The COBRA premium subsidy was extended with the passage of the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 in March. Eligible participants will continue to pay 35% of COBRA premiums, while the remaining 65% will be reimbursed to the coverage provider through a tax credit. For more specific details, see http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/cobra.html .

Edgewater Hotel Expansion update: The following meetings related to the project are scheduled this month: -Monday, March 15 – Special Board of Estimates meeting -Wednesday, March 17 – Urban Design Commission meeting -Monday, March 22 – Plan Commission The schedule will culminate with a special Common Council meeting on Tuesday, March 23.

Wipfli will acquire American Capital of Chicago. Terms have not been disclosed. Wipfli is a Milwaukee accounting firm with 120 employees in Madison, while American Capital specializes in tax and succession advice for businesses.

Consumers are starting to shop again. Kohl’s Corp. and Macy’s report increases in February nationwide. Kohl’s same-store sales increased 3.7%, while Macy’s reported a similar gain of 4%. This, despite major snowstorms that paralyzed Northeastern cities.

Wick Buildings, LLC has launched, under the new ownership of an investment group led by the company’s original founder, John F. Wick. The new Wick Buildings, which has been in continuous operation since 1954, remains in Mazomanie, Wis. and retains about 180 direct jobs. The investor group purchased the campus, production assets and intellectual property of Wick Buildings from Wick Building Systems, Inc.