Products Inc., Menomonee Falls.
* Jimi Michalscheck, CEO, ESC Services Inc., Franklin.
* Sara Santiago, partner and president, Roll Mobile, Milwaukee.

Regional Spirit Award: Michael Zimmerman, president and CEO, Zimmerman Ventures LLC.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Cudahy.

The winners of the I.Q. Awards for innovation in business are:
* Wixon Inc., St. Francis.
* Aries Industries Inc., Waukesha.
* Connecture Inc., Brookfield.
* DP Electronic Recycling, Elkhorn.
* Goff’s Enterprises Inc., Pewaukee.
* Graff Faucets Co., Milwaukee.
* Sussex IM Inc., Sussex.
* Master Lock Company Inc., Oak Creek.
* Harley-Davidson Inc., Milwaukee.
* Allen Edmonds Shoe Corp., Port Washington.

“These awards salute some of the brightest, most innovative executives and companies in the region. We invite the leaders of all of southeastern Wisconsin’s businesses to attend this luncheon and learn about the best practices that are driving these companies and local economy forward,” said BizTimes publisher Dan Meyer.

The winners of the Bravo! Entrepreneur Awards and I.Q. Awards will receive their awards at a luncheon on Thursday, May 16, at the BizExpo, to be presented by BizTimes Media. The awards presentation will be emceed by Craig McKee, news anchor at WISN-Channel 12, a media partner of BizTimes. The program also will include a live interview featuring Michael Cudahy and BizTimes executive editor Steve Jagler. To register to attend the luncheon, visit www.biztimes.com/bravo.

comment »

State Fair announces more main stage shows
The Wisconsin State Fair has announced its final six main stage shows for this year’s fair.
 
 
The acts are: “Weird Al” Yankovic, Aug. 2; Gary Allan, Aug. 3; Sail Rock 2013 starring Christopher Cross (which will also include Orleans, Gary Wright, Firefall, John Ford Coley, Robbie Dupree and Player), Aug 5; Theory of a Deadman, Aug. 6; Yes, Aug. 8; Vince Neil (opening act Stryper), Aug. 10.

Tickets for the show will go on sale Friday, April 12.

Previously announced main stage acts for the State Fair include: Heart, Aug. 1; The Happy Together Tour, Aug. 4; Hillsong LIVE, Aug. 7; Austin Mahone, Aug. 9; Miranda Lambert, Aug. 11.

This year’s Wisconsin State Fair will be held from Aug. 1-11.

comment »

Abele hires new economic development director
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced Monday that he has hired Teig Whaley-Smith to be the county’s new economic development director.
 
Whaley-Smith will officially start on April 15 at an annual salary of $89,000. The appointment runs through 2016 and Abele is not anticipating any difficulty in confirming the appointment and said he is hoping to keep Whaley-Smith "as long as possible."

“I am working hard to bring in the best and brightest to Milwaukee County, and Teig is certainly that,” Abele said. “He has successfully helped develop in some of the most challenging neighborhoods in Milwaukee and he brings a wealth of experience in economic development that will be a springboard for growth across the county.” 

Some of Whaley-Smith's immediate priorities include moving forward on commitments made, developing a process for other deals in the pipeline and developing relationships with partners that have a role in getting deals done. 

Whaley-Smith has more than a decade of experience in economic development. He founded and currently runs Community Development Advocates (CDA). The legal and development firm represents several nonprofits that are developing inner-city housing and spearheading Milwaukee’s neighborhood commercial revitalization efforts. 

Whaley-Smith is also an adjunct professor of law at Marquette University Law School, where he teaches Community Economic Development Law and Starting & Managing a Law Practice. 

Before CDA, Whaley-Smith worked as an attorney specializing in small business rehabilitation and he served as the executive director and primary administrator of the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District, overseeing growth of more than $100 million in development. 

“I’ve seen County Executive Abele’s dedication over many years to the community through his work with groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs and I know he shares my commitment to empower every community. With his support, and working with the County Board, I know we can move Milwaukee County forward,” Whaley-Smith said. 

The county’s economic development director position was eliminated by the County Board in 2012. 

Former Wauwatosa Mayor Jill Didier continues as the county’s economic development coordinator, now working directly for Whaley-Smith.

comment »

Milwaukee Rep names new managing director
Milwaukee Repertory Theater announced that Chad Bauman of Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C., has been named managing director, effective June 1.
 
Bauman, who currently serves as associate executive director at Arena Stage, will be responsible for all day-to-day operations and jointly lead the 180-member staff at The Rep.

He also will oversee fiscal management, leadership development and administrative and technology functions at the nearly 60-year-old Milwaukee-based theater company. 

Judy Hansen, president of The Rep’s Board of Trustees, said Bauman is the ideal candidate for the position and has the experience needed to strengthen The Rep’s ability to continue its mission as an important community asset and position it for further national recognition. 

“Chad’s experience in helping bring to the stage some of the best theater being performed in America will be a significant addition to our already strong team,” Hansen said. “His skills in strategic planning, team building and leadership made him a standout candidate among the wonderful pool of theater professionals that were interested in this prestigious position.” 

Hansen praised board member Rob Manegold for successfully chairing the search committee that identified Bauman. “Rob and his colleagues on the search committee did a great job in evaluating the impressive pool of potential candidates that reflect The Rep’s growing reputation in the national theatrical community,” she said. 

“Our committee looked at many potential candidates and talked to a lot of theater professionals in trying to identify the best and the brightest for this key leadership position, and we are thrilled that Chad will be joining us later this year. He brings new energy, excitement and enthusiasm to a job that is critical to our continued artistic success. We are pleased to welcome him to Milwaukee Repertory Theater,” Manegold said. 

“I’ve learned a lot in my work at Arena Stage, and I’m ready to step up to the next level and work with an incredibly talented group of artists and other professionals under the leadership of one of America’s most talented artistic minds, Mark Clements,” Bauman said. “Mark and I clicked when we met each other, and I’m honored to be joining a company whose reputation is growing based on the excellent body of work that they are offering theater goers. I look forward to becoming part of the Milwaukee community.”

comment »

Bubbler Quote of the Week

"The perceived creative culture of Milwaukee has a tremendous impact on the region's capacity to attract a high-quality workforce. The best and brightest need to have documented evidence for why Milwaukee is the priority place to 'set the flag' of their career aspirations. Locally-based companies need to rely on that message to attract the creative (and) design innovation staff that they seek."
~Gail Towers-MacAskill, sector manager at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and a board member of Creative Alliance Milwaukee (CAM).
Read Monday’s Milwaukee Biz Blog by BizTimes reporter Erica Breunlin: Tours highlight economic value of creative cluster.

comment »

Hot Bubbler Books
Five best-selling business books you should read:
 
1. “Contagious,” by Jonah Berger
2. “From Values to Action,” by Harry M. Jansen Kraemer
3. “Happiness Choice,” by Marilyn Tam
4. “What’s the Future of Business,” by Brian Solis
5. “Flying Without a Net,” by Thomas J. DeLong 

Courtesy of 800 CEO Read.

comment »

Bubbler Calendar

*Sunday, April 14, through Sunday, April 21, Young Professional Week will hit Milwaukee with a number of events and themes that highlight recent developments in the city, offer networking opportunities for professionals and empower individuals to become active community members. Themes throughout the week include Milwaukee Day, Sustainability in a Modern City, The Silicon Valley of Water, Women in Leadership, Innovation in Milwaukee, and more. For a complete listing of events and prices and more information about organizations participating in the festivities, visit www.ypweek.com.

*Monday, April 15, Elite Sports Clubs will offer free yoga classes to help individuals manage the stress of tax day. The clubs’ beginning and advanced yoga classes will be open to the public. Classes will be open at Elite Sports Clubs’ five locations – Brookfield, Mequon, North Shore, West Brookfield and River Glen. Class attendees must be at least 18 years old and will need to register for classes at the front desk upon arrival and provide identification. For more information about classes, times and locations visit www.eliteclubs.com.

*Tuesday, April 16, the Waukesha County Business Alliance and 26 local nonprofit organizations will present a Networking After 5 program titled “Crowne Jewels of Waukesha County.” The event, open to the public, will give attendees a chance to network with area businesses and connect with nonprofit representatives. It will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Milwaukee – West, 10499 Innovation Dr. in Wauwatosa. Cost to attend is $15 for Alliance members and $40 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, visit www.waukesha.org.

*Wednesday, April 24, the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce will present a second program on health care reform. The program, titled “Health Care Reform – How Does It Affect Your Business?” is targeted toward smaller businesses. Speakers at the program include Bob Suycott, president of Tailor Made Benefit Solutions; and Liz Kaiser, shareholder at Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp, S.C. The event will run from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Ottawa University, 245 S. Executive Dr. Cost to attend is $10 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers. For more information, call 262-786-1886.

*Friday, April 26, the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center will host a ceremony to unveil the Milwaukee VA Soldiers Home Historic District’s National Historic Landmark plaque. The event will begin at 11 a.m. on the Soldiers Home grounds, 5000 W. National Ave. in Milwaukee, and will be held near the fountain by Old Main (Building Two). National Historic Landmark status represents the highest historical honor a site can achieve. Fewer than 2,500 sites across the country have achieved this honor. The celebration is open to the public. To RSVP, contact Matthew Cryer, program manager at Department of Veterans Affairs, at matthew.cryer@va.gov.

comment »

Thiensville Farmers Market to feature more goods at a new location
The Village of Thiensville Farmers Market will return this June at a new location with a new focus on drawing more people and offering a broader supply of food harvested by local farmers and goods crafted by local residents.
 
The market, which dates back to about 1990, has been in decline the past few years without much oversight or organization. In recent years, it has consisted of a couple of farmers' stands with tents.

This year, the Thiensville Business Association is taking a more proactive approach to pull together a farmers market experience that is family friendly, brings the community together and slows patrons down.

"What we're hoping to do is to create an environment that's more of an experience for people," said Marc Mrugala, Thiensville Business Association president.

The market, which will relocate from a vacant parking lot on Main Street to the Village Park on Elm Street near the Milwaukee River, will feature food demonstrations, coffee vendor options, meat vendors, dairy vendors, bread vendors, and arts and crafts.

Additional amenities will include electricity, onsite restrooms and potentially live music.

"We're completely revamping it," Mrugala said.

In revamping the market, the Thiensville Business Association will ensure the market is well worth the farmers' time and efforts.

"We need to make sure that if they're out there investing their time and energy that it's profitable for them," Mrugala said.

The Thiensville Business Association also aims to put Thiensville on the map through the community-wide market.

With a population hovering just above 3,200, according to the 2010 census, the village has not developed a strong business reputation or gained much attention from people passing through the downtown.

According to farmers market chair Jesse Daily, owner and partner of Thiensville-based Core Consulting, between 7,000 and 20,000 commuters travel through the village each day.

"We're really trying to capitalize on that and direct people to where our market is," Daily said.

To promote the new and improved market, Daily has led a marketing initiative with the help of 20 community volunteers. Along with issuing direct mailing and creating signage, the team has developed a Facebook page and is in the process of setting up an account on LinkedIn and designing a Webpage for the market. Daily has also arranged for the Thiensville farmers market to become part of the Farm Fresh Atlases of Wisconsin.

The marketing team has also established a partnership with the Thiensville-Mequon Lionfest where team members will promote farmers market changes. The festival runs June 7-9, the week before the market debuts.

"We want it to be the best farmers market in the greater Milwaukee area," Daily said.

The farmers market, which will be funded by individual vendor stall fees with additional support from the Thiensville Business Association, will run every Tuesday from June 11 to Oct. 29. The market will be operated in two shifts, one from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a second from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., to accommodate working professionals.

Vendors interested in participating can contact Daily at ThiensvilleFM@gmail.com. Businesses interested in contributing sponsorships to the market can contact Mrugula by phone at 262-242-2830.

comment »

Pizza Man names Korte general manager
Pizza Man has appointed Heather Korte general manager.
 
Korte’s restaurant experience includes working for Blu at the Pfister Hotel, Trocadero, and Osteria del Mondo.

In 2009, Korte completed Level II certification as a sommelier, or wine expert. She has worked as a sommelier at both American Club in Kohler, Wis., and Mason Street Grill in Milwaukee. At Mason Street Grill, Korte also served as assistant manager and created a wine program that won the restaurant its first Wine Spectator Award for Excellence.

Pizza Man plans to have between 150 and 200 wines available for purchase by the glass.     

“I am excited to invoke memories of the original and beloved location while brining Pizza Man into a new decade,” Korte said. “I just want to make sure that the other fans of the restaurant feel that this is as genuine and unique as the first Pizza Man!”

The original Pizza Man was destroyed by a fire in early 2010. The new location will open in June on the corner of Downer and Belleview Streets.

comment »

Black is new owner of the Milwaukee Wave
Jim Lindenberg announced Wednesday that he has sold the Milwaukee Wave Professional Indoor Soccer Team and the team’s Wave of Hope Foundation to Sue Black, who was named president and chief executive officer of the team in February.
 
Lindenberg has owned the Milwaukee Wave since 2009 when he took over for Charlie Krause. Lindenberg said he decided to step down from the team after Black approached him about taking over ownership last month.
 
Lindenberg introduced Black as the new team owner at a press conference Wednesday morning.
 
“(Black’s) network in the community is very, very strong,” Lindenberg said. “She’s gotten results in the past, and she’s got a lot, a lot of energy. So I think she’s the perfect candidate to lead this to another level, another direction.”
 
Lindenberg said Black’s energy was a particular factor in his decision to name her the new owner. 
 
“(With) the passion that she had to be in this position, she convinced me that I should hand it over to her,” Lindenberg said.
 
Black became the official owner of the team Friday. Lindenberg would not disclose the financial terms of the transaction. 
 
“I think it’s going to be a really fun ride,” Black said. “We’re going to ride this wave to a whole new level.”
 
Moving forward, the new owner will focus on giving Milwaukee Wave team players the recognition they deserve for both their accomplishments on the field and their philanthropy in the community.
 
“As much as I’m excited about the team and the Wave, the Wave of Hope and giving back – it’s really going to be motivating,” Black said.
 
Lindenberg said he is not certain of his next career step but said he will remain in Milwaukee. He will continue consulting Black to ensure the transition is completed smoothly. 
 
Prior to the Milwaukee Wave, Lindenberg owned wire, cable and tubing manufacturing company World Class Wire & Cable from 1994 to 2008. He currently runs JML Holdings, a Delafield-based commercial and residential property broker, and Lindy Enterprises, a business consulting firm also located in Delafield.  
 
The Milwaukee Wave has been coached by Keith Tozer for the past 21 years. The team represents the longest-running soccer franchise in North America.
 
Black is the former director of the Milwaukee County Parks.

comment »

Two brokers promoted to partner at Commercial Property Associates
Commercial Property Associates brokers Ross Koepsel and Tom Treder were recently promoted to partners of the Milwaukee-based retail real estate brokerage firm.
 
The firm has eight brokers and does retail real estate deals throughout Wisconsin.

Koepsel has been a retail broker with Commercial Property Associates since 2002, when he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Treder has been a retail broker with Commercial Property Associates since 2007. Prior to that he was a vice president with NAI MLG Commercial from 1998-2006. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and an emphasis in commercial real estate.

“Ross and Tom are leaders in the retail real estate industry and have long, established track records of effectively representing their clients and producing successful results,” said Jon Thoresen, president of Commercial Property Associates Inc. “The energy, integrity, and dedication they have demonstrated during their time with the company make them ideal partners as we continue to grow into the future. We look forward to continuing to provide our clients with market leading knowledge and the best possible service.”

comment »

M&A Forum will explore options for business owners
Company owners interested in learning more about the process and prospects of buying or selling businesses are invited to attend the annual BizTimes M&A Forum, which will take place Friday, May 3, at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
 
The theme for this year's event is, "Mergers & Acquisitions: Buyers & Sellers - Where Do We Go From Here?"

The M&A Forum will examine different business exit strategies, including recapitalizations, employee stock ownership programs, management buyouts, sales to private equity firms, mergers with strategic partners and more.

The keynote speaker of the M&A Forum will be Howard Lanser, head of the M&A Debt Advisory practice and managing director of Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.'s Mergers & Acquisitions group. Lanser serves as a senior M&A execution specialist, with more than 15 years of experience originating and executing financing and M&A advisory assignments in a diverse range of industry sectors, including industrial, consumer products, for-profit education, corporate training, human capital services, and health care services. His clients have ranged from public multinational corporations to private, growth-oriented middle-market firms.

The M&A Forum also will feature a panel discussion about best practices and emerging trends in the market.

The featured panelists will include: Robert Arzbaecher, chairman, president and CEO of Menomonee Falls-based Actuant Corp.; Michael Hansen, founder of Milwaukee-based Jacsten Holdings LLC; Steve Balistreri, managing director of Mequon-based Blackthorne Partners LTD; and Vince Shiely, partner at Milwaukee-based Lubar & Company.

Additional panelists will include experts from Bank Mutual Corp., Schenck M&A Solutions and Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C.

The panelists will discuss a variety of topics, including: how to respond to the pre-emptive buyer; lessons learned from buyers and sellers; strategies for maximizing value; and updates on M&A trends and current multiples.

The panel discussion will be followed by four breakout sessions. The topics of the breakout sessions will include:

* How to maximize value for your business for a sale.
* Structuring and financing the transaction to minimize tax and maximize cash flow.
* How to respond to or be the pre-emptive buyer?
* What's your exit plan? Strategies in navigating the intersection of business planning and succession planning.

For more information and to register for the event, as well as view a video of highlights from last year's M&A Forum, visit www.biztimes.com/maforum.

comment »

Museum of Wisconsin Art to open in West Bend
A major milestone in Wisconsin art will be marked Saturday with the opening of the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) in its new facility in West Bend.
 
The 31,000-square-foot building houses the museum and its collection, serves as a living showcase for Wisconsin art, and plays a significant role in the revitalization of West Bend's downtown and riverfront area. MOWA admission will be free and open to the public on Saturday.

"We are the custodians of Wisconsin art - telling the story of our state by connecting creative arts with our cultural heritage - and we now have a facility that does justice to the contemporary arts scene in Wisconsin," says Laurie Winters, executive director and chief executive officer of MOWA. "While we showcase some of the biggest names in Wisconsin art, we see as equally important our role in cultivating our region's artistic future and next generation of artists."

The new building takes on the triangular shape of its site and includes nearly 12,000 square feet of gallery space, 7,000 square feet of facility rental space, a gift shop, education studios, and an outdoor sculpture garden. It was designed by HGA (Hammel Green & Abrahamson Inc.) and built by Mortenson Construction.

The museum is located at 205 Veterans Ave.

comment »

Children’s Hospital and Medical College launch brain tumor clinical trial
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin announced Tuesday that they will investigate the safety of a new brain cancer treatment. Children and adolescents with recurrent or progressive brain tumors will have an opportunity to participate in the new clinical trial.
 
The treatment, called photodynamic therapy (PDT), is for patients with recurrent, malignant brain tumors. PDT is a two-step cancer treatment process. A photosensitizing drug is injected into the blood stream of patients where it accumulates in cancer cells in the brain. Immediately after surgical removal of the tumor, the drug is activated with laser light killing any remaining cancer cells in the nearby brain. 

A previous clinical trial using PDT for the treatment of adults with recurrent, malignant brain tumors demonstrated long-term survival in 40-50 percent of patients.

"We believe the findings from prior studies of PDT in adults warrants application in pediatric patients with recurrent/refractory, high-grade brain tumors,” said Dr. Harry T. Whelan, the lead investigator of the study. “Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW) is one of the few centers in the country with experience utilizing PDT technology for the treatment of brain tumors. As a result we are uniquely poised to apply PDT treatment in pediatric patients."

comment »

'WisconsinBiz' promotes business in state
BizTimes Media LLC has unveiled the inaugural edition of “WisconsinBiz,” a special magazine and website to promote Wisconsin as a place to do business.
 
The 112-page, glossy publication has a three-fold mission: (1) To provide resources for Wisconsin-based businesses to grow in the state; (2) To provide resources for out-of-state businesses to consider moving to Wisconsin; and (3) To help attract and retain top talent in Wisconsin.

"WisconsinBiz" serves as a toolbox for economic growth, including: five main reasons to do business in Wisconsin; profiles of seven industry clusters that are growing in Wisconsin; a roundup of the academic research that is providing opportunities for businesses to grow in Wisconsin; profiles of regional economic development agencies; and a roundup of the economic impact of the Native American Tribal Communities in Wisconsin.

The book also includes a plethora of statistical snapshots and photographs of the state, as well as a series of sponsored content pages.

"Wisconsin has all of the resources, infrastructure and people needed to start a business, grow a business or move a business," said Dan Meyer, publisher at BizTimes Media LLC. "With this new publication, the state now has a comprehensive and powerful one-stop catalyst for economic development."

BizTimes Media LLC's partners in the "WisconsinBiz" project included: the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Associated Bank and the University of Wisconsin System.

"I would like to thank all of the corporate and institutional sponsors and advertisers who made this special project possible," Meyer said. "The Wisconsin way has always been 'Forward.' That is precisely where we are headed. It's in our DNA. We're confident this special publication will provide an entry point for companies to grow In Wisconsin."

The magazine includes a welcome message from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. "We need to continue to provide competitive advantages for companies interested in growing here or moving here," Walker said. "I hope 'WisconsinBiz' will be a valuable resource to you. The purpose is to provide a focus on economic development, research and innovation, and business growth. I would like to thank WEDC and BizTimes for their work on this publication. I am glad we are continuing to work to move Wisconsin forward."

Production of the special supplement was overseen by the editorial and production staff of BizTimes Media LLC. Freelance journalist Jon Anne Willow served as a contributing editor for the project.

"Wisconsin Biz" was delivered as a special supplement to subscribers of BizTimes Milwaukee magazine. BizTimes Media published 38,000 copies of the special supplement, which was mailed to strategic business outlets and partners throughout Wisconsin and surrounding.

An online version of the special supplement and updates about the state's economic progress are available at www.wisconsinbiz.com. Additional copies of the special supplement are available to be purchased by calling (414) 277-8181. BizTimes Media LLC will publish new editions of the magazine annually.

BizTimes Media LLC produces the award-winning BizTimes Milwaukee magazine and BizTimes.com.

comment »