Van Lines
with Joe Vanden Plas
01/02/14One executive who conquered the Great DepressionAbout 12 years ago, I spent a very enjoyable summer evening with Scott Braucht and his wife, Mary, at Concerts on the Square. It was a happy occasion, one of those gorgeous summer nights that, when combined with music, helps you realize that civilization actually exists. |
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12/02/13It's time to tackle the skills gapBefore the October surprise of 204,000 new jobs, the U.S. economy created 163,000 jobs in September (revised upward from 148,000) and averaged 190,000 new jobs per month over the prior year. While October marked the 44th consecutive month of job growth, we’re creating jobs at such a moderate pace that it will take several more years to recover all the jobs lost in the Great Recession. Many elected officials don’t seem to have noticed, but there appears to be a structural transformation underway that must be addressed if employers expect to find the labor they need, not only to function but also to flourish. Posted at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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11/01/13No getting rid of The Big EasyWith the appointment and expected Senate confirmation of Janet Yellen as chair of the Federal Reserve, nobody expects the Fed to unwind its “easy money” policy before the announced date of 2015. The real questions are: Will Yellen be an even more aggressive bond buyer than her predecessor, Ben Bernanke, who had hoped to start tapering off by year’s end? And will she have the resolve to tighten the money supply when it’s called for? |
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10/16/13The GOP: What a swell party it wasIt’s hard to sum up just how badly insurgent House Republicans and a few myopic senators have shot themselves, and the party as a whole, in the head with their hopeless quest to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Not in the foot — in the head. Posted at 02:42 PM | Permalink | Comments: 4 |
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10/01/13The case against collegeRebecca Blank, UW-Madison’s new chancellor, might want to have my head examined (she’ll have to get in line), but given the debt load accumulated by today’s collegians, perhaps some of her students should consider a blue-collar life. Outside of manufacturing and construction, many are unaware of Wisconsin’s longstanding apprenticeship program. Posted at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments: 2 |
IB Editorial Director Joseph Vanden Plas, a Milwaukee resident, takes you inside his views on politics and its effects on business — from national initiatives to local irritants and inspirations. He encourages you to post a comment and be part of a dialogue.
