With primaries over, here’s early look at Evers, Michels on business and economy
Statewide primary elections usually turn on appealing to loyalists in both major parties versus deep dives into specific issues.
Latest Viewpoints
Passage of ‘CHIPS and Science Act’ will help U.S., Wisconsin over time
In an age of deep partisan divides, it was perhaps surprising that Congress passed the “CHIPS and Science Act” by wide margins — roughly 2-to-1 in the Senate and by more than 50 votes in the House of Representatives.
What 2 border crossings teach us about driving value in our company
Our set of values, expectations, and operating parameters define our companies, which in turn directly impacts our success, financially as well as in other intangible ways such as reputation, ability to attract talent, and so on.
Using highway rights of way to transmit electricity holds promise
Almost everyone wants and needs reliable electricity, especially in an era when electric vehicles are hitting the roads in greater numbers, the digital world is ever-expanding, and the “decarbonization” of energy generation is evolving in many markets.
Dialing 988 for mental health help: It’s a step forward, but only part of the solution
The technology behind the July 16 switch to the 988 suicide and mental health crisis hotline was not all that revolutionary.
Past presidents mark 75 years of Madison Area Builders Association: Memories to predictions
“I remember the first Parade of Homes, about 1954, and the impact it had on both builders and the Madison Area Builders Association (MABA),” says 1972 MABA Board President Terry Monson.
Inflation, recession, and bears … oh my! What might it mean for Wisconsin?
If the current economic picture appears a bit like an abstract painting to you, there’s no need to adjust your vision. A confusing mosaic of data makes forecasting what is next for consumers and workers challenging.
6 ways to avoid a succession head fake that kills the deal
One of my fondest memories growing up was watching the Peanuts specials with my father. While we laughed at the fact that Charlie Brown always got faked out by Lucy with the football, pulling it out from him just as he was about to make the kick, we both felt bad for Charlie Brown.
Court’s EPA decision aside, markets and innovation steadily at work
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling rejecting the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to reshape the nation’s energy grid has been roundly criticized by groups that believe reining in the causes of climate change cannot wait for constitutional niceties such as congressional and state approval.
In volatile markets, ‘Do not mistake activity for achievement’
It’s been two years since the early pandemic crashed the market. Despite a strong recovery, many investors may feel emotionally worn out.
A ‘perfect storm’ in Wisconsin jobless claims prompted tech overhaul
It was not a pleasant time in the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The start of the COVID pandemic in early 2020 prompted a surge of unemployment claims as thousands of people lost their jobs, state call centers were overwhelmed, and a mainframe computer system dating back decades was abruptly exposed as inadequate for the times.
7 strategies to avoid a crash when your plan hits a roundabout
I don’t know about you, but last week sucked. I mean sucked. A close set of friends lost a loved one. Every time I turned on the news, my head exploded for more reasons than are appropriate to discuss here. And my car was more than casually wounded in a roundabout.
How Wisconsin’s new business entity law affects LLCs
On April 15, 2022, Wisconsin enacted a new business entity law (2021 Wisconsin Act 258). Among other changes, the law restates Chapter 183 governing limited liability companies (LLCs) based on the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (RULLCA) already adopted by many other states.
How to minimize the effects of the labor shortage on your small business
We’re all feeling the crunch as a result of labor shortages right now, whether that looks like reducing business hours, increasing wages to keep employees, or trying to figure out how artificial intelligence (AI) can help get you by with fewer people without affecting production.
Does economy spell gloom and doom for startups … or rethink and reset?
Predictions abound that public markets have yet to hit bottom and the fallout may well extend to young companies seeking angel or venture capital, which is often financed by wealth created when initial public offerings pan out and market values rise.
The 3 Rs to better delegation
It’s vacation season, and not a moment too soon for most of us. It’s been a while since we felt free enough to hop on planes and go away for longer than a long weekend or a day or two.
Chancellor Blank reflects on her 9 years at UW–Madison
In the spring of 2013, just before she was confirmed as the next UW–Madison chancellor by the Board of Regents, Rebecca Blank was criticized by some Republican state legislators for her “radical policies.”
A small business owner’s trip to Washington, D.C.
While I love owning and running a small business in Madison, I wanted to find a way to amplify my voice and those of other entrepreneurs, especially those of color. Washington, D.C. isn’t exactly sending out invitations to people like me. But joining with others was my ticket to making our voices heard a few weeks ago.
Corporate diversity: Scam or strategy?
Based on my recollection, diversity initiatives have been around in some form or fashion for over 50 years. While affirmative action was the precursor to diversity initiatives, neither achieved its stated goal of creating a diverse workplace.
On way to Northwestern, Blank urges more building project control
There are many things Becky Blank will miss about her time as chancellor at UW–Madison, from game days to visiting Union Terrace to simply meeting with students and faculty. She won’t miss the red tape involved in repairing or constructing campus facilities.
